The Eleventh Trial

[catcophonous]

Who: everyone
When: Day 23, evening
Where: The Trial Zone

[Just as twilight darkens the clearing, you hear the train's customary shift, the sign of a Trial.

Outside in the clearing, a brick building has appeared. It's shabby, paint peeling from the heavy door, but the windows are full of neon signs advertising various brands of liquor. From inside you can hear the thumping of bass, and the faint sounds of a rowdy rock song.

A voice chimes in, lazy but amused.]

You all know what this is. I'm not "come hither"ing you. Just get in here.

Comments

[ruinatings]

Maybe so, but those are my strong points.

[In other words he has no fucking clue but doesn't want to admit to hating himself that much, even though Randy already knows.]

[crimeson]

[It's not like Randy doesn't get it. He does. But it still hurts to see someone he cares about so much struggling like this.]

...Yeah. They're strong points of yours, for sure. But your sense of humor is kind of biting and incredibly fun. You're conscientious, but when you're invested enough you'll throw caution to the wind and do whatever crazy thing you think needs doing. Those aren't always good things, but they're things I like about you, even when they aren't pointed in directions I'd prefer. Of course you're smart and strong and beautiful, but that's not all you are. You're more than those things, and you're more than that to me.

[ruinatings]

[That's just... It's so weird to hear that Rufus doesn't know what to do with it. Honestly, he kind of wants to cry. But he really really doesn't want to, because at the moment he's feeling stupid and he doesn't want to be any weaker than he already is.

Of course it should feel good to be complimented, and in some ways it does, but it's also painful and embarrassing. It doesn't make him like himself more, but it feels like it ought to, and being unable to get over it is just something else to criticise himself for.]

You're such a sap.

[crimeson]

Yep. That's me. I could say more, but... Even I'll get embarrassed soon enough, and I don't wanna overwhelm you, either.

[instead reaching to stroke Rufus' hair with his free hand, softly.]

[ruinatings]

[how dare you be so sweet and considerate!!]

Why would I be overwhelmed?

[crimeson]

Feelings are hard.

[simply! easy enough answer.]

[ruinatings]

...Mmph.

[It's true. And Rufus is giving up and sitting on Randy because. He needs more reassurance. He can't possibly get enough not to feel inferior and ugly inside.]

Alright. I'll try to coexist.

[crimeson]

[wrapping his arms tightly around Rufus, pressing his face against his shoulder to try and hide a bit, how pathetic he's feeling himself.]

Thanks. M'sorry.

[ruinatings]

Don't apologize. You've done nothing wrong.

[Of course Randy is just a good dog. So Rufus is going to try to bury his emotions and just be nice. It helps that he really wants to be affectionate at Randy. It's not forcing himself, to hug back and kiss his head.]

[crimeson]

[He really wants to tell Rufus he loves him, but he still doesn't want to overwhelm him, and he certainly doesn't want to make it seem like-- some sort of reward for cooperating or something terrible like that. Timing saying so is always hard, even though he's certainly said it before now.

So instead he hums a soft noise somewhere between dubious and grudging acceptance, snuggling closer and breathing in Rufus' scent.]

[ruinatings]

[Yeah if Randy said that now Rufus really would cry. Or maybe just scream and run away.

Instead he's cuddling in Randy's lap like a good cat.]

You're so sweet.

[It kills him.]

[crimeson]

S'pretty wild, sometimes, thinking of Rufus Albarea saying such cute things about me.

[but it's a gentle tease, Randy tipping his head to smile up at him.]

[ruinatings]

It's strange to me, too.

[But here he is! Somehow.]

[crimeson]

I'm glad of it, though.

[hhhholds]