02 - [Video]

[primordial]

[This...is going to be a problem.]

[He was curious, really, to hang around until the 13th hour came along, and had been quite shocked by the enormous amount of monsters hanging around. So shocked that he was quite unprepared for when they started attacking- he thought he'd find a way to avoid them, honestly. And just when he was cornered...it had finally come out. His Persona.]

[And honestly, he wasn't too surprised. Not even scared, really, he's seen worse. His Persona is himself, isn't it? But this would pose a problem if he showed it to other people, because that would be going and showing them something very deep and personal that might turn them against him. No, he has to turn this into an advantage, a way to get people to pity him and go on his side.]

[And he knows exactly how to get that to happen.]

[The video turns on, and the first thing one hears is the rather terrified and stammering voice of one (1) Sam Erstwhile.]

This-this is really not okay! I mean, it's my birthday today, I really didn't need this as a birthday present!

[The guy seems to be on the verge of fainting, he's so pale. It's oddly dark behind him, even though it's morning...]

I-I...listen, is it possible to just refund a Persona? That's possible, right? Because...mine is a freakin' abomination, and I'm not really sure I want it. How come all of you get the cool ones and I get the one that looks like it feeds on little kid's nightmares??

[And then the darkness behind him moves, and what looks to be like a dark tentacle rests on Sam's shoulder. Sam shudders, letting out a slight whimper, as the skull-like face of his Persona drops down into view.]

[Looks like Sam wasn't kidding about that abomination stuff at all.]

They said having a Persona was a good thing. They said you'd love it, and that it'd help you, and...ugh, this isn't what I was expecting at all!

[And he buries his face in his trembling hands. He really looks like he's going to have a nervous breakdown over this.]

Happy birthday to me...

Comments

[primordial]

Hmmm. Maybe...

[He draws his arm back to his lap after a pause, just retracting it back into his personal bubble of a shell. But he nods at her, looking slightly amused at the "party" comment.]

Yeah, I mean...I haven't talked to much with people about stuff from back home, you know? I think it'll take time, but...unloading all of that stuff would be good.

[booyaka_boom]

*Selphie nods, her expression all understanding and sympathy. She glances out of the window as she takes another sip of water, then turns back to Sam with a happy smile and a strong nod*

Well, that's what friends are for!

*Yes, you've only had one conversation, but in Selphie's books that means official friendship*

[primordial]

F-friends??

[He looks somewhat surprised, sitting a bit straighter in his chair and staring over at her, looking confused.]

You already consider me...a friend?

[booyaka_boom]

Well, sure, of course.

*She smiles, having made the comment so completely off hand. But then she notes his expression and she quirks an eyebrow - after all, she's been around enough men in her life that didn't understand the 'friend' concept*

Do you have...different friend criteria I should know about?

[primordial]

Oh, no! No, I...

[He looks like he's feeling very foolish, by the way he's glancing off, as if embarrassed.]

I just...I'm not used to people calling me their friends, you know?

[booyaka_boom]

*Again, she narrows her eyes, just watching him for a moment, trying to figure him out a little more. Instead, she rests her chin in her hand and gives a small smile*

Not even all the people that you used to work with and stuff?

[primordial]

[He shakes his head at that.]

Oh, definitely not. I mean, they liked my work ethic and all, but it's not like they wanted to know more about me than "that guy who happens to be their coworker".

[booyaka_boom]

Huh...

*And she just stares at him for another moment or two, her eyes sweeping his face, dipping to look at his hands*

Were they all just jerks or what? I don't get how come no one would really want to get to know you.

[primordial]

[He shrugs at that, a bittersweet smile tugging at his mouth.]

I kind of faded into the background, honestly. As long I wasn't causing trouble for anyone, I was happy.

They say that people see you the way you see yourself...so, it could definitely be my fault as well.

[booyaka_boom]

*As the opposite of a fade into the background person, Selphie's not sure about that. After all, what could be worse than people not even knowing that she's there?*

Hmm...I guess it's just up to you but..if you want friends.. well, doing something like this is the best way to go about it.

I mean, I'm just new here too so I have to put in plenty effort to make sure I make loads of new friends.

[primordial]

Yeah, but what if people don't like me I mean, just putting all that effort in for nothing but disappointment...it's just painful,, really.

[booyaka_boom]

I guess there's always that risk but, how'dya know what you're missing out on if you don't try?

And, like I said, I don't see why people wouldn't like you. You gave me the time of day today, and I like you plenty.

*And a happy smile to prove it*

[primordial]

You do...

[A pause, and he smiles over at her, or, at the very least, tries his best to, expression softening. Oh, dear Selphie. Dear, dear Selphie...]

Thanks. You're...you're a really good person, you know?

[booyaka_boom]

*Dear, dear Selphie, indeed. She smiles broadly at that before bowing her head, picking at some crumbs at the bottom of her muffin case*

I'm really not. Good friend, maybe. But good person, maybe not so much.

*But, she still looks more than happy to receive the compliment anyway*

And I think you are too. Just...maybe you oughta let more people know.

[primordial]

Alright. Then...I guess it wouldn't hurt to try.

[He gives her a nod, but thinks for a bit silently, wringing his hands.]] And I don't mean to be rude, but I-I don't want to waste more of your time, and it was a good birthday, so...I guess I should take my leave, now.

oh mai god he's going to eat her alive one day isn't he?!

[booyaka_boom]

*She doesn't look the least bit concerned or offended, just so happy that he could say that he at least enjoyed some of his birthday. And for her part, she's given him cake, so that's something*

Okay! Sure. Well, I hope you enjoy the rest of your birthday, Sam. And.. if you ever wanna talk or hang out again then you can just call me up, or something.

HE DOESN'T EAT PEOPLE THANK GOD but being his friend isn't exactly that good ;;

[primordial]

Oh! Oh. [And a nod as he gets up from his seat.] Of course I will, Selphie.

Of course I will.

selphie will cry and then danger will happen. yay!~

[booyaka_boom]

*There's a happy face and a cheerful wave to see Sam away from the table*

Great! See you soon, Sam. And happy birthday!

YAY FOR BACKSTABBING

[primordial]

Thanks, Selphie.

[And he's off with a short wave, having opened up a new Social Link even though he doesn't know it yet. Oh, friends. He's certainly making a lot in this place, huh?]