Complete Private Blindness

[Fiora Di Angelo]

Ever since she gotten into the cab with who seemed to be one of Ronja's maids, Nico's mind branched out, left her body for a few moments. She didn't stop to think too much in her flight, neither on her way here. The dread that built up in her chest, the anticipation for this moment, and worst of all.

Fear. The fear ate away at her. Ever since she logged off and ran straight for Ari. She couldn't ask for a better friend, or the closest to a brother. She didn't like contact, not in that way outside of the game, but with the man even offering to take her to the airport, hugging him is the least she could do.

It's because of him that she's now here, on her way to a hospital. It is as if chains linked her heart to an anchor and let it fall to the pits of her stomach, the pressure just as unbearable as the Seeker's just a week ago. The maid's worried expression and tap on her shoulder startled her, a quick breath taken in had her look around and realize they were yet to arrive. Still, it wouldn't be long. It shouldn't, least time slows down if only to torment her further and further.

"Sorry, I don't have all the details. What exactly does uh, Ronja have." Her voice bloomed with insecurities right now. Is it weird to call her Ronja? Yeah, but apparently this maid knew her own ingame name, so there's a chance she has been told first hand. "I know she's never felt well. I don't want to talk her head out asking about stuff she won't like. Do you think you could fill in a detail or two? Please?" Nico pulled from the collar of her hoodie. Just having to keep her tongue in check to not cuss out proved harder than ever, specially with an adult.

@Ronja Bubblyfoot

 

[Ronja Bubblyfoot]

Upon the question, the maid tapped her index a few times on the wheel, seemingly in conflict. It was clear she didn't want to say anything.

But orders were orders.

"Ms. Riemenschneider has never been a healthy girl." The maid said. "Quick to be sick, her immunology system was always weak. And honestly that always seemed to be the main problem. Concerning, for sure." The car turned to another street, filled with a row of trees that brought a calm and gentle path, albeit artificially set up.

It was almost eerie.

A comforting caress before an inevitable tragedy.

"Turned out immunology system was supposed the least of the worries. All it needed was one single anemia. And something that apparently existed in her triggered." The maid frowned her lips.

"Ms. Riemenschneider only got worse from there and on. Even her lively nature couldn't keep going. Not when even her muscles don't obey her." The maid said, becoming abruptly quiet right away, with the top of hospital building appearing above a tree line that kept it isolated from the rest of the grey, cemented world.

@Fiora Di Angelo

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

Nico's staring intensified just as she noticed that subtle pause that debated an answer, or if to even give her one at all. The maid might not want it, but she's not about to leave the car with a proper response.

Nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary, at least not for what she perceived to be a tragedy in the first place: Ronja's legs didn't work, but they did. She is happy, and yet she's not. Just the pure dichotomy within what she does, what she says, how she behaves... Unclear, but persuasive. Just like the arrangement of grass, trees and street, so perfect it bleeds imperfection of a sort only a human could tell apart.

"...Thanks." It's not like she had time to say more with the maid having gone quiet and the hospital coming to view, at long last. Nothing she ever said would change much eitherway.

'Can it be helped? Can it be cured?' Questions she knew the answer for. Ronja lived on despite how her body withered away. Like having a voice but no chance to speak-

She swatted these thoughts away once she left the car. Ronja gave her an address, and now she just had to brave the last final steps in and arm herself of valor once again. If only she were a knight out here too, perhaps this wouldn't feel so heavy for her feet, which dragged on faster once hurried steps left her infront of an automatic double door, typical of any hospital, and parted to make way to the reception.

Thankfully she fell right into the visit hours, and it didn't take much convincing to make the receptionist hand over the number where Ronja was currently occupying for her stay. It might just be the sense of urgency within her voice, or just the one behind the desk somehow able to tell her own anxiety at the moment and see the truth in her concerns, who knows.

The door was open, as expected. Nurses and doctors needed to know right away if there is an emergency to check right away on the patient. Nico just knocked on the wooden door and waited around the corner of the room, not about to go in uninvited, despite being a hospital and all. Maybe Ronja's asleep? Maybe her parents are around or some other maid? She just couldn't tell.

Something about that room just frightened her, sending shivers down her body in this very instant were she waited, pushing pink locks away from her face and tucking them behind her ear.

