Audience: SQX

[probe]

Comments

[shiftingwinds]

I do! I'd have no idea where to start if I wanted to do something like that.

The fact that you've kept doing it and gotten so good at it is really special! Hard work is important, you know.

[probe]

You really are too nice, y'know that?

[shiftingwinds]

...people keep saying that, but I don't get what's "too" about it. I'm just being honest!

[probe]

I mean- you're a lot nicer than most people I know?

[shiftingwinds]

[very seriously:]

You might need to get to know better people.

[probe]

The ones I know aren't that bad-! Besides, this is, um. Kind of the first time I've really gotten to meet new ones in.... I don't know how long.

[shiftingwinds]

Oh, I did think I overhear you've all been here for a while... is it strange, having so many of us here at once all of a sudden?

[probe]

Honestly-? Yeah. I'm really not used to it yet.

[shiftingwinds]

It takes a little getting used to - but it gets easier with time.

[probe]

Was it ever like that for you?

[shiftingwinds]

...a little. For a while, it was just my brother and I, so - when our circumstances changed, it took me some time to get used to it. But I like being around people, so I think I got used to it pretty fast!

[probe]

Oh, right, you have a brother-- are you close? I mean, I could probably check, I just- it feels like snooping to go into the details, y'know.

[shiftingwinds]

I think so. He's a little too strict with me, sometimes, but he's always looked out for me, and when I've done a good job, he's always told me so.

I admire him a lot.

[probe]

...must be nice to have, huh.

[they smile a little, at the thought, but just a little.]

You're pretty lucky, in that way.

[shiftingwinds]

I know.

[it's - honestly, it's a shame that there are other people who don't have someone like that.

but that's part of the reason she tries so hard to be nice to everyone she meets. she's been luckier than she was ever meant to be, and while she can't be everyone's older sibling, she can at least make sure they have at least one person who tries to look out for them in their lives and pay some of that luck forward.]

[probe]

You're doing pretty well for yourself without him looking out for you here, so he must've done a good job.

[they nod along with it.]

D'you have anyone you try to look out for, too?

[shiftingwinds]

I want to look out for Ming-xiong, but he looks out for me, usually.

[he's the braincell. also, laughtrack.mp3]

I'd like to be able to look out for other people, though! I want to be reliable.

[probe]

Well, you seem reliable to me! So, um, I think it's a good start?

[envy may or may not be a great judge of these things, however.]

[shiftingwinds]

Aww, thank you! That's really sweet of you to say!

[probe]

Not as sweet as you've been!

[they sound pleased, though, their smile a little brighter.]

[shiftingwinds]

I'm just glad we're getting along.

[yaaaay friendship]

[probe]

-me too. It's nice, you know? It might be a lot, but I'm glad you guys are here.

[shiftingwinds]

I hope you're able to get along with the others, too.

[...]

What are you going to do once we go back?

[probe]

...well, um. Just what I was doing before, I guess!

[shiftingwinds]

You'll be staying here...?