[ The perks to seeing the other side...he can tell that what he has said amused her!! Excellent.
And, it's okay, they can both be the only people still angry at Billy, though Merlin was howling with laughter at Wang Lu's threats to smash his balls. Just saiyin'. ]
I don't blame you at all.
I'm just glad to hear you're not throwing in the towel. The road ahead is going to be difficult, but it won't be impossible. You have two guiding lights beside you.
[ Anyways. ]
What memories?
[ Merlin.exe is rebooting...the funniest thing about this is that he hasn't really thought too hard about his personal death. Or rather, he has, but eh. ]
[ Two guiding lights... she sure does. Although this also invites some other, belated realizations. ]
Just how much do you see over there?
(°ー°〃)
[ Maybe she shouldn't ask. Maybe she should stick to the trauma memories. ]
And, about the memories. I'm sorry for showing you something strange. But yours made me feel a little braver, too. And since I haven't had the chance to tell you... I'm still really, really mad at you. For not running away, or for deciding to fight alone here. I would have gone with you.
[ Merlin is messing around, as if it really is such a questionable thing, because he likes playing around, even with friends for light-hearted fun. Though, if she really wants to know and asks again, he'll answer for real! He doesn't mind. He can tease her about her cute boyfriends~
The rest, he's about to type in a similar, light-hearted manner, until... ah. ]
It wasn't strange. I only wish I could have taken care of that waste of a human man myself. You didn't deserve any of that.
I'm glad my memory made you feel a bit brave, though.
But, as for me, it's fine that things ended up that way. Maybe even
[ His last sentence cuts off there from sending too early, but he doesn't correct it. ]
Not to mention, if you had gone with me, you'd have died as well. They turned off my power, you know, and I was completely helpless before the two of them. But even so, it took a little while longer for me to pass than I thought I would. It was an excruciating amount of pain. The most I could do is only lead you all to my dead body.
...
That isn't a fate I would want to have wished on you.
[ Oh. Hm. She reads that once, twice. Her breath hitches.
It's... probably just as well he didn't answer her question about how much he can see. Because she has no reason to think he knows about it now when she starts to cry again quietly. She'd thought she'd already finished shedding all her tears for him, and yet... ]
That isn't one I wished on you, either! It isn't fine at all! At the very least, I didn't want you to be alone for that!
[ She can't type properly if she doesn't calm down a little. And getting messages from Merlin is important. She has to calm down... no, she's going to continue crying messily as she jabs keys with furious precision. ]
If they have a way to do that, we just have to take it away from them. Whether we use it on them, or we just keep them from ever using it again. We have to do something. I'm not going to forgive them for any of this.
[ Oh no, he made someone cry...that's all his fault, though. For once, Merlin does feel a mild amount of panic because Psyche is on his very short list of actual friends here. What does he do? Maybe play it off with humor? ]
Sorry, sorry. It really isn't like I wanted it to have happen!
But, I was more equipped to handle it than other people, you know? That's what I meant.
[ Does that make it any better? Merlin isn't sure, because he doesn't know how to reassure when it comes to things concerning himself. He died before and no one pitched a fit then! How was he to know that others would actually be upset? Truly, he is booboo the fool; one would think he'd learn by now, but he's still being surprised by the sheer emotion.
Truthfully, something he won't say, is that he doesn't think he's quite deserving of that sentiment. But he won't make Psyche anymore upset. Nope. ]
But you are right that sort of thing isn't good for them to keep using on anyone else here. The sooner you all find a way to disable that kind of technology they're using, the better!
As for that unforgiveness—it's just as well. I don't think either one of them deserves any of it from us.
In the end, I suppose if this helps you keeping on moving forward, this is...well, I won't say fine, but you know what I mean?
