the tenth trial?

[hot_mess_express]

Who: everybody
When: Day 22, starting bright and early
Where: the jackal zone


[What was it...ah, yes. Come hither, Heroes, prove thy worth.

The familiar tremor of a trial comes with a voice that's probably familiar to a lot of train denizens. Entering the door to the trial reveals that somehow, yes, it is in fact Naeva who's done this.

The game room is a beautiful tea garden with elegant, victorian-style tea tables set out throughout. Naturally, the tables all have tea, a variety of snacks, and flower arrangements featuring the herbs from each team. The garden is also full of crystalline jonquil, though they can't seem to be picked up normally.

There are baskets set out for everyone who arrives, and a sign explaining the rules of the game. Across the top it reads Bonding Game.

Cardamom, you've made a huge mistake.]

Comments

[bowtiedbones]

[another bonus of side-hugs: she's casually angling straight from there into trying to hold his hand]

I'm enjoying it so far, but I'll like it more the more people play with me.

[grimpa]

[STARTLES AND DRAWS HIS HAND PROTECTIVELY AGAINST HIS CHEST LIKE SHE'S A TOO-FORWARD SUITOR]

[grimpa]

[and then visibly realizes that was fucking dumb and sheepishly offers it back]

M-my apologies.

[bowtiedbones]

Oh gosh, no, my bad. I should have asked first, huh?

[swings their hands when she takes his again. she's not going to SAY it, but she's THINKING IT THINKING HE'S CUTE]

[grimpa]

It was unexpected, but I understand, it's for the trial.

[TOLERATES THIS ////]

[bowtiedbones]

I would totally hold your hand outside a trial too if you let me.

[grimpa]

That's for couples!

[bowtiedbones]

And for friends and family.

[grimpa]

Well, family, yes.

[bowtiedbones]

[GASP wait]

Is this the first time you've held hands with a girl??

[grimpa]

How would I know?!

[bowtiedbones]

If you don't know, I sure don't know!

[COUNTING IT, DIBS, PRIZE TO ELIZA, FIRST TO HOLD THIS CUTE BOY'S HAND]

[grimpa]

I barely remember anything, much less-- anything concerning-- something like that!

[bowtiedbones]

I've held so many hands that weren't my family's or my boyfriend's or my soulmate's. Soooo many!

[grimpa]

[still embarrassed but whoa new information]

Your soulmate's--?

[bowtiedbones]

My soulmate! His name is Seo.

[grimpa]

I didn't know that you were attached. What is he like?

[bowtiedbones]

Oh! We're not like— attached-attached. He has a boyfriend!

[grimpa]

...But you're soulmates?

[bowtiedbones]

I know, that tripped a lot of us up too. Not that there weren't pairs that ended up dating, but it was who balanced and complemented each other that makes a soulmate. It was like... matchmaking for a partnership!

[grimpa]

I see... That sounds unusual.

[bowtiedbones]

Honestly explaining it would not make it sound any less weird. He's technically from a different world than I am, too?

[grimpa]

...You led an interesting life. That was okay? To be separated.

[bowtiedbones]

It was okay. We still had a way to visit.

[past tense, cause. here now.]

[grimpa]

[nnnods]

And you were brought together to find each other...?