jikan_rpg | [catch-all] I hear the words but the meaning gets lost

[hunger hits Fanerel like a ton of bricks, sudden enough to make her stumble forward on her path home. it's strange, she thinks - she'd eaten recently, so it shouldn't be like this...

well, as long as she hurries, she can make something quick in the dorm kitchens and it'll be fine. unfortunately for her, despite her normally solid sense of balance, she's stumbling like a drunkard, and it's only getting worse the further she goes. fortunately, she's not too far from the dorms, but maybe someone will spot the violet-haired woman along the way and provide a little help.]

[ Fanerel is hard to miss with her particular shade of hair alone. That she's stumbling like a drunkard -- and right by Prim, who is presently very carefully examining some sort of giant slug and its slime trail -- is enough to see the Kitsune doubletake, some of the slime she'd been presently collecting sliding out of the bottle she'd been using for the task.

It seems out of character somehow... unless Law finally pushed Fanerel to drink?

...

That seems unlikely. ]

Fanerel?

[the familiar voice is enough to catch her attention, and Fanerel is quick to turn her gaze the kitsune's way. ah... that's a little embarrassing.]

... Prim. [upside: her expression is alert and her voice isn't the least bit slurred. downside: her arm is sort of absently over her belly, and... well, before she can speak again, her stomach gives a remarkably audible growl. a h.] Sorry-- can we talk inside? I'm starving.

[this is... embarrassing. Fan knows herself better than this, so how did it get this bad?]

[ Prim's eyes drop from Fan's face to her stomach and slide slowly to the bottle of slime she almost mechanically tilts up after a moment of consideration. Something is going on here, something that might not be so easy to uncover at a later date unlike this particular ingredient she's been about collecting. ]

Certainly.

[ She straightens, caps the bottle, and moves to approach Fan, leaning slightly forward with her arms behind her back. ]

Are you certain you can make it?

[it starts out slowly, with the strangest little impulses. the hunger is still there, but she's more able to deal with it now. instead, today is a day where she's compelled to wander outside, her usual routine of punching things until she feels better set aside for the more... curious ones of peoplewatching and climbing trees.

indeed, one can find her stalking in the shadows from time to time. more often, they'll catch her scaling trees or staring intently at objects left unattended on tables, reaching out to very, very slowly knock them over?!?!?]

[late in the week, a strange pattern can be observed indeed. it seems, according to rumour, that someone is spending their time perching in various broad-limbed trees. no one is really sure if it's someone intending to cause mischief or what, but a lot of people just seem not to want to get near the person.

actually, that may have more to do with the deeply unnerving growling they've reported upon approaching the individual.

in any case, on numerous occasions, one can find Fanerel - indeed, she's taken to climbing into lush, thick-branched trees and curling up on the branches, leaving a long tail of purple hair hanging down to signify her location while she takes... well. a catnap or two. dare you interrupt her?]

[it's been... quiet. comfortable. people have been out living their lives, and so Fanerel had settled on the couch in the commons to just... relax, for once. she's still hungry, but ignoring it now in preference of just... lying on her stomach, feet swinging behind her as she reads through some novel or another.

eventually, when she's grown tired of that, she just kind of... flicks the book lazily across the table, rolling almost all the way off of the couch and stretching languidly, exhaling the most damning, catlike noise she has in a while. it seems she's absolutely forgotten that anyone could walk in at any time...]

[ As it stood, he still didn't know much about the others who lived here in this place besides Dohalim and Prim but it didn't mean he had a lack of wanting to. Allen tended to keep to himself mostly, collecting food for their kitchen and his horribly voracious appetite.

Which reminded him he should probably eat something.

Heading out into the commons area from his room, he blinked a couple times while watching the woman on the couch stretching and making a very... feline-esque noise. ]

Ah... i'm sorry. I'm not bothering you, am I?

[ Okay so he tended to just be polite when it came to women, but this was also his way of letting her know he was here so she wouldn't be too startled. ]

[eyes closed, thoughts wandering, she hadn't noticed anyone nearby, let alone someone coming into the common room. as a result... well, he speaks and her gaze snaps to him, red eyes catching on the unfamiliar form.

... in so doing, her attention drifts enough that she... crumples, legs slipping on the couch. by some miracle, she doesn't smack her head on the floor, and she's quick to shift so she's not on her back there.]

