[Complete] Marron and Tarei
Who: Tarei and Marron
When: After Marron returns after his death and Tarei speaking with Tseng
Where: ShinRa building
Rating: PG
Warnings: none
Summary: Tarei goes and sees Marron, and watch over him, while Tseng is out doing his job.
The building was huge, she admitted that much, though only stayed in a certain room for a bit, before she decided to go find Marron, since on their agreement, that she would watch the young man for half of the day, while Tseng was busy wit his job. Not to mention that she had been put somewhat under surveillance, but it didn't really matter to her.
If she wanted to attempt anything, they wouldn't be able to stop her right away, anyway. Of course, mixed along with all this, her gender was altered, so Tarei didn't exactly look like herself, more like a pretty young boy, with long raven hair and blue eyes, with a slim, almost feminine body, walking down the hallway in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, the only thing she found suitable for this problem at the moment. Looking up from the floor, she searched the room for a certain boy's office. Ah, there is it is. She made her way towards it.
Marron couldn't sleep, couldn't rest. The feeling of sand in his eyes was tormenting him, he could not figure out what it was or how to get it out. He had changed his ripped, bloodstained robes for clothes Tseng had kindly let him, loose black pants and a white button up shirt.
He heard the sound of footsteps down the hall, and froze. He reached silently for the sacred scroll he knew to be on the table beside him, even blind Marron refused to be helpless.
"Whose there?" he asked evenly, glazed gold eyes vainly straining to see who was before him.
She would have thought by now, that he would at least be able to recognize her similar movements, but perhaps the sudden change was the reason for the sudden caution, she could feel beyond the door, as his voice came out bold and demanding an answer. Her blue hues fixed on the door, before turning the knob slightly, slowly pushing the door opened, once she had turned it the knob walking into the room, and closing the door behind her, facing the young man, who held a sort of defensive position upon her entrance.
"I'd prefer you not attack me with those, they're not too pleasant to be touched by," her voice was slightly deeper, but it was the same tone she had used when she talked with him, "I don't suppose unauthorized personnel are allowed in this building are they?" she inquired raising a brow, obviously, she was aware of his sight situation, that he wouldn’t be able to see her raised brow.
"Tarei..." even through that male voice he knew her tone well. The scroll was lowered and once more tucked away as he tried to figure out where exactly she was but his glazed eyes looked just to the side of her.
"I know I was supposed to be resting after that incident..." a soft smile appeared on his face but one hand clutched the side of the chair he was sitting on tightly. It took all his self control not to rub at his eyes sometimes, he did not want to make the situation worse than it already was.
So he could tell, but not as easily. She shrugged a bit, and advanced a few more paces towards the mage, at least so she would be able to carry a better conversation. It must have been difficult to be in the condition he was at the moment. She remained standing for a bit, before replying to his comment, and his meek smile.
"You should be," she emphasized a little, somewhat in a harsh tone, but there was a bit of concern in her tone, but it was almost not visible. She knew he would catch it though, but the kitsune could not help it. Her anger had long vanished, but she was still no okay, "you're going to rip a hole in that chair if you squeeze it too much. In any case, some man by the name of Tseng has told me to watch over your while he's out," she explained it as if she didn't really want to talk about it, since she didn't really like that man.
"I know, I tried to..." Marron said softly, guilt clear in his voice. "I am sorry to have worried you, but at least the wound on my arm has completely healed," he remarked. Her other comment caught him by surprise, he hadn't noticed how tightly he had been gripping the chair until she pointed it out.
"It's just...it's hard to stop myself from rubbing at my eyes constantly," the mage admitted with a frown. "I am not sure what this or if....if it will be permanent," he bowed his head, it was too much to think that he would never see Carrot again when he returned and if there was a way to reverse this, Marron was determined to find it no matter what.
"Try harder, won't you? " she retorted, her eyes focused on him now. Of course, this was still out of concern, but it didn't sound like it. She had never been a predicament such as this, so Tarei didn't exactly know how to react, seeing in the past she had never allowed anyone to be in so close of a contact with her, but now it seems to late to step back from it all.
