sweethymns | ғaтe/alт.dιѕтorтιon

Then that's his problem, not mine; if he asks for help, you can all find a way to help him. If he hasn't asked, then there's nothing any of us can do about it, is there?

[ He knows that that's a cut-and-dry argument, and he knows that it sounds dismissive, but he has to have an objective otherwise: this isn't what he was summoned for, he assumes.

Not that he doesn't care, but in his heart of hearts, he has a feeling that they're all trying to wrestle into a spot that they're not meant to touch without some sort of acknowledgement from the affected party. ]

If you can't chew it, don't bite it. Or only bite it if you're gonna have the guts to chew, later.

[She rubs her forehead to face forward again, grimacing.]

Well, I made an offer to root out those memories, but it'll be up to them to follow up on it. So that's, that.

... What about you though? Sure there's nothing you're forgetting or you don't care?

[Hey, she's beginning to catch on, good for her]

Don't conflate our personal issues with the task at hand, little lady. I can handle whatever's going on with me.

[ Which has always been his stance, from day one of his life and from his subsequent nonlife, when he had to kill his one true friend, when he had to kill his son—

(—when he saved that hard-headed girl with a hole in his chest, ah, but he doesn't regret that, either).

He has a feeling that Diarmuid makes things a lot more complicated for himself than he has to. ]

If you want to see, take a look. I don't have anything to hide.

[ He holds out his hand. ]

[!!!!]

Edited 2015-01-06 01:19 (UTC)

D-Don't offer things like that so freely!

[She crosses her arms as if wanting to hide and protect her hands. Is she... Embarrassed...? Happy? A bit of column A, a bit of column B??]

Why trust me so easily anyways, even if we do have a pact??

[ For a moment, he genuinely looks like he has no idea why she's asking. ]

[ ...And then, of course—

—he laughs. ]

What, don't tell me you're the type that'll exploit that kind of thing.

[ he knows she's not. ]

Edited 2015-01-06 01:24 (UTC)

That's a no, of course!

[It's easy to tell she's flustered. Lien's been exhibiting a lot of expressions in the past two weeks for someone who's default mode is quiet contemplation or outrageous snark.]

It's just that I don't... Ai's the only other person who lets me do that's only because we're family and even then I don't...!

... God, I have issues.

[Well, she's still her, through and through.]

I told you. I don't have anything to hide, and there's nothing about my life that I'm too ashamed of.

[ He figures that it might not be the same for her, or that she's gotten used to being reclusive— either way, it's not difficult for him to trust Lien. ]

We're saddled with each other either way, issues or no, so it's not that big of a deal to me, whether you know things about me or don't.

...

[Lien uncrosses her arms and places her hands in her lap. Her fingers move a little, but she's debating with herself over something that's only comprehensible to her.

And then she slowly, hesitantly, but surely reaches over and places her hand over Cu's.]

... I'm just holding your hand. I'm not reading anything.

[ If she expected him to be surprised, he isn't: instead, he quirks his lips as if to say "really", before reaching out with his free hand to let her rest her head on his shoulder, if even for a moment. ]

That's fine, then.

[It's so simple and it's so stupid at the same time. Those were the words that she would describe herself with right now. Holding someone's hand isn't supposed to be a big deal. But it is for her. Resting on the shoulder of someone you've only known for a little while isn't a big deal. But it is for her.

Her bangs cover her face as she rests against his shoulder and her gloved hand moves slightly as if she wants to hold on tighter, but is too afraid to do so. Her prana feels more prominent even with the glove on; after all they were just preventives and they couldn't fix her.]

... Tell me when we get to our stop. It's in 20 minutes.

Edited 2015-01-06 06:34 (UTC)

[ He wasn't lying in the past, when he said he likes hardheaded women. Lien is as stubborn as she can be roundabout, but he doesn't hold that against her; she's 19 and scared of things that she shouldn't be, and she's fighting. There's no way he can see that and dislike it.

Letting her settle, he waits until she's halfway asleep, before saying, in smooth Old Irish: ]

—Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine.

[ "Under the shelter of each other, people survive."

He hopes that that'll be the case for her, at least. ]

[Something was changing. And although it was painful and uncertain when she tried to look into the blurred future, it was for the best.

