[ It was surprising how quickly they managed to reestablish a new kind of normal, a genuine comfort with each other again. In the time leading up to their fight, Jessica had been obsessed with confronting Sayo, facing her past so she could finally put it away and start moving forward. But as the fight drew nearer, she started to understand that she'd already made that progress, and just as importantly, that there were parts of that past that she wanted to embrace, precious things that elevated her instead of dragging her down.
And here they are. It's just them. Just them. No matter their circumstances, no matter what they had done or not done, this is the Sayo that she'd wanted to see for so long, but had been unable to search for. She feels so familiar. That's not to say that they haven't worked at it, but it was work that she wanted to do, that was as worth the effort as anything she'd ever done in her life.
She's given her Sayo a simple offer. "I want to hear everything you have to say, once you're ready to say it." None of the overwhelming pressure she'd put on her before as Kanon, or all the little moments she had been an overbearing friend, but neither was it her making excuses for her peace of mind.
She still loves her, of course, passionately. But as far as the shape of their relationship goes, she's content to be patient and accept what Sayo feels no matter what. She'd already been willing to accept Sayo's new love, to eventually move on— her new relationship with Himiko was utterly unexpected. It has been wonderful too, but she knows that she and Sayo have very different circumstances, different experiences with love. That's okay. She treasures those feelings regardless, wants to nurture them in the way most appropriate to what they are. For now, then, their interactions are light, casual but affectionate. Testing the waters just a bit, never too far, too fast.
She feels a sympathetic pang at Sayo's reaction to her bringing up Karate, mentally chiding herself for not being able to read the mood regarding that. But Sayo responds, putting their conversation on a parallel path, and she can't help following. ]
Y-Yeah! I sorta get the idea about not having a romantic view of fighting, or whateeever. But Silver-sensei can get really weird. Like, I admire Michelle Yeoh as much as the next girl, but I'm not trying to become some kinda ultimate warrior! [ She laughs. ] It's dangerous out there, and I just wanna be able to defend myself, plus martial arts are friggin' cool!
[ And they are cool. She'd been impressed by how good Sayo had gotten so quickly; it feels as though that battle really could have gone either way. She follows Sayo's conversation pivot, which reminds her of something that had confused her to no end during the run-up to the tournament. ]
Mannn, I still can't believe there's a dog named after a Goddess, teaching martial arts! This place really is weird, huh?
[ She giggles, still amazed by the variety of shapes and backgrounds that Sleepers come in. She seems to have a lot of students though. Maybe it really is worth a shot to have a dog as sensei? ]
Haah, what's thaaat~? [ She gives a broad grin at Sayo's playful one, snickering. Abruptly, she stops walking to give a deep bow. She speaks in a reverent, formal voice. Downright handsome, even. ] I am at your service, milady. Merely name your desire, and your humble Jessica shall grant it. [ Aaand a couple seconds later she regrets making that joke. What if it comes with bad memories? ] Ah, s-sorry, sorry. I just mean I'd be glad to help, Sayo!
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And here they are. It's just them. Just them. No matter their circumstances, no matter what they had done or not done, this is the Sayo that she'd wanted to see for so long, but had been unable to search for. She feels so familiar. That's not to say that they haven't worked at it, but it was work that she wanted to do, that was as worth the effort as anything she'd ever done in her life.
She's given her Sayo a simple offer. "I want to hear everything you have to say, once you're ready to say it." None of the overwhelming pressure she'd put on her before as Kanon, or all the little moments she had been an overbearing friend, but neither was it her making excuses for her peace of mind.
She still loves her, of course, passionately. But as far as the shape of their relationship goes, she's content to be patient and accept what Sayo feels no matter what. She'd already been willing to accept Sayo's new love, to eventually move on— her new relationship with Himiko was utterly unexpected. It has been wonderful too, but she knows that she and Sayo have very different circumstances, different experiences with love. That's okay. She treasures those feelings regardless, wants to nurture them in the way most appropriate to what they are. For now, then, their interactions are light, casual but affectionate. Testing the waters just a bit, never too far, too fast.
She feels a sympathetic pang at Sayo's reaction to her bringing up Karate, mentally chiding herself for not being able to read the mood regarding that. But Sayo responds, putting their conversation on a parallel path, and she can't help following. ]
Y-Yeah! I sorta get the idea about not having a romantic view of fighting, or whateeever. But Silver-sensei can get really weird. Like, I admire Michelle Yeoh as much as the next girl, but I'm not trying to become some kinda ultimate warrior! [ She laughs. ] It's dangerous out there, and I just wanna be able to defend myself, plus martial arts are friggin' cool!
[ And they are cool. She'd been impressed by how good Sayo had gotten so quickly; it feels as though that battle really could have gone either way. She follows Sayo's conversation pivot, which reminds her of something that had confused her to no end during the run-up to the tournament. ]
Mannn, I still can't believe there's a dog named after a Goddess, teaching martial arts! This place really is weird, huh?
[ She giggles, still amazed by the variety of shapes and backgrounds that Sleepers come in. She seems to have a lot of students though. Maybe it really is worth a shot to have a dog as sensei? ]
Haah, what's thaaat~? [ She gives a broad grin at Sayo's playful one, snickering. Abruptly, she stops walking to give a deep bow. She speaks in a reverent, formal voice. Downright handsome, even. ] I am at your service, milady. Merely name your desire, and your humble Jessica shall grant it. [ Aaand a couple seconds later she regrets making that joke. What if it comes with bad memories? ] Ah, s-sorry, sorry. I just mean I'd be glad to help, Sayo!