"That's not a good way to try to get rid of your irritation," she replied, then adding, "I could... use a bit of my healing magic, perhaps the coldness of it will lessen your irritation, for now at least, " her face remained fixed in a stern expression. Yes, she had been told that the situation might be permanent or not. She at least hope it wasn't permanent.
Marron nodded, knowing that she did not do it out of harshness, this was not the first time he had gotten into trouble but he appreciated her concern nonetheless.
He looked up, trying to look in the direction of her voice as she spoke, eyes widening slightly. "If it's not too much strain on you though..." he said quietly. But having the help of her healing magic might help him and the longer he allowed this, there was more of a chance that this could be permanent.
At least he understood, what she meant at least. With his condition, it would take a while to get used to, and there would probably future difficulties for him as well. Yes, it was strange, but she did offered it. She had not used her magic in a while, but knew that even the slightest bit use of it might assist his injury a little more. She really couldn't afford him to be permanently blind.
"It isn't. I've had it for quite some time. It won't strain me," she replied. He was the one that was injured, not like she would be weakened by the use of her magic, though she might be a bit exhausted after a while, but it was due to the time she had neglected it. She took a few more steps towards him and bent over a bit, "you'll feel a coldness on your eyes for a bit, but it should temporarily stop your irritation, so you won't damage it anymore, as well as your hands would be able to relax more."
Marron sat back in the chair, trying to relax. He took a deep breath to calm himself, he trusted her without question to help so there was no second thoughts in his mind.
"...thank you, Tarei," he said, hand letting go of the chair now, the cushion did show slight tears from where his nails had dug in all day since he had woken up
Her fingers brushed against the surface of the skin that was near his eyes, and he would feel a bit of a cold sensation as her hand resonated a rather icy aura and in doing so, it glowed a bit of a translucent light. He would only feel coldness that would slowly creep around his eyes and the areas closest to it. She kept her eyes on it, concentrating only on his eyes, being careful not to spread it anywhere else.
She heard his 'thank you,' but she did not respond to it, but engrossed in her task. From the corner of her azure hues, she could see the tears from his grasp on it earlier. Were his eyes that irritated, well enough for him to restrain himself that much. She was curious to what it was that caused his ... blindness.
Marron tried to stay still for her as she worked despite the chilled sensation around his eyes and for the first time since he had been blinded, he could feel the irritation lessening but the darkness remained.
"I hope...you did not break curfew to come in last night," he said after a moment, worried. He knew he would be staying another week down here as well but that did not bother him.
Within a few moments, she removed her fingers, that brushed once more slightly on his irritated eyes, before removing her hand completely away from his form. She still was a bit bent over making sure that her work was not careless. He would feel the cold as much, but it was still there, for a short amount time, perhaps a few long hours or so, before it would fade.
"It wouldn't matter," she replied. She was unsure herself, the evening before, she could not recall if she was late home or not. If she was, she didn't really care. The woman never really cared for the rules and curfews that were left by some beings who call themselves gods, superior beings. She wasn't fond of those type of Gods at all.
"I do not want to get you in trouble over this though," Marron shook his head after she finished, sitting up slowly after she finished. The irritation had faded for now at least, much to his relief and he gave her a slight smile in what he hoped was her direction.
"I have already troubled you so much..."
She caught his smile again. She seemed to accept it from him this time, though she looked away a bit in silence, before looking over at him, at least the boy was relaxed, better than what he was doing a moment ago. She let out a breath, then replying to him, obviously getting a bit irritated by his concern about something so small. It was not something to be concerned over at all.
"Heh, boy, I'm already in slight trouble. I don't suppose it would have mattered. I could care less. You should be concerned with yourself more than other people. You'll wind up dead before they do," she added with a faint smirk on her face, and a mock laugh, before she flatly stared back at him, "I caused it on my own. You worry too much, kid."
"Apparently that has already happened," he remarked at her comment about him winding up dead. Marron did not protest at her calling him 'kid', it was not something that he minded from her.
"Slight trouble? What happened?" the mage asked, frowning slightly in concern. He was unaware of her conversations with Tseng since he was unable to read anything over the network.
