![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
[ The main body of the house boasts an open floor plan, so Rin will be able to spot the kitchen straightaway. The place as a whole is clean and organized, and pointedly so. There are signs of clutter that's been corraled by a discerning hand: loose papers stacked and pens lined up neatly next to them, random books gathered and neatly bookended at their head.
Evidently no one in the house is passionate about home decor, as it contains only basic furniture with basic adornments like a rug by the couch, a modest but pleasing flower vase, and place mats (three) at the dining room table.
Though she makes no outward sign, Gray's ears perk up at the word "tart." She'll head to the kitchen straight ahead to show Rin where she can leave the goods. Meanwhile a heartily sized pot is left to simmer on the stove, the lid off by a crack to let out steam. ]
Thank you. You look good, by the way. That is — more like your usual self.
Evidently no one in the house is passionate about home decor, as it contains only basic furniture with basic adornments like a rug by the couch, a modest but pleasing flower vase, and place mats (three) at the dining room table.
Though she makes no outward sign, Gray's ears perk up at the word "tart." She'll head to the kitchen straight ahead to show Rin where she can leave the goods. Meanwhile a heartily sized pot is left to simmer on the stove, the lid off by a crack to let out steam. ]
Thank you. You look good, by the way. That is — more like your usual self.
[ Suddenly, he feels like he's said something horribly wrong. Is it really that surprising...? Sure, he himself may not be a social butterfly but surely Dokja's always been a bit more on the sociable side. ]
I think... [ He picks his way through his words slowly, carefully. ] Dokja's been alone for a lot of his life.
[ There's a lot he doesn't know still and a lot he doesn't want to ask about, old hurts he doesn't want to drag back up to the surface. But he remembers their conversation during the Oracle and how much hope there had been in those dark eyes back then. ]
He told me awhile back he thought it would be nice not to have to do everything alone.
[ Maybe that doesn't include mundane things like picnics!! But also, maybe it does and there's only one way to find out. ]
I think... [ He picks his way through his words slowly, carefully. ] Dokja's been alone for a lot of his life.
[ There's a lot he doesn't know still and a lot he doesn't want to ask about, old hurts he doesn't want to drag back up to the surface. But he remembers their conversation during the Oracle and how much hope there had been in those dark eyes back then. ]
He told me awhile back he thought it would be nice not to have to do everything alone.
[ Maybe that doesn't include mundane things like picnics!! But also, maybe it does and there's only one way to find out. ]
[Tohsaka places her tray on some open counter space so she can shift her bag to the hand that was holding the tray.]
Of course, [she replies while using her free hand to push a lock of hair over her shoulder] I did promise that I would take care of it, didn't I?
Of course, [she replies while using her free hand to push a lock of hair over her shoulder] I did promise that I would take care of it, didn't I?
[ If it feels like a strange suggestion to her, it's because of a combination of Eustace not normally suggesting such soft-sounding activities and Gray never having gone picnicking herself. She would have been just as startled if her mage mentor had suggested such a thing... No, it's a little less startling from Eustace, who doesn't put on nearly as many airs.
It looks like he's at least a little self-conscious about it, but the fact that he's persevering with the suggestion means it's important to him. He really must care a lot for Dokja. ]
... I like that idea. I've never gone for a picnic before, but they sound nice.
[ Very different from camping, surely, which she's already done too much of. ]
We can bring Raisin too. Oh, and I can make pasties to bring along.
[ Her pie craftsmanship is evolving... ]
It looks like he's at least a little self-conscious about it, but the fact that he's persevering with the suggestion means it's important to him. He really must care a lot for Dokja. ]
... I like that idea. I've never gone for a picnic before, but they sound nice.
[ Very different from camping, surely, which she's already done too much of. ]
We can bring Raisin too. Oh, and I can make pasties to bring along.
[ Her pie craftsmanship is evolving... ]
[ Once Rin has set the food down, Gray will lead her to a side door that ends up leading to Gray's room. Like the main room, it's modestly furnished, the rustic patterning of her comforter and a large rug the only pops of decor. Two large wardrobes and a writing desk stand against the wall. ]
Mr. Dokja was having difficulty dealing with his condition... so I wasn't sure if you'd be the same way.
