[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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linknet2024-07-25 09:56 pm
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.]