Your fight against Infinite didn't go as expected. You've now seen what the false Chaos Emeralds are capable of and how their powers can be used by someone accustomed to that power. Though Infinite is no longer a threat, Eggman certainly is - and you're in no position to return to Chicago to try to take him down right now.
Focus on recovering and regrouping; you're going to need a plan to oppose Eggman from here on out.
THE VOID
Maybe you've grown complacent over your time in Chicago. You won't be seeing the city this week. Tails is adamant that it isn't safe to go back and insists that you remain here, within the Void between worlds. It is a still, silent abyss of nothingness, broken up only by gemstone-like shards that serve as platforms or obstacles, with very little else to see.
Gravity doesn't work properly within the Void, meaning you can float and even zip around at high speeds once you've figured out how it works. You can also stick yourself to shards no matter what angle you're at, resulting in walking upside down or otherwise getting stuck to one without being able to escape. Thankfully, this wonky gravity only applies to the Void itself, and you'll naturally come to master it as you spend more time here.
There are some shards that are shaped differently from the ones you can use as platforms, however. These are almost hexagonal, with a dark center that may flicker whenever you approach one. If you're lucky, the surface will flicker like water and show you images of another world - usually you will see Chicago and the robots rampaging through the city streets - but occasionally you may see glimpses of your home world or of other worlds. No matter what you do, you cannot interact with these visions. Since they do seem to be water, punching them will do no good; your hand won't even get wet, as it will go through and dispel the image entirely.
Settle in, it seems like you'll be here for awhile. Oh, and try to ignore that unnerving feeling of being watched - there's no escaping it when you're in the Void, after all.
RINGS
There is one bright spot in being stuck within the Void, and that's that your colorful little pals have rings. If you've been diligent about collecting them from whatever ridiculous places they've ended up in, you may even have a good amount! Though it will take a day or so for the rings to actually work, as the week goes on, you'll be able to world hop to your heart's content.
Which yes, means you could absolutely go home. Be mindful of your mission and just how long you spend there, because you will need to return eventually, right? Though time may work differently in the Void, it mostly works the same between worlds. Try not to spend more than a week back home.
But there is something a bit strange about world hopping; you can't really control where or when you'll end up.
You may arrive back in your home world at the wrong point in time entirely, either in the past or the future. You may end up in an alternate reality of your world (canon AU or fanmade AU) or you may even end up in someone else's world entirely! You all aren't used to using rings just yet, so it makes sense that there's some confusion.
Two of you attempting to use a ring together will have more success... but even then, failures can still happen and you can still be sent to the wrong places.
You may visit any world to exist except any Sonic worlds. Worlds where Sonic shows up as a cameo (Super Smash Bros, for example) are fine. Which yes, means I am barring you from visiting Sonic Underground, you'll have to forgive me.
SHARDS
Though you're stronger now than ever before, your power pales in comparison to Infinite's, let alone Eggman's. You're going to need to be much, much stronger if you want to stand a chance of fighting back. Maybe it would be worth it to visit a world full of monsters to practice using your shards.
As you fight with your allies - particularly those you have a close bond with, positive or negative - you may feel the tug of something in the back of your head; it tells you that you can do more. Together, you can become more powerful. You can use your shards together. Doing so will grant you a new power, or strengthen the one you already have. The more you trust one another, the easier this power will be to use.
It might be good to experiment with these new powers; after all, you never know when you may need them.
TAILS' TASKS
Rings can only be found in certain worlds, which means your worlds are safe from them. This does mean there are only a limited number of rings, however... so please keep this in mind when world hopping! This week, Tails does not have any tasks for you aside from continuing to train and develop your shard powers. Oh, and to stay safe, of course. Please don't get yourselves killed in some other world.
ENEMIES
Surprisingly, you will encounter none of Eggman's robots this week. The Void remains still and silent for the whole week and your worlds are free from Eggman's influence. You're welcome to beat up any enemies native to your own worlds, of course.
[Okay, Dorothy was fine for a bit to leave it at that, but then Yeager fucking opens his mouth as he does and he...
...
Dorothy outright groans and attempts to put a hand over Yeager's mouth. (13)]
Yeager. Please never speak like that again, convincing as it is.
[Dorothy looks sympathetically over to Raven.]
