[Jikan IC Inbox][un: dandelionknight]

[vennessa]

Venti, how do I--?

...

Oh, this is-- This is Vennessa. Please leave a message. I'll contact you when I can.

Comments

un: theballadeer

[lyingstars]

Vennessa we're friends right? I need your advice on something.

[vennessa]

[She actually has to check a couple of times to confirm who this is from before she replies. Scaramouche has never been so direct in calling them friends, even though she does consider him one.]

Of course we are! What's the problem?

[lyingstars]

[Scaramouche takes a moment to reply, trying to find the best way to word his question without having to explain too much. He regrets his decision already.]

For perfectly understandable reasons last month I may have been a bit too distant and upset Kazuha. We spoke at the gala so I'm positive things are fine now but I find it's still bothering me. Is there something I'm supposed to be doing for it to stop bothering me?

[vennessa]

Is it bothering you because he didn't accept your apology in a way you expected or because you still feel guilty about how you treated him even though he forgave you?

[lyingstars]

Does admitting we're friends and that I desire his company count as an apology?

And while you weren't the one I was avoiding I suppose I should still ask if my distance unintentionally upset you as well.

[vennessa]

Saying 'I'm sorry' and then what you are sorry for is an apology. The other things are nice but they aren't quite the same thing even if Kazuha understood what you meant.

And it was confusing for me, but I wouldn't say that I was upset. Don't worry.

[lyingstars]

Even if I had good reason for what I did? If I tell him I'm sorry will it stop bothering me?

That's a relief to hear.

[Even if it's only because he's realizing that friends upset with him is not something he gets amusement out of.]

[vennessa]

It might help to hear that he forgives you for hurting him, even if you didn't do it on purpose.

But it might not stop you feeling guilty completely. That might just take a while to fade on its own.

[lyingstars]

Are friendships normally this complicated? I haven't really had many before.

[vennessa]

They're usually like this, but you'll find it easier as you have more experience!

[lyingstars]

I have some things to consider but I appreciate the help Vennessa. We should do something soon. Celebrate that time didn't loop.

[He follows up with another message a few minutes later.]

If you'd like you are welcome to call me Kunikuzushi.

[vennessa]

[Wait.

What?]

Kunikuzushi? Is that your name?

[lyingstars]

Yes it's my real one. Scaramouche is the name I was given for my job.

[vennessa]

I see! Then I'm honoured to know it.

[Then, feeling somewhat daring...]

Would you mind if I called you Kuni?

[lyingstars]

You wouldn't be the first to want to shorten it. I think from a friend Kuni is fine.

[vennessa]

I wouldn't want to insult you by butchering the pronunciation if I tried to say the whole thing.

[lyingstars]

I've spent plenty of time in places like Snezhnaya you wouldn't be the first to mispronounce it. It's not nearly as a hard as it looks to pronounce if you do ever decide you want to try.

[vennessa]

I shall make a genuine effort the next time I see you in person, and you can correct me.

[lyingstars]

I'll be happy to help though I'm certain you won't need it.

[vennessa]

I appreciate your confidence in me.

You can call me Venn, if you want to.

[lyingstars]

You've yet to prove it misplaced.

I'll keep that in mind.