Yes, tonight would be wonderful. I'll keep the gate and front door unlocked, so feel free to let yourself in and come upstairs. The elevator is basically my doorbell~
[ And indeed, in the evening, he will hear his "doorbell." Except, it stops just a few inches lower than normal. The door opens and Ereshkigal steps outside, though she looks perplexed by the elevator ]
Why did it stop moving early...? [She cants her head to the side and lo: smoke starts coming out from the control panel.] H-Heh? But I didn't touch anything?!
[ Technology really hates her. She'll pay for the repairs, promised. ]
[ As soon as Hugo hears the elevator whir to life, he stands and closes the book he’d leisurely been reading while he was waiting. He’s quick to smile warmly too, since he’s pleased with the prospect of spending time with her in multiple respects. He’s always delighted to spend time with her, of course, but he has to admit… He’s also a little relieved with the idea of spending time with someone he’s imprinted with too. Even if one of his imprints is his roommate, it’s still the sort of thing where he craves variety, and that’s drastically decreased as of late.
However, before he can even mull over that, the sound of the elevator not quite working as intended immediately stands out to him. It’s such a familiar sound that any deviation stands out, so with a little “oh” of concern, he’s a little quicker to head down the hallway. ]
Oh dear…
[ That’s not good?? Especially not the smoke?? He’s gentle with grabbing her hand to help her out like it’s a gallant gesture, but he’s quick to hop on the elevator in her stead to check the control panel. He just has to make sure it’s not about to catch on fire… ]
Ah, I’m sorry? [ There’s a question in his tone, because as he pulls the plate off to take a look at the inside of the panel, he’s confused! ] That hasn’t happened before… I got it inspected when I bought the place, but I guess it’s been a while at this point.
[ What a disaster. She wonders if she's cursed or something this month. Between her roommates disappearing, the move to the graveyard and now this. Poor Hugo doesn't deserve to hang out with such a concentrate of bad luck. ]
That-That's not the first time it happens... [Were this a movie, now is when there would be a flashback showing the numerous phones, music players and devices she's ruined.] I suppose I may just be a very poor match with human technology.
[ She wonders if there's something wrong with her? That's just not normal!! ]
I will pay for any repair fees. I have some more money to spare now.
[ Hugo fans some of the smoke away, and he sees the offending little spot of black that had caused it. It looks like it’s just a short, thankfully, but even though that’s something he might be able to fix… Mm, no, he won’t risk it with something like an elevator. He sighs a little as he steps back, but he does at least look relieved that nothing is actively on fire. ]
Ah… Normally I would say not to worry about it, but I might have to take you up on that offer, my dear.
[ He may be extremely good at managing his finances, but refurbishing and opening an art gallery is still expensive. At least his living expenses are incredibly cheap now, he supposes… But that’s also a worry for later. He’s satisfied that the elevator is at least safely out of commission for the moment, so he hops out to stand next to her. ]
Well! [ He claps his hands lightly for emphasis ] It’s too late for someone to work on it now anyways, so our plans remain very much intact, at least~.
[ He motions down the hall, but he also leads the way right after. His apartment is looking significantly more lived in and cozier than the last time she was here, but the décor itself is unchanged. That too is a project for once the gallery is open. ]
Did you get a nice little windfall…? It’s at least nice to not have to worry about money as much.
[ Sighs. Why is it every time she does something, there is 20% chance something will go wrong? Thankfully, Hugo doesn't look angry, nor is he chastising her about it. So she follows it and puts down her bag on a table once they're in his apartment, taking out the nail polish and tools she brought with her. ]
N-Not really. My two roommates have disappeared and there's no way I could handle the rent on my own.
[ She hadn't realized they'd picked such an expensive apartment!! She supposes that's what happens when you suddenly find yourself having to pay the whole thing rather than just a third. ]
So I took inspiration from you! I now live at the graveyard. [The best sort of inspiration, clearly. Unlike him she doesn't own it (yet) though.] It's free and more spacious.
