[There's just a small snort and a laugh as she looks over at the bowl.]
Maybe later.
[Not that she didn't like fruits. It's nice to have something fresh and sweet once in a while.
There's a brief pause as the clink of silverware fills the silence, but she's not really paying much attention to the food and more on Ignis's expression. Really, she wasn't sure what kind of answer she expected from that. She had a feeling it might have been for sentimental reasons. A reminder of something he liked to do but can't really. Not without a braille, though he'd have to teach himself that, too.]
Not surprised you'd be a bookworm. I can just imagine entire walls filled with books. [Digging it in deeper? Or actually letting him reminisce? Idle curiosity?] I don't really read much, but I like picking through a good book every once in a while.
[His expression turns thoughtful as he eats, and a part of him is thankful for the dark glasses and their ability to obscure his eyes. Damaged though they are, at least the right remains expressive-- enough to betray the wistful memories that the thought of his old life stirs up.]
It's long been a favorite pastime of mine.
[Or was. Unlike cooking, reclaiming reading was a little further out of his depth-- braille simply wasn't available to him, even if he were to dedicate himself to learning it on his own.]
Most of the books you see there are volumes I'd collected before our trip to Accordo, or that Lady Iris has brought by for me. She likes to read aloud when she visits, though daemon hunting has kept her away for some time.
[Yeah gonna have to sell that one harder since surely a certain prince also viewed her like a sister...]
...Hm. Wouldn't know how well stocked Lestallum would be for that, though would have thought they'd have something [The place can't be completely blind free.
So just really speaking out loud with no real thought:]
Most of the local merchants are more concerned with feeding everyone-- not that I blame them in the least. The increase in population thanks to the number of refugees has made everyday life challenging, to a certain extent, but Lestallum is surviving.
[He looks up without seeing as she thinks aloud, pausing with a forkful of egg halfway to his mouth.]
You needn't go to any trouble.
[Not on his account. He would never want to be a burden.]
Hey, if you're going to be useful, you'll need to know how to read on your own.
[Which is true, and why she says it in a rather matter-of-fact way. She's already training him, might as well. Now finding the stuff...Insomnia, Altissa, and Gralea are probably the best bets in trying to find the materials. Gralea and Altissa aren't too bad, Insomnia, however... That will be harder, if not impossible with the daemons there. Yep, gonna take the easier routes.]
Unless you want someone to always read to you like a kid hearing a bedtime story. [Slight smirk before she resumes eating.]
Being able to do it myself would be preferable, yes.
[It's the way he prefers to do most things. Reading was not only a valuable skill to be regained, but a passion that his injury had forced him to give up until now. He grimaces, spearing a piece of bacon.]
I don't especially care for being treated like a child, kind as it is for Iris to go out of her way. I don't expect anyone else would be willing to do the same, and I wouldn't want them to.
You know, you could just ask someone directly. [Her usual dry voice as she points her fork at him—even if he can't see it.] Otherwise it does sound as if you're just waiting for someone to do it for you.
Maybe to you, but from where I'm sitting your "manners" sound more like an excuse to passively "not trouble" anyone. Otherwise, we wouldn't be here having this discussion.
[He grits his teeth, and while he tries to maintain his composure, he can feel himself bristle. He hates the idea of anyone seeing him as using his injury as a crutch, using helplessness to protect himself from disappointment-- but to a degree, isn't that exactly what he's been doing?
He exhales slowly.]
We see things differently. [To say the least.] Before our meeting yesterday, would you have called us friends?
[His tone, at least, implies that he feels the same. Acquaintances, yes. Allies? Perhaps. But not friends, not quite yet.]
As such, I am in no position to impose upon you. You assume that I simply don't want to be a bother to anyone-- but were someone else in your place, rest assured, I would ask without hesitation. While we are acquaintances and I am certainly grateful for your time, as well as the offers you've made, it would be wrong to expect much else of you.
Nice words, but I still don't buy it. [She sets her fork down and sits back in the chair, one leg crossed over the knee and arms across her chest.]
Still doesn't change the fact that you've had almost, what, a year? Even if I gave you a few months, you had plenty of time and plenty of people to ask. Like your girlfriend, who should have figured out a few things at least. [A small scoff.]
So yeah, sure. Maybe you wouldn't ask me, but you had options before I came along. So where's the "no hesitation" for asking for basic tools to stop being a useless invalid?
[Those people all had better things to do, found it too difficult to spend much time in his company-- as he found it difficult to spend time in theirs. Iris, he reasons, would have been willing to go out of her way, and she already did a great deal for him-- almost too much for his liking, because at the end of the day, everything came down to the same point.
