[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 don't know what the story for the latest event is and neither does Phantom, but it doesn't matter. What's important is when he sees Ritsuka in her new Mystic Code, his visible eye lights up.]

O Christine, O Prince Charming!

[Thankfully, 'you look great!' is a fairly simple sentiment to get across even with Mental Pollution in the way.]

[fujimaru]

[ The important thing is that she has the outfit, okay, and that she's testing it out before Halloween itself. And that maybe she'd been hoping for some compliments, because Ritsuka's internal relationship with her looks is a handwavey complicated matter, but she does like being told she looks nice.

So when she gets that, she beams, though her posture is less Dashing Prince and more slightly sheepish pleased embarrassment. ]

You think so? Haha, thanks.

[serrer]

[Ritsuka would look great in a paper bag and half the Servants here would say so if it ever came up.]

The wardrobe is finished - all that's left is to cast you in a starring role.

[This may be literally wanting to cast her in an opera or may be metaphorical. Or both. It's Phantom so probably both.]

[fujimaru]

I don't think I'd be into that, sorry.

[ She doesn't want to be the star! She wants to be a stagehand at best--someone working in tandem with a team to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

Which is maybe more apt than not, but also-- ]

For one thing, I've never done more than just casual karaoke. No operas for me.

[serrer]

The stage is bereft with your absence, Christine.

[She'd be great in an opera! This is definitely based on facts and not just his opinion of her as a person.]

[fujimaru]

I think everyone will survive not having to listen to me butcher showtunes.

[ Or enka, which she is even worse at, but look... sometimes it's fun to go all out in the drama of the delivery. ]

[serrer]

Your audience adores you, no matter your range.

[Or... relative lack of one. Her Servants would definitely support any production she was in!]

[fujimaru]

Aha... thanks?

[ Press [X] to doubt. Adore is a big heavy word, and sometimes (most times), it's hard to sort through how much of it is sincere and how much of it is something that they can't help, filtered through whatever qualifications imposed on them by the circumstances of their summoning. ]

I mean, I'm not sure I'd want to put anyone through that, but I appreciate the vote of confidence.

[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...]