Board Thread:Role Plays/@comment-5999656-20160207063839/@comment-5999656-20160213011258

Both girls stood facing off against each other, wind gently tossing their hair even as their eye contact never broke. There was a moment of silence apart from the sound of distant conversations, until at last Platinum could turn her roiling emotions into words.

"You really think that?" Her voice was low, and sent an odd chill up Fen's spine.

"Look, I know I've been really clueless for the last two weeks, but I'm trying to figure myself out too," she pleaded. That part was true, at least. "I admit it - I really screwed up back there. But I swear it's not gonna happen again, I promise."

Platinum lowered her face slightly, still observing Fen with her piercing eyes. That statement made sense, at least. Still, she needed an assurance before she could let her friend off the hook.

"Do you really have a problem with forming a team with these two girls?"

Fen hesitated. She definitely wasn't up for teaming with some street rat with anger management issues and a callous, psychopathic murderer, but if she wanted Platinum's forgiveness, then what choice did she have?

"The truth would be appreciated." Platinum's voice cut in. Her narrowed eyes were glinting from the rays of the setting sun.

(It's late afternoon, is that okay?)

Fen's cheeks reddened. Even before the kidnapping, she'd never been one to state exactly what was on her mind. By mitigating her speech, she'd been able to retain her private thoughts and keep from getting into arguments with people with a different perspective. But Platinum had never cared for any of that.

"Look, I... I do not like either of them. Cyzarine's a dangerous person, and the redhead could be impossible to tolerate. And I know," she continued, before Platinum could interrupt, "that no one in Beacon has a choice on who's part of their team. So I guess... I just don't want to have to deal with either of them," she finished awkwardly. That was the truth: she wasn't up for standing by someone she disliked. Simple as that.

Platinum blinked, but this explanation was rational enough, even if it was a bit immature. She'd been told of Cyzarine's questionable interrogation methods, and Raizel was definitely not a nice, easygoing person. But if everyone else could get along, then why wouldn't they be able to do the exact same?

"I'll help you from now on, okay?" This time Fen was the one to cut in. "I'll use my social skills to balance out your leadership, and if we're both trying to make things work out then it'll be easier to build a team dynamic."

Platinum, at last, gave a wry smile.

"I was afraid you were going to keep working against me. You know I can't balance out a team by myself. I'm not nice enough for that. But if we work together, then maybe we'll have a chance."

"Yes. I'm sorry." In the heat of the moment, reality had made itself clear to the girl - being annoying wasn't making her seem any stronger of a person. To give up one's friends just because of personal issues - to do that would mean that she hadn't learned from her 15 year old self.

Fen took a tentative step forward. She wanted to give Platinum a hug, and indicate through action what she felt words could never adequately express. But Platinum had already come up to her and placed a firm hand on her shoulder.

"Look, if you have any problems, you can tell me, okay? I'm still your best friend, even if you're busy trying to understand yourself."

"Yeah..." Aaaand there was the real problem rearing its ugly dragon head once again. Fen would try to keep that part outside of her normal daily life, and then everything should be fine. Zan had even told her that the business alliance would have no noticeable bearing on her normal life. She'd also said:

''If you have any problems, you can let me know about it. I know it's not easy for you.''

"Okay, then let's head back to the dorm and unpack. If the others are still there, it'd be a good idea for you to apologize."

Platinum walked past Fen, but not before gesturing for her to follow. They set off back the way they had come.

"I'll take responsibility for my mistakes, but nothing more," Fen replied.

"That's fine."