geophile | empatheias

[ that urgency and lack of cheer is definitely out of the ordinary, and it would be quite the lie to say that steven isn't concerned. there's clearly something wrong, but mounting baseless suspicion won't do any good. ]

When excavated properly, particular stones can make great decorative and practical additions to any area. I'm quite familiar with Verens' cave structures and networks; I'd be more than happy to accompany you.

[ and more than that, he wants to see what's troubling her. ]

Ah, that'd be lovely! Thank you so much, Steven. [There's true appreciation and gratefulness going for him now. She's not back to her full cheer, but the urgency at least calms down. She has the distraction she needs, she has something to work on.] I'll meet you outside the city then! In, like... half an hour?

There's no need for thanks - in this context, it truly is my pleasure.

[ going to explore a cave is great in itself, but he's also ready to lend an ear. ]

That sounds fine. I'll see you then.

[She doesn't arrive late this time - in fact, she arrives super early, because she wants to leave right now. She only chose half an hour to give Steven time to prepare. Bianca is wearing comfy exploring clothes, bag filled with all the necessary stuff hanging on her shoulder, and Archy perched on a rock next to her.

She waves when Steven approaches, a little smile on her face. There's no indication on the environment around her of a bad mood, but there isn't signs of good mood either. No sparkles, not a wider smile, not the usual energy that ADVENTURE would get out of her.]

Hello, Steven. I can't wait to see what you can, like, teach me!

[ yup, something is definitely wrong when bianca ends up there earlier than steven, who arrives right on time. he's scrapped his usual dapper attire for something a little more exploration-appopriate as well, along with a knapsack full of gear. interestingly enough, he has no pokemon acting as a companion like he usually does on cave excursions. ]

And I have no doubt that you'll be an exemplary student. Shall we?

[The lack of companion definitely calls her attention, and she glances at Archy before her eyes fall on Steven again. She usually doesn't mind exploring and having a walk with a friend but today is... special.]

We shall! But, ah-- aren't we going to fly there?

Personally, I prefer to get there on foot - we aren't too far, and it gives us ample time to chat before we get to work.

[ it's an inevitability that he'll be asking bianca about what happened, but it'll be easier to focus here than in the cave. ]

But if you'd prefer to fly, I won't say no.

[Chatting. Hopefully he means chatting about rocks. That's something he can go on and on, right? She shakes her head, needing approval and comfort right now, she can't bring herself to say no.]

I-it's fine, it's fine! It just... surprised me. [A way to put it. It's obvious she doesn't really mean it, but she still sends Archy back to his Pokéball before starting to walk with him. Suddenly the caves seem to be so far away - she sucks at awkward silences.] S-so, mmh. Do you have any advice on what I should be like, looking for for my farm?

[ in an incredible plot twist, that is not what he means. he can tell that she isn't being genuine, and that makes him even more concerned. ]

That depends on what we can find, though granite is the most obvious choice. Thankfully, it's incredibly common in these caves.

[ he'd normally reserve much more time to talk shop, but he's more focused on something else. ]

You seem to be keeping yourself quite busy with the farm lately. Aside from that, how have you been?

Granite. Got it.

[Her hands go to her bag, wanting to take out her notebook and ask more, but then-- then he asks the question. She shrugs. She doesn't want to make a big deal out of it. Isn't this part of the problem? Being too clingy, too emotional?]

...I'm okay. [She knows she isn't a good liar though, so at least she tries.] The farm needs work, just like the city. Elios wasn't kind.

[And that final comment about the Arehtei comes out with an emotional weight that isn't usually seen in Bianca: a bit of anger, a bit of bitterness. It causes a true chill to run down their spines.]

I can't imagine he was to most... the havoc he wrought was far more than we initially predicted.

[ he says that to transition properly into his next question. if anything, the noticeable change in atmosphere her emotions bring is enough to make him pry a little deeper. he's worried now. ]

What happened, if I may ask?

[It may just be a transition, but Bianca still nods along, actually getting what he means and totally agreeing. Nobody was ready for said havoc, and--

And here comes the question. Bianca fidgets, her hands holding the strap of her bag so tightly, her knuckles are almost white.]

...I-I said too much and ruined it all. [Excuse her for a moment while she takes of her glasses to rub her eyes before anything watery happens. Not now, not now!]

[ woah woah woah. now that's definitely out of character for bianca, and the final indicator that something is very wrong.

he moves from her side to stand in front of her, looking into her eyes. there's real concern in them. ]

Ruined what, exactly?

[ his voice is questioning, but soft; calming. ]

[She can't meet his eyes, not like this, but it's hard not to give in to his soft and calming voice. She doesn't know if she likes blaming Elios for this too. It'd feel awful to be manipulated by him again, but on the other hand, if he isn't then-- that would mean she learned nothing.]

E-everything... w-with R-red... he-- he didn't get it... and I-I... [Yeah, sorry, crying now.]

[ woah woah woah. there's extra emphasis on those woahs, because this is becoming more than just idle concern. of course there's the clear possibility of elios' influence being the cause of whatever is happening, but steven is observant. he knows that the arehtei's imbalance isn't the only factor here.

his tone doesn't waiver, though now he's making a bit of an effort to stay composed. it's been a while since he's had to comfort someone crying, and even then it was usually a challenger that he had sufficiently thrashed in battle. carefully, he places a hand on her shoulder. ]

Did you two speak?

[She hides her face on her hands as she sobs, Elios' influence not letting her hide anymore. All her feelings need a way out. She nods, still unable to meet his eyes. This is embarrassing, shameful, but out out out with them--]

I-I mean... I knew I had zero chances... I wasn't expecting anything b-but... [Sobbing pretty hard.] ...h-he didn't have to be so mean...

[ that just about confirms it to steven - he had a feeling that bianca had felt something towards red, even before elios had begun to affect people. it seems like this had been a catalyst, and her emotions are boiling over. she may feel embarrassed, but he is by no means judging her.

there isn't much that he can say until she's cried out, so he keeps a soft, but firm hand on her shoulder. ]

I'm sorry. You don't deserve that, Bianca.

[ he can't quite gauge if red was really mean or if this is elios' influence talking, but either way... he needs to speak to red about this. ]

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