...Given how rigid her posture is when she gets up, like she's expecting to be scolded at minimum, yes. Yes she absolutely can. Sayaka shakes a bit, but she nods.]
...Most days after work, or when I...go out for my jogging. [...] I--I have to get used to this at some point--I can't just be dead weight forever...
Then allow me to train you. If you wish to get stronger, you'll do so faster with a teacher.
[Of course he's disappointed and of course he does want to scold her, but she looks ready for that. She already knows it's coming. So instead, Fray tries a different tactic. She wants to get stronger, so he can make sure she's safe by being here with her. It's that simple, and it isn't as though it would be any sort of strain for him, given that he's a Utility and has access to healing.]
[Sayaka's expecting stern words. She's heard them more than enough times from her own father and managers for doing things she shouldn't, and she's prepared to take whatever tongue-lashing comes from it, but--
Fray decides to hit her out of left field by offering to teach her, and Sayaka winds up dropping her knife in shock from it. That's--that's not--]
W-What?
[Atropos, for her part, doesn't mimic Sayaka but watches her briefly.]
You don't--you've already got so much to do around here, don't you? I don't want to take any valuable time of yours that you could be using. It's...I...
[She can't rely on anyone else, if she does she's opening herself up to being hurt. And she will be hurt, she HAS been hurt, the idea of letting someone any closer is--
Sayaka's posture is still rigid, but she finds herself shaking her head. She doesn't want to be rude but--]
[There goes the knife... Well, he did expect that this would earn a different reaction from her, so it seems like that was a good(?) idea.]
Even if it was something you should learn on your own, you should have backup to help protect you, should you need it. It's dangerous to come here alone to fight, no matter how experienced one is.
[He'd frown at Argenti coming in here alone and he knows Argenti can take care of himself. So that much is certainly true.]
Besides, you misunderstand. I enjoyed my time teaching the Warrior of Light and have no problems continuing to help others. I would prefer to teach you than watch you struggle on your own.
[But the important thing is that she doesn't venture in here alone. So if she'd prefer to handle it herself, then fine, but he'd want to be here to heal her injuries.]
[Both Sayaka and Atropos both seem to go wary at the same time, and Sayaka's expression becomes unreadable. Her usual, placid and pleasant smile doesn't return, but given the way she stares at him, it's like the way she looks at everyone. Analyzing them. Picking them apart internally. Picking apart motives, circumstances, everything that's happened and trying to connect dots into something she can understand.
The world is not a kind place and people do not simply give anything of themselves while asking for nothing in return. For as much as she knows Fray is concerned for her, she looks more like a wary animal right now, trying to see if she's going to be hurt or trapped.]
...I...I don't know if I understand. But...nobody asks for something without expecting something in return. I know that all too well, I--
What is it that you want from me, Fray-san? Have you known this entire time that I've been doing this, and just...just...
[Her words die off in her throat before she can utter them. But she's practically staring holes into him and waiting, posture rigid in a way that's not like a child getting caught, but...
Well. It's different, and Sayaka hasn't ever experienced anyone who's wanted to protect her for the sake of it.]
[Ah. Sayaka truly doesn't believe that he wants to help - at least not without reason. And of course there's a reason, there always is. But it finally occurs to Fray that Sayaka is worried about it because she doesn't think she can trust him. And of course she can't - how could she, when he's spent all their time together talking about his student and avoiding the topic of himself?
So she has no reason to trust him, and she's already rightfully wary of others, given the situation she was in back home. She can't trust that he wants to do this out of the goodness of his heart both because she doesn't know him and because she can't trust that anyone would do that.]
...If I'd known you were coming here on your own, I would have confronted you about it earlier.
[That much is a decent place to start, he thinks.]
I don't like the idea of anyone coming here alone because it could result in an accident - or worse. It would be best to have a partner with you whenever entering this place, and preferably one who can cover for your own weaknesses.
[With that out of the way, that leaves the tougher question. What is it that you want?]
I want to help you. I want to teach you to fight because that is where I shine. I want to feel useful - and outside of this place, I have found myself woefully unprepared for the world here. I want to help guide you so that you can protect yourself, so that you'll grow strong enough to not need anyone else's protection, because I see my student in you, and I miss him terribly.
