Complete See You

[Crimson Ruby]

Yuhan pouted at the response. "Whaaat? So I will never ever trust you!" She protested for a moment, but then a chuckle revealed its more playful nature. "Being a good actor must be nice. If I had a button to simply hide my true expressions for a moment." Yuhan shrugged, averting her gaze to glance at the nearby portrait. The only one she held from her past at her home country.

Her eyes returned to Jim when he questioned her necessity to lie, and she sighed. "You know... The usual thing. They are only supportive to what they want you to be, but if you want to be something else, they are no longer as supportive." Yuhan said, figuring he would understand right away.

"Mostly regarding music. I loved to participate in many ceremonies and festivals on our temple... But taking over it? Becoming one that will run it for my whole life?" She sighed, rubbing her neck. "I wanted to see the world and learn music and culture from everywhere, not just stay stuck in a bubble..." Yuhan admitted, with the glimpse of her little sister getting past her mind.

Was it like that for Bao too? And perhaps...

"Do you... Have, or had to lie to your parents as well?"

@Erick Stryker

 

[Erick Stryker]

He smirked. "Your call." It wouldnt be good acting without a poker face, and calling her bluff was about as good as it got. He seriously doubted that having gotten this far, he was gonna cut off her "trust" in him over a joke or two.

When she mentioned that it seemed nice to be able to suppress and hide emotions with any skill, his shoulders sagged a bit. "Maybe," he mused, "but when you start polishing a skill like that, it becomes second nature. Then you're hiding things you wish you were sharing, and you're putting up walls even when you don't want to."

And damn, was he good at building those walls.

You know... The usual thing. They are only supportive to what they want you to be, but if you want to be something else, they are no longer as supportive.

His parents were like that, in a way. They'd been understanding enough when he decided to pursue a career rather than take on the farm as his father's successor, but they hadn't been particularly supportive. When it came time for him to get a job, there was never a call back. Eventually, they wanted nothing to do with him anymore.

In reality, he'd been on his own since long before he was on his own.

Do you... Have, or had to lie to your parents as well?

"No, thankfully. Where I'm from, honesty and integrity go a long way, so even if they don't like what you have to say, people will generally respect it," he drew a thin breath, then added, "not that it did me much good. Despite the fact that they accepted and respected my decisions, they didn't support them. Because of that, we don't talk much."

An understatement. He was cut off, completely. His mother didn’t even want to see him on holidays, and his father had disowned him to his face. In his little part of society, he was as good as dead.

"So, I don't really have to lie to them... they don't care what I do anymore."

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Yuhan nodded at the explanations, frowning a bit at a few parts. "It sounds like a double edged sword." She muttered, looking at Jim and wondering just how far all he was saying actually applied to him. Or if there was even more than what he was saying.

"Honesty and integrity, and yet you are telling me about bullshitting and hiding things." Yuhan said, pondering about it. So they had respected his choices? At least it sounded like they weren't that bad- or at least that was what was presented to her.

Honestly, just the respecting part would be nice. Yuhan would also be grateful if they never cared about what she did. It would make things much easier at least.

Yuhan fidgeted her phone with her fingers, that tilted along with her as she laid on her side.

"My parents cared. Way too much, and in a negative way." She said. "I am pretty sure they hate me right now."

@Erick Stryker

 

[Erick Stryker]

"Yeah," Erick looked away, a look on his face like he'd been slapped. "Because look at all the good telling the truth got me. If I'd lied and told them what they wanted to hear, if I'd just been a "good son" and did all the things they wanted, I'd still be at home."

He exhaled sharply. "But forget about that. Now I'm the one bringing down the mood." When he glanced back at the screen, she had laid down. She must have been tired after a long day, but she was so excited about this call that she wanted to be here in spite of it. He appreciated that.

And not just because he didn't feel alone.

My parents cared. Way too much, and in a negative way.

"I think that's just a common parent thing. Especially when you're the oldest, so they haven't had any other kids and there's no frame of reference for how they should raise you. It's not like their parents gave them classes on how to do it. Hell, I wouldn't raise kids based on how my parents raised me." He took a moment, then added, "not that it excuses anything. Being wrong and having the strength to accept you're wrong and taking the steps to make things right are two different things."