He was stubborn, and prideful, and didn't want to ask anyone for help. He hated that he had to. He hated that there were things he couldn't do for himself, and thus it was easier to pretend he didn't need the assistance at all.
He'd spent the year in mourning, not only for Noctis, but for who he himself had been.]
Tch.
[His jaw tightens, his breakfast now forgotten.]
Of course you manage to make it sound simple. It isn't. Asking them also requires they be present--
[But even as he says it, he knows that's shoving the responsibility off onto someone else. Unlike him, in all respects.]
There is no girlfriend. [It doesn't occur to him that she means Iris.] And I'm not useless.
[He's done plenty even without being able to read for himself, and yet there's no denying that having the tools to learn again would improve his quality of life.
It would also mean admitting, once and for all, that this wasn't temporary.]
[Aranea only sits there, watching and listening. She may not be able to see his entire expression due to his glasses, but she doesn't need it.]
It sounds simple because it is. You're the only one making it difficult.
[And of course, she's not holding back whatsoever.]
There are plenty of hunters around. I'm sure at least one of them could have been paid to at least train you whenever. We have airships that go out for scavenge runs. Could have a made a request with them.
So, what other excuse you gonna try?
[She has a feeling it is about his own pride, not "manners" or meekness. So her question is a daring one, as if either challenging or forcing him to acknowledge it. And none of it gentle.]
[Were they discussing any other topic, he would have appreciated her candor. That same straightforward nature he had found so refreshing the day before was now under his skin, probing at things and provoking thoughts that he felt were better left untouched.
He grips the edge of the table and pushes himself to his feet, moving to lean his weight against the counter, bracing himself with his back to her.]
Leave.
[His voice is quiet but stern, steely where he had previously shown manners. He would not resort to crass language, certainly not now, but the conversation was one he no longer wanted to have.
[The response is one she both did and did not expect. Rather, she expected several possibilities. Lashing anger, denial, acceptance. Telling her to leave? Actually, that fits in there.
The first two.]
That's a good one.
[There's no malice in her voice, just that usual dryness as the chair scrapes back, her heel thuds against the floor before she stands, and then walking to gather her things.]
Hope you grow out of your "manners" soon.
[No, she's definitely not going to apologize. Nor is she going to grow any more sensitive or delicate (not like she ever really was to begin with). And while she still isn't saying it directly, the sarcasm and pointed use of his own words is enough of a hint that she knows it's not that at all.
And that she knows he knows it, too, even if he isn't really acknowledging it.
So if that really is it, she'll just head out on her own. As far as she's concerned, everything is off and she's going to go back out down and do her real work.]
[He says nothing. For now, that is it. He lets her see herself out, his grip going white-knuckled against the edge of the counter. Her words cut deep-- and she's absolutely right. He hates that she is. None of it is news to him, but accepting it? Accepting it is another matter entirely, one he's done his damndest not to dwell on.
When Noct had still been with them, Ignis had been so focused on fulfilling his duty that he'd never even considered sparing a moment to feel sorry for himself. Without that purpose driving him forward, what was he now?
It's six months before they cross paths again. Ignis had put the time to good use, distancing himself from the organization and clerical work that had filled much of his first year following Noct's disappearance. He had regained much of his combat prowess; while he had been forced to alter his style somewhat to suit, he was able to hunt effectively once more. Most times, he ventured out without a partner-- only occasionally did he join forces with Prompto or the Amicitias, as they had all continued to keep their distance from one another over the past several months with few exceptions.
This hunt, too, was one he had undertaken alone, which was why he stiffened at the sound of very human footsteps approaching from the opposite direction. They were slow and steady, heavily armored-- but whoever it was, he was certain they had no business here, even as he called one of his daggers into his right hand.]
[Everything that had transpired between her and Ignis was practically forgotten. At first she had wondered if he'd show his sorry ass, but after a couple of days, it was time to head back out. The moment the ship ascended was the moment she returned to her life of hunting and helping escort salvage runs. There were times when she had to coordinate with the former Marshal—Cor Leonis—and it really didn't take too long for her to start taking more command, especially for longer excursions out into Gralea and Altissia—especially to Gralea, as she and her men knew Niflheim better than most of the others.
But while she doesn't mind the long trips, just being able to do some good ol' fashioned daemon hunting is a good stress reliever. And that is exactly what she is doing now. Spear out, she slowly moves in on the location where it's said the daemon—a Mindflayer—was last spotted. It's said to be a tough one, taken down a few good men already. Given her own resilience and skill, it only makes sense that she tries to take this on.
Alone.
Maybe stupid, but she'd rather not risk her men on this.
So when she does hear a voice, she starts, not expecting another person. But then when she recognizes the speaker, her flashlight just barely illuminating his figure, she can't help but scoff.]
