[TheSpatialWeeg]

(( Mari ))

It has been a while since Rulue stepped outside to do a mission.

Granted, she has been going out to do some necessities, but other than that, the Fighting Queen seemingly vanished. She spent the week locked up into her apartment, thinking and revisiting her life choices that led up to this moment.

To the little group that actually knew her up close and personal, it was no actual surprise she had a love problem. The simplest version of the story was that the man who she loved was in love with her rival. Whether she was thickheaded or simply too determined for her own good was up to debate. However, Rulue at this point was willing to bet that it was her thick head combined with a foolish belief that dreams could come true.

Needless to say that once the truth got to her, the fact that she was 'less than pleased' could be the understatement of the century. The revelation shocked and saddened her to the point it was doubtful that the Rulue people seemed to know even existed anymore. What one would most likely see was just broken shards of what once was a prideful woman.

"...A week passed by...and I still haven't found anything..."

Rulue sighed to herself. It was just another day of crying to herself, apparently...

...if the door wasn't open this time around, thanks to an oversight.

[Mari]

Arle stood at Rulue's front door, pursing her lips slightly in anticipation. She wasn't sure how she was going to deal with the expected response of "Why are you here?" followed by the door being shut in her face, but she wasn't willing to wait any longer. It'd been a weird couple of weeks. ...Weeks? Or was it months? She wasn't sure anymore, as living in space had thrown her internal clock wildly out of balance. What was a day to someone who wasn't revolving around the sun, a month to someone the moon did not orbit..? Regardless, it felt like she hadn't seen Rulue in some time and she was worried for the other. She knew Rulue often didn't enjoy seeing her, but that feeling had definitely never been mutual. Arle reached out and politely knocked on the door, only for it to give freely at her touch. ...Huh? Why would Rulue?

Arle felt a chill as she considered the possibility that she was looking at the possibility of a break in. On one hand, it was possible Rulue just forgot to shut her door--but how often did that happen? Not often, she assumed. What if someone had broken the lock? What if someone had robbed or... worse? Arle pushed the door open and anxiously peered inside, quietly easing her way inside. She didn't know what she'd do if the place was trashed, or worse if she found Rulue dead. That would be an emotional rollercoaster she just didn't need right now. She privately hoped for the best as she inched deeper into Rulue's apartment, her tensions easing only after she spotted Rulue from around a corner. She looked... positively dejected, maybe even broken. Arle hesitated for only a moment before making herself known by stepping out into clear sight and speaking up in a concerned tone.

"Uhm--...Rulue? Welfare Check."

[TheSpatialWeeg]

Rulue winced a bit as she heard the sound of the door move. Did she not lock it beforehand? Was someone invading her house? Her aqua green eyes sprung to life as she turned around to see whoever even dared stepping in. That wouldn't last for a couple of seconds as she saw that who entered was her rival Arle Nadja. ...Was it even fair to call her a rival at this point in time?

Her aqua green eyes dulled out once again as she looked at Arle, who said she was here for a 'Welfare Check'. Rulue recoiled slightly. Why would Arle bother to check on her after all that antagonizing throughout all those adventures of her? It just...didn't click.

"I'm...not sure what crossed on your mind to do a 'welfare check' on me, but there's nothing to worry about. I'm all right, see? Heh...heh..."

That lie was extremely weak and blatant, but maybe the weak laugh was the whole thing that made it fall apart. Rulue seemed to be intent on...at least trying to make Arle stop worrying about her. Then again, was there even a reason to do so? Maybe Arle would be able to guess what happened, but what would be the chances? Rulue was betting she wouldn't even end up caring about it.

[Mari]

Arle seemed saddened by something even before Rulue spoken, almost as if she knew Rulue was about to lie to her. In reality, she could just see how Rulue was feeling in her eyes. Of course, she knew Rulue would just get angry at her if she showed up showering her with pity. She'd have to put some of that charisma to use if she was going to navigate this. She could only hope Viridi saw what she was doing and wouldn't be left horribly confused.

"Oh, well... Actually, the reason I came over is because I can't seem to get back to the sanctum. The door was open and I was worried someone might have broken in. Can I... stay with you for a couple of days, Rulue?" Arle explained and asked rather sheepishly.

Phrasing her desires as her asking Rulue for a favor was a decent way to bypass the whole ego problem betwixt them. For the moment, Arle resisted the urge to dive into her concerns. She needed Rulue to open up to her presence before she could begin prying, lest she simply be asked to leave.

