in bloom.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Lapis gave Pearl a small, short-lived smile. Why did Pearl suddenly look so uneasy? The question didn’t seem too intrusive to her, but it seemed to hit a nerve. The other’s change of attitude was enough confirmation that something was off. She quickly ran through her memories, trying to remember the conversations she’d had, trying to remember if there was anything more personal that the sister could have heard. She tried not to look too upset, laughing back as well.

Her forced innocent look was all the more infuriating, though. As much as she tried, Lapis couldn’t avoid looking at least a bit suspicious. She was sure she looked quite annoyed as well, but she couldn’t stop it. It was, however, easier to conceal once Steven became the topic of conversation again.

“I see. That’s good to know.” She did remember Steven lived with more people, which was reassuring. She let out a short breath of relief, thinking that. But now, she’d have to deal with Pearl, which was proving to be more and more of a waste of patience.

at the sight of the other’s suspicious look, pearl’s eye twitched in slight annoyance. obviously the other wasn’t believing her act, and seemed to be a little salty of it, even. well fine, two can play that game. pearl’s forced smile had smoothed as she pursed her lips, remembering how much she didn’t like lapis when she was hanging out with her brother. things would not change now. 

"well, my brother won’t be going to college for a while, so the chance of you two hanging out together any time soon are slim.”

Ahhhhhh. So Shino was making a big deal about nothing again, welp, sounds about right. She just sighed in relief. Now Shino, she coached herself, don’t be awkward for goodness sake. Then again she cannot help it, she is just so nosy by nature. It is one of the reasons she is a criminology student in the first place.

How much the girl cared of her brother made her chest warm, like when Shino thought of her dotting grandfather. It made her miss him she would have to call him later to check on him and grandma… and mom.

Shino thought of a new topic remembering the girl talking about her project involving teaching.

“So are you planning to teach younger students then? Or do you just want to be a teacher in general?” 

“i haven’t really decided. i think i would like younger students better, but then again, i would like to keep my options open...”

she momentarily pondered about it, tapping her finger on her chin thoughtfully. it was an interesting question. she had only thought of it a handful of times, only because she avoided thinking about it, since she could never make up her mind. there were just too many pros and cons that balanced each other out about each. she gave a small sigh and shrugged.

“whatever i do, i want to have a positive impact on my students, nonetheless. i sometimes teach fencing, on the weekends, to the cutest little girl, and...i think she’s really been enjoying it. and her parents seem to like that i can teach her like that. they keep telling me about the progress she’s made with her confidence...”

pearl trailed off, lost in thought as she sighed in content, before suddenly catching up with herself. immediately she straightened up, clearing her throat as she flushed with embarrassment. 

@pearlyfighter​

     She gave Pearl a sideways smile while shaking her head. “Even if it is hard to understand, it’s better then not saying it out loud.” It was like shaking a soda in the bottle with the lid still screwed on. Without releasing the pressure it just keeps building up and before anyone knows it once the lid is unscrewed, the liquid inside just explodes everywhere.

     Aerith has witnessed enough with people who just kept everything bottled up, the outcome usually led to people having breakdowns and just mentally and physically drained. The female wanted to help Pearl, not because she was someone she just met, but because she felt like the other female had no one to really vent it all out too.

     Covering her mouth Aerith let out a laugh to the girl’s response. “Of course I’m certain.” Letting her laugh die down she collected herself again before smiling. “If I wasn’t, then I wouldn’t have asked, silly.” Nodding her head liking the outcome she spoke. “Do you have a preference on drinks? Coffee? Tea?” Cocking her head to the side. “I know this little cafe, and if not then we can always go to my apartment if you want privacy.”

well, there was definitely truth in what the other was saying, although pearl wanted to disagree. sharing her feelings had never been easy, especially when admitting weakness. she always held pride in her strength, despite her complete lack of it at times. it seemed like ever since her mother passed, she had wilted a little, and strength was hard to come by.

she was strong for her brother. she knew that much. and right now...he wasn’t here. so maybe letting her emotions out would be okay. this woman was incredibly kind, and pearl felt naturally drawn to her, so maybe just a relaxing conversation was what she needed. college had been quite the lonely endeavor so far, and pearl was desperate for some companionship.

hearing aerith laugh, pearl flushed in slight embarrassment, feeling as if she was acting foolish. it was hard to tell --- the two just met.

What does their bedroom look like?

Do they have any daily rituals?

Do they exercise, and if so, what do they do? How often?

