Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Apr 1, 2021 14:14:22 GMT -8
" I mean, as much as Sally giving you crayons is cute. I am thinking more of the second one. Ya know? The Juicy stuff like. Oh god, if I don't kiss this person, I might as well die. Puberty is a bitch kind of stuff."
Riley looked at the cashier, who couldn't help overhear the conversation, and flashed them a smile. Obviously undeterred by the presence of another person. The moth quickly snatched up the books put them in a provided tote before turning to Dani. Ready to go.
"Ready?"
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Apr 1, 2021 18:05:14 GMT -8
"Yeah, ready," She says with a smile while she considers Riley's question about crushes. That was the problem with her though. She never really had crushes.
Dani purses her lips a little bit, because, in a sense, her first crush story is kind of awkward. "Well... before I got out of my second high school," A slight grimace, "Uh, well, I guess technically while I was there, I kinda blocked out like... all of my memories of it, I sorta met someone." Talking this part in code is really weird, because she doesn't have a clue really how it all happened aside from knowing the feeling... But hey, at least her double speak is decent. Happens when your best friend was a Winter Courtier.
"We graduated together, but you know, once we came back we kind of avoided each other. Then we ran into each other at a bar while some assholes were causing some mischief and we decided we needed to talk later. It was a really weird chemistry, but... it was a thing. Something that was tangible and real." She blushes, she shouldn't get too deep into it. It is one of those crushes turned relationship that was intimidating to every other friend she's ever had.
"So, uh, insta best friends turned hardcore crush turned relationship. He was a total nerd, DJed, absolutely music obsessed, and major conspiracy theorist, except that he had this uncanny knack for it turning out to be true in the end." She chuckles a little bit, "I don't exactly have crushes. Like, I have had a lot of aesthetic crushes and friend crushes, as in the, I super want to be your friend sooo bad, kind of thing. Romantic crushes are ones I end up in a giant well for. Actually... I guess I technically only have two real experiences with it."
"Not really interesting in continuing the experiment with a third," She gives Riley a sweet smile as they head over to the Arcade, which was just a couple blocks down. When they walk inside, it looks like a standard Dave n Busters, genuinely, but not. It did have a bar though. Was it too early to drink and game? "What about you? First crush?"
Looking around, there is everything from duo shooters of all kinds, DDR, fruit ninja oddly enough, those dinosaur shooters where you're in a jeep for special effect, all random kinds of odd one off games, including a virtual cornhole game. That gave her so much pause. They knew about cornhole out here? Then there was an area of classics, which felt like it called. PAC MAAAAN. She'd wait of course to see what Riley would be up for.
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Apr 2, 2021 7:30:52 GMT -8
Riley walked alongside Dani, a smile on their face as they listened to the story unfold. It took Riley a bit into the account before realizing this was about Thomas. The moth had been digging for something fun, embarrassing, or hot. But Thomas was, well, a lot to unpack for Dani, and Riley wasn't really ready to start doing that unpacking.
"Sounds like he was a fun guy" Riley gave Firebringer a smile.
It wasn't a lie. DJ? Music? Sounded like a cool guy to hang out with. But asking more questions felt like they would be pulling the cork out; ignoring it felt rude—a rock and a hard place.
"I hear you on different types of crushes. I have like...a dozen types."
Wait. I am your second crush? Your second relationship? Riley blushed a bit at Firebringer's mention of not interested in a third. That suggestion unleashed a soup of feelings and the moth's mind became a hurricane of intrusive thoughts.
Oh my god. She's only dated, one other person. How many have you dated? What would she think? It's fine. Am I rebound? What have I stumbled into? Run Wait, is this jealousy? That damn smile. I am her second relationship?
First crush? Which one was the first?
The moth then felt an old and familial barb of shame. They didn't feel it too often, but that thorn had been planted deep into their psyche a long time ago—a gift from their parents. The profoundly ingrained snake that was Christian guilt reared its ugly head. Was there something wrong with Riley? They had dated over a dozen people this year, slept with probably twice that, at least. Slut.
