[He’s started to feel a tension in his stomach whenever someone approaches him unexpectedly, but Ion’s never one to turn away the company of another. He returns Jae-ha’s smile with a soft ease.]
[He laughs, though it comes out a bit more awkwardly than he meant it.]
Not at first, but after the first trial, and the confusion over the other Ion...we both get a lot of people wondering. I don't mind, because I understand that it's fairly unconventional.
[Like at least 75% of his PCs are him explaining this bullshit.]
[It’s clear by the look on his face that he wasn’t expecting something so straightforward. It takes him a minute to find the right words to say. When he does, he looks down, guilt wrenching across his face.]
Right...you’re Sir Sousei’s partner. You recognized them, didn’t you?
I did. It was fun, letting Akechi think that I thought they were family -
[Jae-ha smiles, apparently not bothered by this turn of events.]
But then they disappeared before the week was even up. Then you were walking around with them. I was wondering if they'd disappear again, if it was a trick of the castle to flatter Sousei - but they remained and haven't appeared on anyone else since.
[He actually seems in incredibly good spirits today, and beams up at Jae-ha. He touches the flower crown with a smile as he adjusts it in his hair. Naturally, it looks fucking adorable on him.]
Not too much. Mostly monsters, and I try to keep a safe distance. Dogs and cats are fairly common around the streets, but I was usually discouraged from going outside, so there wasn't much of a chance for me to get close.
[Something something it's inappropriate to carry on like a child when you're the pope.]
week 2, monday
And then Jae-ha sits in front of Ion, with a smile.]
Good morning. Might I borrow your attention for a second?
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[He’s started to feel a tension in his stomach whenever someone approaches him unexpectedly, but Ion’s never one to turn away the company of another. He returns Jae-ha’s smile with a soft ease.]
I’m happy to give it.
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Jae-ha just laughs faintly and just - ]
I have a small point of curiosity. Would it offend you if I pursued it?
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[Some of them unfortunately intrusive but, it's fine. It's fine!]
So feel free to ask anything you like.
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[that
wasn't actually the question he came here for
but
uh]
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Not at first, but after the first trial, and the confusion over the other Ion...we both get a lot of people wondering. I don't mind, because I understand that it's fairly unconventional.
[Like at least 75% of his PCs are him explaining this bullshit.]
Is that what you came to ask about, as well?
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It sounds personal.
[Hence why Jae-ha doesn't actually like. Seek to pursue an answer about it.]
So you don't need to explain that, unless you want to. I'm sure it's repetitive by now.
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[It does make him tired to explain, but why would he ever care about his own well being.]
I just don't want to take up too much of your time.
[He says, even though Jae-ha is the one who sat down here and asked if he could take up Ion's time.]
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- I don't think that's the concern here. But I'd rather talk about what you want to talk about.
... well, after I actually ask what I was curious about.
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[If he answers questions well, maybe he can make new friends???]
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anyway]
The scars you had - [Jae-ha makes a tracing motion down the right side of his face] - did you take them from Akechi?
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[It’s clear by the look on his face that he wasn’t expecting something so straightforward. It takes him a minute to find the right words to say. When he does, he looks down, guilt wrenching across his face.]
Right...you’re Sir Sousei’s partner. You recognized them, didn’t you?
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[Jae-ha smiles, apparently not bothered by this turn of events.]
But then they disappeared before the week was even up. Then you were walking around with them. I was wondering if they'd disappear again, if it was a trick of the castle to flatter Sousei - but they remained and haven't appeared on anyone else since.
So was it a trade?
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[He folds his hands in his lap. A trade...an uneven trade. Ion brings his smile back as he stares down at the tabletop.]
I...thank you, for not confronting him about it. It wasn't his fault.
[Akechi apologist.]
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[what with the uh
pretty much confession and all]
So is it your power then, to be able to borrow marks off others?
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Yes. I can heal the injures of others at the cost that I, myself, take it onto my body.
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Ah.
So it's an uneven trade.
And you've been using it....?
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[Definitely more than he should!]
Nothing that I can't handle!
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You took his bruises too, didn't you?
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[He raises a hand reassuringly.]
But they don't hurt, so it's alright!
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Do people believe your lies often?
[bruises hurt
that's
that's how bruises work]
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It depends. I don't really like lying...I don't profess to be very good at it.
[Except for where it counts.]
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[Jae-ha tilts his head.]
Do you think you'll achieve more if you lie to people about the damage to yourself?
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[Or, well, it depends on what he means by "more".]
But I don't think anyone will let me help them otherwise. But...without any medics, my ability is too important to ignore.
week 2, wednesday
Enjoying the festivities?
[he says
nothing about his gift LMFAO]
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[He actually seems in incredibly good spirits today, and beams up at Jae-ha. He touches the flower crown with a smile as he adjusts it in his hair. Naturally, it looks fucking adorable on him.]
There are animals!
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Hm? Do you not get to see animals normally?
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Not too much. Mostly monsters, and I try to keep a safe distance. Dogs and cats are fairly common around the streets, but I was usually discouraged from going outside, so there wasn't much of a chance for me to get close.
[Something something it's inappropriate to carry on like a child when you're the pope.]
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Discouraged from going outside? Why?
[would he pass out outside???]
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My health was part of the reason, as well as political unrest.
[Among other very complicated personal things, of course.]
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[??? sort of? he's still trying to understand the whole ion thing]
week 6, sunday
What an unfortunate thing.
Yet Jae-ha tries to school his expression into something a bit more cheerful as he approaches Ion and rests a hand on top of his head. (Shorty.)]
... have you seen Sandalphon yet?
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Ion tenses slightly at the action, but then his shoulders fall again as he processes the gentleness behind it. He looks down and away, guilty.]
I will, I want to.
[Of course he does. There's just a lot to process right now.]
But...what he must be thinking or feeling, it's my fault.
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... does it have to be someone's fault?
Are you thinking you disappointed him somehow...?
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How could I think anything else? He wanted me to live...he tried so hard to help me.
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[ . . . ]
But I think he wanted to see you, too. So maybe don't spend a lot of time on the apologies.