Video

[sos_pilot]

[ della has a slightly serious look on her face... but for those who know her, there's definite playfulness in her eyes. ]

This is one of those "I can't believe I have to say this" kind of deals, so buckle up, folks.

Guys? I know I'm really amazing, very cool, and all around unbelievable. I'm so many things, it's hard to list them all. But one thing I'm not?

A deity. Yes, I am in fact, 100%, absolutely and truly not a goddess. And no, I'm not a demi-goddess either. Not a single trace of divinity in me. I won't name names, but this has happened about three or four times now. Just thought I'd mention it in case there's anyone else out there with this assumption.

... Y'know what? It's a new month, and that means we're getting newbies. Maybe now's a good time for everyone to sweep any other misunderstandings under the rug. So, if there's anything you wanna clear up about yourself, your world, your species, whatever, go for it.

((ooc: feel free to use the above as an excuse to tag others in this post!))

Comments

[namethattune]

[Xander's interjection is unexpected but welcome, and it allows Siebren precious few moments to think - to work through thought and emotion and the ever-present melody to try to piece together what, exactly, he is being told.]

[That there are those here who are close, who see one another as family.]

[That there are those here that may well see him that way as well - that consider themselves to be close to him; that consider him to be that close in turn.]

[That there is-]

[He is distracted, for a moment, as Seto sputters, and he cannot help but smile. He is fond of the both of them, certainly, and invested in their well-being. To frame it in the manner Seto had mentioned, he cares for them as he would his own-]

[-his own-]

[...oh.]

[Oh.]

[His expression fades to one of quiet, unfocused shock, and all he can do is wait, and breathe, as the melody ebbs and flows around a realization that has reframed his entire presence aboard this train. He had not spared a thought to having a family in years - not since Annelise had passed - and yet here he is, having found one without ever realizing it.]

[The children he had never thought he'd have. A family of his own. An unexpected development, but...a welcome one.]

[He returns to reality and the conversation at hand just in time to hear one of said children deny his role in said family, and that is unacceptable.]

Why on Earth would you think you are not also a part of this family, Xander?

[emerald_mirror]

[He doesn't quite cringe, but there's a definite look of uncertainty on his face.]

Uhh. I didn't want to assume? [Honestly, Alex had to shove the fact that Xander was his family in Xander's face, too. It's crazy how some people have certain blind spots...this is definitely his.]

[namethattune]

[...oh, Xander.]

Then allow me to clarify: you are absolutely a part of this family.

[Bold words from someone who didn't realize there was a family until about five seconds ago, but they are nonetheless delivered with conviction.]

[blue_ice]

Yeah, for someone with such a gift for emotions, I thought you'd be more certain than me.

[ Seto releases the breath he'd been holding, and his expression is soft. He wasn't mistaken. He didn't throw himself over the edge. Here they are: two of the people he's come to care for most.

And that's perfectly fine. ]

Uh. I'm. Glad that's settled now.

[ Aaand now we're back to awkward. He's fond of them, definitely, but he did not expect to air all this out in public. ]

[emerald_mirror]

I have my reasons! I mean--I've been meaning to tell you guys why, actually, but I'd rather do it in a less public forum.

[Yeah he does not want to admit his own personal shame in front of the whole train. Not yet. He's not ready. Maybe someday. He's got to see how Seto and Siebren react. But he knows he's probably worrying for nothing.]

Do you need a hug, Seto? [He could probably use one himself, Xander's not gonna lie.]

[blue_ice]

It doesn't matter what I say, does it?

[ He knows the game by now. And he shakes his head, the fondness still in his eyes. ]

But yeah, meeting in person would do wonders to make this less awkward on all fronts.

[namethattune]

Perhaps the quiet car, then.

[There is more to be said here, but not in public.]