perfectmatch | week two

But it means one less person to share her enjoyment of it with! I totally get where she's coming from!

[ TRAGIC. ]

It's fine. We can indulge in cheese today.

[ Tragic, sure, but they'll appreciate that extra cake slice, now won't they? ]

And a wonderful indulgence it shall be, while we catch up on the week's learnings.

[ Comparing! Notes! Odile has not forgotten, and she does like Maya's eye for things. Bread... Meats... Cheese on cheese action. The works. ]

I feel as if you and I are about the same in both our efforts and confidence in seeking our matches. That is, it is far easier to solve those around us rather than guess who we might be paired with ourselves, given our natures. Am I wrong?

You're not wrong.

[ As she dips a bit of bread into the cheese with a little bit of a twirl to get the stringy bits at the end. ]

I got sort of lectured by Wei Wuxian about focusing on other people and not thinking much about myself, actually. And you're really good at being observant, so that tracks for you too.

[ The best part, and she follows suit with her own. ]

He asked if my focusing on the outcome rather than the process wouldn't lessen the emotional journey, so I was rather lectured as well in my own way. I see no issue with figuring out the obvious first and then leaving those uncertain last; it may be that, like with our star performers, those who are certain may be on the wrong path to begin with. That doesn't lessens their journey any, in my eyes. They still found whatever they hoped to find, even if it isn't what the producers had thought suited them best.

[ Which is a bunch of words just to say "who cares about matches from an emotional stand point, they're just necessary for a wish" but. You know. ]

He did not seem to disagree, so I consider that a win.

I'd agree with that. If we got everything right from a logical and an emotional standpoint, I'd be pretty stunned.

And it's easier to figure out what might be a logical match if you're not actively involved in it.

I'm happy if relationships come out of this at all, but I'm also really happy to have made some friends already! [ Like Odile! ]

[ Don't call her a friend. ]

Such as Edamura. He's spoken rather well of you, you know.

[ Not yet actually but you know what, Odile is not above a bit of subterfuge. She blows on her bread piece briefly before popping it in her mouth, a pleased look on her face. ]

Fine company, that one. With good taste to boot. While I doubt us a match, he has his charms. And good taste.

[ You're not her mom she doesn't have to listen-- ]

He's a lot of fun to talk to and his reactions are honestly pretty funny. But I think he's also remarkably fast to adjust.

Indeed. You'd think he had experience in dealing with the unusual.

[ More than the average person, she implies. ]

Do you consider that a good or bad thing?

It's definitely not a bad thing. I'm the same.

[ Understatement. ]

I believed you're biased, then.

[ Just a tease, taking some meat this time just to eat. Mm. Meat. ]

Are you two going out this week?

We are! And I assume you are too.

[ So don't give her grief. ]

Naturally. He and I will be enjoying tea together. I only wished to know for nosy old biddy reasons.

[ Edamura is her nephew now, in spirit, she's going to get into his shit. ]

I'm going out with a bunch of people. Makoto's a lot of fun, but I can't really say I'm prepared to sweep him off his feet or anything like that.

[ Aunt Odile, please. ]

[ Niece Maya, please. ]

Has anyone managed to sweep you off yours?

Not yet!

[ HELPFUL. ]

I wonder if this is how the older ladies in my neighborhood felt every time I disappointed them with news of my lacking love life. In other words, good. Let no one do so.

[ After all! It's not like she's planning on letting herself be swept away either! They do the sweeping here, Maya's right. ]

Outside of our own boring circumstances, have you caught word of any potential flames to fan?

Well, there's the...

[ Kind of a hand flap. ]

Nico-Verso-Aventurine thing. Have you noticed that?

[ Of course she's noticed. It's been best seen from afar, after all, and Odile fondues up a short line of bread cubes before she responds. ]

... It would be hard not to. They're quite... open about it. [ The pause is deliberate, and she waves her hand. ] In part because Nicodème is a man open with his affections even towards those he considers friends, and Aventurine can work with a spotlight. I wonder if either can make him show his hand.

[ Because Aventurine very much does not, and his nature reminds her of Siffrin. Better if he lets others in, but she understands the hesitance to. ]

I think it's possible. He just has to know that he's safe with them.

[ Which.

Understandably hard to do. ]

[ Looking at Odile's thread with Aventurine and laughs. ]

He is a master of half-cover, Maya. But if no one else-- those two, perhaps, without transaction. I rather like Aventurine myself.

[ She's got actual praise for him and insults Edamura, yeah. ]

What do you like about him?

[ A very sincere question. ]

[ ... A thoughtful hum, picking at the meat. ]

He... may be hiding much, but that does not make him dishonest. We've been rather open with one another in fact -- within reason, mind. No prying, no pushing, only exchanging one honest answer for another. I have yet to be dissatisfied with what he offers in return for my own.

[ That's important, to her. That it feels equal. Because she... is not good, with being open. Having someone who is the same, who understands that and replies in the same measure, is no small relief. He does not ask for what he isn't ready to give himself. ]

Aventurine reminds me of one of my companions, in fact. They're both flashy young fellows, [ with names not their own, with homes they can never return to, with families they shall never see again, ] but where they differ is the limelight. My companion shys from attention, while Aventurine redirects it. I find it intriguing to see in action, both in playing along and observing where and with whom he lets himself fault.

It's really interesting, isn't it? The moments of consideration where he lets himself reveal a little more and the moments he... it's like you said. Like redirecting a beam of light to illuminate something else entirely.

It feels like we've got a good mix of people who are open and those who require a little more time and care.

[ And they're all good dogs, Brent. ]

... Yes, we do, but that makes it all the harder.

[ Pairing them off appropriately. ]

Especially as you are one of those that aren't as open as you seem, Maya.

Well?

[ She tilts her head, dunking in more bread. ]

Ask me what you want, then.

week two | dates

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