[closed] i thought i saw you in a dream.

[whatagoodgirl]

Who: Nakama and Nina Fortner
What: An unexpected meeting in Heimdall House.
When: Early morning, Day 64
Where: Heimdall House.
Rating: PG at most.


[Nakama isn't expecting any surprises when she heads down for breakfast that morning. Not an announcement from the gods, not one of the gates being opened, and certainly not finding the woman from the - no, the woman who looks like the woman from the dance - in her own house.

She pauses for a moment at the sight of that familiar head of blonde hair in the living room, startled half out of her wits before she remembers that, of course, it was all a trick of the gods. She's got a new theory about it, actually, and she'd like to share it, so it's not altogether a bad thing to see - Nina, was it? - standing here.

After a deep breath, she approaches Nina cautiously, swinging around to her side so that she's not sneaking up behind her.]

Nina, right?

Comments

[imhome]

[The thought that Nakama fought at home saddens Nina.]

I'm very sorry to hear that.

[Nina won't ask for more information, as she can definitely understand that it might be a sensitive topic. However, that depressing thought reminded Nina of something that she wanted to discuss.]

Ah, Nakama? I wanted to talk about something with you, please.

[whatagoodgirl]

[She's surprised - she'd been planning to say much the same thing. But she simply nods, finishing off her toast and leaving the tea until this conversation is over.]

[imhome]

[Nina's coffee cup remains untouched on the table.

She asks the question solemnly, even though she has a feeling that she already knows the answer.]

Do you know someone named Johan Liebert?

[whatagoodgirl]

[The question does and doesn't take her by surprise. The resemblance - it couldn't be a coincidence. It's too uncanny.]

Yeah, I do. He's one of my good friends. You're related, aren't you?

[imhome]

[A good friend? Despite Johan telling her that he wanted to change, a part of Nina can't help but feel a little suspicious.]

Yes, he's my brother.

[A brief pause, before:]

How long have you known him?

[whatagoodgirl]

That's why what I saw at the dance was so strange. It was like a woman with his face. And then seeing you...

[She thinks hard, trying to piece the time together.]

It's hard to keep track of time here, with no calendars or anything, but it's been at least a month. But he... he understands me. More than almost anyone.

[imhome]

[At the mention of the dance, Nina's stomach twists anxiously again. It seemed unsettling that Johan would impersonate her, but what other explanation could there be?

Hearing Nakama say that Johan understands her almost better than anyone does nothing to allay Nina's concern.]

This may seem like an odd question, but has Johan ever said or done anything that seemed strange?

[whatagoodgirl]

He... he says odd things sometimes. Really dark things. But he said he only tells me them because he trusts me, and we all have dark thoughts sometimes, right? I would never tell him he couldn't share things like that with me just because they're upsetting sometimes.

[No, that's not the whole truth. There was the one thing that really brought her up short, and that made the dance encounter even more eerie.]

Once... he said the same thing that you - the other you - said at the dance. He said that in his own world, he didn't exist.

[imhome]

[Nina feels the weight of her conflicting emotions.

Nakama's words seemed to confirm Nina's suspicions. But... could it be possible that this was how Johan was trying to change, by sharing his honest thoughts with others and seeing if he would be accepted?

It seemed very unlike him, but then again, Nina never expected him to say that he wanted to change either. She hesitates a moment. If Johan truly hopes to become different, she doesn't want to make the process more difficult for him.

Still, it would be foolish of her not to be cautious.]

Nakama... [How can she begin to explain this?] When you're talking with my brother, please be careful.

[whatagoodgirl]

Careful? [She's felt an oddness about Johan, but never thought he could be dangerous. He seemed to be full of caring for the whole world.] Of what?

[imhome]

I know that what I'm about to say might sound strange and that you might not believe me, but please know that I'm telling the truth.

[A pause. Nina takes a breath and exhales.]

Back at home... back at our world, Johan has done many terrible things. He was dangerous. I believe that he wants to try to change here, but just in case, I have to warn you. I need to make sure that nothing horrible happens.

1/2 incoming tl;dr

[whatagoodgirl]

[Nakama just stares at her for a long time, her face working with this new information. At first she looks angry - is this just some kind of family feud being dragged here, some sibling battle she can't understand causing Nina to lie? But she had such trouble saying it, like she really regretted shattering Nakama's illusions... either she's a very good actor, or she's being sincere.