"Uh. First crush?" Riley said, trying to stamp out the voice of their mother from their mind.
" The first I really remember was this skater boy named Elijah. I would get knees weak and everything when he was around. I ended up making out with him at the skate park. Terrible kisser, and if I remember, his breath stank. It didn't last long."
Riley laughs a little at it before offering another anecdote to push away the intrusive thoughts.
" Freshman year, I realized I had fallen head over heels for my bestie at the time Mia. She was less than stoked when I told her. We stopped being friends, but we did make out at our senior graduation party. So ya know, still got it"
They brush off their shoulder in a display of exaggerated confidence.
"Uh your question"
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Apr 2, 2021 17:31:12 GMT -8
Fire smiles as Riley talks about her two crushes. Of course some skater boy ends up being a terrible kisser. It's like the unofficial truth. Okay, maybe not. But, no, but genuinely, it is cute to hear about to her. The story about the best friend wasn't so cute, of course.
"Sucks about Mia. I don't know what it is with people not being able to be friends after someone admits to a crush." she pauses, "Then again, I guess I wouldn't be the best judge of that. I just didn't have time for it."
It was true. The fact of the matter was, she had too much to do. There is a reason she isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, though she does her best. Everything was able survival and getting what she could to provide for her family. That was it. Who has time for crushes and homework and... Well, it doesn't matter now.
"But hey, who could possibly resist your kisses, let's be honest," The Elemental bats her eyelashes, ish. When you look close enough, even they look just a tiny bit off. Mascara almost always took care of it though.
Then she had to think for a long moment, as she did, she walked up to one of the quarter exchanging machines and put in a $20. The sound of the quarters hitting the metal was aweso-... actually, it gave her a little shiver down her spine. She immediate began talking, "Let's see... Oh! It is the naughts and you have been released into a decent mall that is actually filled with stores of all kinds - instead of the current rotting ones in a lot of places. Which places do you go and what do you do?"
She grabs up the quarters and puts them in one of the provided cups, looking around for where they might want to want to start.
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Apr 3, 2021 16:49:55 GMT -8
“It’s fine, old history. Sucked at the time but than again being queer in highschool wasn't exactly a fun ride.”
The moth shakes their head, as if tossing the dust from the past off their shoulders. The comment about kisses however caused the Bright one to seem to shimmer a bit.
“Ah’rite i see you found the flattery button” The moth hip checks the elemental as they came up to the arcade.
Riley looked around the venue, the strobing lights and cacophony of electronic sounds and bells was a mixture of overwhelming and nostalgic. Unlike the arcades of their youth, this one had a distinctive smell of alcohol. Or maybe that had been their in the past and they just never noticed. The bewitched could hear them, the soft voices chattering in hushed words from the consoles and games, just barely drowned out by the ringing of the games. They blinked slowly trying to let the wave of stimulation wash over them, before the clattering of coins and Dani’s voice brought them back.
“Huh..” they responded to the imaginative question. “Well...Okay. If we are talking about, like now instead of my youth”
The darkling paused thinking about it.
“Well if money wasn't a problem I’d hit a few clothin' shops. American Apparel, Urban Outfitters, maybe A hot topic for the shits and giggles. Then maybe few of the more boutique high end stuff. I'd hit up a good burger joint, maybe a sweet shop or a smoothie stand. Ice Skating or rollerblading and makin' out of course“
Riley realized that it all sounded very material and fashion based.
“I know that sounds like...vain. But i normally do thrift shop shopping. Being able to play dress up and get nice things would be fun. Like it’s not just about the clothes ya know? They tell a story if you let them”
The moth glanced around.
“Okay well are we going to blast something or DDR? Than I wanna hear what mallrat Dani is like”
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Apr 3, 2021 17:42:36 GMT -8
Fire listens, trying to imagine what that would look like, just running around being doofuses in a mall. Where Riley would go would be completely different from where she would, aside from the Hot Topic. It would keep things incredibly interesting, at least she thinks so.
