( It was funny how Lioriley always thought the opposite. It was so much easier for her to be kind, to abstain from violence where the rest of the world did not. It was the opposition that made it far more difficult. )
I am glad for that. ( She said, smiling over at him again.) I pray we never need to prove such convictions here, but I am sure I am being far too optimistic in that regard.
[ It feels duplicitous, having conversations like this while fully intending on regaining his power and working his hardest to find a way to peel back the layers of reality and confront the true powers that be in this place. Maruki isn't foolish enough to believe he'll be able to do that without fighting at all – but for all intents and purposes, her brand of pacifism still speaks deeply to him, and he doesn't want her to feel so alone.
Which reminds him, and he sits up straighter with a start, eyes going wide. ]
I just realized– I meant to reach out to thank you again for your papers, but time got away from me! I'm so sorry! Lioriley-san, I really can't thank you enough. They've been such a huge help, and I think I've only gotten through a quarter of them at best. The work you've done to record everything... It really is unmatched.
[ It comes out in a rush, but it's earnest. ]
How can I repay you? And don't say that I don't need to! I want to.
( For whatever it was worth... at least he would try? Lioriley could not fault someone for making an active effort to do things nonviolently, even it they did not succeed.)
Ah- ( Her hand shot up, dismissive - it's fine, - the leylines curved along her cheeks brightening at the sudden insistence. Lioriley was never good at accepting repayment for favors. ) It is in my nature to document and share knowledge as I am able, there really is no need for repayment.
( Really. You're embarrassing her, Maruki. ) Simply share any knowledge you might find that I missed. That is all you need do.
[ From someone not used to repayment to another: Too bad! He's repaying!! ]
Well, sure, I'm happy to do that. Collaborating with you in that way is an honor. But I mean it when I say it's been really helpful for my work so far... I'd like to do something more to show my gratitude.
[ He suddenly points to the scones, grinning brightly. ]
And you brought me sweets! Come on, Lioriley-san. There has to be something I can do.
I - ( She genuinely couldn't think of anything. Lioriley's cheeks bloomed with heat, the color a deep purple over the usual pink or red. ) I suppose I will have to think of something. Until then, please just accept my offer of information exchange.
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I am glad for that. ( She said, smiling over at him again.) I pray we never need to prove such convictions here, but I am sure I am being far too optimistic in that regard.
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Which reminds him, and he sits up straighter with a start, eyes going wide. ]
I just realized– I meant to reach out to thank you again for your papers, but time got away from me! I'm so sorry! Lioriley-san, I really can't thank you enough. They've been such a huge help, and I think I've only gotten through a quarter of them at best. The work you've done to record everything... It really is unmatched.
[ It comes out in a rush, but it's earnest. ]
How can I repay you? And don't say that I don't need to! I want to.
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Ah- ( Her hand shot up, dismissive - it's fine, - the leylines curved along her cheeks brightening at the sudden insistence. Lioriley was never good at accepting repayment for favors. ) It is in my nature to document and share knowledge as I am able, there really is no need for repayment.
( Really. You're embarrassing her, Maruki. ) Simply share any knowledge you might find that I missed. That is all you need do.
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Well, sure, I'm happy to do that. Collaborating with you in that way is an honor. But I mean it when I say it's been really helpful for my work so far... I'd like to do something more to show my gratitude.
[ He suddenly points to the scones, grinning brightly. ]
And you brought me sweets! Come on, Lioriley-san. There has to be something I can do.
no subject
I - ( She genuinely couldn't think of anything. Lioriley's cheeks bloomed with heat, the color a deep purple over the usual pink or red. ) I suppose I will have to think of something. Until then, please just accept my offer of information exchange.