[His breath catches in his throat as he immediately places her voice, exhaling a moment later, a low hiss of air that does nothing to distract him from the tension that's suddenly singing its way through his body.
Of all the hunters he could possibly have run into.]
That's not for you to say. [He's fully capable of doing this, and doing it on his own, thank you.] Don't tell me you want to split the bounty.
I don't want to split anything. [Money is still a great motivating factor for her, all right.
But before she can say more, there's a sudden chill, a dark silence that fills the void. For Aranea, she always had a small tingle that crawled up her spear arm whenever a daemon is about to arrive, and she is feeling it now.]
But looks like we won't have much of a choice. Get ready.
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Maybe later.
[Not that she didn't like fruits. It's nice to have something fresh and sweet once in a while.
There's a brief pause as the clink of silverware fills the silence, but she's not really paying much attention to the food and more on Ignis's expression. Really, she wasn't sure what kind of answer she expected from that. She had a feeling it might have been for sentimental reasons. A reminder of something he liked to do but can't really. Not without a braille, though he'd have to teach himself that, too.]
Not surprised you'd be a bookworm. I can just imagine entire walls filled with books. [Digging it in deeper? Or actually letting him reminisce? Idle curiosity?] I don't really read much, but I like picking through a good book every once in a while.
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It's long been a favorite pastime of mine.
[Or was. Unlike cooking, reclaiming reading was a little further out of his depth-- braille simply wasn't available to him, even if he were to dedicate himself to learning it on his own.]
Most of the books you see there are volumes I'd collected before our trip to Accordo, or that Lady Iris has brought by for me. She likes to read aloud when she visits, though daemon hunting has kept her away for some time.
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Haven't learned braille?
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I-- haven't had the opportunity.
[Not for lack of trying.]
The world being what it is, the required materials are difficult to come by.
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...Hm. Wouldn't know how well stocked Lestallum would be for that, though would have thought they'd have something [The place can't be completely blind free.
So just really speaking out loud with no real thought:]
Could try to find stuff for you.
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[He looks up without seeing as she thinks aloud, pausing with a forkful of egg halfway to his mouth.]
You needn't go to any trouble.
[Not on his account. He would never want to be a burden.]
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[Which is true, and why she says it in a rather matter-of-fact way. She's already training him, might as well. Now finding the stuff...Insomnia, Altissa, and Gralea are probably the best bets in trying to find the materials. Gralea and Altissa aren't too bad, Insomnia, however... That will be harder, if not impossible with the daemons there. Yep, gonna take the easier routes.]
Unless you want someone to always read to you like a kid hearing a bedtime story. [Slight smirk before she resumes eating.]
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Being able to do it myself would be preferable, yes.
[It's the way he prefers to do most things. Reading was not only a valuable skill to be regained, but a passion that his injury had forced him to give up until now. He grimaces, spearing a piece of bacon.]
I don't especially care for being treated like a child, kind as it is for Iris to go out of her way. I don't expect anyone else would be willing to do the same, and I wouldn't want them to.
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[He won't deny that.]
But I'm already asking quite enough of you. It's not your job to fetch me reading material.
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Please remind me what you've actually asked of me so far.
[Because she's pretty sure she's offered the useful things out of her own whim. Offering dinner and breakfast definitely do not count.]
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Combat training is going to take up enough of your time. I'll not ask you to be an errand girl.
[That's well below her pay grade.]
As for the actual act of asking, I've no fear of asking for what I need-- having manners is not the same as being passive.
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[ie, the training and the whole book thing.]
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He exhales slowly.]
We see things differently. [To say the least.] Before our meeting yesterday, would you have called us friends?
[He's going somewhere with this.]
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I wouldn't really call us that now.
[However, she may have an idea of what he's getting at. But she'll let him explain.]
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[His tone, at least, implies that he feels the same. Acquaintances, yes. Allies? Perhaps. But not friends, not quite yet.]
As such, I am in no position to impose upon you. You assume that I simply don't want to be a bother to anyone-- but were someone else in your place, rest assured, I would ask without hesitation. While we are acquaintances and I am certainly grateful for your time, as well as the offers you've made, it would be wrong to expect much else of you.
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Still doesn't change the fact that you've had almost, what, a year? Even if I gave you a few months, you had plenty of time and plenty of people to ask. Like your girlfriend, who should have figured out a few things at least. [A small scoff.]
So yeah, sure. Maybe you wouldn't ask me, but you had options before I came along. So where's the "no hesitation" for asking for basic tools to stop being a useless invalid?
