tunasub | NEW OPEN POST, NEW YOU

[ lucky for shulk that she considers his hopelessness charming (when it's not frustrating, that is.) Unlucky for Shulk that she doesn't know she's trying to serve him his mortal enemy - rare root vegetables. Listen, that wasn't easy to find, so he better not be refusing it?? She won't forgive him this time!

If she was surprised that he actually had commentary on her cooking, she's doubly surprised that he has more than opinion - he has a suggestion. A... weird suggestion. Aubergine isn't the direction she would have taken, but okay. The odds are stacked against her, here, because she hasn't ever actually tasted the thing - she just has to assume that Shulk knows what he's talking about.

Which is a stupid thing to assume in the kitchen. She tilts her head at him, looking skeptical. ]

Some "bite?" From an aubergine? You really think so? [ HMMM? the look on her face says you better not be pulling her leg, little man. Especially after she got a little bit excited that he actually had a thought more complex than "food good." ] I guess it's possible... maybe.

[Fiora loves herself a challenge, apparently. Shulk generally lives to test people, if Reyn is anything to go by - keep this sucker alive, the thrilling tale of their friendship.

And look, just because it's hard to find doesn't mean it will be good!

He quails a bit under that look, but otherwise stands his ground. The advantage here is that skepticism means she can be convinced, and he nods effusively.]

Yeah, I do! See, um, I wouldn't have tried it myself, but Reyn talked me into it. Said it'd put some hair on my chest.

[He wishes. It made him gag instead with how bitter it was. Don't discount his experience with this particular vegetable, Fiora!]

It about knocked me off my feet, so I'd say it'd do you one better than anything else we've got. Go on, I'll be your test subject.

[Accompanied by a soft smile. Maybe her soup will make this tasty aubergine gentler on delicate nerd palates. Or it won't and she can see him screw his face up like a wrinkly cabbage.

And somehow, the idea of her laughing at him is nice. He almost hopes that's what happens. She hasn't been smiling as much lately, something needs to be done about that.]

Edited (WAIT FUCK THEY DONT HAVE GUINEA PIGS) 2016-06-29 18:44 (UTC)

[ So Reyn did it. That would explain it. Shulk's hesitating explanation still leaves her with a healthy surplus of doubt, but, for the moment, she decides it sounds reasonable enough. Reyn was always trying to get Shulk to do things. Fiora puts her hands on her hips, faintly disapproving of the scene she's imagining. ]

Of course he did. That Reyn... [ needs to be more careful with their delicate little Shulk! Except she's here about to feed him the exact same vegetable. But he volunteered for it this time! ] Well, I'll believe you. Since you don't usually have an opinion at all, you must be onto something.

[ it's gentle teasing, just like the old days. She takes the manly vegetable from him and sets it down on the cutting board - then, after a second, turns to him briefly one more time. ]

You are obligated to taste test it for me now, though. No going back on your word!

Edited 2016-07-09 05:57 (UTC)

[What is she imagining? Reyn waving this vegetable in Shulk's face while backing him into a corner? Blocking escape with his big burly self? Okay, that sort of happened, but it was the promise of manliness that really got Shulk. Alas.

He tries to grin like it's all very funny and he isn't trying to hide something, but he swears Fiora's senses are too powerful in contrast to his poor ability to lie. She's not teasing, she's poking through his defenses mercilessly!]

We, uh, all have our moments, don't we?

[Yes, moments, aha. No ulterior motive, that's just silly. Satisfied he's dodged a finger bullet, he relaxes -- for a mere moment, before Fiora turns to him again and he freezes.

Oh, no. Well, what's the worst that could happen, really? It's not like he's sabotaged her soup. Unless...he did? There's no telling what that aubergine might do! Great, now he's nervous all over again.]

...O-of course! I did offer, didn't I?

[ yeah, he's totally acting weird. Surely Shulk wouldn't lie to her, though, right? Right. He's a good boy. A little dense sometimes, but good!

(well, either way, she doubts a single eggplant is enough to tank her soup - can't be that strong, right? - and she has to admit watching him squirm a little is kinda funny.) ]

Just making sure, [ she responds in a light voice - maybe even a smug voice. Then she goes back to dicing her new ingredient. It's not the first time she's cooked since... well, since she came back. Rather than being unwieldy or dangerous, the Mechon body was easy to handle and possibly responded even better than her old one when it came to delicate tasks like mincing ingredients. No need to worry about slicing fingers, either. She's relatively used to it at this point; or, at least, as used to it as she thinks she's going to get. It's not like she has much time to really settle into it.

The morbid thought sneaks in unbidden; she shakes it off with a wry smile as she drops the sliced-up vegetable into the pot. ]

Feels weird, being back here cooking like this... It's almost like nothing's changed.

[Yes, he is good. And not all capable of being naughty. Except Fiora should know better, unless Shulk fervently tries to be at his best around her and not Reyn, which is possible. Likely, really. Can't disappoint Fiora!!

Oh, but she does know better. She knows him too well. It's terrible, really. Now she has both better mental fortitude and, now, the ability to break him in half.

