Open Logs

[skyward_eyes]

Who; Nida, OTA
What; September Catch-All
Where; Abandoned Manors, At the Harbor, At the Window of your room, Outside of the Pub
When; Early thru Mid September
Warnings; CW: Final TL includes references to alcohol abuse, and could lead to other topics such as suicide, death of loved ones, memory loss, and abandonment issues

1. Exploration is Nine Tenths | Abandoned Manors, OTA

If there was one thing that Nida had learned, it was the importance of keeping busy. Anything else and you just ended up going mad. Already he'd flirted too much with madness in his life. No, Nida wasn't risking that at all, especially when there were things to see and do.

There was currency in knowledge, and Nida was nothing if not a mercenary intelligence agent. Sure, he tried every day to kill the detachment of SeeD Nomura, but the boredom didn't help. So he found himself, in the early afternoons or when he was otherwise not busy, hopping fences, climbing walls, and otherwise slipping in to the various abandoned manors to explore.

And, senses heightened as they were by the magical spirit in his head, he could sense someone sneaking up on him. He turns on his heel quickly, wrist flicking in that just right way to get a tanbō to slide from the sheathe on his forearm, and thus under his coat, and into his hand.

"Who's there?"


2. Seaside Dreaming | The Harbor, OTA

Early mornings were the best time for this. Early mornings when the air was cool and the humidity was entirely from the proximity to the water and not it just lingering in the air. Early mornings where the bay is awash with dawn light. Yes, it's beautiful, and all at once it does and doesn't remind him of home. The other worlds never offered him this, never threatened him with constant reminders of Balamb Garden.

In the mornings he slipped from his room and braved the false dawn to find his way down to the harbor. From there it was a simple matter to go to his favorite stretch of the area, hopping along what were clearly once the pilings of a dock. Once he was out as far as possible he sat down carefully, balancing on the water-worn piling with remarkable ease given it wasn't that big of a piece of wood. But he seemed comfortable. For now.

Of course, a stiff breeze or an unexpected noise might well send him tumbling into the water. Good thing no one was going to sneak up on him, right?


3. Come To Your Window | Your Dorm Window, OTA

One thing people who had met Nida in previous worlds could tell anyone was that the man was prone to climbing. In the last world that had taken him, it was not at all uncommon for him to enter and exit the dorms through windows, climbing up and down with the ease that spoke of long experience. This evening was no different. Left to his own devices Nida had opted to keep his climbing skills up to snuff, which meant he had selected one of the dorms at random and started up the side of it. His goal?

He had seen from lower down a dorm room window with the light on and the curtains slightly parted. It takes a bit of time, but soon Nida was up at the level of the window, peeking through the curtains. And, if what he found included a familiar face, he rapped at it lightly with his finger tips, his arms crossed on the sill and his feet braced against the exterior wall to keep him up.

Strangers, however, might just be shocked to see a face in their window. How rude of him. He'll just move along. Please don't scream. Or, you know, come to the window and tell him off. He's not picky. Except about the not screaming thing.


4. Moment of Weakness | Outside of Pub, OTA [CW: References to alcohol abuse]

Night time is the worst. Once Nida used to love it. Made sense, he had been trained to be a man of the darkness, and his love of the evening sky was pretty intense. But... Ah, there was a key word, right? But. But he had lost so much. But he remembered now too many nights spent caught up in the work. But he didn't remember as many nights doing things in the other worlds. But the darkness always brought memories. But. But. But.

Tonight he stood outside of the tavern, watching the door, bathed in welcoming light. There had been a time when he would have no problem going in, slipping in and just embracing the offerings of the place. The companionship. The food. The drink. It called to him, even now. A glass to drown his sorrows. A glass to numb the pain. But from there it would be another glass. And another. And another until he had no funds and he had fallen back into a pit he'd worked so hard to climb out of.

"Hyne," he whispered under his breath as he watched the door open and close, disgorging another group of residents who had just finished a meal and drinking. "We need another damn place to eat in this town. Several."

Because each meal was a new temptation, and he didn't know how long he could last.

Comments

[faithfulsupport]

Determined to go to the pub and write down some new recipehs, Ignis headed towards the pub. Usually he would be cooking in his apartment right about now but decided to see if he could add to his collection all written down in his book.

The journey there hadn't been particularly noteworthy, as green eyes looked at the granite streets. But there was a certain charm about the lanterns being lit and how the light reflected off of some of the surfaces especially at night. This put him in mind of the time they'd teased Prompto in Galdin Quay about being on a romantic date with all of them and Ignis had chimed in with the blonde being a lucky man.

