deercountry | Welcome to the Satellite of Love!

[wow, she's tall! Lexi's kind of shrimpy at 5'5", so she feels kind of inadequate when standing next to Scorpia.

and, ooops. yeah, reading it backwards]

Well. It's technically supposed to be read the other way around? Back to front. I know it's a little different for people used to reading it Western-style, but it's easy to get used to, I promise. And that's a good one, definitely not your standard 'girl goes to another world, winds up with a harem of assorted hotties' manga.

Oh! That... That does explain a lot. [She chuckles sheepishly while she readjusts the book.]

Thanks for the tip! And it's good to hear that it's a good one. It did seem pretty nice so far from... from what I could make out. They have a really good selection here, don't they? Makes you really wanna do a lot of reading!

It's cool. I did it, too, when I first started reading manga. Fortunately, the librarian watching the section corrected me, too. And it's one of my favorites, probably because the assorted hotties are guys, girls, and non-binary. Though, don't go on your Omni and look up its fandom, everyone has a favorite and will defend them to the death.

And thank you so much! I worked really hard to get everything set up and ready to go. [she blushes] Well, it was more like the two of us, me and Luz.

[She listens to her talk about the manga with great interest! She nods along with her points and hums a "Oohh..." at the description of the cast's variety! This is really shaping up to be a promising read.

But all of that is forgotten the moment Luz's name is mentioned. Scorpia's eyes light up!]

Wait! You and Luz? So you... Do you... Does that mean...?

[She drops the manga as she tries to excitedly (and gently) clasp her hands!]

You're Luz's girlfriend! ...And co-storeowner!!

[it's sooooo good. Lexi really wishes that more people would follow this mangaka's lead. but no fandom. she wasn't kidding about the fandom being a mess.

and she let's Scorpia grasp her hands, grinning broadly]

Yeah? She's my girlfriend, it's been about...three months now? Jeez, I really should do something for our anniversary.

[Scorpia has much to learn about the ways of manga... and she will love much of it!

Scorpia keeps herself from applying any harmful pressure to her hands, but she will shake them a little with excitement.]

Oh my gosh, it is you! You're the mythical Lexi! [She bounces in place!] It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I am so happy for you! And Luz! For - both of you, really, this is so exciting! ...Oh, I'm Scorpia, by the way! Super pal of Luz's!

[that's the thing that blows Lexi's mind about manga, you can find any subject under the sun, unlike American comics where it's mostly superheroes (but she does have a decent selection of independent comics).

Lexi grins and lets Scorpia shake them.

and she blushes when Luz is mentioned, grinning even wider] It's me! And mythical, what have you heard about me? [she says with a giggle] I love Luz. I can't imagine not having her in my life anymore. And any pal of Luz's is one of mine!

[Scorpia is ready to up her reading game!

And all too excited to meet the girlfriend of one of her best friends! She manages to calm down a bit while grinning.]

I- haven't heard much really? Just how you met, and how you're opening this bookstore together... I'm just happy Luz found someone! She deserves it so much, and your love just seems so awesome! [She gives a shake that's more like a handshake before releasing her hands.] Well Lexi, consider us officially palled!

[there are so many books to choose from, she can easily do so!

and she's excited to meet Scorpia, too, she knows how close Luz is to her]

Oh? Really? Well, how we met is a little embarrassing in retrospect, but I'm so glad we did. [and she looks a little dreamy] It is. It really is. I just...we fit? You know? [and the handshake is appreciated!] Great! I'm so glad you stopped by! [a pause] Maybe I should host some kind of dinner party or a wine and cheese thing?

[She waves a pincer at the air dismissively.]

It didn't sound embarrassing at all! It's all really sweet. [There's hearts in her eyes as she talks about how they fit!] Wow, that sounds like you're living the dream! My happiness for you? It's increasing by the moment!

[And she jumps for joy at the last suggestion.]

I would love either of those things! Something nice and fun and social and also with food? That would be great, a whole friendship jamboree!

Really? 'Cause it was a whole spur of the moment thing, I was still newish? And I didn't know about people, uh. Dying and coming back. But she reassured me and we started talking and just. Didn't stop? [and it's been that way ever since, she knows she can trust and count on Luz to listen to and at least try to understand everything she says. and the reverse is true, too] And we are, it's really kind of amazing. [and she gives Scorpia a big smile] That's so nice of you!

[which only fixes it deeper in Lexi's mind]

Yeah! And it's probably not too late for a barbecue, even if we all have to wear jackets. That's an easy way to cook a lot of food at a time.

It happens. The important thing is that you connected and it worked!

[She smiles brightly as she assures her! Even without seeing them together, she can tell they must really get along well.]

Barbecue! Another great option. Jackets can be comfy and fashionable! I usually don't really need them myself, because - Coldblood. [She points to herself.] Though I have been feeling the chill more than I expected lately!

[she smiles happily, but ducks her head a little, feeling a bit shy] It did. Way beyond what I ever expected.

[they do. they're good at leaning on each other, which Lexi always saw as important. no one can carry their own burden on their own]

I think I'll go with that. I can always do vegetarian kebobs for people who can't or won't eat meat. And why couldn't I be a Coldblood, it's got to be relatively easy to figure those out. Instead, I'm a Darkblood with no clue of what I should be doing.

[Scorpia beams brightly! It's easy to feel happy about others finding happiness together. Especially her friends!]