Because honestly... despite being two sides of the same coin, it sounded like both their parents had cared, whether it was too much or too little. And both of them had ended up without parental support.

I am pretty sure they hate me right now.

"Yeah, now that I know we have in common."

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Yuhan looked at Jim worriedly. From his words, it didn't seem like that respect went too far, but she also choose to not comment, especially when Jim himself seemed to try and cut the topic.

"I guess so." She muttered, then nodded. "I wouldn't raise my kids like that either... and well, it isn't the same thing as having a kid, but I think I will need to do the rest of the job of raising my little sister, so... I think I will need to start putting it in practice." Yuhan said, having a small smile on her lips, showing that she didn't seem to mind the fact she would need to take care of her little sister.

In fact, she was even relieved about it, knowing that Bao wouldn't be on the hands of strict parents.

"You are right. Knowing something just gives us the option to act with it, if we will or not, is an entirely different story." Yuhan said.

"But these aren't the only things we have in common, are them? I mean, both of us play a death game to escape whatever is happening outside it, and well... You do sing really well." She perked up.

@Erick Stryker

 

[Erick Stryker]

He found it endearing that she looked for something positive still, even when they were awash in a sea of negativity. At some point, he found his beacon light going out. There had been a time in his life when he did the same thing she was trying to do now, guiding lost souls toward solid ground to stand on, fighting against the crushing and violent tides that tried to drag them under. It was beautiful she still had that desire.

As for what made him lose his, or if he would ever see it again, Jim was now at his most alive in Terrasphere. That didn't stop him from watching Yuhan, transfixed by her energy and her beauty. He rested his chin on the back of his hand and wore a soft smile.

This woman deserved the world, not some man it had chewed up and spat out.

"I dunno," he said honestly, "I know how to sing, but you're getting a job because of your musical talents. I bet you sing way better than I do."

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

The statement caught her by surprise, how he could even dare to say that he didn't know if he sang well?! Was him criticizing himself too much?

Yuhan paused for a moment, squinting slightly. "Well, I do practice music a lot. But that doesn't mean you don't sing really well." She said, pondering for a moment. "I doubt I will be able to get anywhere near you in terms of acting, but I'm sure I can at least do well, even if I won't be better than you." Yuhan said, certain of her words.

Granted, it was probably just the young man being humble, otherwise, he wouldn't have shown such a great voice when they were camping near Vintergard, a memory that felt very distant, especially considering it was all before the events of Red Fever. Yet, it was held as something precious, being the one time they first opened up to each other.

@Erick Stryker

 

[Erick Stryker]

"Oh, I know I can sing," he grinned. "Don't get me wrong, if I'm looking for someone to win gold in a competition, I'm confident I can handle the job. What I'm saying is, I bet you got a voice like a siren. Beautiful, enchanting, able to coax men to their doom despite their better judgment." Jim gave her a wink.

He still remembered kissing her despite all the many reservations he had about it. Not that he was upset or that he wished he hadn't. Quite the contrary, in fact- he wanted to feel that sensation again, the liberating fire that overrode even his firmest logic. The domineering emotional crack of the whip that drove him to embrace Crimson Ruby.

Wait, what the f--- what kind of desire was that!?

Jim blinked. "But when it comes to acting, everything happens with practice. You'll see results as you keep going along your path. Even if its a small part, I'm sure it'll give you good experience." With his arms folded, he watched her for a moment before he added. "So! Eventually when you do come after me and try to see if you're better, I'll be ready for the challenge! I'm not going to let it happen too easily!"

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Yuhan rose an eyebrow, leaning closer to the camera. "Are you telling me that maybe I've coaxed you into this place with my voice?" Her smug expression was nearly 1:1 to her IG self, maybe only lacking the typical cat girl smile that lacked in the real world. "Good to know I could lead you to something less cautious... I mean, maybe next time." Yuhan said, smiling.

She couldn't help but notice the expressions of the man becoming a bit distant, maybe lost in thoughts until he seemed to blink and go back to the conversation, with his advice being answered with attentive nods, while Yuhan gathered the information that was... Already expected, like most of the things were. But still, it did tell her she shouldn't underestimate a smaller role.

