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

[scooptimistic]

I do really think Nico and Verso have a fighting chance.

Also-- [ she taps her chin. ]

I'm vivacious, I'm energetic, I'm competent, I'm great at multitasking, I'll break the law in order to find the truth, I'm pretty, I'm optimistic, and I'm great at dragging people out of dark corners of isolation? I think that's a pretty good offering.

[ordimame]

[CLAPS HIS HANDS TOGETHER]

That's the spir-- wait you've broken the law??

[scooptimistic]

Well, the fence was on private property. And I did set off a fire alarm. A couple of times.

[ordimame]

[JUST. . . LAUGHS. real slap-on-the-wrist kind of stuff. . . that makes far more sense than anything he was imagining]

["what was he imagining" dwbi]

I had no idea you were such a rebel, Maya.

[scooptimistic]

[ Well, she was also accused of being a terrorist after hijacking a museum blimp-- ]

You didn't? Clearly I haven't been interesting enough!

[ordimame]

[there u go]

-- that's not true! I don't think you have to break the law to be interesting??

[scooptimistic]

But it's such an interesting conversation point, isn't it?

[ Damn. Should've been more rebellious from the start. ]

[ordimame]

[she's got him there]

I can't argue with that. . . but sill. I think you're really interesting.

[even without the illegal activities]

[gamboler]

[ Thoughtfully... ]

When I talked to Mister Wei last week, he had...quite a lot to say about you and myself as a match. Maybe he did that with everyone, but I was a little surprised with how thorough his analysis was. I'm not saying we should take it to the booth, but it's food for thought.

[scooptimistic]

Really? He did seem to push for it, but he also said he didn't actually know what the matches were...

[ She tilts her head, though, offering him a warmer smile. ]

Congratulations, by the way.

[gamboler]

Congratulations? For what?

[ Asks man who is still glowing, despite losing so hard... ]

[scooptimistic]

For finding someone who realized immediately just how amazing you are.

1/2

[gamboler]

[ Oh...is it that obvious? Or maybe Maya has just learned to read him that well. ]

2/2

[gamboler]

...Thanks. [ An exhale, allowing himself a little smile. ] We should talk more later, once this is all settled.

[scooptimistic]

[ Nico was just. So obvious.

And also Maya has been trying to pay attention to the gazes being ping-ponged across the room since last week-- ]

I'd like that! Steal me away whenever you want.

[beatmatching]

[ sliding next to her wherever she's sitting. ]

But if you left, I'd miss you.

[scooptimistic]

Even if I did, I wouldn't be gone forever! And I'd still visit!

I think there's some other candidates to test before then, anyway.

[beatmatching]

But still.

[ sorry now he's gonna lean on her a bit. ]

Hmm...

[ i still need to do the math but assume this is luka actually doing the math rn. ]

[scooptimistic]

Are you okay?

[ She's getting a little more used to Luka wanting the physical contact, at least. ]

[poans]

[The dark corners of isolation . . . ]

You are also nurturing of the youth and what lies beneath the surface.

[scooptimistic]

Aww, thanks! You really have a way with words yourself, you know?

[poans]

[Wait, this is not about him.]

. . . You and Aventurine . . .

[scooptimistic]

Hm? Do you think we're plausible?

[poans]

I would hear your thoughts on it first.

[scooptimistic]

I think we're a distinct possibility. I've got a couple of thoughts, honestly, if we're not a match, but I do think Aventurine and I have been pretty good at encouraging each other out of our respective comfort zones.

[ So. Entirely possible. ]