[ elsa and soo-woo are foolish royals ]

[recrowns]

Comments

[recrowns]

[ . . . . . he looks a little surprised at the list - and turns his hand over in hers, taking it gently. but his expression shifts to one of gentle amusement and fondness.]

... you are. You're right here, and I don't doubt that.

[he gives her hand a gentle squeeze.]

.... all the things that you listed were done because I care about you - and I know it well that you care about me as well. You show it so readily, and I appreciate it.

I don't think that you need to stitch up my injuries, or fret over me in order for me to feel your sincerity. Even having you at my side is more than enough. I promise.

[showyourself]

[elsa deflates a little—but it's soft, warm, and she gives his hand a squeeze.]

...I'd just rather you weren't doctoring yourself. At least promise me you'll let someone else help.

Because I care about you. Please.

[recrowns]

[he nods at that, seeming to accept]

I'll see what I can do then, and who I can request help from.

I'm not being stubborn on purpose - I just think that everyone enjoys putting a focus on me that they could afford more for each other.

[showyourself]

[she pushes him, but extremely gently, on account of the Mystery Stab.] You know, you’re not my only friend.

[giving his hand another squeeze, she sighs, shaking her head.] Okay. Any suggestions for people you feel aren’t getting enough focus?

[recrowns]

Archer.

[he said this so fast]

Ochako, Alex, and Sora.

[showyourself]

Archer? [she. considers.] Oh. The centaur? I've only spoken with him once...

...But Ochako, Alex, and Sora are all people I... focus on. [she chuckles.] Any reason I should know that you're choosing them?

[recrowns]

[he nods!]

You should speak to him more - he's very impressive!

[he a fan]

But I choose them because I think that they're all various levels of injured from our adventures, along with the fact that they'd benefit from having a bit more attention spared for them - whether that be for care or simply company.

[showyourself]

[what a sweet sentiment. she gives soo-won a thoughtful look, and nods.]

Rufus, Kasumi, Izumo, and... Hikaru, I think. Ange, too.

Since we’re talking company.

[recrowns]

Oh, Ange's wonderful. She was my first roommate, you know.

[so he's a little extra fond of her!!]

But Rufus is an interesting one - you haven't fallen for the gruff exterior that he shows to everyone? I'm wondering if the interior really is just the same, too.

[showyourself]

Ochako and Bucky were mine—and Sora now.

[they've been doing well... excellent roomies!!]

No, no. It’s not. No one with a friend [rupe] that cute is that gruff inside and out. We have an agreement worked out, so... hopefully I can talk to him even more.

[recrowns]

[there's a laugh at that]

Are you paying him so that you get to know him better?

[showyourself]

You too? [she laughs as well.]

Well, we're... paying each other? I've worked up quite the tab, though.

[recrowns]

Not quite....

Are you exchanging information about each other in order to get to know each other better? Is that what's happening?

[WHAT IS THIS TRANSACTION]

[showyourself]

That's about it. He asks me if I know anything about something, I answer, then ask him a question about himself, he says "money", and the cycle continues. I usually pat Rupe while we it happens.

[she SHRUGS]

So, it's a little one-sided. But I've got time.

[recrowns]

[sdflkjsdf

he's

just going to laugh at that, a gentle amused noise]

Ah... Rufus.

I'm glad for your patience, Elsa.

[showyourself]

[there's a little huff of exasperated humor at that.]

Oh, I've got patience. You could say I'm an expert? A lot of experience, there.

[recrowns]

Really? That is a virtue in and of itself, you know.

[he sounds impressed!]

[showyourself]

[there's another of the same laughs.]

Oh, yeah. I've heard.

[she. sighs. an empty room, a big window, and hundreds of gloves.]

Well... I'll leave you to it. You're old enough that I don't need to lecture you. [prrrrooooobably?]