[OPEN MINGLE: SEPT 8-16]

[oneandmikleonly]

[So what are you up to as we pass out of the first hectic week of September and into the second? Calm strolls with alien elephants or fast swims with alien sealife? Flashing your sunglasses at crime scenes? Dreaming and building dreams? Waking and building...buildings? There's always a lot to do here, whether it's formal missions or just shenanigans with friends.

Zenning out is fine too!]

Comments

[splasher]

I... really love swimming. That's why I don't want to think all the time about it. Beginning to understand this new place to some extent might help, when it comes to the ocean, I mean.

[he smiles, hopeful; he says he wants to be brave, but he continues to put a brave front. fake it until you make it, right?]

I'm sure I'll be alright with Korra's help, too.

[braavado]

[His words draw a bright smile out of her.] That's a lot of faith you're putting in me, Makoto. I'll do my best to live up to it.

[A shadow briefly passes over her face.]

Just remember to be careful, especially here, you know? Even if the people living in the base are friendly, there's something about this world that isn't adding up.

[splasher]

I... know this place is dangerous. I'm going to try and learn how to look after myself and be ready for anything that may come up without warning.

At least, so far, we're all willing to work towards everyone's well-being.

[braavado]

That's the way to do it. [If they were speaking in person, Korra probably would've just punched his shoulder lightly in approval--it's probably good for Makoto that they aren't.]

I'm impressed that everyone's getting along so well. It's crazy, but in a good way! I mean, arguments usually happen if you have a bunch of people living together like this.

[splasher]

Oh, yeah. Arguments.

[suddenly reminded of karkat.......that son of a gun...]

I mean, it's normal, right? Cabin fever and it being a cramped space, and not everyone can have compatible personalities, right?

[braavado]

Yup. Especially the part where we're all stuck in a small base underwater. I think even the nicest person would get a little cranky after being holed up for a while.

[Raising her brow at him.] Were you thinking of someone in particular just now?

[splasher]

Ah! No... it's just...

[it's kinda nice to hear someone say even the nicest person has the right to feel a bit cranky after all they've been through. makoto feels this statement in his soul, but was afraid of how others would feel.]

It's normal to not get on with some people. I'm not good at confrontations, so... I feel frustrated a lot when I talk to one individual in particular... But, it's no big deal!

[braavado]

If you're sure. [She looks just a little skeptical, if only because he seemed to want to talk about whoever it was.]

I guess I'm the opposite. My friends back home would probably say I'm too good at being confrontational.

[splasher]

No offense, but you seem the type, Korra. As in, you are the type of person who doesn't hold back what they're feeling; you're very honest and welcoming, is what I mean to say.

[a lot of backtracking for a 'no offense' statement]

...ah, that probably sounded pretty bad anyway, huh...

[braavado]

[She doesn't take offense at all; she just throws her head back and laughs.]

No, you were right. I know I'm pretty impulsive at the worst of times. It probably drives Tenzin and Lin crazy.

[splasher]

[makoto remembers how it does drive him crazy when haru goes off being impulsive, and relaxes, figuring now that korra is actually such a laid-back, kind sort of person.]

It's just your personality in the end, right...

[these kind of people, the impulsive ones, they tend to be pretty brave individuals]

Are those people your family?

[braavado]

Tenzin's one of my teachers back home. And Lin's the chief of police.

[A fond smile tugs at her lips now.]

They've both had to clean up some of my messes when I first got to the city.

[splasher]

[important people!]

[but also, and perhaps more significantly]

--you're also not from the city? [UHM] I grew up in a small town myself, by the sea! There's a city, but it's quite a lot smaller compared to other ones...

[braavado]

Nope. I grew up by the ocean, too. The place I was in...there wasn't that many people around most of the time.

[She looks away from the screen, a little melancholy.]

Anyway, I [ran away] moved to the city about a year ago. It's kind of nice finally having friends my age.

[splasher]

Sounds like there were a lot less people in your home than mine. I'm glad you got to have friends your age...

We are friends too, right?

[braavado]

...you could say that. [There's a wry twist to her lips. The compound had mostly been filled with White Lotus guards to watch her.]

Of course we are! [She immediately perks up again.] Why wouldn't we be?

[splasher]

Ah, no, sorry... I just meant-- [hee] The confirmation is nice. I don't... really make friends easily, though I can talk to people just fine.

It makes me happy to think you consider us friends.

[braavado]

Well, then. [Her smile gentles a little.]

This is me confirming. You're stuck with me now, sorry.