[ She opens yet another door to reveal a bathroom, which is clean enough to be hotel-grade. Even though she figured Rin would bring her own things, Gray has set aside a second set of towels and toiletries for Rin to use — just in case. ]
Mr. Dokja was having difficulty dealing with his condition... so I wasn't sure if you'd be the same way.
[ She opens yet another door to reveal a bathroom, which is clean enough to be hotel-grade. Even though she figured Rin would bring her own things, Gray has set aside a second set of towels and toiletries for Rin to use — just in case. ]
[ Soon Gray will be opening her own pie shop and making a name for herself through all of Springstar.... For now, she can test all her creations on the two grown men that reside in Casa de Dokja.
He raises an eyebrow at her suggestion, more amused than puzzled. ]
I didn't realize you enjoyed baking so much.
[ She's always been helpful around the house, but this seems to go beyond any sense of dutiful household contribution. Maybe he should get her a few nice pie tins for her birthday next year... ]
He raises an eyebrow at her suggestion, more amused than puzzled. ]
I didn't realize you enjoyed baking so much.
[ She's always been helpful around the house, but this seems to go beyond any sense of dutiful household contribution. Maybe he should get her a few nice pie tins for her birthday next year... ]
That man and I had different types of things done to us, so our outcomes would naturally be different. After attempting to dispel my Discord in many ways, I had to admit there was a portion of it that could not be gotten rid of without someone else taking it from me. When we were at the beach Mordred had volunteered.
[And so she passed her Discord off to the other woman. It was almost a relief to see her acting "normal" during the Oracle trial in the gardens. Tohsaka had worried about pushing off her issues and someone suffering from them. Especially someone who would be a pain to try and repay.
Rin acknowledges what Gray has offered, and sets her leather bag down. It can hold an endless amount of stuff, but that means both her toiletries and her laundry are stuffed in there...]
[And so she passed her Discord off to the other woman. It was almost a relief to see her acting "normal" during the Oracle trial in the gardens. Tohsaka had worried about pushing off her issues and someone suffering from them. Especially someone who would be a pain to try and repay.
Rin acknowledges what Gray has offered, and sets her leather bag down. It can hold an endless amount of stuff, but that means both her toiletries and her laundry are stuffed in there...]
I enjoy it as much as anyone else, I think. But I like being able to make something other people can enjoy.
[ She won't name the specific person she's trying to make an ultimate pie for, though. She doesn't think Eustace would take it the right way.
(It's Dark.) ]
I hope I haven't gone overboard.
[ She won't name the specific person she's trying to make an ultimate pie for, though. She doesn't think Eustace would take it the right way.
(It's Dark.) ]
I hope I haven't gone overboard.
Mordred did... I see.
[ Gray can see Mordred boasting that she could take on any Discord Rin could throw at her with ease. But of course, Mordred wouldn't do that for just anyone; Gray is glad Rin and Mordred have become such good friends. The how of it is a bit more of a mystery, though.
In any case, it would be awkward if Gray hung out with Rin any more in a bathroom, so she begins to back out. ]
Um, please take your time. If you need anything, feel free to commune with me.
[ With that, she'll close the door behind her and get to readying supper. ]
[ Gray can see Mordred boasting that she could take on any Discord Rin could throw at her with ease. But of course, Mordred wouldn't do that for just anyone; Gray is glad Rin and Mordred have become such good friends. The how of it is a bit more of a mystery, though.
In any case, it would be awkward if Gray hung out with Rin any more in a bathroom, so she begins to back out. ]
Um, please take your time. If you need anything, feel free to commune with me.
[ With that, she'll close the door behind her and get to readying supper. ]
Edited 2023-09-28 22:41 (UTC)
[ Never mind, he will not be buying her pie tins for her birthday.
Her fears are unfounded though as his gaze slides over, free of reproach or criticism. ]
You're fine. You can do whatever you want; it's your home too.