[ This thought takes a while longer to get to come out clearly. There's a lot of typing and deleting. ]
Just because you're strong enough to handle things doesn't mean they should fall to you. Don't do painful things just because of that. How do you think it makes the people who care about you feel? I was so happy for you when you said you were excited about the possibilities here. Not being just an observer. It's so frustrating just to watch, isn't it? But I wanted you to use that chance for yourself, too.
[ Oh no. Now she's really crying. She has to put the device down for a minute. ]
[ It takes a bit. She scrubs her eyes a few times and tries to force herself to reread the rest of his message to answer once she's subsided into quiet hiccuping tears. ]
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lecture you... it just feels so unfair. You did your best for us, and this still kept happening. Maybe today I really did understand that some of the people here don't even care as long as they can still get what they want from it.
[ She's not saying Merlin died for people who didn't deserve it. But she's definitely feeling some kind of way. ]
I do know what you mean, though. I'll use whatever it takes to keep moving forward. I still have a little here left to protect. And I really don't want to let you down. You saw in my memory, didn't you? The worse things get, the more it means that I just have to give everything I have.
[ After all! There's less and less to lose. ]
And, thank you. For being upset about Eros on my behalf. You're a good friend, Merlin.
Merlin almost wants to type that he doesn't care about how it makes other people feel. That he just wanted the glory and praise. That he did it just for himself, and that such things don't matter. He's an inhuman creature that feeds on the emotions of others, who just takes what he wants, and damn everyone else.
That the reason he's trying his best on the other side is just for his own sake, just to look good. But, somehow, this time those assertions all feel hollow.
He's made a promise, one he sometimes thinks he's made in the heat of the moment. But examining that closely means he can't take back what he's done or said. ]
Too many people have faith in me.
[ Maybe that's why you all haven't been able to deal with the two administrators properly, is what he wants to say. ]
I've lived for a very long time. So, it isn't even the first time I 'died'. Still, for some reason, a good number of you mourned my loss, as if it meant something. For a while, I didn't understand.
But, from the start, unexpectedly a good number of you treated me with kindness. How could I stand around and do nothing? Even someone like me, who is so far away from humanity, couldn't help but be touched. Still, maybe I might have some regrets, that I was a little careless.
Even so, what is done is done. Even if I'm an observer, I don't have any intentions to remain as simply one throughout all of this again. I'll do what I can to support you, and the rest. Admittedly, I don't really care about Billy, so he doesn't count, but you know.
[ What's that? Merlin still unable to keep from being petty? Still a thing. ]
I know it's also hard, so I really do mean it that I'm glad you're going to keep moving forward. Even if it feels like you're running on fumes. It's at that time when humans shine the brightest, but also that solutions once veiled reveal themselves.
[ ... ]
Of course, what are friends for?
...
Thank you for being my friend, Psyche.
[ He doesn't even ruin it with 'even if I don't deserve it'. She doesn't need to cry again.
Merlin wants to talk about some nonsense for funsies, but he's just going to let it all sink in for a second first. The fact that there was a memorial built for him by Zelkov and Lacus from the very start, that Wei Wuxian said people cared about him, that Wang Lu said he remembered him, and that Psyche stated she was his friend. He's going to let it all sink in.
And then, be grateful no one can see his face right now, because he's going to seriously need a moment. ]
[ She doesn't know if he's calling himself "far from humanity" because of what it means to be an observer, or because he's not human. But it aches a little that he can say that. That he can doubt his loss mattered. ]
You know, back home, I'd be considered a monster. Not really human. This is the first place where I felt... "belonging" isn't quite right. I have friends at home who accept me as well. But where I felt like I didn't have to hide, and I could see a reflection of my humanity in other people who aren't human. Does that make any sense? It meant a lot to me.
I think... whatever we are, we're all just people. You showed us kindness, and I'm glad you received it back. And I'm REALLY glad you know you were careless.💕
[ She's also glad for the salt at Billy. It makes her smile for a moment, even if she doesn't mention it. ]
I'm so happy we were able to meet. And I'm proud to call you a friend.
