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[...

It's such a strange thing. Talking about a mundane social activity like this... trying to figure out what to "call it" if they ever were to. It's something she would have considered doing before and would have in a heartbeat if Eustace ever invited her, but the fact that now, they have to view it as anything is so jarring.

But he's right.]

As going out for lunch or coffee. Nothing more, nothing less.

[Just two friends who are enjoying each other's company.]

If something else comes from it, then we should let it happen naturally.

[Nothing about this conversation is natural!!!]

[Nope not at all and yet it seems so natural for them. Then again, thekr situation more or less calls for it. Otherwise...everything they discussed could have possibly happened naturally without them knowing.]

Should we put a deadline to reassess where we stand?

[And it just continues.]

[Of course, Ilsa thinks there is nothing strange about it, so when Eustace asks for a deadline, she takes his question very, very seriously and gives it some thought.]

Hm. How about we see where we're at in a month and reassess then? That should be plenty of time for both of us to determine how we feel.

[Meanwhile, Valo is staring at the two of them because seriously???]

[And Eustace just nods.]

When we return we can put it in writing so we can remember for later.

[IT'S LIKE SOME CONTRACT—]

But... I will say I'm glad we were able to discuss this. I was a little concerned.

[Or rather that they are able to talk at all. His biggest fear was that he would have treat her with greater distance, like a stranger. He would have understood, but he it would have been... Disappointing.]

[There's a beat of silence—one that's a little longer this time—as he says that, and Ilsa slips her hands into her pockets and keeps her eyes forward as she hums in acknowledgement. Their footsteps and Valo's little whines fill that silence while she thinks back on everything for a moment before she finally breaks it with a sigh.]

I was, too. I value what we have, and I spent that week worrying that we would lose it. In a situation like ours, having something familiar is helpful. Hah. Maybe that's why I was drawn to you at the masquerade.

[It's okay, Valo, mom and dad are just figuring things out.]

...Mm.

[A light quirk of a smile.]

Likewise I was more tolerant... And it was a bit more enjoyable compared to others.

[Another small pause, another few steps.]

Regardless of whatever happens, I do want you to know that I care about you, Ilsa. I said before I trust and respect you, and that will remain true whether we remain like this or not.

[He briefly remembers how he had those spikes of concern when their headquarters had been attacked and he lost contact with her, and how close Dex had been before he stopped the moondweller from reaching her. At the time he just thought of it as the usual concerns for a colleague, but looking back now... He wonders.]

[Her smile comes a little easier this time around as more of that tension dissipates.]

I feel the same.

[Regardless of where they go from here, Ilsa doesn't see that changing any time soon. Were it anyone else who she had the same run-in with at the masquerade, she doesn't think it would go over quite as well. Honestly, it wouldn't go over at all—if she'd ever found out who it was after the fact, he would have been a dead man, but with Eustace... somehow, it's different.

The vast amount of respect that she similarly holds for him reminds her that he would never cross a line with her, and that whatever it means to him—or her, for that matter—he wouldn't ever go so far as to throw it away. Clearly it meant something to the both of them...]

You are my oldest friend and closest colleague. I don't intend for that to change just because Society doesn't exist here. I hope you know that.

[A pause, and Ilsa clicks her tongue, but her smile doesn't fade. It only shifts to something more teasing.]

However. If you speak of this to anyone, I may have to kill you.

[His own smile is warmer and a touch softer before a small breath of a laugh escapes him.]

Who would I tell? I won't breathe a word.

[They'll get to revisit this in a few weeks—]

Is there anything else?

[Uh huh. She's never going to forget that he said that.

With the lighter mood, Ilsa heaves a sigh, letting her chest puff out and then back in as she takes in a breath of the fresh air that somehow seems fresher now.]

Nothing comes to mind. I think we covered everything. Should we start heading back?

Sure.

[Valo looks at them... And then gives a short wuff! Really? We came out all this way? And going back now???]

...Hm, looks like Valo wants to keep going, but I won't keep you.

[EH!? Ears raised, Valo whines and steps over close to Ilsa. No! Not yet! YOU FOOLS!!]

...? Valo?

Hm?