@Ronja Bubblyfoot

 

[Ronja Bubblyfoot]

As the car halted by the parking slot, the maid took one glance at Fiora, studying her face, eyes and behavior. A sigh escaped from her lips, noticing the anxiety of the woman, albeit not really softening her stiff gaze.

"It is just one person at a time." The maid said, quietly. "I don't agree with allowing you going there. Especially by yourself. But she was pretty stubborn, despite everything." She admitted, finally unlocking the door.

"Selfish and stubborn, it has been a while." She muttered.

---

When the door was faced by Fiora, the silence was so overwhelming it was deafening.

The knock broke all of it, as subtle as it tried to be. "Come in." A familiar voice quietly muffled through the door, so quiet it almost felt it didn't bother to answer.

The room was cold, with the air conditioner whistling and being interrupted everyone one and another moment by a 'bleep'. Machines surrounded and restrained a figure with its needles and other strange apparatus, a young woman with salmon hair, emerald eyes, and an unfocused stare to nowhere in particular.

A sign hanged by the end of her bed: "Ronja Riemenschneider".

It took a moment for her to realize there wasn't the usual greet, the same mechanical questions of the doctor. Her eyes trailed to the door, blinking slowly when realizing something was unusual.

She looked up, with her gaze meeting another, stunned for a moment, growing slightly wider.

"... Fiora..?"

A rhetorical question.

Ronja was certain. No one else would look at her with that face. Her doctor, used to it. Her family, already numb. Her friends? Non existent.

It could only be her.

@Fiora Di Angelo

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

Selfish and stubborn. Even as she waited, these words kept looping over and over. What did the maid meant in the first place with 'It's been a while?' Even now as her body moves on it's own to such a simple command, Nico doesn't stutter, nor does her eyes reveal more than a blank stare, moreso lost in a mind lake.

Perplexed, Nico blinked twice, as if time resumed and she could finally get a good look at Ronja, at the bed and the many apparatuses nearby. To the needles and the state this girl is in, with emerald eyes meeting her own baby blues.

"... Fiora..?"
That shock on her face, Fio- Nico took her eyes down to the board that had the full name written on it. Reading it over once again as she noticed just... How it's the same as inside Terrasphere.

The pinkette sighed a deep breath, locking gazes with Ronja once again, a whimsical smile spread her lips as the initial shock begun to die off, clearing her throat, intentionally dramatic at that, before she said:

"Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair, so that I may climb thy golden stair~"

A hand over her chest, the other spread towards Ronja, as a little smile pulled her lips up out of that tease, before she awkwardly dropped her arms back into the front pockets of her hoodie. "Guess I'm not what you expected." She sheepishly added, stepping closer, yet keeping a friendly distance, if only because quietness finally got to her for once in her life, and all she could do is stare. Stare to these eyes, to that face.

Nico could tell, despite how clueless she acts, she knows suffering, she understands it, and Ronja? There's so much on that expression of hers. And that's just a first impression from her, a stranger with some bits of information. The maid's words somehow rang truer with each second.

"I uh-Uhm, I don't know how to say this without it sounding awkward but you have really pretty eyes." Letting her thoughts roll out of her mind, Nico's left hand scratched at her temples, and the faintest trace of a blush begun to form across her cheeks once insecurities begun to roll in once again. But that just made her feel a few years younger for some reason.

@Ronja Bubblyfoot

 

[Ronja Bubblyfoot]

Ronja's eyes simply couldn't avert Fiora's. Unblinking, at both curiosity and surprise. She wanted to pinch herself, to make sure it wasn't a dream.

She considered opening her mouth to speak again, but the throat clearing and sudden act, made the girl pause, lower her guard, and start laughing, albeit weakly, with a hand going up to her mouth, hiding

"So are yours. They are pretty like a gentle morning." Ronja said with her hand sliding away from her mouth, revealing a faint smile as her hands rested on her lap. She kept eye contact with the woman. There was a lack of blush on her face, but one could only truly blame her condition.

Her expressions, however, were as sheepish as one would expect of a girl that spent most of her time away from the world, staying mostly by herself in her tower, just like Rapunzel was.

"I'd say... It is very much what I was expecting..." She said, not drawing her gaze away.

"You are Fiora for sure..." Ronja said, taking a moment to look at her again, before her eyes dropped and lingered on her lap. "My name is Ronja Riemenschneider. It is a pleasure to meet you." She introduced herself, a bit too formally, and out of nowhere.