However, the man came to a halt when his gaze lifted up from the streets and locked onto Nida standing there. The other hadn't noticed him as of yet, so the advisor cleared his throat to politely alert the other that he was there. But once he had the other's attention he'd receive a look.

"Good evening Nida."

Why was he just standing there?

[skyward_eyes]

Nida looks at the cleared throat, and sighs. At last he pushes off of the wall. Stop hovering, Nida. Don't be stupid.

"Ignis. Been a while. Don't let me stop you from a tavern meal."

[faithfulsupport]

This comment earned Nida an odd look at the acknowledgement though Ignis did nod at hearing his name. It was dark though the tavern lights were filtering through the windows, and there were many peals of laughter that could be heard among the patrons indoors.

Nida couldn't stop the advisor but it did make him wonder again why the other was out here alone though it was honestly none of his business so he wan't about to change that paradigm and try to make it so. Instead, he opted for something a little more friendly with a slight shake of the blondish head. "I was just about to go in and see what they offered actually." This was a man on a food mission.

Being raised in a royal court and brought up alongside a future king had Ignis learn quite a bit about manners and propriety. "Have you already eaten? If not, would you like to accompany me?" Because if there was one thing he did, it was that he took care of people.

[skyward_eyes]

Well out here alone was much the same as elsewhere alone, wasn't it? And he'd been trying, so hard, to not get attached to people. Too bad that was failing. Caelan, Syeira. Dammit, he was falling into the pit again. The pit of caring. Of wanting, and knowing people would be torn from you anyway.

He tries to keep a careful smile on his face when Ignis asks, when he offers the companionship. It's the sort of smile he's practiced so carefully over the years. Pleasant. Contented. Peaceful. The sort of smile that said 'you're so polite, I'm genuinely grateful, there is nothing wrong here.' The sort of smile that perhaps Ignis had seen on courtiers and politicians and people after the Prince to their advantage. A sort of smile that said it was anything but genuine, to those sharp enough and experienced enough to note it.

Most people weren't trained in reading body language to quite the level necessary to pick that apart, though.

"I suggest the hearty stew. And they do a very good oat bread," Nida said to go along with the smile. "And I do thank you for the offer, but I am fine."

It's practice that keeps him from wincing a the word. Fine. No one who declares themselves fine is ever that.

"I'm just taking the evening air."

[faithfulsupport]

Oh he noticed, having had those years at court and he'd inwardly snarled at the fakes he could spot a mile away. As the Hand of the King he was always right there with Noct who at first had thought the royal advisor paranoid but soon learned the other was right about many of the ill thought and executed plans regarding the young Prince. Plus he'd had years of studying the dark haired boy since that was who he'd spent the majority of his time with.

Good manners forbade Ignis from pushing the issue though he knew damn well something wasn't right. Prying was not something he would do with Nida because of having a respect for the man who'd offered to walk him to his door even if it had been rather unnecessary of course.

So with a smile of sorts of his own, he mentally noted the choices made and nodded again. "Indeed, those sound like excellent choices." Fine was a word the advisor knew all too well. Fine was used when you didn't want to get into detail, or used to try and get someone to get out of your business. That word was also used to mean the complete opposite but you didn't want your companions to worry even though they honestly would anyhow.

So Ignis tilted his head to the side to indicate the tavern. "Then I shall leave you to your evening. Should you change your mind, you know where to find me." Not wanting to disturb Nida any further, he turned to go.

[skyward_eyes]

Yeah, he would know where to find him. He opens his mouth to comment that he'll keep it in mind. And...

And his stomach makes its opinion known. Loudly. A damn serious grumbling if there ever was one. Nida's mouth clicks closed, his teeth banging against each other as he glares down at his body.

"Stupid traitor stomach," he grumbles before looking to Ignis. "If... I gave you the money for a meal, think you could talk the pub keeper into letting you bring something out for me?"

[faithfulsupport]

There was a startled look on the advisor's face when he first heard the noise, trying to ascertain where it was coming from. But then there was only the faintest bit of amusement when green eyes turned to look at Nida.

At hearing the offer of money, he immediately understood and respected that the other man didn't want to take advantage or gain anything for free. So he smiled and bit back the offer of dinner. He'd been turned down once, anything more than that and Ignis was just being an insistent and impolite pest.

However. That could work to his advantage and the strategist would indeed play the card. But he didn't do it yet so he moved towards the door and prepared to open it. "Am I ordering you the hearty stew and the oat bread?"

