[Oh, now they're exchanging idea. Something warm swells in her heart when she sees the two of them talk, genuinely, that she hasn't felt... maybe ever. But there's a shred of jealousy, cut off from the easy way they can just talk. She can talk with Renoir, but it's not the same. And her attempts with Junpei are still clunky.
But she hides that with a roll of her eyes. Alicia gets up and leaves them for a moment, heading to the counter of the cafe to get some things from the bots working it. When she returns, she brings a pastry she knows Renoir likes, and an identical one for Junpei to try. She's only gotten herself a cool drink (this "iced coffee" thing is quite pleasant, especially when it's overwhelmed with sweet syrups), and she puts each of the offers in front of them before sitting down herself.]
Maybe in Alcyone's Wake? It's the one place we all enter and for a lot of us, the place we live. Could be something good for new arrivals -- just to gain a better understanding of the people here and the missions we've gone through?
[ Not that Junpei could put it together in any artistic way, but someone who has taken to being the curator of a place this big? Renoir definitely could! And Junpei could do the heavy lifting with guidance. He'd be happy to donate his time like that! Especially if it would make Alicia happy. And it seems like it is with the way she looks as she gets up. Junpei meets her gaze, watches her go to get them some of the pastries and when she returns, he smiles at her. ]
Thanks, Alicia.
[ Has he ever had this particular kind of treat before? Nah. But she picked it out for him, so he's sure he'll like it! His fingers twitch, wanting to touch her -- a light shoulder squeeze or affectionate touch on her hand in gratitude. He refrains, however. It probably wouldn't be a good idea in front of her father. So Junpei can lean into his Japanese origin for now and keep his respectful distance. ]
[Moments pass while he recollects the world. Painting a map inside his mind, he scrapes away where people live, demolishing homes and building places one can explore. There are not enough residents for these homes. The environment lacks depth.
He considers something while studying nothing. The way his daughter and her friend interact? Alicia is rushing into a relationship where everything seems pleasant - but what happens when some issue raises its head? He strokes his beard.]
It would afford the environment some depth. Some light among all the darkness, non?
[He offers polite gratitude for the delivered treat - thanking her without words - in the way she understands through their silent means of communication. In any case, he asks a simple question.]
[It's been so long since Alicia had a friend at all that she hasn't read much else into their dynamic, even if Renoir maybe has. But even before things fell apart, she'd always been a bit sheltered. Stuck in the shadow of everything else.
Oh! How they met. (He helped show me around after I arrived. We went to the Hanging Gardens. Did you know those are from Lumiére?) It's still strange to think about.
And then she inclines her head to Junpei.]
I told Papa about visiting the gardens, that first day.
[ Junpei watches the way Alicia and Renoir seem to communicate. A part of him wishes he could understand -- that he could have the type of understanding that came from either the familial bond or perhaps just the amount of time they had together. He turns to the pastry, leaning in to take a bite, mindful not to make a mess. Junpei's not nearly so careful when it's him and Alicia alone, but the father being here means he should be on his best behavior.
He reads Alicia's message as she informs him how she answered, and he sits upright -- nodding along to corroborate the story. ]
Yeah! Even though I live out that way, the gardens were a place I'd never seen before. So we were able to explore that together. I knew what it was like to get here, to not really know what's going on and to not have a friend. So I just wanted to help Alicia feel comfortable in this place, and in turn, she's helped me through a lot, too. It's been really nice getting to spend time around her.
[ Nice is an understatement. Junpei looks forward to spending time with Alicia above all other things. But he's worried he's already putting his foot in his mouth a little bit here when it comes to how he feels about her (and how that goes beyond a simple friendship) so he takes another bite of his pastry to give himself an excuse to stop talking. ]
[Renoir takes his cup of expresso and positions the porcelain before him on the table. Then he claims his almond croissant and tears it into segments. Junpei expects him to demand grace and manners - but he takes one piece of his pastry and dips it in his coffee.
Lumiere evokes both beautiful and bittersweet memories.
A brief wistful look of nostalgia crosses his face, blending imperfectly with the pain of being forced to abandon their home.]
Good.