[TheSpatialWeeg]

Rulue tilted her head at Arle's request. Why would she ask that of her? ...Then again, who else would let her stay at their place? Schezo? A funny thought, but implausible, considering the circumstances...what about that puyo capped girl? She looked like a person who would lend an extra bed to her. Well, whatever the case, it couldn't be changed. Arle was there and she asked for her help. Thing is, was it really worth it...?


She thought to herself for a while, weighing the good and the bad points of having Arle around for a couple of days. After a while, she sighed and tried to maintain her usual personality around her. Arle shouldn't bother with her problems. She was the one who brought herself onto this, after all.

"...All right...I suppose you can stay."

With that said, Rulue closed the door. Despite her emotional turmoil, Rulue kept her apartment neat and tidy, and in hindsight, it was a good thing too. "...I don't suppose you like sleeping on the sofa? I only have one bed here."

[Mari]

Arle glanced to the couch. Honestly? She hated the idea. She could feel the metal bars and springs pressing into her back already. One could see the distaste on her face for a moment, but she quickly hid it. "...Yeah, I'll be fine." Arle relented casually, waving the couch off. She'd deal with that whenever it came. She didn't mind suffering through an uncomfortable night for the cause.

"Want any help making dinner? You look like you've had a rough day." Arle went on to offer. She wasn't much of a maid, but she could definitely whip up some curry if need be. She had chosen not to voice her suspicions, rather keeping her observations vague in hopes that Rulue might admit her feelings on her own. She, of course, could tell Rulue hadn't been working out, nor was she showing any signs of any violence-related trauma. She could just tell by looking at her; Rulue was depressed.

[TheSpatialWeeg]

Rulue's glanced awkwardly at Arle. Why was she offering to cook for the two of them? Could it be that...she didn't like her cooking? Rulue was going to raise her voice to try and fight that off, but...that was the truth, wasn't it? Her cooking couldn't be even classified as cooking, could it...? Her thoughts momentarily surfaced as a hurt look on her face, but she hid it as quick as she could.

"I suppose you could help me with it..." Rulue went on to relent. "It's been a pretty bad week, and I'd appreciate some support to get back on the swing of things." Of course, she didn't want Arle to go prying too deep on her personal troubles, lest things go horribly south in ways even she couldn't predict. Rulue obliviousness towards Arle's true feelings in Satan only would worsen the situation. What would Arle say if she spilled the beans?

"I suppose you'll want to eat curry, right? I hope you have the spices, if that would be the case."

[Mari]

Arle noticed that hurt expression on Rulue's face, but she wasn't sure what to make of it. Perhaps Rulue didn't like being babied by her rival... Yet, her words didn't quite line up with that assumption. She'd just have to tread carefully and take Rulue's words at face value, lest she make a dangerous assumption.

"It's the only dish I can make that's fit for a queen~" Arle remarked in a matter-o-fact tone, playfully referencing Rulue's self-imposed title. She turned to move to the kitchen, flashing Rulue a wink. However, as she reached to produce the precious spices she found herself empty-handed. Arle stopped in her tracks, seizing up in mild horror as she realized what she'd done. She'd almost forgotten that Witch had stolen from her. She had none of her spices... How inconvenient. This moment soon passed however and she seemed to relax, a sigh escaping her.

"On second thought, it seems like I've actually misplaced my spices." Arle replied. It was certainly an unusual situation, as her spices were a thing she simply kept on her body at all times. Yet, she wasn't inclined to explain the situation with Witch to Rulue. Not now, anyway. Those memories, though, they brought up some rather ugly feelings and Arle found herself deflating a bit in response to their intrusion. "I guess we've both had a hard week." Arle remarked, moving to sit down and ponder the question of dinner. However, she finally revealed her true colors when she decided to speak. Dinner wasn't actually at the forefront of her mind. "Do you wanna talk about it?" Arle asked.

[TheSpatialWeeg]

Rulue pulled in a weak smile as Arle called her a 'queen'. Even though it kind of looked like she was trying a little bit, the possible implications passed right through the Fighting Queen's mind. Whilst Arle went over to make (or at least try to make) curry, Rulue seemed rather...distracted. The positive kind of distracted, at least. It seemed like she was kind of happy, for once.

It wasn't bound to last.

Just as Arle went on to admit she 'misplaced her spices', Rulue let out a soft groan, ready to cook something in her stead. However, she stopped in her tracks when Arle suggested to open up her problems to the sorceress. There's silence from Rulue until...

"...So...you noticed...didn't you?"

