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[sparkstrikes]

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[sparkstrikes]

[This just keeps getting worse and worse, and she narrows her eyes.]

What do you want me to do about it? [A legitimate and genuine question.] Only thing I can offer is burning it without a fire.

[Which... she would be more than willing to do.]

[sparkstrikes]

Nevermind.

[Lightning pinches at the bridge of her nose, letting out a long suffering sigh.]

So what are you expecting I do to help you?

[boundbynaught]

Well for one thing you could explain what you meant if I didn't give you the answer you were looking for.

[He can at least catch that from 'Nevermind.']

[sparkstrikes]

[There's a sudden shock of static that sends over the connection, this one not as much an accident as the first.]

Do you know which Arehtei you're aligned to?

Mystery Gift - December.

[empc]

[ When Lightning wakes. . . she might not be able to see anything at first. It's because she now has an eye mask on. It might not be to her tastes, but putting it on before sleeping will help her sleep right away and she'll have good dreams.

Once it's off, though, she will find that her crystal is glowing! Her emotion drops for the month of Ennea have resonated with Empatheias' giant crystal, and a reaction has been formed.

(Thank you for submitting to the Emotion Tracker!) ]

[geophile]

[ he sighs. it's not as if this is a big problem, but it's still an eyesore. ]

I don't really expect you to do anything. I was only looking for some sort of reassurance that I'm not going insane.

[ everyone in the house seems to love them. it's maddening. ]

[sparkstrikes]

[Lightning laughs a little, not managing to stifle it before it gets out. In spite of the ugly sweaters, the fact that he had come to her, of all people, for some solace is amusing.]

You're not. Unless looking at them for too long'll make you that way. Wouldn't be surprised if it did.

[There's a visible crinkle to her nose as another image passes through her mind, this one not shared with Steven but within her own imagination.]

Don't let Snow find out about these.

[boundbynaught]

... No. I didn't know anyone was aligned to an Arehtei.

[... Hm. Dare for a follow up...]

How can I tell?

[sparkstrikes]

[She doesn't bother to hide another sigh, and when she speaks through it, her voice is both tired but firm. Either he's really new or no one gave him the rundown, but as far as she sees it, this isn't on her.]

Look, kid. I'm not here to give anyone lessons on how this place works. Look at your crystal, figure it out. Then we can talk.

[boundbynaught]

[Definitely not the answer he was expecting, but then he remembers what Usagi told him about her.]

Fine. I'll call later.

['Later' being after talking to some of the other, more helpful folks about the original issue.

But since she isn't interested in explaining things, he hangs up.]

[geophile]

[ it's okay, light. as awful as this situation is, he can't deny the humour of it all - he even smirks along with her. he's just glad that she Gets It. ]

I don't exactly intend to spread the word. I trust you won't, either.

[sparkstrikes]

What, and spread the plague of tacky sweaters along with it? My lips are sealed. I'm starting to think this whole Christmas thing is a bad idea.

[If he shows up at any parties wearing that, Lightning is promptly leaving and will gladly take Steven with her if it comes to that.]

1/12, voice.

[newrecipe]

Light- if you have a bit of time today, could I perhaps interest you in meeting for a cup of coffee?

[The invitation is sudden and unceremonious, though that's not particularly out of the ordinary for either of them. In fact, by all accounts, this is rather routine, though he does have a particular need to speak with her today beyond the desire for an impromptu outing.]

[sparkstrikes]

[The invitation out comes as no surprise to her – in fact, she's quite happy to accept. Even if she was busy, it's rare that she would decline or not make time for him some other way.]

I've got time. Where to?

[geophile]

I can appreciate the good will that comes with it, though I've seen several traditions that leave much to be desired.

[ oh thank god. he actually feels something akin to relief knowing that she's willing to side with him. ]

I'll file this under the latter.

[sparkstrikes]

Don't bring it up around them. Knowing Ignis, he might start wearing them just to bug you. Or me.

[She doesn't actually know if that's entirely true, but she wouldn't put it past him. No harm in being cautious, though.]

[newrecipe]

Our usual?

[There are a number of cafes that they visit, but there's one in particular that they've come to favor over the last year, not far from the Hearth in Merchant's Square.]

I'm certain our table misses us.

[sparkstrikes]

[She knows just the place he means – out of all the cafes in the city, that one had grown to become her favourite. The Hearth was her number one choice always, for obvious reasons, but it didn't create the same kind of atmosphere a small boutique shop could give so easily.]

I'm sure it does, it's been a while. I can be there in half an hour.

[She's already going for her coat.]

[newrecipe]

Perfect.

[There's a brief pulse of warmth, and she can certainly hear his smile in his voice.]

I'll see you then.

[Likewise, he'll be seeking his own coat and gloves, as well as his cane.]

[sparkstrikes]

[She's there a tad earlier than the half hour mark, the bell on the door giving her a merry jingle in greeting once she swings it open. It's a little packed in here today, with the chillier weather beginning to settle in the city and people seeking refuge with hot cocoa and cozy teas, and she takes a look around for Ignis, eyes wandering to their usual table that seems to be occupied by someone else.

Well, guess it's time to find a new one.

Except Lightning doesn't go to find a table just yet. She wanders up to the counter and orders their usual drinks in to-go cups - it makes them easier to hold - and waits for Ignis to arrive by the door instead once she's prepped the coffees.]

[geophile]

I won't. This stays between us.

[ not that he'll probably be able to hide his disgust when ignis inevitably approaches him in it, but lightning doesn't deserve to be dragged into it. this is his battle... ]

[sparkstrikes]

I trust you'll do the right thing. You won't let me down.

[You got this, Steven!!

This is oddly dramatic for a conversation about ugly Christmas sweaters.]

[newrecipe]

[She doesn't have to wait long. Just as Lightning tends to be early, Ignis has always considered 'early' to mean 'perfectly on time,' and so he walks through the front door less than a minute after she takes up her post by the door, cane in hand. The jingling of the bell above him is pleasantly familiar, and he smiles to himself as he inhales the intermingled scents of coffee and pastries.

Aside from the Hearth, this place had become something of a home-away-from-home.]

[sparkstrikes]

[Once she sees him, Lightning pushes herself up from against the wall to maneuver over to him so he can be sure to avoid most of the crowded café. Before she says anything, she skillfully laces an arm and a coffee through Ignis' and nudges him to the left.]

Hey.

[She'll lead him to one of the tables near the back corner, isolated from most of the crowd lining up to get their drinks, kicking a chair out for him to sit in before she takes the seat across. Setting their cups down, Lightning folds her arms.]

This was a bit sudden.

voice / 1.20

[punshots]

[ He's well overdue for this, but honestly, he can't believe he's already been in town for more than a month already. Time flies when you're...having fun? Or something like that. ]

Hey, Lightning! [ Easy and warm. ] If you could do one thing right now - like, anything at all, what would it be?

I mean, within reason.

[ THIS IS NOT A HYPOTHETICAL QUESTION. ]