We should call for another round, Sir Raven. I think we're going to need it. [whether or not she succeeds at shutting yeager up, she'll let him go afterward--] How did you not expire on the spot having to stutter like that?
[He's looking way too damn pleased with himself when Dorothy reaches up to stop him, and he half-heartedly bats her hand away. Come on, don't ruin his fun!!!]
Oh come now, don't I deserve at least a little credit for my masterful performance~?
[...he is getting his drink taken away at this rate, give him a moment to snatch it before anyone else can!!]
It certainly wasn't easy. But it was well worth it simply for your reactions~
I understand all too well the suffering you've endured, Raven.
[But she won't let her touch linger for too long, let her withdraw and focus on the bar food again. At least that won't disappoint her!!]
Credit where it is due, however, I certainly wouldn't have guessed you could do something like that. I should have expected it from you quoting that awful movie, however...
[Still...]
It does sound like you'll both be quite busy once all is said and done, however. [...] Will...either of you need any help with anything in the future, you think?
[She doesn't know if Yeager intends to go back, but part of her has a feeling that this'll be where they both go. And...maybe in a way...
It's an opaque way of asking if they'll need her once this battle is done.
(If she'll be necessary somewhere else, if she doesn't have to consider what a life without fighting will be like.)]
[But it was also a great excuse to not think, so...
Anyway, Dorothy moves on and Yeager takes a long sip from his drink as he thinks about it.]
Assuming you mean after the Commandant is no longer a threat... [...Well.] I intend to return to leading Leviathan's Claw.
[He glances over at Raven at that, head inclined a bit as he continues.]
Though I intend to lay low for the time being. We don't need to cause any more problems with the guilds right now.
[There's no atoning for what he did. There's no making up for it. But he can at least acknowledge that there's no need to continue being so aggro in his usual methods with Alexei out of the picture.
But... He glances back at Dorothy.]
Are you worried that we wouldn't want you to come visit?
[Whoa, why did the conversation get so serious all of the sudden? Looks like there really is no escaping this topic tonight... But better now than never.
Raven eases into a smile and piggybacks off of Yeager's question.]
Well, ya definitely don't gotta worry about that. We wouldn't be jumpin' ta show ya this place if we didn't want ya ta spend time with us here.
[If Dorothy decides to remain in Chicago for real, then she's still welcome in Terca Lumireis anytime as far as Raven's concerned.]
At first I wasn't sure what my plans were gonna be after our mission's over. I didn't think I could come back here because of how entangled I am with Alexei. But Yeager let me in on the plan and after some thinkin', I wanna come back if I can. I gotta help get things settled at the Union, and then maybe I'll do some more travelin' with Brave Vesperia.
Oh, and I guess I'll have some guy at the Manor of the Wicked ta bother too.
[That might make him sound busy, and he does like to keep himself busy, but he'd always make room for Dorothy.]
No, no, it's not that in the slightest. I figure it would have been made obvious if it was in jest much longer ago.
[...]
In truth, I...don't actually know what I intend to do with myself, once all is said and done. If we truly do manage to beat that Doctor, I have no intention of going back to my own world, as I'm sure is likely obvious. But it...will be the first time ever, truly, that I've lived in a world without any pressing war or the like.
...I suppose what I wanted to ask in truth, is if there might be any way I can assist either of you further in your tasks. Given the state of what you have all explained to me, it seems as if there will still be much work to be done in undoing whatever damage Alexei intends to cause to this world.
[...She's having a hard time actually saying it, but more than anything, Dorothy wants to know if she'll be needed here, maybe. If maybe she could carve her own place in this world.]
I'm not...suited for peace, I think. That's not to say that I dislike the idea of staying in Chicago, but... [Nnn.] Would it be feasible, potentially, to stay?
[Raven's words get a smile from Yeager that looks a little too genuinely pleased; it would be rather disappointing if they didn't get to spend time like this anymore after Eggman's defeat and Alexei's death, after all.
But Dorothy's question gets him to glance back over, head tipped to the side.]
Terca Lumireis is not... quite as technologically advanced as Chicago, as I'm sure you've seen by now. I know I don't have the skills needed to help you with repairs, should you need them.
[But with that said... Of course he understands what she's going through. When you've spent your whole life fighting, how do you give that up to live a life of peace?]
