It would be my pleasure! Does he like sweets? Maybe I could bake him some cookies.
[ you know, like a little welcome gift.
but anyway, having the question turned onto her is a little bit of a surprise, if only because she's so used to being on the other end. unsurprising, given how she is. ]
You needn't think of it as a favor owed, but I appreciate the sentiment. [ her expression softens a little. ] I think I'm still getting used to everything... there's quite a lot to take in. But, despite everything, it hasn't been all that bad.
[ He considers it. Lan Wangji's taste is... interesting as in it's incredibly bland and boring. So, maybe he could use some sweets in his life, and if he doesn't like them, he'll just give them to Wei Wuxian. A win/win! ]
He does! I think he'd like some cookies, for sure.
[ And then he listens to Mercie describe her own experiences here so far and he nods his head. A lot but not bad is the best one can hope for in this situation. ]
I understand. I'm glad you haven't found yourself overwhelmed by everything. You are... kind and I'd hate for the House to take advantage of you because of it.
[ wwx u can also just ask her for cookies whenever?? please. ]
Am I? [ she laughs a little, shaking her head. ] Perhaps I'm just used to it. I lived in a church for most of my life, so you could say I've an eye for noticing when people are struggling.
[ No but it's more fun to get them, out of scheming. Obviously?? Just innocently messing with Lan Wangji to mooch off of him in the end, that's way more fun.
But the humility that Mercie shows only endears her more to him and he smiles, a little softer than his usual sharp grin. ]
And how can you be here and not struggle, just a little? I know for some people this might be a reprieve initially but there's no one who will be happy with being in such a hedonistic fantasy long term. Not really. Those are the type of people who need people like you.
[ there's a thoughtful hum as she gently swirls the tea in her cup, studying the gentler expression on his face. he's right, of course; she would never be truly happy here, and this isn't the place where she needs to be. but the thought of going back home, while she knows she must, still brings back that bit of dread. still, better to return and die than to never have made the effort at all. ]
It is very easy to delude yourself into thinking this is the better fate. I suspect that's what they want.
[ her smile turns rueful as she laughs quietly to herself. ]
... It's a little cowardly, isn't it? Now that I've been here for some time, I've found myself a little afraid of what awaits me back home.
[ He nods his head because yes, he thinks that's what they want as well. To be the fantasy, to indulge in it, to never let it go. He doesn't intend to do that.
Still, her answer gets sympathy from him based on what he knows of her. He wants to be sure he's understanding her right though so he asks — ]
Because of the war, right? [ He knows she's going through one back home, and it must be quite stressful. ] You're not fighting in it though, are you? Just healing people who do the fighting.
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[ you know, like a little welcome gift.
but anyway, having the question turned onto her is a little bit of a surprise, if only because she's so used to being on the other end. unsurprising, given how she is. ]
You needn't think of it as a favor owed, but I appreciate the sentiment. [ her expression softens a little. ] I think I'm still getting used to everything... there's quite a lot to take in. But, despite everything, it hasn't been all that bad.
no subject
He does! I think he'd like some cookies, for sure.
[ And then he listens to Mercie describe her own experiences here so far and he nods his head. A lot but not bad is the best one can hope for in this situation. ]
I understand. I'm glad you haven't found yourself overwhelmed by everything. You are... kind and I'd hate for the House to take advantage of you because of it.
no subject
[ wwx u can also just ask her for cookies whenever?? please. ]
Am I? [ she laughs a little, shaking her head. ] Perhaps I'm just used to it. I lived in a church for most of my life, so you could say I've an eye for noticing when people are struggling.
no subject
But the humility that Mercie shows only endears her more to him and he smiles, a little softer than his usual sharp grin. ]
And how can you be here and not struggle, just a little? I know for some people this might be a reprieve initially but there's no one who will be happy with being in such a hedonistic fantasy long term. Not really. Those are the type of people who need people like you.
no subject
It is very easy to delude yourself into thinking this is the better fate. I suspect that's what they want.
[ her smile turns rueful as she laughs quietly to herself. ]
... It's a little cowardly, isn't it? Now that I've been here for some time, I've found myself a little afraid of what awaits me back home.
no subject
Still, her answer gets sympathy from him based on what he knows of her. He wants to be sure he's understanding her right though so he asks — ]
Because of the war, right? [ He knows she's going through one back home, and it must be quite stressful. ] You're not fighting in it though, are you? Just healing people who do the fighting.