[Texts: Lera, Duncan]

[suddenly_science]

[This is not a group text, but she sends exactly the same message to both of them]

I MET ARTEMIS

IT WAS AWFUL

Comments

[suddenly_science]

HE LOOSELY INSINUATED I WAS NOT A GOOD SHARIFAAAA

[text] -> [action]

[firecracker_hopping]

[...oh crap. Well, Lera doesn't really think comforting her by text is going to be that effective. So there is TERRIFYINGLY NO REPLY because she is monofocused. But in a short bit, there is a knock on Harriet's door!]

Harriet? It's me.

[suddenly_science]

[Why aren't you answer--oh.

she shuffles over to the door and opens it a smidge]

Hi.

[firecracker_hopping]

[Wait maybe this was an awful and awkward idea, crap, crap--oh she's opening it, too late.]

...figured you might wanna talk. Can I come in?

[suddenly_science]

[mopey mumble] If you want.

[pregnant pause

oh right

she actually opens the door]

[firecracker_hopping]

[Lera sighs and walks in, then she looks back at Harriet and scratches at the back of her head awkwardly.]

I'm sorry Artemis is a mouthy shithead who was mean to you.

[suddenly_science]

He didn't mouth! He just spoke uncomfortable truths and made faces.

I kind of hid under my desk when he came in and it went downhill from there.

[firecracker_hopping]

Still a shithead. [Lera frowns and looks firm on that. Though hiding under the desk maybe wasn't the best approach.]

...you wanna talk about what he said?

[suddenly_science]

He said "if the mere thought of a few harsh words can send our Sharifa skittering under her desk, I shudder to think what that may mean for our country's future~."

[in kind of an Artemis Voice

she remembers it perfectly. stupid godbrain]

So really it's all quite cyclical, you see.

[firecracker_hopping]

Harriet...

[Lera sighs and sits down on said desk, folding her hands in her lap.]

You're not a bad Sharifa!

[suddenly_science]

[but she DID hide under her desk! and she doesn't really know what she's doing...]

Yeah, maybe, whateverrrr

[firecracker_hopping]

[WELL FUCK that didn't work!]

...why did you hide under your desk?

[suddenly_science]

...Because I was afraid he'd say something mean

That is where the cyclical part comes in

[firecracker_hopping]

[Lera frowns and looks down, before she sighs, and slides back off the desk. She steps a little closer.]

...do you think you're a bad Sharifa?

[suddenly_science]

I dunno, what makes a good Sharifa?

[firecracker_hopping]

I...um. I think... someone who tries to do things right. And looks after people. And tries to make everything work out, whatever comes up. There's not really a good job description for what we gotta do.

[suddenly_science]

Is there a desk hiding policy in there anywhere?

[firecracker_hopping]

...it's not recommended...

[suddenly_science]

Auuuugh this is the worrrst! [face in hands]

[firecracker_hopping]

You got upset. It's okay, there's nothing that says sharifas can't get worked up. [shoulder pat]

[suddenly_science]

[sigh!]

Anyway, it was ridiculous and awful and there is no taking it back now.

[firecracker_hopping]

[More shoulder pat. :(]

I know, I know... he should have been nicer, though.

[suddenly_science]

If you say so...

[firecracker_hopping]

You don't deserve to be talked down to!

[Firm nod.]

...do, uh, do you wanna be a better Sharifa?

[suddenly_science]

I KNEW IT, I'M A BAD SHARIFA AREN'T I! YOU SHOULD HAVE JUST TOLD ME! I CAN TAKE IT!