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"I-- I was born like this.."
Even though Inigo is definitely the older one here, he sounds so dejected when he says that that he might as well be younger than the child standing in front of him. It's almost as if he's being pulled down mentally to the other's age just through this entire conversation.
"And I don't need a bet! Or anything else!" He quickly shakes his head, attempting to recover from sudden questioning thoughts if his hair really is that strange.. I-It isn't, right? "I just don't want to be a bully who goes around beating up small children!"
Even though Inigo is definitely the older one here, he sounds so dejected when he says that that he might as well be younger than the child standing in front of him. It's almost as if he's being pulled down mentally to the other's age just through this entire conversation.
"And I don't need a bet! Or anything else!" He quickly shakes his head, attempting to recover from sudden questioning thoughts if his hair really is that strange.. I-It isn't, right? "I just don't want to be a bully who goes around beating up small children!"
Alright, so this stranger is very slow to understand things. Li Xiangyi sighs, but does not yet give up. Maybe he just needs to explain better. "You're only a bully if you hurt someone weaker than you! I'm not weaker than you, and you won't hurt me."
Their respective heights have nothing to do with this, obviously. His elder brother is more than a head taller than him and still loses all the time. Could it be this isn't the real reason the other boy is hesitant to fight him? "If you're a coward, you should say so. A coward shouldn't carry a sword."
Their respective heights have nothing to do with this, obviously. His elder brother is more than a head taller than him and still loses all the time. Could it be this isn't the real reason the other boy is hesitant to fight him? "If you're a coward, you should say so. A coward shouldn't carry a sword."
.. wait, is he--
Is he getting insulted by a toddler now?! Is this happening?
"I'm not a coward!"
He should probably be saying that with a little hint of something cooler. Like determination, or something. Pride, maybe. Instead Inigo just sounds like he's whining, like he is the one defending himself from a bully here.. A bully in the form of a small child..
"Why do you want to fight so badly anyway?!" Sweet Naga, is this kid like Owain?
Please tell him this kid isn't like Owain. Inigo may miss his cousin while he's here, sure, but he really does not miss these particular antics said cousin likes to pull.
Is he getting insulted by a toddler now?! Is this happening?
"I'm not a coward!"
He should probably be saying that with a little hint of something cooler. Like determination, or something. Pride, maybe. Instead Inigo just sounds like he's whining, like he is the one defending himself from a bully here.. A bully in the form of a small child..
"Why do you want to fight so badly anyway?!" Sweet Naga, is this kid like Owain?
Please tell him this kid isn't like Owain. Inigo may miss his cousin while he's here, sure, but he really does not miss these particular antics said cousin likes to pull.
[ He nods a little bit in response. ]
I am, but.. [ Well, it's not like the way her gaze keeps shifting around like that is going unnoticed with him. And while Inigo isn't rude enough to usually call that sort of thing out around a sweet girl like Chise, right now he's a little more worried. So he can't help it. ]
Are you sure everything is alright? It seems like you're looking for something.
I am, but.. [ Well, it's not like the way her gaze keeps shifting around like that is going unnoticed with him. And while Inigo isn't rude enough to usually call that sort of thing out around a sweet girl like Chise, right now he's a little more worried. So he can't help it. ]
Are you sure everything is alright? It seems like you're looking for something.
[Inigo’s hunch wasn’t incorrect. Chise was searching. It was just…]
I’m sorry. I’m used to having to be on guard… to not… noticing things right away. [What ‘things’ she doesn’t say.] My Sight hasn’t worked since I arrived in Somnius almost… a year ago? Even with my magic… so I’m never sure if something is nearby and I just can’t… see it…
[The general unease of this place, the corruption, their task… it’s mixing with her own past experiences, dividing her attention.
She attempts a reassuring smile.] We should find more of those snakes, right?
I’m sorry. I’m used to having to be on guard… to not… noticing things right away. [What ‘things’ she doesn’t say.] My Sight hasn’t worked since I arrived in Somnius almost… a year ago? Even with my magic… so I’m never sure if something is nearby and I just can’t… see it…
[The general unease of this place, the corruption, their task… it’s mixing with her own past experiences, dividing her attention.
