エル・メル・マータ

An Independent Roleplay Blog of Elle Mel Mata from the Tales of Xillia 2 game. This is a JP post-ToX2 blog.

[hissacrifice]

uses-both-hands:

“Well… we are, yes… But…” *can’t deny that truth, just like he ultimately can’t stop her from dating in the far future*

“I reserve screening rights as your legal guardian before you date then.” *not gonna budge on that* "I’d like to make sure you’d be properly cared for and I’m sure Jude and everyone else want the same for you.”

*sighs* “I guess that’s fine...”

“But... I’m not one hundred percent sure depending on you for screening how my date is good when you can’t even put away your undies properly.”

“Not to mention, you’re not my legal guardian yet.”

[hissacrifice]

uses-both-hands:

“Hey now! Jude’s an angel, and Ludger and your papa both loved you very much. They’re nothing like a suspicious stranger whom none of us have met!”

“And I too get a say. I’m not about to just let anyone take advantage of you when you’re precious to all of us.”

“That’s why I said I want to find someone just like them.  Are you even listening? Geez...”

“And just so you know, Alvin.  Everyone starts out as strangers.  You were pretty weird and suspicious when I first met you and now we’re friends, aren’t we?”

[hissacrifice]

uses-both-hands:

“You….”

“You’re not allowed to date anyone!! Especially not someone that suspiciously perfect!!” *What would Ludger think if he let his precious partner with that kind of person*

“What are you talking about?”

“Papa, Ludger, and Jude can cook, clean, and fold their laundry.  Are you saying they’re suspicious?”

“And besides, I’ll date who I want and if I want to!  That’s not for Alvin to decide.”

[hissacrifice]

uses-both-hands:

“They are clean! Clean boxers!!”

“And what lady would let her future father wash and fold her undies?” *not that he minds since he’s been washing her clothes since she first came to Elempios*

“What will you do when you have a boyfriend? Will you ju–”

*wait… WAIIIITT!!!*

“I can fold my undies just fine.”

“It’s just... you and Jude get to them before I can.”

*folds her arms* “... And if I get a boyfriend then...”

“He’s going to be just like Papa.  He’ll be able to cook, and clean, and he’ll fold his own undies and never leave them out in the hall!”

[hissacrifice]

uses-both-hands:

*scrambles over to pick them up and hide them from view into the laundry basket* “I didn’t leave them on the floor!”

“And what you’re supposed to do when you see those isn’t to stop and stare!”

“You want me to pick up your dirty undies?!”

“Unbelievable!  You’d ask a lady to do that? You’re the worst, Alvin!”

[hissacrifice]

uses-both-hands:

*bringing Elle’s newly-folded clothes from the laundry room, but rather confused about why she’s stopped in the middle of the hall* “Huh?”

*comes closer* “Something wrong, Ell–”

“!?”

“I knew it!  These ARE yours!”

“How could you leave your undies out on the floor when an innocent maiden is living under the same roof?”

[hissacrifice]

a pair of pristine white boxers with red and pink heart patterns lie unsuspectingly on the floor

“………………………………………..”

“…Ew.”

[hissacrifice]

ryoutekiki:

*just about to protest that, but pauses* “…”

*–and recovers* “…Just because I never shopped for that before doesn’t mean I can’t learn to.”

“Sooooo… what exactly do you need?”

*already walking towards the apartment foyer to get her jacket* “Pens, notebooks... the usual school stuff...”

“Oh! And a new bag!”

[hissacrifice]

ryoutekiki:

“Oh. I… see.”  *didn’t realize she’d have contacted Jude first as opposed to asking him first and… feels maybe a bit saddened by that”

*but is not gonna linger on that thought since there’s something else that’s much more offensive* “Hey now, why are you doubting my ability to shop properly? I’m very good at shopping for myself and for others.”

“So, what’re we getting?”

“Well... you don’t really look like someone who likes to shop.  Especially for what I need...”

“I need to get new school supplies.”

[uses-both-hands]

*stands before the scruffy old man with her arms crossed before her* "Alvin, I want to go shopping."

*is not scruffy or old, but his future daughter sure is tiny and cute in her attempts to boss him around* “That’s fine with me, but you don’t want to wait for Jude?”

[hissacrifice]

“I called him but he said he’s going to be late today, so he said to go with you.”

“He also said you’re better at shopping too.... though I don’t know about that.”

[hissacrifice]

A Place to Call Home

[uses-both-hands]

’Ah…! Now I get it.’

So that was the other issue that stopped her from speaking up.

It was true that Jude and he had discussed adopting since they both wanted to have a child in their future together and, while they hadn’t spoken to anyone else about it, Elle had been privy to it courtesy of his explanation over that midday dream. It was only natural then that she would keep that particular detail in mind.

But… somehow, that didn’t feel like much of a problem to Alvin since the solution was simple enough. Elle was technically an under-aged orphan and one in obvious need of a legal guardian or parents.