☼ ☼

The rest of the ride back to the main city was uneventful, but peaceful. Lien's next routine of the day was a shift at Ahnenerbe, the charming Western style cafe with the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

As they go inside, Lien's already begun to undo her ear piercings, shaking her head.]

Only three holes and yet apparently that scares customers. Do I even look threatening with these...?

I wouldn't exactly file you under "threatening".

[ Says the Heroic Spirit of yore. He takes a look around the establishment, decides he likes the wooden furniture and the decor; something about it speaks to him, and he hums in contentment. ]

So, what do I do now? Sit around, help out?

You can take a seat and I'll get you some coffee, on the house.

[It's starting to get crowded though and Lien furrows her brow.]

Oh, geez. I came just on time didn't I? Grab a table before someone else does and I'll get back to you.

Lien-san!

Coming!

[Lien moves towards the cash register where a female coworker is looking a little harried. Of course, she's also takes notice of Lancer (who wouldn't) and there's a sequence of questioning looks and Lien answering carefully as she can. And then there's a lightbulb that goes off in said coworker's head and Lien crossing her arms and tilting her head as if uncertain.

And then she motions Lancer to come over. So much for relaxing.]

[ He's contemplating popping a cigarette in his mouth when he's called over, which he responds to with a quick look around, and then mouthing "me?". When he's certain that he's definitely the one being addressed, he gets up and brushes by the crowd to approach Lien and her coworker, hands on his hips and head tilted to the side in vague curiosity. ]

What, too busy? I can wait outside.

[And without missing a beat, Lien says:]

Kaori-san wants to see you in the waiter uniform.

[Which of course gets Kaori-san momentarily fuming, but she quickly simmers down; she's used to Lien's silliness after all and she claps her hands together bowing her head slightly at Lancer.]

I'm sorry! Lancer-kun is it?? We're quite short on help today and Lien-san said you're good at speaking other languages like English and Lien's the only other person who's any good at it. It's just for this afternoon, but if you're willing as Lien-san's acquaintance, this will only be the favor I'll ask of you!

[Lien puts her hands on her hips.]

So what about it? It's up to you, but I won't make you do something you don't want.

Edited 2015-01-07 00:52 (UTC)

[ A scratch of his chin and a low "hm" later, Lancer shrugs. ]

Why not.

[ He's about to say something along the lines of "in this day and age...", but he refrains. Best not to say weird things in front of strangers... ]

It's like barkeeping, right? Bringing drinks to people?

[Kaori-san looks happy enough, saying a few thank yous and Lien nods]

That's the gist of it. I have a feeling you'll catch on quick and we need the extra pair of hands.

[The co-worker points to the back where the changing rooms are.]

I'll hand you the uniform and you can change in the back! I'll fill you in with extra details after you're done, Lancer-san!

... Now, Lien-san, if only you'd agree to wearing the other uniform.

NO.

[Lien disappears into the women's changing room before this conversation can derail]

[ Lancer follows suit, moving over to the back of the cafe , outside of the partition of the changing area. ]

Huh. What's the "other uniform"?

[She shakes her head]

Let's just say we get more customers when the ladies wear it. And that it's frilly as hell.

Anyways, you're never gonna catch me wearing it.

Not a fan of dresses?

[ A quick "thanks" to Kaori for bringing him his clothes, and Lancer ducks into the next empty partition, looks his new clothes up and down. ]

Damn, this thing has a lot of layers.

I can wear them and I like 'em enough. Not the one they have here.

[She quickly changes into a sensible white blouse, black vest, pumps, and a black pencil skirt. When she comes back out, her ears are devoid of her usual piercings although the glasses stay on. She's tying up her hair into a bun.]

It's a little impractical compared to the normal one. You done yet?

[ He has a feeling she'll stare at him as if he's crazy if he ever mentions that some warriors went naked sometimes, so he keeps that to himself for now, stepping out in his vest and dress shirt combo while he adjusts his cuffs. ]

Yeah. It's a little small.

[ The sleeves are a little low against his wrists, but they're serviceable. A quick pat-down, and he opens his arms to show Lien how he looks. ]

Not bad?

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