"I don't think it sounds vain. What's the point of going to a mall if you don't basically go everywhere?" She chuckles a bit, looking around for the DDR area, a squint on her face. "Thrift shopping is loads of fun. All the random nostalgic stuff you can stumble upon!"
There is a breath, "Aha, there it is," she begins walking in the direction of the dance station, a couple of people just walking away from it. "Alright, lemme kick your butt in DDR and then I'll tell you about my mallrat adventures," she laughs a bit, walking up onto the station.
"Okay, you pick first and I'll hit the second song. Last one we'll do random," she wiggles around a little, excited and ready to go. It's been... a hot minute since she's played and maybe going full Heavy isn't the best decision, but hey - since when has screwing up a game ever mattered? It makes it more hilarious.
It actually wasn't as bad as she thought it was going to be. She probably should've gone medium. Those double steps were ridiculous and she barely scraped by with a D. She makes the weirdest faces while she goes. It is a combination of being squinty, her mouth perpetually in a grimace as she tries to focus as hard as she can. It looks kind of ridiculous.
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Apr 4, 2021 8:20:44 GMT -8
"Talk'in a big game, ain't ya?" The Moth gave a confident smile before leaning on to the dance station's railing, looking at the machine's menu. "Ah'rite sounds like a fair lineup." The darkling sauntered over to the second pad and began Scanning through the songs. Riley was hit by a wave of nostalgia. Most of this music was awful but catchy. It gave them a small laugh. At last, they landed on one that had some promise. Riley hadn't come to an Arcade or played DDR since before they were taken. They were pleased to find they still had some of their youthful skills to follow along. However, they soon began to realize maybe they were the ones talking about the big game. They had forgotten just how stimulating the game was. Was it always like this? This many colors, this many sounds, a dizzying array of lights and animation? But perhaps what was more distracting was the Dancing flame next to them. Dani's exuberant energy and seemingly devil may care attitude towards the game more than once pulled the Moth's attention away from the colorful array of arrows. As the first song came to an end, Riley laughed, placing their hand on the rail, having built up a sweat, and looked towards the dancing flame. "I reckon I may have underestimated you."
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Apr 8, 2021 15:50:27 GMT -8
Genuinely, Dani didn't think she would actually do as well as she did. It made her... feel a little cockier. Could she do the one that screwed her over years ago? She squints at the screen a minute before looking back at Riley with an excited face, "Yeah! I didn't think my feet would actually remember how to do the thing." She laughs a bit, looking down at her feet, kind of amazed at herself. Well, there ya go. Wonder if... "Okay, there is this piece that I used to do really well at, but the last time I did it, I totally bombed it. I think... yeah, that's the one I want." She has to scroll around for it for a little while, but she finally finds it. And this song is complete bullshit. It's catchy as all hell, but there is something just slightly off about the half-steps. She wasn't kidding though, this song is difficult, specifically on Heavy. Standard? Fine. It's got a couple of parts that are a bit jumpy. But those half time steps are killer in Heavy. There are multiple times that Fire just barely manages to catch some of the steps and by the time she is done, she just sits down on the dance mat. "Fuuuuuuuuuck." is all that really comes out. And they have a whole other song to do. At least she can take a moment to catch her breath.
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Apr 8, 2021 17:52:26 GMT -8
Where as Dani was feeling a little cocky, Riley was realizing they were more out of their depth than they had guessed. The moth watched as they selected the song and raised an eye brow at the choice. "oh no" Is what they were able to mumble. If this had kicked Dani's butt last time, it was going to wreck Riley. They were wrong.
The moth desperately tried to keep up. But the failures begins to pile up, slips, twisting up of feet, etc. With each failure leads to an escalation of laughter from Riley. Till by the end of the song they are sitting against the rails laugh crying as they try to tap their feet on the pad,
"Oh god. Awh NO" They laugh gasping for air. Their cheeks hurt and their abs are burning from the heaving of laughter.
"Dani. Why. Dani?! We have one more!?" They shake their head. To make it worse the next one was suppose to be a random song. Riley was far to sober for this.