[Is it good this stranger is interested in his daughter? Perhaps. In some ways. But in others it cannot be good at all.]
[It always gets to her when Junpei lays on the praise, or the sentimental softness he has for her. Maybe it's just because it's been so long since someone cared that much. Beyond Renoir, of course, but even Verso... even Verso is distracted. And Renoir is, at times, distracted.
She flushes just a little bit and glances away, and then elbows him slightly. Stop, he's being too sweet. And too formal, maybe, since Renoir seems more relaxed now. In fact, he almost seems like he's in a good mood.
Almost. She feels the pain he's hiding, the reminder of their old home. She doesn't want to tell him that she's run into Maelle there, too. That she doesn't go there nearly as much anymore. She hasn't told Junpei that yet, either. Someday.
So she looks for a topic to switch to. (Junpei is good with all the strange technology here. I think it is closer to his world.) She beams, and then looks over to Junpei.] You help me with the devices and technology here. Maybe you can help Papa, if he has problems.
[ Junpei smiles and nods along with Renoir's statement about life's value. In sentiment, he agrees. In truth, Junpei's struggled to find any sort of value in his own life. It's been a question plaguing him ever since their return from Mesa -- what made his own life hold greater value than the natives of Mesa? Why did they have to die so he could live? But maybe it's not a question he'll be able to answer -- not without the wisdom that comes with age.
He's distracted from his thoughts when Alicia's text comes through. Ah! Right! Technology. ]
Oh yeah! It was 2009 in my world at the time I got here. Some of this stuff's a little advanced even for me -- but I've been able to figure it out. In my world, things like these ear pieces were pretty much the stuff of dreams. It's so cool how it lets us all understand each other.
[ He looks between both of them, then settles his gaze on Alicia. ]
But I'd be happy to try and learn some of your native language sometime? Just in case the ear pieces stop working or something.
[ Junpei might hate studying, but when he has incentive to do so -- he's more than willing to put in the effort. ]
[The stuff of dreams. The hope of a simple life; a family life. Both have long become the same. Gifts from a woman who imagined himself her husband. Now he strives for those times when life was good and simple.
Strived. Because his son destroyed his family and ensured those days would never return.]
I am not the best choice when it comes to linguistic education, monsieur.
[He looks between his daughter and her friend. He thinks of the other young gentleman he befriended, and how such relationships prove beneficial.]
But if Alicia wishes it I could offer a passable attempt. I suppose.
[2009... hard to contemplate, when their world is running down from 100. What is time like, outside the Canvas? She wonders if Verso knows.
Oh. Their native language. It's a nice thought, though she's not sure it'd help her much. Then again, if she can't understand anyone, communication will be even harder. So she gives a shrug, but her expression seems thoughtful. Sure, why not? Though...
(Papa. Do you know what they call our language?) In their cramped world, there'd never been a need to name it. She wouldn't even know where to start.]
[ Junpei lets out a little laugh, waving his hand. ]
I'm sure you'd do great, sir! It doesn't have to be any kind of formal lesson anyway. I'm not the best when it comes to something rigid like school. But learning something useful and for the fun of it? I think I can totally do that!
[ At the very least, he'd put in a larger effort than he did in the school setting. Both to hopefully get Renoir's respect and also to impress Alicia when they could take off the ear piece and he could still talk to her. Of course, it won't be perfect.
But it doesn't have to be. He just has to be understandable. ]
[Renoir thinks about both questions. One is directed towards his opinion; the other towards nothing and nobody. What their language is called does cross his mind but his daughter will hear his answer.
[I never thought about that. The language of love? I suppose.]
Truly? Learning a language at any age requires dedication. I can see you possess enthusiasm but do you understand hard work?
[Alicia makes a small wheezing sound, a slight huff of laughter and annoyance at her father's insight. (That's not how they would label it in the library!)
And she rolls her eye when Renoir questions his dedication. They've seen their share of dedication to death, isn't it nice to see someone doing something for fun?]I'll find some books in our language to show you. And perhaps you can help teach me your language, as well.