[She looks down at Valo, curious, when he steps closer and moves around so that he's hiding behind her legs, putting Ilsa between himself and Eustace with a whine. She isn't sure what's going on, but she gives him a laugh and a scratch behind his ears.]

I guess we aren't done yet, are we? I don't mind staying out longer.

[Seeing the dog's tail wag, he just lets out a small, amused sigh.]

Then let's keep going. Want some coffee?

[Just a casual invitation with no meaning behind it.]

I wouldn't mind a cup.

[And a casual acceptance with no meaning behind it.]

There's a coffee shop a few blocks down that I haven't been to yet. I've been meaning to go.

Let's try it then.

[Given how this place is full of animals..... Chances are extremely high they are pet friendly.

Seeing this, Valo's tail wags even more before he situates himself on Eustace's side, not wanting to get in-between them ho ho ho ho~]

Sorry, Pup. But I don't think you can drink the coffee.

[She remains completely unaware of the dog's tendencies or plotting, laughing fondly at him as he trots along at Eustace's side again. And off they go to the coffee shop, Ilsa motioning in the direction before leading the way.

If she had known that they would be out here for longer, she would have brought some extra snacks for Valo, but maybe they can pick something up for him there, too. She's of the same mind—with so many animal residents, there's bound to be something that he'll enjoy!?

The walk isn't very long, fortunately, and even better that it won't be busy when they get there. They've come at a good hour, and there are even some empty patio seats outside where they can enjoy the nice weather.]

[And thus they spend a relaxing afternoon at the café and then another relaxing walk back. They've already done something like this similar and the atmosphere had always been casual and friendly, but...

...Maybe it's because of tension and the awareness of that potential between them that the atmosphere feels... Lighter? Almost sweeter, but not quite. There's no flirting between them, no "moves" to try and attract one to the other, but there is a feeling that their original relationship had deepened a bit. A sense of closeness that wasn't there before.

And when he drops Ilsa off at her house since she's closer, he parts with a strange, unfamiliar warmth as he watches her enter the house. It's...really strange. It's very faint, just the hint of its existence, but for a moment there he almost didn't want to leave. He... Actually had a good time being in her company. But of course he can't do that and it would be strange enough so he'll prompt leave once she's inside.

But their whole talk...everything. He'll be mulling over it on his way home and after he gets back, again wondering how they even got there...

...

A relationship with Ilsa...

He never would have dreamed of it.

And in the following days, while they don't see each other everyday, Eustace will often pass by her house on his walks with Valo and they'll stop and chat. Sometimes they'll go out for coffee or a walk, sometimes it's just a brief interaction. Each time Valo seems to try to make them stay together longer... He must really like her, how odd.

But then one day, Ilsa will find Valo running towards her... Without Eustace. And the poor dog looks as if it's in a panic, whining and whimpering, and occasional small barks as he tugs on Ilsa's pants.]

Edited 2023-05-05 02:17 (UTC)

[It's a pleasant afternoon. Perhaps one of the most pleasant ones she's spent with anyone in a long time. Even back home, Ilsa hardly afforded herself moments like this in between work, and with everything that's been going on... with the arrival of Cassius, she doesn't think they'll have much time for days like this when she returns. So, she wants to take full advantage of these sorts of quieter moments when she can.

And she's glad that she does.

After the talk, after mulling over her thoughts for so long, it feels nice not to think about them so much anymore. With everything off her chest, Ilsa feels lighter, and it becomes easier for her to smile and easier to laugh again.

Easier to enjoy Eustace's company, though that was never the hard part. That was the best part of it all... She was always sure that she would, but it's as if that night that they spent together, this discussion, and now the coffee has solidified that thought that he was good company.

So, as they part, Ilsa is thankful that they were able to meet. That his dog had led him onto her street, and she had been out in the garden. If she hadn't been, would they have been able to work things out? As stiff as the agreements were, it's what works for them, and she thinks that between them, they can navigate whatever this is.

... Or so she hopes.

The next few days go on without incident, and she finds herself thinking less about the what-ifs, and more about the now. How he sometimes stops by to visit with Valo, how she brings by some extra bananas that she's set aside for him... It's the usual routine, but one that she enjoys.

