[ She stops slipping on her other boot to make a face at that response. She knows exactly what he's trying to say without saying it. Although she honestly expected it, having gone through this song and dance before with Sion, she still asked.
And now, as per usual, she will try and pack something. Or at least try to, before realizing she doesn't have any time. She stomps her boot on, keeping it snug, soon reaching for her gloves after.
She does know that Sion is a busy person-- he has more importance than someone like her, so it only makes sense he would have a bigger workload. Something as simple as him being busy didn't come to mind though until he mentioned it. ]
Thank you, Sion. [ She sounds a little resigned, this time. ] It's hard to believe that one of us might've had a hand in this.
[ She doesn't understand why someone would do that.. ]
Ah, yes! Although, it depends on what you mean.. [ She doesn't think anything involving the unrest in Old Town would make Sion sound like that, so she blurts out the next thing. ] Do you mean Leith?
[ Her instincts are sharp, as they always have been, and are made keener still by the bond they share. She knows him, enough such that she still reminds him to take meals despite his proclivity to miss them, her care something which the Director is grateful for and uncertain of how to repay. Always, his wish for Juvia has been for her to pursue that which makes her most happy; that she remain whole and hale, and yet...
It is difficult, isn't it, while wearing the Company uniform she dons now, even if Juvia herself is resilient, as buoyant as ever. ]
The most recent reports regarding the Leithian infection have only grown more critical overnight, and so--...
Juvia doesn't mind! It's ok if you're too busy to have lunch.
Maybe tomorrow?
[ She says it almost immediately, not drawing the connection between what he brought up and what he's telling her now. Maybe it's him working until the break of dawn, relaying his worries about what's going on in their world to her because it's too much for him to handle! For Juvia, it's far too easy to jump to this much safer conclusion rather than any alternatives. ]
[ Eventually, she comes to the conclusion just a few seconds after, feeling foolish for assuming otherwise. It's his tone that made her think it over, and it's his words that causes a distinct pitter patter in her chest. One that she can only translate as anxiety. She grabs the phone and positions it properly, brows furrowing immediately. ]
Sion. You're not thinking of going there, are you?
[ She can understand wanting to help people but...! ] Juvia thinks you should stay. [ Not without immediate protection. But even then, everyone would be at risk. Sion would be at risk! The idea of anyone being sick-- well, sick isn't the word they're using. She wishes it was though, because being 'sick' feels a lot more manageable than being 'infected'. She presses her lips into a line, suddenly wishing this wasn't a phone call but he was there in front of her.
She was sure she could shake some sense into him! ]
No, it is not a good idea for most. [ —he affirms after the breadth of a moment, wondering precisely how he is to reassure her. And when the realization strikes, it startles him, because it is the very first time he hasn't felt that divulging a secret (his secret, the reason for his many security details; why he is seldom granted the freedom to venture outside of the Company command post without the presence of an Enforcer) would hurt someone. ] But it is a good idea for me, and that is why a warrant has been issued for my safe escort to Leith.
My body... cannot catch ill. When I was still a boy, newly enrolled in the Company's military academy, I was made— [ Enhanced, he does not say. ] —to be invulnerable to many things.
Sickness is one of them.
[ And while there are more, now isn't the time to discuss them. Perhaps later, upon his return, but for now--... ]
If my presence upon Leith may spare someone else from being deployed, it is well worth my time.
[ Especially if that someone should be like Juvia. Juvia, who had been so innocent in asking maybe tomorrow?.
[ Any protests she has dies out, stuck in her throat. Despite him telling her, Juvia somehow feels like she's still the last one he's told-- but she swallows that feeling down too. As much as she wants to tell him (continuously, mind you) to not walk his way over there, to not get sick even if he can't, she can't find it in herself to say don't help those people.
For her, it's easy to disconnect from their situation because she won't be on Leith. There's enough going on in Old Town, at home, and at the Company, that it's almost enough to push back the plight going on there. ]
You're going to let me see you before you leave.