[ ... I-It's also lonelier, but she doesn't speak about that. ]
[ His expression quickly falls into a concerned frown, and at first, he just says a little “oh”. He’d been optimistic, since a little windfall was how he’d been able to get the gallery going, but… No, of course it’s not that. Not lately, apparently? He’s more than a little concerned about how many people seemed to have disappeared all at once, but his focus remains on her first.
He was going to head into the kitchen and get them something to drink, but he pauses at the table first as she takes things out. ]
I’m sorry to hear that.
[ For the practical aspects, sure, since the evils of rent are definitely understandable… But more importantly: ]
How are you doing? [ And realizing that there’s definitely a distinct difference in how she could be feeling, he adds: ] Were they imprints of yours too?
[ She should have known he would be worried. And there's no easy way to make him stop worrying. If she lied and said she's doing just fine, he'd immediately know it. She tilts her head down. ]
... Yes.
[ So of course it's even harder than it would normally be. Even if she tends to avoid holding hands with her imprints as often as the average person does, she... S-She still does it! Sniff. ]
I'm not going to lie and pretend I am totally fine... [She is not.] But I know all of this could end any second. Being here is a chance I'll never have again. [Most people probably consider being here a curse, but for her? It's absolutely a chance.] So I guess I... I'm taking it better than I feared I would.
[ Hear: she just cries sometimes when she's alone, but no public freakout. Which is really an improvement for her! ]
[ Her too… It feels like these disappearances haven’t left anyone he knows untouched, but that’s what imprints are about, isn’t it? It’s something he’s feeling more and more bitter about by the day, but at least with her… It’s quieter. She’s one of the few he has left. He smiles again, but it’s sadder in its sympathy. ]
It’s okay. I’m not all that fine either, really, as I’ve just lost three myself.
[ And her outlook on it is…
Maybe it’s a little bold, considering her general anxieties, but he’ll hope that it’s fine for this occasion. He steps closer, and very gently, so that she can pull away if she wants, he embraces her. Even if he’s not very warm in the literal sense, the gesture itself is, and assuming she doesn’t pull away, he’ll hold her a little more securely.
It’s for her, but it’s also for him. Selfishly, he wants to hold onto her and never let go. ]
[ Three of his friends have disappeared too...? Ah. This is starting to make a lot more sense as to why he wanted to meet her today. It's worrying though... What with the recent happenings, that many people disappearing altogether cannot be a coincidence. She has some theories, but-- T-Tthe embrace is so sudden and unexpected!
... T-Thankfully, she's been slowly opening up to her hug monster(tm) tendencies, so she doesn't pull away. As a matter of fact, she embraces him back. A big, tight hug is what he gets! Because she really needs one and so does he, by the sound of it. ]
... That's why you wanted to do this today, right?
[ Though she is very much prone to crying and sorrow, she's still a goddess of death. Partings, endings... They're at the core of the concept she rules over. She wasn't lying when she said she's handling it better than she thought she would.
But he? She's not so sure. It must be a lot to deal with. ]
You should have told me. I'd have come immediately.
[ He laughs a little, but it’s gentle and pleased as she not only accepts the hug, but returns it full force! He knew it was perhaps rolling the dice a little bit to initiate this, lest she explode (whether that’s literal or proverbial is a matter for debate), but he’s glad it ends up this way. It’s a good indication of their mutual fondness for each other, right? ]
It is.
[ He’ll admit it without reservations for once. He still doesn’t like to, but at least with Ereshkigal, it feels… safer. It’s also why he hugs her tightly back, but the way he rests his head on hers is just a little bit heavy. ]
It’s alright, though. You’re here now, and that’s perfect. I would have hated to worry you by really insisting, you know~?
[ He wouldn’t have, besides. He doesn’t have that in him. ]
[ Se really ought to be less of a neurotic worrywart, if even her closest friends are afraid they'll worry her by simply confiding in her... After a moment, she pulls back from the hug and takes his hands with her own. ]
Well... I can tell you this: we'll get them back.
[ She smiles confidently. It's surprisingly natural, even though this goddess is a natural void of confidence. ]
I promised my first friend if she's ever in trouble, I'll show up looking super awesome and be her totally amazing goddess of victory. [And she did! As a space goddess, no less.] But I've made many more friends since then, and there's no way they deserve any less.