[skyward_eyes]

Woah, wait, don't walk away without the money! Nida's hand dives to a cord around his neck, which he pulls out to show a money pouch. Paranoid about being robbed? You bet.

"Yeah, man. No drink. I've got water."

Because really, pubs aren't going to offer anything but alcohol and he... he can't. It was a line he couldn't step over.

"Thanks."

[faithfulsupport]

Green eyes looked from the pouch to the man and stood there as if nothing just happened. A few more calculations went through Ignis' head weighing them against what could be possible outcomes. So he took the money pouch to avoid what would more than likely become an argument of principles or pride.

With a nod at Nida he went inside and ordered what was asked for by Nida before reserving a table for himself. However, when it came to waiting for the meal to be prepared and cooked Ignis had sat there speaking to the chef talking a bit about recipes. And when did pay the bill, he paid with his own money after explaining about how karma was good to pay in advance. Not surprisingly the chef not only agreed but also said that if someone else came in to try and pay for this particular order they'd be refused.

Walking away with the requested food, Ignis smiled. He'd used that particular charisma to gain entrance to Altissia at Noct's request and they had no issues gaining entrance to the city. It still worked here in this place apparently and he brought the food out to Nida with the man's money pouch on top of it with all of the untouched funds still safely inside.

"I believe this is your order, so please enjoy both your dinner and your evening." the advisor said, before turning away to go back inside.

3. [I might do this for both Yuna & Jacob lol]

[whereishe]

It is a rare instance where Yuna had let her hair down, showing off the long wavy brown waves that existed within the tightly woven braid that usually trailed down her back. She was getting ready to sleep when she spotted a face at her window.

It was surprising but not enough to cause alarm. She knew the face.

It took a moment for her to open the window before speaking in a soft hushed voice. "Nida? Is this how you knock?" This was her first apartment and Yuna didn't know what was normal. If he was going to come say hello at her window then she might start leaving it unlocked for him or perhaps greet him in a similar way; once she learned where he lived.

hahahahah

[skyward_eyes]

With the window open Nida hauls himself up just enough to sit on the sill, and partially in the window frame. He smiles at the woman and nods.

"Yeah. I know. I'm weird. I should use the door. Blah blah blah. I was just out for an evening climb and there you were. Thought I'd wish you pleasant dreams."

<3

[whereishe]

"It's alright." She held her hand over her mouth to hide her growing smile. "I'm not used to having an apartment either. I had shared a sleeping area on an airship before I came here. It's strange being alone and having a door."

Yuna was absolutely going to visit him in his window sometime. "That's very sweet of you. I was just getting ready to sleep but if you'd like, I can make us some tea. I bought a bit from the Gullwing office."

[skyward_eyes]

"Oh, I'm used to having a space to live. But normally in more cramped dormitories than this. And they never felt... comfortable."

The one he'd had in Dualis he'd been forced to share. And in the Iteration he'd had housemates. This was his first private space since, well, his SeeD residence, and he didn't want to think about that one. Or the state he'd left it in. A state he was going to have to set to rights if he ever went home. Ew.

"If you're ready to sleep, I can head right back out. I don't mean to bother you. I'm just restless at this time of night."

[whereishe]

"I hope these rooms are more comfortable for you." Her lips curved into a warm smile. "I don't mind but I was getting ready to sleep."

It'd been a long day and unlike many others living in the city, Yuna kept a fairly consistent sleep schedule. It wasn't too difficult for her to sleep, no matter where she was. This was better than camping on the ground in the woods.

"If you need something to do, I bet that Caelan has work to be done in the Gullwing's office. I don't think he sleeps either."

[skyward_eyes]

"And here I am, bothering you when you were expecting to sleep," he says. Maybe he shouldn't be here. But there is only so much he can do now that he's already here.

"Oh trust me, I'm aware of Caelan's habits. We share a wall. He plays music wonderfully, and I've had to ask him before to consider not do it at night."

But it's nice to see her anyway.

"Or was there something you needed an experienced monster hunter for at the office?"

[whereishe]

Yuna lifted her hand as a soft sweet giggle escaped from her lips. She really didn't mind the interruption. She was used to it and the familiarity was comfortable.

"Oh? Caelan sometimes places around the office. It's nice to hear but I don't think it'd be as nice if you were trying to sleep." She felt some sympathy for Nida but she assumed that he didn't mind. There were enough empty rooms that he could move into should he be truly bothered by Caelan's playing.

"Not at the office but I did want to try and document all of the monsters in the sewers. Caelan and I ran into a few but I am sure there are more."