There's always something to fight here, even if it's just your ordinary monsters. I know I certainly wouldn't say no to hiring you on as one of my assassins!
...But more seriously, one of the other guilds may be able to offer you more to do or a better place to belong.
[Like. Do you really want Yeager as your boss??? No.
[Wait, Dorothy's asking about staying? Raven's eyes light up at the possibility.]
Oh yeah, you'll never run outta things ta do here. Me an' Yeager've been keepin' ourselves plenty busy fer years.
[While Raven will be spending more time with Brave Vesperia guild-wise, there's something funny about imagining him taking up an assassin position for Yeager too. He's very, very qualified for that job. But he doesn't actually enjoy assassin work, alas.]
And I know someone who should be able ta do repairs on ya in a pinch. I dunno how similar blastia and Nikke cores are, but if anyone could learn on the fly, it'd be her.
[Rita would probably jump at the chance, even. Raven can hear her now...telling him he's finally done something useful by bringing a very fascinating person to her.]
[Dorothy listens to the both of them, and steadily, her eyes start to widen and brighten bit by bit as she listens to them both--first to Yeager, but...]
I do understand that. It's...at least some of the reason I was hesitant to ask.
[There's some other stuff too, granted; feelings that Dorothy doesn't really know how to quantify, all be told. Because as it stands, she's certainly fond of them both, but how does one even broach that subject? What if she says the wrong thing? She'll end up alone again and she'll--
Raven's words end up being what draws her out of her own brain, and she tries to ignore how lit up his own eyes are--how it reflects in her own as she realizes that someone here may be able to fix her, if she assists them. Not that she'd necessarily mind not having someone who could, but...
Why, just imagine the amount of trouble we'd get into without you looking out for us!
Not even countin' the trouble we'd be gettin' into, where's the same sorta care you always tell us ta have when it comes ta yerself? You're gonna worry these old men sick.
...They want her to stay safe. They want her here--maybe she's not needed here, but she's wanted, and that's enough to be elated at the idea of having someone here who could at least try. It means she could stay with them, it means she'd have every excuse in the world to be by their side, and...]
That's what it seemed like, just from a cursory tour of this place. That there would be endless things to do, and to continue fighting toward. [Dorothy's expression softens just a touch, and she has to look away.] And you'd certainly find me hardly opposed to doing any sort of work, you know. Whatever it is that would be necessary, I could certainly do.
[Killing people, killing monsters, helping rebuild--the possibilities truly are endless, if Dorothy's being honest.]
But to know I could do so without fear, even knowing there's someone who'd be willing to try and ensure I'm repaired; that pleases me to hear. I would have grown... [...Oh, Dorothy was about to get too real there for a second, give her a moment to clear her throat and reorient.] Well. Someone should keep a lookout for the two of you, and perhaps I wouldn't mind ensuring that the both of you are able to lead happy, free lives.
[Ah, the little blastia genius? If anyone stands a chance of figuring out Dorothy's workings here, it's definitely her. Yeager nods at that; he doesn't really know her personally, but if Raven vouches for her then he's onboard with the idea.
As for Dorothy's words... Well, he'll graciously sidestep the feeling so as not to embarrass her too much. For now!! Consider yourself lucky!! And please don't pay attention to how pleased he looks with the conclusion as well, okay.]
Then that's that! You'll come with us back home after everything's said and done, and you'll stay here once Alexei's out of the picture. There will be plenty of work for you regardless of what you'd like to do - and I'm sure we can always take time out of our busy schedules for you~
After all, you certainly can't leave us alone now. Who knows what sorts of nonsense we'd get up to without you?
[Raven is also willing to not call out the feelings just yet, mostly because he’d also have to think about feelings and who wants to do that? Still, this is huge. Dorothy’s going to stay and he’s excited about it. It’s another thing to look forward to once this is all over. Past Raven sure wouldn’t have expected that.]
I try ta make myself busy, but I’d never be too busy fer Dorothy time. [He grins.] Maybe one day we all can even be under the same roof. Then ya could really keep an eye on us.
[Dorothy--well, she smiles a bit at first, but by the end of it she's at least a little flushed and trying very hard to recover her dignity a bit, huffing in the process.]
