iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

* There is no planet I would do that on.

000

▷ Their hollow eyes, devoid of interest or passion in any way, lock gazes down with Noelle's at last. Kris doesn't bother moving this time, knowing she'd just pursue them again. * I don't want to be your anything. ▷ They say it harshly, trying to drive her away, before... * Least of all, that.

000

▷ Kris meets her gaze only briefly before looking down at the ground instead. Like they did on that day. They don't want to see her like this. * Yes. I'm sure.

000

▷ They turn their entire body to face the way they're looking. Away. * ... No.

000

▷ Kris pointedly stares off in a different direction. ... they've had enough of that already.

* Don't worry, our secret is safe with me. * I mean your secret

* ... ▷ Well, Kris can't stop themself from worrying just because Noelle told them to. But they don't want to push any further on it either, afraid they'll go too far (again), or that I'll push even further after that (again). * Alright. The offer's... open, if you change your mind. —

100

▷ The reaction makes Kris feel guilty. They hoped she just had made up with Catti and hadn't told them yet. Guess not... they just ruined everything, as they always expected. * ... Sorry I mentioned it... maybe I can help you talk to her...? ▷ Anything to take that edge out of her voice.

000

* ... Do you? * I thought she was... mad. ▷ They move past the suggestion entirely with the topic change, skipping their reasoning for why they'd never ask her for anything.

000

▷ They lean into it instantly, dropping all pretense from their act. Fortunately they don't have a tail, or it'd be going crazy by now. * I win.

000

▷ It started out serious, now they're in it for the pity points. Deliberately jutting out their lower lip and widening their eyes further to look extra sad. Little... dog whimpering noises...

000

▷ Pause. They give her shoulder a light push. * No... ▷ And the wet puppy-dog eyes.

000

* I'm like Patrick with the sexy legs.

000

▷ They listened hard, but ⠀⠀the words ⠀⠀weren't there. * ... A goofy goober?

000

▷ Eventually, Kris stops back in front of her. * ... * What are you, again?

000

▷ Kris circles around her while clapping, occasionally stopping to deliver another 'Congratulations.' in a different tone of voice. ... They're doing an NGE reference, aren't they?

* The Noelles need the tar pit in their enclosure for enrichment.

020

* Congratulations. ▷ They start clapping.

000

* I'll get it done. ▷ They leave their methods in shadow, which is probably best for everyone.

000

* Double bingo all the way across the sky.

000

* They did surgery on a Gerson.

020

▷ 'Maybe you can break your own strings.' They still wonder if it's true, or just another raving of a madman gone to seed. Certified yearner in all regards.