[ Even if the house is, on a technicality, registered in Dokja's name, it's become a place shared by all three of them, with all three leaving their mark behind. Dokja's clutter tidied up by Gray's neat hand, the streaks of drool Raisin leaves behind that always have to be scrubbed out. He's pretty sure Dokja would feel the same, if he were here. ]
I'm sure your friends [ including Dark 🙄 ] would appreciate pie as well, if it ends up being too much for the house.
Her fears are unfounded though as his gaze slides over, free of reproach or criticism. ]
You're fine. You can do whatever you want; it's your home too.
[ Even if the house is, on a technicality, registered in Dokja's name, it's become a place shared by all three of them, with all three leaving their mark behind. Dokja's clutter tidied up by Gray's neat hand, the streaks of drool Raisin leaves behind that always have to be scrubbed out. He's pretty sure Dokja would feel the same, if he were here. ]
I'm sure your friends [ including Dark 🙄 ] would appreciate pie as well, if it ends up being too much for the house.
[Rin thanks Gray, but is left in a bit of a spot. She had considered taking her shower after the meal, but... Well, if it still needs time to cook perhaps this is best. Rin will set everything up. Her laundry to start, her toiletries in the bathroom, and her pajamas readied. Once that is complete she'll hop in and enjoy herself.
It gives Gray about an hour to herself. When that's up Rin will set about double checking the laundry, setting what is cleaned to be dried, and meets up with her in the kitchen. Tohsaka seats herself. She looks refreshed, and... will most certainly smell like her perfume again. Why would someone put that on after a shower?MAGE REASONS DON'T ASK]
What have you prepared, Gray?
It gives Gray about an hour to herself. When that's up Rin will set about double checking the laundry, setting what is cleaned to be dried, and meets up with her in the kitchen. Tohsaka seats herself. She looks refreshed, and... will most certainly smell like her perfume again. Why would someone put that on after a shower?
What have you prepared, Gray?
[ The communion from Gen starts as it usually does, when he's involved -- abruptly, brusquely, and with zero fanfare. ]
Gray. [ She'd just received the equivalent of a sharp rap at her window, a hard poke demanding her attention, and the moment she permits the connection to open, Gen speaks up flatly. ] Have something to give you. Come outside.
[ Then he cuts the connection. Such grace, such impeccable manners!
And while Gray might wonder about the very legitimate question of why he didn't just ring the doorbell instead of making her have to come out at this time in the evening, if he's just waiting outside ... the truth of the matter is that he's not really in the mood to be seen by anyone right now. Especially not Eustace (or, god forbid, that fucker Dokja). Gray's the only one he feels like tolerating, and only because he knows this is something that'd be better dealt with sooner rather than later.
Gen's loitering on a bench just across the street from the Gray found family's cozy little abode by the time she exits, leaning on the armrest and nursing a cigarette. And the moment he sees her approaching, hopefully before she can take note of the shitty, exhausted state he seems to be in, he retrieves something from the leather pouch at his belt and tosses it over -- a little metal something in a fabric bag. The shape and weight of it must be so familiar to her, even through the fabric.
It's Add. ]
Gray. [ She'd just received the equivalent of a sharp rap at her window, a hard poke demanding her attention, and the moment she permits the connection to open, Gen speaks up flatly. ] Have something to give you. Come outside.
[ Then he cuts the connection. Such grace, such impeccable manners!
And while Gray might wonder about the very legitimate question of why he didn't just ring the doorbell instead of making her have to come out at this time in the evening, if he's just waiting outside ... the truth of the matter is that he's not really in the mood to be seen by anyone right now. Especially not Eustace (or, god forbid, that fucker Dokja). Gray's the only one he feels like tolerating, and only because he knows this is something that'd be better dealt with sooner rather than later.
Gen's loitering on a bench just across the street from the Gray found family's cozy little abode by the time she exits, leaning on the armrest and nursing a cigarette. And the moment he sees her approaching, hopefully before she can take note of the shitty, exhausted state he seems to be in, he retrieves something from the leather pouch at his belt and tosses it over -- a little metal something in a fabric bag. The shape and weight of it must be so familiar to her, even through the fabric.
It's Add. ]
[ Her home too. That gives her mixed feelings — the warmth of having people to return to and the resignation that the Earth she knew is further away than ever. For now, the warmth outweighs the melancholy, and she smiles mildly at nothing in particular. ]
I suppose so. Mordred needs a lot of energy to manifest... and Gen can eat a surprising amount.
