aterat | [Open] That One Where There Is A Guard And A Bird

Entry tags:

[Open] That One Where There Is A Guard And A Bird

Who; Nida, Open
What; Stopping Crimes, Experiencing The Harbor, Trying Some Art
Where; Markets, Docks, Central Fountain
When;
Warnings;

I. Foiling the Crimes | The Markets
Really, he had to wonder at how foolish people could be to make trouble in the markets on any given day. This was one of the more carefully patrolled parts of the city. Not just that, there were merchants that weren't beyond hiring their own people to protect their things. But this? This was hilariously stupid.

Seriously, someone trying to extort a merchant in the markets for money? Well, it's extra hilarious because Nida wasn't even in uniform today. He was off, his uniform at home, because he was doing errands today. Even Hibiscus wasn't in her uniform saddle, just in the training one that Nida had, lightened up so he could put his purchases on her back. Still, Nida saw it going down, and like he could stand by. He whistled a careful command to Hibiscus, and her training was coming on well. The bird pulled her lead from his hand and strode off a bit down the road, slowing down traffic a bit. Meanwhile Nida slid up behind another person in the market and whispered in their ear.

"Hey, I'm with the guard and I'd like to borrow you for a brief little thing. Wanna help me catch some people trying to set up a protection racket?"

II. Missing The Shores Of Home | The Harbor
Summer was the time he missed Balamb the most, and it wasn't something Nida shared very much. Home was a place that he had no intention of returning to, after all. Balamb wasn't where he belonged anymore. He belonged with Ignis, wherever that was. But there were moments, faint and rare, where his heart ached for the shores of Balamb, or the forests near there. The mountains had been where he'd learned his climbing skills first, the forests where he had refined them. He'd grown up in the nature that had characterized Balamb Island, and he wanted it in this moment.

It would of course not be a feeling that lingered even come another day, but here Nida was anyway, embracing it. He sat on a dock, boots on the dock beside him, his legs and bare feet dangling over the water. Not that he'd jump in, but damn, the smell of it, while not quite right, is almost home.

"Fuck, I just... wish i could see it one last time."

III. Practicing The Softer Skills | Central Fountain
There aren't a lot of times that Nida takes a lot of time for himself. He's a guy that is always driven to doing more, some echo of an absolute need to be busy. A SeeD should always be doing things, and maybe he wasn't a SeeD anymore, but damn that drive was still there.

So Nida took the time when he could, and today the time was taken by the fountain. Hibiscus, the almost adult red chcoobo, lay on the ground in front of him, curled up, and Nida's feet were up on her saddle. He was sitting with his back against the fountain, a sketch book in his lap as he was busy drawing. His mind was very distracted though, because he was having issues with picking something to draw. He'd already sketched a bit of Hibiscus's head, his boots, a distant building, even someone passing by.

And damn, he just can't get something to coalesce in his mind enough for him to focus on any one thing well. Frustrated he flipped to the next page, earning a concerned warbling from the bird.

"Yeah, I know. Guess I'm just a bit stressed. Sorry."

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"I think I'm interested," Nida admitted, even if he sounded a touch nervous for himself. This wasn't normal for him, to be nervous about stuff. "I should probably get some hobbies that don't involve hitting things with sticks."

Well, if Nida meant it… Then Yusuke supposed that sealed it. They would be doing this, and it would be a rather interesting endeavour for both of them for rather different reasons. “Then we shall have to arrange time to meet, and you’ll need supplies. Perhaps that should be the first lesson. I can show you what you’ll need beyond the obvious.” Nida would have to pay for his own supplies, though, given Yusuke and money were something soon parted and not regularly reacquainted. Otherwise? Yusuke would be eager for a painting partner, even as a teacher.

A light chuckle escaped the teen at that. “One should have well-rounded hobbies, yes… But I dare say there is something therapeutic about hitting things to work out one’s frustrations, too. A different sort of challenge.” Perhaps odd for a string-bean of a teenager to say, but appearances were deceiving. He had certainly come to appreciate the runs through mementos with his group between the more serious palaces. Not only was there ample inspiration to be found, but there was also an elegance to the fight, one furthered by bettering one’s abilities… But it would be a lie to say he hadn’t worked through some particular feelings by pushing a little harder against the shadows there.

Supplies he can get rather easily, he's got the money to deal with this sort of thing. Ignis wouldn't begrudge him it either. Arranging the time would be harder of course.

"I would have to know your schedule, to meet when I could. Guard work means I'm busy at not always predictable times. Add in my three students, and I've got a lot to deal with in finding freedom of time."