[ All of them deserve to be saved by the super awesome goddess of winning! Which she totally is, trust. ]
And that counts for you too. If you ever disappear... [A dramatic pause, and:] I'll summon the Underworld again and this time I'll do much more than simply free a few dozen souls!
[ Well she hopes it won't have to come to that. With how limited she is in this world, she might just burn her spirit origin to get anything done. But she will if she has to! That'll only be the fourth time her current self dies. ]
He’s a little bit surprised by her confidence first (no offense, Ereshkigal!), but it’s quick to melt into a warm, gentle smile. For one, he’s humbled by how others he’s talked to have been so— Maybe not optimistic, exactly, but certainly more hopeful than he’s tended to feel lately. Hugo may be full of confidence in general and he’s capable of carrying himself through terrible circumstances, but… This was an area where his heart is vulnerable. It always has been.
It’s why he adores her, Vivian, every other achingly lonely person, because he understands it incredibly well, even if he pretends otherwise.
He looks touched, which might be surprising. It doesn’t seem like he’s used to hearing a sentiment like this. ]
I… Well, I would be honored, Ereshkigal.
[ Does he know what that practically means? No, not really, but that’s fine. More than the mechanics of how it works, he cares more that someone would actually choose him. That tender feeling is enough to push away any of his cynicism, at least for now, so he squeezes her hands in return. ]
I might not be able to promise anything as grand as that- [ He is Just A Guy, after all, ] But I’d also do anything I could to find you too. I’d never leave you alone here—not intentionally. I promise you that.
[ Ehe! It's rare, but she can be the confidant one who comforts her friends every now and then. And after what she's gone through in her homeworld... Well, she has reasons to be optimistic. ]
I know you wouldn't. That's why I'm not afraid of disappearing.
[ She's maybe a little bit afraid because her current self is very important and those memories being gone forever would pretty much erase the only happiness she's ever known. But even then, she knows he and her other friends would do their very best to save her.
And while she'd rather be the one doing the rescue, being rescued never gets old! ]
You know... My first friend, she used to call me "Erechan" all the time. And a few people on this world have taken to calling me that too. [She still doesn't know what it means, but she likes the sound of it.] I wouldn't mind if you called me that too.
[ He feels a little bit bashful, of all things, because it feels like something that’s almost dangerous to admit. It’s like tempting fate, because the more he deepens these bonds, the worse it’ll be when they’re ripped away, won’t it? He knows it better than ever now. And, yet… That makes him want to hold onto the imprints he does have left all the tighter.
He’s afraid of her disappearing. He probably always will be. But he at least does his best to not let his fears of the future impact how he enjoys his present. ]
Erechan…
[ He repeats the nickname lightly, but warmly, like he’s testing how it feels, but he nods easily. ]
It’s a very cute nickname~. Far better than the ones I was mulling over! So, yes, Erechan it is~.
[ Because, yes, he’s been thinking about it. Of course he has! With the way he casually throws out a “dear” or a “darling”, nicknames are the clear next step of affection, so far as he’s concerned. He’d even been considering borrowing some of the diminutive they use over in Failume Heights, but xiao doesn’t exactly fit her name any better than it would his…
He lets go of her hands (with some reluctance!), but it’s only so he can continue towards the kitchen as he’d intended. ]
Well! I was thinking that if we’re having a little manicure party, then we need something with it, right? Do you drink? Ah, or eat, for that matter, since I really don’t anymore, but I still keep the kitchen decently stocked~.
[ Because he’s cooking for Heinrix, but he leaves that part out… Not out of any shyness, exactly, but more because he’s not sure if Ereshkigal is ready to conceptualize a situationship… ]
[ Oh? S-She hadn't expected for him to have been musing on a nickname for her! ]
Heh? Which one did you have in mind?
[ Not that it should be surprising since she's been thinking of nicknames for her friends too... And coming up short. I-It's difficult and she's not very creative with names! Who thinks "Ereshkigal" and "Ninkigal" sound super different, after all?
