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

[ruinatings]

We could just go down the list.

[crimeson]

That works. So first is... friendly conversation? I guess we've already got that covered.

[ruinatings]

[They do in fact have some flowers for talking.]

We do. For the next one: You're as handsome and charming as ever, today.

[crimeson]

[--Randy blushes, because, look. It's one thing to get a compliment from Rufus when he's bullshitting you, but it's another thing to get an earnest compliment under the premise that it's genuine. He's dying.]

Oh... You're beautiful, and clever, and I adore you. So there.

[ruinatings]

I like you very much as well.

[Look at this HONESTY, Randy. Cherish it while you have it. Rufus is trying to squirm out of Randy's arms now though.]

[crimeson]

Good to hear it~

[letting him go! just so pleased.]

[ruinatings]

[He's not going very far, at least. He's staying right at Randy's side, lacing their fingers together not just because it's on the list, but because he wants to.]

It would be concerning if I didn't like you at this point, don't you think?

[crimeson]

[holding his haaaand. affectionate. so fond.]

Well, yeah, but I can still like being told you like me. With such a cagey sort of lover, it feels special, you know?

[ruinatings]

...I see.

[And his ears are turning red because he's a little embarrassed to be called out and also, really really embarrassed and pleased to be called Randy's lover. Talking to Randy just makes Rufus feel like a teenager and it could be humiliating but he's mostly, actually, happy.]

When we get back, I have something I need to talk to you privately about.

[crimeson]

Yeah? All right.

[he'll be worrying about it until then, but he doesn't want to give Rufus the impression that he's anxious about being alone with him or something, so he stays relaxed.]

[ruinatings]

[Little does Randy know it's the opposite of something to worry about. Rufus doesn't seem like he's holding in being angry or anything, at least. Randy knows him well enough to pick that up. He's genuinely relaxed, squeezing Randy's hand a little.]

So. Tell me something I don't know about you.

[crimeson]

Honestly, you know so much about me already...

[MISTER IRONBLOOD!!!!]

Hmm...

[ruinatings]

Not the important things.

[He knows a lot, yep! But he doesn't know the little things. The stuff that really makes Randy who he is. Things that were useless to Rufus' machinations but feel vital to connecting with Randy more deeply in the now.]

[crimeson]

[squeezes his hand gently. it's okay.]

...I like to cook. Sometimes I think I was the best at it, of the SSS. Jaegers don't really... do the whole cooking nice meals thing, either, so I'm self-taught. Did you know that?

[ruinatings]

I didn't. Will you cook for me later?

[He's genuinely interested!]

I myself have no cooking skills whatsoever.

[crimeson]

Sure. Anything specific you'd like?

...And I guess that makes sense, growing up in one of the fancier noble houses of Erebonia.

[ruinatings]

Make whatever you're best at.

[He just wants to eat what Randy cooks!]

I've had enough high-class food for a lifetime, so I'd rather try what you like.

[crimeson]

Then I'll keep it a secret!

[he's gonna make Rufus hotpot.]

[ruinatings]

I'll look forward to it. Now, we've almost completed the list.