[ She can run quick enough to make it if she tries hard enough. It just doesn't sit well with her, having only just a call for them to part ways with. And now, she needs to figure a way to sneak in questions about his mysterious past! Juvia may be dense, but she can catch a carefully worded sentence when she hears one. ]
Despite the distance between them, in his mind's eye, the expression she wears is clear: furrowed brows, her lips pressed into a line, not in exasperation (far from), but in--... Determination. A measure of resilience all her own, like a mountain stream, cool and crisp, which carves a path for itself through the most treacherous slopes, Juvia, she... ]
[ She cannot be deterred, can she? On the other end of the line, the sound of rustling and accompanying motion has ceased, and the bout of quiet that has fallen between them is resounding until...!
Please do not delay your morning patrol, not on my account, he wishes to say, though the words catch in his throat, because she deserves more than that.
Juvia is dear to him, his friend. ]
Of course. [ He had been the one to ask, after all, how he might make amends for his last-minute departure. And if he is honest, he would very much like to see her face, to know for certain that she is well before he takes his leave of Westerley. ] If you are able to meet me in my office, I will set tea to steep.
[ She doesn't really care much for tea right now, but she assumes by him asking her it means she can stay for a little, which she becomes elated at. Honestly, she feels relief-- he hadn't said no to her request after all.. Although admittedly, she would've went anyway despite what he said out of the sheer desire to see him. There's noise on her side, accompanied by the sound of chatter of people passing by her. ]
Stay where you are. [ Just in case he decides to leave.. Or do anything like get kidnapped, or burn himself with the tea, even faint-- ] I'll be there soon.
[ It doesn't take too long for her to get there-- she's fast on her feet when she needs to be. Even forcing herself to bring a small, packaged pastry (bread with cheese), in the chaos of trying to get here as fast as she could. She doesn't burst through the doors like she initially wants to, but instead knocks politely. It's quick, urgent even, totaling a whopping 15 knocks with a focused Juvia on the other side of the door. ]
I'll not leave my office, this I solemnly swear. [ —he promises, his brow arching at the background noise stemming from the call. Those surely are the voices of passerbys, aren't they...? Meaning that, of course, Juvia is well on her way, and Sion is ...touched, glad that his friend hasn't arrived just yet, for she'd certainly have something to say about the flush of color which darkens his cheeks. Juvia, she really-...
Is quite something, isn't she? ]
I look forward to seeing you shortly.
[ And shortly it is! By the time the Director has finished with the remnants of his papework and set a Leithian tea to steep (a black tea-blend with lavender, orange peel, blue cornflower, and vanilla for just a touch of sweet), procuring two porcelain cups with an ornamental overlay, there have already been precisely three knocks upon his door...!
And a score more, after that, during his walk to greet her. And upon the fifteenth knock, he opens the door, welcoming her with a carefree nod of his head (he is all right—nothing's happened, no accident with a tea kettle, or the long fall of his hair catching on any potentially life-threatening appliance!), and a smile. ]
I am still here, Juvia. [ See...? He's real! And really, he is well. The dark circles beneath his eyes aren't even at a worrisome level yet...! ] I would not leave without first saying goodbye.
[ Truly. Even if his gaze should drift somewhere far away for a moment, perhaps two, before he gestures for her to— ]
[ Juvia completely forgets the phone that's still in her hand, so when she sees Sion still alive and well, she drops it on the ground along with the food she had bought. She's clasped her hands together, looking both relieved and content to be there. ]
Thank you..
[ That's all she can really say, because all the fussing and running over here finally caught up to her. If she does notice his gaze shift, she certainly doesn't mention it. But the unease at the reminder that he's still leaving makes her a tiny bit upset. Enough to readily step over her things in thought before stopping mid-way into his office to go back and gingerly pick them up.