"Well, maybe at some point I will come after you." Yuhan said, looking at Jim and then humming, considering the idea of a challenge-

"If the challenge will be serious or just an excuse, only time will tell." She teased slightly.

@Erick Stryker

 

[Erick Stryker]

"Are you saying I'm doomed?" he asked, raising an eyebrow as he responded to her initial question with one of his own.

Good to know I could lead you to something less cautious... I mean, maybe next time.

He blinked as her next words almost certainly confirmed his feigned suspicions, wide eyed and grinning. What a live wire she was. Instead of seeing it as a red flag, however, Jim was further enticed. What an exciting woman Yuhan was.

Well, maybe at some point I will come after you.

If she had said anything else, it might not have caught his attention the way those words had. He turned himself over onto his stomach and held the phone in front of him, more attentive than ever before. "Really," he grinned devlishly as she continued her pitch.

If the challenge will be serious or just an excuse, only time will tell.

"An excuse for what, I wonder?" Erick licked his teeth absent-mindedly behind his lips, almost like a hunter playing with its food. "Well, either way, now I'm excited. I'm glad you called me."

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

"Probably you are." Yuhan said, shrugging and letting out a giggle at his reaction. It neared the adorableness, how he seemed to perk up just at those words.

"Yeah, really. Isn't that the point of this call?" She asked, tilting her head. Or maybe she was misunderstanding things? Or perhaps he didn't understand it yet. She wasn't there to find out anything, she was only there to confirm.

"Oh, so now you are excited. Good to know you weren't until now." Yuhan pretended to huff, averting her eyes in a teasing 'pout', then huffing a chuckle and returning the devilish gaze.

"What do you think the excuse is for?" She asked, raising her eyebrows.

It was strange, just a half hour ago she was anxious, with face burning in embarrassment and unsure of what to do. And here she was now, feeling comfortable enough for these playful exchanges, filled with implications and teasings.

@Erick Stryker

 

[Erick Stryker]

Honestly, Jim wasn't entirely sure of the answer to her first question. There were a lot of things that the call could have been. Yuhan didn't seem like the type to take too many precautions about security on the internet- which, y'know, made sense given the fact that they had met on a darkweb game, and she used her normal handle as a character name. Still, he was the cautious type, and he'd been careful not to even mention where in the Midwest he lived while they were in game, even while using the UI to message her directly. The point of the call? To make sure that they were who they said they were... among other things. Or so he'd thought.

No, it seemed, for her, this was a confirmation of how they felt. And for the first time, Jim actually posited the question to himself. What did he feel. Maybe that was why, all that time they spent in the game, there was a buffer. It wasn't quite the same for him as it was for her. He wasn't Jim anymore in there, even though the stuff they talked about were things Jim had experienced. He hadn't attributed himself to the feelings that Erick had.

Until precisely right at that moment.

How did Jim feel about the way Ruby made Erick feel? How did he feel knowing that it transcended the game, and that Yuhan felt that way about him? It felt like being on the receiving end of a power hammer swung by a Brute running full speed. Instead of flying from where he was laying and colliding with the wall (and probably smashing right through and into the next wall after that one), he was left with a blank expression on his face as she playfully "pouted."

How was he supposed to process any of this? For the last few years of his life, he'd sunken into deep depression and removed himself from the better part of society. His whole family had all but cut him off. He was living in a dark room and rarely coming out for fresh air. Now there was a girl interested in him?

It felt too good to be true.

His experience told him that it usually was.

But what he saw was the pretty girl flirting back. Hard.

Another part of Jim peeked out from the darkness and knew exactly what to do. Regardless of whether or not it was too good to be true, indeed, even if it was, you never let an opportunity pass you by. And hell, if he could feel anything he'd felt when he was Erick, if he could share those feelings with someone, if he could have something good in the middle of everything that wasn't...

Life might just be worth living, then.

What do you think the excuse is for?

"I can only dare to dream," he responded with a wry smile, tapping his lips with a finger as he feigned deepest consideration of the question. "But my dreams can be very vivid, you know."

