exsilium | 001 ▹ video

[A curious young woman appears on the video as she stares at the tablet in her hands, somewhat interested in the new and different and technology and all--when she remembers that oh right, she'd planned on talking to people. Way to make an impression of being focused and prepared...

She clears her throat.] Er, hi there. My name's Shirley, and... These people--y'know, the Initiative and all--they're really not picky when it comes to people who end up here and all, huh? So I just wanted to clarify something: not everything has to be about fighting, right? I can't say I'm good with anything like diplomacy either, but it's a better start than something like shooting someone...

Sorry if it's a simple question. I just wanted to be absolutely sure; thank you for your time in advance.

... actually, there's just one more thing. [A pause, because this is a lot more awkward of a topic to bring up. Still, she can't help but be curious given her own circumstances.] This is probably gong to seem silly, but this isn't actually some kind of weirdly militaristic afterlife, is it?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

What have you been doing though? It doesn't seem like there's a school here, so I'd guess that you haven't been skipping class at least.

There is a library, the entries on this network can be entertaining in their own right, and I suppose the city could be worse. I found a chess set.

You haven't been gambling or anything since you got a chess set, right?

[On some level, he'd been hoping she would ask that. It reminds him of better days.]

You say that like I'm some sort of addict.

I wouldn't say you're that bad, but old habits are the hardest to break, right?

I suppose you have a point. Still, there's no need to police my behavior here. Again, there's no class to skip.

I'm hoping then that you haven't picked up any new bad habits to take their place.

That begs the question of what sort of habits there are left to pick up. I already have slacking off and sleeping through class, so what else is there? Smoking? Underage drinking?

There are those two, and maybe pick-pocketing could be something you took up? Maybe even illegal drugs?

Pick-pocketing and illegal drugs?

[If he sounds like he's on the verge of laughter, it's probably because he is.]

I can see how the second might fit in with the gambling, but the first? Can you really see me picking someone's pocket?

Well, not really, [more like not at all tbh the very idea of it clashes so much with his image it almost hurts] but who knows! Maybe you became that desperate to have some kind of delinquency in your life without the usual vices.

[Okay, so she's definitely just joking, but it feels good to laugh. It feels good to hear Lelouch laugh too, even if he's just on the verge of it.]

[He would probably make a good shoplifter, though, especially with Shirley as his ~*accomplice*~. Moving right along.]

"Desperate to have some kind of delinquency." [His amusement is somewhat quieter now, but he's still audibly enjoying himself, rolling the words around as if tasting them.] You make it sound so decadent.

[And tempting, or so his tone implies. Careful, Shirley, or else he might actually consider taking up some of these vices you're talking about.]

[We've got a regular Bonnie & Clyde in the making...]

Hey. Don't go getting any ideas now, alright? [She's trying to sound stern, but it mostly comes out as her attempting to keep from laughing.]

[Best team ever.]

What? I thought you wanted me to use my brain more.

[They'll be unstoppable!!]

Please don't use it for things that are going to land you into trouble without a doubt.

And if there is a doubt?

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