fragileprophet | Week 1, Wednesday

Week 1, Wednesday - Sandalphon

[Ion's been waiting around in their room for Sandalphon. It's gotten so cold outside, staying in has been the easiest way to keep warm. There's the paranoia too, of course, but he hasn't been moving, so throughout the day if Sandalphon checked on him, there wouldn't have been anything to worry about.

Except, suddenly, when he's back again...]

Before you get upset!

[He turns toward the door and there's a series of scars running down the side of his face. There were definitely not there just earlier in the day.]

Nothing happened!

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[Why is something always happening? It's not Friday, so he can at least tentatively rule out nefarious intentions as he scowls. For now, he'll reserve judgment.]

Then why is your face damaged?

Ah...

[He looks almost cagey, clearly not wanting to admit what happened. It takes him a few seconds to actually come out with something.]

Everyone was so concerned about the other Ion and I switching places, and I couldn't think of anything I wanted to wish for, so...I wished for a way that everyone could tell us apart. These scars actually cover much more than my face...I wasn't expecting anything like this.

[The longer he looks at those scars, the deeper a heavy feeling sinks into his stomach. He wasn't worried, but he's not everyone. Ion made the most reasonable decision expected of him to appease them, so Sandalphon isn't upset; no, he's resigned to the bitter fact that this is how it must be.]

Do they hurt?

[Ion shakes his head.]

No, thankfully. They appeared just as they are, it didn't feel like I was actually getting physically scarred.

[Small blessings. He gives a sheepish smile, but it doesn't really do anything to mask his clear frustration. With a small sigh, Ion brushes his newly-scarred cheek with his fingertips.]

This is getting tiring.

You've done more than enough. After this, they shouldn't expect anything else from you.

[Or his counterpart. Sandalphon wonders if that Ion has done something as drastic as this.]

Do you need anything?

I wonder...

[But he trails off, and as he lets his hand fall back down to his side he shakes his head once more.]

No, I think I'm alright. This is just going to take a bit of time to get used to...ah, but it isn't so bad, I shouldn't complain! Really, it just makes me more of...myself, don't you think?

Edited 2018-06-13 07:34 (UTC)

[Sandalphon hums, and it nearly sounds like a grunt as his lips curl into a mirthless smile. His response, though agreeable in its wording, is apathetic in tone.]

Ah, that's right. You wanted individuality. Well, then, I suppose you got what you wanted.

...I deserved that.

[Ion's smile freezes lifelessly on his face, his eyes becoming glassy as his emotions all seem to stop inside of him at once and leave him suspended. He does, doesn't he? He's such a joke. He doesn't notice his hands clench into fists--he doesn't feel it even a little bit.]

Ah, I'm a bit scattered, I think. You were being so kind, and all I offered in return...has been thoughtless.

[The contemptuous smile drops in lieu of a frown. He isn't kind; he's a cruel wretch, and he just proved it—all because he can't let go of his notions surrounding what they are.

He won't apologize. He doesn't deserve to. And he should let this end the way it is, right now, but . . . ]

Be honest. Does it bother you?

[There's a long moment of silence. Maybe he really can't decide, or maybe it's something else he's not sure about. Maybe it's that what he's really tired of is all of his own self-pitying lies.]

Yes.

[But, another beat.]

But I don't regret...the choice.

[That much is expected. There's a brief pause as Sandalphon considers his next move. He walks past to sit on the edge of the bed, and his voice is soft again.]

Tell me all about it. If you don't mind, that is.

...okay.

[His shoulders drop heavily, losing a tension that had been building.]

I lied to you. This wasn't my wish.

I see.

[It was a lie. That's a little surprising, though he doesn't show it. Having decided that he'll wait for Ion to finish, he refrains from saying more.]

[His throat, suddenly, feels dry. Ion forces himself past the urge to apologize and instead steels himself and tells the truth.]

The wishing well was unrelated to how I got these scars--I used the "gift" that I was given by the Hosts to alleviate them from someone else who received from from the well. I knew I could use everyone's desire for me to change to cover up the fact that I'd acted on my own.

Edited 2018-06-13 08:41 (UTC)

[Sandalphon swallows. That changes things.]

Do you not want that person to know what you did?

[Ion's gaze begins to lower. It's a struggle not to completely bow his head.]

No, it isn't that. I had to be in contact with the person to activate the ability, so they know what I can do now, as well...I'm just afraid of worrying others unnecessarily. And it's not just my own well-being that I risk when I choose to use it.

[He manages to relax his hands, and laces his fingers together.]

And I know if I trust the wrong person with the knowledge of my gift, that could be just as dangerous, if not more. It feels irresponsible to do nothing, but irresponsible to do what I think is right, as well.

[While there are too many little details he doesn't grasp to form an answer right away, he finds himself beginning to understand Ion's quandary.]

Compassion and a level head . . . [An ideal match, but a terrible combination should they clash.] Your fears unraveled before you.