[ immediately thinks of some of the most problematic people in her life ]
I suppose so. Mordred needs a lot of energy to manifest... and Gen can eat a surprising amount.
[ immediately thinks of some of the most problematic people in her life ]
[ When Rin comes into the kitchen, Gray is finishing up with some dishwashing. As she notices Rin, she towels her hands off and hangs up her apron. The pleasant smell of perfume reaches her quickly, and indeed it seems a little strange that Rin would bother with that right after a bath... but she wonders if the smell serves a magrcraft-related purpose, like Lord El-Melloi II with his cigars. ]
A stew. I made it like we used to in my village, so it isn't anything fancy.
[ She unlids the pot that's been simmering on the stove to reveal a meaty stew of heartily cut portions, chunks of lamb, potato, carrots, and more jutting out of rich broth. The wall of savory aroma that bursts from the pot battles with Rin's refined scent. On a nearby cutting board is a rusty loaf of bread and a hunk of cheese, a couple slices of each already cut. Plates and silverware are neatly laid out as well. ]
You can take as much as you like while I get tea ready.
A stew. I made it like we used to in my village, so it isn't anything fancy.
[ She unlids the pot that's been simmering on the stove to reveal a meaty stew of heartily cut portions, chunks of lamb, potato, carrots, and more jutting out of rich broth. The wall of savory aroma that bursts from the pot battles with Rin's refined scent. On a nearby cutting board is a rusty loaf of bread and a hunk of cheese, a couple slices of each already cut. Plates and silverware are neatly laid out as well. ]
You can take as much as you like while I get tea ready.
[ All the people in her life are problematic....it's fine..... ]
Gen is a teenage boy.
[ Said dryly, but it's hard to miss the undercurrent of affection that swirls behind the words. It's probably not a safe emotion to feel, especially when they've been placed on opposide sides of this neverending war, but it's also not one that'll change any time soon. His feelings have never been fickle in that regard, instead remaining near permanent once he begrudgingly allows them to take root.
But hey, wait a minute— ]
'Manifest'?
[ He looks over, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. ]
Gen is a teenage boy.
[ Said dryly, but it's hard to miss the undercurrent of affection that swirls behind the words. It's probably not a safe emotion to feel, especially when they've been placed on opposide sides of this neverending war, but it's also not one that'll change any time soon. His feelings have never been fickle in that regard, instead remaining near permanent once he begrudgingly allows them to take root.
But hey, wait a minute— ]
'Manifest'?
[ He looks over, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. ]
[Tohsaka stands halted over the stewpot. Its aroma hits her like a violent wave crashing upon cliffs. Not that she hates it, though. No, instead it brings a rush of melancholic nostalgia. Brief days of sharing cooking responsibilities with the rest of the Emiya household. Once or twice sharing the kitchen with her sister. Waking up to a lively household rather than an empty mansion.
It makes her ache. Her eyes water and her throat closes shut. Even sharing breakfast with Lucien was a step up from her decade long routine of loneliness. Eventually Rin moves, though. After all, Gray is giving her comfort. Food, ability to wash her clothes, a shower... To burden her anymore would be a failing on Rin's part. So she gently ladles in a decent serving for her bowl. More than she'd usually eat, but that's fine. She has been skipping meals.]
What type of tea?
It makes her ache. Her eyes water and her throat closes shut. Even sharing breakfast with Lucien was a step up from her decade long routine of loneliness. Eventually Rin moves, though. After all, Gray is giving her comfort. Food, ability to wash her clothes, a shower... To burden her anymore would be a failing on Rin's part. So she gently ladles in a decent serving for her bowl. More than she'd usually eat, but that's fine. She has been skipping meals.]
What type of tea?
[ Gray permits the connection straightaway because it's Gen. If his refusal to ring the doorbell seems strange, she figures it must be an urgent situation, or one which requires tact. She flips her hood on and hurries to the front door.
