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]

Are you okay?

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

[beatmatching]

[ he doesn't answer, instead: ]

I have two questions.

We're going on a date next week, right?

[scooptimistic]

We are.

[ Tilting her head. ]

[beatmatching]

Okay.

[ here's where usually he would show a little perkiness but it's absent here. he seems deep in thought. ]

I'll ask you the other one when there's not so many people around.

[ unless they want to step out now briefly. ]

[scooptimistic]

... Well, do you wanna step away for a little bit? We can pop back in to the conversation after that.

[ He does seem... really deep in thought. ]

[beatmatching]

[ he nods. ]

Let's go. [ he'll offer her his hand and then lead them off and away from the group. ]

[scooptimistic]

[ Well, then! Minor excursion time! ]

[beatmatching]

[ she knows him well enough by now to know that he's definitely in his head on the walk over too. he'll hold onto her hand when they've found what counts as privacy in this place. ]

I'm not going to give up. But you're still thinking, right?

[ there's a lot of reasons he's asking this and he honestly almost asked something else. ]

[scooptimistic]

[ There's a pause, and then Maya lowers her eyes. Not guilty, but apologetic. ]

I am. I'm sorry, I'm just not... completely sure what my thoughts are right now.

[beatmatching]

Okay.

[ at once and easy. ]

But you still want to go on a date with me next week? [ despite what he just said, he asks this again anyway. ]

[scooptimistic]

[ Huh. ]

I'm not fickle enough that my answer would change that quickly...

[beatmatching]

[ he shakes his head, that's not what he meant but words are hard! there's something mumbled that might be a sorry. ]

I'll try harder.

[scooptimistic]

... Luka, it's not like you need to try harder.

[ That's really not it. ]

I'm the one who needs to work through her thoughts, that's all. It's an entirely different mindset for me to accept. Just, in general.

[beatmatching]

[ he smiles briefly, wry, but genuine. ]

Okay. I still need to think about what you asked me too. [ he's been avoiding that, but it's a good reminder. ]

[scooptimistic]

And you still need to tell me if you're okay.

[ Just as wry. ]

[beatmatching]

[ he huffs. ]

I feel better. [ squeezing her hand gently. ]

You make me happy, so I want to make you happy.

[scooptimistic]

[ ... Well, isn't that simplistic and refreshing-- ]

You do. I've been enjoying spending time with you, trust me.

[beatmatching]

I do trust you.

[ which is something he didn't think he would say again.

he's gonna maybe ruin the moment and pull her in for a hug. ]

And me too.

[scooptimistic]

[ There's a startled blink and then carefully, she hugs him back. ]

Then let's see where next week takes us.

[beatmatching]

Mmhmm.

[ it's not a bear hug because luka is way too twink for that, but it is an emphatic one with joy. ]

I can't wait to see where you'll take me.