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Apr 9, 2021 22:14:49 GMT -8
Fire looks up at Riley and can't help but just cackle, "I don't even- urghhh" She just continues laughing, sprawling herself out on the metal mat, trying not to click any wrong buttons. "I'm dyyyyying." She puts her hands on her stomach, abs hurting from laughing, her calves killing her from tensing up and jumping.
"Riley, why did I let myself do that? Oh god, why did I do that to you? I'm the woooorst!" It is a moment of sorry not sorry, but sorry, but also this is hilarious for the Elemental. She just looks as if she is really living, bright, vibrant, the fire burning beneath her coal-like skin glowing with her.
Lately, she's felt completely out of it, but being with Riley is like a breath of fresh air. It almost feels like the only time she can really breathe is when she's with them. They just make the world seem a little lighter, a little more bearable. Things could be complete shit, but with Riley, she can just forget for a little bit, enjoy life as it is, live in the moment. Everything she's fought for and gone through seems worth it to be able to have these kinds of moments - moments where she is truly happy.
"Okay. Okay." She stands up, a little wobbly, "So, we got this. One last song - then imma tell you about mall rat Dani." She laughs, taking a moment to fully steady herself. "You do the honors! Oh, but before then-" quick peck to the cheek.
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Apr 10, 2021 8:08:02 GMT -8
Riley was catching their breath as the laughter fit began to subside. They glanced around the Arcade, which had drawn a few eyes to the two of them do their loud behavior. Riley tried to remember the last time they had laughed this hard. It had been with Claire a month after she found Riley again; the two were drunk on wine and at a club. They had almost forgotten what it felt like. "I need to know about Mallrat-," They got to their feet as Dani leaned in and kissed them on the cheek. The Moth lost their concentration for a moment, distracted by the heat of the elemental. Right. DDR Right. DanceThe Twilight dancer shook off the distraction, placing their foot on the pad to scroll fast through the songs to land on a random one. "ah shit," they say, hearing the strings of the song. Riley had one last chance to earn back some self-respect after their failure on the previous song. While being classically taught in dance had little to no bearing on your skills at a video game, Riley couldn't let a dancing video game the best of them. They ran their silver hair back before focusing. Maybe they had some memory of this song, or perhaps they were finally warmed up, but they were able to keep up with the gallops, hops, and off beats rather well this time around. Riley gave a small pump of their arm as the song came to an end, leaning up against the railing the looked to Fire bringer. " Ah'rite, maybe I am not a total loss"
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Apr 10, 2021 12:15:08 GMT -8
Dani had to get her life together as Riley hit the random button. She'd distracted herself just in the moment of giving them a peck. The song had started rather quickly and things were already moving fast. On the bright side, there was some muscle memory with this piece.
There is a little wisp of a memory in the back of her mind. Talia, Casey, and Nica at Casey's house going on challenge mode. In the middle of this song, Nica slid across the mat and landed right on her back. The laughter from that day still keeps her going. There used to be so much laughter. That was one of the better years.
This time, she actually kicked some butt. "Okay. A C+ isn't bad. Not bad at all." She laughs, looking over at Riley. "Yes! Nice! We kicked butt!"
The Elemental stretches her arms and shakes her legs a little, "Holy crap, I feel like jelly."
"Okay. Mallrat Dani from the 00s. First of all, we are the punk kids who basically own the mall. At least, we totally believe we do. Hit up every gothy shop in the mall. Hot Topic, Spencers, FYE for the anime, the book store. Running around with a skateboard, getting in trouble for boarding around occasionally. We're wearing skinny jeans, band-tees and some fingerless gloves. Though, this was 8th, so there was probably some metal underneath. Ya girl didn't play and they thought I was scrawny under the too large band-Tees. Though, I started just looking like a standard blend-in person by 9th. Easier for people to forget you that way. Oh. Then hop over to the preppy stores and try on clothes to look ridiculous. Occasionally buy something there because... shame." she laughs, "Aaaaand go and smell every single candle in a candle store."