Oh, come off of it, you two. You're going to make me sound like I'm desperate at the rate you're going, and I will not have it! Your collective company is just...something I would not want to go without, considering how comfortable it is. That is all.
[Do not call her out!!! (Or do. It'll be hilarious.)
...Thankfully their next round has arrived and guess who is draining her next glass pretty quickly--]
But you are right. I do imagine the two of you are going to get up into more problems, and that much alone should keep me busy. I do have a duty to uphold to keep you both safe, after all.
...Though, I'm surprised you would even offer the idea of living under the same roof, Raven. Who's sounding like they're going to miss me now?
[There's thankfully no barbs when she says it but she's going to fire back a bit!!!]
That could easily be arranged if you two want to come work for me~
[He says it jokingly because he cannot imagine Raven ditching his freedom to work for Yeager, of all goddamn people. Not to mention the whole murders thing.
But Dorothy's words get a sly grin from him as he decides to follow up her question with one of his own:]
Ja, no one said anything about us all living together. Is there something you're not telling us, Raven~? Are you truly so lost without us?
[This is not even slightly whispered to Dorothy, but he does say it behind a hand like it's supposed to be. Also what was that about not calling him cute??? Hmm.]
And here I thought you were only putting up with me! I'm touched, Raven~ Why, I might even miss you just the teensiest bit too when all this is over!
He’s also very pointedly not looking at either of them. He is definitely embarrassed. Don’t look at how pink he is because he doesn’t want to acknowledge it.]
[That's even more cute honestly...how could their old man be this moe...!!
Dorothy chuckles a bit at poor Raven's expense, but...maybe it's the drinking already going to her brain, or maybe it's just the fact that she really doesn't have a brain to mouth filter right now with these two, but almost on impulse, Dorothy reaches across to at least place a hand on his from across the table, and her smile is a little warmer.]
It really isn't a bad thing, you know. Why, it's what makes you so likeable in the first place.
[...That's. Actually surprisingly genuine, hm. She kind of just wanted to make him a little less self concious but. Let's not think too hard about that--]
[This really shouldn't be embarrassing him as much as it is. He does this all the time with the women in Dahngrest, and yet...
...and yet there were never feelings involved. That's what this boils down to, isn't it? But for once, he doesn't feel afraid about this realization. He doesn't feel the need to run away from it.
He didn't think he'd ever let himself feel like this again.]
No, no, let's just focus on Dorothy, not me! She's way more deserving of the cute title than I am!
[He winks at both of them though, all while shifting his hand under Dorothy's to give it a small caress.]
[Oh. Oh this is not going even close to according to plan. Yeager's teasing already gets Dorothy to jolt just a bit, turning instantly to him while her face proceeds to positively flush at that, but...
...But that gentle little caress seems to calm Dorothy's initial fire a bit while her face proceeds to positively burn at the commentary--]
I am not cute in the slightest! You two, I can hardly believe you--
[She's not letting go of Raven's hand in the slightest, but she looks at Yeager with something of a mischievous gleam in her expression while she pours her third round.]
But truly, there's something to be said about how adamant you seem to be about keeping us all together, Yeager. Why, you're being quite endearing yourself--wanting to keep the both of us under your roof to ensure you won't be lonely, either? Why, I'm tempted to ask if you're making plans to make room for us in that manor of yours...
[You're gonna pay for your betrayal Yeager, but despite it all, it comes out...kind of genuine too, but this is absolutely just payback, don't read too much into it--]
[I love the image of Dorothy and Raven with one hand on each other and the other on a drink. They both need a sip or several over Yeager's shenanigans.
Stop looking at him like that!!]
Why'd ya give me crap fer suggestin' it if ya had the same thing in mind?
[it's an absolutely peak mental image. hands occupied by the things that matter most in the world...]
You know, that is an excellent question. It almost seems like you were waiting for an opportunity to invite us, you know...
[Dorothy has no opposition to working for Yeager, granted, but...she does wonder if he's offering solely for business, or if perhaps they could live there without it. Given he's, you know. So enthusiastic.
Dorothy's hand does let go of her glass for a moment, though, and her head tilts rather genuinely for a moment. She's at least not opposed. ...And searching out if Yeager has a free hand--]
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no subject
[Okay, Dorothy was fine for a bit to leave it at that, but then Yeager fucking opens his mouth as he does and he...