Her voice sounded almost completely different. It sounded shaky and desperate yet also utterly defeated. What was the point of hiding it anymore? As much as she didn't like it, she could only give Arle what she came here for. 

"All right, if you want to know it so badly, I'll tell you about it." Rulue said, tears beginning to stream down her face. "...It's all over. I...just ended up realizing I wasted my entire life. Satan doesn't love me. He doesn't care, nor he ever will, despite what I've done to him..." Rulue went on to state bluntly. "...And it's...all my fault...all because I was stupid enough to think that I could get him to love me..."

She pounded a nearby wall with her fist.

"Now...I don't have a goal. Nothing to keep me moving forward, nothing worth fighting for...then again, I just had one very stupid goal, so what has been the point of my existence so far?! I might've as well...I...I might as well have never existed, because nothing would've changed!! I'm...just...waste..."

Rulue fell to her knees, beginning to sob as tears kept falling down.

"There's...nothing...no one that needs me."

[Mari]

Arle quietly listened to Rulue's literal sob story, patiently waiting to hear everything she had to say. She was honestly shocked by what she heard. Rulue was... giving up on Satan? She was loathing her existance? She was... alone. Arle honestly hadn't seen this coming. She'd expected something, sure, but this? This was ...extreme. Arle steeled herself. She hadn't come here expecting quite ...this, but it was happening and she needed to be ready for it. now. Finding herself at a loss for words, Arle stepped forward and moved to gently embrace Rulue, pulling the other's head to rest over her heart. Now, Arle wasn't a very touchy-feely kind of chick, but at that moment her grip felt strong and purposeful. ". . . I need you, Rulue." Arle murmured reassuringly in Rulue's ear, attempting to steal her attention from the despair eating away at her and open her ears to what Arle had to say. It was probably the single most romantic thing that had ever left her mouth, certainly a surprise by anyone's standards.

Just a moment passed before Arle summoned her emotional strength back, going in for a round two. She wasn't entirely ready to have this conversation but, more than she needed Rulue, Rulue seemed to need her. "Honestly, you thought of me as your rival, but--I... I never stopped thinking of you as the friend I grew up with." Arle went on to explain, becoming a tad flustered as she forced herself to reveal some rather personal feelings towards the other. She didn't think Rulue would mock her, not at a time like this, but it was still difficult for her after all the times they had fought. "...I've always wanted that back." Arle went on to admit, still holding Rulue comfortingly in her embrace. For a moment she laid her chin upon Rulue's head, a shiver running down her body. How long had it been since she'd felt this close to Rulue? She had to drag her thoughts away from her own enjoyment, as she knew this conversation wasn't for her.

"And, Rulue..?" Arle began, hesitating just a moment to second guess her choice of words. "That loser didn't deserve you!" Arle abruptly blurted out with a newfound fire in her voice. She moved to hold Rulue by her shoulders, stepping back for a moment so that the other could properly see her face as she talked to her. "I know you always thought I was going to take him from you, but... you know why I didn't, no matter how many advances he made? And he made a lot. Believe me. ...It's because I knew how he was treating you, and it made me hate him. He treated you just like he treated Carbuncle, with neglect! And he would've treated me with neglect too the moment he had his way with me. ...And we don't deserve to be treated with neglect! ...You don't deserve to be treated with neglect." Arle went on, exploding in a rant that left her cheeks flushed and her lungs empty. She took a moment to take a deep breath after it was all over, recomposing herself.

"...That fool couldn't even recognize what a beautiful person you were, inside and out. You deserve so much better than... that."

[TheSpatialWeeg]

Rulue kept sobbing up until Arle...suddenly pulled her in for a hug? Before the Fighting Queen could ever object to such affection, Arle said a certain sentence. One she could never imagined coming out of her mouth.

'I need you, Rulue'. Emphasis on 'I'.

Rulue's tears didn't stop coming, however she was silent. She only quietly listened to Arle's following words as she let herself be embraced. And really, what she said next was shocking revelations, one after another. Rulue found herself at a loss of words. A loss of a proper reaction, even. 

Even after all that time, Arle had never given up on their friendship. And the fact that she neglected Satan so many times because of her...it was almost unreal, really. Rulue felt horrible, but now she had a far different reason:

She had effectively abandoned and antagonized the only person who cared about her for a man that neglected her.

The Fighting Queen grabbed Arle by her shoulders before pulling her in for a hug. A hug that longed for a familiar warmth that she had forgot for quite a while, yet...she kind of needed it now.