"Well, it will happen again is what I am implying, Marron," she retorted sternly, pointing out what she actually meant by her previous comment. He was one of those people that are concerned with others too much, that was probably one of those reasons why he ended up dead.
"Nothing too much. Don't concern yourself with it," she replied as he questioned her, frowning, as she noticed as she looked at him while she spoke, "Let’s just put it simply like this, your friend... Tseng, or whatever that human is called, wants me to stick around for now, and it seems we are in an agreement for now, at least," she replied, vaguely giving him an idea, but at the same time bluntly telling him just a little bit of what had happened. Again, she didn't seemed to be too bothered by that, it was the fact that she did not cooperate well with others or get along with a lot of people.
"I won't it," Marron's tone was firm, he meant his words. Even if he was going to be blind forever, he would always find a way to do what he could, and would not be helpless. But if...when he returned home...Marron couldn't think about it, the thought caused him more pain than his eyes did.
"Tseng, yes. He is an ally and friend," Marron nodded. "I hope he is not forcing you to stay if you don't wish to..." the frown remained in his face, though it was a bit concerned.
"Good, and no, like I have stated, we've come to an agreement on the subject. I assure you, I'm doing this willingly," she replied.
Why, oh why was he concerned with the most ridiculous of things, even if it were not his fault? It was a partially his fault, but really, she had known what she had done brought her in this situation, and she might as well deal wit hit for now. She didn't understand him at some point, like right now at the moment. Though, she also agreed to this, was because of his well-being, not like she would really admit that. She wouldn't be able to admit anyway. Tarei brushed off some of her raven hair and sat a bit at the edge of his desk with her arms crossed across her flat chest.
"I'm glad," Marron nodded, relaxing a bit but he made a note to ask Tseng about it later. He knew that Tarei did not work for ShinRa but she was someone he trusted without hesitation. He could not help but worry about things, especially since he had all day to sit in the lab without being able to read or do anything, and it allowed him the time to turn things over in his mind.
"I think there was some coffee in the break room, I am not sure. I would offer to make tea..." he offered but trailed off, assuming she would understand.
"Yeah, yeah," she brushed it aside. Tarei didn't want to talk about it too much, since she was still slightly pissed at herself for her actions, and she already assumed that he would pry it out of the man... Tseng, later anyhow. It wasn’t like she didn't want to tell him, it was more like she didn't find the subject worth reviewing over. Though, she had long accepted his trust that he had given her, and noticed that he seemed to be trusting her a lot more with things lately.
"I am not thirsty. Yes, of course," she replied nodding to that comment, understanding, "though do you just sit around in this office all day, doing nothing but sit there? "
"For now, yes. Sleeping is rather...difficult with the irritation," he admitted. It was torture, only being only able to sit around but he was trying to figure out a solution, and at times figure out how to get around without being able to see. Tseng also provided things to do, which was a relief.
"That is understandable, do what you can," she replied, faintly. There wasn't much to say about his irritation and how he had trouble sleeping. She was thinking about it as well. There must be some clues somewhere. She would have to look into it later, "if...you need assistance with anything... I'll assist you , at least until you fully recover."
"I will," he said, he refused to just lay around doing nothing. The young mage covered a slight yawn before he spoke again. "Thank you...I really appreciate everything you have done to help me..." he said honestly before sitting up and hugging her. Normally he was not one for hugs, but for all his calm maturity, Marron was still just 16 in the end.
She didn't really have time to nod on that, when she felt body weight on hers, and finding that she was embraced so suddenly, her azure hues widening slightly at the sudden display of affection, she almost fell backwards, but somehow managed to remain standing as he embraced her. Her eyes then returned to normal, as she glanced at the boy's form. For once in all her time here, she had nothing to say... or do at the moment, other than the fact that she was caught off guard by this boy.
Marron quickly realized what he had done and let go, his cheeks lightly red at what he had done and he looked off to the side. "Ah...my apologies..." he said quietly after a moment, feeling uncomfortable as he sat back to create a little distance between them.
Tarei only looked at him for a second, her surprise expression long, gone, now replaced by a frown, though how she allowed him to do that and escaped with his arms still attached, she didn't even know. She looked at him again, with her blue hues, at his slightly red tinted cheeks. She let off a scoff, before speaking this time, after regaining her composure again.
