week two | match ceremony

[marriagebroker]

Tonight, we're back in the courtyard. It looks similar to last week with the slight exception, there is now a plush couch near the stage, and a single lantern already lit above the stage. There's still food, drinks, all sorts of things available for the contestants to snack on and enjoy.

On the stage is Wei Wuxian, looking presentable in his hanfu for today. He's busy twirling his flute in hand as he waits for the contestants to show up and find their places, and when they do he'll extend both arms out, welcoming the cast.

"Second match ceremony! You're exempt from a black out tonight because you've already found one of the matches."

He'll gesture to that couch from earlier, which seems to be The Special Seat for Ringo and Furina to sit at if they'd like.

"Now, we know how this goes so let's not delay anymore! Team Wangji, it's your turn to announce your matches!"

Comments

[hexensabbat]

[i will offer up something useful in a moment




but first, Ringo's just whispering:]

La Roux-san? [to herself.

whomst?]

[ordimame]

[. . . points to Nico]

[. . .]






At this point I feel like I should give up on formalities.

[it is exhausting being POLITE to everyone]

[hexensabbat]

Oooh, Nico!

Yeah I'd give it up if I were you. You're supposed to fall in love with someone here, after all.

[ordimame]

In only four weeks??

[A BIT INCREDULOUS, but like. humorously so!]

. . . I'll be happy enough to just stay in touch with everyone when this is all over.

[hexensabbat]

Well, that also requires loosening up a bit and treating everyone with less formality!

So just do it, okay?

[ordimame]

[DEEP BREATH IN, SLOW EXHALE OUT. . . it's not hard for him to drop formalities-- he did it pretty quickly with Laurent and his crew, after all-- but he was like, trying! to make!! a good impression for the show! and to his fellow contestants!!]

[but after two weeks. . . well. he supposes it doesn't really matter anymore, does it?]

[lightly]

Care to be the very first one, then?

[not counting Maya who asked for no formalities right out the gate]

[hexensabbat]

Hell yeah! Let's see it, Edamura!

[FINGERGUNS.

She's excited now!! Friendship!!]

[ordimame]

During this fine celebration of dropping all pretenses of politeness, I hereby call you-- Ringo.

[just. . . Ringo]

[. . .]

[. . . it's not bad, really]

[hexensabbat]

Perfect! Really nailing it! Impeccable, or whatever!

[Beamingly! Maybe that's a bit over-the-top and she's teasing a little, but it's still earnest.]

Now go do that to everyone else, too!

[ordimame]

[EXASPERATED (pos) HUFF]

[. . .]

Hey, Ringo. Can I ask you something?

[hexensabbat]

Sure, what's up?

[Easily, as ever.]

[ordimame]

. . . how did you know?

[a beat. he should be more specific]

I mean, you were so confident about Furina-s-- . . . Furina. How did you know?

[hexensabbat]

I didn't. I had no idea!

[Quite frankly.]

The chance was... something like 37%? Give or take. But...

[How to put this...]

It's what I wanted to be right. If I was gonna walk up to the truth booth with anyone, I wanted it to be Furina. Because spending time with her's felt... different.

... So I guess what I'm trying to say is! It was a leap of faith! But I was up for taking a leap like that because it was Furina I was jumping for.

[ordimame]

[that's--]

[. . . . . .]

[. . . a tiny little smile]

So she made you feel. . . brave.

[is that what it is. . .? bravery?]

. . . thanks. That's a good answer.

[hexensabbat]

Yeah. That's a good way to put it.

[She grins at him a little.]

Glad it helped. I believe in you guys. We can figure this out!

[ordimame]

[when was the last time he felt brave. . .?]

Everyone seems to be in good spirits, so I think we'll be okay.