She considers those dark thoughts he's shared. He doesn't seem to have a high opinion of the world, but - but he's always shown hope for the people in it. Would he harm them? It's hard to imagine him harming anyone, with the gentle way he's always comforted her. His smooth, refined hands seem made for comforting. But terrible - if no one was hurt, if it was just vandalism or theft, terrible would be an overstatement. And Nina seems too reasonable to say something sensational like that without cause. He must have hurt someone.

What does she say? How does she react? Does this change anything? What does she even think about this?]

2/2

[whatagoodgirl]

It's hard to believe. [Not saying she doesn't believe her, though.] He's been really gentle and kind with me, and he takes care of the kids here. He really seems to care about them. I just can't imagine...

[Leaning forward a little, with a very adult, very penetrating look.] But I don't think you're lying. No, I know you're not lying. I just... [And she slumps back, every bit the delicate young girl again.] ... I don't know what to do.

1/2

[imhome]

[Johan was taking care of the kids here? Needless to say, that thought perturbs her.]

2/2

[imhome]

[After a pause, Nina composes herself. She looks at Nakama sympathetically, wishing she could console her somehow.]

I know it's difficult to believe, but it's true. [Memories of her childhood -- that dreadful night at the Lieberts' residence -- flash through her mind... Brother, did you do this?]

At home, Johan would constantly use his charisma to manipulate others.

Nakama, I think it would be best if you avoided Johan. [But would Johan grow suspicious if she suddenly stopped talking with him? Nina reflects for a moment.] Or, at least, please try to keep your distance from him and let me know if he talks to you.

1/3

[whatagoodgirl]

Manipulate...

[Her whole body goes cold. Is Nina trying to say... that she's been manipulated? That none of what they shared, none of the wonderful things he's said, have been true?

I hope they never convinced you to be ashamed of her. Only he'd comprehended the truth of her mother. That she wasn't to be pitied, or hidden away (like even Nakama did here), or loathed - she was just a person doing a job, a job she chose, and was only different than others because she was better. But did he just sense that this was how Nakama felt, and repeat what he thought she'd want to hear?]

2/3

[whatagoodgirl]

No...

3/3

[whatagoodgirl]

No!! I can't lose this! This is... it's the most meaningful friendship I've ever had. He knows, and he understands, and he's never judged her or me for a second! Without him, I'll just go back to hiding and being afraid of what people will say, being ashamed of her which I swore, I promised I'd never be...

I can't...

1/3

[imhome]

[Nina's eyes widen, listening to Nakama. Nina didn't realize how powerful Johan's friendship was to her.]

2/3

[imhome]

[Her? Nina thinks back to their conversation... Is Nakama talking about her mother?

Was this simply another example of Johan's manipulations? Or was Johan genuinely trying to help?

Nina feels more confused than ever before.]

3/3

[imhome]

[After a moment of stunned silence, Nina speaks gently and apologetically.]

Nakama, I'm very sorry. I never meant to upset you, and I'm not trying to invalidate your feelings or what he told you.

...Johan said that he wants to change, and I believe him. [At least, she wants to believe him.]

I want to help him.

It's just... he's my responsibility. I have to make sure that nothing bad happens.

[whatagoodgirl]

[As it often does once it's blown through, Nakama's anger quickly dies down in the face of Nina's gentle concern.]

I believe him, too. And that's why I can't desert him. I want to help you, Nina, both of you. Please.

[imhome]

[For a moment, Nina's reminded of Dr. Tenma when she listens to Nakama, and her heart sinks a little.]

Nakama, I'm sorry, but it's too dangerous. I'd never forgive myself if anything happened to you.

[whatagoodgirl]

Nina... I'll be careful, but... I won't desert him. I can't. Especially now that I know this. If someone is going to make a big change - they need to know that people believe in them. They need people behind them. I can't do it, don't you see that?

[imhome]

[Nina nearly feels overwhelmed with emotion. What Nakama's saying... it's what Nina believes too.

But this isn't Nakama's responsibility. This is Nina's burden to carry.]

There's a possibility that Johan doesn't want to change. [She's not really sure what to think anymore.]

He may be deceiving everyone.

[It's a likelihood that's difficult to accept, but Nina needs to let her know.]