A Sudden Shut-In

[straykitty]

After returning from the impromptu raid she had organized, Renne Bright has locked herself in her room. It's only been a few days, and she's been sending for food so she is eating, but she hasn't really been present. If you try to contact her on the Ether-net, you'll be greeted by her "Kitty-bot" who will provide automatic responses for her. It's a neat bit of technology, and reasonably good at giving appropriate information, but it's definitely not passing things along to Renne, so far as anyone can tell.

If folks are concerned, however, they might be able to check on her. She's been briefly answering her door for food, after all.

Comments

[straykitty]

"I'm sure it is."

She's completely ignoring the first statement. Girl, don't even.

"Well, I'm sure it'll work out in the end, one way or another. These things often do, or so I'm told."

[testygirl]

Dang. The cat was never even in the bag.

"Ugh. There's no way I can have that kind of attitude! Love is a battlefield. I have to fight hard and seize victory with my own hands! You think I should expect a happy ending to just fall in my lap?"

She did used to think that way, more or less. Rejection does sting, and so does reality.

[straykitty]

Renne smiles faintly.

"No, I should think not. Happiness, if it can be achieved at all, is hard-won indeed. I know that better than most, I think."

[testygirl]

Aira can't quite manage a smile in return, and she looks away again.

"What makes you happy?" Her throat feels tight, and she clasps her hands behind her back as she stares off. "I want to help you get it. While I'm here."

[straykitty]

Renne ponders for a moment.

"Honestly, I'm not sure. I think I'm mostly happy, when I'm with my friends and family. I enjoy working with code and helping the Corsairs. I find making progress in my studies edifying. I guess it would be that."

[testygirl]

"Simple stuff like that, huh? Well, pretty simple, anyway."

Her voice is reflectively soft and uncritical, with a supportive smile to match when she turns back to Renne.

"I always feel like I have to aim really big. Maybe I oughta slow my roll a little... but I probably won't!"

[straykitty]

"I think there is something to be said for dreaming big." Renne's smile is faint, but indulgent. "The life I have lived has been extraordinary in many ways, most of them terrible. I do enjoy moving forward, but I've come to appreciate quiet and peace that much more, as rare as it can be in this world."

[testygirl]

"Yeah! No way can I argue with that."

Even just a little smile is enough to make Aira's chest tighten up. It's probably—no, definitely—good that Renne didn't decide to press her on what's actually so complicated about her feelings. She would have had to lie or something.

Aira clears her throat. "I should get out of here and let you rest. Since I know that you're okay now, at least."

[straykitty]

"Of course. I... do appreciate it. This has helped."

[testygirl]

"I'm glad."

She turns for the door, but then stops herself.

"Oh! Right. Let me know if you wanna come by again and do some more modeling. I want to put together a legit photo shoot sometime soon. Or, uh... if you ever just feel like hanging out? I'm usually the only one there, and not gonna lie, it can get kind of lonely."

[straykitty]

"I suppose I can make time. I look forward to seeing what you come up with."

[testygirl]

Aira makes one of her sillier confident expressions, and flexes. As a reference to her... creative muscles?

"You'll be dazzled even more than last time! Be prepared."

[straykitty]

"Understand that if you make such promises, my expectations will be that much higher. I'll be waiting~"

[testygirl]

"And you saying that makes me extra motivated! I don't do disappointment, so look forward to it."

Aira flashes Renne a peace sign over her shoulder as she departs, and there's a bounce in her step as she heads along down the hall. That was tough for a minute there, but she's glad it ended on a good note.