quietmounds | (no subject)

(no subject)

WHAT in person for maximum wish power
WHERE by the lake or anywhere
WHEN night of day 140
NOTES it's a tanabata post!

[ Bamboo trees line the shore of the lake tonight, trailing papers from their branches. Each one is inscribed with a wish mysteriously left by...someone. Some of them are generic, like "world peace," and others are kind of weird and random, like, "fishes with candy scales."

But if you touch one, the text on it might turn into one of your wishes. Maybe it's something innocuous, but maybe it's one of your deepest secrets.

Well, maybe you don't go to the lake tonight. In any case, the stars are luminously bright overhead, and looking at them instills you with a strange sense of nostalgia... ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

...

It appears that I am jealous.

...

Of what?!

Of your positive relationship with N'Jadaka and the ease with which you secured it.

Edited 2018-07-22 01:10 (UTC)

[well I mean even if she's all grown up now he still knows her well enough that he should be able to see the flash of hurt that crosses her face before she laughs it off, raising her eyebrows and shaking her head at him]

I think your jealousy might be based on false claims across the board, there.

...

[he does notice it immediately, yes. he stiffens, bringing a hand up to rub at the opposite shoulder; a tense, anxious gesture] Yes. I'm aware it's not very logical.

...

[hmm. concerning. softens, resting a hand on his arm]

But it sounds like things aren't going well between you...?

[he clasps his hand over hers, stroking his thumb over her fingers]

I meant it—I am glad for you. I was worried you were set on refusing him.

[nudges him]

I couldn't just ignore him when you were putting in all this effort.

...

[sigh.] I'm beginning to think that was the better strategy all along.

Couldn't you have told me that earlier??

You are the smart one.

Well, it's too late now!

[he laughs, a little tired, but genuine]

I'm not surprised, now that I have thought about it.

About what?

You were always good at getting what you wanted, once you decided what it was.

[there it is again, there's that little flicker of hurt that quickly disappears]

Yes, exactly. And what I wanted this time was a lab assistant who takes my things. I wasn't about to let the fact that he was your nemesis get in my way.

...

It was... I was being facetious.

Yes, I know. Me too.

... You didn't answer me properly, when I asked if you were having difficulty.

Are we back on this?? It's a difficult situation for all of us.

Shuri...

Well, it is. You don't have to worry about me on top of everything else, I promise.

What kind of big brother would I be if I didn't worry about my baby sister?

[scoffs! but leans against him, resting her head on his shoulder]

I just don't want to add to your troubles. I have you, and I have so much that I can do here, so much to prepare. I won't let anything stop me. I want to be here for you.

...

That's a yes, then?