Regardless, she follows him. ]
Well, I do like human food... My true form didn't need to eat either, but I did anyway as it wouldn't do for one such as me to lack manners. [She's a goddess and a queen, after all! And the daughter of the local chief god.] W-Well, it was only clay shaped as human food... But it is still important for me to remain worthy of my status.
Ah, they’re all bad, so if I tell you, you’re not allowed to tease me! There’s a reason they were all on the chopping block, right~?
[ He says, teasingly, but. ]
“Eresh” is probably the best one, but it’s not as cute as Erechan… And I was trying to thing of a way that a “Xiao” could work, like Xiao’Eresh or Xiao’Kigal, but those don’t really flow off the tongue. You have the same issue I do where a nickname is just a little difficult.
[ Though he’s laughing by the end of listing off his less-than-ideal nicknames. He at least takes the information about her food (?) in stride, since that’s a good enough answer for him to get to work whipping up a modest plate to snack on. It’ll all be for her, but he doesn’t mind, since it’s just spoiling someone he likes. That’s always worth the effort. ]
It won’t be anything fancy, since alas, Karteria doesn’t quite have the industry for me to make charcuterie boards as would be truly fitting for a manicure session… But I think I can do better than clay, at least~. [ which… ] Did you like clay, or was that more out of necessity?
Xiao...? [????????] T-That would have been unexpected to be sure!
[ Does the word mean something? She can but assume it does, much like chan. She should look up what those prefixes and suffixes mean sometimes, some of those modern languages have such complicated rules. ]
To be quite honest I have been trying to think of a cute nickname to give you... But I have come up short. [She sighs.] I have considered Huggy but that would make you sound like an unrepentant serial hugger and I cannot give you such a reputation!
[ A man who goes and hugs everyone who crosses his path! That's bordering on assault!! No no, she can't do that to him. There is surely a better nickname just waiting to be found... ]
... ... ... ... ... ... ... I would rather not lie to you, but I do not wish to ignore you either. Therefore I ask we pretend you didn't ask this question.
[ He snorts out a little laugh as she asks him to pretend he hadn’t asked, but he nods agreeably as he makes a zippering motion over his lips. Question at least answered, so he’ll let it go! ]
Mm, “xiao” is a prefix they use in a district of New Eridu! So, it’d be borrowing it a bit, since I’ve never lived there, but we don’t have anything as versatile, so. It works far better with the names there, though, like Xiao’Zhao?
[ And indeed, with that combination, it does sound cute! It’s definitely similar to the “chan” that she received, from the sounds of it. ]
Though I’m glad you didn’t go with Huggy. Why, it’d be tragic if a nickname gave me the reputation of a cad!
[ …But he’s also a little amused because, like. There’s probably a little truth in that. Maybe not in that sense, but he’s definitely taken up decidedly intimate pursuits as a way of coping with being here. His habits from youth weren’t quite as far as he thought, it turned out…. ]
I assure you, all of my serial hugging is very much mutual~.
[ She doesn't, but that's a different world and different culture she knows nothing about. Not unlike with the -chan suffix, really. Maybe she likes chan because it is tied to valuable memories? That means she'd probably end up liking xiao for the same reasons, buuuuut one nickname is enough. ]
Maybe I should, if it got you less often in troubles with dangerous people.
[ Like a certain red-head! Though now that she thinks about it, she hasn't seen him in a while... Is he one of the disappeared too, she wonders? That means she's the only one left to represent her homeworld if so.
Or would be - but she has yet to meet with the most annoying of all gods. ]
For now, your serial hugging shall be put on hold as we do your nails. I don't know how you do them usually, but here you'll have only the best and most amazing treatment a goddess can provide!
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
queenofkur) wrote2025-10-01 11:40 am
no subject
Yes, tonight would be wonderful. I'll keep the gate and front door unlocked, so feel free to let yourself in and come upstairs. The elevator is basically my doorbell~
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[ And indeed, in the evening, he will hear his "doorbell." Except, it stops just a few inches lower than normal. The door opens and Ereshkigal steps outside, though she looks perplexed by the elevator ]
Why did it stop moving early...? [She cants her head to the side and lo: smoke starts coming out from the control panel.] H-Heh? But I didn't touch anything?!
