Inbox (Somnia)

[cantilevers]

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[cantilevers]

[Vander's side of the link suddenly feels pleasantly warm.]

Crushes don't work that way, I can tell you that from experience. It's Sharon, isn't it? Why do you say it is making everything worse?

[opheliac]

Because she doesn't like me.

[cantilevers]

She told you to your face that she doesn't like you?

[opheliac]

Basically. This was supposed to be a stupid little game between stupid little girls who kiss each other when they want a little excitement. But I went ahead and jinxed it all up... like I always do. And it's not like me kissing her is a big deal in the first place; I'm not the only one who had a shot with her. And that's fine, she can do whatever she wants. It's...

[ hurt and frustration are knotting together into a tight ball—like a sense of wires becoming too tangled up to be unravel so easily. ]

I was just trying to do what Vi used to do when she used to bring chicks in and out of The Last Drop. But thanks a lot, sis!! You didn't warn me about this part.

I hope someone punches her lights out back home for me. Right in that stupid big schnoz.

[cantilevers]

Well, Vi was still working on her technique. Which one did you decide to implement on this game that you were playing?

It sounds like a lot of hurt feelings because you put yourself out there.

[opheliac]

Yeah? She's a horrible teacher. And it was me, I guess. I said stuff and she said stuff back, and it went on from there.

Does it matter? I just need to unlike her before I lose a friend.

I was told to care less about her, so that's in the works. And I'm bringing home another girl every other night for sleepovers. What else do I need to do?

[cantilevers]

"Stuff"? What kind of "stuff" did you say?

That's not how liking someone works, Powd--er, Jinx. [He has a visceral dislike based out of guilt for that name, but this is his first real attempt at honouring her wishes.] It sounds to me like she's potentially pushing you away in a self-protective gesture.

Acknowledge your feelings and her importance to you. And yeah, you may have to eat those feelings if you want to keep her as a friend. That's sometimes how life works, and that's okay too.

[opheliac]

Ugh, is it really important? Flirty stuff, mushy stuff, nice stuff. The things everyone says to everyone if they're friends.

Okay, I acknowledge I have a small crush on her. I acknowledge the feeling isn't mutual. I acknowledge it is putting a wedge in our friendship and it's making the both of us feel like crap.

I've acknowledged I need to do something about it before it gets worse. She is my best important friend and I am willing to temporarily remove myself from her existence until it dies or something else distracts me.

Look, there is no "protecting" herself, or whatever you think is going on. She's not interested, that's it. Plain and simple.

[cantilevers]

You flirt with all of your friends and say mushy things to them? I didn't think you were such a romantic with everyone that you consider friend... which I believe you told me is four. Polyamory is something everyone should experience when they are young.

I'm proud of you being willing to work through your feelings to maintain your friendship with her. That's important, and who knows, she could come around in time. And if not, there will be someone who cares for you to the same level you do them.

[It was too bad he didn't have a bar because it would be easier to sleuth more about Sharon. Probably too obvious now...]

[opheliac]

Ha ha ha.

Yeah, I'm sure someone will totally care about a chick who is sick in the head and finds killing fun in some circumstances. It's such a hot turn-on.

[cantilevers]

Well yeah? I've known plenty of people who would pursue someone with that description.

[opheliac]

You've got an answer for everything, huh, big guy? Well! Thanks for the talk, but, uh. I'm going to save myself some trouble and not hold my breath.

I've known from the beginning I was way out of her league, so that's not changing. And if I'm wrong, then I'll do Miss Cupcake's laundry for a whole week.

[cantilevers]

You know how to do laundry? Wow, you are grown up.

I'll check in on her. See how her heart throbs.

[opheliac]

Woah, wait, what?! Vander, no! Don't you dare go to her about this. You'll make it worse!!

[cantilevers]

You haven't seen my skills in play in a long while. I promise I won't mention your name.

I want you to be happy again. I can give a feel and see if she's the one for you or not. It's a service I provide my kids for free.

[opheliac]

Nope, nope, nope! Lalalallalalala, I'm not seeing this, I'm not seeing this! This is not going to happen; this isn't going to happen!

I don't want to know if she's the one for me or not. I don't want to deal with any more rejections, okay?!

[cantilevers]

Okay, I'll assess and not tell you what I found out, like a great and supportive father figure.

[opheliac]

That's it, I'm calling it. My life is officially ruined.

[cantilevers]

I said that exact phrase when I was your age too for approximately the same reason. I'm happy we're keeping up tradition.

[opheliac]

[ she says nothing to this except he may feel the vibration of her screaming into something cushy. a pillow maybe? a blanket? something similar. ]

[cantilevers]

[He makes the active effort to hug her through the Murmur, affectionate and teasing. Glad she's feeling better and worse at the same time.]

[opheliac]

You know what, Dad? Go ahead, knock yourself. If you want to waste your time and learn what I've already know? Have fun.

[cantilevers]

[Janna she called him dad, even if sarcastic and cutting. It warmed him to feel and experience that. Kids normally just called him Vander after all.]

I appreciate your permission. I assure you that it will be a good time.

🎀

[opheliac]

[ the warmth reciprocates, but there's still a big amount of exasperation clouding their connection. ]

Tch, sure. As if anything regarding me brings a "good time" unless blood, scars, bomb smoke tickles you.

Good luck, Vander. You're gonna need it after the embarrassment.