"I don't even know, what I should do with you," she replied. It was strange, how she didn't sound too serious when she said that, but it was a fair warning for next time.
"I'm sorry..." Marron said nervously before deciding to change the topic quickly. "I wanted to ask you a favor though, if I could," he said seriously now, looking towards her...or so he thought at least.
"I do not wish to stay around here and trouble Tseng any longer...but I need your assistance to find a place to recover."
She could tell by his uneasiness. Perhaps it was what humans had called 'being caught in the moment.' When he had spoke again, he had wanted to ask a favour of her, he asked, awaiting for her permission to do so. With his difficulty seeing, she didn't seem to mind if he had looked the wrong way or not, it couldn't have been helped.
"I don't have any intentions of hanging around here for a long period of time, anyhow. I'll assist you," she replied in a normal tone.
"Thank you...I hope to leave soon," Marron said with a nod. "There is no one else here with you? I cannot hear or sense anyone else but I want to be sure..." the mage said quietly, it was clear he was about to tell her something that was very confidential.
"It's nothing at all," the woman replied brushing it again once more. She was given too many thank yous, and they were starting to get to her, "no, of course not, I made sure no one was following me," she replied in calm manner, her azure hues narrowed a bit, "why do you asked?" she inquired, somewhat having a bit of a clue of what he was going to do next, but not really.
"The demon I sealed before...there is a chance...the seal could not have worked," Marron spoke softly, his voice pained. It was something he was not willing to share with Tseng. He knew Tarei knew of what he spoke of without having to explain things. "If that demon was behind this..." he trailed off, he had no idea what to do in this situation.
"Yes, perhaps, that could be the case, however, that is a slim chance is it not? Though, one as that youkai... is strong, I admit that much," the woman replied, her eyes remained in their slightly narrowed state, understanding a bit more of where this was going. She understood and knew what he meant, when he started to speak about it, "If he is behind this... we'll have to take drastic measures," she replied venomously, "though you only assume that this youkai is behind it...right?" she inquired. Tarei kept her voice down as well, soft, almost a whisper.
"I am not sure. He used...some plant based attack when I fought him and this blindness is certainly biologically caused, I am certain of it. But I have no evidence but I do not want to say anything or do anything until...unless I am sure. That is also why I wish to get out of here," he explained.
"If he is after just me...I cannot stay here..."
"A plant... manipulator, perfect. Then the clue to curing it would lie in the youkai that manipulates the plant, this is a fine mess," the kitsune replied pausing for a moment, allowing the information that he had entrusted her with to sink into her memory. There certainly isn't a good outcome to this... at all, "Then we’ll have to investigate it ourselves, without them. As much as a group of people searching for evidence sound so much easier, the less people are at work, the better the results. I will assist you with that."
Her form shifted a bit, before looking at the young boy again, "It seems to be the case, seeing... you were the one that was asked to seal him, after all. It is only natural for one to go after the one that caused him trouble. Yes, that is the first thing you need to do. Get out of this caged building," the kitsune added with a faint sigh.
"I cannot get ShinRa involved with this if it is Youko. But yes, we will have to investigate this before making any judgments. I could still be wrong," Marron nodded. "The sooner I get out of here, the better. Tseng has been...more than kind but I cannot take him away from his own job."
"It is better for them to remain ignorant of the situation for now," the woman replied, nodding in agreement. She had long forgotten about her body's changes and concerned with this situation even more, "we should start soon, before they decide to suddenly suspect something. We'll have to keep a low profile and do our tasks in an unsuspecting way," she added thinking about ShinRa, and Tseng was really starting to get to her.
"Agreed. As much as he is kind to you... I don't trust him. I believe his loyalties seem to be stronger on this company's side, then it is on yours, but that is merely my assumptions, " she replied faintly, listening for any sound or anyone that might have passed by. So far no one.
"Yes. As soon as I speak with Tseng, we will leave the next time you come, is that alright?" he asked.
"Working for ShinRa is his job, I have no doubt that that is where his first loyalties are and I do not blame him for that," the mage pointed out. "I trust him enough but I will not ask Tseng to betray that. I can deal with this...with your help of course."