Do those answers suffice?
[He lists them out evenly, though the words come quickly, like he needs to get them out or he won't be able to say them at all. They're uncomfortably true, but he wouldn't want to lie to her about any of them.]
[Sayaka stares and analyzes him. It's surprisingly cold, for how attentive she tries to be to even small details in people's demeanors--things she can use to her advantage. Things she can use to sway people, to put them in neat little piles from what she's learned on TV and what her managers have told her about the world. And it's...
If she's being honest, she wasn't expecting the honesty from Fray. Her strange and almost piercing expression dissipates slow but sure as she listens, and she finds that she can't pick it apart like she...wants? Needs? She's not even sure of it now, but her expression does soften slowly as she lets some long held walls down. Just a little bit, because she sees Fray. She truly, and really does.]
...You're a lot more like me than I thought.
[It's soft, almost an apology, as Sayaka steps forward. Uncertain, but...kind, though her brows do kind of go a little concerned.]
I'm sorry, Fray-san. I...I really am. You've been nothing but kind and concerned for me, and I promise I'm not trying to spit in the face of it with this. It all makes sense to me, it really does, just...
[...]
Nobody offers anything without expecting something in return. It's...something I had to learn the hard way, growing up--my father, my managers, anyone...if they wanted to give you some sort of helping hand, they wanted something from you. And sometimes...sometimes you couldn't say no. Most of the time it meant that you needed to learn this on your own, because they'd always ask for much more back.
...You're a kind man, Fray-san. I don't want you to over-extend yourself for someone like me, who feels...well. Outright useless here, if I'm going to be honest.
But if you do want to help me, I...I can accept that. I don't want you to feel like you're useless either--it's a feeling I know a little too well, and...
Friends help each other, right?
[Sayaka hates physical contact. It's a fact of life for her that she needs to avoid it or the media will go into a frenzy.
But...Sayaka extends her hand a bit, offering it to Fray. She's not sure what to do and it's obvious, but she is trying.]
...I think you shine pretty bright yourself, you know, but we're all hiding things, so I can get where you're coming from. But I...I wouldn't mind learning from you.
[Truth be told, Fray isn't sure what sort of reaction he expects. Whatever it was, it certainly wasn't an apology. But she's right - of course she's right. He knows she's right, better than anyone else. It's the exact same lesson he's tried so hard to drill into the Warrior of Light's head, that people will use you for all you're worth. That you need to protect yourself from people like that. That you need to be wary, because they'll make use of your weakness.
And yet here he is, acting more and more like the Warrior of Light with each passing day, because he wants to help. He wants to be as kind as the Warrior is. He wants to be better than he has been, and he wants to live up to the expectations those here have of him. What a strange feeling it is, to be called kind and to think, for once, that maybe he deserves it.]
They do. Friends help each other.
[He accepts her offered hand with one of his own, mindful of his gauntlet's clawed fingers. It's a gentle touch despite the cool, unyielding metal.]
There's much I'll have to tell you at some point. But for now... I truly do want to do what I can for you, Maizono. Believe that, even if you find it hard to accept anything else. I have my own reasons for wanting to help, but that doesn't lessen that desire any. If you'll have my help, then I'll do what I can to guide you.
[Sayaka's expression softens further as she listens to Fray, and considers everything. For a man who struck her as almost cold seeming at first, there's an incredible warmth in him that...
Sayaka envies it. Based on what he's said to her already, she can tell that he's fought long and hard to keep that warmth within him--it takes a lot of strength to be able to do that, and that he's dedicated himself to harnessing the darkness in his heart to fight for good, it's genuinely something worth admiring. She can't hear the voices of her managers chiding her for this; maybe she's finally drowned them out, at least for now, but...
Her grip tightens on his hand, gentle as ever, with a smile on her face.]
You can tell it to me whenever you feel you can trust me. I don't have any intention of forcing it out of you. [It's strange how real this all feels, the emotions flowing through, everything she feels.] I appreciate it, Fray-san. More than I can express, and I'll do everything I can not to worry you. I--
[Sayaka hears the wingbeats of something near, and immediately, her body language tenses from the small noise. She's gotten used to it, but at least they're not going to catch either of them unaware.]
