closed💠let's talk, let's talk

[exarched]

Who: G'raha, Alphinaud, & Alisaie
Where: Their motel room
When: Late June
What: The Talk but it's only awkward for G'raha

Warnings: None, but will update if necessary

[ The walk up the flimsy fight of stairs to the second floor has become routine now. It's a far cry from the finely cut marble of Sharlayan's square or the winding stairs of the Crystarium, but something in his subconscious is already connecting the route with "home". Or, home base, rather, as he knows they are very far from what they ought to be calling home.

Still, everyone needs a small refuge and it is small by many standards. The strange plastic floor is cracked in several places, the blinds don't close down all the way, and sometimes there is a weird smell that comes out of the vents. But it has two beds, a kitchenette, and a bathroom, which is more than enough for three adventurers. G'raha does wish he could be doing a better job of providing for them, being their elder in a literal sense, even if he knows neither of the Leveilleurs would expect it of him.

What they do probably expect, or at least want, is transparency. Something he has...not been great at thus far, even if it was for their benefit (at least in his mind). But after running into Emet-Selch so easily outside of the city, he's come to realize that an eventual meeting is inevitable, no matter how much he would like to protect them from it. Whether or not they need it is something else entirely.

That is why he stands in front of the door to their room, holding a few bags that are stained with grease on the bottom but smell heavily of something deliciously fried. A peace offering? In part. He has yet to attempt to really cook for them and that is, mayhaps, for the best. Especially for the subject he is about to broach.

Taking in a deep breath, G'raha finagles the key in the old lock and pushes the door open. ]

I'm back! With dinner as promised.

[ An unnecessary announcement given that the front door is visible from basically everywhere. ]

Comments

[argumentiste]

[ G'raha is correct in thinking that they certainly don't need protecting. This entire experience withstanding, the most recent years of their short lives (particularly by Elezen standards) has seen far more than any teens their age should have to endure or experience. They've both handled it well all things considered, thanks in part to the mentors and friends that have seen fit to look after them along the way and as a result they've matured far beyond their years.

But there are still habits between the pair of them that are so incredibly telling of their age. Case in point, their incredibly limited cooking abilities and metabolisms that simply won't quit (which, if the grease-stained bag is any indication is probably a good thing). Thankfully G'raha is there for them ensuring they remember to eat and vice versa.

Alisaie glances up from the book (a cookbook!) from her place on their bed where her legs are currently splayed across her brother's lap. A bright, upside down smile is what greets him. ]

And not a moment sooner! Alphinaud wouldn't stop complaining about how hungry he was.

[ It can be heavily implied that she would have done something had he not stopped. (But it can also be implied that Alisaie is the one who's probably been more vocal about her hunger.) ]

[diplomatiste]

I — what? That's not true, I promise.

[ Alphinaud gives a start from his position on the bed, beneath Alisaie's legs and her unnecessary teasing airs. He lifts his hands up in protest, shaking his head. ]

I merely mentioned that you'd been away for some time, and we weren't sure whether you were held up, or needed assistance, or whether we ought to —

[ He could go on, really.

But he catches himself and clears his throat, pushing his sister's legs off of him so he could get up from the bed and assist the Exarch. Though, perhaps, it might also be in part to get to the food quickly because he couldn't bear to give away how famished he is by the grumbling of his stomach. ]

Anyhow! It does smell good.

[exarched]

[ Oh yes, certainly it was Alphinaud. Their light, familiar banter is enough to ease his nerves a bit. G'raha allows the door to fall shut behind him, making sure to press the bottom with the back of his foot to make sure that it is well and truly closed. ]

You have my sincerest apologies for keeping you waiting, then, Master Alphinaud.

[ There's a small glint in his eyes that is shared with Alisaie before he allows Alphinaud to take one of the bags. A short pause only to slide the chain lock into its slot. ]

I hope that the spoils will make up for my leisurely pace. Apparently chicken here comes in "buckets"?

[ The bag that Alphinaud took does contain one said bucket of a variety of friend pieces--wings, thighs, strips--anything that will fit. G'raha sets his own bag down on the small, wobbly table that came with the room. There may only be two chairs, but if its pulled towards one of the beds, it works just fine. He figures Alisaie will make quick work of unloading that bag full of sides and condiments so that G'raha can grab a few plates and utensils.

Did he spend more money than he should have on this? Yes, probably. Is it trying to buy a bit of good will for the topic he is going to broach? Yes, yes it is. Will it work? Uncertain. ]