[okay okay okay okay okay okay okay okay okay YOU GOT THIS, LUCINA. TAKE A BREATH, AND:]
Hello, Iris! I hope this message doesn't catch you at a bad time, I...I was actually wonder if you had a moment or two to chat! I, ah...I would like to ask for your advice on...something.
[...]
...So, yes. Only if it's convenient -- I assure you it's not dire. But still. I'd like to hear from you when I can.
It's okay. [ Actually, she doesn't know if it is; a problem for future-Iris. ] First, take a deep breath and slow down. We'll break it up bit by bit and walk through each part.
[ she takes a breath herself, mostly to set the speed, ]
I...I don't actually...know where the beginning really is though. Just that...well. Through all that's been said and done, I...I have something of a date this weekend? And...maybe more than that. I think.
Well, that is...! Um. [goodness, it's easier to just constantly stew about a thing rather than explain it to someone, isn't it?] Well. I just mean...I--we. Already... See, we! Already kissed before, and...and maybe that's out of order, I don't know. I certainly don't know, but! That...definitely is what happened. Before. So.
why on earth would it be bad to discuss such a relationship, especially if this was about seeking advice? is she dating... a supervillain...... ]
It's okay. [ she thinks. ] Relationships are pretty confusing, so let's uh - let's go back to the date. It's this weekend, right? Where is he taking you?
Oh, so you were friends before he asked you out? That's sweet.
[ Also promising! Very promising! Iris had been over to Tohru's place a bunch of times before they dated, and well, she had grown up with Barry. Nothing unusual here in her mind. ]
I don't think your past visits counted, unless he agrees they did. So you're in the clear. But if he's making dinner, that's a really good sign. It means he wants to impress, you know?
Well, what city does he live in? Tohru and I live off take-out, so we could give suggestions too. [ beat ] Either way, it's a good sign. Low-key, relaxing, nothing too big or extravagant.
Lucina. [ Iris pauses, purposefully slowing down her words: ] It's going to be okay. I know it feels scary. Like, stupid scary because you like him. But he asked you out because he clearly has good taste, and well...
You kind of work it out as you go along. Everyone has a different pace. You just have to figure out where yours is, and set the tone as you need. [ beat ] But also, talk to him. Check in every so often, and you'll find the middle ground between you.
I think so. [ based on Lucina's reluctance to talk about the man, Iris can't imagine he's an upstanding citizen. Probably someone with a fluid sense of morals– or at least the appearance of fluid morals.
But it's not Iris's relationship, it's Lucina's. So walking her through it is eons more important. ]
If you keep that in mind, I think you'll find your balance just fine. [ she pauses, ] In my experience, a first date is usually somewhere public, like a coffee shop or a bowling rink, but if he's comfortable enough to invite you to his place... it means a lot. Like he trusts you, or at least likes you enough to be honest with you.
I know so. [ This comes too quickly, as if she knows it as well as herself. Her feelings on local crimelord aside, Lucina chose him. Lucina's happiness is what matters. ] If they put pictures in the dictionary, you would be right under badass.
But the point - you're going to be fine. Everyone gets first date jitters. Even I did, when I started dating Tohru.
[ though, if she's dating local crimelord, maybe that's why they're at his home and not somewhere more public... ]
[Iris? the bastion of wisdom and kindness? Lucina almost doesn't believe her, but...it'd be wrong to.
she exhales with a pained sound.]
I...I mean, I guess that has to be true. But it still doesn't feel like I... I suppose I just got used to the idea of not really...pursuing things like this. Not since Leo left. [and that was well over a year ago -- an eternity, when one is still just 18 and not used to a regular girl's life.]
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