... I'm fine. I didn't realise anyone was here.

[it's hard to say if she sounds angry or wary. maybe both, by her narrowed gaze. that gaze remains on him as she climbs to her feet, remarkably quickly.]

Who are you?

[ He didn't think what she was doing was entirely too overly strange or anything, at least. Though admittedly slightly worried for a second that she may hit her head when her legs had slipped on the couch like that, though he didn't quite voice that.

A smile is easy to fall across his lips in an instant, despite that this woman definitely seemed to give off a very intimidating aura as she got to her feet. ]

I'm Allen Walker. A friend of Dohalim's and one of the others living here, but I hadn't gotten around to introduce myself to everyone yet.

[ That had him laughing softly, scratching at the back of his neck for a second. Maybe he felt just a bit guilty for not getting to know everyone before he'd moved in here with them all. ]

Sorry about that.

[still staring at him, Fan pursed her lips in consideration. he was... mm. everyone here was kind of frustratingly kind, weren't they? and then there was her, and if she hadn't met with Dohalim at just the right time...

well. that doesn't matter.]

Allen. That's fine, I don't really care. [blunt, dismissive. she even waves a hand, head shaking.]

Fanerel Zesmir, Fan's fine if that's easier. And you don't have to apologise. I should have looked around before settling in.

[it's hard to say if she's annoyed or just aggressive and unsure how to respond to him. both, maybe. truthfully, she's mostly annoyed at whatever is making her still act like a cat.]

[ If her attitude at all bothered him, none of it showed on his face whatsoever. He'd dealt with worse, and also was sure that there was a reason for her to be this way so he felt he'd just tackle the situation the same way he typically would with anyone else. ]

It's nice to still meet you all the same, Fan.

[ This was just how he was honestly. When he dealt with people like Kanda Yuu? One became accustomed to just rolling with the punches, so to speak. ]

Ah, I was heading the kitchen to make food if you did feel inclined to join me?

[ The lovely rumble of his stomach oh-so-discreetly told him he still needed to eat so that was a thing. He'd have felt rude if he didn't offer to her, incase she happened to be hungry too. ]

... if you say so.

[brusque thought it is, Fan's more or less given up on trying to convince people directly that she's bad to be around. And right now...

Right now, the idea of food is an allure she can't ignore.]

Sure, I can join you. I've been starving for days anyway.

[Sighing, she stretches lazily once more before shifting to head toward the kitchen.]

[ It's a good thing she hadn't tried to insist that she was bad to be around, as he would have said something about it otherwise. He didn't have to be around people long to get a good feel about them, thankfully. ]

Then it's a good thing that I usually make a lot of food. Maybe it'll help with that a little.

[ Okay it was just his awful appetite rearing it's head as usual but this time he could make enough that she could benefit from this.

He's definitely heading to the kitchen now as well, humming softly as he got there and already working to get things ready for cooking. It's definitely going to be... well... a lot. ]

Have you been here in Nippon a while, Fan?

I-- hope so.

[doubt it, she doesn't say. it's as unimportant, she thinks, as getting him to agree that she's not worth being around. she knows it, and that's enough for her.

stalking along behind him is easy, and she's honestly glad Allen doesn't have too many obvious dangling or shiny things on his person. it makes the walk a lot less distracting.]

hmm... not long. a month or so, I think. what about you?

[ Nobody can say he wasn't a gentleman at least. Even if he's really not used to a woman showing as much skin as she was, it hadn't changed how he treated her. That could be attributed to his otherwise polite nature, however.

All that he was even dressed in today was a simplistic dress shirt, belt, pants and the hair tie that kept his hair from getting in his face. Shoes weren't needed when walking around where you lived, so he was keeping things simple. At some point he'd wear more of the japanese-style clothes he'd started getting for himself, as to not wear the same thing too often. ]

About the same, actually. I'm still adjusting to how things work here, but that might take a while.

[ Which was honestly an understatement, having been through things in this past month that he'd never had to deal with. Though he tried not to think about that, rolling up his sleeves and humming as he figured out a good couple of japanese dishes he could make for the two of them.

Sure he wasn't a five star chef or anything but he knew anything he made had always turned out good and he was fine with that. ]

Mostly certain aspects of it, but everything else? I really do like the culture here as it's nothing I really got to experience back home.

