It's a normal morning for anyone who's managing to sleep a standard schedule- up until a mass text goes out, that is. Everyone will find the same thing from either Mafuyu or Aerith's username:
... Simple enough. And should you choose to attend, both your hostesses will be pleased to see you once it's time to head over.
As they said, the aquarium is largely empty save for the group, and it's definitely worth it. A serene song plays overhead while attendants give tours or explanations as needed. The variety of aquatic life is surprisingly vast as well, and spacious halls give way to plenty of opportunity to explore.
Come nightfall, certain rooms dim the lights but the tanks stay lit- or black lit as darker enclosures like the jellyfish hall and the octopus tanks remain- and only a few staff remain to keep an eye on things- so... stay on your best behavior. The two restaurants stay open- a regular fast food joint with kitschy island cabana theming, and a much more upscale lounge where Aerith plans on corralling the adults for fun this evening.
Once it's time for the age groups to split, Aerith will lead the adults to a pleasant lounge with more tanks, large couches or more private tables, and a view overlooking one of the main rooms of the aquarium- wave to the kids if they're there! Or don't. Bouquets of flowers are placed around the room, and it looks like Aerith has a few ideas already, though she won't stop anyone from going out to review the different sections again.
Contrasting Mafuyu, who is content to let the fellow teens do whatever- though if they do congregate, she's not really the social sort and will simply be content to enjoy the vibes. Even if you just want to take a nap somewhere, there's plenty of dark secluded areas to do so.
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[Hello helpful newcomer...!]
Of course.
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Anyway Rutile lied, because he's not here to talk. Instead, he takes a decisive step forward and throws his arms around Celeste in a tight, but brief hug.
He doesn't overstay his welcome, but the hug is long enough to make a point. He'll step back and look at him, earnestly. ]
We don't know each other personally, but I was at your movie show circus and...I want to say, it's okay.
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He doesn't hug back immediately, the sudden action coming as a surprise, but...! He does after a moment or two, expression soft when Rutile pulls away.]
I... thank you. I am learning that, yes.
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He won't dwell on the topic for too long, but he just wants to say his piece first before moving to the games. ]
You are loved here. [ He saw that with his own eyes. ] Even if the goddess sends you home alone, you'll keep pieces of them with you. And...life is long. You will always find another place to belong, and more people who will love you. I might live for thousands of years too, so...
[ He isn't really sure where he's going with that, but he smiles brighter, concluding his little shpeal. A little piece of hope, he hopes. ]
Yeah. That's all.
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[And that's bittersweet, too - he knows he'll outlive most people here, unless he intervenes directly... and to do that, they'd have to be able to come home with him as well... and it'd be a wildly selfish decision, if they didn't ask him for it themselves...
It's a lot to consider, certainly, and not something to dump on Rutile's plate.]
And if we both carry on that long... well, hopefully we'll be able to keep in touch, no?
[Nothing is guaranteed, but he can't see the goddess wanting to sever all the bonds that they worked so hard to forge, so... interdimensional pen pals, at the very least? Maybe? That could be nice...]
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But that's one thing he didn't think about. Keeping in contact after this is all over? This may be a distant memory to him one day, but it would be nice not to forget.
He brightens. ]
I would like that.
[ Maybe the goddess would be so benevolent? He would like a penpal.
Rutile holds out a hand. ]
I'm Rutile.
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Certainly not on grounds of some malformed pride.]
As would I.
[He'll take that hand! His own is cold, obviously, but the gesture itself is warm.]
Celeste. It's nice to actually meet you properly.
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And same here! I'm so glad to see you doing much better.
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It truly is a wonder what some rest can do, especially after all that trouble.
[He sure hasn't been sleeping... but Eli did throw him into bed (nonsexy) after the pseudo-palace, too.]
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Rutile nods! ]
And I hope you've been getting more rest, too. Having your heart torn open and exposed like that can't be fixed with just one or two nights of good sleep, you know.
[ nag nag... ]
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Aah... unfortunately...
[He's sure back to sleeping as little as possible until that shadow is taken out...!]