What would they do if they needed to make dinner but the kitchen was busy?

Cleanliness habits (personal, workspace, etc.)

Eating habits and sample daily menu

Favorite way to waste time and feelings surrounding wasting time

Favorite indulgence and feelings surrounding indulging

Makeup?

Neuroses? Do they recognize them as such?

Intellectual pursuits?

Favorite book genre?

Sexual Orientation? And, regardless of own orientation, thoughts on sexual orientation in general?

Physical abnormalities? (Both visible and not, including injuries/disabilities, long-term illnesses, food-intolerances, etc.)

Biggest and smallest short term goal?

Biggest and smallest long term goal?

Preferred mode of dress and rituals surrounding dress

Favorite beverage?

What do they think about before falling asleep at night?

Childhood illnesses? Any interesting stories behind them?

Turn-ons? Turn-offs?

Given a blank piece of paper, a pencil, and nothing to do, what would happen?

How organized are they? How does this organization/disorganization manifest in their everyday life?

Is there one subject of study that they excel at? Or do they even care about intellectual pursuits at all?

How do they see themselves 5 years from today?

Do they have any plans for the future? Any contingency plans if things don’t workout?

What is their biggest regret?

Who do they see as their best friend? Their worst enemy?

Reaction to sudden extrapersonal disaster (eg The house is on fire! What do they do?)

Reaction to sudden intrapersonal disaster (eg close family member suddenly dies)

Most prized possession?

Thoughts on material possessions in general?

Concept of home and family?

Thoughts on privacy? (Are they a private person, or are they prone to ‘TMI’?)

What activities do they enjoy, but consider to be a waste of time?

What makes them feel guilty?

Are they more analytical or more emotional in their decision-making?

Would they consider themselves a Type A or Type B personality?

What recharges them when they’re feeling drained?

Would you say that they have a superiority-complex? Inferiority-complex? Neither?

How misanthropic are they?

Hobbies?

How far did they get in formal education? What are their views on formal education vs self-education?

Religion?

Superstitions or views on the occult?

Do they express their thoughts through words or deeds?

If they were to fall in love, who (or what) is their ideal?

How do they express love?

If this person were to get into a fist fight, what is their fighting style like?

Lapis smiled at Pearl’s remark. It wasn’t exactly flattering, considering she was rather proud of her photos, but it was still better than a negative comment. “I’m…glad.” She didn’t comment on asking permission, although she did acknowledge it. After what happened, she would definitely ask first. Everything she could do to avoid being awakened from a nap of hers again.

She jumped back, not expecting the other’s sudden change in focus. She calmed down, seeing as she wasn’t mad at any of her previous remarks. “Oh, I see! That makes sense.”

‘So she’s his brother…’ At least it started making sense that she had the image of her listening to the two’s conversations in the past. She did seem to be a protective sister. Thinking about it, and having confirmation of their relationship, she started to find her ideas a bit twisted, in a way. Why would someone eavesdrop on conversations like that? Surely she could have just asked Steven after her leave, but no. She would watch it in real time. The possibility of it not being true simply transformed into a sea of negative ideas. She started analyzing Pearl, getting a bit tense. “So…I guess you’re protective of your brother, right?” She asked it as if grasping for air, unable to take the silence that was created between the two. It was so irritatingly boring that she had to ask. She hoped Pearl would mention something about any conversations she’d heard, although she didn’t seem like the type to tell it to her straight away. The girl quickly concluded that it would be a lengthy process to get any answers from the other, who seemed to be a bit tense as well.

that was...incredibly blunt of her. pearl didn’t know if she should feel offended --- it was no secret that she had the tendency to eavesdrop on her brother and his friends, but she hadn’t realized that someone had caught her. or...had lapis caught her? she wasn’t really sure. for now, she tried playing it cool, acting as if that was just an average observation that had no hidden intentions or implications behind it whatsoever.

“er...yes, i suppose i am. a-any big sister would be!”

she tried laughing, smiling and playing it cool, but it was obvious she was trying to avoid the fact that she definitely had listened in on her brother’s conversations with person in front of her. awkwardly, she cleared her throat, and flashed the other another pearly smile, trying to play innocent. 

“well, don’t worry, he’s got someone looking after him now while i’m in college.”

“sorry I know you could have done it yourself it is just that I had the computer out and I wanted to help. I am kind of awkward at times so if I offended you I’m sorry, I did not think.” She looked down at her hands trying to think of what to say in response to her question.

