itscurtains | Is This Where You Wanna Be? Crawling On Your Hands and Knees?

Is This Where You Wanna Be? Crawling On Your Hands and Knees?

[In a perfect world, Maya would have been able to isolate herself for the rest of the evening. It's not like her to wallow in her feelings, but it's also not like her to be trapped away in a murder school or part of an execution so... not like she has much choice there. Besides, between the influence of Janis, and the sight of her remaining dormmates, it's clear that Maya simply can't... let things go.

It's like she told the SQUIP. They look to her for hope. And so, hope she must be. It's her job to stand tall for the others. Thankfully help comes easier this time -- there's no need to scruff Discord, or try to keep Spongebob from making Hate Patties. Maybe that, in and of itself, is a good sign.

It's just another fluke. They'll be okay. They're together, after all. Even Salieri and Discord are getting along well enough to help.

Cutting potatoes proves to be an interesting task, considering the fact that most of the knives are missing. Maya has a few guesses as to how that happened, but she won't point fingers again today. She makes do with what she has -- two swords between her and Cassandra.

Potatoes, cakes, pies -- the arrangement is much the same. There's even cocoa (made by less experienced hands, unfortunately), and alcohol. It all feels like a repeat of last week, but she's trying to not think about it. She does her best to keep a smile on her face as she knocks on each door, inviting others to the cafeteria once more.]

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[She shakes her head once, before motioning him inward.]

What is it?

I wanted to speak to you about today.

And...I wanted to thank you.

Thank me? For what?

I know today was...difficult. And I appreciated the way that you looked out for the others, especially Mademoiselle Peregrine.

I know perhaps it doesn't require thanks exactly. The fact that you care for the others is obvious in your actions but, nevertheless...I did want to express my appreciation for what you have done for the others, and still do.

[For a long moment, Maya is quiet.]

She and I fought earlier in the week. I accused her of putting her friends at risk. Their lives at risk. And then... this happened.

[Oh. Oh, that's...]

...though I have no doubt it was warranted at the time, you could not have known this was going to happen, Maya.

[he's going to reach out, gently, and move to set a hand on her shoulder, if she'll accept it]

[She doesn't fight it but... She doesn't melt into it, either.]

Perhaps not. But it doesn't change the fact that it was said, and that it will now rest upon her shoulders for as long as we are here.

[All the considered, that's about what he expected re: the contact. Still, he keeps his hand there]

...true. Have you had the chance to speak to her about it yet?

[She shakes her head.]

I have not seen her since the trial. But I do plan on it.

Do you know what you'd like to say to her, then?

It's obvious, isn't it? That I'm sorry.

To you, perhaps. But in situations such as these, it would not hurt to state it plainly, either.

Oh. I... Plan on that much. It's what to say after that I am... unsure of.

[Salieri quiets, then, to contemplate.]

I...admit that I don't know Mademoiselle Peregrine as well as you do. However, I have noted that she seems like a very forthright young lady.

Perhaps all you have to do is ask her how she is faring, and simply listen. From there, it would be much easier to assess what she might need from you as a friend, both in word and in deed. I know most would have the urge to apologize in greater detail immediately, however that might not be what she needs right now.

It is obvious you care for her very much. You should allow that what you feel for her to guide you in being there to support her, and I have no doubt she will be more than grateful to have you with her.

I... Think that is very sound advice.

[She tilts her head down, scratching at the side of her head.]

You know... Connor was the last person to give me advice about women.

[...oh. Salieri's brow furrows slightly in concern]

...Oh? What did he tell you?

That my closest rival had feelings for me, and that I was foolish for not realizing it.

[She... definitely looks a little sheepish.]

Ah...I see. [Her closest rival?] And why would he think that they had feelings for you?

She had a collection of photos of me in her tablet. [These might all be words that Salieri doesn't understand but it's fine.]

I thought they might have been to study my form but... Connor thought otherwise.

Photos? Like the pictures we get from the Wizard? [the tablet he doesn't know, but the photos he's picked up through enough conversations about them.

He pauses to consider.]

Did she have any photos of anyone else's form?

Not that I could see. I went back a little ways before I realized that it was all... Just me.

[Oh.

Oh, he sees. It takes a great amount of effort not to smirk, because this is a serious conversation, and instead keep his expression neutral]

I see. Just you. [he arches an eyebrow a bit] And...have you had time to reconsider your opinion at all?

[Ah, hell... The tips of Maya's ears color a faint pink.]

I believe he may have been onto something, after all.

And how do you feel about such a thing? Your rival having such an affection for you?

Perhaps it isn't terrible. After all, she is the only one that could keep up with me.

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