✟ cont. from here | @ashored
A softness dampens the edges of Ira’s expression. It’s few and far between they get requests like this— evidently so by how eagerly they had jumped at the opportunity to personally fetch the material she had requested. It was definitely a matter of pride, and perhaps reminiscing had a hand in it too. The stories their own father used to tell them echoing in the back of their mind after plucking each book from their respective shelf. It managed to all swirl together and form a hand to tenderly pluck at the string that rippled through them: one that drove Ira to tirelessly translate and catalogue and archive anything, everything that had to deal with their home.
“There is no shame in studying something that you find interesting,” a mirth coats the words they speak, dusting off the front of their shirt as they do with a bigger grin this time. Perhaps they do not share the same taste in subjects through the pursuit of historical knowledge but Ira can commend anyone going to lengths such as this to expand their expertise. “I find it interesting how many—” they have to stop themselves from saying the word mortals, clearing their throat as if to play off the pause, “—people have their own niches they hold dear to their heart. How beautiful it is that I am able to help you with yours.”
As Ira begins to turn and return to the riveting task of cataloguing a new style of architecture not too far from her newfound work space, something almost paternal swells in their chest at the question she posed to them. This is definitely turning out to be a wonderful padding to their ego in the end, too. Far better an exchange than some of the so-called professionals who had once been in the same seat as Nami, demanding book after book in a conquest for knowledge but too proud to hear a word Ira had to give as a source. The thought lingers in the back of their mind cracking the calm that had blanketed them through all this time. But before their temper even begins to boil at the thought alone Ira swallows down the intrusion. Facing Nami fully once more, undivided attention given before bowing their head thoughtfully into a short nod, “Of course, signorina. You may call for me when you need to, please do not hesitate to for any reason.”
