The United "Pathetic Masochist" Kingdom (
unionjackoff) wrote in
estoria2015-09-15 12:37 pm
Entry tags:
[closed] RealiTea Check
Who: England
unionjackoff, Chibi
manolia and Grell
redcinemareel
When: IC March 7/OOC Sept 15
Where: Grell's lovely apartment
What: England arranged for Chibi and Grell to meet so that they can discuss what is hidden on the pilfered hard drive. He also wants to discuss the raid.
Rating/Warning:Grell's a troll possibly mentions of character death and m/m crushes
[there was absolutely no reason to be nervous. they were getting together for tea. they were most likely going to discuss CERES and what had been going on in the colony. it would be a very civil conversation between three intelligent beings (all of which were not human, strangely, now that England thought about it). that was all, nothing out of the ordinary.
so then, why couldn't England get his hands to stop shaking while he prepared the tea? he was a fairly strong, old nation, so the idea of him being anxious doesn't sit well with him. butterflies in the stomach, for no reason at all, he tells himself with a scoff. but, then again, England had difficulty being honest with himself, or with anyone. his boasting was usually a farce, something to cover up the lack of confidence that threatened him inside.
he glances up at the clock. just about noon. then England takes a deep breath. at least that gets his hands to calm themselves. the water is heating, the snacks are laid out, the apartment is impeccable. he has his notebook on the table, so that he can write down important points of discussion. yes, everything seems to be in place. now all that's left is to wait for the guest of honor. if only England could get his insides to stop twisting...]
When: IC March 7/OOC Sept 15
Where: Grell's lovely apartment
What: England arranged for Chibi and Grell to meet so that they can discuss what is hidden on the pilfered hard drive. He also wants to discuss the raid.
Rating/Warning:
[there was absolutely no reason to be nervous. they were getting together for tea. they were most likely going to discuss CERES and what had been going on in the colony. it would be a very civil conversation between three intelligent beings (all of which were not human, strangely, now that England thought about it). that was all, nothing out of the ordinary.
so then, why couldn't England get his hands to stop shaking while he prepared the tea? he was a fairly strong, old nation, so the idea of him being anxious doesn't sit well with him. butterflies in the stomach, for no reason at all, he tells himself with a scoff. but, then again, England had difficulty being honest with himself, or with anyone. his boasting was usually a farce, something to cover up the lack of confidence that threatened him inside.
he glances up at the clock. just about noon. then England takes a deep breath. at least that gets his hands to calm themselves. the water is heating, the snacks are laid out, the apartment is impeccable. he has his notebook on the table, so that he can write down important points of discussion. yes, everything seems to be in place. now all that's left is to wait for the guest of honor. if only England could get his insides to stop twisting...]

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[Freshly showered, clean-shaven for the first time in what feels like days, Chibi has tried his best to look like he hasn't just rolled out of bed. First impressions are important, or something like that. He makes his way to the other apartment building with relative ease, spends about ten minutes trying valiantly (and failing) to figure out the apartment numbering system, realizes Grell's in the other wing, trucks over there, and knocks on the doorframe.]
[He'll probably be shifting from foot to foot, a small smile over his features, when someone answers the door.]
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From time to time, Grell watched England prepare everything in her stead, noting how quiet he had been. Perhaps her teasing had gotten to him after all. Poor thing. But she didn't regret it. Sometimes a citizen had to be involved with the affairs of their country. In this case, it was even more true. She was eager to get into that piece of information from that raid.
Her head lifted up at the knock on the doorframe befroe she stood up, smoothing out her red dress (minus that silly black belt). A reassuring smile to England was given before she opened the door, or more like pressed a code to slide it open automatically. She definitely noted the flower in his hair first before anything else. Her eyes didn't linger long on it, but she was still smiling to him.]
You must be Chibi! Do come in~! [She steps to the side to allow him to enter.] The tea should be ready soon, so please make yourself comfortable.
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[He's not surprised, only maybe a tiny bit disappointed, when Grell (and not England) answers the door. The woman standing there looks distinguished, he must admit: glasses upon her nose, standing tall and respectable. (Quite attractive, his mind adds. Though, England living with this woman?? A little coil of totally-not-jealousy totally-not-nervousness sets itself in his gut.) But she smiles, and he does in turn, adjusting his hat with a free hand. The flower - a bright purple - shifts and comes to rest against his temple.]
[If he's nervous, it doesn't show.]
And you must be Grell, yes? I've heard much praise; it's a pleasure to meet a lovely lady such as yourself. [He steps back once to bow, then over the threshold, toeing out of his shoes once he's past.] Now, if I may.
