firstworldproblem | IC Inbox - Snakes on Serpentine Horizon

[He opens the door and looks at the container.]

Does everyone just immediately cook after a difficult game?

Jamil had it particularly bad, and he's the type of person who's too used to doing everything for everyone, so I had to force him to let me be a housewife and at least make dinner. I thought I shouldn't show up somewhere I don't know anyone empty-handed. But maybe that's how you already ended up with cake to give out.

[He does motion to the slowly diminishing 15 tier cake.]

Despite our loss, they won it in some prize wheel. They were quite pleased. Apparently sweets are more than a few objectives for some so it serves even a more beneficial purpose.

Ah, so did you lose as well?

We did, although I wasn't there. I shouldn't be surprised that Snail lost, I was told you're all pretty ruthless, but it seems like you must just goof around in your rooms.

Ruthless? If we were ruthless, we'd actually win games.

[He shrugs.]

Then you and I are in the same situation. Teams that lost but were not present.

[He motions to actual furniture, thank you ruins!]

Please have a seat. Are you simply getting some air for yourself?

Here I was going to invite you to take what you need from a ruin while I take care of the creatures, but you already have everything you need now, hm?

[She shrugs as she sits.]

But yes, I guess so. Just looking for a distraction. Sorry that's falling on you.

Oh. What ruin did you have in mind? There are more visitors than I would like. However, I am unable to wander out on my own.

A distraction. Well, why don't you start first with giving me some of your objectives?

Is being out on your own a taboo for you? We can get some air, I didn't have any in mind, so even a walk would work for me.

My objectives...aren't anything like "eating sweets", they're a bit complicated.

How clever. You got it in one.

[He does stand then.]

Complicated or no, indulge me.

That is an unfortunate one.

[She'll follow!]

They're... To not be overly attached to my husband, I think, "deal with emotions in a healthy way", and one that I'm not quite certain of the meaning, but something like doing whatever I want to do just for myself.

If you love your husband, how do you not become overly attached to him? What a curious one.

[He pauses.]

Oh. The last one shouldn't be too hard, correct? Instead of going to ruin for us, I do believe I said I would help you go to a ruin for yourself.

They sound quite a bit easier than they are. You really don't need to worry about them. I'm sure you have something more manageable.

Bedding then. Especially since the brothers are staying over.

How are you doing with your son? Was he upset that I turned his teammate into a demon?

Bedding is always useful.

[She nods, heading in that direction.]

...Battler-kun is my stepson. He's been a bit upset with me, so he doesn't really tell me things like that lately. But I imagine you would know if he was terribly upset about it.

He seemed very protective of you honestly. Might I ask why he is upset?

...Did he?

He found out some things about me, they're not very good. But I can't do anything about it now, or properly apologise.

He did. But I suppose it can only be expected being a stranger myself especially right after such a game.

[He taps his chin.]

Would you change these things about yourself? The ones that he found out about.

Parts of it, at least. Others...well, I would have to be an entirely different person at that point. If I could simply change that I was ever this way, then yes. Otherwise, just picking and choosing would be worse, if that makes any sense.

It does.

You did say you wanted to hang out with 'adults' so I can imagine the naivety is getting to you?

There is another mother on our team. Dark purple hair. Actually the mother or 'creator' of the short one on our team.

I'm sure she would be one you can commiserate with.

They're all pretty mature really. It's more that I feel I have to act a certain way as the adult.

I wonder if that would go the way you think... But I didn't realise there were any other mothers here, so I suppose I had better at least say hello. You stood out to me because you said something about being used to playing roles, and I think that memory you shared illustrated it a bit. To be honest, I thought with that in mind, I might be able to manage to speak to you as myself, without a role, you know?

You can speak freely. While I will always judge, your business is your business. I have enough of my plate that I don't need to meddle in other stars.

And I've always found a listening ear does help organize one's thoughts.

[She laughs.]

Judgmental without meddling suits me fine.

But I don't mean that I intended to unload on you - I'm too used to playing roles myself, even when I'm trying to be honest, I realise that I'm doing it again, I've just picked a different one. But around someone else who does that sort of thing, there shouldn't be a point, so maybe I'll stop.

Oh.

Are you playing the role of 'respected adult'? I have to admit I have to pretend I care more than I actually do towards my team.

Ah, you do understand. Yes, responsible adult, good mother, someone who has the capacity to care that my team has been hurt, relentless murderer, whatever is needed at the time.

Edited 2022-12-25 10:39 (UTC)

Relentless murderer. Goodness. That one is different from the others. One that I can see making your son rather upset. Though in this place, it is a necessity.

And so what is it? What is the real you without a role?

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