He is still here....for now, Juvia begrudgingly admits. And as much as she wants to be a big fat baby about it.... If this is the last time she'll see him in person, she can't let her own feelings ruin this moment they have right now. It wouldn't be fair to Sion! She re-adjusts her hat with renewed vigor, wanting to send him off on a good note. ]
Here! [ Since she's already stuffed her phone in her pocket, handing him the packaged snack is easy. ] Juvia stopped somewhere and got this for Sion. [ In a quiet panic, she wishes she thought of something more appropriate to go with tea, maybe thought all of this through a bit more, managing to look normal on the outside as she thinks this. ]
I will be okay with you leaving if this can be our lunch for today.
[ !! Oh. He'd gotten swept up and away while watching her, hadn't he? By now, he likely should have grown acclimated to Juvia's effusive bursts of motion, the way she reclaims her cellphone every bit as swiftly as she'd dropped it, leaving the Director mid-reach in his thwarted attempt to aid her, only to find...!
...a snack, thrust into his still-outstretched hand? Bread with cheese—Juvia stopped somewhere and got this for Sion—which is, altogether, a good choice: the Director is a man known to be habitually 'picky' with his favored foods, preferring fruits, breads, and cheeses to compose his meals.
Regarding the little package with something like a quiet reverence, Sion looks to Juvia with a smile, a shake of his head— ]
You spoil me, you know. You didn't need to bring me anything, and yet--...
[ Reaching out, his fingertips touch lightly to her shoulder, curling there in greeting: a fond, familiar squeeze. ]
I really should be the one thanking you, Juvia. [ And then, he gestures to the two chairs adjacent to his desk, separated by a small coffee table. ] Will you not sit with me?
[ Leading the way, Sion sees himself seated with his usual air of grace, calm where Juvia is--... flushed, still, from her hurry to see him, something which prompts the Director to turn Juvia's own question upon her: ]
...have you eaten breakfast, yet, yourself? [ He teases, then, lightly chiding: ] I'd not be able to forgive myself, if you neglected yourself because of me.
[ Juvia remembers many things about the people she talks to-- mostly it's information many people think are dumb, or something they say that she won't need, but it clearly has paid off now. She smiles silently, feeling warm. And there's no discernible reason for her to jump when he touches her so gently, but any type of physical contact always gets her nervous no matter how used to it she is.
She settles into it, finding herself comforted with the gesture. ]
Don't worry, please. It wasn't trouble at all. [ She puts her own hand atop his, squeezing his hand as a way to assure him that it really is fine. Even a tiny knuckle rub with her thumb-- ] And Juvia would love to.
[ She follows him, having calmed down from her journey over, and sits down the chair opposite to him. She doesn't expect the question he throws at her-- and she fumbles with words she just can't seem to get out until she collects herself. She looks away, avoiding the tiiiiniest bit of eye contact as she answers. ]
N....no...
Usually, Juvia just eats at the cafeteria when she gets there. [ Not quite a lie, but not quite the truth either. She actually forgot to grab something for herself, all considering she usually does it on the way to her shift. ] So it's fine. Having tea is much better, anyway.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
And now, as per usual, she will try and pack something. Or at least try to, before realizing she doesn't have any time. She stomps her boot on, keeping it snug, soon reaching for her gloves after.
She does know that Sion is a busy person-- he has more importance than someone like her, so it only makes sense he would have a bigger workload. Something as simple as him being busy didn't come to mind though until he mentioned it. ]
Thank you, Sion. [ She sounds a little resigned, this time. ] It's hard to believe that one of us might've had a hand in this.
[ She doesn't understand why someone would do that.. ]
Ah, yes! Although, it depends on what you mean.. [ She doesn't think anything involving the unrest in Old Town would make Sion sound like that, so she blurts out the next thing. ] Do you mean Leith?
1/2
[ Her instincts are sharp, as they always have been, and are made keener still by the bond they share. She knows him, enough such that she still reminds him to take meals despite his proclivity to miss them, her care something which the Director is grateful for and uncertain of how to repay. Always, his wish for Juvia has been for her to pursue that which makes her most happy; that she remain whole and hale, and yet...
