reach the residents

[ximilian]

● ● ● REACH THE RESIDENTS

For any questions you want to ask Viveca or Degar and receive an IC response, please direct them here. Please indicate in the subject line who you are trying to contact.

// VIVECA

Hi, what can I help you with?

// DEGAR

Today was gonna be the day, but they'll never throw it back to you. And by now, you should've somehow realized what you're not to do.

▶ NAV

Comments

[vivecai]

And you must be aware that I don't deal well with people questioning the integrity of those I care about.

[ it's as much of an apology as she's going to give — but, with the way she gives him a wry smile, it is undeniably one. one constant in her life, since coming to the station and meeting degar, has been that he will be the last person to defend himself... and so that has been her task, self-appointed, but one she's held to since she first realised his true worth, started considering him a friend instead of a nuisance.

(she does not speak it, but it might not surprise itachi that once upon a time, her view of their now-commander had not much differed from his.)

through his speech, she keeps the sympathy out of her eyes; he doesn't speak in search of it, and she won't offer it out of turn. it isn't for her, to feel one way or another about it all — what matters is that he is learning, slowly, slowly. ]

Thank you, [ she says instead. ] Trust me, we don't intend to have a repeat of what happened back then. I don't know how much your help, or the help of anyone, is going to do... but if it does even a little, then it'll be worth it.

[blackfire]

You are... enthusiastic.

（ how he manages to pack so much fond amusement into three little words is beyond anyone — even himself, perhaps. as with her statement not being apology, his is not forgiveness, but understanding. one of the things he likes about her is that she will defend those she cares for so fiercely. the will of fire is not unique to konoha, after all. ）

Then, all I ask is that you remember the offer stands.

（ he gestures to the board. ）

Now, if we may continue?

[vivecai]

[ she huffs a laugh; enthusiastic sure is a word for it. his kindness in putting it like that makes her eyes sparkle. ]

I will. I promise.

[ it's said with a smile, but no less sincere for it.

and then, ] You were the one who made us pause! Honestly. [ with a laughing tone, she turns her attention back to the board. ]

[blackfire]

（ her smile draws a rare one to his own expression, quite unbidden. he's clearly out of practice as far as the genuine articles go, but nevertheless. ）

I'll try to refrain from such interruptions in the future, then.

（ jokes... smiles... who even is this man. ）