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

[fireball]

[ ...

slumps against Ringo ]

Yeah, I know, it's just, you know...

[ :( ]

[hexensabbat]

[That's better. At least Poppy isn't holding it all in anymore. Ringo catches her as she slumps, of course, arm around her.]

... Yeah. I know. It'd be better to have the TV show confirm it, because you and Shoko feel so good for each other!

But... even though their dumb algorithm got it wrong, that doesn't mean you're not still good for each other.

[fireball]

[ stays slumped. Thanks Ringo, you're supporting her entire body weight now.

Unless she just lets her fall to the ground, that's valid too. ]

She said things feel lighter with me though. How am I supposed to find that with someone else? She's going to, because she's awesome, and I'm just going to be shoved together with someone only because they have to.

[ vulnerability hours? she's going to regret this later probably. ]

[hexensabbat]

Yeah, Shoko's awesome, but so are you.

[Don't worry, Ringo will gladly support Poppy's entire weight, and somewhat effortlessly at that.]

And I don't think Shoko's that kind of girl. I don't think she's the sort to just dump you because you two aren't a match per the algorithm. I think she really likes you too!

[fireball]

[ She's going to have to remember to thank Ringo later, when she's being less embarrassing and wrapped up in her own self-pity. ]

Sure, now. But when she finds someone better? That's it.

[ ... buries her face in the crook of Ringo's neck ]

I am always. so. alone.

[hexensabbat]

[... Oh, poor Poppy. Ringo doesn't know what sort of life she's led, but she's seen this sort of loneliness in each and every one of her friends back then, too.

...]

You're not gonna be alone like that here. Okay? We won't let you! Me and Serpilia will always be there for you, and I don't think Shoko's gonna find someone "better" either.

In fact, I'm super sure of it.

[fireball]

[ ...

Okay, well, at least she's not going to cry. Just kind of. Keep her face buried in there. ]

You're sure?

[ Not that stupid kernel of hope in her voice too. ]

[hexensabbat]

Never been surer.

[Firmly and warmly, squeezing Poppy into a hug in her arms.

And with a hint of humor:]

And I'm an AI! I can't be wrong! [lol]

[fireball]

[ ... ]

Well, actually...

[ Probably not the time and place? She sniffles, but nope, no tears. All good here.

Looks back up at Ringo again, being pleasantly squeezed. ]

Thank you.

[ Yeah, it's probably just better to go with that... she can go find Shoko again in a bit. ]

[hexensabbat]

Hey! Don't "well, actually" me!

[She doesn't actually sound bothered by it, though.

Instead, she smiles a little, nodding.]

It's no problem. We're friends, after all. I'll be here to support you the whole way, Poppy, for sure!

[fireball]

Sorry. I'm not— I'm not used to this.

[ They're friends. Okay, one more sniffle before she regains agency of her own body, uses it to hug Ringo back. ]

But, no, seriously. Thank you.

[hexensabbat]

That's the spirit. [Approvingly, now that Poppy's back on her feet.

Ringo just smiles at her, willing to linger in the hug until Poppy lets go.]

I'm not used to this sort of thing either. But we've got a good group here, you included! It's going to work out just fine, I'm sure of it.

[fireball]

[ ... eventually she lets go. She feels. Better? Bolder? Who knows, but it's something nebulously positive. ]

Yeah. [ At least she sounds more convincing than she did before... ] Yeah, I think we'll figure it all out.

[ And at some point, she should probably go find Shoko... ]