[ Technology really hates her. She'll pay for the repairs, promised. ]
the rinfluence... crying
However, before he can even mull over that, the sound of the elevator not quite working as intended immediately stands out to him. It’s such a familiar sound that any deviation stands out, so with a little “oh” of concern, he’s a little quicker to head down the hallway. ]
Oh dear…
[ That’s not good?? Especially not the smoke?? He’s gentle with grabbing her hand to help her out like it’s a gallant gesture, but he’s quick to hop on the elevator in her stead to check the control panel. He just has to make sure it’s not about to catch on fire… ]
Ah, I’m sorry? [ There’s a question in his tone, because as he pulls the plate off to take a look at the inside of the panel, he’s confused! ] That hasn’t happened before… I got it inspected when I bought the place, but I guess it’s been a while at this point.
it's in the blood
That-That's not the first time it happens... [Were this a movie, now is when there would be a flashback showing the numerous phones, music players and devices she's ruined.] I suppose I may just be a very poor match with human technology.
[ She wonders if there's something wrong with her? That's just not normal!! ]
I will pay for any repair fees. I have some more money to spare now.
no subject
Ah… Normally I would say not to worry about it, but I might have to take you up on that offer, my dear.
[ He may be extremely good at managing his finances, but refurbishing and opening an art gallery is still expensive. At least his living expenses are incredibly cheap now, he supposes… But that’s also a worry for later. He’s satisfied that the elevator is at least safely out of commission for the moment, so he hops out to stand next to her. ]
Well! [ He claps his hands lightly for emphasis ] It’s too late for someone to work on it now anyways, so our plans remain very much intact, at least~.
[ He motions down the hall, but he also leads the way right after. His apartment is looking significantly more lived in and cozier than the last time she was here, but the décor itself is unchanged. That too is a project for once the gallery is open. ]
Did you get a nice little windfall…? It’s at least nice to not have to worry about money as much.
no subject
N-Not really. My two roommates have disappeared and there's no way I could handle the rent on my own.
[ She hadn't realized they'd picked such an expensive apartment!! She supposes that's what happens when you suddenly find yourself having to pay the whole thing rather than just a third. ]
So I took inspiration from you! I now live at the graveyard. [The best sort of inspiration, clearly. Unlike him she doesn't own it (yet) though.] It's free and more spacious.
[ ... I-It's also lonelier, but she doesn't speak about that. ]
no subject
He was going to head into the kitchen and get them something to drink, but he pauses at the table first as she takes things out. ]
I’m sorry to hear that.
[ For the practical aspects, sure, since the evils of rent are definitely understandable… But more importantly: ]
How are you doing? [ And realizing that there’s definitely a distinct difference in how she could be feeling, he adds: ] Were they imprints of yours too?
no subject
... Yes.
[ So of course it's even harder than it would normally be. Even if she tends to avoid holding hands with her imprints as often as the average person does, she... S-She still does it! Sniff. ]
I'm not going to lie and pretend I am totally fine... [She is not.] But I know all of this could end any second. Being here is a chance I'll never have again. [Most people probably consider being here a curse, but for her? It's absolutely a chance.] So I guess I... I'm taking it better than I feared I would.
[ Hear: she just cries sometimes when she's alone, but no public freakout. Which is really an improvement for her! ]
no subject
It’s okay. I’m not all that fine either, really, as I’ve just lost three myself.
[ And her outlook on it is…
Maybe it’s a little bold, considering her general anxieties, but he’ll hope that it’s fine for this occasion. He steps closer, and very gently, so that she can pull away if she wants, he embraces her. Even if he’s not very warm in the literal sense, the gesture itself is, and assuming she doesn’t pull away, he’ll hold her a little more securely.
It’s for her, but it’s also for him. Selfishly, he wants to hold onto her and never let go. ]
I really am sorry. For both of us.
no subject
... T-Thankfully, she's been slowly opening up to her hug monster(tm) tendencies, so she doesn't pull away. As a matter of fact, she embraces him back. A big, tight hug is what he gets! Because she really needs one and so does he, by the sound of it. ]
... That's why you wanted to do this today, right?
