015 ♍ video

[glowsferatu]

[ kanaya's sitting cross-legged in a nightgown on the couch, the room dark aside from the glow from the television and the rather bright one her skin's putting off. aradia's there next to her in pajamas and a t-shirt, leaning against her shoulder and fast asleep.

there's a scalemate held tightly in one of her arms and tub of ice cream, something minty, in the other, with a box of tissues in her lap. her eyes are puffy and tired, red from crying, but her expression is empty of any emotion, like it doesn't know how to properly communicate everything she's feeling right now and settled for something weary, overwhelmed, and stunned instead.

her focus remains on the movie she's watching, though she does flick her gaze to the camera every now and again, to properly acknowledge the recording she's making. ]

The house feels too empty, as an abundance of space not given its due utilization is wont to. It's far too great a residence for only three individuals. There should be more than that, and I can feel its discontentment at being so poorly allocated.

[ she pauses after saying that, just staring at the television. it's about ten seconds before a sniffle tries to creep up, but instead she sets her jaw and continues. ] Terezi's gone. There's no uncertainty on this matter. Additionally, it has been days since last I saw Feferi, and I have had little success in locating her by my own means. This leaves only the three of us, Ron included. Whether we should open the possibility to new tenants has occurred to me, but...

[ she takes a deep breath ] I thought it needed to be announced, in case any listening may have been acquainted with-- [ she cuts herself off as her eyes suddenly narrow and her glow starts to flicker. is it something anne parillaud is doing on the screen? whatever it is leaves her face in a miserable bitterness as she sets her ice cream on the table and reaches for the communicator, tapping a few buttons before the feed ends. ]

[ she's not finished yet, however. she just had something settle in her mind that wasn't for public ears. one private voice message goes to seras victoria. ]

You've told me before that you don't suffer from a thirst in the same manner as I have. Can I assume from this that you have never thought to employ the abilities granted by your status in your duties?

[ and another for donna troy: ] I have something I would like to discuss with you, if you're willing to hear it.

Comments

VIDEO; see all that lovely NOHoPE atmosphere

[exceptfebruary]

Terezi is gone. [ He doesn't even like Terezi, but he sounds regretful. ] And Feferi?

My sympathy.

VIDEO;

[glowsferatu]

However much that will ultimately be worth. [ then she pauses as she considers how rude that must sound ] But the sentiment is not entirely unappreciated.

[exceptfebruary]

I hope for their swift return, if they do.

[glowsferatu]

"If they do." You sound as resigned to the alternative as I am.

[exceptfebruary]

Merely acknowledging the possibility. But the porter seems to appreciate your world just as much as mine, so there is always the chance they may return.

[glowsferatu]

Eventually. And more than likely amnestic of their previous time here.

[exceptfebruary]

A troublesome but common occurrence.

Tell me, Miss Maryam, how much value do you place on memory?

[glowsferatu]

That would depend on the memory being discussed. They come in too great a variety to be considered with an equal response.

The memory of our experiences can determine a great deal in the consideration of how we interact with others. As an example, if I did not recall our previous conversations, Mr. Day, it is possible I may approach you in a different manner.

Likewise, should Terezi return with no memory of her previous time here, she would not approach me as one might her moirail. The very idea that such a configuration may have formed would likely fail to even occur to her.

[exceptfebruary]

Memories can form the very basis of relationships -- shared memories in particular. It can be difficult when the only one who remembers is yourself.

[ Pause. ] Let us hope they return with memories intact.

[glowsferatu]

There's no point. Hope is a waste of time.

Their memories will accompany them or they will not. I won't open myself to disappointment by expecting that our progression will be maintained.

[exceptfebruary]

So practical. I acknowledge your point.

The only thing you can do is to continue day by day. One day they may return. One day they may not.

[glowsferatu]

I imagine you'd prefer the latter. As I recall, you weren't especially fond of Terezi.

[exceptfebruary]

On the contrary, while it is true that Terezi and I... did not necessarily communicate well, I would much prefer her here.

[glowsferatu]

She more openly expressed her distaste for your considerations of a collection. That is the end you seek, isn't it?

[exceptfebruary]

I do not hate over disagreements. She disliked me due to my interest, but that does not mean I would wish to see her gone.

[glowsferatu]

It's a rather inappropriate mistake to overstate my insinuations. I didn't mention hate at all!

And, for the record, if hatred is what we're discussing, ew.

[exceptfebruary]

[ Beat. ] Ah, excuse me. I should have specified platonic.

[glowsferatu]

I should hope so, but even allowing that to be fulfilled would not be to my preference. [ since, to her, platonic hatred means "i wish this person was deeeeeaaaaddd" ]

[exceptfebruary]

Nor would I. I greatly prefer a more cordial relationship. [ With trolls. ]

[glowsferatu]

And what parameters would you use to define this desired, yet ever so elusive, cordiality?