Nice choice! And nice of you to have a varied menu. I'm sure people will appreciate it! [She gives a sympathetic nod.] Ah yeah, Darkblood. That one does seem like it has some complicated powers! Well, I do wish you good luck in figuring it out.

[and she beams brightly at Scorpia in turn! it's great making new friends, especially ones tied to Luz. and to books!]

Well, I hope so? I don't eat a whole lot of meat myself and while I'd love to do steak kabobs for those who do, that would get a little pricey. I've spent most of my trade goods on all of this. [she sweeps her arm around the store]

And yeah, it's. A lot in the mind? And projecting one's mind out towards others or other things? I tend to live in my mind way too much. Maybe that's why I keep fucking up? I don't know how to let go of control of myself.

[Scorpia nods along.]

Right, right, meat can be costly like that around here. I don't blame you for focusing more on the veggie side because of that. It still comes with plenty of tasty choices!

[She then listens and tries to understand as Lexi talks about the Darkblood life.]

Oh yeah, that does sound tough. How do you let go of yourself when you... are yourself? [A helpless shrug.] All I could suggest is seeking out some more seasoned Darkbloods to see if they have tips and insights to share. A whole training regimen would be ideal!

Oh, yeah. I'm already living mostly on PB&Js. Which isn't that different from home, actually, it's just that this time I'm acknowledging to myself that I'm poor. My mom and sister...they never could.

And Portobello mushrooms are awesome. Does this place have much else in the way of edible fungi? Because that way I might have more control on what goes into which kebob and whom might like what.

[it's a hard-knock life. for us! it's a hard-knock life, for us!]

...um. I kinda don't? I'm used to being the adult in my household, someone's always gotta comfort my sister or get our drunken mom off to bed while laying her on her side, just in case. The one and only time I've used my powers and it worked, I was so freaked out. It was a fight or flight response. But, I'm open to the idea of asking other Darkbloods for help? Especially those of us who have been here a while.

To be fair, PB&Js are really good. But if you want different food sometime, I'm willing to share! Things don't have to be just like, um, your home. You're already rich in spirit, I can tell! ...But yeah, edible mushrooms. There's plenty of them! They're pretty big around Trench.

[Hearing bits of her life are definitely sad for Scorpia. But she'll try to focus on the positive parts.]

I- I see. It sounds like you've been through a lot. So even the time you used your power was a tough one... Well, yeah, I do think a more experienced Darkblood is the way to go. I'm sure you'll find someone who can help you!

Seriously? That's really nice of you, thank you. And I'm not the world's biggest mushroom fan, not unless they're in Chinese food, really, but it's good to know that they're an option. And [she chuckles ruefully] I guess there's always something new to learn here?

[she's not exactly used to it, but she is basically resigned to it when she's home]

I guess so? But, a lot of other people have been, too, so I feel kinda bad comparing what I went through to what other people did. And maybe I'll ask on the Omni, see if anyone volunteers to help?

That's fair. I'm sure there's 'shroom' to try out some more! [She smirks at her little joke.] But yeah, just another option to add onto everything.

And... well, it doesn't have to be a comparison or anything. Whatever you've been through and whatever you feel... It's all still valid, Lexi. Just remember that. [Scorpia nods softly.] Now that sounds like a good idea. It's a quick way to get in touch with people who can help you out!

[Lexi grins and groans dramatically at Scorpia's joke] Good to know. But they're just regular mushrooms, not magic mushrooms? I'm not sure I trust this place enough to assume they're, you know. Not a hallucinogen.

...well. Um. Every time someone says something like that, it's a little surprising. But I should start listening. I hope it is. I hope it works and I learn how to not, you know, be afraid of what I can potentially do. I'm completely okay with the telekinesis thing, but the other two I'm kind of iffy on.

[Scorpia gives a confused blink, not being very familiar with that particular useage of mushrooms.]

They, uh, I'd say they're normal? I mean, they can taste magically good, but I've never had any that made me see things.

[She shrugs. And then she offers a sympathetic frown.]

If a bunch of people have been saying it, I think they might be onto something. And I hope you get the progress you need too! No one should be afraid of themselves... I'm sure you'll get the hang of it all eventually!

[she was, unfortunately, way too familiar with it. being friends with Rue Bennett who took pretty much everything possible made it impossible not to be]

Oh, thank fuck. I was scared they'd be like. The free food we get here sometimes and how it always backfires. You'd think I'd learn by now.

[she looks a little sheepish]

Yeahhhhh. I mean, I try to be more confident. And I think that I am more confident here than I am at home since I don't have to constantly compare myself to my sister, but I know I have a long way to go. I hope so! I really don't want to cause any problems 'cause I don't have control of my powers.

Oh! Oh yeah, I get what you mean. [She shakes her head.] It is a shame when free food turns out to do stuff like that! Well, the mushrooms I eat haven't backfired. I make sure I pick the right ones!

[She gives an encouraging smile.]

Confidence is very good to have. And you should feel confident, you're incredible! I'm sure things will turn out fine. You'll get there with your powers!

I know, right? And we should see it coming, we all should, but there's like this little voice which says "maybe this time, it won't fuck you up?" Even though it almost always does.

[she smiles back, a little more reassured]

Oh! Really? Thank you, thanks for saying so. I'm trying?

Welcome to the Satellite of Love!

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