[ Maybe that's why Estinien was looking for Aria, also. But sparring with a scholar? No, it wouldn't have quite the same effect, would it. And so, he continues to wonder... ]
So that's what he was here for? He wanted a spar with you?
[ It's not that Aria can't hold her own in a fist fight (see: what happened with Zenos at the end of the world), but it's certainly not the first thing one might expect from a Scholar. ]
[ Oh, buddy. She considers beating around the bush, but he does deserve better than that. ]
He probably wanted to fuck.
It's been a thing since the whole meteor nonsense, so we mess around whenever he's in town. [ Why she's explaining herself? Who the fuck knows. Whatever. ]
I didn't think he'd be showing up today of all days
[ As much as Ardbert had been wondering if this was the case, he'd actually thought he was just reading into it all too much.
Then Aria comes out and speaks of it like it's nothing.
There's a lot of silent staring at his phone while also trying to deal with Estinien, so the answer probably doesn't come right away. ]
I see. Sorry, I didn't mean to pry that out of you.
[ He literally didn't, but. ]
Well, I did promise him a spar when we first met, so I will humor him.
[ He needs time to process all of this, even though it's obviously none of his business and really has no bearing on him. It's not like Aria's penchant for falling into bed with people is a secret to him, so he shouldn't be that baffled. He just needs a minute. ]
[ And really, he was going to leave it at that and just focus on his bout with Estinien. Set aside however he's feeling about this (which isn't something he can properly explain or define) and carry on with the day.
But then: ]
By the way, if you ever need me out of the room for a night, you need only send the word.
[ He's not trying to get in the way of anything. ]
[ Is this Aria trying to be funny? She can't be serious, surely. She's just trying to get a reaction out of him, he assumes. Is it supposed to make him feel better?
Truly, he's never had anyone be this direct, let alone someone he shares a bloody soul with, and he's at a total loss of what to make of it.
[ Ultimately, it feels like she's offering it up as some sort of odd consolation prize, or as an apology for Estinien showing up like this. Ardbert could ask, but running away from the conversation as fast as possible seems the easier path. So— (finally)... ]
I suppose I appreciate the sentiment? But that's quite alright, Aria. I was only trying to not get in the way of things. I know it can be a something of a drag, having to share a room with someone when you might want your privacy from time to time and don't always know my comings and goings.
[ ... nailed it? He thinks that was pretty composed, all things considered. ]
[ She reads the text. Then again. Then quietly puts the phone down and goes back to studying the relationship to them manipulating aether and this place. It's far more productive than trying to figure out how to tell him that he's not in the way. Or that she doesn't want privacy the way he thinks she does. ]
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ohf uck
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Aria?
Is everything alright?
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tell him he should text me next time
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He showed up at your bedroom window.
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[ Clearly. ]
But I'll let him know.
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I hope he wasn't disturbing you.
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He wants to spar now.
[ Maybe that's why Estinien was looking for Aria, also. But sparring with a scholar? No, it wouldn't have quite the same effect, would it. And so, he continues to wonder... ]
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If you want him to piss off, feel free to tell him I say you're not a consolation prize.
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So that's what he was here for? He wanted a spar with you?
[ It's not that Aria can't hold her own in a fist fight (see: what happened with Zenos at the end of the world), but it's certainly not the first thing one might expect from a Scholar. ]
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He probably wanted to fuck.
It's been a thing since the whole meteor nonsense, so we mess around whenever he's in town. [ Why she's explaining herself? Who the fuck knows. Whatever. ]
I didn't think he'd be showing up today of all days
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Then Aria comes out and speaks of it like it's nothing.
There's a lot of silent staring at his phone while also trying to deal with Estinien, so the answer probably doesn't come right away. ]
I see.
Sorry, I didn't mean to pry that out of you.
[ He literally didn't, but. ]
Well, I did promise him a spar when we first met, so I will humor him.
[ He needs time to process all of this, even though it's obviously none of his business and really has no bearing on him. It's not like Aria's penchant for falling into bed with people is a secret to him, so he shouldn't be that baffled. He just needs a minute. ]
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Don't underestimate him. I made that mistake already. [ It's how they fucked! Though he probably doesn't need to know that. ]
1/2
Just sharing a soul things.]Somehow I doubt our spar will end the way yours did.
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But then: ]
By the way, if you ever need me out of the room for a night, you need only send the word.
[ He's not trying to get in the way of anything. ]
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1/?
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Truly, he's never had anyone be this direct, let alone someone he shares a bloody soul with, and he's at a total loss of what to make of it.
Or how to respond. ]
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done
I suppose I appreciate the sentiment? But that's quite alright, Aria. I was only trying to not get in the way of things. I know it can be a something of a drag, having to share a room with someone when you might want your privacy from time to time and don't always know my comings and goings.
[ ... nailed it? He thinks that was pretty composed, all things considered. ]
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