Week 1, Wednesday - Sandalphon

[fragileprophet]

[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!

Comments

[melancoffeea]

[Sandalphon swallows. That changes things.]

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

[fragileprophet]

[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.

[melancoffeea]

[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.

[fragileprophet]

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.

[melancoffeea]

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.

[fragileprophet]

[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.

[melancoffeea]

[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.

[fragileprophet]

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?

[melancoffeea]

[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.

[fragileprophet]

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.

[melancoffeea]

[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.

[fragileprophet]

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?

[melancoffeea]

[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.

[fragileprophet]

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.

[melancoffeea]

[Passionate, huh.]

Hm . . . Have you ever drank coffee before?

[fragileprophet]

[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.]

[melancoffeea]

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.]

[fragileprophet]

[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.

[melancoffeea]

[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?

[fragileprophet]

[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!

[melancoffeea]

[Sandalphon's brow furrows in confusion.]

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

[fragileprophet]

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!

[melancoffeea]

Sounds excessive.

[That is a lot.]

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

[fragileprophet]

[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.]

[melancoffeea]

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.]