[ Though she is very much prone to crying and sorrow, she's still a goddess of death. Partings, endings... They're at the core of the concept she rules over. She wasn't lying when she said she's handling it better than she thought she would.
But he? She's not so sure. It must be a lot to deal with. ]
You should have told me. I'd have come immediately.
no subject
It is.
[ He’ll admit it without reservations for once. He still doesn’t like to, but at least with Ereshkigal, it feels… safer. It’s also why he hugs her tightly back, but the way he rests his head on hers is just a little bit heavy. ]
It’s alright, though. You’re here now, and that’s perfect. I would have hated to worry you by really insisting, you know~?
[ He wouldn’t have, besides. He doesn’t have that in him. ]
no subject
Well... I can tell you this: we'll get them back.
[ She smiles confidently. It's surprisingly natural, even though this goddess is a natural void of confidence. ]
I promised my first friend if she's ever in trouble, I'll show up looking super awesome and be her totally amazing goddess of victory. [And she did! As a space goddess, no less.] But I've made many more friends since then, and there's no way they deserve any less.
[ All of them deserve to be saved by the super awesome goddess of winning! Which she totally is, trust. ]
And that counts for you too. If you ever disappear... [A dramatic pause, and:] I'll summon the Underworld again and this time I'll do much more than simply free a few dozen souls!
[ Well she hopes it won't have to come to that. With how limited she is in this world, she might just burn her spirit origin to get anything done. But she will if she has to! That'll only be the fourth time her current self dies. ]
no subject
He’s a little bit surprised by her confidence first (no offense, Ereshkigal!), but it’s quick to melt into a warm, gentle smile. For one, he’s humbled by how others he’s talked to have been so— Maybe not optimistic, exactly, but certainly more hopeful than he’s tended to feel lately. Hugo may be full of confidence in general and he’s capable of carrying himself through terrible circumstances, but… This was an area where his heart is vulnerable. It always has been.
It’s why he adores her, Vivian, every other achingly lonely person, because he understands it incredibly well, even if he pretends otherwise.
He looks touched, which might be surprising. It doesn’t seem like he’s used to hearing a sentiment like this. ]
I… Well, I would be honored, Ereshkigal.
[ Does he know what that practically means? No, not really, but that’s fine. More than the mechanics of how it works, he cares more that someone would actually choose him. That tender feeling is enough to push away any of his cynicism, at least for now, so he squeezes her hands in return. ]
I might not be able to promise anything as grand as that- [ He is Just A Guy, after all, ] But I’d also do anything I could to find you too. I’d never leave you alone here—not intentionally. I promise you that.
no subject
I know you wouldn't. That's why I'm not afraid of disappearing.
[ She's maybe a little bit afraid because her current self is very important and those memories being gone forever would pretty much erase the only happiness she's ever known. But even then, she knows he and her other friends would do their very best to save her.
And while she'd rather be the one doing the rescue, being rescued never gets old! ]
You know... My first friend, she used to call me "Erechan" all the time. And a few people on this world have taken to calling me that too. [She still doesn't know what it means, but she likes the sound of it.] I wouldn't mind if you called me that too.
no subject
He’s afraid of her disappearing. He probably always will be. But he at least does his best to not let his fears of the future impact how he enjoys his present. ]
Erechan…
[ He repeats the nickname lightly, but warmly, like he’s testing how it feels, but he nods easily. ]
It’s a very cute nickname~. Far better than the ones I was mulling over! So, yes, Erechan it is~.
[ Because, yes, he’s been thinking about it. Of course he has! With the way he casually throws out a “dear” or a “darling”, nicknames are the clear next step of affection, so far as he’s concerned. He’d even been considering borrowing some of the diminutive they use over in Failume Heights, but xiao doesn’t exactly fit her name any better than it would his…
He lets go of her hands (with some reluctance!), but it’s only so he can continue towards the kitchen as he’d intended. ]
Well! I was thinking that if we’re having a little manicure party, then we need something with it, right? Do you drink? Ah, or eat, for that matter, since I really don’t anymore, but I still keep the kitchen decently stocked~.