It is difficult, isn't it, while wearing the Company uniform she dons now, even if Juvia herself is resilient, as buoyant as ever. ]
The most recent reports regarding the Leithian infection have only grown more critical overnight, and so--...
2/2
I hope that the renowned Water Woman will forgive me if I ask to take a rain check for lunch.
[ I'm sorry. ]
1/2
Maybe tomorrow?
[ She says it almost immediately, not drawing the connection between what he brought up and what he's telling her now. Maybe it's him working until the break of dawn, relaying his worries about what's going on in their world to her because it's too much for him to handle! For Juvia, it's far too easy to jump to this much safer conclusion rather than any alternatives. ]
no subject
Sion. You're not thinking of going there, are you?
[ She can understand wanting to help people but...! ] Juvia thinks you should stay. [ Not without immediate protection. But even then, everyone would be at risk. Sion would be at risk! The idea of anyone being sick-- well, sick isn't the word they're using. She wishes it was though, because being 'sick' feels a lot more manageable than being 'infected'. She presses her lips into a line, suddenly wishing this wasn't a phone call but he was there in front of her.
She was sure she could shake some sense into him! ]
It's not a good idea.
1/2
My body... cannot catch ill. When I was still a boy, newly enrolled in the Company's military academy, I was made— [ Enhanced, he does not say. ] —to be invulnerable to many things.
Sickness is one of them.
[ And while there are more, now isn't the time to discuss them. Perhaps later, upon his return, but for now--... ]
If my presence upon Leith may spare someone else from being deployed, it is well worth my time.
[ Especially if that someone should be like Juvia. Juvia, who had been so innocent in asking maybe tomorrow?.
(More than anything, he wants to protect her.) ]
no subject
[ And here, his voice grows lighter for the sake of levity; to ensure that Juvia does not let this conversation weigh upon her. ]
You'll let me know how to make up for my absence, won't you?
no subject
For her, it's easy to disconnect from their situation because she won't be on Leith. There's enough going on in Old Town, at home, and at the Company, that it's almost enough to push back the plight going on there. ]
You're going to let me see you before you leave.
[ She can run quick enough to make it if she tries hard enough. It just doesn't sit well with her, having only just a call for them to part ways with. And now, she needs to figure a way to sneak in questions about his mysterious past! Juvia may be dense, but she can catch a carefully worded sentence when she hears one. ]
1/2
[ She's... coming to get him?!
Despite the distance between them, in his mind's eye, the expression she wears is clear: furrowed brows, her lips pressed into a line, not in exasperation (far from), but in--... Determination. A measure of resilience all her own, like a mountain stream, cool and crisp, which carves a path for itself through the most treacherous slopes, Juvia, she... ]
2/2
Please do not delay your morning patrol, not on my account, he wishes to say, though the words catch in his throat, because she deserves more than that.
Juvia is dear to him, his friend. ]
Of course. [ He had been the one to ask, after all, how he might make amends for his last-minute departure. And if he is honest, he would very much like to see her face, to know for certain that she is well before he takes his leave of Westerley. ] If you are able to meet me in my office, I will set tea to steep.
Do you have a preference of blend?
no subject
Juvia has no preference.
[ She doesn't really care much for tea right now, but she assumes by him asking her it means she can stay for a little, which she becomes elated at. Honestly, she feels relief-- he hadn't said no to her request after all.. Although admittedly, she would've went anyway despite what he said out of the sheer desire to see him. There's noise on her side, accompanied by the sound of chatter of people passing by her. ]
Stay where you are. [ Just in case he decides to leave.. Or do anything like get kidnapped, or burn himself with the tea, even faint-- ] I'll be there soon.
[ It doesn't take too long for her to get there-- she's fast on her feet when she needs to be. Even forcing herself to bring a small, packaged pastry (bread with cheese), in the chaos of trying to get here as fast as she could. She doesn't burst through the doors like she initially wants to, but instead knocks politely. It's quick, urgent even, totaling a whopping 15 knocks with a focused Juvia on the other side of the door. ]
no subject
Is quite something, isn't she? ]
I look forward to seeing you shortly.