@Fiora Di Angelo

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

The sudden laughter out of Ronja almost had her worried for a moment. She did a good effort in hiding it, but would that bring complications? She didn't want her to hurt, and-

"So are yours. They are pretty like a gentle morning."

And she just shut down every bit of concern with that line, Nico couldn't turn more red if only because her face isn't a fruit. "Hey now, you can't just charm me like that. Wasn't I prince charming in this story?" She jested, a giggle breaking her awestruck demeanour, yet despite the blush, despite how much her subconcious wished to steer her eyes away, embarassment just couldn't beat the magnetism those emerald eyes from the bed-ridden girl had, and her features, as if no matter what is said, Ronja could take it with a smile and not even get a pinch of cherry across her cheeks.

It's as if the world was second to that smile, to that stare, and everything that wasn't the sound of her voice should simply cease to exist. Snapped from that only by the constant beep! From the machine Ronja was bound to.

Her approval caused butterflies to go all over her stomach, a funny sensation that made her aware of her own casual looks, something really rare for her to feel bad about. "I would have dressed up better but I didn't think you would like to see me all suited up. That's boring eitherway, and Cali is hot like hell."

"Heh, only you could use your real name for a game..." Nico shook off her head in amusement, heading over towards the edge of the bed to take a seat on it, legs hanging to the side. That should get her attention, or at least that's what went through Nico's mind before leaning closer to plant a kiss on her cheek. Sweet, gentle, a mere peck but one accentuated with a 'Mwah!' Out of the italian. "I'm Nico Bellantoni." She said, leaning back to let her right hand slither across the covers and grasp Ronja's with one tender squeeze that barely tightened once her eyes turned glassy and her features felt like they boiled.

"Sorry." Her voice faltered for a second, her free hand reaching out to push the tears away from her eyes before they could even fall. "Almost had a panic attack a week ago. I've been super anxious this whole time. I'm just happy you are okay right now." It almost cracked, if not by her own willpower asserting itself over her throat and forcing her to shut up. Wet eyes finally locking with Ronja's once again a smile spreading her lips. "Sobs for later. Tell me! How long are we staying here." Far more optimistic than earlier, her tone surging with determination. The one that would find her running over to the mall to get some cheese and bread to eat for the next four weeks if necessary.

She just needs a chair, some bread, and good company. Two out of these she got already.

@Ronja Bubblyfoot

 

[Ronja Bubblyfoot]

"If the Princess can't charm the Prince as well, why they would be together in the first place?" She asked.

There was an increasing embarrassment in Ronja's chest, with the words regarding the Prince charming, along with the previous act of Rapunzel pulling strings in her heart. Of course, all of that was a bit too fantastic for what was actually happening, but Ronja honestly couldn't help but think of it as a fairy tale of their own.

Being found by her 'prince', that seemed so worried about her- After becoming rescued from the peril of uncertain outcomes if everything went wrong. What happened still haunted her, yet, the reminder she came for her despite everything... It was a bittersweet memory, an important one she would certainly treasure. One that made their feelings clearer.

"You outfit is fine." She reassured, and when she was approached, Ronja watched in curiosity, with the kiss on her cheek freezing her for a moment, followed by a sheepish giggle. "I... I can get used to it... Nico. There is nothing wrong with using my name in the game." She said, feeling the grasp and not resisting it.

The squeeze was soft, but the apologize unfortunately averted Ronja's attention from it.

A voice cracking was enough for Ronja to feel a sting in her heart, and she leaned into Nico. "Don't apologize... You saved my life." She said, opening her eyes. "I don't know what would've happened if it wasn't for you there. But I'm only here today thanks to you... The game... It was sending me Warnings to log out. That wasn't doing well to my real body." Ronja admitted, resting her head on Nico, taking a moment to lean away and meet their eyes.

"The doctor said I will need to make a few exams, and stay under observation." She explained. "It may take a week or two..." Ronja sighed.

@Fiora Di Angelo

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

"Because she's charming in other ways. But I guess that also counts as a charm and I worded it wrong." She merely replied, waving it off with such non-chalance... Deep down she knew it was all an act, at least the part where she acts cool.

'Gods why am I so cheesy...'

Either Ronja was too perfect to be real, or she really had no quarrels whatsoever. People either hated how loud she is, how outspoken she can be, how careless she is with her own dressing code, or a pletora of other reasons. And for a time, that was fine. But apparently, this one girl across the country accepted her like neither could to themselves. A coin that was paid in full, and yet still found resistance from both, in one way or another.