[ Which is also his license to move to lighter gossip if he wants. She's at least done crying now, even if she's emotional enough to close her eyes and hug her u-pinion close to her chest for a moment, as if the emotion could transmit through the simple type. ]
[ Yeah...that's a sincere thought, that it really didn't mean a thing.
So to be seeing people so adversely affected by his death was so surprising it sent him into a state of shock. That isn't a joke.
Incidentally, he feels a spark of anger run through him at the fact Psyche was called a monster. She's kind, a woman deserving of gentleness afforded by Wei Wuxian and Wang Lu; he is glad that they are there for her, throughout this. He wouldn't have trusted anyone else to take care of her so well. ]
It makes sense.
I learned that too...not to hide who I am. And it's because of those I met, including you.
Obviously, it's still a work in progress, and I have no intentions of just showing my vulnerable side except to those I trust, but it's better than no one at all.
It's better not being alone.
[ Salt at Billy is always a thing he is happy to throw- ]
Speaking of which, though...
I see you've done a really good job for yourself. ♡
Trust me when I say that I can't wait for the stories you and the other two have to tell~ ♡♡
I'm glad. Because I really like who you are, and I think you deserve warmth. I don't think being honest means you have to be vulnerable to the whole world... but, it's a work in progress for me, too.
[ She's still trying hard to understand herself and other people. What's the middle ground between trusting without reservations, accepting that when she's hurt she'll heal up again eventually, and shutting herself away again behind walls so much more insurmountable than the basement? She's been taking so many risks thinking that it's better to live freely... who knows if that was right.
But there's no time to be philosophical when Merlin is being- ]
Merlin! Really, how much did you see?!
[ Did he see Wei Wuxian appreciate Merlin's gift because she swears to the god she selectively believes in......... ]
[ That's right, philosophical debates can return when the dead's voices are projecting all across the other side of the garden.
Or something like that. But, he does agree with those words. The whole world doesn't really need to know... ]
Oh? You wonder how much?
The Mage of Flowers sees everything from his tower in the Garden of Avalon.
You can say that nothing is sacred~
[ Alright, that's not necessarily true, even if he sees a lot but he hasn't messed around lightly with other people enough.
It isn't like he's always snooping on people's private affairs. But if he should have happened to see WWX appreciate his gift, well. That's just a bonus, isn't it? ]
[ Too bad she can't hear his laughter over text. ]
Someone needs to have shame, you're right!
Don't worry, I don't snoop in on people having super, private intimate moments between one another, if that's what you mean.
[ It was extremely funny seeing her react like that, though. ]
But, yep! You're right about that. It's basically where I usually hang out. My forever place, so to speak. I was there before I ended up somehow getting kidnapped here...I'd initially thought someone had summoned me like King Gilgamesh, but that didn't seem to be the case.
[ Glad(???) she brought him this small joy in the afterlife... ]
You really just love to tease...
[ Even she has to let out a soft laugh, though. Fine, she'll drop the useless blanket shield. ]
So... it's like you're home again? [ She has some strong doubts on that, from what she followed of the memory. Giving her U-PINION a little frown. ] You can be summoned, like a spirit? Then, if we all get out of here... would it be alright if I summoned you?
[ Mmmm. She wants to dig more on that, but she'd much rather do it face to face. The little device just feels so remote sometimes... ]
But you're a legendary and unparalleled mage, aren't you, Merlin? Couldn't you teach me how it's done? I don't know if my divinity is the same thing as being able to learn magic. But I could try!
[ His heart's kind of touched that she really wants to summon him so badly? He still doesn't think he's worth the trouble but those are like, deep-seated character issues rather than any than logical. ]
You're right that I could. I've taught many people magic before, and had a lot of students back during my time in Britain.
...First, I would have to start you off with the basics. As you already have divinity, it's a given you can cast magic, so no issues there.
