" uhm … i wanted to give you something. " as thanks , was left unsaid. gaze dipping to their feet as she stands before the ranger , unusually skittish in a way she hasn't been in weeks since accepting her place in this quaint ship. she hears the telltale echoes of his steps , can vaguely make out where he stands when it ceases and she didn't have to see to know that he can easily tell that she's hiding something behind her back. subtlety was never a strength she possessed , and its this thought that prompts her to reveal the small pouch cradled 'tween warm palms. the small bells attached to its red ribbon chiming with the abrupt movement , " its. . . an amulet. a real one , for protection. " she says , brows furrowed as she keeps her eyes on her hands. " i bought it on our last stop. i even checked if it was real first ! i thought you should have one with you , so you won't get hurt on your next job. " even if he says that he doesn't need it , even if he's stronger than anyone else she's ever known. but still , its the least she can do─── especially since he never asks for anything in return. " you keep me safe , so ... i thought this could return the favor , even just a little. its uhm ... shaped like one of your medals. i thought you'd like it── but it only works once ! so , you can't be reckless and waste it. " \\\ from hestia .. the dotter ,,,,, late bday gift.... just a gift maybe......
Hestia has been an adjustment for him; someone to return to whenever he was finished with his 'work'. Work pertaining of course to his mission against the IPC- to make him their problem, as he claws and fights for every lick of information he can on one Oswaldo Schneider. Despite himself, and his recklessness, he has done whatever it takes to return in one piece. Knowing that if he didn't come back, if he didn't make it, then she'd be left alone on his ship. Capable as she is... he can't help but worry what might happen. What would she do? Who'd help her? Gaining her trust, and in kind her gaining his- has been a long process. But plenty worthwhile in every way. He doesn't call for her when he returns this time. Knows she can hear him with how heavy his steps tend to be. Met with... well. Hestia really isn't good in the art of subtlety... she looks suspicious.
Though suspicion gives way to surprise quickly enough.
" Fer me? " a curious lilt to his tone. Stays quiet as she shows him what she has, and offers it to him. Explains herself, and fumbles in ways any child might. And as it grows more clear to him- his expression grows softer.
At first, he considers joking about not needing it. But this was a gift being given with a lot of thought, and intent behind it. He can deny it all he wants but... he is her guardian isn't he? In some way he has come to care for her the same he might of... well. It'd be in poor taste for him to refuse her. That she even ensured it looked like something he already wore, to prevent it standing out too sharply. Maybe if he still had a heart that could feel it, it might grow heavy there. He can imagine it, the grip of emotion outside the small lurch in his thoughts. It isn't all bad.
" This is a very thoughtful gift... thanks kiddo. " reaching to take it. And with it he brings her in, to curl an arm around her shoulders. Careful not to throw her too far off balance- to keep her steady. " I'll be sure t'use this wisely. It'd be a shame wastin' somethin' as precious as this. " a heavy exhale quickly follows, as if breathing away the sudden wash of emotion in his mind. " And hey- not a scratch or scrape on me this time 'round. So how 'bout we treat ourselves to some good food. I may not be able to enjoy food the same, 'n this ships kitchen is shit- but I know how t'cook. Promise. Jus' tell me what yer feelin' and I'll make it work with what we got. "
unprompted ( bday gifts!! )