She attempts a reassuring smile.] We should find more of those snakes, right?
[ Oh, Chise.
If there's any feeling Inigo understands well, it's the worry of being inadequate. But it's something he definitely doesn't want to see in others, so.. His desire to help his friend right now straight up overrides the paranoia this place is trying to induce in him.
So the young man doesn't hesitate to just step over to her, taking Chise's hand into his own. He's blushing a little bit as he does so, b-but.. you know, don't mind that!! ]
Well, you don't have to worry about seeing or not seeing something as long as you know I'm right here to help you the moment something dangerous appears, right? I will protect you for sure!
If there's any feeling Inigo understands well, it's the worry of being inadequate. But it's something he definitely doesn't want to see in others, so.. His desire to help his friend right now straight up overrides the paranoia this place is trying to induce in him.
So the young man doesn't hesitate to just step over to her, taking Chise's hand into his own. He's blushing a little bit as he does so, b-but.. you know, don't mind that!! ]
Well, you don't have to worry about seeing or not seeing something as long as you know I'm right here to help you the moment something dangerous appears, right? I will protect you for sure!
[Chise is broken from her own depressing feelings by Inigo’s sudden bravery, the feel of the warmth from his hands dusts her own cheeks in a grateful blush.]
T-that’s right. Thank you. Truly. [Her smile seems a bit brighter at his promise.] I’ll be sure to pay attention though… I don’t want you to get hurt because of me.
[It was a fear she hadn’t felt in a long time. Being a Sleigh Beggy, most of the more dangerous fae liked to focus on her and her alone. If Inigo got hurt because something was drawn to her… she wouldn’t be able to forgive herself.]
T-that’s right. Thank you. Truly. [Her smile seems a bit brighter at his promise.] I’ll be sure to pay attention though… I don’t want you to get hurt because of me.
[It was a fear she hadn’t felt in a long time. Being a Sleigh Beggy, most of the more dangerous fae liked to focus on her and her alone. If Inigo got hurt because something was drawn to her… she wouldn’t be able to forgive herself.]
[ He sucks in a deep breath, trying to force the blush off his cheeks. Maybe it helps if he doesn't think too hard about the sensation of the skin of her hand against his own.. B-Be strong, Inigo!!
Once he feels a little more composed, he smiles at her - making sure it's one of his dramatic overly confident ones.
It's important that it's that specific one, after all. It helps him with his point. ]
Come on, Chise. Do you think I look like someone who could get hurt that easily? I am practically invincible!
Once he feels a little more composed, he smiles at her - making sure it's one of his dramatic overly confident ones.
It's important that it's that specific one, after all. It helps him with his point. ]
Come on, Chise. Do you think I look like someone who could get hurt that easily? I am practically invincible!
[ .. huh. He had some kind of amnesia? Inigo supposes it's nothing too surprising, he has heard of cases like that back where he comes from too.. And Harry clearly doesn't seem all that bothered by the thought of it, judging by how easily he seems to bring it up.
So Inigo doesn't focus on that part of what the other is saying. Instead-- ]
You worked together on a case? Like.. [ He pauses, trying to remember the word. He knows that it's different than in his own world, judging by what he's heard other people in this place before.. ] .. detectives?
[ That feels right. Probably that one. ]
So Inigo doesn't focus on that part of what the other is saying. Instead-- ]
You worked together on a case? Like.. [ He pauses, trying to remember the word. He knows that it's different than in his own world, judging by what he's heard other people in this place before.. ] .. detectives?
[ That feels right. Probably that one. ]
Yeah, just like that!
[Harry gives a nod.]
It was a murder case in an area that overlapped our jurisdictions. Grim stuff. It also ended up being... complicated. More complicated than any of us could have possibly imagined. It nearly triggered a civil war. It still might, in all honesty.
[Harry gives a nod.]
It was a murder case in an area that overlapped our jurisdictions. Grim stuff. It also ended up being... complicated. More complicated than any of us could have possibly imagined. It nearly triggered a civil war. It still might, in all honesty.
A civil war?