So he was with the guard? Yusuke was tucking that detail away for later, without making a comment on it… He’d have to be a bit cautious with the man in that case, especially if certain things might come up at some point. He smiled, though, at the question of his schedule. “I see, that is very true… Though, I admit, I don’t have much of a schedule to keep to as yet? I’ve only arrived recently, you see.” Tapping his chin with his pencil, he continued. “At this time I have a weekly meeting with someone who is modelling for me, but other than that, my week is wide open. So if you provide me with your own schedule, I can work around it quite easily.”

Of course he was, though Nida was not the most dangerous one that he might run into. Not in what Yusuke was worried about.

"I'll try and figure it out. I'll have to fit it in around combat training for the boys, and work, and Ignis time, and of course Mono's training. But we'll figure something out."

It would be good for him, right?

It was something Yusuke would have to learn at some point. It would be good to know there might be an ally among the guard. And it would be a comfort to not need to worry about the idea of being at odds with his new friend and student.

Not that Yusuke was sure he could consider himself a teacher, really, so much as someone offering advice and giving examples to help someone get started in painting. “That would be fine. You can let me know what time would work best for you and I’ll be sure to make myself available. As I said, there is only one evening I cannot move around easily.” His current model, Enis, needed a ‘blood donation’ once a week, and the teen wasn’t sure if a delay would be healthy for the woman, considering her situation. “So outside Friday evenings, my schedule is generally flexible. If your training schedules fluctuate, we can always work around that as well. I’m more than happy to find the time for someone who’s interested in taking up painting.”

And it would be good. Good for both of them, more than likely.

'Ally' might be stretching just a tiny bit, it would depend on what they were after.

"I tend to work Friday evenings, because the Lodge is busy those nights. Hopefully I don't disappoint you with my study, though."

Because he'd probably still focus on painting things here at first. Then, maybe, he'd paint the Garden.

Then in that case, there was little chance of conflict in their schedules for meeting. Yusuke could easily make things work otherwise, as long as Nida continued to express an interest in learning. So he offered the man a nod. “It’s a learning process. Experience and technique are developed over time.” He responded, waving off the worry about disappointing him. “You’ve already exhibited a talent for art. I look forward to seeing how you fare with paint as well.”

"I'll probably make a mess," Nida answered, trying to make a joke. because he doesn't know what else to do. Being hopeful seems like too much. But he'd like to be hopeful in the future.

“I believe if you aren’t making a mess of some kind, you aren’t doing it correctly.” He responded with a light wave, entirely serious. “And I’m no stranger to them. You should see the space I live in.” He added with a light smile, he was terrible for not noticing the paint spills while he was caught up in working. And… Since he lived in the orphanage? He’d gotten lightly scolded for the amount of children’s footprints tracked around thanks to them running through the mess. Messes just went with the job, at least around Yusuke.

What? Nida looked shocked at that. Very shocked. Being a SeeD was about being perfect. How could that be true?

"If my place was a mess, my husband would be cross, so I try to be a neat person."

“I can understand not wishing to upset your spouse… Well, then I imagine we’ll have to find a place to set up. Sometimes it’s hard to notice if you accidentally flick or spill paint if you’re caught up in creating and some methods are a little less neat.” Yusuke was sure they could find a space. If not at Nida’s, then they could practice in his room that had already had the damage done. As long as the man didn’t mind the occasional child running through, otherwise he’d simply find another location.

"And we just finished painting the house too," Nida noted. So yes, it would be a struggle to paint in the house. Not even in the training room would be acceptable.

And while Nida might protest about children running through, his husband was right. He was very much a loving, paternal sort of person. He'd just end up playing with the kids.

“Ah, perhaps a bit soon to be adding more paint to the decor in that case.” He responded with a slight grin. He would figure it out at least. “If you don’t mind making my room at the House of Solace our space for lessons, we can meet there. Otherwise I may need ore time to find somewhere acceptable.” He commented, finally putting the finishing touches on the sketch of Nida’s chocobo he’d been working on while they spoke to keep his hands busy.

"House of Solace?" Nida asked.

He didn't know. When he did... Well, he'd have opinions. And a lot of them would be pain.

Yusuke blinked quizzically at the question, not entirely sure of the tone. “The orphanage? It was where I was assigned to live upon arriving here.” And even if he’s not really pleased to be shuffled somewhere without any say on his part, he reminded himself it was a free roof over his head and… it was probably a good learning experience given how sheltered he’d been.

That said, he wondered if it was a potential deal breaker for his new ‘student.’ Perhaps Nida hadn’t realized he was still only a teenager. Some adults had made the mistake in the past and not everyone liked the idea of learning from someone that much younger. “Is there a problem?”

