[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]

[!!!

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.]