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[condonation]

farrah

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[condonation]

All of this is cruel. Death is not a game. And, and the culture-

Their zadza is about impulses, the liberation of inhibitions. Pursuing and hunting others feels far more deliberate than merely succumbing to an urge.

[bloodflows]

I figured she was doing it just to show us she could. Apparently it's a Rubean tradition but, I mean - still feels like she's running the show.

[And she wants them all to know it.]

I'm refusing to take part. Probably not gonna win me any points with her but regardless of whose name is on me, it feels a little messed up to do it for 'fun'.

[condonation]

We don't truly have the luxury of refusal. We have to anticipate someone coming after us every moment.

[ This feels a lot like home! ]

[bloodflows]

We have to watch each other's backs, to alleviate some of that fear.

If we had enough people come together, it might help.

[condonation]

We might give it a try, but we're deep in the fray, it may be too late.

Have you met any of the Blackguards? Their eager ways aren't quite my delight, yet knowing them may prove worth it.

[bloodflows]

I like 'em more than the other ones, the Zlak-kinis or whatever.

[Still.]

I don't trust anyone farther than I can throw them on a good day. Not to say you shouldn't, if you want to.

[condonation]

The Zlatniki. [ She *kindly* corrects. ]

I don't believe trust is essential, yet they seem to care for our well-being, far more than others. Their Duchess is powerful, and it's both brave and risky to speak openly of their favor towards us.

[bloodflows]

Yeah, them.

[He snorts.]

I guess. I just - I always feel like there're other motives out there, for everything people do. Until I know a person and can dismiss that thought, I dunno. I'm cautious.

[condonation]

That's a difficult way to live, Finch.

[bloodflows]

I am unfortunately aware. I'd love to be able to live another way.

[condonation]

I'll help you try. Somehow. [ A beat. ] You're not alone, are you? You shouldn't be alone during the celebration.

[bloodflows]

[He's alone. So alone.]

I'm checking in on people, but - yeah. I don't mind it though.

[condonation]

It's not... safe. Should you decide you do mind, know that I am always happy to keep you company.

[bloodflows]

Are you still around the boarding house? I could visit for a little.

[Mostly, because, he wants to help her stay safe - he doesn't give a shit about himself.]

[condonation]

I'd like that.

[bloodflows]

Cool. I'll uh, come by this evening?

[condonation]

I'll see you then.

[bloodflows]

[And come evening, Finch comes walking on in - finding his way back to the boarding house, his usual bag on his shoulder and the scraggly aesthetic he has day in and day out. He sends her a little mental nudge, that he'll be lingering in the common area while waiting for her. Giving sketch eyes to everyone else around him while he waits.]

[condonation]

[ Farrah has been doing less aimless wandering outside now that the hunt was on, finding safety within the boarding house. For someone who had been confined indoors for most of her life and finally had the chance to roam freely, it was torturous to stay within the walls. It was the reason for her hasty agreement for Finch's company, although the guise of caring for his safety wasn't a lie.

He's easy to spot as she goes down the steps, stifling a chuckle at the sight of him. She's mimicking his sketch eyes as she approaches, although it's not quite the same as she fights a smile. ]

Is this your nobody talk to me face? I once referred to you as my little birdie, perhaps it should be my little raincloud instead.

[bloodflows]

[She approaches and the resting bitch face dissipates, and he laughs at being caught with it. He gives a sheepish scratch to the back of his neck, daring not to blush, but duly taking note of the nickname. Which kinda rings a nice note in his chest?]

Ahh, maybe. I just - it's easier to get shit done if nobody wants to talk to you. But I can't really make excuses about that being just for the hunt. I don't want people to talk to me, like, ever.

[...]

Barring some obvious exceptions.

[condonation]

If you never talk to anyone, how are you supposed to find those exceptions?

[ Farrah reaches out to touch his arm but hesitates, her fingers hovering in the air before she lets her hand fall back to her side. She glances toward an unoccupied couch, her eyes lingering there for a moment before she nods in its direction for them to go to. Mostly to obstruct the sight of them should Felipe choose to spy. ]

[bloodflows]

Mm, they do just seem to happen.

[Pizza making, for example. He smiles, hesitating for that same near-shared second of touch before he moves over toward the couch. He slumps into it, keeping space for her, and lets his bag sit down by his feet after slipping it off.]

Today's one of 'em.

[condonation]

Mm... I'm pleased you're here.

[ So I am able to see you're well instead of taking your word for it. She tucks her legs beneath her and drapes an arm casually along the back of the couch, turning to face him with a graceful ease. And then she leans in, as if to gossip: ]

Do you know who holds your name? Do you think they'll seek you out?

[bloodflows]

[He likes her style, and seeks to mimic it a bit - turning his head in toward her and raising his brows thoughtfully before shaking his head.]

Nobody's tried me yet, or told me of anyone with my name. It's weird but... who knows? Could be someone stalking me right now. What about you?

[condonation]

[ When they're this close, the smoky, acrid aroma of cigarettes is sharp, almost biting, as it fills her nose. Unfamiliar, yet she’s starting to find a strange comfort in it, a grounding reminder of his presence. What's always familiar is the blood, a constant, coppery undertone that clings to him like a shadow. She doesn't know if she'll ever ask him about it, what he gets up to when she's not around. She's afraid she wouldn't like the answer, and she likes Finch too much to risk finding out.

She hopes nobody is stalking him. ]

No, I don't... My brother is searching for them, but I wish he wouldn't. I hope to speak with them first, to try and reason gently, if I can. [ She sighs, her voice tinged with worry. ] I want to find who I have, though, to soothe their worries should they have them.