"That is fine. I don't suppose what we have spoken in this room should be taken outside of its premises, ne?" the woman cracked a smirk before straitening out her posture again.
"I know, and certainly. I bear no loyalties, unless the place, or the person is qualified for it."
"Right," Marron said with a slight smile, he knew she would understand.
"You are not obligated to help me with Youko or whoever it turns out to be...." Marron said seriously but he trailed off, he would not refuse her help either.
"I have already stated that I will assist you, have I not?" she questioned, raising a brow slightly.
"I was just making sure...." he said before yawning again, this had been the longest his eyes had not been irritated and he was tired from not sleeping in the past few days.
"You're a strange one," she replied shaking her head, "sleep," she added faintly, "it will help you recover," the woman replied after he had yawned slightly. How long had he been restless anyway? He sounded tired, and strained, though it must have been pretty decently good to have the irritation temporarily removed from his eyes.
"I will...I think there was a blanket around here somewhere," Marron said, reaching out though he wasn't sure where exactly Tseng had left it.
A blanket, in here? Did he really want to sleep in-- no matter, it was better than nothing. Tarei glanced around searching for the so-called blanket that Marron had said aloud, finding it not too far away from him. She reached out to grasp it within her hand and then dropped it on his lap, "Here," she replied as she dropped on his lap, "this would be a better time than later, try to get as much rest as you can, kid," she replied.
"Thank you, Tarei," he smiled as he took the blanket, yawning again as he moved to get more comfortable but he was already close to falling asleep as it was.
"Enough with the thank yous, you're overwhelming me with those words," the kitsune replied caressing her forehead, "just close your eyes, and sleep," she flatly added. He would sleep soon, she could tell by the sound of his voice and his tired looking form.
When: After Marron returns after his death and Tarei speaking with Tseng
Where: ShinRa building
Rating: PG
Warnings: none
Summary: Tarei goes and sees Marron, and watch over him, while Tseng is out doing his job.
The building was huge, she admitted that much, though only stayed in a certain room for a bit, before she decided to go find Marron, since on their agreement, that she would watch the young man for half of the day, while Tseng was busy wit his job. Not to mention that she had been put somewhat under surveillance, but it didn't really matter to her.
If she wanted to attempt anything, they wouldn't be able to stop her right away, anyway. Of course, mixed along with all this, her gender was altered, so Tarei didn't exactly look like herself, more like a pretty young boy, with long raven hair and blue eyes, with a slim, almost feminine body, walking down the hallway in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, the only thing she found suitable for this problem at the moment. Looking up from the floor, she searched the room for a certain boy's office. Ah, there is it is. She made her way towards it.
Marron couldn't sleep, couldn't rest. The feeling of sand in his eyes was tormenting him, he could not figure out what it was or how to get it out. He had changed his ripped, bloodstained robes for clothes Tseng had kindly let him, loose black pants and a white button up shirt.
He heard the sound of footsteps down the hall, and froze. He reached silently for the sacred scroll he knew to be on the table beside him, even blind Marron refused to be helpless.
"Whose there?" he asked evenly, glazed gold eyes vainly straining to see who was before him.
She would have thought by now, that he would at least be able to recognize her similar movements, but perhaps the sudden change was the reason for the sudden caution, she could feel beyond the door, as his voice came out bold and demanding an answer. Her blue hues fixed on the door, before turning the knob slightly, slowly pushing the door opened, once she had turned it the knob walking into the room, and closing the door behind her, facing the young man, who held a sort of defensive position upon her entrance.
"I'd prefer you not attack me with those, they're not too pleasant to be touched by," her voice was slightly deeper, but it was the same tone she had used when she talked with him, "I don't suppose unauthorized personnel are allowed in this building are they?" she inquired raising a brow, obviously, she was aware of his sight situation, that he wouldn’t be able to see her raised brow.
"Tarei..." even through that male voice he knew her tone well. The scroll was lowered and once more tucked away as he tried to figure out where exactly she was but his glazed eyes looked just to the side of her.
