auroraexpress | (no subject)

[ I mean it's fair

pulling at her hands with that same nervous energy - firmly, as if making to squeeze it out from herself ]

... Thank you very much. As it seems we'll be partnered in this place, your invitation is greatly appreciated - certainly.

Partnered... ah. That's right, that recording did say something about teammates, didn't it...

[ that explains... not actually that much at all. but it's a start!

watching her fidget and apparently coming to some sort of decision, rolling off the particular couch she'd curled up on and yoinking a few of the pillows to bring over and offer along with the strawberries ]

[ ok

ok she's good. this is fine. everything is fine. she can fix this. she can fix this if she just keeps at it. she just needs to clear the rest from her mind.

she takes another breath, gives her hands one final squeeze, and shifts into a friendlier position, reaching for a strawberry. ]

Thank you. I look forward to assisting you.

[ success...? maybe? tiny success. ]

Likewise? ...I think? I don't actually know what we're supposed to be doing yet, but. In theory.

[ she's been trying not to think about it, actually. she probably should be, but... she's pretty sure if she tries to wrap her head around everything all at once the results would be both unpleasant and a huge waste of time, and she's currently pretty preoccupied with the whole not being able to remember a damn thing part of the package. ]

Ah, likewise - should there be anything that you find yourself in need of, please feel free to rely on me. My name is Elaine.

[ a little startled ]

—oh. Elaine, then. ...I'd offer my own name, but I'm afraid I don't. Actually remember it, at the moment...?

... Are you alright?

[ more about the startle than the amnesia. apparently the latter is just a thing. ]

Aside from the not remembering thing, I think so? Sorry, I was— mm, I suppose I was expecting you to be in the same situation. It's a little more alarming if it's just me.

Ah, that's -

[ smiles, a little sheepish ]

My apologies, it wasn't my intention to disappoint... However, in the corridors beyond this car, I myself noted others that appear to have shared in your experience - though the details remain somewhat beyond me even still, you certainly aren't isolated.

...I see. It's selfish, but that is something of a relief— ah, not that I would call myself disappointed in your case. I'm certainly not unhappy that you don't have to deal with it yourself.

No, it's alright. There are ways in which it would be preferable, I imagine...

Though - it would be wise to determine a name that you might use as a place-holder, at any rate.

... I. Think I'd like to wait on that until I have even the slightest idea of what would fit, if it wouldn't be too much trouble.

- Oh, yes. Please see to it that you behave as best suits your own comfort. Of course, I'll endeavor to make use of your chosen name as well.

I appreciate it. Trying to pick something I hopefully wouldn't regret later is enough of a task without having to come to terms with everything else, as well...

[ ... wait. "coming to terms with"...

...abruptly realizing that Elaine not being an amnesiac puts her earlier distress in a very different light and ohhh. oh no. hhheck. ]

Speaking of which— I apologize. I've been... not quite whining, I suppose, but not far from it, and you've been humoring me even though the situation can't be any better for you.

- Oh, no, I'm quite all right. I'm simply a bit tired...

[ but the smile she says it with is frayed at the edges. you could chalk it up to the aforementioned exhaustion, but in this case - if she was seen bounding out the door, especially - it's pretty plainly fake and she is pretty plainly lying. ]

However unpleasant it may be, my memories remain even still - but your own situation must be quite frightening.

[

lllooks. at her. and then deliberately occupies herself with fishing out another strawberry. ]

...It's uncomfortable, and certainly more than a bit concerning. But— not having memories means there's nothing I can remember to miss.

That's...

[

]

Yes, I suppose that's certainly true. I'd claim that to be quite disorienting regardless, however...

[ ANOTHER LOOK, but. all right. if she doesn't want to talk about it that's fair considering they're basically strangers even if that fronting is so awful she wants to go after it out of sheer contrariness

augh. waves a hand. ]

Well, it's fine so long as I don't think about it too hard. I'm sure I'll find other things to occupy myself with soon enough, whether it's a solution outright or "just" new memories.

[ don't worry it will probably never come up unless someone goes after it. you will have your day ]

I see... If it's a matter of occupying oneself, perhaps there is...

.. Ah, have you left this car?

[ countdown until she discovers and embraces just how far her lack of shame goes. the hour of becoming a nuisance busybody approaches, ]

Not yet. I was working up to it.

I see... I suppose that it would be overwhelming, somewhat...

In that case, once you've gotten your bearings, why don't we go together?

Ah— if that wouldn't be too much trouble, I would appreciate it?

Of course not. Rather - rather than that I suppose it is a question of whether or not you would have me accompany you... If that's alright, then I would like to.

... I would like that, too.

[ friendship?! ]