Orphanage. Nida goes very still and he's hurting. Memories of his own past, his loss of family, aches here. And he doesn't want to ache.

"I'm sorry that's happened to you. It's... not easy."

Yusuke hadn’t really expected the reaction, much less an apology. “Oh…” He started, tilting his head down at his sketchpad thoughtfully. So it was less an issue than it was something that had made the man feel somewhat bad. “There’s no need to apologize, I assure you... There are worse places I could be.” And he meant that, knowing full well that he could still have been with him if the others hadn’t stepped in and opened his eyes. Even if sometimes he felt uncertainties or fooled himself…

Besides that, it wasn’t as though he didn’t exactly there even if you didn’t count his age, he supposed. He really didn’t have family left, unless he counted the other phantom thieves and they weren’t here for now.

“If anything, it reminds me a little of the dormitory I recently had to move into, even if the other residents are a little more varied in age.” And it was at least nice to know there was free food waiting whenever he managed to remember to stop what he was doing long enough to eat. Not having to budget for that aside from when he was out was a small blessing.

"At least they aren't training you to be a mercenary," Nida answered with a shrug. Oh Hyne above, he sure hoped the place wasn't doing that. And Nida didn't know what he'd do if that was happening.

If it was, he might have to deal with the orphanage himself. And that sort of vigilante work would get him in serious trouble. Very serious trouble.

Yusuke blinked a little at that, frowning as he finally shook his head. “No, they aren’t. I have been mindful of the actions of those in charge due to prior experiences with adults who have ulterior motives, and I have not come across evidence to suggest they might have such intentions.” He responded in a slightly more serious tone. Clearly, he had some experience in dealing with people who wanted to use those they had in their care. Yusuke would not have stood by idly if the orphanage seemed to have some kind of shady intentions beneath its surface.

The teen wasn’t about to end up going from getting out of one situation to only end up in another, even as he still struggled sometimes with the truth of it… he wasn’t going to allow himself to live so blind to the truth again.

Still… he continued a moment later, as if to alleviate some concern. “While I find my lack of choice in where I live slightly vexing, their only intent seems to be the housing and care of those underage.” Even if they had some disagreements about the mess that could be made during the creative process, they hadn’t forced him into anything. Nor had they tried to hinder his process aside from some light chastising to be mindful of the kids running around his work in the future.

"That's good news then," Nida sighed. "If you find they seem to be going that way, find me and tell me. Immediately. No one needs to grow up like that without their consent. Trust me."

More than a few students at Garden had been given to the place not because they wanted to, but because there was no other option. Nida was in that category. That he had gone along with the program and learned to fight was his own problem though.

"I hope they're as good as you say."

“You have my word. I would not be keeping such things to myself should they occur.” He responded again, fully serious. It would be easy to keep his head down and not pay attention to what was going on around him in the place, or to let himself slip back into justifying the deeds of those in charge if he felt like he owed them for the roof over his head… But he had made a promise to himself to not fall back into that life. Yusuke didn’t intend to turn a blind eye again.

Shrugging as Nida continued, he wasn’t sure what more he could offer. “I have experience with adults who would rather use you for their own gain simply because they provide you with a home. I would know the signs, and I have not seen them in the last month and a half.” He responded with a frown, not really wanting to talk about it, but feeling it should be made clear that he was paying attention to the place that he lives. “I should also say, if you’re not entirely comfortable with taking lessons there, then you should let me know. I will endeavor to find another space that might be suitable.”

"Yeah, I'm sorry to say plenty of adults are like that," Nida said with a sigh. And he hated to think of how true it was. "And my comfort level isn't as important as yours, Yusuke."

Nida believed that quite whole-heartedly. More than anything, though, he believed that the young artist should do what was most right for him. Especially since Nida would be infringing on his time.

“That there certainly are…” He shook his head slightly, thinking about the last few months before his attention shifted to Nida’s comment. “Oh… Well, I would argue that as my student, it would also be important for you to be comfortable while you’re learning.” He added with a thoughtful hum, closing his sketchbook finally. It was nice of the man to be thinking of that, though.

Finally, the artist decided on a slight middle ground. “We’ll try it where I live, then, but if it doesn’t feel right and you find it stifling, we’ll relocate once I have a better location.” He commented, knowing that it would at the very least be easiest to start somewhere and move later. On nicer days, like this one, they could even take the lessons outside to the courtyard or the park.

"I suppose you're not wrong. But yes, that will work."

Nida resolved to find the space comfortable. To be kind to the younger man. "I'll let you know when I'm free, alright?"

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