AUDIENCE FOR: Rupert

[guestservices]

Comments

[agleam]

Wow! I don't appreciate your doubt, you know.

[guestservices]

It's not even doubt! It is a genuine question? The people want to know.

[they don't get to keep talking shit for much longer though, because this is the funniest time for another shower of stardust to fall and rupert gets to see a memory that i was already planning to give you and now it's 10x funnier.

You’re suddenly hugged so hard you think your ribs might crack. You wheeze, feebly slapping your dumb, beefy friend in the arm so he’ll let go of you but at the same time…you think you might be happy.

Then again…there’s maybe someone less happy in your presence, given that he’s standing in the doorway of his own sleeping quarters. He catches your eyes, a stern frown on his face as he points to the ground near his feet. The message is clear. ‘You. Here. Now.’

You excuse yourself, crossing the lawn to head toward the other boy. You try not to judge him for wearing a surgeon’s smock and flip flops, but you can’t help it.

“So where were you?” He asks immediately, and you’re dumbstruck. You have no idea what he’s talking about, and when you express your confusion he huffs. “I’ve been stuck in the infirmary for, like, two days. You don’t come by. You don’t offer to help.”

And that confuses you further. Why the hell would anyone want that? Why would anyone want you around people they’re trying to save? You barely even register that you’re voicing these same concerns until he continues ranting at you.

“You can’t help out a friend? Maybe cut bandages? Bring me a soda or a snack? Or just a simple ‘how’s it going?’ You don’t think I could stand to see a friendly face?”

“What…my face?”

You can’t believe it. People never think of you as a friendly person, let alone people like him. He carries on, scolding you for your stupid idea of leaving and even when you tell him you plan on staying, his only response is to say you’re still dense even if you’re not a complete idiot. You think about the fact that there are patients he should be attending to, but here you are, having the stupidest conversation in the world.

“How can you even talk to me like that?” You ask. “Don’t you know that I can-“

“Right now, you couldn’t do any of that without melting. I told you, no more of that. Doctor’s orders. You owe me at least three days of rest in the infirmary. Starting now.”

…you catch his eyes again, and for a brief moment it feels like you’ve been suckerpunched. Your stomach squirms, palms a little sweaty, mouth dry as your brain fires off thousands of thoughts that all seem to lead to the same place.

‘He likes my face. He wants me to stay with him.’

…you really would have to be an idiot to say no to that. And so you don’t. Three days? You suppose that would be okay.

...aquarius, meanwhile, just scrubs a hand over their face under the veil. lovely.]

[agleam]

...What was that about doing subpar in the normal sentences department?

[gremlin energy suddenly]

[guestservices]

In my defense. He's an idiot.

[THAT'S. NOT A DEFENSE?]

[agleam]

Who is he?

[guestservices]

[...]

Boyfriend, now. That was a while ago when we were still getting to know each other.

[agleam]

[he pauses, frowning.]

But... He isn't here with you? Or, is he one of the other staff?

[guestservices]

Dating your coworkers sounds like a terrible idea, Rupert. [dryly. ] Anyway it doesn't really matter. We've gotten used to being separated.

[agleam]

I'd say it still matters... I'm sorry to hear that.

[guestservices]

[...there's just. a tired sigh.]

Yeah, well. Can't do much with it. Thanks though. [. . .] But let's just pretend that didn't happen, okay?

[agleam]

What, the memory?

[tilting his head.]

One could argue you didn't pretend mine didn't happen... [shut up rupert. anyways, it's clear he's joking when he continues on.] Secret's safe with me.

[guestservices]

That's different and I'll happily stop making fun of you in exchange. [they will not, but for now they seem almost melancholy about it.] But it's appreciated.

[agleam]

Ha - done deal, then.

[but, after a moment:]

...You okay?

[guestservices]

[. . .]

Well enough. It'll be fine.

[agleam]

Okay.

[all the same:]

I'm sorry that you're not together, right now.

[guestservices]

...mm. Kinda feel like I should say that about you instead?

[agleam]

You should!

[rupert]

But that doesn't mean I can't say it, too.

[guestservices]

Okay. Then...here's to mutual sympathy or whatever.

[agleam]

[he snorts, a little amused, before he nods.]

Here's to mutual sympathy.

[guestservices]

[...they scratch their cheek. ]

Anyway...now that that's over with. Wanna do something else much less awkward?

[agleam]

Sure. Did you have something in mind?

[guestservices]

Well...how much are you gonna hate suggesting we head to Wiwaldi?

[agleam]

[he snorts.]

Actually, I wouldn't really mind at all. You ready now?

[guestservices]

Sure. I could stand getting out for a while, but maybe you should lead.

[agleam]

Ha, sure, I can play tour guide.

[off they go towards the door!]