That's how confusing it is, how difficult it felt for either to accept it, but in the end that all didn't matter. Just memories, sweet or sour they were in the past to this moment.

Warmth tingled her skin at the adorable giggling. "Oh it's no big deal, but I'm already missing the third person speech. Heh, guess it ended up being true and you don't speak like that out of it. Nico is surprised." She teased, a quick, apologetic squeeze from her hand already said 'sorry' before Ronja could even be mad at her. "I do hope you get used to it though. I'm nowhere near as cool as her." She shrugged, it is how it is, but the feeling probably isn't too far off from how Ronja saw her ingame self. If she had the time for hindsight, perhaps these words wouldn't have left her mouth at all, but it just did. That's just how it is; Fiora is a real fighter lifting boulders and crushing skulls with both hands. Nico is just a girl who didn't go to college and works near minimum wage.

"Careful, don't get up like that." Nico hesitated, but words cut deeper through her resolve, disarmed by a girl connected to machinery just like that, the sweet energy on that drained voice that clinged to life for all it's dear. "Give yourself some credit, you killed that thing in one hit while I was having trouble. Sooo, you did save me." When Ronja finally got close enough to rest her head, Nico's left arm went right behind to stroke these locks of salmon hair. "Well it's over so, I just hope it doesn't happen again." She concluded, a hidden frown had her pondering if this had been the first time she ever heard of the UI giving warning like these.

Nico nodded along just as a sigh escaped out of Ronja, clasping her hands together, loud smile to counter-act the 'bad news' that is these two weeks of resting. "Well, I didn't leave you back then, I'm not leaving you now either. If you need help with food, or- Or you want me to squeeze and flip your pillow a bit, just let me know okay? I'm not going anywhere. I want to make sure you are comfortable." She said, pulling her backpack off from her, leaving it around her legs, where she stretched a hand down to pull out a stainless steel bottle, pink and insulated to keep it cold, taking a chug from it.

"I also got my laptop. Gotta let a few friends know we are okay..." Her voice trailed off only to glance around, and just now notice.

I don't want to ask her... Just why am I the only one here?

@Ronja Bubblyfoot

 

[Ronja Bubblyfoot]

The exchange of cheesy sentences was starting to fluster Ronja more and more. Still, she managed to hold most of her expressions firm, rather than falling into a spiral of embarrassment. "I told you I didn't speak in third person-" She pouted slightly at the joke, but sighed a quiet laugh. "... Stop being silly, you look amazing." She retorted.

Ronja's expression brightened up when Nico mentioned she wouldn't leave, with an implication becoming very clear. The happiness on her face was clear, "The nurses take everything I need, so you don't need to worry about it." Ronja said, with her joy fluttering in her heart, though soon her expression faded into concern when she mentioned a few friends.

Of course, it completely slipped her mind. Nico had a life out of here. Her own obligations, her own responsibilities, and other people, of course.

"Are... Are you sure?" Ronja tugged her sleeve, looking at Nico with a serious expression.

"What about you? You can't just stay here with me... Just like that." She frowned. "... Wait..." Ronja blinked.

"Where are you from?" She slipped the question, slowly realizing the size of her selfishness when she told her address to 'Fiora' in the game. It didn't occur in her mind at the time, perhaps, at some moment it did after she had done it, but in this moment of joy, it had been pushed into the background.

@Fiora Di Angelo

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

"I made you laaaaugh~" She chimed happily so, pausing to take that retort straight to the face with a smile and a shrug. "So long as you like it, no reason for me to stress over how I look." She concluded, like a truce between them.

Her heart skipped a beat right away at the sudden rush of joy that Ronja got, such a sight for sore eyes like hers, close to insomniac given the past few weeks within Terrasphere, and the previous one just put the nail in the coffin. "I'll always worry. I'm no nurse but the option's there if you need it." That was the least she could do, and she's happy to obligue.

Nico's attention diverted for a moment, as she drank from her bottle, a hand pulled from her sleeve, ocean blue gaze flickering right at it, then to Ronja, whose airheaded cheerfulness just went back to seriousness all of a sudden. "Huh? But I'm prepared for it. I mean, I got a room rented so I can go shower there. Really it's no big dea-"

"... Wait..."
'Please don't...'
"Where are you from?"