After that, I would need to teach you other fundamentals, before of course, proper summoning rites so you don't get yourself hurt. Even then, it may not necessarily work, especially if this place is related to modern Earth in some way.
Hm, I knew it. You seemed like you'd be a good teacher.
[ An unpredictable, eccentric, likely troublemaking one. But still... a good one. She thinks of the way he'd laughed when he said that humans were beautiful. ]
I've had to learn a lot of things from the very basics. I can be patient! You probably have too many other things to do, but...
Well, I was just thinking that it would be nice to see you again after this. [ And to know that he wasn't still trapped in his Garden, alone. She perks up at the realization of how she could make this more enticing. ] Actually, Wang Lu and Wei Wuxian asked me to go with them. I don't know if Wang Lu's world is like modern Earth, but I know they'd love to see you again, too.
[ She also hasn't really made up her mind yet, but that's neither here nor there. ]
[ Why does that of all the things anyone said to him make feel so foolish? He thinks back to how he felt mentoring Artoria and Vivian tried to kill him for his terrible mistakes. He panics a little. What if he hurts Psyche? Or anyone else he cares about?
What if...getting close to people was a mistake? He doesn't even know what he's doing and people actually like him this much? He needs to stop going into shock over this. ]
I'd like to see them too.
Maybe you won't have to work that hard for me to drop by...if you really want to see me that badly.
[ Suddenly text feels woefully inadequate, but he might have his eyes a little wet and he can be thankful she can't see that. ]
You are. It's a good thing you're so charming, too.
[ Does she actually have Merlin on the back foot with teasing, for once? Maybe it's easier because she really, really means it. She smiles warmly down at the device, curling up a little smaller as she reads. ]
I think you'd be worth the hard work! But, if you want to visit on your own, you know you'd always be welcome.
[ She feels very secure making that promise on both Wang Lu and Wei Wuxian's behalf, too. ]
Then again, that is a hard thing to do! Just so you know.
[ She does. But Merlin is going to try to not make it obvious. Actual, meaningful compliments that are spoken or conveyed so kindly to him always make him embarrassed. ]
Psyche, you're awfully kind to me. I'm not sure if I've done anything to really deserve it, but I'll remember that you said that.
Maybe if I do drop in, it'll be when you guys least expect it~
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And, it's okay, they can both be the only people still angry at Billy, though Merlin was howling with laughter at Wang Lu's threats to smash his balls. Just saiyin'. ]
I don't blame you at all.
I'm just glad to hear you're not throwing in the towel. The road ahead is going to be difficult, but it won't be impossible. You have two guiding lights beside you.
[ Anyways. ]
What memories?
[ Merlin.exe is rebooting...the funniest thing about this is that he hasn't really thought too hard about his personal death. Or rather, he has, but eh. ]
Oh, those.
Yes, it was. Why do you ask?
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Just how much do you see over there?
(°ー°〃)
[ Maybe she shouldn't ask. Maybe she should stick to the trauma memories. ]
And, about the memories. I'm sorry for showing you something strange. But yours made me feel a little braver, too. And since I haven't had the chance to tell you... I'm still really, really mad at you. For not running away, or for deciding to fight alone here. I would have gone with you.
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How's that sound?
[ Merlin is messing around, as if it really is such a questionable thing, because he likes playing around, even with friends for light-hearted fun. Though, if she really wants to know and asks again, he'll answer for real! He doesn't mind. He can tease her about her cute boyfriends~
The rest, he's about to type in a similar, light-hearted manner, until... ah. ]
It wasn't strange. I only wish I could have taken care of that waste of a human man myself. You didn't deserve any of that.
I'm glad my memory made you feel a bit brave, though.
But, as for me, it's fine that things ended up that way. Maybe even
[ His last sentence cuts off there from sending too early, but he doesn't correct it. ]
Not to mention, if you had gone with me, you'd have died as well. They turned off my power, you know, and I was completely helpless before the two of them. But even so, it took a little while longer for me to pass than I thought I would. It was an excruciating amount of pain. The most I could do is only lead you all to my dead body.