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The tea is ready. [he answers from the kitchen in a voice that is a stark contrast to either of theirs. he's not sing-songy, or flowery. he's just stating a fact.
still, when England brings the tea out, he looks calmer than his mood would suggest. no longer are his hands shaking, and his eyes show that he is eager to begin. one of his favorite pastimes here is badmouthing CERES, and England is pretty sure there will be a lot of that going on.
of course, there are other reasons England is excited, ones that don't have anything to do with CERES, but he'll think about those later]
/actually enjoying milk tea while typing this... |D
Darling, you may keep them on. Please. [Not trying to say his feet smell, but it would be awkward for anyone who didn't live here (save England) to have their shoes off.] Would you like for me to take your hat?
[Hearing England behind her, Grell turns her head, seeing England more confident than before she opened the door. Is that his diplomat face? Impressive that he can pull it out so easily. Once Chibi is inside, she'll close the door.]
I expected nothing more than swift work from you~! Do you need help with anything, or are we all set?
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[Nevertheless, he steps back into his shoes and grins apologetically.] Sorry; force of habit. Some people get testy about visitors keeping shoes on in the house.
[Not that he ever visits people. Not that Eliatropes ever wear shoes that don't boil down to 'strips of fabric tied loosely onto the foot.' With the hat, he touches a hand to the top of his head, as though physically preventing Grell from taking it.]
I'll keep the hat as well - call it an artifact of my homeworld. Thank you, though. [You're asking him the equivalent of 'would you like me to take your pants for you,' see.]
[He sees England, though, and immediately relaxes; something familiar, in this massive apartment! He offers a gentle smile and a wave, then turns to the both of them, pulling a thumb drive from... His hat.] Really, thank the both of you, for having me.
i want milk tea
Thank you for coming. I realize that the subject of our meeting is not a pleasant one. But it means a lot to me that you're here. [wait. was that too honest? it was too honest! England quickly adds] To discuss, I mean! It means a lot that you're here to have this discussion with us!
[...you idiot]
SORRY FOR THE DELAY! I was away!
Anything involving Ceres is hardly pleasant. [She takes out her device and touches a few places on her screen.] You won't be able to use your device here, as I've scrambled the frequency. If you wish to use it, let me know, hmm?
it's ok!!!
Pleasant it isn't, but it's the lot we were dealt. The least we can do is make what we can of the situation. ['Making what they can' having been... Breaking into the research tower, apparently. A great time was had by all, and all of that. But he certainly sounds optimistic, at least, as he settles himself onto one side of the couch by the tea table.]
Here's the file I managed to recover - I'll warn you, it's not exceptionally interesting, unless you want to go outside the colony walls. [He hands Grell the thumb drive.] But I did speak to others, who found much more interesting things. Well, worrying, interesting - all the same.
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England clears his throat and sits down on the other end of the couch to begin pouring the tea]
So you already found out what's in the file? [who knows, maybe someday they would have to go outside the colony. some of the outside had already made it inside to them]
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Grell takes the flash drive, yet before she inserts it into her computer, she junctions Quetzalcoatl via the wrist device she constantly wears. There is a light tingle that goes through her body, letting her know it's functioning. No need to have a repeat of what happened during the raid.
She then inserts the drive into her computer, running a few programs to be able to read the operation system.]
I wouldn't mind a little trip outside. [She replies, keeping her eyes on the screen.]
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[When Grell gets the file open, it'll be this little bestiary. But for now, Chibi fidgets with the edge of his sleeve, eyes flickering all over the room and taking it in. It's a nice place, but he's not amazing at small-talk.]
It would be nice, wouldn't it? You start to feel trapped after awhile - need to stretch your legs, make some discoveries. [Need to move, like rivers flow, like wakfu flows. It's too still in this colony, like all the energy within's been trapped.]
[Ha.]
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the last thing England wants is for his guest to feel uncomfortable, so he'll try to keep the conversation going. he cannot see the computer screen without getting up from his seat, but he opts to stay next to Chibi for now]
What's on it?
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During the short downtime of the information loading, Grell takes up some tea and gives it a sip. No sugar, no milk. Just the tea as it was. It's as wonderful as she expected. One of the wonderful perks of having her country making the hot beverage. The bestiary that pops up is quite the interesting read. Especially the last entry.]
A warning, apparently, of what's beyond the protection of this area should we get bored. [She reads a few of the entries with a rather bored tone, skipping over some of the more colorful descriptions.]
Whatever this Serum 55 is, it must be something they're developing to control those monsters. [She sets down her tea and looks to them both.] Yet why try to subdue them instead of just exterminating them?