"Fuck." Thoughts escaped from her, a hand reached to cover her lips in that instant, taking a few seconds before lowering once again to her lap. "...Philadelphia." She muttered out. Caught redhanded didn't mean much really, and once that settled in, Nico countered with a frown of her own. "Ronja, I came all this way to be with you. I'll stick around for two weeks until you get better. Hell, I have it better here than at home, so don't feel bad about it." She said, winking playfully so.

"Instead of worrying over nothing, why don't we spend the time we got together? I mean, we going to see eachother again in Terrasphere I know that, but I dunno, this is very special to me."

@Ronja Bubblyfoot

 

[Ronja Bubblyfoot]

Ronja couldn't stop a smile from forming on her lips when Nico teased her again, it was an embarrassed one, yet, filled with warmth. It was nice to have someone that spoke like that to her, in 'real' person. Of course, there was no need for Nico to stress over her looks, and the faint reassuring smile on Ronja's lips showed it.

However, there was a need to worry about the most serious topic at hand, that was enough to bring a wide open eyes to Ronja as she nearly lost her temper. "Ph-Philadephia?!" She mimicked in an exclaim out of disbelief, enough to sting her lungs and get her into a coughing fit, making the machine's beep erratic before she finally recovered herself.

"You came from so far-" She said, holding her chest and nearly dropping her eyes. Yet, Nico's words made her thoughts lead to somewhere else.

There was a concern, but the care of those words... Ronja couldn't reject them, especially when she said they were special, making a warmth grow through all her body.

"I..." She paused, letting out a sigh. "... Alright." Ronja decided.

"But you won't be in a rent. You can stay at my home, it is plenty big anyway." She said, firmly.

@Fiora Di Angelo

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

Peace had finally come to this room, and Nico never felt more at it than now. Or better phrased, once Ronja reassured her with her smiles. It had her body numb, as if she could just fall asleep now and get a good rest compared to the past few days. Seven hours and all.

As if that would ever happen, because no sooner than that thought came it fled, with Ronja almost shouting her hometown back, the systems had jumped all to a harsh conclusion with these beepings. By now she could swear her own heart beeped too, in the most organic way possible. It made her jump on spot, her hand reaching out to rest across Ronja's back, gentle strokes to help her ease back to normal.

"You came from so far-"
"And I would do it again." She interrupted. The weight of these words really didn't quite settle in her mind, voiced with no hesitation. It just so conveniently seemed like a way to convince Ronja not to panic again.

It all bears results however as Ronja finally gave in. Just mere inches of yet another scolding...

"Alright alright! Damn you really got some fortitude..." It really is jawdropping, just how much of it a sickly girl like her could have. But she can't complain, that was good all things considered. "Did you work somewhere that needed you to be a girlboss like that?" Nothing like a smooth transition into a question, with n equally smooth voice.

@Ronja Bubblyfoot

 

[Ronja Bubblyfoot]

Nico's assertive words made Ronja's heart skip a beat, something that was reflected in the beep that once again had its rhythm disturbed, though in a healthy way.

Her cheeks turned rosy, and Ronja averted her gaze, softening her expressions along with it.

"It isn't a matter of fortitude... It is just..." She muttered, glancing at Nico, with her sight lingering on Nico as every implication, and the whole situation began sinking in.

Subconsciously she knew. She understood it, but when it finally clicked, her expression grew fond. Even more than before. That wasn't a dream.

At the same time, her expressions turned serious.

"No, never." She answered, looking at Nico and taking the hand that was rubbing her back.

"... Do you really sure about it?" She asked.

"This is what I am here." Ronja said, sideglancing at the machinery. "Is this what... You really want? To be here? With someone like me?" Her words were sincere. It lacked the self-loathe Ronja had in her tone when they were arguing.

It was a legitimate question. One that Ronja had to know.

@Fiora Di Angelo

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

Nico blinked, setting her eyes on the machine then back at her. "Shit's a bit wonky..." She took note of it, but nothing seemed out of place as far as how Ronja reacted.

"It isn't a matter of fortitude... It is just..."
"It is just..?" She rehearsed, a frown stopped halfway through by a questioning eyebrow.

She honestly expected that answer, to be given a 'no' just like that. Ronja's the worrisome type, she could tell that much at least, and that's where the conversation seemed to spin towards. Her own lips were sealed shut in one expertly done maneuver as their hands met once again, and she is once again asked...