It’d be a good opportunity to get her identification papers done for Elempios and deal with the issue of her family name at the same time.

“That won’t be a problem if we adopt you though, will it?” he asked rhetorically, pulling his handkerchief out to dab–not press or rub–at her tear-stained cheek before moving the cloth over her nose, pinching it and wiggling it playfully. “It might be better to wait until we’re married to do that, but…”

He trailed off here as he wasn’t entirely sure which course of action would be best in their situation. Jude had only recently turned 18 and that might work against them, but the adoption he had envisioned was a joint commitment as opposed to a solo undertaking.

“Y'know what?” he pulled his hands away for her and stood up from his crouch. “Let’s go back and discuss this with Jude, all three of us, I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t object to anything said here, but it’s not fair to leave him in the dark and not ask his input. Plus, he’s waiting for us to go back since supper’s almost done.”

[hissacrifice]

She squeezed her eyes again and wrinkled her nose as Alvin pinched it with the cloth.  It took her another moment to realize what the man had just said and had her stare stunned and speechless towards him.  Adopt her...?  Did he really just say that?  That was definitely what she was seeking out but...

“B-but...” Elle started just as Alvin interrupted with the rest of his words.

Would Jude be really okay with that?  Was adopting a friend really that easy?  Or forming a family even though they weren’t related by blood?  Couldn’t they all just stay as friends?

... However, if they were family then... doesn’t that mean she could stay for good?

Without a doubt, Alvin’s words had caused hope to grow in the young girl.  If his words were true and they were willing to let her in their lives by that much, how could she even dare to complain?

“....” Falling silent again even as she stood up and reached out to grip at the cuff of the brunet’s jacket, she nodded.

If this was true... then finally, she had a place to come home to.

[hissacrifice]

A Place to Call Home

[uses-both-hands]

Exceptionally, his gaze on Elle softened as he witnessed the young girl’s understandable breakdown.

So, it really had been an issue of her wanting to be where her papa and Ludger both lived. His theory to Jude regarding her presence in Elempios hadn’t been completely off, nor were the unspoken parallels with his past completely unwarranted.

Maybe when she was older, she’d be more comfortable with the thought of living elsewhere permanently, but he thought such attachment and sentimentalism was perfectly reasonable of her. He himself had lived with such sentiments for over twenty years after all.

"See?” he uttered gently, placing his other hand on the top of that bowed head in a soft pat. “That wasn’t so hard, was it?”

Which was to say, there was no way he could refuse her either when she obviously wanted to be here.

“And before I forget to answer,” not that he would, “yes, you can stay with us. But you have to tell Jude the truth too since he’s been pretty worried about why you came here all alone.”

[hissacrifice]

But it was hard.  It was hard to have to vocalize such a need to her friends.  They all had lives.  And considering how barging into Ludger’s life had resulted to his death. 

There was also the lingering thought of being eventually kicked out once she did become a hindrance.  Everyone had to move on in some way or another and it didn’t always mean she would be included.  Especially after hearing what Alvin and Jude had been discussing between them.

“But... B-But... If Alvin and Jude finally... f-finally adopt...” she stammered between her sobs, “T-then I would have to leave...!”

[hissacrifice]

A Place to Call Home

[uses-both-hands]

The mention of the ‘lady’ in his dream was still something of a sore point for Alvin, what with Jude accusing him of misleading their young friend when control of his dream wasn’t something he had. (Un?)luckily for Elle, the man knew a diversion tactic when faced with one, so he was far from distracted by it.

“It doesn’t,” he returned firmly as he kept a good hold of her hand and moved to his so-called confession. “My secret is… I’m happy that you’re here with us and think it’d be nice if you chose to stay here for good.”

Even with all the banter and 'bullying’ he was suffering at her hands, the brunet realized early on that her 'intrusion’ in Jude and his daily routine didn’t feel like an imposition. Sure, the two males had to adjust their day to accommodate her presence and now had less time to themselves, but her addition to their household was actually quite a pleasant and lively one.

And, maybe it was just him seeing more similarities between their situation where there might not be many, but he also thought that, at her age, she belonged more on her homeland than in Liese Maxia. It would certainly put his mind at ease about whether or not she was healing properly or if she was just coping with her circumstances.

“So, instead of worrying about imposing, how’s about you tell me what you want? Do you want to stay here in Elempios with Jude and I, or do you want to be in Liese Maxia with Elise and Drossel?”

[hissacrifice]

Ah... See?  Now this was exactly what she didn’t want him to say out loud.  Much as the wish for it was there, she understood why it shouldn’t be uttered to her.  If he or Jude made that offer... something like this...

"I...” Elle started before biting back at her lip as she felt it quiver from that emotions that were suddenly welling up.

If he makes such an offer then...

“Everyone is so nice and I like staying with Elise and Drossel, but...” her voice broke out into a whimper, “B-But Elempios is where I met Ludger... and where I lived with Papa.  I want to be closest to where Papa and Ludger lived.”