...
That isn't a fate I would want to have wished on you.
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It's... probably just as well he didn't answer her question about how much he can see. Because she has no reason to think he knows about it now when she starts to cry again quietly. She'd thought she'd already finished shedding all her tears for him, and yet... ]
That isn't one I wished on you, either! It isn't fine at all! At the very least, I didn't want you to be alone for that!
[ She can't type properly if she doesn't calm down a little. And getting messages from Merlin is important. She has to calm down... no, she's going to continue crying messily as she jabs keys with furious precision. ]
If they have a way to do that, we just have to take it away from them. Whether we use it on them, or we just keep them from ever using it again. We have to do something. I'm not going to forgive them for any of this.
no subject
Sorry, sorry. It really isn't like I wanted it to have happen!
But, I was more equipped to handle it than other people, you know? That's what I meant.
[ Does that make it any better? Merlin isn't sure, because he doesn't know how to reassure when it comes to things concerning himself. He died before and no one pitched a fit then! How was he to know that others would actually be upset? Truly, he is booboo the fool; one would think he'd learn by now, but he's still being surprised by the sheer emotion.
Truthfully, something he won't say, is that he doesn't think he's quite deserving of that sentiment. But he won't make Psyche anymore upset. Nope. ]
But you are right that sort of thing isn't good for them to keep using on anyone else here. The sooner you all find a way to disable that kind of technology they're using, the better!
As for that unforgiveness—it's just as well. I don't think either one of them deserves any of it from us.
In the end, I suppose if this helps you keeping on moving forward, this is...well, I won't say fine, but you know what I mean?
1/2
Just because you're strong enough to handle things doesn't mean they should fall to you. Don't do painful things just because of that. How do you think it makes the people who care about you feel? I was so happy for you when you said you were excited about the possibilities here. Not being just an observer. It's so frustrating just to watch, isn't it? But I wanted you to use that chance for yourself, too.
[ Oh no. Now she's really crying. She has to put the device down for a minute. ]
2/2
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lecture you... it just feels so unfair. You did your best for us, and this still kept happening. Maybe today I really did understand that some of the people here don't even care as long as they can still get what they want from it.
[ She's not saying Merlin died for people who didn't deserve it. But she's definitely feeling some kind of way. ]
I do know what you mean, though. I'll use whatever it takes to keep moving forward. I still have a little here left to protect. And I really don't want to let you down. You saw in my memory, didn't you? The worse things get, the more it means that I just have to give everything I have.
[ After all! There's less and less to lose. ]
And, thank you. For being upset about Eros on my behalf. You're a good friend, Merlin.
no subject
Merlin almost wants to type that he doesn't care about how it makes other people feel. That he just wanted the glory and praise. That he did it just for himself, and that such things don't matter. He's an inhuman creature that feeds on the emotions of others, who just takes what he wants, and damn everyone else.
That the reason he's trying his best on the other side is just for his own sake, just to look good. But, somehow, this time those assertions all feel hollow.
He's made a promise, one he sometimes thinks he's made in the heat of the moment. But examining that closely means he can't take back what he's done or said. ]
Too many people have faith in me.
[ Maybe that's why you all haven't been able to deal with the two administrators properly, is what he wants to say. ]
I've lived for a very long time. So, it isn't even the first time I 'died'. Still, for some reason, a good number of you mourned my loss, as if it meant something. For a while, I didn't understand.
But, from the start, unexpectedly a good number of you treated me with kindness. How could I stand around and do nothing? Even someone like me, who is so far away from humanity, couldn't help but be touched. Still, maybe I might have some regrets, that I was a little careless.
Even so, what is done is done. Even if I'm an observer, I don't have any intentions to remain as simply one throughout all of this again. I'll do what I can to support you, and the rest. Admittedly, I don't really care about Billy, so he doesn't count, but you know.
