[not again] catchall for akira

[fishingforcompliments]

Comments

[fishingforcompliments]

...they felt a bit awkward to me, too, when I went to the camp store earlier this week. I had hoped that I was imagining it.

But, you said that they were awkward when you brought up my name... so perhaps it was not my imagination.

[ :( ]

[survivaltricks]

[oh no Flayn!1]

Awkwardness isn't a sign that they don't want to be close to you, Flayn. Perhaps. . .

[hm]

Maybe it's a sign that they want to tell you something but can't figure out how?

[fishingforcompliments]

But they can tell me anything. I would always be glad to listen.

[she should, perhaps, tell black shadows that and not akira. it's fine.]

[survivaltricks]

Tell them that. Not me.

[it's okay he is on it]

[fishingforcompliments]

[she smiles]

...perhaps if this curry turns out well I shall bring them some.

[survivaltricks]

Of course it'll turn out well. We're the ones making it.

[he is the coffee guru and she is his student!1]

Sorry for prying into your personal business, though. I guess I was just curious.

[he will leave it at that]

[fishingforcompliments]

[she's terrible at cooking, akira! don't underestimate her ability to fuck up...]

Oh, no - it is quite alright. You were concerned for a friend, were you not? I cannot fault you for asking.

[survivaltricks]

[sweats nervously]

. . . I guess I was a bit surprised after you had talked them up the week before.

[sheepish, he rubs the back of his neck]

But I'm sure it'll work out-- [uh] -- whatever "it" is.

[fishingforcompliments]

I hope that it does. I would hate to have made them uncomfortable around me.

[ :( ]

Everything I said about them before, though... it is certainly the truth. All awkwardness aside, I believe that anyone who is able to spend time with them ought to consider themselves very lucky.

[survivaltricks]

[a light laugh]

I'd agree. I don't know them that well yet myself, but-- I'm trying.

[another pause. and then, blunt]

Are you on their team, Flayn? And before you say anything, you really don't have to answer.

[he knows that is an invasive question, and for the most part he's been trying not to ask people. but this one time he has his reasons for not holding back]

[fishingforcompliments]

[!!

well, she wasn't expecting that question - though, thankfully, he follows it up with an assurance that she doesn't have to answer.]

I, um...

[...it's good she doesn't have to, because she doesn't seem to know how to.]

[survivaltricks]

[and immediately, he holds up a hand, palm facing forward]

Mmm, nevermind.

[IT'S OKAY HE WON'T PRESS. he will turn to the vegetables to start chopping them up!1]

I only asked because I don't know anyone on Shadows' team, while I've met a few people on Heart's and Winter's. It was selfish of me to put you on the spot, though-- so let's forget I asked.

[fishingforcompliments]

No, it was not selfish... it is natural to be curious.

[she glances down at the scrunchie on her wrist, then moves to help with chopping the vegetables. she goes slowly, but - since she isn't rushing, they're getting chopped to the right size, so. there's that!]

I wish we could all simply... tell each other. Keeping secrets such as this is exhausting.

[survivaltricks]

[his expression falls at that, even as he uses the knife to push the chopped vegetables into a pile at the side. he is going slowly for Flayn's sake]

Yeah. Me too.

I've never been good at keeping secrets.

[fishingforcompliments]

...nor have I.

[she sighs. the few secrets she does have, she guards jealously - because she knows if she lets herself slip, even just once, it will all come tumbling out.

she keeps her eyes on the vegetables as she speaks.]

Someday, this will be over, and we will not have to keep secrets any longer.

[survivaltricks]

Yeah. . . we won't.

[his lips twitch a bit at that, smile wry and not quite reaching his eyes]

Anyway.

[why talk about secrets and sad things when CURRY]

Have you ever had curry before, Flayn?

[fishingforcompliments]

[curry is a very good distraction - and to answer his question]

I have not, but I have heard that it is delicious. I cannot wait to try it!

[survivaltricks]

The recipe I'm using is a family recipe passed down to me from my guardian.

You'll have to sign a non-disclosure agreement before learning it.

[. . . . . . . he's joking]

[fishingforcompliments]

[she doesn't realize he's joking, so.]

Oh, of course! I shall keep this a carefully-guarded secret. Where should I sign?

[survivaltricks]

[ah--]

Nowhere. I'm just kidding, don't worry.

[fishingforcompliments]

Oh...

[she would have understood! family recipes are important]

In that case, I shall not worry.