Erick wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

"Vivid? So scary-" Yuhan covered her mouth to suppress laughter when Jim wiggled his eyebrows, huffing a brief chuckle and peeking at him. "Too bad a challenge like that may take a while. I can't just leave my sister alone." She admitted with a shrug. "But for now, it isn't like that game isn't a good shortcut, right?" Yuhan said.

Even if they were under different faces and bodies, and in a virtual world that had software advancements that seemed nearly out worldly, Yuhan still felt like herself in there, which made that conclusion to be fairly logical to her.

It puzzled her, however, if Jim felt the same. After all, he was the one that mentioned real life in the first place.

"... But also, I do understand we would probably be taking things a bit too fast, and we would almost make the same uhh... Not really a mistake, but the same thing that prompted both of us to be in here." She smiled, reminding herself of when things almost derailed when she told him of her feelings in game.

@Erick Stryker

 

[Erick Stryker]

She mentioned that the game was a good shortcut to them being closer together, and he paused to consider the implications. So, there were people who treated it as an extension of their real life selves, rather than just playing a part inside of a game world. That was something he expected, but he never thought it would hit so close to home.

"Yeah, you know, maybe-"

... But also, I do understand we would probably be taking things a bit too fast, and we would almost make the same uhh... Not really a mistake, but the same thing that prompted both of us to be in here.

"...I'm kind of relieved to hear that, honestly. I've never been in a relationship, let alone had feelings like that for anyone, but I do like you and I'm willing to explore that with you, if you're willing to put up with me being a little slow on the uptake."

He gave her his honest thoughts because not only did she deserve them, but he wanted their interactions to be real, even if it meant a struggle on one side or both. He still wasn't sure he wanted to keep living in this world- not that she would know that, nor perhaps did she need to hear it. But with time, and with some positivity, with a happier life and hopefully some success...

"I don't regret kissing you," he added, just to be sure she knew how he felt.

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

Yuhan tilted her head when Jim mentioned a relief. The reveal that he has never been in a relationship surprised her, but at the same time... It wasn't like she could say much, could she? She never got into something serious with anyone, being mostly into friendship with benefits and flings, whenever they happened.

"Let's give it a time then. I wouldn't want to rush any decision." Yuhan said, shrugging. "Besides, I already put up with a lot of weird things you say and do, just a bit more of it won't hurt me." She teased with a chuckle, peeking at him to see his reaction, before turning a bit more serious once again.

"And I don't regret reciprocating it and telling my feelings." She said, with a serene and honest expression, looking into his eyes with a warm smile on her lips. "... No matter what will happen from now and on." She added.

@Erick Stryker (Probably we can wrap up soon?)

 

[Erick Stryker]

"No matter what," he agreed. However, it felt like a good, fresh start. Jim felt positive about the conversation that they had, and like going forward they would be mindful of things instead of rushing headlong into situations they otherwise might regret later. He'd been happy to hang out with Ruby as a friend, but she'd seen him as more. And honestly, while he had hoped for it, until she made it plain to him, he refused to believe it was possible that she might have any kind of feelings toward him.

It was clear to Jim that he knew little to nothing about women.

"I think things are gonna work out just fine," he said after a moment. "It's not a sprint, it's an endurance race. Right?" The way he said it reminded him of how his parents talked about the horses they loved so much. Breeding, training, breaking, racing... when he thought about it objectively, it was like a simulated version of what humans do.

What an odd thought.

"That way, we know the decisions we make are informed, and good for us. Anyway, its later there than it is here, and I'm sure you're tired because I know I am. What do you say we get some sleep?"

@Crimson Ruby

 

[Crimson Ruby]

"Hopefully." Yuhan smiled, letting out a sigh, not out of frustration or tiredness, but rather out of happiness that at least they had managed to put their feelings into place and had the opportunity to work around it before making a proper and official decision.

If such a thing existed when it came to something as abstract as feelings.

The analogy made Yuhan chuckle, and she looked at Jim with a playful grin. "You really know how to put things in an easy way to understand." She pointed out, looking at him one last moment before she finally replied to his last question.

"Yeah, a sleep would be nice..." Yuhan nodded. "See you tomorrow, Jim." She said, waving a happy goodbye before the video call would cease.

@Erick Stryker End?