"I know I was supposed to be resting after that incident..." a soft smile appeared on his face but one hand clutched the side of the chair he was sitting on tightly. It took all his self control not to rub at his eyes sometimes, he did not want to make the situation worse than it already was.
So he could tell, but not as easily. She shrugged a bit, and advanced a few more paces towards the mage, at least so she would be able to carry a better conversation. It must have been difficult to be in the condition he was at the moment. She remained standing for a bit, before replying to his comment, and his meek smile.
"You should be," she emphasized a little, somewhat in a harsh tone, but there was a bit of concern in her tone, but it was almost not visible. She knew he would catch it though, but the kitsune could not help it. Her anger had long vanished, but she was still no okay, "you're going to rip a hole in that chair if you squeeze it too much. In any case, some man by the name of Tseng has told me to watch over your while he's out," she explained it as if she didn't really want to talk about it, since she didn't really like that man.
"I know, I tried to..." Marron said softly, guilt clear in his voice. "I am sorry to have worried you, but at least the wound on my arm has completely healed," he remarked. Her other comment caught him by surprise, he hadn't noticed how tightly he had been gripping the chair until she pointed it out.
"It's just...it's hard to stop myself from rubbing at my eyes constantly," the mage admitted with a frown. "I am not sure what this or if....if it will be permanent," he bowed his head, it was too much to think that he would never see Carrot again when he returned and if there was a way to reverse this, Marron was determined to find it no matter what.
"Try harder, won't you? " she retorted, her eyes focused on him now. Of course, this was still out of concern, but it didn't sound like it. She had never been a predicament such as this, so Tarei didn't exactly know how to react, seeing in the past she had never allowed anyone to be in so close of a contact with her, but now it seems to late to step back from it all.
"That's not a good way to try to get rid of your irritation," she replied, then adding, "I could... use a bit of my healing magic, perhaps the coldness of it will lessen your irritation, for now at least, " her face remained fixed in a stern expression. Yes, she had been told that the situation might be permanent or not. She at least hope it wasn't permanent.
Marron nodded, knowing that she did not do it out of harshness, this was not the first time he had gotten into trouble but he appreciated her concern nonetheless.
He looked up, trying to look in the direction of her voice as she spoke, eyes widening slightly. "If it's not too much strain on you though..." he said quietly. But having the help of her healing magic might help him and the longer he allowed this, there was more of a chance that this could be permanent.
At least he understood, what she meant at least. With his condition, it would take a while to get used to, and there would probably future difficulties for him as well. Yes, it was strange, but she did offered it. She had not used her magic in a while, but knew that even the slightest bit use of it might assist his injury a little more. She really couldn't afford him to be permanently blind.
"It isn't. I've had it for quite some time. It won't strain me," she replied. He was the one that was injured, not like she would be weakened by the use of her magic, though she might be a bit exhausted after a while, but it was due to the time she had neglected it. She took a few more steps towards him and bent over a bit, "you'll feel a coldness on your eyes for a bit, but it should temporarily stop your irritation, so you won't damage it anymore, as well as your hands would be able to relax more."
Marron sat back in the chair, trying to relax. He took a deep breath to calm himself, he trusted her without question to help so there was no second thoughts in his mind.
"...thank you, Tarei," he said, hand letting go of the chair now, the cushion did show slight tears from where his nails had dug in all day since he had woken up
Her fingers brushed against the surface of the skin that was near his eyes, and he would feel a bit of a cold sensation as her hand resonated a rather icy aura and in doing so, it glowed a bit of a translucent light. He would only feel coldness that would slowly creep around his eyes and the areas closest to it. She kept her eyes on it, concentrating only on his eyes, being careful not to spread it anywhere else.
She heard his 'thank you,' but she did not respond to it, but engrossed in her task. From the corner of her azure hues, she could see the tears from his grasp on it earlier. Were his eyes that irritated, well enough for him to restrain himself that much. She was curious to what it was that caused his ... blindness.
Marron tried to stay still for her as she worked despite the chilled sensation around his eyes and for the first time since he had been blinded, he could feel the irritation lessening but the darkness remained.
"I hope...you did not break curfew to come in last night," he said after a moment, worried. He knew he would be staying another week down here as well but that did not bother him.
