7th Observation

[elegant_soldier]

The wings have gone. It's a relief, to not wake up with those monstrosities... I'm glad to have not felt any side effects.

Did you have fun at your party, Usagi-chan? Neji-san, the cake was extraordinary. I hope I may indulge in your excellent cooking again. Usagi-chan does have a talent for finding the best food in town.

Comments

[also Private]

[get_ur_zexy_on]

But of course, Michiru-san. Our conversations are always... enlightening.

[PRIVATE]

[elegant_soldier]

Arigatou Gozaimasu.

When will you be home? I can prepare some tea and perhaps a light lunch.

[PRIVATE]

[get_ur_zexy_on]

[arches eyebrow]

I can be there momentarily, if you wish.

[PRIVATE]

[elegant_soldier]

[smiles]

That would be lovely.

[prepares the tea she's noticed he prefers]

ACTION THREAD TIEMZ NAO

[get_ur_zexy_on]

Very well.

[Opens a portal into the apartment, pinpointing the kitchen his exit point. Darkness swirls in the doorway before he steps out calmly, noticing the tea she is preparing.]

How thoughtful. You are an admirable host, Michiru-san, even to your enemies.

LOLZ

[elegant_soldier]

[heart skips a beat at his sudden appearance]

Zexion-san. I was... expecting you to use the door.

[brings the tea to the living room]

That is what I'd like to discuss with you, actually.

YOU KNOW IT

[get_ur_zexy_on]

[Smirks slightly, knowing he startled her.]

My apologies.

[He follows her quietly into the living room, curious as to what she wishes to speak to him about.]

Oh? Please, elaborate, Michiru-san. And thank you for the invitation.

[Waits for her to sit before seating himself at their sofa and watches her expectantly.]

[elegant_soldier]

[seats herself comfortably, pours them both a cup of tea]

Of course, Zexion-san. I thought that perhaps it was time for us to speak frankly.

[takes a sip of tea]

[get_ur_zexy_on]

[Nods his appreciation, taking a sip as he listens. He's pleased with the tea, at least. Holds his cup in both hands and regards her quite seriously.]

Is that so? Well then, let us be frank. What is it you wish to discuss?

[Doesn't break eye contact with her]

[elegant_soldier]

Zexion-san... [pause, as she considers the right words]

It is clear that we are on opposite sides. However, as neither of us can be killed while on the island, and I believe we are both capable of making the other's life quite miserable, I would like to suggest an alternative.

[takes sip of tea, keeping eye contact]

[get_ur_zexy_on]

[Raises an eyebrow at her]

First, might I correct you on one point. You assume I have chosen a side, if there are indeed any to choose from here, which is not necessarily the case. However, before we digress once again on that subject, I would like to hear what exactly it is you are proposing. Please, continue.

[Takes another sip of tea, watching her all the while.]

[elegant_soldier]

[pauses, taking in what he has said. Even if that is how he feels... She remembers the game he played while they both had their wings. He is most certainly not her ally. Yet.

She continues, in a darker tone] I would like to propose... an agreement which may prove mutually beneficial.

[get_ur_zexy_on]

[He's intrigued by her boldness, and he's learned that it's always best to play all sides as long as it suits his needs. It never hurts to listen, but he still offers her a challenge. She shouldn't become comfortable with him quite yet.]

Beneficial in what way, Michiru-san? It is you who suggested we should speak plainly and yet you refuse to come to the point.

[elegant_soldier]

Forgive me, Zexion-san, it... has been a long time since I have had the need to speak so plainly.

[takes another sip of tea]

I would ask that you and your allies do not harm or manipulate those under my protection. Namely, Usagi-hime and Mamoru-san. There are many actions I would be willing to simply overlook in order to ensure their safety.

[deep breath, as she prepares herself for his many possible reactions to her next sentence]

However... It would be... impossible for me not to ask if there would be any conditions under which you would be willing to not harm an innocent?

[realizes the breadth of what she's offering, though she is completely business-like]

[get_ur_zexy_on]

[Her first request doesn't surprise him much - she's made it very clear that she cares about the Usagi girl, and the other is important by proxy, as far as he can tell. He had wanted to look into the girl, considering her similarity to the other Princesses, but this changes things. It is certainly an excellent opportunity. He keeps his expression neutral.]

You may consider their safety assured. I give you my word on that count.

[sips his tea thoughtfully]

As for your second request... It is a generous offer. Naturally, I would expect your conditions to be quite strict if I were to accept. What restrictions would such an arrangement entail?

[elegant_soldier]

[considers this, both pleased and apprehensive. If Haruka were here... She isn't, however, and arrangements need to be made. Michiru can sense that Zexion is dangerous, perhaps because he is so quiet and understated. While someone like Sephiroth, who is powerful and will oppose good outright, is an understandable and perhaps even predictable enemy, Zexion is not.]

I would expect you to refrain from directly harming innocents. Nor would you manipulate them into a position of being easily harmed. [pause for consideration] You would not interact with innocents with the intent to harm them.

[sets down her tea and stands, going to the window. She speaks quietly] I think perhaps we could have been friends, had situations been... different. Duty always comes first, however.