Eventually though, he can't be paranoid, because watching her cook is always really relaxing to him. Hearing the thump of the knife against the cutting board, the bubbling of the pot, it's comforting -- he stays where he is then, instead of sitting to read again. You have a nosy boy peering over your shoulder, Fiora.

He raises his eyebrows when she speaks, shaken out of his trance, looking from the pot to her.]

Well, that's because nothing's changed. Not really. I think we're all a bit stronger, though, don't you?

[This adventure has brought them a lot more than they bargained for, hasn't it? But maybe it's a good thing.]

[ she doesn't seem to mind the nosiness - she's used to this, too. Granted, not often from Shulk in recent years, but having someone hanging around while she's working is nothing new. It adds to that strange feeling of things appearing almost normal when she knows nothing really is. Though, as usual, Shulk will hear nothing of it. Fiora glances over at him while she stirs the ingredients together. ]

Oh, I don't know. I bet I could still beat you at arm wrestling. [ again, trying to shake it off - it all feels a bit better if she can laugh about it. After a moment, though, she adds: ] No, you're right. You're all really tough now. Especially you, Shulk.

[ that bit is genuine, and not without some admiration - it's praise. Not that he'd been weak before, exactly, but he's become so brave now. Downright heroic, actually. She'd always thought he was special. Briefly, she smiles to herself, setting the lid on the pot so it can simmer. But their being stronger wasn't really what she'd been thinking about. For a moment, she's quiet, thinking on she should say. ]

... That's really all that's changed to you?

[Shulk's usually been too distracted to be nosy, it's true. But when he realizes it's time to be fussy, boy, is he fussy. Which is fair, honestly, because Fiora has always fretted and fussed over him, it's only right that she gets similar! She's earned herself a helicopter nerd.

And maybe, he's looking for reassurance too. Things have changed so much, but their easy rapport...was still intact. Enough that she pokes fun at him, and he huffs, crosses his arms. He'd have a remark for that, young lady! But Fiora continues, and he uncrosses his arms, suddenly feeling awkward.

He opts for running his hand through his mussy blond hair to stave it off.]

I'm not so sure about that...it's really you guys that have helped me get this far.

[Then again, he'd been accused of being too buff to be a scientist, but he'd had muscle prior! He's almost tempted to roll up his sleeve and flex, and see if there's a noticeable difference, but Fiora speaks again, and the mood shifts.

The smell of stew wafts -- can she smell it, he wonders-- as Shulk mulls over what to say.]

And no...but it's the biggest change, to me. We've got more scars too. More worries. [He tries to meet her gaze.] Is there...something you wanted to talk about, Fiora?

[Said softly. He'll listen, even if he thinks he knows what this is about. Even if he doesn't want to hear her be scared, unsure.]

[ even she's not sure if there's something she wants to talk about or not. She's constantly on the fence about saying anything at all about it - what she's going through, how she's feeling... Especially to Shulk. On one hand, she's afraid. She's not too proud to admit it, at least to herself. On the other, he's already done so much for her - all of them have - that burdening them with even more worries about her is practically unconscionable. There are so many other things to worry about. Too many, really.

She turns to lean against the oven a bit, drones carefully shifting on her back with a mechanical noise so as not to tip the pot. Another benefit of the mechon body: she's not worried about burning her hands, either. ]

No... Not really. It's nothing. [ Spoken dismissively, almost a sigh. Fiora's not meeting his eyes. But his gentle tone makes her feel a little bit guilty. They'd always been able to talk about everything, hadn't they? She doesn't have to get too heavy. Doesn't have to talk about her life expectancy or anything. After a few seconds' pause, she glances up at him, looking a bit sheepish. ] ... I'm just always surprised it doesn't bother you more, I guess. My being like this.

[ for some reason, she's still stuck on that. She'd been so ready for everyone to reject her. She's not sure why, exactly, herself; maybe since she knew she didn't have much longer, it would've been easier on everyone to just cut her out. Or maybe it's just that she hadn't even imagined she could be together with them again like this - with Shulk. ]

[Shulk knew something was wrong the moment he tugged on that emblem attached to her chest, which...one, whoa there, Shulk, slow down. And two, it became immediately apparent that the armor coating her body...was part of her now. Her new body. Of course, she'd been...he didn't want to think about it. More importantly, she was there and whole again, and hearing her speak washed away any further concern at the time. Until little reminders cropped up, reminders like how she doesn't need food, only water and ether, like a Machina.

Does it bother him, then...?

Maybe a little. But he's lucky to have her back at all, and if she must stay like this, if old dreams have to adapt to this change...it's fine. Status and clothing never mattered, why would this, ultimately? She was still Fiora, through and through.

He can't stop the brief openness of his expression, a raw thing, but it softens quickly, and he shakes his head.]

...I'm just glad you're here, Fiora. Without you, everything felt wrong.

[How far had he gone on his fool's mission? There was no plan, not really. Kill Metal Face, destroy every Mechon he could, and then what?

Sometimes he wonders if he truly would have been satisfied. Probably not. He feels more like himself now with everyone here, than he ever has wielding the Monado. It was the means to an end...what sort of end, he wasn't sure. Having the clarity afforded to him now, a set goal...having Fiora back changed everything. There were more important things than revenge.