"...Arle...I'm...so sorry..." Rulue began, almost barely able to contain a new batch of tears. "I never imagined you would want us to be friends again, even after all I did...though, could we really get back there...? To those days? After all that's happened?"

There's a little bit of silence until her next question sounded.

"Am I really worthy of being your friend again, Arle...?"

[Mari]

Arle was pulled in for a hug, her eyes widening in mild alarm at the close contact. She was still used to only feeling Rulue's touch when she was about to be violenced, so this was ... a pleasant surprise. She knew Rulue would handle her with the respect she deserved, which made it easier for her to tolerate the cuddling. Arle swallowed her anxiety once again and weaved her arms around Rulue's back, returning her embrace. She leaned into Rulue and wound up laying her head against Rulue's heart as if to press her ear to it and listen to Rulue's heartbeat. It was a very affectionate and trusting gesture that carried with it not just a familiar warmth, but a warmth with interest tacked on.

How Arle could trust Rulue or be comfortable being held by her after how many times Rulue had hit and berated her was anyone's guess for the moment. Arle remained silent on the matter, allowing her actions to speak for her. The moment would eventually pass, however, and she would finally shed some verbal light on Rulue's question.

"...Maybe." Arle replied in a tone that suggested she was conflicted about her answer. She wasn't going to pretend everything that happened hadn't hurt, or that things were as simple as they'd once been. As romantic as that notion was, it wasn't honest enough for her tastes, and she did want Rulue to understand how she really felt. That being said, though... "But I feel like you're worthy of a lot more than just being my friend, Rulue." Arle went on to explain, expressing an interest in something greater than friendship. What exactly she meant by that was up for speculation, but she made a point to affectionately give Rulue a gentle squeeze to emphasize her words.

[TheSpatialWeeg]

Rulue's tears came to a quick stop. It looked like she was done crying for now. Whilst her heart sunk a little bit over Arle's first answer, she could understand where Arle was coming from, so she wasn't going to try to intervene or object to that.

The second answer, however, caught her by surprise.

'Worthy of a lot more than just being a friend'? What did she mean by that? Whilst there were many possibilities, but Rulue's mind jumped straight at the implications she wanted...well, that. She hoped it wasn't the case for now, because if it were, it was a rather mistimed revelation. The Fighting Queen's thoughts on romance weren't exactly the nicest ones after the whole incident, however she would spare Arle the immediate and common 'jumping the gun' reaction.

"Um...what...do you mean by 'worthy of a lot more than just being my friend'?"

[Mari]

What had she meant by that? ...Good question! Arle considered it silently for a moment, but was unable to find an answer. This was a bit frustrating for her, honestly, as she was usually quite good about expressing her emotions. However, this time she was feeling something somewhat foreign to her. For a moment it gave her deja vu, but from where she was not certain. The moment would pass however and Arle would raise her her head, flashing Rulue a somewhat awkward smile and shrugging her shoulders helplessly.

"Honestly, I'm not sure either." Arle began in a somewhat apologetic tone. She was quick to continue explaining herself, however. "It's like--...When I think about all the friends I've made across time and space and then I think about you, it just... feels different! Like there's something more to it than good company or a thrilling battle. There's just always been something about you that felt right to me, a-and I'm just not sure what to call it." Arle went on to explain, quietly puzzling over that sense of deja vu from earlier. She quickly dismissed this thought from her head, however giggling at her own rambling.

"...So, um--What do you say we just give being friends again a try and see where that road takes us~?" Arle would go on to offer. Once again an almost uncharacteristically romantic series of words had left Arle's mouth. She certainly seemed to feel strongly about Rulue, anyway. The other might not even realize it, but she was on a very short list of people Arle would even let hold her this way.

[TheSpatialWeeg]

Rulue tilted her head a small bit as Arle tried to explain herself. Honestly, those feelings described were...familiar, though the way the mage put it was kind of confusing. Though the Fighting Queen was a bit surprised Arle felt this way towards her of all people. Though that begged the question...what did the sorceress saw on her that just 'felt right'? Hm, so mysterious.

"I see..." Rulue began. "I can't say for sure what is that feeling or why exactly you feel this way towards me, but...it's all right, we'll find out what is going on eventually." She said.

Of course, once Arle made the offer of mending the bridge they burnt, Rulue fell into silence again, as in 'shocked beyond words' type of silence. The Fighting Queen almost wanted to tear up again, however she decided to hold her tears and tighten her embrace around Arle.

"I want to be friends with you again, Arle. I accept your offer of reconciliation!"

The way she said it had a tone that certainly carried a lot of joy.