And After The Storm I Run And Run As The Rain Comes

[smithandwesson]

Who: Genjo Sanzo smithandwesson & Lioriley invigorates
Where: In the sleeper Cabins: In front of U1:B
When: Late night on Day12 of Symphony
What: It's been a few months. The world they're currently on is imploding in on itself in a glorious battle. He might as well thank a neighbor for a nice gesture now while there's still a chance to.
Warnings: Nothing bad here besides some alcohol and Sanzo's salty sailors mouth!

What a pain in the ass the missions were slowly becoming.

The importance of their tether seemed to become part of the backdrop just as quickly as anything else had along their journey. If Sanzo hadn't been so immune to this, he probably would have been far more stressed over the matter. But he had long since learned how to distance himself emotionally from the stresses of war. Nonetheless, life was constantly flipping things over his head. It made the wild pace upon the Voidtrecker practically feel... Normal.

Regardless, he knew something else just as big seemed to be looming on the horizon. At least, it felt as if things were building up to that. And perhaps, before all that happened, he wished to get a few things out of the way. He wanted more time to spend with his master, to learn to understand the new young girl that was forcefully brought into his circle, to try to actually like the person his master was seeing. And then there was this.

He had bought it from the shop just earlier that day. A small bottle of liqueur grasped firmly in his hand; he stood in front of the door to the cabin. He was never good at acknowledging the good things people did for him. In fact, he was never used to it when people were friendly to him in general. So he wasn't exactly sure how to go about thanking her. It took him most of his time between not trying to save worlds to figure out how to even approach the matter.

It wasn't until recently that he finally just decided to bit the bullet and just do it.

What was the worst thing that could happen? Would she judge him? Whatever. he could deal with that. It would probably be easier if Lioriley decided that she didn't like the gesture and would wish for him to never talk to her again. Then he wouldn't have to deal with awkward situations like this anymore. Nonetheless, he lifted his hand, casually knocking upon the door of sleeper cabin U1:B.

Right.

Just get this over with.

Comments

[invigorates]

It was only a few seconds later when the door slid open. Lioriley, having assumed whoever was knocking had come for one of her cabinmates, looked a bit surprised when she spotted the priest standing there, her eyes widening a touch. "Lord Sanzo! I did not expect you. Is everything all right?" Besides, you know, the chaos of the world they were on. Something she had planned to return to, once a break mandated by one of her friends was finished.

[smithandwesson]

"... Mn," Crap. Sure enough she just happened to be there. A strange little part of him had desperately hoped that she was still out on the battle front healing people, doing good Samaritan work, and whatever it was kind hearted people like her did. That maybe he could just leave the bottle in front of her door with a little note. But go figure. She was here in the train, avoiding the chaos of the outside world as much as he had been.

And so he offered the bottle out. His expression dull and void of any distinguishing emotion as he looked directly at her.

"For you."

[invigorates]

She should have been. She wanted to be. But enough people were aware of her near collapse on Osiga and the subsequent breakdown that happened afterwards, so it was better she took a break, even for a few moments. There were plenty of others to take her place in the meantime, and she would pick up easily enough.

She took the bottle and examined it, her expression still a bit confused. "I - thank you. Might I ask why?" He didn't seem the type to just give people gifts.

[smithandwesson]

"Of course," As she took if he almost receded his hands back, folding his arms into the now all too comfortable pockets of his hoodie. They were not anything like the large sleeves he once adorned, but he was getting used to them.

"A month and a half ago. You used your points on me."

And he hated owing people things, as stubbornly self-reliant as he always was.

[invigorates]

Her lips twisted, brows furrowed as she thought back to the last time she had used her points. Once for the clothes she wore now, then - oh, right. His glasses.

"Ah." She laughed. "You did not have to repay me for that, my lord. It was no trouble at all." It hadn't cost her much either, so she didn't seem to mind. "Though I appreciate the gift. Would you like to share a drink with me?"

[smithandwesson]

"There's no need," He looked away with that. He partially expected her to invite him in. After all, she seemed the type. Receive a gift, use it on the person giving it to you. He didn't want her to waste the present on him, though. Instead pulling out another smaller bottle from his pocket.

"Got one for myself. You shouldn't have to waste your gifts on me," We can share a drink Lioriley. But enjoy what is yours.

