>>5549427Peppa…
Well, that’s as good of an answer as you could have asked for. “Great to hear, Basilea. Got some questions though. First… you folks want any grub? I had a decent breakfast but I’m willing to get a snack or two.”
Basilea stares blankly, with the two goo girls grumbling at that gesture. “You think you’re gonna win us over with Earth food?!” Shun Shun calls out.
“No, I think I’m gonna get some grub for all of us, and if you don’t want any, you don’t have to have any.” you respond firmly.
“...Fine but it better be GOOD.” Haru Haru adds.
“Anything in particular?” Cocoa asks them. “Preferences, or…?”
Basilea crosses her arms. “Meat.”
Videl leans over and tells you, “Get her a hot dog.”
You nod, and a copy of you walks off. Cocoa looks at her with a raised eyebrow, but decides to not make any further comment, simply wrapping her arm around your shoulder and letting you rest your head on hers again. “What about you two?”
Shun Shun sheepishly admits, “…I’d like some sweets…” Haru Haru nods, confirming that as her choice too.
Cocoa and Videl are fine with some milkshakes, and you decide to get one for yourself. “So… second one. Why did you insist on following through with this idea that I was… like my counterpart? Even Towa seemed to recognize otherwise.” Your tail moves to hug around Cocoa’s waist.
Basilea looks away. “Initially I thought your denials were just you trying to protect Videl. But… at a point it was probably me just angry that you weren’t… like her. You’re similar, yes… but you’re not her. You kept showing me compassion I didn’t deserve. That I tried to reject.” The demon girl turns her head back, and then admits, “I did recognize it once you met her. That you’re… better. Son Peppa. Videl. I… am sorry for what I’ve put you through.”
“...Ssssooooo.” Cocoa speaks up. “You didn’t recognize that Peppa and I were…?”
“The counterpart I knew had unrequited feelings for Videl.” Basilea says bluntly. But she doesn’t let any awkward air to last long by following it up with a statement that surprises you. “…And once I recognized I was wrong about you, Son Peppa, I attempted to convince your Towa that such was still the case. So she wouldn’t go after the one you did care about.” Basilea bitterly finishes, “For all the good that did…”
You lift your head up again, smiling at her. “I do appreciate the effort. It does mean a lot, Basilea.” Cocoa ruffles your hair gently. “Speaking of, how about the third question: what are some differences between your Towa and ours? I doubt either have let you know anything that might be compromising to them, but… well, is there anything you know that you SHOULDN’T know?”
(cont.)