She spots him across the street right away, and notices his more-disheveled-than-usual look. But his distraction tactic is successful; as she trots over, the intrigue of the leather bag tossed her way takes precedence. As she catches it, the shape, weight, and solidity of the cube inside strikes her with lightning-like familiarity. ]
This is...
[ She dares to hope. Her heart is squeezed to stillness as she quickly opens the pouch and upends the contents (content?) into her hand. ]
She spots him across the street right away, and notices his more-disheveled-than-usual look. But his distraction tactic is successful; as she trots over, the intrigue of the leather bag tossed her way takes precedence. As she catches it, the shape, weight, and solidity of the cube inside strikes her with lightning-like familiarity. ]
This is...
[ She dares to hope. Her heart is squeezed to stillness as she quickly opens the pouch and upends the contents (content?) into her hand. ]
[ It sure is Add. In the time he'd been lounging around as a trophy, he would have remained "asleep," his many faces dormant as if he were no more than a weird paperweight. Finally the eyes of one face shoot open, and he hops to turn that face to Gen. He keeps on hopping with indignation, steam coming out of his nonexistent ears. ]
Oi, oi, oi! What's the idea, stuffing me in that— oof.
Oi, oi, oi! What's the idea, stuffing me in that— oof.
[ Add shuts up as Gray smothers him to her collar in a two-handed hug both gentle and close, her whole upper body seeming to cradle him, tears already running down her face. Add's little eyes are buggy round with surprise through her fingers, but he remains silent.
Her eyes still closed with helpless tears, she continues to hug Add for a while longer as she finally addresses Gen weakly. ]
How did you...?
Her eyes still closed with helpless tears, she continues to hug Add for a while longer as she finally addresses Gen weakly. ]
How did you...?
[ He's quiet and -- gasp -- almost tactful for once as Gray has her little cry. Gen simply gazes the other way as he continues nursing his cigarette, tossing the stub on the ground when he reaches the filter and stomping out the little ember, before fishing a fresh cigarette out of his pocket to light up. He's just clinked the lighter shut when Gray speaks up again, and Gen looks over with a low grunt. ]
... mn. [ A small shrug as he tucks the lighter away once more. ] I had some business with him. So.
[ A gross oversimplification of what had actually happened, of course. But -- the details don't feel really relevant to her, anyway. None of it's anything she needs to worry herself about. The ember at the tip of his cigarette burns bright as Gen takes a long drag, and he savors the smoke for a moment, willing it to calm his still-bristling nerves before slowly exhaling. ]
Your little buddy there was all I managed to grab.
[ 'I didn't manage to kill Silco,' in other words. He doesn't want to say that to her, not exactly, but for him, the discomforting sense that he hasn't done enough lingers. The only way he can think to lessen it is by confirming Gray, at least, is satisfied with this outcome. ]
He didn't have anything else of yours, did he?
... mn. [ A small shrug as he tucks the lighter away once more. ] I had some business with him. So.
[ A gross oversimplification of what had actually happened, of course. But -- the details don't feel really relevant to her, anyway. None of it's anything she needs to worry herself about. The ember at the tip of his cigarette burns bright as Gen takes a long drag, and he savors the smoke for a moment, willing it to calm his still-bristling nerves before slowly exhaling. ]
Your little buddy there was all I managed to grab.
[ 'I didn't manage to kill Silco,' in other words. He doesn't want to say that to her, not exactly, but for him, the discomforting sense that he hasn't done enough lingers. The only way he can think to lessen it is by confirming Gray, at least, is satisfied with this outcome. ]
He didn't have anything else of yours, did he?
[ Gen is a very teenage boy who also happens to be tall and active. Still, she wonders how when he packs all that food away at once, he doesn't balloon up out of his britches.
She glances over at Eustace and nods. ]
That's right. She's closer to a spirit than a living person. I'm not sure why she came here like this instead of how she was when she was alive, though.
[ Who even knows!! Gray won't attempt to answer that question for a single second. ]
It's a long story... but the short version is that she was famous when she was alive, so the world kept an impression of her for later. The Mordred we have is a manifestation of that impression.
[ If only Waver could hear her kindergarten-level exposition... ]
She glances over at Eustace and nods. ]
That's right. She's closer to a spirit than a living person. I'm not sure why she came here like this instead of how she was when she was alive, though.