[ Inigo noticably doesn't look shocked. It's like he can actually imagine how a single murder might lead to something like that, despite the fact that Inigo still looks relatively young and not all that experienced with life.
There's just a little bit of surprise that quickly changes into sympathy. ]
I'm sorry to hear that. It doesn't sound like a great thing to be involved with. I mean-- I imagine there was a lot of pressure on both of your shoulders, considering the stakes.
[ Inigo noticably doesn't look shocked. It's like he can actually imagine how a single murder might lead to something like that, despite the fact that Inigo still looks relatively young and not all that experienced with life.
There's just a little bit of surprise that quickly changes into sympathy. ]
I'm sorry to hear that. It doesn't sound like a great thing to be involved with. I mean-- I imagine there was a lot of pressure on both of your shoulders, considering the stakes.
[Anyone who is worldly enough is probably aware of how one single event can cause a snowball effect, so Harry doesn't look entirely shocked by Inigo's lack of a huge reaction. They're almost certainly not from the same world, but from what Harry's seen, people are still people no matter what.]
Yeah. Yeah. I'm honestly not sure how things didn't go to shit then and there. Well, no, I know why. It's because a very powerful woman kept a group of pychos in check, but who knows how long she'll be able to do that.
Yeah. Yeah. I'm honestly not sure how things didn't go to shit then and there. Well, no, I know why. It's because a very powerful woman kept a group of pychos in check, but who knows how long she'll be able to do that.
[ He just lets out a groan. It sounds like it's coming from his very soul. Like he's being tortured here, even though all that's happening is just that Owain is talking to him - which is apparently its own kind of torture. ]
And pray tell, Owain, what would you say to him?
[ Time for Owain to prove Inigo's point of why the other shouldn't be allowed to talk to his boyfriend! ]
And pray tell, Owain, what would you say to him?
[ Time for Owain to prove Inigo's point of why the other shouldn't be allowed to talk to his boyfriend! ]
[He chortles.]
Such a question! Inigo, what wouldn't I ask of him? Like I said, we are practically family now! We should both learn all there is to know of each other and exchange the epic tales of our life's adventures!
[Owain smiles and nods sagely as he thinks on this.]
There are also inquiries I should make of this mystery man. I must test his character to ensure that he is of noble heart and not using you in any way! I also intend to ask him of his intentions with you in general and of whatever role I may play should he aim for betrothal!
[He starts daydreaming of different potential engagement scenarios he could help out with!]
Such a question! Inigo, what wouldn't I ask of him? Like I said, we are practically family now! We should both learn all there is to know of each other and exchange the epic tales of our life's adventures!
[Owain smiles and nods sagely as he thinks on this.]
There are also inquiries I should make of this mystery man. I must test his character to ensure that he is of noble heart and not using you in any way! I also intend to ask him of his intentions with you in general and of whatever role I may play should he aim for betrothal!
[He starts daydreaming of different potential engagement scenarios he could help out with!]
What role you may-- By Naga, Owain, we haven't talked about such things! You can't go around and give him strange ideas! [ Inigo does seem a little offended still, yes.
But rather than being straight up angry, he instead just looks like he's getting embarrassed, actually.. His cheeks are so red now. ]
I'm not even sure if he would want anything of the sort with me in the first place-- And I can assure you he is a great man! Don't go around acting suspicious of him!
[ Partially because Inigo does know that Cat was involved with pretty shady things where he comes from.
And he doesn't even want to think about how Owain might react to that knowledge. ]
But rather than being straight up angry, he instead just looks like he's getting embarrassed, actually.. His cheeks are so red now. ]
I'm not even sure if he would want anything of the sort with me in the first place-- And I can assure you he is a great man! Don't go around acting suspicious of him!
[ Partially because Inigo does know that Cat was involved with pretty shady things where he comes from.
And he doesn't even want to think about how Owain might react to that knowledge. ]
[Owain can't help but grin as Inigo's cheeks turn red. How amusing it is how easily his cousin is wound up and embarrassed!]
I see naught a strange thing about my suggestions! But I will make a concession regardless. If you're still so early in your courtship, I will save talk of plans for betrothal for a later date. That will give me more time to come up with potential plans...