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Apr 10, 2021 21:41:42 GMT -8
"Okay yeah, Mall Rat Dani would've melted a young Riley's heart. Too bad you were not in Austin," The Wisp laughed, leaning against the rails of the DDR Cabinet, giving their legs a moment's reprise from the frantic motions that was the dancing game.
"Early 2000's Riles would have been a different sort of Mall Rat than previous. Orange Julius, watching the roller skate rink. Probably reeking of weed" They laugh, shaking their heads. "Oh, and my friends would all go to 'Claires,' and I would want to die. Do you want some water? "They offer as they hand over to the bar area, grabbing a glass for themself, and one for Fire if they ask.
The date had been going far better than they had expected. Despite it being nothing like what they were used to these days, it had a nostalgic bent. Bittersweet at times, but Riley was finding it refreshing and engaging.
Taking a sip from the glass, Riley pondered their next question. Their gut reaction was to get flirty and saucy. Ask the fun questions, but the last time brought up Thomas, and all the baggage came with him. The Wisp's eyes traced Dani's face for a moment before finding the words for their next question.
"So what do you and Talia do when you two hang out?"
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Apr 14, 2021 20:19:38 GMT -8
"Yeah, too busy terrorizing the streets of Baltimore." She chuckles, scratching her head a little bit, feeling a little weird as she remembers she is scratching at the wig, but eh.
"Oh man. Stop. I would kill for an Orange Julius right now though. Where is the nearest Dairy Queen? Oh god. Do they have Dairy Queens here?" There is a look on her face of 'mind blown' as she considers the abundant amount of things on the east coast that don't exist here.
"Yeah, sorry, brain, uh, heh, yeah. Water would be nice," She chuckles and takes a moment to breathe and really get it together. Taking the water, she carefully sips it. Truthfully, she hates water. Drinking water. It feels wrong the moment it goes down, like it is dulling her inner flame, like she is smothering herself. When she drinks it, she almost looks as if she is taking a shot of alcohol and trying to deal with it going down. But this is a human body... it needs water.
She is shocked a little bit by the question about Talia and she stiffens immediately. Fuck. Riley was going to ask about her eventually. Of course they were. Why wouldn't they ask? It's something they have in common. She purses her lips and lets out a slow breath.
"Um..." Well, I'm not going to lie to them. "Shit... Uh... this is going to sound super freaking weird and uh..." she looks down at her water, tapping the glass a little bit with her finger nails nervously. "Not really weird. Just, I don't know how to-" She shakes her head, "Talia won't talk to me. Not since I got back. I..." Oh god. Saying it out loud like that suddenly hurt. A little knot catches in her throat and she grips onto her glass.
"So... um... our hanging out is just me chilling out occasionally watching from afar to make sure she's okay." I don't think I could forgive myself if something happened to her while I wasn't watching.
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Apr 15, 2021 10:21:26 GMT -8
Riley watches curiously at the discomfort Dani displayed at drinking water. They knew the Elemental had pain with water. It was foreign really, the wisp could only try to imagine that experience, and they fell short. How could they?
"Yeah, there are DQ's here," Riley chuckles. "Not many, but honestly, Dairy Queens tend to feel like weird liminal spaces." They always seemed stuck in another time, oddly out of place, but maybe that was just the darkling.
They blinked as Firebringer stiffens; as Dani explains, Riley quickly realizes they just stumbled onto something pretty painful.
"Oh. Shit. Dani I-" they pause, considering their words.
To most, stalking your estranged sister would put up red flags; even Riley considers that for a moment. But would Riley be any different if Claire and they were not talking? Who was the darkling to judge, they who stalked their own troupe. In fact, Riley thought it was a reasonable course of action.
"That must be really hard. Is it because of the other-" the you was implied. "Ya don't have to talk about it if you don't want to. It doesn't sound freaky to me. Not for the likes of us."
Their voice was soft, comforting. With a sidestep, Riley moves closer to Dani to be supportive should the Elemental want it.
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