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[He takes one of the cups of tea and lifts it to his lips - he doesn't know if it's uncouth to put sugar in it, so he doesn't - to take a sip. It's warm, and comforting, and reminds him of winters long past; he takes another drink (and nearly burns his tongue in the process) before setting the cup down. A little smile towards England; he'll thank him properly later.]
[But he might sound a little bitter when he says:] Perhaps because that's what these people do: they try to be the masters of nature, rather than to coexist with it. Why just kill, when you can use?
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England did not voice it, but he feared death. he'd been alive for so long, was practically invincible. but he'd witnessed other countries fade into nothingness, saw what happened when they started becoming mortal. Prussia was trying to hide it, but England could tell something was off about him. he didn't feel like a country anymore, couldn't travel as quickly. and wasn't there something going on regarding his healing capabilities?
...England quickly shakes his head, to bring himself back to reality, back to now. he had been spacing out]
America died while he was here. But he was brought back a few days later. That happened... very early on, nearer to the time when I first arrived. I remember how stunned we all were, and he was trying to act like it hadn't been a big deal. [he looks down into his reflection in the tea] It makes me wonder, since they can bring us back so easily, if we really are just code, and not flesh and blood.
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England's thoughts about the scientists using that serum on test subjects before moving onto them are her exact thoughts.]
If they're experimenting on those creatures, then it's only a matter of time before they try to capture us. I'd give them Hell before they realize their grave mistake of trying to capture me.
[She crosses her arms, feeling on edge about this entire situation. Up until now, she had been playing it pretty cool, but amongst others who felt the same, and even more so after her painful death, she's ready to put some of her own plans into motion.]
What they're doing, by playing around with the rules of DEATH, is nothing new at all. Either they're doing it intentionally, or unintentionally. They seem to be unable to revive us in the same place each time so something tells me that they're not in full control of their own technology. They'll never be the masters of anything at this rate.
[Which isn't surprising to her. With a sigh, she takes up her tea again. She's gonna need something extra in this tea soon.]
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[There's a mean streak in Chibi's smile; it looks out of place on his usually-calm face. He knows, by now, that CERES knows everything he's saying; he suspects they know everything he's thinking. There's nothing to hide - not his bitterness, nor his plotting.]
[He's hesitant about sharing the next part... But information is meant to be free, ultimately. With a sigh and another sip of his tea, he continues.]
My colleagues found something different - a holding room for energy. Life energy, I suspect. They were able to agitate it until it exploded, but I wonder what they were sapping that energy from, and for what they plan to use it.
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but then, England is also curious about Grell's circumstances, and about how she died. but it'd be rude to ask such a thing, wouldn't it? graaaah]
What happened to you? [his head turns in Grell's direction. they could come back to Chibi's colleagues' findings, too, but England feels it is important to know how Grell met her end, as well]
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What happened to her? Grell sets down her cup and faces them with a much more subdued smile on her face, hands folded upon her lap. She had hoped to not divulge too much of her plight with others just yet, yet better sooner than later.]
You must be aware that we all have some sort of...device implanted within our skulls, yes?
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So that's what he meant. [A pause, before he realizes he should probably explain.] That water spirit - Maris was his name - told me that we are "CERES' eyes and ears." It must be via whatever implant you're discussing.
But go on.
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then his hand goes to his head. they must be joking... no, they don't sound like they're joking. in fact, the both of them look dead serious.
oh, God. there are implants in their skulls! he feels he might be sick. all the things he's thought, all the things he's done, right out there on display for CERES...]
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[She looks to England, who seemed a little paler than usual.]
Is everyone unaware of this? [Perhaps any newcomers should be alerted soon.]
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[But when he looks over at England, he sees pale and wide-eyed fear, and his first instinct is to inch closer and plant a comforting hand on his shoulder. The muscles there are tense under his fingertips, and his brow knits with concern.] You alright, there?
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he doesn't flinch when Chibi touches him, but he doesn't fully relax yet, either. wherever CERES was right now, were they still monitoring the colony? this conversation?]
I... Yes... No... I don't know. [but he leans into Chibi a bit at that, before turning his attention to Grell again] I must not be socializing in the same circles as you, because I didn't know about this common knowledge. [England wonders what else he's been missing? maybe he should pay more attention to the CereVices, or the newspaper]
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Her country looks rightfully frazzled, and she's glad that Chibi is there to be comforting. She'd do the same, but she'd better try and find anymore information from the thumb drive. There has to be more than just a bestiary.]
Then it means that is actually isn't common knowledge. It may have been something similar said...about how our bodies weren't clean... [SIGHS] I'll alert everyone as soon as possible. But we'll need to calm down and think clearly.