[ Now that's a question. Junpei's not sure how to answer it. There's studying, which is grueling and hard and drives him crazy with how boring it is. But then there's a different sort of hard work. The Tartarus kind of hard work that demanded so much of you physically. ]
I guess it depends on what you mean.
[ He settles on, rubbing the back of his neck absently. ]
I had to do a lot of fighting back home while still studying for school and trying to keep my grades up.
[ Trying. Junpei wasn't very successful at it. But he did make a middling attempt to study as exams drew near. So to that end, he understood working hard! It's just....sometimes that hard work didn't pay off. At Alicia's suggestion, Junpei smiles. ]
I'd love to teach you some Japanese! We could do it pretty easily with some manga. It's, um...it's both art and story. They got them for all different types of genres, so I'm sure we could find one you'd like. I think that'd be a fun way to learn.
I am curious whether you are willing to make unpopular decisions. I suppose.
[Renoir scrutinises Junpei with the kind of gaze that cuts through a man; the kind of gaze an artist affords a certain subject. What does he mean? Choices that are difficult, where either outcome means somebody will hate you. He chose being despised because it meant doing the right thing. You never abandon your family and allow them to die.]
There are occasions in our lives where we must prioritise one obligation over another. [One person over another.] But I see Alicia tires of this subject. You speak of graphical writing, then?
[What kind of life follows a child to the point fighting becomes a necessity? Not to mention the question of who or what this boy is fighting for.]
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no subject
But she hides that with a roll of her eyes. Alicia gets up and leaves them for a moment, heading to the counter of the cafe to get some things from the bots working it. When she returns, she brings a pastry she knows Renoir likes, and an identical one for Junpei to try. She's only gotten herself a cool drink (this "iced coffee" thing is quite pleasant, especially when it's overwhelmed with sweet syrups), and she puts each of the offers in front of them before sitting down herself.]
no subject
[ Not that Junpei could put it together in any artistic way, but someone who has taken to being the curator of a place this big? Renoir definitely could! And Junpei could do the heavy lifting with guidance. He'd be happy to donate his time like that! Especially if it would make Alicia happy. And it seems like it is with the way she looks as she gets up. Junpei meets her gaze, watches her go to get them some of the pastries and when she returns, he smiles at her. ]
Thanks, Alicia.
[ Has he ever had this particular kind of treat before? Nah. But she picked it out for him, so he's sure he'll like it! His fingers twitch, wanting to touch her -- a light shoulder squeeze or affectionate touch on her hand in gratitude. He refrains, however. It probably wouldn't be a good idea in front of her father. So Junpei can lean into his Japanese origin for now and keep his respectful distance. ]
no subject
He considers something while studying nothing. The way his daughter and her friend interact? Alicia is rushing into a relationship where everything seems pleasant - but what happens when some issue raises its head? He strokes his beard.]
It would afford the environment some depth. Some light among all the darkness, non?
[He offers polite gratitude for the delivered treat - thanking her without words - in the way she understands through their silent means of communication. In any case, he asks a simple question.]
So how did you two meet?
no subject
Oh! How they met. (He helped show me around after I arrived. We went to the Hanging Gardens. Did you know those are from Lumiére?) It's still strange to think about.
And then she inclines her head to Junpei.]
I told Papa about visiting the gardens, that first day.
no subject
He reads Alicia's message as she informs him how she answered, and he sits upright -- nodding along to corroborate the story. ]
Yeah! Even though I live out that way, the gardens were a place I'd never seen before. So we were able to explore that together. I knew what it was like to get here, to not really know what's going on and to not have a friend. So I just wanted to help Alicia feel comfortable in this place, and in turn, she's helped me through a lot, too. It's been really nice getting to spend time around her.
[ Nice is an understatement. Junpei looks forward to spending time with Alicia above all other things. But he's worried he's already putting his foot in his mouth a little bit here when it comes to how he feels about her (and how that goes beyond a simple friendship) so he takes another bite of his pastry to give himself an excuse to stop talking. ]
no subject
Lumiere evokes both beautiful and bittersweet memories.
A brief wistful look of nostalgia crosses his face, blending imperfectly with the pain of being forced to abandon their home.]