“As for why I asked… you really seem to love him and I do not have the best relationship with my family so it is really nice to see. When ever you talk about him your face is so caring. I suppose I asked because you seem like a really good person who loves her brother.” 

“Sorry I don’t mean to be so strange.”

“it’s fine,” pearl sighed, “you didn’t offend me. just drop it.”

the other was making such a big deal out of nothing, really, and pearl was starting to feel bad about how she reacted. if the girl went on any further, that’s when she really would get frustrated. she shook her head and focused back on what the girl was explaining, tilting her head in slight curiosity. 

“oh. i’m...sorry your relationship with your family wasn’t the best. but...yes, i do care about my brother a lot. he’s the only family i have left. i’d protect him with my life if it meant i wouldn’t lose him.”

it was true. she loved her brother more than anything else in this world. with their mother, whom she really did love and depend upon, dead now, pearl took it upon herself to be the positive influence her brother needed. and she cared for him everyday, always made sure he was happy. at least, she did before she went to college.

“Gah! Ohmygod!”

The sudden voice behind him did not make him scream like a girl, nope, not at all. He was so focused on the literal mountain of homework in front of him, he didn’t hear the woman.

Processing what she said, anxiety ran through his body again. He wasn’t ready. 

“U-ummm hey there! N-Nah, I’m fine! Just here to do s-some homework. Hahaha.” The nervous laughter made him cringe on the inside.

Looking again at the mountain of work in front of him…Jaune looked at the woman again. Maybe he’s assuming too much, but she looks like she’s been at the center for a while, so maybe she could help him…with his homework…not the other thing.

“Actually…how much do you know about human sexuality? This assignment is being a real ass right now.”

in all honesty, pearl hadn’t meant to scare the other student. she just assumed they were someone who was lost, needing a little help. she must have caught him at the wrong time to elicit such a yelp from him. pearl merely raised her eyebrow, a little bewildered at his strange nervousness. had she really scared him that badly? she just said hi...

oh, he was just there for homework. that...sort of made sense, although she didn’t understand why he didn’t just do it in his dorm or the library instead of conveniently right in front of the lgbt+ center. pearl had been sure that he might have been trying to find the center, so his answer honestly surprised her. 

“alright...”

she was just about to take her leave until he spoke up once more, catching her attention effectively this time. finally, a question that was relevant to where this boy decided to sit down and study. surely it was no coincidence he ended up at the lgbt center. pearl, with a sudden burst of confidence and sisterly instincts, immediately straightened up and approached him.

@pearlyfighter​

     “And a pleasure to meet you, Pearl.”

     As Aerith took a better look at the female in front of her, Pearl was a suitable name. She could tell Pearl took pride in whatever she did, and Aerith found that admirable within someone.

    Giving her a warm smile she shook her head. “Nothing is ever stupid, especially if it makes you cry.” Looking up at the lake that they were close by she then turned her attention to Pearl. “It’s nice to be strong and have composure, but it also takes courage to cry.”

    Aerith was most likely the last person she wanted to see, and the last person she would probably want to speak with about this. The brunette was pretty head strong and she refused to really let this slide on her watch. “Do you care to go grab something to drink?” Hopefully it would help relax Pearl’s nerves. “Even though I’m a stranger, I can be someone to listen.”

the more this woman spoke, the more she reminded pearl of her mother. it was nearly driving her insane --- yet at the same time, it was strangely comforting. she had only known this woman for a few minutes but she already admired her wisdom. still, it was nothing that could easily soothe her memories of her late mother, but she kept her act up.

“it’s hard to understand. i shouldn’t be crying, no matter what you say.”

her offer caught pearl by surprise. she really hadn’t expected something like that from someone as pretty as aerith, especially since pearl had been a crying mess a mere five minutes ago. as much as she wanted to just run away and forget about the whole encounter, aerith’s gentle smile compelled her to stay. there was something so alluring and gentle about the other. it was irresistible.

“Okay lets see” Shino opened a new tab on her laptop for the library website and in the search bar looked for the search “Kindergarten” and “teaching” one book appeared but it was checked out. She quickly looked back at the other girl. 

“Okay so I found one book that might help you  but it has been checked out. It looks like it is due in two days, if that is not too late for you to write your paper you could put it on hold. Then the school would email you when they have it in.”