[skyward_eyes]

A full accounting. Interesting idea. Nida tilts his head and considers all of the possibilities before nodding.

“He plays beautifully and I appreciate it many days. Just not all,” Nida answers. And he wasn’t going to move. He LIKED having a neighbor. It made him feel... like he was home.

“I like the proposal. I can probably do some searching when I’m off work. I’m sure the Captain wouldn’t mind the information too.”

Because he made a good little guard boy, didn’t he?

3. Gray Building

[brotherofagod]

Jacob didn't sleep most nights. He tried, but most nights were cursed with nightmares that his medication used to silence. He'd fall asleep in the early afternoon, exhausted, and then wake in a cool sweat in the late evening. The window was open and a breeze curled through his room as he paced between his bedroom to his kitchen.

His chest was bare with only a silver cross resting upon his clavicle, while his bottom half was covered by a pair of boxers. He only had one outfit that was "normal" and he went through great lengths to keep it clean. Eventually he'd had to find more clothes but he wasn't too worried about it.

Jacob turned and ran his fingers through his hair. He had gotten a glass of water but it wasn't doing anything to stop the frantic racing of his heart. He walked over to the window and screamed --in what he hoped was a very manly scream-- when he saw Nida.

He stumbled back, landed ass first on the floor and dropped the cup of water. "What the--? Nida?! What are you doing here?" His face turned red and he was faintly aware of the puddle of water that pooled across the floor.

After tonight, he might purchase some pajama pants...

[skyward_eyes]

He's going to scream, Siren observed in Nida's mind mere moments before the noise actually came. She picked up on the intake of breath that was a sure warning of the noise. Nida, for what it was worth, was thankful for the warning. Gave him a chance to brace himself so he wouldn't fall.

Instead he smiled pleasantly through the whole thing and just watched Jacob's little stint as disaster man through the glass.

"Out for an evening stroll," Nida answered through the glass, even if it muffled his voice. Did his eyes maybe rove a bit over Jacob's body? Yes. It was a good body. "Did I disturb you?"

[brotherofagod]

Jacob dragged his palm down his face before pushing himself up to his feet. He fumbled a bit with the window before pulling it open for Nida to speak more clearly. "You stroll up the side of buildings?" He glanced outside, currently forgetting his state of undress.

"No. I was just... pacing."

He stepped back so that Nida could come in if he wanted. "You know there are things called doors right?"

[skyward_eyes]

"Climb, but yeah, more or less," Nida grins. With the window open Nida hauls himself up on the sill and sits in the window frame, one foot braced against one side, his back against the other, and a leg dangling down toward the street.

He looks comfortable. He is comfortable. This is him in his element, and without having to be sneaky.

"You pace a lot?" he asks right back, then considers the room. Nah. He'll stay here unless he's specifically invited.

"I'm aware of them. Never was a fan of them."

[brotherofagod]

Jacob glanced between his bedroom and the main sitting area before looking down at his boxer-state. "Um. Yeah. I do." He looked a little uncertain as he walked over to the couch where he had tossed his jeans the afternoon before, sliding them on while trying not to draw attention to the fact that he was putting a little bit more material between him and Nida.

"I guess I'll have to leave the window open then or unlocked? I don't know the window protocols." The door was unlocked but that was just because Jacob assumed that anyone who wanted to get in, could get in, and he didn't want to have to replace his door after the fact.

[skyward_eyes]

Oh come now, no need to have too much shame in your own space. He'd been enjoying it. But the unspoken statement rings, and Jacob will only find attention on his eyes from now on.

"Hardly. You don't have to accommodate my trained quirks. I'm not exactly a regular man, not even in my own world."

[brotherofagod]

He didn't mind being shirtless but being pants-less was a different feeling and it was one that Jacob wasn't comfortable with nor was he ready to figure out what that feeling meant.

"I'm used to-" He lifted his fingers to make air-quotes. "Not regular."

"It's fine. If this means I'll have company, then it's cool. I used to have my sisters or family swing by my apartment but I can't really have that here." It also helped that Nida was currently distracting him from his nightmares.

[skyward_eyes]

Pantless is a very wonderful feeling that should be embraced. Regularly. Or so Nida felt. Or perhaps he was just really tired of being just short of closeted by grief.

"Oh? How many mercenaries have you met?" Nida asks with a grin. "I'd love to be the first."

As it was he finally swings his legs in and stands in Jacob's room. Which does entail a good bit of uncoiling. Maybe he isn't that tall, but he's lithe as fuck when he wants to be.

"You can still have friends by. In places like this, I've found, you make your own family. And they always drop by. And are annoying."