Good.
[Is it good this stranger is interested in his daughter? Perhaps. In some ways. But in others it cannot be good at all.]
Life is too valuable to waste on being miserable.
[Looking at you, Verso.]
no subject
She flushes just a little bit and glances away, and then elbows him slightly. Stop, he's being too sweet. And too formal, maybe, since Renoir seems more relaxed now. In fact, he almost seems like he's in a good mood.
Almost. She feels the pain he's hiding, the reminder of their old home. She doesn't want to tell him that she's run into Maelle there, too. That she doesn't go there nearly as much anymore. She hasn't told Junpei that yet, either. Someday.
So she looks for a topic to switch to. (Junpei is good with all the strange technology here. I think it is closer to his world.) She beams, and then looks over to Junpei.] You help me with the devices and technology here. Maybe you can help Papa, if he has problems.
no subject
He's distracted from his thoughts when Alicia's text comes through. Ah! Right! Technology. ]
Oh yeah! It was 2009 in my world at the time I got here. Some of this stuff's a little advanced even for me -- but I've been able to figure it out. In my world, things like these ear pieces were pretty much the stuff of dreams. It's so cool how it lets us all understand each other.
[ He looks between both of them, then settles his gaze on Alicia. ]
But I'd be happy to try and learn some of your native language sometime? Just in case the ear pieces stop working or something.
[ Junpei might hate studying, but when he has incentive to do so -- he's more than willing to put in the effort. ]
no subject
Strived. Because his son destroyed his family and ensured those days would never return.]
I am not the best choice when it comes to linguistic education, monsieur.
[He looks between his daughter and her friend. He thinks of the other young gentleman he befriended, and how such relationships prove beneficial.]
But if Alicia wishes it I could offer a passable attempt. I suppose.
no subject
Oh. Their native language. It's a nice thought, though she's not sure it'd help her much. Then again, if she can't understand anyone, communication will be even harder. So she gives a shrug, but her expression seems thoughtful. Sure, why not? Though...
(Papa. Do you know what they call our language?) In their cramped world, there'd never been a need to name it. She wouldn't even know where to start.]
no subject
I'm sure you'd do great, sir! It doesn't have to be any kind of formal lesson anyway. I'm not the best when it comes to something rigid like school. But learning something useful and for the fun of it? I think I can totally do that!
[ At the very least, he'd put in a larger effort than he did in the school setting. Both to hopefully get Renoir's respect and also to impress Alicia when they could take off the ear piece and he could still talk to her. Of course, it won't be perfect.
But it doesn't have to be. He just has to be understandable. ]
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[I never thought about that. The language of love? I suppose.]
Truly? Learning a language at any age requires dedication. I can see you possess enthusiasm but do you understand hard work?
no subject
And she rolls her eye when Renoir questions his dedication. They've seen their share of dedication to death, isn't it nice to see someone doing something for fun?]I'll find some books in our language to show you. And perhaps you can help teach me your language, as well.
no subject
I guess it depends on what you mean.
[ He settles on, rubbing the back of his neck absently. ]
I had to do a lot of fighting back home while still studying for school and trying to keep my grades up.
[ Trying. Junpei wasn't very successful at it. But he did make a middling attempt to study as exams drew near. So to that end, he understood working hard! It's just....sometimes that hard work didn't pay off. At Alicia's suggestion, Junpei smiles. ]
I'd love to teach you some Japanese! We could do it pretty easily with some manga. It's, um...it's both art and story. They got them for all different types of genres, so I'm sure we could find one you'd like. I think that'd be a fun way to learn.
no subject
[Renoir scrutinises Junpei with the kind of gaze that cuts through a man; the kind of gaze an artist affords a certain subject. What does he mean? Choices that are difficult, where either outcome means somebody will hate you. He chose being despised because it meant doing the right thing. You never abandon your family and allow them to die.]
There are occasions in our lives where we must prioritise one obligation over another. [One person over another.] But I see Alicia tires of this subject. You speak of graphical writing, then?
[What kind of life follows a child to the point fighting becomes a necessity? Not to mention the question of who or what this boy is fighting for.]