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He was stubborn, and prideful, and didn't want to ask anyone for help. He hated that he had to. He hated that there were things he couldn't do for himself, and thus it was easier to pretend he didn't need the assistance at all.
He'd spent the year in mourning, not only for Noctis, but for who he himself had been.]
Tch.
[His jaw tightens, his breakfast now forgotten.]
Of course you manage to make it sound simple. It isn't. Asking them also requires they be present--
[But even as he says it, he knows that's shoving the responsibility off onto someone else. Unlike him, in all respects.]
There is no girlfriend. [It doesn't occur to him that she means Iris.] And I'm not useless.
[He's done plenty even without being able to read for himself, and yet there's no denying that having the tools to learn again would improve his quality of life.
It would also mean admitting, once and for all, that this wasn't temporary.]
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It sounds simple because it is. You're the only one making it difficult.
[And of course, she's not holding back whatsoever.]
There are plenty of hunters around. I'm sure at least one of them could have been paid to at least train you whenever. We have airships that go out for scavenge runs. Could have a made a request with them.
So, what other excuse you gonna try?
[She has a feeling it is about his own pride, not "manners" or meekness. So her question is a daring one, as if either challenging or forcing him to acknowledge it. And none of it gentle.]
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He grips the edge of the table and pushes himself to his feet, moving to lean his weight against the counter, bracing himself with his back to her.]
Leave.
[His voice is quiet but stern, steely where he had previously shown manners. He would not resort to crass language, certainly not now, but the conversation was one he no longer wanted to have.
Forget training. He'd do it on his own.]
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The first two.]
That's a good one.
[There's no malice in her voice, just that usual dryness as the chair scrapes back, her heel thuds against the floor before she stands, and then walking to gather her things.]
Hope you grow out of your "manners" soon.
[No, she's definitely not going to apologize. Nor is she going to grow any more sensitive or delicate (not like she ever really was to begin with). And while she still isn't saying it directly, the sarcasm and pointed use of his own words is enough of a hint that she knows it's not that at all.
And that she knows he knows it, too, even if he isn't really acknowledging it.
So if that really is it, she'll just head out on her own. As far as she's concerned, everything is off and she's going to go back out down and do her real work.]
bloop bloop bloop timeskip!
When Noct had still been with them, Ignis had been so focused on fulfilling his duty that he'd never even considered sparing a moment to feel sorry for himself. Without that purpose driving him forward, what was he now?
It's six months before they cross paths again. Ignis had put the time to good use, distancing himself from the organization and clerical work that had filled much of his first year following Noct's disappearance. He had regained much of his combat prowess; while he had been forced to alter his style somewhat to suit, he was able to hunt effectively once more. Most times, he ventured out without a partner-- only occasionally did he join forces with Prompto or the Amicitias, as they had all continued to keep their distance from one another over the past several months with few exceptions.
This hunt, too, was one he had undertaken alone, which was why he stiffened at the sound of very human footsteps approaching from the opposite direction. They were slow and steady, heavily armored-- but whoever it was, he was certain they had no business here, even as he called one of his daggers into his right hand.]
You shouldn't be here.
such a loser and poor date
But while she doesn't mind the long trips, just being able to do some good ol' fashioned daemon hunting is a good stress reliever. And that is exactly what she is doing now. Spear out, she slowly moves in on the location where it's said the daemon—a Mindflayer—was last spotted. It's said to be a tough one, taken down a few good men already. Given her own resilience and skill, it only makes sense that she tries to take this on.
Alone.
Maybe stupid, but she'd rather not risk her men on this.
So when she does hear a voice, she starts, not expecting another person. But then when she recognizes the speaker, her flashlight just barely illuminating his figure, she can't help but scoff.]
I should be the one telling you that.
[Hello, Ignis.]
so rude, he was good to you
Of all the hunters he could possibly have run into.]
That's not for you to say. [He's fully capable of doing this, and doing it on his own, thank you.] Don't tell me you want to split the bounty.
kicking a girl out is not being "good"
But before she can say more, there's a sudden chill, a dark silence that fills the void. For Aranea, she always had a small tingle that crawled up her spear arm whenever a daemon is about to arrive, and she is feeling it now.]
But looks like we won't have much of a choice. Get ready.
she was so going to leave anyway
his cooking wasn't that great anyway
RUDE also BLINDSIDE LINK 1.5
EGGS TOO LIMP and awww yeah get them style points
THEY WERE DELICIOUS
COULD HAVE BEEN FIRMER
THIS IS NOT THE TIME
THAT'S WHAT HE SAID
YOU'RE TEARING HIM APART literally
NOT HER FAULT HE'S EASY kind of
you're going to sully his excellent reputation
pretty sure he can do it on his own
:|
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I SAW THAT
:D
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