...
Dorothy outright groans and attempts to put a hand over Yeager's mouth. (13)]
Yeager. Please never speak like that again, convincing as it is.
[Dorothy looks sympathetically over to Raven.]
We should call for another round, Sir Raven. I think we're going to need it. [whether or not she succeeds at shutting yeager up, she'll let him go afterward--] How did you not expire on the spot having to stutter like that?
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Oh come now, don't I deserve at least a little credit for my masterful performance~?
[...he is getting his drink taken away at this rate, give him a moment to snatch it before anyone else can!!]
It certainly wasn't easy. But it was well worth it simply for your reactions~
[Wink!!]
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He was a nightmare ta listen to before I even knew he was Yeager. Now it's just a million times worse.
[The wine bottle sure is getting dangerously low now, isn't it. Raven will order another round once they're done with this stupid subject.]
But credit where it's due, it's impressive that ya seamlessly managed two guilds fer so long. One of 'em bein' in the master guilds, even.
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I understand all too well the suffering you've endured, Raven.
[But she won't let her touch linger for too long, let her withdraw and focus on the bar food again. At least that won't disappoint her!!]
Credit where it is due, however, I certainly wouldn't have guessed you could do something like that. I should have expected it from you quoting that awful movie, however...
[Still...]
It does sound like you'll both be quite busy once all is said and done, however. [...] Will...either of you need any help with anything in the future, you think?
[She doesn't know if Yeager intends to go back, but part of her has a feeling that this'll be where they both go. And...maybe in a way...
It's an opaque way of asking if they'll need her once this battle is done.
(If she'll be necessary somewhere else, if she doesn't have to consider what a life without fighting will be like.)]
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It was quite a bit of work~
[But it was also a great excuse to not think, so...
Anyway, Dorothy moves on and Yeager takes a long sip from his drink as he thinks about it.]
Assuming you mean after the Commandant is no longer a threat... [...Well.] I intend to return to leading Leviathan's Claw.
[He glances over at Raven at that, head inclined a bit as he continues.]
Though I intend to lay low for the time being. We don't need to cause any more problems with the guilds right now.
[There's no atoning for what he did. There's no making up for it. But he can at least acknowledge that there's no need to continue being so aggro in his usual methods with Alexei out of the picture.
But... He glances back at Dorothy.]
Are you worried that we wouldn't want you to come visit?
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Raven eases into a smile and piggybacks off of Yeager's question.]
Well, ya definitely don't gotta worry about that. We wouldn't be jumpin' ta show ya this place if we didn't want ya ta spend time with us here.
[If Dorothy decides to remain in Chicago for real, then she's still welcome in Terca Lumireis anytime as far as Raven's concerned.]
At first I wasn't sure what my plans were gonna be after our mission's over. I didn't think I could come back here because of how entangled I am with Alexei. But Yeager let me in on the plan and after some thinkin', I wanna come back if I can. I gotta help get things settled at the Union, and then maybe I'll do some more travelin' with Brave Vesperia.
Oh, and I guess I'll have some guy at the Manor of the Wicked ta bother too.
[That might make him sound busy, and he does like to keep himself busy, but he'd always make room for Dorothy.]
no subject
[...]
In truth, I...don't actually know what I intend to do with myself, once all is said and done. If we truly do manage to beat that Doctor, I have no intention of going back to my own world, as I'm sure is likely obvious. But it...will be the first time ever, truly, that I've lived in a world without any pressing war or the like.
...I suppose what I wanted to ask in truth, is if there might be any way I can assist either of you further in your tasks. Given the state of what you have all explained to me, it seems as if there will still be much work to be done in undoing whatever damage Alexei intends to cause to this world.
[...She's having a hard time actually saying it, but more than anything, Dorothy wants to know if she'll be needed here, maybe. If maybe she could carve her own place in this world.]
I'm not...suited for peace, I think. That's not to say that I dislike the idea of staying in Chicago, but... [Nnn.] Would it be feasible, potentially, to stay?
no subject
But Dorothy's question gets him to glance back over, head tipped to the side.]
Terca Lumireis is not... quite as technologically advanced as Chicago, as I'm sure you've seen by now. I know I don't have the skills needed to help you with repairs, should you need them.