--We'll talk more once we can get to a safe area. This isn't how I wanted to get some hands on training, but it seems like we've got some guests to take care of.
Are you ready?
[Atropos casts a cheeky Rakukaja on Fray, and even seems to be smirking--Sayaka's expression doesn't change, but there's a confidence in the warm smile she tries to exude. She's ready.]
[Fray's attention turns to the demon the moment he hears it, but Sayaka's words and that sneaky Rkukaja earn a scoff from him that sounds almost closer to a laugh.]
I'm always ready for a fight. Let's see this through - an excellent opportunity for some training as well, hmm?
[And sure enough, the battle certainly is a good one for training. Sayaka is a smart girl, she picks up on things quickly and knows her own limits fairly well - at least for the time being. Once they've dispatched the threats and returned to their dorm room, Fray sets his sword aside and takes a seat on his bed.]
You did well today. Considering you've only had limited experience with that knife, you're able to hold your own quite well. Have you considered taking up other weapons?
[To put it bluntly, Sayaka could probably use something with more range since she's rather frail...]
[It's strange that Sayaka can almost beam when they get out of Nekiya together--Sayaka really is learning to adapt to combat easier and easier, and Fray's help in the matter has definitely made today a successful day. It isn't as if Sayaka minds being protected, but the fact that she's able to shine alongside others, instead of one light overpowering another...
It's a strangely freeing feeling, one that Sayaka wears as they go back to their dorm room and Sayaka goes to grab something from under her bed.]
Thank you, Fray-san--it means a lot to hear that. I think I really am starting to get better with all of this, but...I think I see what you mean when it comes to having someone who can watch your back. It really is better, and you did great too! It was super easy to fight with you.
[It's strange, how genuine it is. It's a feeling that feels vaguely poisonous, but Sayaka owes that to her lack of ability to trust; she knows that this is a good feeling, deep down.]
I haven't really, though I...wouldn't mind something that allows me to keep a distance, I think. Being up close can be a little...much, sometimes, haha.
[There it is. Sayaka winds up bringing a small box out from under her bed, and it seems filled with some first aid supplies--she looks up at Fray for a moment, though, once that's out there.]
What kind of weapons do you have experience with, Fray-san? If you don't mind my asking. Oh, and--do you have any wounds that need patching up?
Alright, good to know. If you ever need this for anyone else, though, I keep it right under my bed; just let me know if you end up using any supplies from it so I can keep it stocked up.
[Sayaka will go and sit on the bottom bunk, letting herself rest a bit.]
It sounds like you've got a lot of experience, though. If it's alright to ask...will you tell me a little bit about it?
[An adventure, or something similar. Consider her curious about getting to know him a little better.]
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bloodweapon) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
linknet2024-07-25 09:56 pm
no subject
Good. The last thing we need is for you to end up injured after a fight.
[...]
I take it you've been doing this frequently?
[He gestures to where the demon was, indicating "coming down here and killing things", presumably.]
no subject
...Given how rigid her posture is when she gets up, like she's expecting to be scolded at minimum, yes. Yes she absolutely can. Sayaka shakes a bit, but she nods.]
...Most days after work, or when I...go out for my jogging. [...] I--I have to get used to this at some point--I can't just be dead weight forever...
[sayaka.]
no subject
Then allow me to train you. If you wish to get stronger, you'll do so faster with a teacher.
[Of course he's disappointed and of course he does want to scold her, but she looks ready for that. She already knows it's coming. So instead, Fray tries a different tactic. She wants to get stronger, so he can make sure she's safe by being here with her. It's that simple, and it isn't as though it would be any sort of strain for him, given that he's a Utility and has access to healing.]
no subject
Fray decides to hit her out of left field by offering to teach her, and Sayaka winds up dropping her knife in shock from it. That's--that's not--]
W-What?
[Atropos, for her part, doesn't mimic Sayaka but watches her briefly.]
You don't--you've already got so much to do around here, don't you? I don't want to take any valuable time of yours that you could be using. It's...I...