He runs a hand through his hair then, glancing away.]

...Does it bother you though? How any of us feel, it's less important than how you feel, you know.

[A nod, absent. As if affirming this thought to himself.]

If you're happy, then I'm happy too. That's all there is to it. Not one of us could ask for anything more.

[ it's okay, she wasn't conscious for the chest tugging, she'll never know . . . . .

that momentary glimpse of emotion on his face doesn't go unnoticed; it sends a cold feeling to her stomach, but not one of rejection or something like that. No, she feels guilty for probing him about it at all. It's probably not easy for him - definitely not easy for him, even if he seems so level-headed and easy when talking with her. She's being selfish again.

Still, she can't deny that his following words comfort her, despite her regrets. Maybe they even make her heart flutter a little. Dumb Shulk. ]

You're sweet. [ Fiora is at least confident in that. Less so in how she should respond to this doozy of a question. It would be a blatant lie to say it didn't bother her. Of course it bothers her, but... She doesn't want to make him worry. As usual. So she wriggles out of it as best as she can. ]

I'm all right. It's... hard to get used to, but -- hm. Hearing you say things like that makes me happy. How about that? So it all evens out.

[She would probably have kicked his ass if she was...

It's not easy, but then, he went journeying across this world and the next, fought Mechon and monsters alike even though he was terrified...thus, putting on a brave face for Fiora is one of the easiest things to do. The last he could do. For her, he would do anything.

He has no idea of the power he has, either. He never needed a sword to have that, did he? Being sweet is totally a power!! He smiles then, briefly.

Briefly, because she still sounds uncertain, and of course she would. He could say all the nice things he wanted, words choked in saccharine, heartfelt sentiment, but they were as fleeting as his breath. They couldn't fix anything.

Shulk chews at his lip.]

...Are you sure? There's not more I could do? I want to make it easier for you, if I can.

[Until he can find a way to fix it, which is looking more and more like the only thing that could truly make her happy again. Happy like he remembers.

Helping her with making dinner doesn't count! Especially dinner that no one is thinking about anymore.]

[ yeah you wish she wasn't thinking about it anymore!! she's still gonna make you eat it before she serves it to anyone.

she's also mad that she turned the conversation to such a depressing topic. She didn't mean to - she never means to. She doesn't want to bog the others down with her problems, Shulk least of all, and yet she always ends up here. Her mind always wanders to it, no matter how she tries to distract herself. Whether she'll ever admit it or not, she's pretty scared deep down.

But she must be strong. Look how he's trying to help her now - she can't just shrug it off. Fiora shakes her head, offering him a muted smile. ]

You're doing more than enough, Shulk! You were just researching things for me again, weren't you? [ a vague gesture towards the book he'd left behind. Fiora doesn't have confidence that things can go back to normal - not because of any failing on Shulk's part, but simply because it seems impossible. But the effort on its own is enough. It's a bittersweet feeling, seeing how far he'll go for her and simultaneously knowing that her - their? - feelings are most likely doomed. ] That means a lot to me. Thank you. And being together with you makes me feel a little more normal, too.

[ just like old times. she sighs a little. ]

I guess there's one thing I could ask, but... It's silly.

Edited 2016-11-01 07:23 (UTC)

[Cries...please, Fiora, let him live. Not that her cooking is remotely bad, and he could honestly stomach anything she put in front of him, vegetable or no (EVEN the godforsaken possessed carrots). Mostly because she made it, and he couldn't imagine snubbing her for taste alone. No, never.

And Fiora's always been an open person...and Shulk may be dense as a rock, but he's sensitive, and even if he can't imagine what's bothering her sometimes he knows when something is on her mind. Especially now, when everything's changed so much.

Especially when she says plainly what they all know is haunting her deep down, and he glances to the book he'd left behind, it's pages yet to yield anything of use. He grunts, dissatisfied.]

I'm happy to hear that what little I've done is worth something, but I...

[Is what he starts with, but then Fiora hedges yet more he can do for her, and he absolutely pounces on the opportunity. She rarely ever asks for anything! It's almost unheard of.

He's nearly bouncing in place!!! Let him do good!!!!]

Of course! Whatever you need, Fiora. No matter how silly, though I don't believe whatever's on your mind is as silly as you think.

[He's smiling for real now, as warmly as he can muster. Go on, Fiora. Ask away!!!]

NEW OPEN POST, NEW YOU

3 WEEKS LATER I'M SO SORRY

YOURE OK i love your Fiora and will wait for her...

they could have guinea pigs u never know

guinea pigs but with a stupid dramatic Bionis name probably. DEATH PUFFRATS

where do they put all of the weird dogs and lizards they pick up anyway

the collectapaedia is actually a portable hammerspace

honestly........... yeah but i want to see shulk with a vest full of dobercorgis

IM STILL GOING TO DRAW THIS WHEN I GET THE CHANCE

im so sorry for badgering you about this and then not replying for 2 weeks... i want to die IM SORRY

SIB YOURE FINE i want to be badgered :3c holds this fiora tag gently

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