#[ but i was thinking about this yesterday. i'd assume it could be customary for something so inherently rooted in french culture... ]

[orchideae]

A casual note that as Liyue-native, as much as Yelan may be very well-traveled and thus may be familiar to various degrees with foreign cultures, they are still that to her: foreign. If we were to take Fontaine's inspiration of France to heart, it wouldn't surprise me if the common 'informal' greeting of the cheek kiss would be practiced there. Let it be known that if this were to ever be done to Yelan (and even the second, perhaps third, especially from each 'new' individual' as it would take some time getting used to), she'd likely show a semblance of confusion and retreat a little. Not out of uncertainty or insecurity, but simply out of confusion. It's important to remember that she is from Liyue, the nation that is firmly influenced and based on ancient China, and cultural differences are very much a thing. And while I still have much research to do on the social customs in both ancient and modern China (and taking these into account accordingly, just as Fontaine does not bear all customs and traditions from France and/or England by any means whatsoever), I am aware enough that this is not a custom that's shared between those countries.

[bgrobinson78]

Something New

Someone To Talk To

Chapter Five, Part Three

In the hall, Ellie sat on the front row, staring blankly at the floor. She was stuck in a state of disbelief. She knew Gray from being in the same science class, but didn't really know him. She never would have suspected that talent was hiding in someone so... timid.

She kicked the legs of the chair, waiting for the boy that dragged her there. It seemed weird to her that a boy so exhaustingly sporty and popular would hang out with the one gay boy in the year. Then again, Hillside seemed to attract the unusual.

Ellie's eyes drifted upwards to see the band's guitarist coming towards her. .

"I'm surprised to see you here."

"I'd love to say the same." Her face scrunched as she said, "Sorry, I've forgotten your real name." She knew what he used to be called, having gone to the same primary school. The last thing she'd want to do was dead-name a person she genuinely liked.

"Jordan," he responded with a slight smile.

"Sorry, you'd think I'd know this." She laughed uncomfortably.

"It's fine, at least you didn't just assume. Even my parents get it wrong sometimes."

Jordan took the seat next to her. He stretched his arms, elbows and shoulders cracking. "Did you enjoy the show?"

"I did! Had no idea Grayson Dent could sing like that."

"Oh he's good at everything. He likes to downplay it but he is. Such a nerd." Ellie let out a raucous laugh. A few heads turned to see what was so funny. She covered her mouth in shame, then laughed again. This time, from Jordan's cherry red face as he held in his own laughter. When they managed to calm themselves, Ellie turned to Jordan.

"This feels just like old times."

Jordan gave her a surprised look. Did he think she'd forget their friendship? Impossible, she thought to herself.

Ellie perked up when Adam came from the double doors next to the stage, closely followed by Gray. She jumped from her seat and bounded over to them.

Gray recoiled a little when Ellie threw her arms around Adam. The tiniest sense of dread faded into existence.

"I wondered where you'd got to."

"We were just chatting."

"About what?" she asked, innocently. Gray and Adam exchanged awkward glances. Gray's throat tightened, worried he'd tell her.

"Just stuff. Nothing important."

Jordan and Gray breathed a collective sigh of relief, eyes darting to each other as if to say 'Thank God'. Ellie smiled. Adam took a confident step to her side.

"Gray this is Ellie. Do you know each other?"

"We're in the same science class," Ellie informed him. She gave Gray a bright smile and a wave. "Well done by the way."

"Oh, all the congratulations go to this guy," he responded immediately, pointing at Jordan.

"What did I say?" Adam said, pushing him gently by the shoulder.

"I'm serious, he's the brains behind it all."

Jordan pulled out his customary finger guns and cheeky smile, "Eyyy."

"Well done all round then." Ellie gave a genuine smile to them both.

She pulled out her phone and jumped a little. "I've gotta go." She turned to Adam. "We still good for after school?"

"Yeah, of course!" Adam replied. Ellie grinned and jumped into Adam, giving him an enthusiastic hug. She waved goodbye to Jordan and Gray before walking off to her lesson.

Gray turned to Adam with an inquisitive grin. "After school, huh?" Adam shifted nervously. He rubbed the back of his neck. Gray could tell he was trying to hide his smile. The sense of dread was building.

"Yeah."

"When did that happen?" Gray asked nudging him. Adam let out a nervous laugh.

"We just started texting when school started, and then she wanted to talk to me yesterday."

"What did she want to say?" Jordan asked, arms crossed. Gray recognised that look in his eyes. He was slipping into protective friend mode.

"That she likes me. So I said we could give it a go."

Gray froze. He felt as if someone had stabbed him and was twisting the knife. It was something he'd never felt before. He wanted to walk away, to deal with it alone. For the sake of his friend however, he buried the pain and smiled brightly. "That's great, go you."

Adam smiled in response. "We're not official yet but yeah, she's kind of my girlfriend."

The bell rang and Adam jumped. He waved before running off to his lesson.

Jordan looked at Gray. "Are you okay?"

Gray stared blankly at the empty space where Adam had been standing. The hurricane of emotions threatening to carry him away. He breathed deeply before saying, "Yeah, I'm fine."