[She can't rely on anyone else, if she does she's opening herself up to being hurt. And she will be hurt, she HAS been hurt, the idea of letting someone any closer is--
Sayaka's posture is still rigid, but she finds herself shaking her head. She doesn't want to be rude but--]
...Isn't this something I should learn on my own?
no subject
Even if it was something you should learn on your own, you should have backup to help protect you, should you need it. It's dangerous to come here alone to fight, no matter how experienced one is.
[He'd frown at Argenti coming in here alone and he knows Argenti can take care of himself. So that much is certainly true.]
Besides, you misunderstand. I enjoyed my time teaching the Warrior of Light and have no problems continuing to help others. I would prefer to teach you than watch you struggle on your own.
[But the important thing is that she doesn't venture in here alone. So if she'd prefer to handle it herself, then fine, but he'd want to be here to heal her injuries.]
no subject
What is it that you want?
[Both Sayaka and Atropos both seem to go wary at the same time, and Sayaka's expression becomes unreadable. Her usual, placid and pleasant smile doesn't return, but given the way she stares at him, it's like the way she looks at everyone. Analyzing them. Picking them apart internally. Picking apart motives, circumstances, everything that's happened and trying to connect dots into something she can understand.
The world is not a kind place and people do not simply give anything of themselves while asking for nothing in return. For as much as she knows Fray is concerned for her, she looks more like a wary animal right now, trying to see if she's going to be hurt or trapped.]
...I...I don't know if I understand. But...nobody asks for something without expecting something in return. I know that all too well, I--
What is it that you want from me, Fray-san? Have you known this entire time that I've been doing this, and just...just...
[Her words die off in her throat before she can utter them. But she's practically staring holes into him and waiting, posture rigid in a way that's not like a child getting caught, but...
Well. It's different, and Sayaka hasn't ever experienced anyone who's wanted to protect her for the sake of it.]
no subject
So she has no reason to trust him, and she's already rightfully wary of others, given the situation she was in back home. She can't trust that he wants to do this out of the goodness of his heart both because she doesn't know him and because she can't trust that anyone would do that.]
...If I'd known you were coming here on your own, I would have confronted you about it earlier.
[That much is a decent place to start, he thinks.]
I don't like the idea of anyone coming here alone because it could result in an accident - or worse. It would be best to have a partner with you whenever entering this place, and preferably one who can cover for your own weaknesses.
[With that out of the way, that leaves the tougher question. What is it that you want?]
I want to help you. I want to teach you to fight because that is where I shine. I want to feel useful - and outside of this place, I have found myself woefully unprepared for the world here. I want to help guide you so that you can protect yourself, so that you'll grow strong enough to not need anyone else's protection, because I see my student in you, and I miss him terribly.
Do those answers suffice?
[He lists them out evenly, though the words come quickly, like he needs to get them out or he won't be able to say them at all. They're uncomfortably true, but he wouldn't want to lie to her about any of them.]
no subject
If she's being honest, she wasn't expecting the honesty from Fray. Her strange and almost piercing expression dissipates slow but sure as she listens, and she finds that she can't pick it apart like she...wants? Needs? She's not even sure of it now, but her expression does soften slowly as she lets some long held walls down. Just a little bit, because she sees Fray. She truly, and really does.]
...You're a lot more like me than I thought.
[It's soft, almost an apology, as Sayaka steps forward. Uncertain, but...kind, though her brows do kind of go a little concerned.]
I'm sorry, Fray-san. I...I really am. You've been nothing but kind and concerned for me, and I promise I'm not trying to spit in the face of it with this. It all makes sense to me, it really does, just...
[...]
Nobody offers anything without expecting something in return. It's...something I had to learn the hard way, growing up--my father, my managers, anyone...if they wanted to give you some sort of helping hand, they wanted something from you. And sometimes...sometimes you couldn't say no. Most of the time it meant that you needed to learn this on your own, because they'd always ask for much more back.
...You're a kind man, Fray-san. I don't want you to over-extend yourself for someone like me, who feels...well. Outright useless here, if I'm going to be honest.
But if you do want to help me, I...I can accept that. I don't want you to feel like you're useless either--it's a feeling I know a little too well, and...
Friends help each other, right?
[Sayaka hates physical contact. It's a fact of life for her that she needs to avoid it or the media will go into a frenzy.