[it's been some time since she'd spoken to her dormmates, by now - safe to say Fanerel has been largely avoiding them, not wanting to really... talk about the last month. the actions she'd taken weigh heavy on her mind, but being out here helps considerably.

the day is quite pleasant, warm sun baking her skin and a gentle breeze flickering across her face serving as reassurance and comfort. she's settled in the courtyard area of the dorms, at a table set up or dragged to the grass and with a tipped over chair next to it.

speaking of surroundings, actually, it's... a little odd. there seem to be a couple of cups hanging out on the ground, and little shreds of paper and shiny string or plastic have been strewn about the table she's at. for her part, Fanerel is dressed as always, loose pants taking up a good portion of the table where her legs are hooked over the side of it, allowing the woman to perch with her torso upturned, hair pooled on the ground as she toys with some shiny object. if it looks like her shirt might slip up over her chest, she doesn't seem to notice or care - in fact, despite the normal alertness she operates with, she doesn't seem to notice anyone nearby at all. curiously, her sword also appears to be missing.

granted, there's not anyone particularly nearby - not when she'd started, and not before she escapes to another place with a little more solitude. for now, she's happy to just... not think about it, humming softly as she flicks her little shiny scrap over her fingers, twisting and twirling it incessantly.]

[honestly, with even his own hang ups, the fact that Dohalim was able to talk them out had helped immensely, as well as the offered (in person) apologies to those who warranted it. he... sort of carried himself in a lighter way, now, and while his transgressions still did weigh on him, the realisation that he needn't bear it all alone is a comfort he'd be seeking solace in for a time.

now, one of the last matters of business tied to the whole situation last month is the fact that he hadn't seen Fanerel since the fight. and he just simply couldn't let it go until, at least, apologised to her. so when he finds her in the courtyard, he's pleased as punch that he didn't have to keep searching for her.

however. seeing the mess around her and the fact that she's currently on top of the table with not a care in the world is... grounds for a little bit of concern]

...Fanerel?

[ignoring her own life, her transgressions and the things that weigh on her is just Fanerel's way of being. Burdening someone else with it... well. it's a tall order, to say the least.

and frankly it's a surprise, how much of a relief it is to hear the familiar voice. her gaze turns to Dohalim and she can feel the want to smile a little. suppressing it, she flicks the shiny object between her fingers, unhooking one leg and swinging it over her torso, remarkably graceful in her movements. flipping herself over is a quick, effortless motion, and she sweeps a lock of hair back over her shoulder when she's upright.]

Dohalim. Did you need something?

[... oh. it occurs to her that he usually wears so many shiny things... well, she'll cross that bridge when she comes to it, probably sooner than later. for now, she's making her way over to him, leaning forward a little more than she had in previous walks.]

[while he's not wearing his regalia, Dohalim does still have some of his embellishments donned, namely his jewellery. he would hate to lose those.

but yes, it seems that ground for concern is definitely justified; Fanerel seems so different from the last time he saw her. which may be a good thing as he does need to talk to her.

he hadn't seen her after that fight, after all, and he does need to apologise. however, Fanerel's wellbeing takes precedence over that, in this particular moment. once she's close enough, he reaches up to gently place a hand on her shoulder]

I do, but... Are you alright?

Mmm.

[it's not much of a promising reaction at first, the lacing of her hands behind her back doubtlessly intentional. sometimes it's harder than others to behave, to keep her hands to herself, and Dohalim wears too many embellishments. her own barely escape her absent attention as it is! but she's definitely determined to keep her hands to herself.

... he, on the other hand, doesn't seem quite so keen. likely, he'll feel it when a hand graces her shoulder, the flex of tendons beneath skin in preparation to reach, to grab. it's an effort not to, but she makes it.]

I'm fine. Well, for the most part. I can't seem to eat enough to satisfy me, and there are some... strange compulsions I've been dealing with. Not the worst compulsions I've dealt with, but...

[shrugging, she leans back a little, breaking out of his reach gently enough. it's hard to say if she dislikes it, though - Fanerel pivots to stand more or less next to him, no further than she was before.]

What is it? Or should we head back first?

[her fingers squirm behind her back as the urge to bat at an earring rises, and she forces her gaze away from it and to his face.]