[ And shortly it is! By the time the Director has finished with the remnants of his papework and set a Leithian tea to steep (a black tea-blend with lavender, orange peel, blue cornflower, and vanilla for just a touch of sweet), procuring two porcelain cups with an ornamental overlay, there have already been precisely three knocks upon his door...!
And a score more, after that, during his walk to greet her. And upon the fifteenth knock, he opens the door, welcoming her with a carefree nod of his head (he is all right—nothing's happened, no accident with a tea kettle, or the long fall of his hair catching on any potentially life-threatening appliance!), and a smile. ]
I am still here, Juvia. [ See...? He's real! And really, he is well. The dark circles beneath his eyes aren't even at a worrisome level yet...! ] I would not leave without first saying goodbye.
[ Truly. Even if his gaze should drift somewhere far away for a moment, perhaps two, before he gestures for her to— ]
Please, come inside.
no subject
Thank you..
[ That's all she can really say, because all the fussing and running over here finally caught up to her. If she does notice his gaze shift, she certainly doesn't mention it. But the unease at the reminder that he's still leaving makes her a tiny bit upset. Enough to readily step over her things in thought before stopping mid-way into his office to go back and gingerly pick them up.
He is still here....for now, Juvia begrudgingly admits. And as much as she wants to be a big fat baby about it.... If this is the last time she'll see him in person, she can't let her own feelings ruin this moment they have right now. It wouldn't be fair to Sion! She re-adjusts her hat with renewed vigor, wanting to send him off on a good note. ]
Here! [ Since she's already stuffed her phone in her pocket, handing him the packaged snack is easy. ] Juvia stopped somewhere and got this for Sion. [ In a quiet panic, she wishes she thought of something more appropriate to go with tea, maybe thought all of this through a bit more, managing to look normal on the outside as she thinks this. ]
I will be okay with you leaving if this can be our lunch for today.
gomen for my slow.....
...a snack, thrust into his still-outstretched hand? Bread with cheese—Juvia stopped somewhere and got this for Sion—which is, altogether, a good choice: the Director is a man known to be habitually 'picky' with his favored foods, preferring fruits, breads, and cheeses to compose his meals.
Regarding the little package with something like a quiet reverence, Sion looks to Juvia with a smile, a shake of his head— ]
You spoil me, you know. You didn't need to bring me anything, and yet--...
[ Reaching out, his fingertips touch lightly to her shoulder, curling there in greeting: a fond, familiar squeeze. ]
I really should be the one thanking you, Juvia. [ And then, he gestures to the two chairs adjacent to his desk, separated by a small coffee table. ] Will you not sit with me?
[ Leading the way, Sion sees himself seated with his usual air of grace, calm where Juvia is--... flushed, still, from her hurry to see him, something which prompts the Director to turn Juvia's own question upon her: ]
...have you eaten breakfast, yet, yourself? [ He teases, then, lightly chiding: ] I'd not be able to forgive myself, if you neglected yourself because of me.
it's ok.....dw friend
She settles into it, finding herself comforted with the gesture. ]
Don't worry, please. It wasn't trouble at all. [ She puts her own hand atop his, squeezing his hand as a way to assure him that it really is fine. Even a tiny knuckle rub with her thumb-- ] And Juvia would love to.
[ She follows him, having calmed down from her journey over, and sits down the chair opposite to him. She doesn't expect the question he throws at her-- and she fumbles with words she just can't seem to get out until she collects herself. She looks away, avoiding the tiiiiniest bit of eye contact as she answers. ]
N....no...
Usually, Juvia just eats at the cafeteria when she gets there. [ Not quite a lie, but not quite the truth either. She actually forgot to grab something for herself, all considering she usually does it on the way to her shift. ] So it's fine. Having tea is much better, anyway.