But...Sayaka extends her hand a bit, offering it to Fray. She's not sure what to do and it's obvious, but she is trying.]
...I think you shine pretty bright yourself, you know, but we're all hiding things, so I can get where you're coming from. But I...I wouldn't mind learning from you.
no subject
And yet here he is, acting more and more like the Warrior of Light with each passing day, because he wants to help. He wants to be as kind as the Warrior is. He wants to be better than he has been, and he wants to live up to the expectations those here have of him. What a strange feeling it is, to be called kind and to think, for once, that maybe he deserves it.]
They do. Friends help each other.
[He accepts her offered hand with one of his own, mindful of his gauntlet's clawed fingers. It's a gentle touch despite the cool, unyielding metal.]
There's much I'll have to tell you at some point. But for now... I truly do want to do what I can for you, Maizono. Believe that, even if you find it hard to accept anything else. I have my own reasons for wanting to help, but that doesn't lessen that desire any. If you'll have my help, then I'll do what I can to guide you.
no subject
Sayaka envies it. Based on what he's said to her already, she can tell that he's fought long and hard to keep that warmth within him--it takes a lot of strength to be able to do that, and that he's dedicated himself to harnessing the darkness in his heart to fight for good, it's genuinely something worth admiring. She can't hear the voices of her managers chiding her for this; maybe she's finally drowned them out, at least for now, but...
Her grip tightens on his hand, gentle as ever, with a smile on her face.]
You can tell it to me whenever you feel you can trust me. I don't have any intention of forcing it out of you. [It's strange how real this all feels, the emotions flowing through, everything she feels.] I appreciate it, Fray-san. More than I can express, and I'll do everything I can not to worry you. I--
[Sayaka hears the wingbeats of something near, and immediately, her body language tenses from the small noise. She's gotten used to it, but at least they're not going to catch either of them unaware.]
--We'll talk more once we can get to a safe area. This isn't how I wanted to get some hands on training, but it seems like we've got some guests to take care of.
Are you ready?
[Atropos casts a cheeky Rakukaja on Fray, and even seems to be smirking--Sayaka's expression doesn't change, but there's a confidence in the warm smile she tries to exude. She's ready.]
no subject
I'm always ready for a fight. Let's see this through - an excellent opportunity for some training as well, hmm?
[And sure enough, the battle certainly is a good one for training. Sayaka is a smart girl, she picks up on things quickly and knows her own limits fairly well - at least for the time being. Once they've dispatched the threats and returned to their dorm room, Fray sets his sword aside and takes a seat on his bed.]
You did well today. Considering you've only had limited experience with that knife, you're able to hold your own quite well. Have you considered taking up other weapons?
[To put it bluntly, Sayaka could probably use something with more range since she's rather frail...]
no subject
It's a strangely freeing feeling, one that Sayaka wears as they go back to their dorm room and Sayaka goes to grab something from under her bed.]
Thank you, Fray-san--it means a lot to hear that. I think I really am starting to get better with all of this, but...I think I see what you mean when it comes to having someone who can watch your back. It really is better, and you did great too! It was super easy to fight with you.
[It's strange, how genuine it is. It's a feeling that feels vaguely poisonous, but Sayaka owes that to her lack of ability to trust; she knows that this is a good feeling, deep down.]
I haven't really, though I...wouldn't mind something that allows me to keep a distance, I think. Being up close can be a little...much, sometimes, haha.
[There it is. Sayaka winds up bringing a small box out from under her bed, and it seems filled with some first aid supplies--she looks up at Fray for a moment, though, once that's out there.]
What kind of weapons do you have experience with, Fray-san? If you don't mind my asking. Oh, and--do you have any wounds that need patching up?
no subject
[Possibly others?? Hmm.]
No, I'm fine. I made sure to heal myself of any injuries before leaving. Best not to let anything have a chance at infection, after all.
[He's always very careful with his injuries, don't worry! Thank you for the concern, though.]
no subject
[Sayaka will go and sit on the bottom bunk, letting herself rest a bit.]
It sounds like you've got a lot of experience, though. If it's alright to ask...will you tell me a little bit about it?
[An adventure, or something similar. Consider her curious about getting to know him a little better.]