Then, how could she refuse?

"I want to stay with you and Jude!” she bowed her head as she squeezed her eyes tight in a futile attempt to stop her tears, “Please, let me stay...!”

[hissacrifice]

A Place to Call Home

[uses-both-hands]

That initial reaction to his proposal revealed quite a bit about what Elle thought. To Alvin, such a genuine stare proved how little she expected it and how much she actually wanted that. Her subsequent hesitance, tone and choice of words also told him how much she’d brooded and worried over ‘imposing’.

Which in any other situation Alvin might’ve teased her about given how she’d come to their apartment without warning and had yet to leave, but in this case…

“Elle…” he said in a low tone as he reached out for her hand, extracting it from the swing’s chain so he could hold it properly. “Can I let you in in a little secret of mine?”

[hissacrifice]

She allowed her hand to be taken by the brunet, but it didn’t quite give her ease.  Instead, she glowered at him suspiciously as a secret could mean anything at this point.

“... It better not have anything to do with the lady you’ve been dreaming about.” Elle grumbled unhappily, but with the intention of turning the conversation away from where she felt it was heading.

Alvin and Jude could easily offer their home to her, if only temporarily.  And that was it.  Temporarily wasn’t settling well with her.  Yet she wasn’t in a position to demand more than what the people around her could offer. 

[hissacrifice]

A Place to Call Home

[uses-both-hands]

For something that wasn’t serious, it had weighed enough on her mind to be brought up in this discussion. Alvin didn’t think it was the heart of what truly brought her back in Elempios, but he could see how it was another reason why she didn’t seem to be in a hurry to return to Karaja'Schall.

“But it’s still hurtful and make you feel like you don’t belong, right?”

Ultimately, there was only so much Drossel and Elise could do for her on that front. No matter how much they wanted to help, Elle’s gate wouldn’t ever be open, just as Alvin’s hadn’t no matter how long he’d lived in Liese Maxia, and that would always be a point of contention between Elle and her Liese Maxia peers.

And not belonging was something that could easily make one miserable. That much he knew.

“If you want to transfer schools from Karaja'Schall to Trigraph, then you know we won’t mind, yeah?” he spoke out. “Elise’ll be sad that you’ll be far away, but she’ll understand if you’re unhappy there.”

[hissacrifice]

She halted the swing completely and glanced straight at the brunet this time around.  From the last couple of years since she met Alvin and the others, she had discovered how easy it was to get an answer she liked (mostly) just by asking.   It was possible because they wished her to feel comfortable now that there was no official guardian for her, or perhaps it was just pity... But that was why she tried her best not to ask such questions.  She couldn’t force them to say things that were to her advantage just because they were trying to be considerate.

And this situation, much as she wanted it, was one of those she didn’t want to force upon any of her friends.  

“But...” she started with much hesitance, her voice strangely flat in its tone, “I’d... be imposing.  Even if it’s just during the school year... I’d just get in the way.”

[hissacrifice]

A Place to Call Home

[uses-both-hands]

The man kept an eye on his young friend’s reaction as he attempted to pinpoint what was troubling her, but her body language didn’t give much out and her questions only told him so much.

“…If you mean friends with Liese Maxia kids, then no, I didn’t,” he replied quietly. “Are they giving you a hard time at school for not being able to use mana?”

It wasn’t as though his experience could necessarily overlap with hers, given the different circumstances–with him thinking of Liese Maxians as monsters while she’d spent enough time to think it was normal to interact with them–but maybe his suspicions were right.

[hissacrifice]

Elle chose to stay silent for a moment as she considered her response.  It really wasn’t so severe that one could even consider it as bullying.  It was just... she was feeling disconnected from her peers due to the difference of their people.  That and there was a slight feeling of inferiority and even loneliness added in.

“... Mm.” she nodded again, “But nothing serious... We just have a hard time understanding each other sometimes.  Everyone knows that I can’t use mana but sometimes...”

Mean things could still be uttered.   However, there was no need to voice that out.

[hissacrifice]

A Place to Call Home

[uses-both-hands]

That wasn’t anything close to what he expected her to speak of–if she chose to do so–but the subject she brought up didn’t sound so unrelated, all things considered. After all, Elle had been staying in Liese Maxia since then and, while the two countries were learning about each other, issues would undoubtedly rise up when cultures met and clashed.

“I did,” Alvin answered simply, offering a few more details in the hopes that she would open up more. “I didn’t get to go to school like you and Elise do, but I spent most of my childhood there.”

[hissacrifice]

“Oh...” she responded as she looked at him with a look of surprise.

What followed, however, was disappointment.  That meant he couldn’t really understand what she was experiencing, could he?  And that also meant he wouldn’t be able to give her accurate advice.  But she supposed it didn’t hurt to ask a few questions now that she had started on it.

“... Mm...” Elle nodded quietly before pushing the swing slightly, “...So... does that mean you didn’t make any friends while you were there?”