poly_chromatic | ❖ 002

[Ruby's sat cross-legged on the floor of her apartment, wearing a dress that's obviously handmade, and bears a great resemblance to the outfits she wore during her time in the USO. A big flag recognizable as the star spangled banner is spread out on the floor in front of her, and she's busy sewing on stars in the top left hand corner as she switches the device on to record. Unlike the modern American flag, however, this one has only 48 stars, the number of states in the Union in Ruby's time.]

Anyone else feeling especially patriotic today?

[A proud smile as she affixes the next star in place.]

Oh, I meant to ask about this already - I'm looking for some place to sing. I've had a couple of auditions, but apparently times have moved on and the places I went to thought that jazz music was just old fashioned. I'm not sure I can bear secretarial work much longer, even though it's only been a few days. I'm happy to come over and audition any time, my repertoire is mostly the old standards, but I'm happy to learn pretty much anything.

[She's been sewing as she speaks, and now holds up the completed flag.]

There, now. Isn't that simply grand?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Well, this was the last person she expected to respond. Ruby stiffens a little.]

Yes, every last stitch. The outfit, too.

[And then Penny continues to speak and Ruby softens.]

You're certainly right that it was out of line, but it seems like several people were that day. I just had the bad luck to meet them while they weren't themselves. Apology accepted. [She smiles gently.] I have those clothes washed and pressed, and I've set aside the money I owe you from the clerical work I've had. I was just going to come round one day and leave them outside the door to the Welcome Center, I didn't want to have to deal with you again after that debacle. No offense.

You're the second person to suggest the Blue Light to me, I will certainly have to look into it. If you would put in a good word, that would be very kind of you.

You're really good... they both look fantastic.

[Penny's just pleased that Ruby didn't hang up on her--not that she'd blame her.]

Thank you so, so much. I don't deserve a second chance, but I can't tell you how much I appreciate it--um. I'm sorry, what's your name?

Oh... no offense taken, I promise, and it's so sweet of you to do that.

The Blue Light's a really nice place and the owner's a friend. I'm sure you'd like it there, and it's seriously the least I can do.

[She can't help but smile proudly then, modesty never really was her strong suit.] They do, don't they? It's certainly a nice thing to be able to have, too, after being torn away from the States so suddenly.

Oh nonsense. It's perfectly clear now that you were under the influence of something nasty. The more I hear about these curses, it seems like I'm going to have to start being lenient with people as a matter of course around here. And the name's Ruby.

Really? Because I was under the impression that it wouldn't be a welcome gesture.

That sounds just grand. I'd really appreciate it.

Home must mean a lot to you.

[sheepishly] There was a thing with a robot, but it can't take all the blame. It gets tricky with the curses... with knowing what's them and what's a curse.

It's great to meet you, Ruby--actually meet you, I mean. And I didn't mean what I said to you. The Welcome Center doesn't actively encourage anyone to give back, but since we run on donations, it's never a bad thing.

Not a problem.

I hadn't especially missed it at all until today, but now I just want to show how great the US of A is.

I think I'm just going to have to learn to take a lot of what people say at face value, at least until I get to know people a little better. It's difficult to know what's a curse and what's just the way people are.

Well, like I said, I don't accept charity, but I'd be more than happy to repay the loan that you offered me when I first arrived.

The curses get easier to deal with eventually--so do the other weird things that happen outside of curses. I've been here for over a year and sometimes the curses almost feel normal.

That'd be really incredible of you, Ruby, thank you. Just don't feel like you have to? Especially so soon.

I'm not sure I want to feel like they're normal, even if I have to get used to them. But only time will tell, I suppose.

Oh nonsense, I've already found work, even if it's not my preferred job, and I don't like leaving debts unpaid. I'll be round with it as soon as I can.

"Normal" might be a strong word.

I really appreciate that. It's so sweet of you to go out of your way like this, especially after how horrible I was to you.

Well, I'm sure there's going to be some curse sooner or later that will make me act terribly, too. I know I sure wouldn't want people to hold things against me that I didn't have any control over like that.

I can't guarantee that no one will hold things that happen during curses against you, but I can promise I won't.

That's very kind of you to say so. Of course, that's basically giving me permission to be a complete bitch to you, but I shan't take advantage, I promise.

Thanks for that, Ruby.

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