exsilium | 「deux」♫ video (action for roommates @ 127/north wing)

[Now here is someone who's been absent throughout the mutiny mess, if the confused look on her face that appears briefly is of any indication. Gently combing through her wavy hair with a free hand, manicured fingers wiggling in and out, Sheryl lets out a soft sigh as she purses her lips to frown deeply.]

Well, well, well... if what I'm getting from hearsay is all true, then I'm so relieved to miss the disaster completely!

[She parts her mouth like she's about to say more. Angry rants at the people involved, massive scolding for dragging the rest of the Transports into their troubles and causing destruction, nicely-worded yet sharp insults at their direction. Instead, she slowly pushes the momentary look of anger aside, gaining her composure while she rubs her cheek and sits up straight, blue eyes locked on to anyone viewing this feed. Sheryl appears calm now, but she's nowhere near her boisterous self, not after learning what happened to Jesse (or what he did).

Still, she manages to sound happy enough. Only a little.]

Anyway, there's something I've been very curious about and I'm hoping to hear excellent answers from you. Now be good people and lend me your ears, all right? It'll only be for a moment.

[A faint smile morphs on her lips, but it lasts for a split second before she frowns, looking thoughtful. Cue the long pause.]

Have you ever wondered if you feel any differently after growing up in this war for so long? I'm not talking about emotions alone, but if you've changed completely after dealing with the Initiative, the UE, that irritating AI, these missions... everything. I've been here for almost a year now, and there were so many experiences I'd never thought I could possess. I wonder, does this mean I should feel older because of it? There's something to be said about war causing people to grow up so fast, after all...

[Like joining forces with a resistance to fight another country, using her own songs to drive the enemy soldiers literally down to their knees. The way she speaks contains genuine ruefulness to her tone, but it's not too long before she smiles once more.]

As of today, I'm officially eighteen, and yet I still feel like I'm seventeen.

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[Going on that mission with Sheryl had definitely broken the ice between them... at least, in Rise's mind. There probably never really was anything between them, just a lot of factors in Rise's own head that made her almost afraid to talk to her beloved senpai.

But now that they've been out together again, it's like she can't wait to talk to her! At the slightest chance. They don't see each other every day anymore, since the café is gone, but she can at least keep up over the network!

She's all smiles when she answers at first, too.]

I didn't know it was your birthday already!

[She would have gotten a gift for her if she'd known! ... Maybe she can still arrange for something simple?

But her smile drops as she really considers what Sheryl's saying about this place... the war, and growing up.]

... It's kind of complicated, isn't it? I don't know if I've changed completely or if I'm just still the same, and everything else is different.

But... I don't feel any older. [If anything, she'd feel the opposite.] I don't even feel fifteen... and I didn't really even get a chance to celebrate my birthday...

[And then as she's talking, it finally hits her what Sheryl said.]

Wait... you're only eighteen, Sheryl-senpai?! I always thought you were a little older...

[Sheryl remembers the mission all too well, mishaps and tiny complications over the proper budget and emotions running wild. Truthfully, she misses talking to Rise — not as two idols, but as normal people. Just like it should be. No pointless awkwardness! But as people, awkwardness is expected.

Either way, the idol is all smiles for a different reason: it's her birthday.]

Well, now you know! I'd mention it a lot sooner, but certain things got in my way.

[A pause before Sheryl looks thoughtful.]

You didn't celebrate your birthday here? Or do you mean back home?

[But as soon as she sees Rise's shock, Sheryl immediately laughs in a jovial manner, complete with a gentle shake of her head.]

First Kallen and now you! My, is it really that much of a surprise? But yeah, people always seem to think that I'm much older. It works so well to my advantage, especially when it comes to my workplace.

[Rise will always be awkward and blushy around Sheryl. But at least she's comfortable with her again, too. Whether as idols or ordinary girls, she feels like she has a lot to learn from her, still. And very clearly still admires her a lot!]

Y-yeah... kind of! ... I'm used to a different kind of work, I guess. Everyone back home always treated me like such a kid...

[Something that hits particularly hard thinking back on it now. She's not sure anymore if she was ever as mature as she once thought she was.]

Anyway... um. It was here. Back in June. A lot of things were happening then, so I didn't really think to tell anyone...

[She kind of stops herself there, not wanting to complain too much about her own birthday when they should be celebrating Sheryl's.]

What a shame that you missed out on celebrating your birthday. Just because we're in a war doesn't mean you can't have your own fun.

[Birthdays are supposed to be fun! Filled with happiness and meant to be shared with friends, etc. The topic brings out a warm smile on her lips as she tucks a few strands behind her ear.]

Now it's as good a time as any, right? I'll be planning a small party in a few days. A belated birthday feast, but a good one!

[There's that smile again... the one that always sends butterflies through Rise's stomach. It really never fails. Sheryl's just that dazzling! It makes Rise wonder how she went so long without really talking to her...

Her eyes widen a bit at the suggestion, too... is she actually offering to share her own birthday celebration with Rise?!]

You mean, like... we could celebrate together?

[Just being invited to Sheryl's birthday party alone would be more than enough to make up for not celebrating her own, as far as she's concerned!]

[For a brief moment, Sheryl casts an appraising glance at Rise, looking as though she's assessing her friend, wondering what prompted her this question. Once she's done, she laughs, daintily flicking a wrist as a finger curls idly around her pink strands.]

I'm inviting you to my party! Of course we're celebrating. It's not often that we do so on the moon, after all.

[It's her birthday. She can do whatever she wants!]

[Rise's just nervous and probably saying dumb things before she can really think them through! And there might be a little disbelief in there, as if she's uncertain that she really deserves someone like Sheryl as a friend and sort of mentor.

But, as usual, Sheryl easily dismisses such silly notions as her suggestions being anything other than totally normal. Of course they're celebrating. Of course she's inviting her! What else did she think was happening?]

Yeah... that's great! I'm really looking forward to it!

「deux」♫ video (action for roommates @ 127/north wing)

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