IC Inbox for lastvoyages

[cephalopunk]

Comments

[perfectly_average]

So, you only intend to come dangerously close? Is that it?

[He absolutely sounds like he's worrying, regardless of Azul's words. This irritation easily translates into an almost "mother hen" kind of frustration.]

[cephalopunk]

Don't patronize me. I'm well aware of my limits.

[He takes a steadying breath.]

That was part of the reason I'd invited you to the pool to begin with, after all.

The fact an emergency occurred couldn't be helped, but I still had enough breathing room to take the actions I needed to.

[perfectly_average]

[There's a decently long pause...

But, eventually, he glances away.]

Alright.

[Very short, very simple.]

Would you like to give the pool another try?

[cephalopunk]

[He stands there, calming himself by taking slow breaths.

When Jamil asks that question, though, he looks over, startled.]

What—?

[perfectly_average]

[A huff and he grumpily stares at something that's off to the side. He just repeats the question, but this time with a touch of awkward frustration behind it.]

Would you like to give the pool another try?

[cephalopunk]

[??????

This is. Different. Azul isn't sure how to respond? His face is growing red all over again.]

... just so we're clear, you're... asking to join me again?

[Just to be CRYSTAL CLEAR.]

Are you certain?

[? ?? ?? ? what is happening]

[perfectly_average]

Yes. I am. How else will I learn to swim properly?

[It's very obvious he hates admitting this, but... there it is.]

[cephalopunk]

[...oh. Oh.

The blush slowly fades, and he gives a sigh.]

So that's why.

[He crosses his arms loosely, giving a somewhat gentled smile.]

Very well. I'd be happy to help. Of course...

[He gestures with a hand.]

You'd need to convince Commander Cook that there's no danger of us repeating what transpired earlier.

[perfectly_average]

[There's a look of frustration lingering on his face.]

Living in a desert doesn't leave much room for becoming a strong swimmer, and I had my responsibilities as a servant to focus on. Any time I needed to swim, I relied heavily on my magic.

[And, well... with his magic being so limited here...]

In any case, I'll talk to her as soon as I can.

[cephalopunk]

At ease, Jamil. Your situation is perfectly understandable. You hardly need to defend yourself to me.

[Just because swimming comes naturally to him doesn't mean he isn't cognizant of how that may not be true for others. Especially a Scalding Sands denizen.

He gives a nod.]

Very well. Is that all you wanted to discuss?

[perfectly_average]

[There's a frown at the initial words, but he doesn't argue. The last part, however...]

No.

[He holds a blink before letting out a sigh.]

I wanted to properly thank you. [He presses his lips together with a little awkwardness.] For saving me.

[cephalopunk]

[...oh.

A bit of a pause from him as well... Before he sighs again, then crosses his arms and gives a playful smirk.]

You're quite fortunate I'm feeling generous today, you know. That would be quite a hefty debt to repay.

[A flourish of his hand.]

But, in my infinite kindness, I shall forgive you of it.

[perfectly_average]

[He studies Azul for a moment, his eyebrows momentarily lifted.]

Oh? What would you normally have someone repay you with?

[cephalopunk]

Well, now.

[Azul brightens and gestures enthusiastically.]

Were I back at Night Raven, I'd expect no less than for that person to wait on my hand and foot. Sealed with a Golden Contract, of course. If they didn't comply, well...

[A cruel smile.]

I'd ensure that the rest of their stay at Night Raven would be nothing less than a living nightmare.

[perfectly_average]

[Oh...

Jamil blinks and something softens in his expression, his gaze holding a combination of amusement and surprise.]

So, not only did you change into your true form to rescue me, you're giving up the chance to have me serving you?

[That tone almost sounds a touch... flattered, somehow.]

... Why?

[cephalopunk]

[Why indeed...

Azul has always been fascinated with Jamil as an individual. As the days passed, his curiosity only grew. And he found his company enjoyable.

And he'd always assumed that was quite one-sided. But he isn't so sure anymore.]

... you're an intelligent individual. I'd like to hear you come up with a hypothesis.

1/2

[perfectly_average]

[Deadpan as fuck:]

You have a crush on me?

[perfectly_average]

[... He's being sarcastic, though. Almost immediately after, he's looking to the side, hand against chin as he considers everything.]

1/2

[cephalopunk]

[Well

then]

Gh?!

2/2

[cephalopunk]

[And then he turns his (very red) face, hand coming up to drag over it.]

Must you make me sound like some hopeless preteen?

[Augh... Azul hates this. Enough that he's shifting and clearly considering leaving altogether.]

Nevermind, this was...

[Stupid? A mistake? He's not sure but he's suddenly regretting the turn things have taken...]

1/2

[perfectly_average]

[Now it's his turn to stare.]

... Seriously!?

[perfectly_average]

Why are you blushing, Azul??

[Fortunately he isn't outright shouting that. It's more of an urgent whisper.]

1/2

[cephalopunk]

[lol yeah this sure is him walking rather quickly for the door—]

2/2

[cephalopunk]

[Unfortunately, though, he ends up having a misstep and a startled noise of pain escapes him that has him stumbling to the side and then leaning heavily against the wall, hand coming down and clutching at his leg.]

[perfectly_average]

[... Sigh.

Jamil just rubs the bridge of his nose before reaching out to lightly tug on the back of Azul's shirt.]

Sit down or I'm fucking princess carrying you to the infirmary.

[Trixie's influence has been powerful, to say the least. He pointedly gestures to a chair with a stubborn frown.]