[But with that said... Of course he understands what she's going through. When you've spent your whole life fighting, how do you give that up to live a life of peace?]
There's always something to fight here, even if it's just your ordinary monsters. I know I certainly wouldn't say no to hiring you on as one of my assassins!
...But more seriously, one of the other guilds may be able to offer you more to do or a better place to belong.
[Like. Do you really want Yeager as your boss??? No.
Anyway, he looks to Raven again at that.]
But that's just my opinion, ja?
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Oh yeah, you'll never run outta things ta do here. Me an' Yeager've been keepin' ourselves plenty busy fer years.
[While Raven will be spending more time with Brave Vesperia guild-wise, there's something funny about imagining him taking up an assassin position for Yeager too. He's very, very qualified for that job. But he doesn't actually enjoy assassin work, alas.]
And I know someone who should be able ta do repairs on ya in a pinch. I dunno how similar blastia and Nikke cores are, but if anyone could learn on the fly, it'd be her.
[Rita would probably jump at the chance, even. Raven can hear her now...telling him he's finally done something useful by bringing a very fascinating person to her.]
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I do understand that. It's...at least some of the reason I was hesitant to ask.
[There's some other stuff too, granted; feelings that Dorothy doesn't really know how to quantify, all be told. Because as it stands, she's certainly fond of them both, but how does one even broach that subject? What if she says the wrong thing? She'll end up alone again and she'll--
Raven's words end up being what draws her out of her own brain, and she tries to ignore how lit up his own eyes are--how it reflects in her own as she realizes that someone here may be able to fix her, if she assists them. Not that she'd necessarily mind not having someone who could, but...
Why, just imagine the amount of trouble we'd get into without you looking out for us!
Not even countin' the trouble we'd be gettin' into, where's the same sorta care you always tell us ta have when it comes ta yerself? You're gonna worry these old men sick.
...They want her to stay safe. They want her here--maybe she's not needed here, but she's wanted, and that's enough to be elated at the idea of having someone here who could at least try. It means she could stay with them, it means she'd have every excuse in the world to be by their side, and...]
That's what it seemed like, just from a cursory tour of this place. That there would be endless things to do, and to continue fighting toward. [Dorothy's expression softens just a touch, and she has to look away.] And you'd certainly find me hardly opposed to doing any sort of work, you know. Whatever it is that would be necessary, I could certainly do.
[Killing people, killing monsters, helping rebuild--the possibilities truly are endless, if Dorothy's being honest.]
But to know I could do so without fear, even knowing there's someone who'd be willing to try and ensure I'm repaired; that pleases me to hear. I would have grown... [...Oh, Dorothy was about to get too real there for a second, give her a moment to clear her throat and reorient.] Well. Someone should keep a lookout for the two of you, and perhaps I wouldn't mind ensuring that the both of you are able to lead happy, free lives.
[please don't call her on the feelings you two--]
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As for Dorothy's words... Well, he'll graciously sidestep the feeling so as not to embarrass her too much. For now!! Consider yourself lucky!! And please don't pay attention to how pleased he looks with the conclusion as well, okay.]
Then that's that! You'll come with us back home after everything's said and done, and you'll stay here once Alexei's out of the picture. There will be plenty of work for you regardless of what you'd like to do - and I'm sure we can always take time out of our busy schedules for you~
After all, you certainly can't leave us alone now. Who knows what sorts of nonsense we'd get up to without you?
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I try ta make myself busy, but I’d never be too busy fer Dorothy time. [He grins.] Maybe one day we all can even be under the same roof. Then ya could really keep an eye on us.
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Oh, come off of it, you two. You're going to make me sound like I'm desperate at the rate you're going, and I will not have it! Your collective company is just...something I would not want to go without, considering how comfortable it is. That is all.
[Do not call her out!!! (Or do. It'll be hilarious.)
...Thankfully their next round has arrived and guess who is draining her next glass pretty quickly--]
But you are right. I do imagine the two of you are going to get up into more problems, and that much alone should keep me busy. I do have a duty to uphold to keep you both safe, after all.
...Though, I'm surprised you would even offer the idea of living under the same roof, Raven. Who's sounding like they're going to miss me now?
[There's thankfully no barbs when she says it but she's going to fire back a bit!!!]
