[For once, Meryl doesn't argue when Nai insists she doesn't have to worry. It assuages any doubts she might have had about timing things out perfectly. Night Sky had the right idea, dedicating a day to each person. It seems far more equitable this way. And not warning him had also served to provide an added benefit β Nai couldn't insist on getting her a gift in kind.
Yet another score for Reporter Stryfe.
Unfortunately, that scoreboard promptly evens out the second he says her name. At first, she thinks she might need to apologize for her efforts, but β no. It quickly becomes apparent that the tightness in his voice is from something warm and kind, rather than anything embroiled in disdain.]
I - wouldn't go that far. I probably could have gotten more. Or planted them better, or -
[She promptly cuts off when she notices just where that gaze goes. Of course he would question it. They stood out like sore thumbs comparatively. Everything else had a use. This was just... sappy drivel that she fears might cause an issue. Briefly, she contemplates making something up, just to make it easier on them both.
Instead, she exhales slowly, closing her eyes.]
They're... blue flowers. They kind of remind of the first flora I ever saw. But more than that, they have their own little meaning. I guess quite a few flowers do. These ones are - [Her eyes crack open, only to fix themselves up upon the ceiling.] Cornflowers. Which mean be gentle with me. Only it's not that I'm asking that of you, just...
[With her arms now free, she folds them delicately around her frame, as if an embrace might keep her from absolutely embarrassing herself.]
I told you I would keep you safe, right. That when you showed that vulnerability to me, I wouldn't take it for granted. Soooo... this felt symbolic of that.
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Yet another score for Reporter Stryfe.
Unfortunately, that scoreboard promptly evens out the second he says her name. At first, she thinks she might need to apologize for her efforts, but β no. It quickly becomes apparent that the tightness in his voice is from something warm and kind, rather than anything embroiled in disdain.]
I - wouldn't go that far. I probably could have gotten more. Or planted them better, or -
[She promptly cuts off when she notices just where that gaze goes. Of course he would question it. They stood out like sore thumbs comparatively. Everything else had a use. This was just... sappy drivel that she fears might cause an issue. Briefly, she contemplates making something up, just to make it easier on them both.
Instead, she exhales slowly, closing her eyes.]
They're... blue flowers. They kind of remind of the first flora I ever saw. But more than that, they have their own little meaning. I guess quite a few flowers do. These ones are - [Her eyes crack open, only to fix themselves up upon the ceiling.] Cornflowers. Which mean be gentle with me. Only it's not that I'm asking that of you, just...
[With her arms now free, she folds them delicately around her frame, as if an embrace might keep her from absolutely embarrassing herself.]
I told you I would keep you safe, right. That when you showed that vulnerability to me, I wouldn't take it for granted. Soooo... this felt symbolic of that.