Yes...that's exactly right. Because of that, I'm afraid I've been unfair to you. I've been trying to keep these things to myself, a cross that only I can bear, but I never should have approached it that way. We're partners, but from the moment we were given our rulebooks...maybe it was an unconscious decision, but I kept you at arm's length even as I proclaimed to defer to your care and guidance.

[His knuckles start to turn white--whiter against his pale skin.]

Despite my apprehensions, I do trust you. I want to do a better job of expressing it from now on, if you'll have me.

That's not for me to decide. [He smiles, and the contempt between the lines is directed at himself.] Even if it were, I have a history of making poor choices.

[His expression softens.]

You were simply being prudent. I don't understand why you'd trust me, but I now know your feelings on this matter to be sincere. [And should this by some chance be an act, then it's still what he deserves.] Part of the fault lies with me as well: I must have appeared conceited in my posturing. If I ever inconvenienced you, I'm sorry.

[After a moment, as he allows Sandalphon's words to sink in, he cautiously approaches and takes a seat beside him.]

I've never felt as if you were conceited, or an inconvenience. That, too, is the truth.

[Sandalphon's gaze flickers in Ion's direction before it falls to a spot on the floor. His tone is distant, pensive.]

I see. That's a relief.

[Silence lapses between them as he mulls over his answer.]

It's only fair that I answer your truth with one of my own. If there's anything you want to know, ask me.

Hmm...

[Ion takes his time to think over his question very carefully. This would be a great time to ask something like "what's your title" since he basically admitted what his own power was, but...that's not what he ultimately settles on. He folds his hands in his lap, his feet crossing from where they barely touch the floor.]

Do you have any hobbies?

[Blinking, he turns his head to study Ion. If it had been a question about his title or history, the answer would have been clinical. This, however . . . Sandalphon actually needs time to recall the happier days.]

It's been a while, but I enjoyed experimenting with coffee.

Really? Ah!

[He looks absolutely delighted, his whole face lighting up--the scar doesn't even take away from it.]

I'd love it if you could show me sometime! I don't know very much about coffee.

[The easy, pure excitement draws a small smile from Sandalphon.]

If you're interested later, I'll take you to the kitchen and show you the steps. I make a brew every day.

That would be great! I look forward to it!

[He will absolutely continue to be interested in it.]

There are a lot of different ways to brew coffee, aren't there?

[He nods.]

Even one method involves a number of variables that are adjustable. I've only started making coffee again recently, so don't expect too much.

It sounds like it's just as much a science as it is an art.

[He nods, a silent agreement to keep that fact in mind for when the time comes for him to see Sandalphon's coffee-making prowess firsthand.]

I think what matters the most when you're doing what you love is how much heart you put into it. I can already tell that it's something you're passionate about, so I'm sure anything you make will be wonderful.

[Passionate, huh.]

Hm . . . Have you ever drank coffee before?

[Gay.]

No...I haven't. Caffeine was discouraged from being a part of my diet.

[He looks a little more determined all of a sudden.]

But I'm sure it couldn't hurt to try your coffee! There's nobody here to say I shouldn't!

[This is it, the height of his rebellion to date.]

I don't meant to dissuade you from trying it. Only, the taste might be a little intense if you've never had it before.

[Correction: it tastes like mud water to an immature palate, and he knows it.]

[Don't underestimate his ability to find good things to say about basically anything. This includes mud water.]

That's alright. Everything anyone tries has to be a first experience at some point, right? Even if I don't like it right away, what's important is just that I took the chance and tried something new.

[That makes Ion that much more genuine than Sandalphon on his first attempt at ingesting that aromatic monstrosity.]

Then I hope you won't find it too strong for your taste.

[He pauses here, like a thought has occurred to him.]

Speaking of first experience, what are your favorite foods?

[This is the second time he's been asked this, so he doesn't have to think about it this time. Ion's answer comes quick enough.]

I like parfaits with lots of fruit!

[Sandalphon's brow furrows in confusion.]

Parfaits . . . ? I don't know what those are.

It's a dessert where custard and fruit is put into layers...it's really tasty! It's sweet, but refreshing. And if you use yogurt and granola, it can be a breakfast, too!

[I hate this.]

Maybe we can ask Sanji to make some!

Sounds excessive.

[That is a lot.]

But I wouldn't be opposed. There's great deal I've never tried before.

[Shut your mouth it's delicious.]

That's great! We'll try each other's favorite things!

[He really sounds the most like a child that he has since they met, honestly. But it's not just the idea of the food--he finally feels, for the first time, like they're really getting somewhere with one another. Maybe that's dangerous, in a game like this, but all he feels is joy.]

Heh . . . I look forward to it.

[Part of it is his going through the motions, saying what's polite and returning what's given to him in kind. Then there's the other, smaller part that thinks this could be something more meaningful—and dangerous. He'll have to be careful.]

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Week 1, Wednesday - Sandalphon

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