homophonic ❆ alex

[bindings]

alex

I'll tell you when you're being weird.

CODE

Comments

[camena]

[ shenhe being vaguely alarmed makes alex vaguely alarmed. this... is a feedback loop. ]

... You okay?

[bindings]

[long pause.]

I am... feeling something. [a beat.] Which I don't. Normally.

[just to clarify.]

[camena]

Being around people has been kind of like that today, so that's been. Fun.

[ ... wait hold on ]

What do you mean you "don't"?

[bindings]

I suppose that's an exaggeration. I do feel, but it isn't... like that.

[a little tilt of her head.] I don't feel much at all. Is this the effect, this week?

[camena]

I think so. It's been happening with everyone so far, so it's not, like, just you or me.

Huh. So... How do you usually feel things?

[bindings]

Distantly.

[alex will probably feel a little bit of it - confusion, like feeling something through several layers of bubblewrap, or fabric. muffled.]

It's necessary.

[camena]

[ ...interesting... there's curiosity from alex, and a little bit of concern. ]

Why?

[bindings]

[hesitation, in that same faint way.]

I often feel aggressive and violent. It has caused... problems, in the past. But it doesn't now.

[camena]

[ hmm, that's - she doubts it's like anything she's familiar with. but it does make her feel like she understands a little better. ]

And this is better for you?

[bindings]

... I've never thought too closely about it. I can't be anything other than this, so it isn't worth it to wonder. It just is.

[camena]

[ concern intensifies a little bit, but it's fine. ]

So... Would it be easier if we didn't hang out, for now...?

[bindings]

No. [a pause.] I... I like it.

[she's probably not supposed to admit this but whatever!!! who is gonna stop her!! not her mom, she's not here!!]

I suppose try to avoid being angry, but... I think this is safe.

[camena]

[ oh phew. alex is relieved to hear it, and swings their hands a little bit. ]

Just don't do anything to make me mad. [ she's kidding. mostly? rude. ]

[bindings]

[a little twinge of amusement. she also seems to enjoy the hand swinging.]

I'll do my best. [...] Ah, what were the options again?

[camena]

For where to go? We could walk through the park, it's not like it's gone away. Or we could go to the library, or walk through the neighborhood and look at houses...

[bindings]

I'd like to visit the library. [she says, thoughtfully.] There is a bookstore in Liyue, but it isn't quite the same.

[camena]

Library it is. It would be nice to have something to read before bed.

[ leading the way! ]

What's that bookstore like?

[bindings]

[she follows easily enough!]

It is small, and open to the air. The owner is very nice, and likes rare copies of books. She is always very busy.

[camena]

Huh... So is she selling out of like a wagon or something? Is it mobile? 'Cause otherwise what about the weather?

[bindings]

No, it is... hm. It is difficult to explain if you've never seen how Liyue is built.

It is on the second floor, and there is a small overhang that protects the books. I think that she has a space reserved to put the books inside when she is not there, though.

[me like how tf do i explain this]

[camena]

Oh, okay. Kinda like a strip mall.

[ alex probably is not picturing it correctly and also this clarification means nothing to shenhe, so they're doing great. ]

[bindings]

... Yes.

[doesn't argue because yeah that means nothing to her]

[camena]

We've got, like, a hundred used book stores in town. And practically nothing else.

[bindings]

[a little bit of curiosity...]

That seems like too many. [not. literally]

[camena]

You would think. But it's a reliable business. I haven't seen a single one shut down in my whole life.