#[ /sweats when i recall the fact she had called theo a 'doo doo head' instead of an asshole ]

[unladielike]

    Naturally, she was aware of how contradictory she must sound... admitting that God would not want either to remain in conflict, but still acknowledging that at the end of the day, the decision to forgive or look past any wrong doing was not Theo's to make but everyone else he wronged. Sure, while God may forgive him, the same couldn't exactly be said for Alex, so in her eyes, the best he could really do is accept his actions had consequences and move on with the resolve to cause as less harm as he possibly could. Why, saying he changed and that the bullying had occurred years ago would only manage to diminish accountability on his part; still, it wasn't like Vivian couldn't see where Theo was coming from, so she'll proceed to give him a few sympathetic nods the more she listens to him speak.

    "Welp, to be fair, the human brain doesn't finish maturing until we're in our mid twenties to early thirties, meaning I could at least surmise your poor decision making skills and cruelty had partly been attributed by your youth back then. Thankfully, however, as our lord is both a kind and merciful God, I know for a fact that he has already forgiven you. Lexy, on the other hand, may take some time coming around... but perhaps with me gently pleading your case, she'll consider giving you some slack?" Vivian finally brings herself to speculate aloud once he had finished vocalizing his thoughts. Truth be told, she has no idea if her oratory skills would even be skilled enough to convince Alex to soften her perspective on Theo, but hey, it was at least worth a try, right?

    Either way, this foulmouthed lad did seem like he was putting in genuine effort to be a better person, to the point where for better or for worse, Vivian couldn't bring herself to continue antagonizing him... especially not when he was already battling demons that clearly plagued him, day in and day out. To that end, she'll soon muster a soft smile when he goes on to thank her.

    "And you, Theo, happen to be quite alright yourself... even if you could stand to be a bit more gentlemanly," Vivian admits before giving him a subsequent half bow. Of course, she wouldn't say she now liked Theo, but after their prior chat together, she was at least able to humanize him a little. "Likewise, though, thank you for heeding to my request and allowing myself a chance to better articulate my feelings. To tell you the truth, I'd have hated for our encounter today to end on such a sour note. ...Anyways, I think it's about high time I head home, but you take care, okay? Try not to get into further arguments while I'm gone. Why, heaven knows you've already accumulated enough injuries to last a single lifetime!"

『🍬』 "Nah, nah, it's just... you didn't look the type. But, hey, guess that's what I get for judging a book by it's cover, huh? Guess we're both learnin' the same lesson here today." Theo knew that he should have known better than to assume; after all, he'd known the world to make harlots and degenerates out of even the most devout and upright people. Seeing how much of a loquacious, articulated goody two-shoes Vivian was, well... he should have known better from the start, if not for a raze of anger.

Either way... church actually seemed tempting with someone like her in the picture. Not that it would ever help further their relationship, he thinks - neither Vivian nor Alex - but... at the very least, it would give him someone else to turn to, even if they don't reply. Someone else to get forgiveness from, even if it was only self-fulfilling.

As they walk, turning this corner and that with purpose and direction, Vivian would be forgiven for thinking her words are going in one ear and out the other. He barely even gives her the space to look at her as she speaks - but the shifts in his expressions with her scattered sympathies mixed in with what he essentially saw as a lecture betray his own apparent apathy. "... nah, you're right. I know that, and you know what? It sucks. I know I was a piece of shit... I guess I still am, but- fuck, I'm trying, okay? It just... feels impossible to get her to respect that, even a little. It's like she doesn't even want to know who I am now! She's literally a different person, and that's the last fucking thing I'd ever take issue with, so what gives?!"

He puckers his lips right after he finishes speaking - as though to scold himself for saying far too much for someone who's responsible for his near-concussion. Then again, who else but her had ever offered him this kind of earnest, genuine advice and support, other than Souji? As he turns the corner, he sees his apartment building in sight - and the window for anything heartfelt closing rapidly. He stops - leaning against a wall for a brief period of rest as he looks over to his guide.

"... can't-... believe I'm sayin' this, but... thank you. As far as one of Alex's friends go... you're alright."