[invigorates]

She opened her mouth to insist, but stopped when she saw the smaller bottle, her nose crinkling slightly. Thinking ahead, Sanzo?

"I would not say it would be a waste, but I suppose that is reasonable enough. Shall we make way to the dining car?"

[smithandwesson]

Always.

"I'd like to think the gifts I give are thoroughly appreciated by the people I give them to," He expects Lior to drink all of it. Though, how quickly or often was entirely up to his discretion.

But he paused for a moment. He was taking a moment to consider Lioriley's words before finally closing his eyes and offering a short nod of his head.

"Well, not like I wasn't planning on getting something to eat anyway."

HE GUESSES HE'LL SPARE SOME TIME TO GACE YOU WITH HIS PRESENCE.

[invigorates]

THANK YOU, GRACIOUS LORD SANZO.

"Wonderful." She chirped happily, reaching back to grab her bag and sling it over her shoulder, the bottle tucked safely inside. She stepped outside the door after, let it close behind her, and stood beside him, ready to move when he was. "Sharing a drink with you would be far superior to hiding away in my cabin."

[smithandwesson]

"Were you hiding?" Sanzo couldn't help but raise his eyebrow with that. He was continuing his stroll between the carts, leading the way towards their eventual goal of a spot to drink and sustainable food products. But that didn't mean he couldn't occasionally converse.

Well, what she said was interesting to him, at least.

Not that he was judging her. After all, there was a literal war going on outside. No one wished to willingly participate in such things when they don't have to.

[invigorates]

"Mm. Not from the mission, of course, but from those that might scold me for my recklessness." She admitted, following beside him. She made sure to keep an eye out for said friends along the way, just to be sure they didn't accuse her of venturing out too soon. "I have a habit, you see, of overworking myself in situations like this. I do not see it as a problem — but those that care for me do, so I have offered to take a break." for however long that lasted.

[smithandwesson]

"Sounds like you have some pretty invasive friends" He says casually, as if such a comment on one's choice of comrades was a normal thing to voice his oppinion of. Finally stepping through the final door which lead into the dining cart, keeping his eyes out for any existing open tables. "Must be pretty annoying."

Ah there was one.

This will be a good place to get shit-faced together.

Look he's already taking taking seat even!

[invigorates]

She chuckled. "Caring, I would say. Well aware that I will allow myself to run ragged before I cease my care of others. I do not mind them hounding me most of the time." Sometimes you needed a friend to tell you to get your shit together.

Following after him, she made sure to grab some glasses along the way, setting them down in the middle of the table and sitting across from him. Now, she looked to see what he had actually given her.

[smithandwesson]

It was probably difficult for Lior to figure out the type of liqueur it was upon first glance, but it was most certainly a vibrant bottle. The contents inside show only clear water-like transparency.

"It's called Baijiu, a grain liqueur," he said simply as if already seeming to understand her expression as she looked it over. He appeared to be twisting the cap of his own before pouring a little between two of the glasses Lior previously grabbed. He slowly placed the glass in front of her before she even opened her bottle.

"So you're one of those types, are you? The type with a death wish so long as you think it means you're helping someone," He says, already bringing his drink to his lips and siping at the familiar sweet mellow flavor.

[invigorates]

"Is it from your home world?" She asked, her leylines bright with intrigue and wonder. If it was, she was going to cherish the damn thing for the rest of her life.

She looked a little surprised when he started pouring his own bottle, and would have stopped him if he hadn't already pushed her glass toward her. Well. Can't be rude about it now.

"I..." well he wasn't really wrong, was he? "I do not enjoy watching others suffer."

[smithandwesson]

"Not this brand. But it's close enough to what we have," Sanzo hummed casually—noting the flavor before downing the shot in one go and placing the glass back down. He then looked at her directly from across the table. His expression was as dour and severe as it always seemed to be.

Perhaps he was always like this?

"Do you think your suffering in their place would improve the situation for any of you?" Because that sort of logic just made it sound like a cry for help rather than any goodwill offer.

[invigorates]

Lioriley used the excuse of taking a drink to not answer that question immediately, her face scrunched up for a moment as the alcohol rolled down her throat. Or maybe that was her response to his accusation.

"It would improve theirs, certainly." She said softly. "Ideally none, myself included, would suffer. But if anyone must - better it be me."