[Maybe he can arrange for him to come swinging down from a chandelier with the engagement ring? Or something in the heat of battle!
Owain shakes his head as he looks Inigo over.]
I don't intend to cast him in the guilty light! I simply feel that I must assess his character for myself. Certainly I do trust your instincts and your heart, but even you could be ensnared in the web of a cunning... what would be the male form of seductress? ...Seductor...? I feel it loses some of its glamor...
In any case! Know that I look out for you because I care for your wellbeing, my cousin.
I see naught a strange thing about my suggestions! But I will make a concession regardless. If you're still so early in your courtship, I will save talk of plans for betrothal for a later date. That will give me more time to come up with potential plans...
[Maybe he can arrange for him to come swinging down from a chandelier with the engagement ring? Or something in the heat of battle!
Owain shakes his head as he looks Inigo over.]
I don't intend to cast him in the guilty light! I simply feel that I must assess his character for myself. Certainly I do trust your instincts and your heart, but even you could be ensnared in the web of a cunning... what would be the male form of seductress? ...Seductor...? I feel it loses some of its glamor...
In any case! Know that I look out for you because I care for your wellbeing, my cousin.
Inigo lets out a laugh. "Alright, alright, then I suppose I am a true problem solver. A compliment I will accept humbly and graciously!"
The true joke is that he wouldn't be able to take the compliment at all if he wasn't treating it like a total joke.. But-- ssh, it's fine. His smile is very genuine in this moment, just glad to have helped her through this.
"Just remember this if you ever have a problem in the future, alright? Your good pal Inigo will always listen to you if you need it!"
The true joke is that he wouldn't be able to take the compliment at all if he wasn't treating it like a total joke.. But-- ssh, it's fine. His smile is very genuine in this moment, just glad to have helped her through this.
"Just remember this if you ever have a problem in the future, alright? Your good pal Inigo will always listen to you if you need it!"
"Good, you ought to!"
Normally, Luz was giving him advice, but here she had very much needed to talk to someone outside of her own head. She understood well enough that if she let herself get swallowed up by her own mistakes, it tended to put her in a very dark place.
Leave it to a friend she trusted to help get her out of that.
"Oh, I will. I'm pretty sure the longest that I can stay out of trouble is two weeks! But enough about me. How've you been?"
Normally, Luz was giving him advice, but here she had very much needed to talk to someone outside of her own head. She understood well enough that if she let herself get swallowed up by her own mistakes, it tended to put her in a very dark place.
Leave it to a friend she trusted to help get her out of that.
"Oh, I will. I'm pretty sure the longest that I can stay out of trouble is two weeks! But enough about me. How've you been?"
"Pfft." Another laugh, obviously. "At least you're self-aware, Luz!"
Look, the joke might be a little bit mean, but Inigo is mostly going along with it because Luz herself put it forward in the first place. It's a good natured sort of thing! Especially since it's true that the other really does somehow always manage to get herself into trouble here.. Sure, this place and its shenanigans really doesn't help with that, but Luz seems to have a unique talent for attracting trouble.
"And-- me? Well, I'm alright, of course! When am I not?"
Look, the joke might be a little bit mean, but Inigo is mostly going along with it because Luz herself put it forward in the first place. It's a good natured sort of thing! Especially since it's true that the other really does somehow always manage to get herself into trouble here.. Sure, this place and its shenanigans really doesn't help with that, but Luz seems to have a unique talent for attracting trouble.
"And-- me? Well, I'm alright, of course! When am I not?"
"When it comes to my shortcomings? Trust me, I'm fully aware."
Luz had no problem taking the piss when it came to things that she knew she hadn't matured out of yet: she was the kind of person that, good intentions or not, still managed to find trouble wherever she went. She was a bit of a magnet like that.
"You know what I mean! Have you been doing well, you know, romance-wise? I remember it being a bit of a stumbling block for you."
Luz had no problem taking the piss when it came to things that she knew she hadn't matured out of yet: she was the kind of person that, good intentions or not, still managed to find trouble wherever she went. She was a bit of a magnet like that.
"You know what I mean! Have you been doing well, you know, romance-wise? I remember it being a bit of a stumbling block for you."
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