Monday- Evening - Hut

[ladyofthehouse]

[Austria gently drums her fingers against the top of her piano, occasionally sparing a glance towards Joshua's side of the room.

It's been a while since Austria's lived with someone else, let alone a teenager. Joshua seems to be more of a handful than Italy ever was. Not to mention insufferable. A brat. Generally disliked by everyone who talks to him...

Where was she going with this train of thought again? Oh right. She's supposed to be the adult regardless.]

I apologize for voting for you at the trial.

Part of it was curiosity as to whether or not it would count as breaking a rule. Part of it was because I was unconvinced of Herr Yato's guilt and didn't want to be complicit in his framing.

And you're correct. Part of it was that you are genuinely infuriating to interact with on practically every level.

Comments

[vipmix]

[on the one hand, Joshua didn't expect an apology at all. On the other hand, this is not a great one. He barely glances at Austria when he answers:]

Is that it? Outside of the curiosity angle, you're not telling me anything I didn't know.

[because he'd seen her try (uselessly) to defend Yato all trial, and-- he's sort of aware of his character flaws. still, he doesn't actually want to be on the warpath with his "partner", since his life literally depends on it (ugh), so.]

If you're concerned about retaliation, you're fine. I'm not willing to risk my life on something that petty.

[ladyofthehouse]

[Poor apology or not she thinks he's at the very least deserving of her honesty.]

You realize that I am probably one of the only people here that is actually invested in keeping you alive.

In another scenario where we aren't able to clearly figure out a culprit, you're putting yourself in danger by being so disagreeable all the time. There are people here with hotter tempers than mine who would think nothing of voting for you in a flit of anger.

Just think of Frau Laura, with no alibi and no redeeming characteristics to speak of. Her only saving grace was that Herr Yato was so aggressively framed and that her partner is universally beloved.

[vipmix]

I'm aware of how much of this game is a popularity contest, yes. [he'd warned neku of the possibility the previous week, and bluntly told Laura Nino as her partner basically gave her immunity during trial. but still.] If you want something, you should just say it. Don't frame it like it's something else than you being concerned for your own life.

1/2

[ladyofthehouse]

I realize that if we weren't partners I probably wouldn't be as invested in your well-being, but I'm hardly so cruel that I actively desire your death. Your personality is hardly a crime warranting an execution.

[ladyofthehouse]

It hardly needs to be said because you're clearly aware that-- [Austria purses her lips for a moment like she's swallowing something particularly unsavory.]

I'm not the easiest person to get along with either.

So we both need to try harder.

[vipmix]

So you want us both to ... hm, what, play nice?

[that feels disingenuous to his personality!*

*implying he is genuine about things]

[ladyofthehouse]

Within reason.

We'd be outed immediately if we even tried to act as doe eyed and sweet as Frau Nino actually is.

[vipmix]

It's not like I was actively trying to be antagonistic, you know.

[ladyofthehouse]

That I actually believe entirely.

[Teenagers are just antagonistic by nature.]

1/2

[vipmix]

[...>:/]

[vipmix]

I guess I can agree with us both trying to do better. It's not like I want to get killed anymore than you do.

verdammt joshua!!!!

[ladyofthehouse]

Good.

I'm glad we could at least come together as partners on that, otherwise we'd truly be hopeless here.

:x :x :x!!!

[vipmix]

I'm not suicidal, and I don't hate you. I think that's enough to hit the bare minimum of working together.

[ladyofthehouse]

I do have a question though.

Is the size of the piano really that bothersome to you?

[There's nothing on this island to even put in here.]

[vipmix]

I don't like having to make an effort. It was placed to be as annoying as possible in that regard.

[the truth comes out: he just hates having to step over it because he's lazy]

[ladyofthehouse]

[All that. Over something so stupid. Really.]

Why didn't you just say that?

[Not that she could have moved it herself but she could have gotten someone to help her at this point!!]

[vipmix]

I did call it cumbersome, didn't I?

[also listen he only complained to lief!!!!! twice. let him live]

[ladyofthehouse]

[You are impossible.]

Good night, Joshua.

[vipmix]

[fucking. giggling in his corner like a dick]

Well then. Good night, partner.

[ladyofthehouse]

[TEENAGERS.]