[ What's that? Merlin still unable to keep from being petty? Still a thing. ]
I know it's also hard, so I really do mean it that I'm glad you're going to keep moving forward. Even if it feels like you're running on fumes. It's at that time when humans shine the brightest, but also that solutions once veiled reveal themselves.
[ ... ]
Of course, what are friends for?
...
Thank you for being my friend, Psyche.
[ He doesn't even ruin it with 'even if I don't deserve it'. She doesn't need to cry again.
Merlin wants to talk about some nonsense for funsies, but he's just going to let it all sink in for a second first. The fact that there was a memorial built for him by Zelkov and Lacus from the very start, that Wei Wuxian said people cared about him, that Wang Lu said he remembered him, and that Psyche stated she was his friend. He's going to let it all sink in.
And then, be grateful no one can see his face right now, because he's going to seriously need a moment. ]
no subject
You know, back home, I'd be considered a monster. Not really human. This is the first place where I felt... "belonging" isn't quite right. I have friends at home who accept me as well. But where I felt like I didn't have to hide, and I could see a reflection of my humanity in other people who aren't human. Does that make any sense? It meant a lot to me.
I think... whatever we are, we're all just people. You showed us kindness, and I'm glad you received it back. And I'm REALLY glad you know you were careless.💕
[ She's also glad for the salt at Billy. It makes her smile for a moment, even if she doesn't mention it. ]
I'm so happy we were able to meet. And I'm proud to call you a friend.
[ Which is also his license to move to lighter gossip if he wants. She's at least done crying now, even if she's emotional enough to close her eyes and hug her u-pinion close to her chest for a moment, as if the emotion could transmit through the simple type. ]
no subject
So to be seeing people so adversely affected by his death was so surprising it sent him into a state of shock. That isn't a joke.
Incidentally, he feels a spark of anger run through him at the fact Psyche was called a monster. She's kind, a woman deserving of gentleness afforded by Wei Wuxian and Wang Lu; he is glad that they are there for her, throughout this. He wouldn't have trusted anyone else to take care of her so well. ]
It makes sense.
I learned that too...not to hide who I am. And it's because of those I met, including you.
Obviously, it's still a work in progress, and I have no intentions of just showing my vulnerable side except to those I trust, but it's better than no one at all.
It's better not being alone.
[ Salt at Billy is always a thing he is happy to throw- ]
Speaking of which, though...
I see you've done a really good job for yourself. ♡
Trust me when I say that I can't wait for the stories you and the other two have to tell~ ♡♡
[ Fufu ]
no subject
[ She's still trying hard to understand herself and other people. What's the middle ground between trusting without reservations, accepting that when she's hurt she'll heal up again eventually, and shutting herself away again behind walls so much more insurmountable than the basement? She's been taking so many risks thinking that it's better to live freely... who knows if that was right.
But there's no time to be philosophical when Merlin is being- ]
Merlin! Really, how much did you see?!
[ Did he see Wei Wuxian appreciate Merlin's gift because she swears to the god she selectively believes in......... ]
no subject
Or something like that. But, he does agree with those words. The whole world doesn't really need to know... ]
Oh? You wonder how much?
The Mage of Flowers sees everything from his tower in the Garden of Avalon.
You can say that nothing is sacred~
[ Alright, that's not necessarily true, even if he sees a lot but he hasn't messed around lightly with other people enough.
It isn't like he's always snooping on people's private affairs. But if he should have happened to see WWX appreciate his gift, well. That's just a bonus, isn't it? ]
no subject
Some things ARE sacred! You'd better not have peeked, Merlin! Just because they don't have any shame doesn't mean I don't!!!! ヽ(`д´;)/
[ Why won't anyone cherish her Ye Olde Fantasy sensibilities! She puffs her cheeks in indignation before she resumes typing. ]
It's not fair when we can't see all of you from here... Isn't Avalon where you were in that memory?
no subject
Someone needs to have shame, you're right!
