shacklebreaker | IC Inbox: cerealia

Family...? Hmph, I suppose.

[He takes a seat on the other sofa, sipping his tea with a thoughtful expression. He hadn't thought of it in that light before, but it's not necessarily untrue, either.]

You said some rather dubious things about your sister. [Said in the dryest tone of voice.] But aside from that, you were not terribly ill-behaved.

Ah, don't worry, she wasn't actually my sister. [ She would sooner deny any relation to Nui than the fact that she brutally maimed a person in the first place. Priorities! ]

So, what's the deal with the sword up on the wall? You done some dubious things in your life, too?

...Yes... Though not in the way you're thinking. [He looks away from her to the sword.] That blade was merely a gift. Or perhaps "evidence" would be more accurate.

[He doesn't elaborate on that point, asking instead:] How much has Athena told you already?

Not much. [ She also remembers Athena asking Ryuko not to bring up anything relating to the case with her mother, so she'll honour it. ] --But that's alright. I didn't come here to dredge up the past. I was just makin' a joke about your sword.

[ The way he described it sure sounds interesting, though. ] Not many people hang up "evidence" on display.

[Well, she has more tact than other people Athena has been mouthing off to, and he's silently grateful for that.]

I suppose you're familiar with that white-haired fellow, Archer? [Of course she is, he's Athena's new pet project, so he goes on.] He gave me it as proof of his... abilities as a blacksmith.

[ Familiar? Bro, they're mortal enemies. ...at least from Ryuko's POV! ]

Proof of what? He just conjured it up outta nowhere, I bet. Big whoop!

[He sips his tea, and nods.] So he did. What he wanted was to prove the claims behind what he is, and the circumstances he came from, since I thought of him as nothing more than a raving madman. To a lawyer, evidence is everything.

[Then he grins.]

... Sadly for him, I still don't believe all of his story, but who am I to look a gift horse in the mouth?

Well, you're gonna get used to seeing him around... Athena seems to have taken a liking to him, even though he talks to her like shit. Hmph.

Oh, I imagine so. [The humour fades from his expression.] She says she wants to "save" him, though from what, she would not say. That girl has a penchant for chasing after hopeless causes.

Well, she wouldn't be Athena otherwise. [ Although she appreciates that they're on the same page about it being a hopeless cause. Knowing that Athena's pet project also causes her to cry occasionally just doesn't sit too well with Ryuko. ]

Anyway... guess I just wanted to clear the air if I said anything bad last night. [ in other words: apologize. ] And more than that, thanks for layin' down the law with the guys.

[ Ha ha, law. She really loves her humor. ]

[You're killing him, stop.]

Think nothing of it. Athena is too kind for her own good, but I have no qualms in playing the part of the villain of the evening. [If anything, he tends to enjoy it. trollface.jpg] I should thank you, as well, for looking out for Athena while she's been here.

Eh... it's more of a mutual co-dependence with her and me. [ Athena has done plenty of looking out for her, too. Or tried to, anyway! ] She taught me how to cook.

[ pause. ]

She's not very good.

Then I'll consider that a warning, having never experienced her cooking myself.

[He drains the last of his tea, and sets the empty mug down on the coffee table.]

... One more thing, while we're in the midst of clearing the air. I don't know whether your little story about your sister [or not-sister, whatever] is true. What I do know is that I've rubbed shoulders with ruthless killers for a long time, and I cannot peg you as one of them. However...

[He leans forward, a steely sharp glint in his eye.]

If you involve Athena in any such bloodthirsty business, I will have your head. Understood?

[ Ah! So she did say something disturbing. What he tells her, however, doesn't shock of offend her in any way, since she's aware of how much trouble follows her. Nui Harime would no doubt use Athena to torment Ryuko. ] Sure thing, pops.

I've often thought about movin' out if certain individuals from my world showed up here. ...I'd feel better knowin' she's in your care.

[ ...Also, her head would likely reattach itself unless it's cut a certain way, but let's not scare this happy family more than we need to!! ]

[So she is a potential danger to Athena. He has no business telling her who she should or shouldn't be friends with, but he can at least do the next best thing.]

And who are these individuals? I'd like some idea of who to look out for.

Don't worry, they died with my world. [ For now, at least. She stands up, preparing to leave in a moment. ]

I'll tell you if that changes.

Very well. [He likewise gets to his feet, offering her the empty mug she'd given him before.]

Since we've reached an understanding on the matter, I'll leave it at that... We've all demons from our pasts lurking behind us.

[And Athena believes Ryuko is a good person, so he won't hold it against her.]

Hm. [ She looks at the mug he's offering back, but doesn't accept it. Instead, she leaves it with him as she heads for the door, wearing a small smile on her face. ]

You can return that after you've washed it.

[ Her words sound bratty, but she's really giving him an excuse to come by later and check on Athena. ]

Hmph...! In that case, when you get it back, it will be cleaner than when you first purchased it.

[Two can play the bratty game. Not that he needs much excuse to check on Athena, given she seems to want to see him often enough, but he'll take it.]

IC Inbox: cerealia

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