"Is this what... You really want?"

Now it felt real, like an actual question and not simply Ronja saying no for the sake of it. Nico's features dropped, serious despite already knowing the answer, giving the illusion she is thinking it twice, when she really isn't. She doesn't have to- She had weeks prior to this, so why the doubt?

It had to be her turn now to be honest, she deserved it that much.

"I wake up everyday. I take a shower, I brush my teeth, then head to work after breakfast. It's either shitty or decent, never a good time, and once I'm done I head back home to lay down at the couch and plug in the VR." She paused, eyes dead locked with Ronja's, giving her a moment to process what she just said, what kind of picture there is to her whole routine. "I don't go out, and most of the times I do is with a friend I met in game if he feels like. I honestly didn't see a reason to leave home, I mean, I got everything I could want ingame, I just need to log off to work and keep the paycheck coming." That's all life meant to her. And it was an improvement.

Living with Ari had at least taken a few weighs off her back. She could never thank him enough for that.

"I got a reason to leave my house now you know, a reason to play a bit less and try to pay myself another trip here with you. I know I know, it sounds real hard to believe for you because you think you are useless. But you and I think differently, and I ain't about to change my mind unless you fuck up real bad with me. And I honestly doubt it. I wouldn't be here if I didn't trust you with that." A solemn smile broke through, yet it took a moment for her eyes to focus on the one opposite of her right now as memories rushed in her head. "I feel like I might be going too fast... But honestly, given we play an uhm, 'special' kind of game, there's a chance either of us bites the dust, and I ain't keeping my feelings in. That last thing we fought together proved to me how easy it is."

@Ronja Bubblyfoot

 

[Ronja Bubblyfoot]

Listening to Nico's answers, Ronja couldn't help but spot similarities. In fact, it was funny how they had the same issue for two completely different reasons. One because of time and money, and the other because of health- and eventually, time as well.

"... We aren't too different after all. We both wake up just to exist." Ronja said, tapping her fingers on her lap.

"It all changed because of this game though. Meeting you. And everything." She looked at her eyes. "My maid said the same, that it was too fast. But honestly, I don't think it is ever... too fast-" for someone like me- the words died off before she spoke them out, shutting her mouth and smiling instead.

"So my worry is mostly because you have your own life. But... Now I understand you a bit more." She said, caressing Nico's hand and softening her expressions while keeping her eyes locked on the others. With any guard she had up, or any reservation being gone. There was no doubt.

Especially after that fight, especially after seeing and hearing her.

@Fiora Di Angelo

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

It didn't occur to her how similar they were, but the mere mention out of Ronja's lips just had her connecting the dots. It almost made her feel bad, terrible even...

She could be doing all Ronja wishes she could, and just admitting to it indirectly like this had regret pull the strings on her heart towards a different direction.

"Sorry, I didn't want to make you feel like that. But it's just the life I got, I can't change it." She tried to explain herself, yet these were hollow words. A justification for something she had no way to put outside of her grasp: it's her fault for being this addicted to a game. Her fault for dropping from college.

The mention of what the maid said just had her glance around to notice if that woman was ever around, leaning closer to Ronja, both hands pressed against the mattress, as she whispered like this were some kind of secret. "Your maid is scary, like she's some kind of secret agent hiding in an uniform. Gave me the chills when she drived me here." Nico admitted, leaning back to look at her straight as she giggled.

"I mean, we both got our own lives, Ronja. You and I are from far away, and believe me when I say if I could find a way to get closer as of today, I would. I don't really like Philly." She just didn't want to go into detail about that and instead kept it quiet behind a shrug. Too dangerous among other things. There's no need to get her worried all of a sudden.

"Don't think about my life, or your life, or the game right now. Is this what YOU want? You know we will be together for two weeks, but I can't stick around for longer, I will have to get back to Philadelphia. I need to know you are okay with it, because I really can't pay for a house, less so one around here. I'm kind of at edge when it comes to money." Severity within her tone, the glimpse of maturity that had come all of a sudden to her. Or simply just the cruel reality she had to acknowledge: They were essentially a long distance relationship. And these...

These don't tend to last, in her experience, despite how hard she will try.