[She'll stand to go over and refresh their cups of tea. Obviously, they need some.]
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[More tea, at least, is a blessing. He considers asking if they have anything stronger, but he doesn't - just lets England lean closer and rubs his shoulder with a gentle but unyielding touch. Poor guy probably needs it, frankly. It's not an easy subject, not in the slightest, but all he can do is remain calm: to allow the tides of Her great ocean to take him wherever they may lead.]
[He's been doing a lot of praying, lately.]
But yes - perhaps if more people are made aware, someone will figure out how to remove the damned thing without causing irreparable damage.
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he slumps in his seat, feeling utterly miserable now. he wanted to contribute, he really did. England hated being in this place, where he had no power. back at home, England knew about everything that was going on in his lands. in Cerealia, he was just another cog in the wheel. it was so depressing]
You never said how you found out about the implants.
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[The teapot is set back down after filling her own cup last and goes back to her seat.]
That one was mine. [She keeps a rather relaxed face about it, looking to them to gauge their reactions. She still doesn't know what happened after the mission, which she'll need to inquire about soon. The biggest problem is finding out who survived.]
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[With a careful sip of tea, Chibi keeps a serene look, somehow - probably from years of practice keeping a serene look when he's freaked out.] What were you doing, more specifically, at the time? I'm curious to know what exactly triggered it.
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[She lifts her arm to show them her junction bracer, the one she was fiddling with earlier before she started digging through the thumb drive.]
Now, I make sure that it doesn't occur again. So unless you plan to be nosy and dig around where they don't wish you to be, you should be safe.
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[But he gives a laugh and says, with a wicked look in his eye:] But being nosy is half the fun, isn't it? It's the only way we'll get anywhere, at least.
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...I'm sorry... what's a bracer? [that thing on Grell's arm, obviously. but... he has no idea what it does. technical things!]
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[Grell folds her arms at Chibi's remark, smirking.] Then I look forward to seeing you out there~! It would be boring to go explore alone.
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This other world... Not your homeworld, then? [He meets Grell's smirk with one of his own.] Then I should assume you're used to rooting around in other people's business. All the better, then.
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the next exchange causes him to sputter again, though without choking on the tea this time. England likes Grell and Chibi very much, both for different reasons, and the thought of them getting hurt again, or worse...] C-come on, now. There's no need to speak so recklessly!
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We have to be reckless to get anything of worth from our situation.
[With death being so...worthless, Grell doesn't feel the need to hold back much. Perhaps this is why the rules of life and death need to be kept. She takes a sip, feeling rather relaxed, yet having the sensation that things are just truly starting to get interesting.]
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Not reckless, merely restless. We turned out fine, did we not? [Granted, there is no guarantee that'll happen again. But it's not as though Chibi's a stranger to death; he chose it, after all.] Movement is life's one true nature; if we don't take risks, we'll only become more and more frustrated.
[A little smile towards England:] But I'll keep your concerns in mind, as well.
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I wouldn't say being killed by a monster was anything that turned out fine. [and let's not even mention Grell's death] But, whatever. If the both of you want to rush ahead without looking, then be my guests. I don't care.
[tsun harder England]
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[She sets down her cup before standing to walk over to the other side of England and taking a seat. Grell loops her arms around one of his and rests her chin on his shoulder.]
It isn't that we're seeking out DEATH, but that if we must face it, we won't be afraid. I don't plan to recklessly risk my life. My husband wouldn't approve of me doing so. [And he's as protective as England could be. If not more.]
Don't pout hmm~?
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[Chibi has to admit, his shoulders draw involuntarily closer to his ears when Grell touches England so familiarly - like a lover, or something even closer. He knows, logically, that he's nothing to be jealous of; England does not belong to him. It's all the more frustrating, that he can't help feeling a roiling sensation in the pit of his gut, like--]
[And she mentions a husband, and oh. Okay. So it's just... So she's just friendly. He wants to drag a hand down his face in quiet relief; instead, he wills those shoulders to relax and places that hand on England's arm.]
There is nothing I do - nothing I have ever done - without preparation and thought to it. I know my words mean little, but you've my promise that I won't stick my neck out without looking ahead.
[He squeezes England's arm, as if to say 'but it means a lot that you're even concerned.' The tsunning is confusing, but not too awful; he's used to it from Grougal.] Alright?
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he doesn't respond right away, thinking. he wants to tell Grell he's not pouting, but he totally is. with a huff, he finally turns up his nose, but he's not pulling away] Fine. [he'll be watching them, though, like a hawk. gotta make sure they're not doing anything stupid!]