[he does feel those slight tensions and flexes under his hand, which only just makes him concerned over her health. it's hard not to pick up on the fact that she's acting a lot differently than the last time he saw her, but then again, that circumstance was a lot different]

Hm, perhaps we should go back home first. It seems you may be unwell.

[he lets his hand drop as she steps back; he doesn't reach up to touch her again, wanting to respect her space]

Come. I've secured a new home and I was just looking for you to invite you over. If you would not mind, that is.

[alas, that part is just... her. every circumstance thus far has been some amalgam of her not acting like herself, but this one? he'll get used to that feeling, probably.]

I- [she exhales a huff, running fingers through her hair and glancing down the nearby path.] Yeah, something like that. I should make something to eat, anyway.

[when he brings up a new home, Fan's gaze slips back to Dohalim as if scrutinising his intentions, but she shrugs a shoulder eventually.]

Sure, so long as you don't expect much. A place is just a place, after all. Decided you were tired of the cramped quarters?

I suppose you could say that. I mostly wanted a place to call home, if I am honest.

[and a place where he can share with his friends. still communal, of sorts, but more personal]

If anything, it provides a more private living area. Something I hope you would appreciate. It is rather roomy, after all.

[is that a hint than anything? maybe. please live with him he likes his new friends here and he wants to make it up to you guyssss]

A place to call home...

[The idea feels ludicrous to her, after all this time. Being an orphan and then an adventurer sort of took its toll on her thoughts.]

... you're serious. [She seems a little surprised, even as she saunters over to him to just kind of... stare. Often at his jewelry.] I'll... think about it. I'll want to see the place first anyway.

If I was not serious, I would not have offered.

[he notices those glances at his jewellery, but he won't make any comments on it, for now. instead, he'll side step Fan]

It is a small train ride from here, so I hope you do not mind. But the house is already set up nicely and ready to be lived in.

It's really not necessary. I'm fully capable of living on my own, you know.

[if she had a tail, it would be swishing. she doesn't know why that thought comes to her, but she hates it. he mentions the train, and her nose wrinkles slightly.]

I can survive it, but they aren't my favourite. [they sure are just leaving her mess behind for someone else to take care of, aren't they. she doesn't even remember having done it at this point, too busy ignoring her own thoughts.]

... I really wouldn't know the difference, though. I haven't lived in a proper house since I was-- young. Anyway, lead the way.

[the pause is notable, her fingers running over the tattoo on one arm absently.]

[shhh the mess is fine, don't worry about it. ignorance is bliss... though Dohalim does feel bad for leaving it behind for the next poor soul to deal with. oh well, he has other things to worry about. like why Fan's acting so... aloof]

I am not trying to downplay your capabilities of living alone. Forgive me if it seems that way.

[a hand comes up to his chin, letting it rest in between his fingers]

It... Is more of an offering. An apology, for how I acted, last month.

[She's being perfectly normal, ok!! ironically, the instinct to lean on him alone is the rarity here... not that he knows that.]

... mm. I feel like I already told you I don't do apologies. [The scolding is practically a tease, and she stretches broadly while he speaks.]

It don't be stupid. If you'll recall, I nearly made mistakes of my own. [like strangling him. or slowly draining all his lifeforce...] If you really want to make it up to me, you can feed me. I'm starving.

[a beat, followed by the shake of her head.]

I've been ravenous for days, actually. It's getting irritating.

[oh yeah, normal. Dohalim hums to himself softly, hand sliding from his chin to rest on his shoulder. at least he doesn't know about her near murderous intent, so there's that...]

Perhaps so, but this time, it warrants an apology. I had acted in a way I should not have.

[then decided to deal with it in such a poor way that he's still ashamed of it. he really could be a mess, sometimes]

I should have something in the house, but if you would like anything on the way, we could get something on the go. My treat.

OPEN	CLOSED
■ And I swear I will pay for this craving never again ■ Watch me become just an animal ■ No ties are binding me ■ She's habitually paradoxical	■ Never mind the hurt, even if you burn [Dohalim]

[catch-all] I hear the words but the meaning gets lost

And I swear I will pay for this craving never again [open; dorms]

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Watch me become just an animal [open; around the dorms]

No ties are binding me [open; western kingdom in general]

She's habitually paradoxical [semi-open; inside rpghouse dorm commons]

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Never mind the hurt, even if you burn [closed to dohalim]

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