[not again] catchall for akira

[fishingforcompliments]

Comments

[survivaltricks]

[doesn't everyone. . .?]

Yeah.

[a sharp exhale, his own eyes slipping shut, hands stilling for the briefest of moments]

We can't hold back just because it's dangerous. No matter how afraid we might be.

[fishingforcompliments]

[she nods her agreement, which in retrospect, is probably a bad idea given that he's helping her with a facial wound.]

I agree. I think... especially because it's dangerous, we must do what we can to understand everything about this place. They say that a higher risk yields a higher reward, after all.

[survivaltricks]

You're not wrong.

[though. . . that said?]

. . . I heard from Lili that you shared your power with her, Ookurikara and Ash on Monday, before Sanji and I approached you.

[u m]

[fishingforcompliments]

...

[she nods]

That is true. It was why I was... attempting to be a little cautious.

[survivaltricks]

[oh my god]

[HE IMMEDIATELY BOWS HIS HEAD, posture contrite]

Flayn, I'm so, so sorry. Sanji and I had no idea. It was reckless of us, to approach you like we did.

[fishingforcompliments]

[she shakes her head]

No - please, do not apologize to me. You may have asked, but I am the one who chose to answer. [...] And I do not think it would have made much difference if I had kept silent, either.

I... told the three of them on the same day, and as I recall, that is unwise in and of itself.

[...]

I want you to know the things you need to know. That is why I shared what I did with you. If there will be some sort of punishment for that... [she's thinking of giyuu and his arm.] ...it is my choice to face it.

[survivaltricks]

[aaaaaah Flayn!!!]

But it was our thirst for answers that would have put you in a position to share in the first place. We could have waited a week. We didn't need answers right then.

[he doesn't want her to absolve him that easily]

If something happens to you, we're just as at fault.

[fishingforcompliments]

No, you are not.

[her voice is firm]

I knew exactly what I was doing. If I had wanted to, I could have kept silent. I know you would have allowed me to wait.

[survivaltricks]

[guilt flashes across his expression, brought on by her insistence that it isn't his fault]

But--

[. . . he can argue all day and her answer would stay the same. wouldn't it?]

At the very least, if something happens to you, will you let us help you through it?

[fishingforcompliments]

...

[she nods]

Whatever might happen, I will accept your support. ...thank you, Akira.

[survivaltricks]

[he offers her a smile at that. it isn't the most ideal situation, but. . .]

Anytime, Flayn.

[it's something]

[fishingforcompliments]

[she manages a very small smile back]

...I meant it, you know. When I said that everyone here was lucky to have you.

[survivaltricks]

[-- ah]

I don't-- [. . . hffffff]

I think they're lucky to have you, honestly.

[fishingforcompliments]

[she looks startled by that -

and then, swerving, because she does not seem to know how to respond:]

Ah... it is getting late, Akira. I - I think it best if you find somewhere safe to spend the night. [...she brings up her hands to indicate her face, which i assume he's been. dealing with. while they talked.] Thank you.

[survivaltricks]

[HE HAS BEEN. it is dressed and cleaned and bandaged as well as he can bandage such things. don't ask me for details]

-- oh. . . right.

[they are both awkward at taking compliments]

Take care tonight, okay, Flayn?

[fishingforcompliments]

...mm. I will.

[she looks up at him]

But you do the same, please.

[survivaltricks]

[a firm nod! and he stands up, making sure to tidy up the medical supplies he used to treat her injury, before he heads for the exit]

[HE'LL CHECK ON HER AGAIN TOMORROW]