✖ IC CONTACT #1

[silverking]

Well?

You're here because you have something to say, so... out with it.

Comments

[priscilla]

Oh, I...

Well. I don't really need a lot of things. Why would where I live need to say anything about me? I don't really have-- well I have a lot of money but I'd rather use it on something useful. Like... funding the Patrol. I do kind of. Pay everyone out of... well! The point is, there are better things to spend money on.

And I don't want to say there isn't much to me other than duty, but... that's probably most of me.

[...]

The chicken isn't so bad. It's cute.

[silverking]

Your home is little better than a prison cell.

Of course, you were raised primarily by the Organization, so I don't expect you to understand quality living...

[ He sighs. ]

Sometimes, Priscilla, you seem quite dispirited. I am not asking for you to switch from living lifelessly, to living luxuriously, but perhaps... a little something here or there, as a treat to yourself to boost your moral, may be in order? Anything that can add color to your day.

For example... when you and I shared a home, you were always surrounded by beautiful things.

[priscilla]

Hm? Well, I've never been very luxurious - even when I was a little girl.

...anyway. I guess I have been a little down lately. Or, for a few months. But it's really more everything that keeps... happening. And it's just a few rooms. It's... someplace to sleep and work, really.

[...]

I can see that, though. About your home.

[silverking]

I'll bring you something, then.

[priscilla]

You really don't need to.

[She goes quiet for a moment, fiddling with her sleeve.]

I-- um.

Hm.

[silverking]

I would like to, however. If it wouldn't trouble you too much to accept it?

[priscilla]

No, I... I guess it wouldn't.

[And now lip biting.]

Um!

...about Yuukai. The chicken.

[silverking]

What about it...?

[priscilla]

Do you want me to put it away?

[Hm.]

I'm not getting rid of it. But I could put it in a drawer?

[silverking]

You could... but I won't ask you to, Priscilla.

[priscilla]

You're not asking. I'm offering. Because...

...well. Because.

[silverking]

Would you wind up resenting me, even just a little, if I said yes, though? I know how important that toy is to you.

[priscilla]

It's not the chicken that's important, not really. Or, maybe it is a little important. But... you're important too. And it's not like I'm going to throw it away. I just think...

...well. Maybe I shouldn't have asked. It's not really a fair question.

[silverking]

You didn't answer my question.

[priscilla]

What? I-- oh!

...I wouldn't offer if I thought I'd resent it. I wouldn't lay traps that way!

[silverking]

...Don't hide it.

[priscilla]

[A little silence, mostly for a blink]

No?

[silverking]

It's part of who you are.

[priscilla]

I don't know what to say.

[And then some quiet. Which is good, and then bad, and then a mix of both. And she shifts on her bed, and fiddles with the hem of her shirt.]

...I saw you. Volunteer for that-- um. Auction.

[silverking]

The cause seemed worthy.

[priscilla]

It... is, but I... is that...

You could have just donated! [...okay get ready for the voice to start getting higher.] Or... bi-- no, don't bid. Donating would be fine. You don't need to do that. I was just going to donate, really, I could even donate in your name.

It is a worthy cause!

[THAT YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT. But she's not going to say that. ... yet.]

[silverking]

Please don't ask me to go back on my word, Priscilla. What's done is done.

[priscilla]

But I-- Do you really care about that memorial? Even a little?

[silverking]

You have friends that have come and gone. It means something to you, doesn't it? Of course it does...

So, of course it means something to me, as well.

[priscilla]

But... I--

[And then silence. For a long time.]

Well. I shouldn't complain. I thought about doing it, too.

[...after you signed up!]