[ Who even knows!! Gray won't attempt to answer that question for a single second. ]
It's a long story... but the short version is that she was famous when she was alive, so the world kept an impression of her for later. The Mordred we have is a manifestation of that impression.
[ If only Waver could hear her kindergarten-level exposition... ]
[ Mordred, famous? Incredible. His expression twitches, like he's trying to hold back a disbelieving bark of laughter. Famously annoying, maybe, but Eustace has a hard time imagining her as any sort of revered figurehead praised by the masses. Maybe she was an infamous villain? The latter would be more believable than the former. ]
Does that happen often where you're from? That the spirits of famous people end up lingering for a long time to come?
[ They have spirits where he comes from too, but those are more along the lines of trapped souls and specters with unfinished business. Nothing nearly as fancy as what Gray describes. ]
Does that happen often where you're from? That the spirits of famous people end up lingering for a long time to come?
[ They have spirits where he comes from too, but those are more along the lines of trapped souls and specters with unfinished business. Nothing nearly as fancy as what Gray describes. ]
[ Gray drops loose leaves of the stuff into a pot and follows it with hot water. She's personally fine with bagged tea, but as Rin is a guest, she gets the good stuff.
As she turns to wait for the leaves to steep, she catches Rin stopped over the stew. At first Gray worries that it means Rin finds the stew unappetizing, but upon further inspection, it looks more like Rin's mind is elsewhere.
Gray would like to ask why Rin needed a place to get tidied up at, but given what happened with Dark recently, maybe Gray doesn't need to. Rin has surely been through a lot lately. Tactfully, Gray decides to keep the conversation on its tracks as she comes up to get in line for her own stew. ]
Earl Grey. There are countless varieties of tea here, but I always end up choosing the ones I'm already familiar with. [ Oh. Something else occurs to her. ] I've also made a tart, so if you want some for dessert...
As she turns to wait for the leaves to steep, she catches Rin stopped over the stew. At first Gray worries that it means Rin finds the stew unappetizing, but upon further inspection, it looks more like Rin's mind is elsewhere.
Gray would like to ask why Rin needed a place to get tidied up at, but given what happened with Dark recently, maybe Gray doesn't need to. Rin has surely been through a lot lately. Tactfully, Gray decides to keep the conversation on its tracks as she comes up to get in line for her own stew. ]
Earl Grey. There are countless varieties of tea here, but I always end up choosing the ones I'm already familiar with. [ Oh. Something else occurs to her. ] I've also made a tart, so if you want some for dessert...
No. Only Add.
[ Silco could've taken everything else she had at the time and she wouldn't have cared. She finally wipes her eyes on the back of her wrist and holds Add in her other palm, making a platform for him to join her in looking at Gen.
A swell of gratitude rises in her for this scruffy teen, whose friendship feels rare and precious. Though he clearly intends to skimp on the details of how he retrieved Add, she wonders dearly what trouble he may have gotten himself into, what enemies he may have made as a result, what consequences he may face later. She can't help worrying about him and it probably shows in her face, but she knows he won't care to be worried over. ]
Thank you, Gen.
[ She tries to put feeling into those words, which sound too common to her ears. Add also pipes up cheerfully now, ]
Yeah, thanks, man!
[ Gray continues, ]
Can you wait a moment? I want to give you something.
[ Silco could've taken everything else she had at the time and she wouldn't have cared. She finally wipes her eyes on the back of her wrist and holds Add in her other palm, making a platform for him to join her in looking at Gen.
A swell of gratitude rises in her for this scruffy teen, whose friendship feels rare and precious. Though he clearly intends to skimp on the details of how he retrieved Add, she wonders dearly what trouble he may have gotten himself into, what enemies he may have made as a result, what consequences he may face later. She can't help worrying about him and it probably shows in her face, but she knows he won't care to be worried over. ]
Thank you, Gen.
[ She tries to put feeling into those words, which sound too common to her ears. Add also pipes up cheerfully now, ]
Yeah, thanks, man!
[ Gray continues, ]
Can you wait a moment? I want to give you something.
Page 11 of 18