[ Because he’s cooking for Heinrix, but he leaves that part out… Not out of any shyness, exactly, but more because he’s not sure if Ereshkigal is ready to conceptualize a situationship… ]
no subject
Heh? Which one did you have in mind?
[ Not that it should be surprising since she's been thinking of nicknames for her friends too... And coming up short. I-It's difficult and she's not very creative with names! Who thinks "Ereshkigal" and "Ninkigal" sound super different, after all?
Regardless, she follows him. ]
Well, I do like human food... My true form didn't need to eat either, but I did anyway as it wouldn't do for one such as me to lack manners. [She's a goddess and a queen, after all! And the daughter of the local chief god.] W-Well, it was only clay shaped as human food... But it is still important for me to remain worthy of my status.
[ And besides, clay doesn't taste that bad!
... ... ... ... I-It's an acquired taste. ]
no subject
[ He says, teasingly, but. ]
“Eresh” is probably the best one, but it’s not as cute as Erechan… And I was trying to thing of a way that a “Xiao” could work, like Xiao’Eresh or Xiao’Kigal, but those don’t really flow off the tongue. You have the same issue I do where a nickname is just a little difficult.
[ Though he’s laughing by the end of listing off his less-than-ideal nicknames. He at least takes the information about her food (?) in stride, since that’s a good enough answer for him to get to work whipping up a modest plate to snack on. It’ll all be for her, but he doesn’t mind, since it’s just spoiling someone he likes. That’s always worth the effort. ]
It won’t be anything fancy, since alas, Karteria doesn’t quite have the industry for me to make charcuterie boards as would be truly fitting for a manicure session… But I think I can do better than clay, at least~. [ which… ] Did you like clay, or was that more out of necessity?
1/2
[ Does the word mean something? She can but assume it does, much like chan. She should look up what those prefixes and suffixes mean sometimes, some of those modern languages have such complicated rules. ]
To be quite honest I have been trying to think of a cute nickname to give you... But I have come up short. [She sighs.] I have considered Huggy but that would make you sound like an unrepentant serial hugger and I cannot give you such a reputation!
[ A man who goes and hugs everyone who crosses his path! That's bordering on assault!! No no, she can't do that to him. There is surely a better nickname just waiting to be found... ]
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... ... ... ... ... ... ... I would rather not lie to you, but I do not wish to ignore you either. Therefore I ask we pretend you didn't ask this question.
[ It's easier that way, if she says so herself. ]
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Mm, “xiao” is a prefix they use in a district of New Eridu! So, it’d be borrowing it a bit, since I’ve never lived there, but we don’t have anything as versatile, so. It works far better with the names there, though, like Xiao’Zhao?
[ And indeed, with that combination, it does sound cute! It’s definitely similar to the “chan” that she received, from the sounds of it. ]
Though I’m glad you didn’t go with Huggy. Why, it’d be tragic if a nickname gave me the reputation of a cad!
[ …But he’s also a little amused because, like. There’s probably a little truth in that. Maybe not in that sense, but he’s definitely taken up decidedly intimate pursuits as a way of coping with being here. His habits from youth weren’t quite as far as he thought, it turned out…. ]
I assure you, all of my serial hugging is very much mutual~.
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[ She doesn't, but that's a different world and different culture she knows nothing about. Not unlike with the -chan suffix, really. Maybe she likes chan because it is tied to valuable memories? That means she'd probably end up liking xiao for the same reasons, buuuuut one nickname is enough. ]
Maybe I should, if it got you less often in troubles with dangerous people.
[ Like a certain red-head! Though now that she thinks about it, she hasn't seen him in a while... Is he one of the disappeared too, she wonders? That means she's the only one left to represent her homeworld if so.
Or would be - but she has yet to meet with the most annoying of all gods. ]
For now, your serial hugging shall be put on hold as we do your nails. I don't know how you do them usually, but here you'll have only the best and most amazing treatment a goddess can provide!