Don't worry, I don't snoop in on people having super, private intimate moments between one another, if that's what you mean.
[ It was extremely funny seeing her react like that, though. ]
But, yep! You're right about that. It's basically where I usually hang out. My forever place, so to speak. I was there before I ended up somehow getting kidnapped here...I'd initially thought someone had summoned me like King Gilgamesh, but that didn't seem to be the case.
no subject
You really just love to tease...
[ Even she has to let out a soft laugh, though. Fine, she'll drop the useless blanket shield. ]
So... it's like you're home again? [ She has some strong doubts on that, from what she followed of the memory. Giving her U-PINION a little frown. ] You can be summoned, like a spirit? Then, if we all get out of here... would it be alright if I summoned you?
no subject
[ That's right, Psyche. Give into the fact Merlin puts the m in gremlin!! ]
It something like my home, yeah.
[ Kind of...not really. But also, yes? It's complicated, so this is what he settles with, hahaha. ]
I mean, you can try. But, generally it'd take a rather powerful summoner to manage something like that. Not that I'm saying you're not powerful!
Just, do you know how it'd work?
no subject
But you're a legendary and unparalleled mage, aren't you, Merlin? Couldn't you teach me how it's done? I don't know if my divinity is the same thing as being able to learn magic. But I could try!
no subject
You're right that I could. I've taught many people magic before, and had a lot of students back during my time in Britain.
...First, I would have to start you off with the basics. As you already have divinity, it's a given you can cast magic, so no issues there.
After that, I would need to teach you other fundamentals, before of course, proper summoning rites so you don't get yourself hurt. Even then, it may not necessarily work, especially if this place is related to modern Earth in some way.
no subject
[ An unpredictable, eccentric, likely troublemaking one. But still... a good one. She thinks of the way he'd laughed when he said that humans were beautiful. ]
I've had to learn a lot of things from the very basics. I can be patient! You probably have too many other things to do, but...
Well, I was just thinking that it would be nice to see you again after this. [ And to know that he wasn't still trapped in his Garden, alone. She perks up at the realization of how she could make this more enticing. ] Actually, Wang Lu and Wei Wuxian asked me to go with them. I don't know if Wang Lu's world is like modern Earth, but I know they'd love to see you again, too.
[ She also hasn't really made up her mind yet, but that's neither here nor there. ]
no subject
'You seemed like you'd be a good teacher.' ]
I am skilled enough to make so many jealous.
[ Why does that of all the things anyone said to him make feel so foolish? He thinks back to how he felt mentoring Artoria and Vivian tried to kill him for his terrible mistakes. He panics a little. What if he hurts Psyche? Or anyone else he cares about?
What if...getting close to people was a mistake? He doesn't even know what he's doing and people actually like him this much? He needs to stop going into shock over this. ]
I'd like to see them too.
Maybe you won't have to work that hard for me to drop by...if you really want to see me that badly.
[ Suddenly text feels woefully inadequate, but he might have his eyes a little wet and he can be thankful she can't see that. ]
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[ Does she actually have Merlin on the back foot with teasing, for once? Maybe it's easier because she really, really means it. She smiles warmly down at the device, curling up a little smaller as she reads. ]
I think you'd be worth the hard work! But, if you want to visit on your own, you know you'd always be welcome.
[ She feels very secure making that promise on both Wang Lu and Wei Wuxian's behalf, too. ]
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Then again, that is a hard thing to do! Just so you know.
[ She does. But Merlin is going to try to not make it obvious. Actual, meaningful compliments that are spoken or conveyed so kindly to him always make him embarrassed. ]
Psyche, you're awfully kind to me. I'm not sure if I've done anything to really deserve it, but I'll remember that you said that.
Maybe if I do drop in, it'll be when you guys least expect it~