“”I hope you don’t mind me asking but what is your brother like?” Shino is not sure why she asked, maybe to to try and give the topic to something more familiar for the other girl. After all, not everyone is as in to video games as her. Shino has also never had any siblings so the curiosity did fuel the question at least a little.

pearl was just about to search it up on the library website, but it seemed the other was one step ahead of her. it seemed a little humiliating, in all honesty. pearl was very intelligent, and quite the problem solver, so to see this girl do something for her that could’ve been done relatively easily made pearl a little frustrated. still, she didn’t mention it, just sucked in her pride as she listened to the girl.

“oh. alright. i could have found that out myself, but thank you, i guess,” she remarked, voice stiff with false politeness. “i can wait two days.”

the question caught her a little by surprise. she hadn’t really expected a question like that, even though she kept mentioning her brother. describing him would require her to think of him, and thinking of him would cause her to miss him...she let out a small sigh as she already began to think of her brother, smiling softly at the memories.

     There wasn’t much that Aerith enjoyed more then visiting the flower garden on campus, and considering the weather it was the most perfect time then ever to visit. Aside from the gardeners she made sure to check on them daily and take in the soothing area.

     It was another form of relaxing for the older women.

     Shoes kissed the pavement as she made her way through before feeling the earth beneath her feet as she made her way through the flower beds. As she was making her way she couldn’t help but pick up on someone else. Maybe a passerby student? No, it seemed like they were visiting the area as well, though their presence seemed to be - upset.

    Turning the corner to see the other side she was about ready to return to the previous area before making eye contact with another person. Oh. This must have been the person that was around.     

Seeing the female rub her eyes Aerith gave a comforting smile. “I’m sorry that I’m not the person you were searching for.” Ah, she must have been really hoping she was that someone, the brunette could see she was crying. Though doing her best for the women to not see.    

Walking a little closer to the other she spoke. “My name’s Aerith, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Giving her a warm smile now she tilted her head to the side. Brushing her bangs from her view as she then looked around the field of flowers. “You know, you’re never alone and it is alright to cry.” It was like she was speaking, knowing about Pearl’s dismay, as if the person was around.

pearl shook her head in response to the other. it wasn’t her fault. it was her own fault for being so emotional and delusional in the garden. the memory of her mother just simply wouldn’t leave her in a place like this, where she was constantly reminded. she sniffed once more, wiping away the rest of her tears, feeling ashamed that someone caught her crying. people normally didn’t see her cry --- she was normally stronger than that.

“it’s a pleasure to meet you too, aerith. i’m pearl.”

she was a little proud that her voice didn’t crack. had it, she would have lost any sense of composure she might have regained. instead, she tried standing a little taller, keeping her dancer’s posture she always prided herself on. but soon, the other girl’s next sentence had pearl nearly melting in a puddle, her nearly forgotten emotions nearly pouring out.

@pearlyfighter liked for a starter

As soon as Winry saw the advertisements posted throughout the town, she knew that she was going to have to take part in a car show that was going to be taking place. When she had first found out, she had quickly called her grandmother and screamed into the phone, showing her blatant excitement as she quickly began making plans.

The garage she worked at gave her a car, one that had been donated for parts a few months back. It looked like garbage, but this was going to be her new baby. The car was going to have to work done to it.. It would have to look snazzy. It was going to need the most perfectly fixed car ever, but the time for the show was drawing too near. And there wasn’t enough time for this girl to work on her lonesome.

She had quickly decided to make her own posters, searching for someone experienced with cars to be able to help her take on the feat. She quickly posted them around school , but she was going to need to work harder to find a helper so she stood in front of the campus center and began personally handing out fliers.

“Car show coming up!” she would say. “Looking for a fellow mechanic! Come work on a car!” Yet she felt like she was getting no where.

if there was one thing she hadn’t done in a while at university, it was mechanics. yes, yoga-loving, healthy-eating, dance-crazy pearl was a mechanic. well, sort of. it was more of a hobby than anything. she had picked it up in high school to impress a girl, learning from one of the guys at her school, before she realized the girl totally was straight. but pearl seemed to like that sort of thing and kept doing it with her high school friend, only giving it up when she went to college.

she was fine without it, really. there was the occasional day where she would sort of miss the grittiness of it, crouching down underneath a car with a variety of tools, working hard to finally see the finishing product at the end. it made it all worthwhile knowing the end outcome. but that was a thing of the past, she told herself. still, the desire to was always there...

and oh boy, had her day come. she had been walking through campus, making her way to her dorm when the sound of someone yelling caught her attention. she stopped and looked over at the girl, paying attention to what she was saying. and her heart nearly skipped a beat. was there really such an easy opportunity to start up mechanics again? excited now, pearl approached the girl.