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[He says it jokingly because he cannot imagine Raven ditching his freedom to work for Yeager, of all goddamn people. Not to mention the whole murders thing.
But Dorothy's words get a sly grin from him as he decides to follow up her question with one of his own:]
Ja, no one said anything about us all living together. Is there something you're not telling us, Raven~? Are you truly so lost without us?
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I-It ain't like that!
[Then what is it like? Raven realizes he doesn't have an answer, which just makes him sweat more.]
I've just...gotten used ta seein' ya'll every day. And Yeager's somehow been a pretty good roomie, so, y'know. Why ruin a good thing?
[His case has not been helped in the slightest.]
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[She says that to Yeager, and then Raven starts to look embarrassed and she looks over to him while he stumbles through and explanation and...
...
don't call him cute, don't call him cute, do not call him cute--]
I won't disagree with you; it has been nice to have friends that I enjoy the company of and who I get to see everyday.
But goodness, I didn't know you had such an adorable side to you, Raven!
[failed step one.]
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[This is not even slightly whispered to Dorothy, but he does say it behind a hand like it's supposed to be. Also what was that about not calling him cute??? Hmm.]
And here I thought you were only putting up with me! I'm touched, Raven~ Why, I might even miss you just the teensiest bit too when all this is over!
[two of them. sorry, raven.]
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Wha— Cute? This old man? C’mon…
[He can’t pour his next drink fast enough.
He’s also very pointedly not looking at either of them. He is definitely embarrassed. Don’t look at how pink he is because he doesn’t want to acknowledge it.]
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[That's even more cute honestly...how could their old man be this moe...!!
Dorothy chuckles a bit at poor Raven's expense, but...maybe it's the drinking already going to her brain, or maybe it's just the fact that she really doesn't have a brain to mouth filter right now with these two, but almost on impulse, Dorothy reaches across to at least place a hand on his from across the table, and her smile is a little warmer.]
It really isn't a bad thing, you know. Why, it's what makes you so likeable in the first place.
[...That's. Actually surprisingly genuine, hm. She kind of just wanted to make him a little less self concious but. Let's not think too hard about that--]
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Why, you're being just as cute, miss Dorothy! My, I truly am lucky to see you both being so adorable~
[teehee]
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...and yet there were never feelings involved. That's what this boils down to, isn't it? But for once, he doesn't feel afraid about this realization. He doesn't feel the need to run away from it.
He didn't think he'd ever let himself feel like this again.]
No, no, let's just focus on Dorothy, not me! She's way more deserving of the cute title than I am!
[He winks at both of them though, all while shifting his hand under Dorothy's to give it a small caress.]
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...But that gentle little caress seems to calm Dorothy's initial fire a bit while her face proceeds to positively burn at the commentary--]
I am not cute in the slightest! You two, I can hardly believe you--
[She's not letting go of Raven's hand in the slightest, but she looks at Yeager with something of a mischievous gleam in her expression while she pours her third round.]
But truly, there's something to be said about how adamant you seem to be about keeping us all together, Yeager. Why, you're being quite endearing yourself--wanting to keep the both of us under your roof to ensure you won't be lonely, either? Why, I'm tempted to ask if you're making plans to make room for us in that manor of yours...
[You're gonna pay for your betrayal Yeager, but despite it all, it comes out...kind of genuine too, but this is absolutely just payback, don't read too much into it--]
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You vastly underestimate the size of the Manor of the Wicked. Why, it would be no problem at all to bring you both in!
[...hmm, does that make him sound too eager to do just that?? m-maybe he should backpedal—]
Though I can't imagine either of you would be particularly interested in working for me, ja? So it's not important~
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Stop looking at him like that!!]
Why'd ya give me crap fer suggestin' it if ya had the same thing in mind?
[Yeah, Yeager's eagerness has been spotted.]
'sides, do we gotta work fer ya ta stay there?
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You know, that is an excellent question. It almost seems like you were waiting for an opportunity to invite us, you know...
[Dorothy has no opposition to working for Yeager, granted, but...she does wonder if he's offering solely for business, or if perhaps they could live there without it. Given he's, you know. So enthusiastic.
Dorothy's hand does let go of her glass for a moment, though, and her head tilts rather genuinely for a moment. She's at least not opposed. ...And searching out if Yeager has a free hand--]
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