@Ronja Bubblyfoot

 

[Ronja Bubblyfoot]

Ronja shook her head, understanding. "It is hard to change. Really hard..." She muttered, glancing at Nico and smiling faintly. "But it can get better. Despite everything... Good things can happen." Ronja said, once a bit hopeless regarding that, yet now that Nico was there, especially after everything. She wasn't one to expect for miracles, but if anything, the woman before her proved that there was still room for actual happiness.

Surprisingly, in a world where she wasn't fond of her life.

The way Nico worded about the maid made Ronja hold back a laugh, leaning in the same conspiratory tone.

"Lena..? Yes. She is the one that does the dirty work in the house..." She said, smirking and leaning away to talk more loudly. "... She is just too worried all the time. She is my lady's maid after all." As antique as it sounded.

Two weeks. What did she want? The girl felt a bit cornered when questioned about it.

Ronja mused about it, closing her eyes. "What do I want? I want to continue to be with you." Ronja said, rubbing her hand and then the wrist, with her eyes dropping to her lap. "Money... Isn't a problem. If it is a travel cost, I can pay..." She said, rubbing her neck while trying to figure something out.

"A house... I-I mean, there is mine..." Ronja averted her gaze. "... But... Well... I'm not sure if I can convince Lena to not tell my parents about you being there, so maybe I can't... Just go and let you stay there for longer than 2 weeks." At least not yet.

"At... At least we can still talk, in there..." She looked up at Nico.

@Fiora Di Angelo

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

"You gonna make me get all pink." Nico joked, yet her cheeks already turned to the aforementioned shade before the sentence left her lips. The warmth all over her face alerted her of such, made her self-aware, and subsequently drag out an 'uuuuuh' that couldn't fill in the silence in a less conspicious manner. "Good timing. I was starting to lose hope." She mumbled, a hand pushing aside the pink locks of hair that shrouded her face.

When Ronja spilled the beans about 'Lena', Nico tilted her head to the side to better listen out, watching her get serious again to better explain the maid's behaviour, which only prompted her to smirk and nod a few times for comical effect. "Noted, never make you mad or Lena will send me to sleep with the fish." A snicker escaped her mouth afterwards. The choice of wording though just now rang as ancient. 'Lady's maid' didn't sound like a term from someone of their era, or not from where she is from at least...

"Well you got a maid, probably more than that I bet-" Blue eyes circled the room, just now noting how tidy- How private even it truly is. "-And this hospital's pretty costly." Clasping her hands together, Nico's head tilted, staring back at Ronja once again. "Don't tell me you are some CEO's daughter and I just now find out, that would be some plot twist." Light-hearted tone hid what she really wished to be direct about, yet you never know just how someone bed-ridden would react.

Just why is there no family member around her right now?

When Ronja once again fell to uncertanties, displayed through body and vocal language, Nico's hands gently reached to grasp Ronja's, rubbing her thumb against the back of it. "I don't want you to waste money on me. I don't want you to do anything you aren't sure of either. We'll find a way eventually." A quiet smile ruined the concern on her softening features. Just as intended.

"Besides, we can do plenty of stuff ingame that we can't around here. Game's pretty open with it's interactions." She remained positive about it, and her voice cheered on the longer that thought went. Terrasphere is pretty realistic, so it won't feel half-assed like most VR games. They can do whatever, just like in a dream. "Get better in two weeks. No more no less, and I'll carry ya' out of this tower on my arms, princess~"

@Ronja Bubblyfoot

 

[Ronja Bubblyfoot]

Ronja laughed quietly at Nico's words, with her own cheeks growing pink as if the woman's statement had some spell to make it so.

"You aren't exactly wrong. My parents do run a very good business." Ronja admitted, though not mentioning the irony of the business and her condition.

"I wouldn't let Lena touch you even if I was mad at you." Ronja laughed at the idea. Granted, she knew that as dangerous-looking Lena could be, she would probably just kick Nico out and threaten her to never come back, instead of doing anything actually damaging.

Ronja's expressions then shifted to a disapproving one. "There is no such a thing like wasting something on you." She said with a quick head shake sealing the deal. "But... It is a complicated matter." Ronja agreed, letting out a sigh, lingering her eyes on her lap, then on their hands and up to Nico's eyes as she mentioned the possibility of doing many things in game.

Her face then grew as red as it could be in her conditions. "That... That would be nice..." Ronja said, fidgeting for a moment and looking up at Nico and wishing she could sink her face out of sight before she sheepish slipped-

"... My prince."

@Fiora Di Angelo