(Closed) Things may never be the same..but some things will never change

[colorfulbrilliance]

Who: Meiling Hong colorfulbrilliance & Patchouli Knowledge sunshade
When: 2/1
Where: Patchouli's place
What: An overdue talk
Rating/Warning: None at the moment. Mentions of other places maybe?

---

After everything that had been going on, Meiling had withdrawn and kept everyone at arms length if not further. There were times people did see her out and about but any attempts to socialize she tried to get away from quickly. Everything just set her on edge once more.

Although after she got invited over to Patchouli's, there was a slight worry that she shouldn't go. But..Patchouli was family..and even if she wanted to keep her safe by staying away..she wanted to make sure the wizard was okay anyways. So the invitation was accepted and here she was, knocking on the door instead of wandering in the garden area once again. She's looking around aimlessly, trying to hide any notable feelings into a somewhat happy mask. Better not to let anyone know..

Comments

[sunshade]

No, it shouldn't have. I'll admit I'm still dealing with the after-effects.

[ tapping the cauldron with her finger and the solution inside turns a different color ]

But there are a few here who can understand, having come from that park with me.

[colorfulbrilliance]

Mind games and brainwashing...are difficult to throw off. Even long after the fact.

[Thanks Jason. But if anything, she lets go off her pants, if only to pull out a green handled knife if only to fidget with it for now.]

There is understanding and less judgement on what had happened there I would assume. One thing about having friends along with you.

[YES SHE KNOWS WHAT SHE IS IMPLYING]

[sunshade]

There isn't anyone from that tower, here? [ ouch, sorry meiling ]

[colorfulbrilliance]

[A slight shake of her head.]

Not that I know of. I would rather wish them to be ones who went home after it all ended to be honest.

[Positive thinking...!]

[sunshade]

A selfless way of thinking. But, you should care for yourself, you know? [ ... ] How have you been feeling lately?

[colorfulbrilliance]

With everything that went on? I wish them the best.

[More hesitation and fidgeting with the knife.]

I guess, Busy. I've been trying to focus on work just to keep me busy.

[Avoiding her real feelings on this? Never.]

[sunshade]

...you can be honest with me, Meiling. [ hahaha yeah that didn't answer her question meiling ]

[colorfulbrilliance]

But... I am...mostly.

[Ahahahahaha...If she was being honest with herself this would be easier.]

[sunshade]

Mostly. [ stirring ] Well, I won't push it if you're that insistent. But I'd like for you to keep it in mind.

[colorfulbrilliance]

It's not just that..It's complicated. Something...

[A pause.]

I'd rather not think about it because I know those feelings don't help. But..I'll try.

[Not really ready to confront how broken she is to be honest.]

[sunshade]

[ Patchy looks like she wants to protest, but leaves it at that. ]

If you say so. [ ... ] But, to the topic at hand, there is something I'd like to ask.

[colorfulbrilliance]

[Meiling relaxes for the moment. Bullet dodged...for now. There is a quick nod, the subject change is welcome at this point.]

Oh? Ask away...I'll try and answer.

[sunshade]

[ there's a moment of hesitation, like she doesn't want to be caught dead asking this, but she tells herself it's Meiling. Not as if she's asking, like, Aya or Reimu for something. ]

...how would you feel about rooming here? With me.

[colorfulbrilliance]

[Given the fact Meiling is just sitting there with a fairly confused look probably tells all. After a moment, she blinks, breaking her silence.]

...Why? I mean..it's not something I would be against doing but...

[sunshade]

[ almost immediately starting to huff. amazing. ]

Well, what reason do I need? [ crossing her arms ] You're--family, aren't you?

[colorfulbrilliance]

[Activate flailing mode!]

It's not that! I mean...

[Okay, time to at least let something out of the bag.]

Even if that family could become dangerous at any given moment?

[sunshade]

[ --wait what

That manages to halt all of Patchouli's thoughts for the moment. She whirls around to face Meiling properly, her arms dropping to her sides. ]

...I beg pardon?

[colorfulbrilliance]

I don't want to hurt you or anyone else if that side comes out again. I can't say that feral mind will remember.

[Yeah, She's slightly forgotten that won't happen or what snapped her out of it but still.]

[sunshade]

Feral mind....?

[ what the fuck where did that even come from? She looks so confused. ]

What are you talking about?

[colorfulbrilliance]

I...I told you I wasn't the same anymore right? The tower...did a lot of things but also brought out a more..feral mindset when things get really bad.

I've done it twice but..I don't want it to decide to hurt anyone I care about.

[sunshade]

...Meiling, you have more control over yourself than you might think. [ softly.

At last, she sits down at the kitchen table, folding her hands in her lap. ]

I won't pretend to understand what it is that you went through, but this isn't--this "tower" anymore. [ haha. just like this isn't the park anymore, right? They're definitely in Tellus. ]

[colorfulbrilliance]

[It takes a moment but Meiling finally looks up and sets the knife in her lap.]

...If...If you are sure about that.

[Just the fact she has no confidence in herself, unless she's working which means she's fighting, is signs she's been trying to hide.]

I know I'm not...It's not even the same as it was before I left it but...There is a part of me that is screaming that I'm just being tricked again.

[sunshade]

[ Patchouli frowns. ]

...you're not. We're not, at least, in the same places we were. [ ... ] It's embarrassing, having to rely on Oz like that, but the park didn't make him rejudge his perception of reality like it did with me, so--this is real. Sometimes, I have to tell it to myself over and over, but I'm not in that park anymore. And you're not in that tower.

I am sure.

[colorfulbrilliance]

[That actually surprises Meiling and it shows.]

Patchouli...

[She's quiet for a moment, nodding slowly. Things were different here. Other then the really strange things that were happening, nothing was too out of place. Until hello event ahahaha.]

If you are sure, then I can believe it. even if you can't trust the people in charge, you should always trust your family right?

[And there is a true smile. it's still hesitant but it's real.]