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[ Is it because Ori knows he's hopeless... His first and only date.

But the delight does ease him some, and he can't help the smile that tugs at his lips. He nods. ]

I did. I had a wonderful time.

[ It was a strange little bright spot in the aftermath of Eustace's incident. He huffs a breath, somewhere between a chuckle and a sigh. Unfortunately for him, Ori has seen him sigh in a similar manner before.

He spots the books he'd been minding earlier and scoops them up again into his arms. ]

She owed me a second, but it's all right. I just hope she's faring okay in the waking world. [ What he saw of her in Tifa's dream...does not get his hopes up, but that's a different topic. He tilts his head and gives Ori a pointed look. ] And I hope you have had a good birthday.

[ Deflecting. ]

Oh, well, it's certainly better now, with this present...

[ —But wait! He's deflecting! And she almost let him get away with it! To think of such a thing... especially when he Sighed that same kind of Sigh as before.

She regards him for another long, contemplative moment as he gathers his materials back up before she speaks up again. ]

... Hmm. I'm sorry that things didn't work out with Aerith. But... I'm really proud of you, you know. You're moving forward, step by step.

[ And she caught him. Of course she would. Trahearne presses his lips into a thin line in his pause, turning to pick up work where he left off, shelving the books in his pile.

His eyes drop when she apologizes. In all honesty, he didn't think things would work out at all. To the point that when she saw her name gone from the journal he thought to himself, "Of course." And it only cemented in his mind that relationship here is a bad idea, especially since he has nowhere else to go and others do.

But he isn't expecting Ori to say that. He glances at her quizzically. ]

...I don't think it's anything that warrants pride.

[ Her gaze only leaves him for but a moment so that she can extract the travel mug from this gift bag and inspect it. Otherwise, she is watching him do what he always does when faced with a problem: bury himself in books and work.

His quizzical glance meets a rather unimpressed expression on the tiefling. ]

Well, it's not up to you to decide what I think warrants pride, is it?

[ She's proud of him and he can't tell her not to be! ]

... Have you been spending all of your time here?

[ Trahearne only stares back at her unimpressed expression in turn. That's fair. It's still...odd to hear others express their pride for them, especially when he doesn't think he's done anything in particular.

He shrugs and returns to minding his books. He doesn't even look at her as he continues his work, even when she asks that question. Even when he immediately sniffs out the other meaning behind it. ]

I have. [ His tone is nonchalant, as though hoping she'll take his casual attitude at face value. ] There's a lot of work to do.

[ Work that he has created entirely for himself. ]

Huh...

[ She looks... Entirely unconvinced. Because she Knows...! ]

But it's all work that you created for yourself. Surely Reverein won't fall apart if you decide to stop organizing the Archives over and over for a break.

I'm worried about you, Trahearne.

[ Trahearne flinches when she says that, his hand momentarily pausing. What she says cuts deeper than she could ever know, one that tears at the seams of his very being. Maybe Reverein won't fall apart, but he might. If he cannot help like this, then what else is he supposed to do?

Without his work, he feels, he is nothing. ]

I assure you, there's nothing to worry about. [ Despite what's going on inside, he keeps a calm façade. He spares her a brief glance. ] Besides, I thought you're here to celebrate your birthday?

[ He'd much rather do that. ]

Well, no, technically I came here to drop some fruits off for you, remember?

[ With that, she carefully deposits the gift bag onto a nearby table along with the travel mug, for now, before she shuffles her pack over to her front and rummages through for some persimmons and elderberries— ]

Hold on. Do you have anything I can put these in...?

Edited (i am sent to dwrp jail for using the same icon twice) 2022-11-07 17:08 (UTC)

[ That is. Correct. But he would like to pretend this visit is about Ori and not about him.

Trahearne puts the last of the books away and watches her rummage around in her bag. Did she just...put stuff in her bag like that... To be fair, though. That's a really sylvari thing to do. ]

I think I might. [ He doesn't wait for a reply from Ori; he whirls on his heels back to his office, and emerges later with a small paper bag. It seems he keeps his take out food bags...

And he hands it to her. Go on, then. ]

[ Ori understands completely, because she is the same way...

She accepts the proffered takeout bag with a nod of thanks, and starts going about depositing the fruits and other foraged goodies within. ]

There! And next time I go, I'll drag you along with me for some fresh air, and then we'll stop at the winery on the way home to say hello to Diluc and relax with some drinks.

[ It is a Mandatory Sibling Date and he will not be able to escape. ]

[ As Ori fills the bag, Trahearne offers her a serene smile and a firm nod. ]

You know I wouldn't say no to that. I always like spending time with you, and seeing Diluc.

[ He is at least making an effort.

He neatly folds the top of the bag and places it on the table beside him. He pats the side, the nuts and fruit making little clacking noise as they bump against each other. ]

Thank you, Ori.

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