[open] (jenna marbles voice) no one can stop me

[fujimaru]

[[ I don't have a musebox because I only play one or two characters at a time and also thinking up usernames is hard. So let's call this an open post to function as a CMO for Ritsuka, such as people may want it. (•̀ᴗ•́)و ̑̑ ]]

Comments

[serrer]

I am but your faithful servant, Christine. If you need be reminded that you are the star of this theater, I will tell you a thousand times.

[They all have their baggage and their circumstances, and that's fine, but that doesn't make their love for Ritsuka any less genuine, he thinks.]

[fujimaru]

I don't need the reminder! I just--

[ She just doesn't really feel like she gets why people say these things to her. In her opinion, Ritsuka is a terribly ordinary person; excessive praise isn't really meant for someone like her. ]

--know I have other strengths, that's all.

[serrer]

Indeed! You are a skilled conductor of your faithful actors. If only I could perform for you more often, but the theaters we find ourselves in now...

[dw please give him another strengthening so he can be more helpful thanks]

[fujimaru]

I don't think we've really found anything that matches a fancy opera house.

[ She doesn't know all of the details of his story, but she knows the big beats. That's enough. ]

I know a piano doesn't really match an organ, but if we ever find one... I'd like to hear you play.

[serrer]

It would be an honor. -Though I did mean a different kind of performance, Christine.

[His musical ability is some of the best in the Wandering Sea. Combat ability? Nnnot so much.]

[fujimaru]

I know, but...

[ She shrugs a little, laughing, more at herself than anything. ]

...I know you say that, but--I still feel safe with you on the field. For what it's worth.

[ His combat ability still outstrips hers, and as distorted as his Mental Pollution makes his perception, she does trust he won't hurt her. Or let harm come to her. That counts for a lot. ]

[serrer]

[!!!

Phantom's face goes pink, some of it visible even through the pale mask.]

I will protect you with everything I have... Master.

[The times when he can call her anything but 'Christine' are few, but - he does know who she is. He hopes she knows that too.]

[fujimaru]

[ She brightens a little in turn. Even if she doesn't exactly understand how things like Mental Pollution and Madness Enhancement actually work, she does recognize the significance of breakthroughs like that. ]

I know. I trust you on that--don't forget, okay?

[serrer]

I could never forget your beautiful voice.

[He listens to what she says, even if he can't always answer.]

[fujimaru]

It's really not--

[ No, she knows better than to argue. She knows. She understands! It's just still an automatic reaction on her part. Maybe it's not to the same level that the instinct happens for him, but also, Ritsuka is a simple girl. Having anything of hers be called beautiful is wild. ]

[serrer]

Your words reach my heart, my angel.

[So like, no pressure, but also he does highly value everything she says to him. But no pressure.]

[fujimaru]

[ That's a lot of pressure!! ]

I feel like it might be better if they didn't...!

[serrer]

Do not trouble yourself overmuch, Christine.

[he said no pressure!!!!]

[fujimaru]

It's kind of my job to worry--you know there's, like... other options. Right?

[ Listen. Ritsuka isn't a Type A person, but she will absolutely invent reasons to worry and pressure herself. ]

[serrer]

None that can measure up to you.

[Not interested!]

[fujimaru]

...

Have you guys ever considered that you're all really overly biased in my favor...

[ Just a thought! Just an idle question! ]

[serrer]

Is it a tragedy to be loved, Christine?

[like, if he had this many admirers he definitely wouldn't complain about it...]

[fujimaru]

I don't think it's that, just...

[ She shrugs, pressing her fingertips together. ]

I'm just me. That's all.

[serrer]

Everyone deserves to star in their own performance. You as much as any other.

[Other 'normal' people deserve to be loved, too, right? Ritsuka wouldn't say that they didn't.]

[fujimaru]

I mean--yeah, but--...

[ There isn't any graceful way to say "yeah, but not me" without it sounding worse than she actually means it. Everyone always worries about her more than she thinks they really should, and it's honestly kind of embarrassing, even if it's pleasant at the same time. ]

...eh, I guess you got me there. Thanks for the sentiment.

[serrer]

I'm happy to be of service, my angel.

['Angel' is slightly better than 'Christine', right? He can say 'angel' without giving himself an ulcer.]