However... all of that will come grinding to a halt when Valo appears in Ilsa's garden in a panic as she's snipping at the bushes.]

What is it?

[As he pulls on her pants, a feeling of dread immediately sinks in when she looks around to find no sign of Eustace anywhere on the street.]

Is everything okay? Where's Eustace?

[There's more whining before Valo suddenly stiffens and looks down the street. Another high whine before he hides behind Ilsa as a voice can be heard calling.]

Valooo! Valo, here boy!!

[The voice...sounds familiar yet not at the same time. Somehow a little lighter, like a completely different tone and pitch. Until suspicions are confirmed when Eustace jogs up the street...

Wearing a ridiculous cardigan with sunflower sunglasses over his eyes and flower print backpack hanging over one shoulder.]

[It does indeed sound familiar, but... there's something off about it. Off just enough that it makes Ilsa's ears swivel and pin back by how strikingly strange it sounds. She recognizes it instantly as Eustace's voice, but it's not right.

Valo's whining only confirms that yes, her gut instinct was right. That dread that she feels twisting up her stomach had been on point.

...?

Because when she finally turns around to look, she's filled with... well, she doesn't know what she's feeling right now as Eustace jogs up the road in... that. Whatever that is. What is this...? Who is this? That isn't Eustace, that's an abomination. An imposter wearing a blindingly awful cardigan, flowery sunglasses, and a backpack he would never be caught dead wearing.

And he's coming right this way.

Ilsa had been too stunned to move, but as soon as he gets closer, her reflexes kick in. She immediately scoops up Valo and starts to scurry towards the front door, hoping that Eustace hasn't seen her yet.

It's okay, Valo... She will save you from this monster posing as your dad!!!]

[Valo will readily allow Ilsa to pick him up because HE'S SO CONFUSED WHAT IS GOING ON PLEASE HELP HIM FUTURE MOTHER.

But alas, as strange he is, his senses and skills are still in top shape, so he catches Ilsa right as she's reaches the door.]

Ah, Ilsa! Have you seen Valo? Ilsa, hey!!!

[From his angle he hasn't seen Valo yet at least, but he's quickening his pace to a run, waving his arm wildly.]

[Oh no—

Ilsa hadn't completely thought it through, so she's struggling a bit with the door when Eustace runs up, and she turns around just in time to see him... waving his arm around!? It's even worse when she sees his whole ensemble up close, and as the distance closes between them, Valo barks at him, alerting Eustace of his presence, and she tries to hush him as if it'll help.

Well, with the cat out of the bag...

She turns around, but doesn't free the poor dog from her arms just yet. She needs to figure out what...]

What the hell are you wearing?

[FIRST OF ALL.]

[His face practically shines upon seeing her holding Valo, and he picks up the pace for the last few steps, a large, wide smile gracing his lips.]

What, this? Like it?

[HE SPINS AROUND.]

Haha, I got this one day and for some reason had shoved it in the back of the closet, but today I saw it and really wanted to wear it.

[SMILING BEAM.]

[She didn't think her ears could pin back any further, but then he does that fucking spin—

Ilsa wants to look away... It's too painful, her eyes hurt, they're burning!!! But this is like a massive airship wreck that's unfolding before her very eyes—the kind that is so terrifying that you can't help but stare and do nothing but.

There is so much going on, so much about this ensemble that is trying to draw her attention, and she doesn't know where to look!!!]

No, I hate it. [Valo whines in agreement.] Did you wake up feeling sick this morning?

[THIS IS THE ONLY EXPLANATION]

[...Huh...? She... She hates it...?

His ears are drooping now, looking so downcast.]

Oh... You hate it...

[IT'S SO PAINFUL TO SAY...]

But I felt fine...

[Ah, shit. Not this...

Suddenly, Ilsa feels conflicted about how she feels. On one hand, what the actual fuck happened to Eustace, but on the other, he looks like a kicked puppy.

She should feel worse about it, and yes, she's being a bit harsh, but is this really how he feels? Did he really wake up this morning and decide that this is what he wanted to wear!?

With a heavy sigh, Ilsa kicks her front door open.]

Get inside before someone sees you.

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TIMESKIP TO CRAZY

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