Hi Zack!

[firstclasssoldier]

Its been too quiet. I'm relieved you threw me into a few memes, Mun, but I'd like to do more. [When is the famous Zack Fair ever over-worked?] You've got other "muses" that are "high-maintenance". I don't think I fit the bill for that...do I?

Comments

[wear_tear_rust]

[Angeal folds his arms and looks at Zack from the back of the room.]

I can't answer that for you. Only you can determine that answer yourself.

[firstclasssoldier]

[He hasn't seen Angeal in…

Ages and ages. Give him a minute to process and rein in his emotions. No, his eyes aren't watering - and, if they are, that's just allergies.]

I'm not. [He knows he's a pretty easy-going guy.] I think I should speak up more.

[wear_tear_rust]

[Allergies? Oh, come on now, he knows better than that. He won't rub it in, but he might give a lecture if this keeps up.]

Perhaps you should, but are you ready for what's out there?

[It's a simple question, right? Now, to list the incentives with a little bit of light teasing to go along with it to hide his own emotions.]

Adventure, girls, glory, the list goes on. It might be a little much for you.

[In Angeal's case, he's dealing with Q and other things like readjusting to space and the fact that Genesis isn't the same as he remembers, coupled with the possibility of a crew that's just a little bit rowdy for their own good.]

[firstclasssoldier]

[He would welcome a lecture! It's easy to miss every aspect of the time they spent together - even the times he felt embarrassed or frustrated.]

I'd like to think so. I've seen others make it and I can learn on my feet.

[Goodness, make it even more desirable, Angeal.]

I'm ready. [All the things he has ever wanted all wrapped up into one? Hell to the yes.] Just you wait.

[wear_tear_rust]

[There's a rare smile now and a soft laugh. It's just like Zack to make it seem so easy. My, has he grown from the last time he had seen his pupil. There's not much more he can teach him.]

I've no doubt. Either way, you'll need to find your place in the sun. I look forward to see what you can do. I've waited a long time to see you surpass me.

[Well, that's part of his job isn't it? Keeping his students motivated is included in the package.]

[firstclasssoldier]

[That smile means the world to him and he visibly basks in its glow. He'll always be a puppy, eager for Angeal's approval, but yeah - he has grown. There are people he wants to protect and memories he would rather leave far, far behind. Particularly the ones concerning his death.]

This place is a second chance for both of us. [All the more reason he doesn't want to sit idle.] I'm glad I get the chance to see you again.

[wear_tear_rust]

[As far as Angeal is concerned, it's another lifetime ago that completely breaks his own 4th wall and behind him that he's not even thinking about it. He'll completely avoid the topic for as long as possible. It's a sore subject for the both of them and there is closure so it's not like everything is open ended.]

Likewise. Have you considered where you want to be?

[firstclasssoldier]

I'm open to suggestions. [He shrugs and cocks his head.] See? I still need your advice.

[wear_tear_rust]

[He shakes his head and chuckles. Okay, Zack, got him there. How can he say no to that face?]

Currently, I'm about to embark on a mission in a week to Alemar III. Apparently, the miners are having some difficulty with a faction, though the details have not be revealed fully. We could use another hand to help rescue the miners from the tunnels.

[Never mind the fact that he's leaving out a few little details for the sake of sanity. That and he doesn't want to be a part of another argument. (He'll be the one that will need the advice later.) He folds his arms and continues.]

Now, Zack, this is really important. It's not in a world where I am. I'm on a ship that is commissioned for space exploration. Do you think you can handle it?

[northswainsglow]

I believe that wanting to do more is hardly high maintenance, but instead valiant. Your sir or lady mun would not agree?

[firstclasssoldier]

I think she's trying to tease me. [A cute girl who speaks properly? Win.] Thank you for the support, though. I'm Zack.

[northswainsglow]

Teasing seems hardly just when you seek to do something more than dawdle. Tell me, where would you go if you had the choice?

{ a pause - hesitation? - and then she extends her hand toward him }

Amalia. It is a pleasure.

[firstclasssoldier]

Somewhere distant; somewhere I can really have an adventure. [He isn't the type to sit still.] Nice to meet you, Amalia. Do you have a place to call home?

[northswainsglow]

{ against her better judgement, this amuses her, and the corners of her lips turn upward, if only briefly. }

What sort of adventure?

{ until she sobers: } In neither the world I am from, or this puzzling realm. I shall, though. I cannot sit by and wait for one to be handed to me, but my lady mun and I seem to be at odds.

[firstclasssoldier]

There it is! [He chuckles.] You have a nice smile, Amalia; you should let people see it more often.

{His expression falls and he hums sympathetically.]

That can be rough. I'm not sure I really have a home either.

[northswainsglow]

{ she doesn't smile for him again, but at least her hand lingers far from her sword as she folds her arms loosely against her chest. baby steps. }

What happened to your home, if I may be so forward?