Within a few moments, she removed her fingers, that brushed once more slightly on his irritated eyes, before removing her hand completely away from his form. She still was a bit bent over making sure that her work was not careless. He would feel the cold as much, but it was still there, for a short amount time, perhaps a few long hours or so, before it would fade.
"It wouldn't matter," she replied. She was unsure herself, the evening before, she could not recall if she was late home or not. If she was, she didn't really care. The woman never really cared for the rules and curfews that were left by some beings who call themselves gods, superior beings. She wasn't fond of those type of Gods at all.
"I do not want to get you in trouble over this though," Marron shook his head after she finished, sitting up slowly after she finished. The irritation had faded for now at least, much to his relief and he gave her a slight smile in what he hoped was her direction.
"I have already troubled you so much..."
She caught his smile again. She seemed to accept it from him this time, though she looked away a bit in silence, before looking over at him, at least the boy was relaxed, better than what he was doing a moment ago. She let out a breath, then replying to him, obviously getting a bit irritated by his concern about something so small. It was not something to be concerned over at all.
"Heh, boy, I'm already in slight trouble. I don't suppose it would have mattered. I could care less. You should be concerned with yourself more than other people. You'll wind up dead before they do," she added with a faint smirk on her face, and a mock laugh, before she flatly stared back at him, "I caused it on my own. You worry too much, kid."
"Apparently that has already happened," he remarked at her comment about him winding up dead. Marron did not protest at her calling him 'kid', it was not something that he minded from her.
"Slight trouble? What happened?" the mage asked, frowning slightly in concern. He was unaware of her conversations with Tseng since he was unable to read anything over the network.
"Well, it will happen again is what I am implying, Marron," she retorted sternly, pointing out what she actually meant by her previous comment. He was one of those people that are concerned with others too much, that was probably one of those reasons why he ended up dead.
"Nothing too much. Don't concern yourself with it," she replied as he questioned her, frowning, as she noticed as she looked at him while she spoke, "Let’s just put it simply like this, your friend... Tseng, or whatever that human is called, wants me to stick around for now, and it seems we are in an agreement for now, at least," she replied, vaguely giving him an idea, but at the same time bluntly telling him just a little bit of what had happened. Again, she didn't seemed to be too bothered by that, it was the fact that she did not cooperate well with others or get along with a lot of people.
"I won't it," Marron's tone was firm, he meant his words. Even if he was going to be blind forever, he would always find a way to do what he could, and would not be helpless. But if...when he returned home...Marron couldn't think about it, the thought caused him more pain than his eyes did.
"Tseng, yes. He is an ally and friend," Marron nodded. "I hope he is not forcing you to stay if you don't wish to..." the frown remained in his face, though it was a bit concerned.
"Good, and no, like I have stated, we've come to an agreement on the subject. I assure you, I'm doing this willingly," she replied.
Why, oh why was he concerned with the most ridiculous of things, even if it were not his fault? It was a partially his fault, but really, she had known what she had done brought her in this situation, and she might as well deal wit hit for now. She didn't understand him at some point, like right now at the moment. Though, she also agreed to this, was because of his well-being, not like she would really admit that. She wouldn't be able to admit anyway. Tarei brushed off some of her raven hair and sat a bit at the edge of his desk with her arms crossed across her flat chest.
"I'm glad," Marron nodded, relaxing a bit but he made a note to ask Tseng about it later. He knew that Tarei did not work for ShinRa but she was someone he trusted without hesitation. He could not help but worry about things, especially since he had all day to sit in the lab without being able to read or do anything, and it allowed him the time to turn things over in his mind.
"I think there was some coffee in the break room, I am not sure. I would offer to make tea..." he offered but trailed off, assuming she would understand.
"Yeah, yeah," she brushed it aside. Tarei didn't want to talk about it too much, since she was still slightly pissed at herself for her actions, and she already assumed that he would pry it out of the man... Tseng, later anyhow. It wasn’t like she didn't want to tell him, it was more like she didn't find the subject worth reviewing over. Though, she had long accepted his trust that he had given her, and noticed that he seemed to be trusting her a lot more with things lately.
"I am not thirsty. Yes, of course," she replied nodding to that comment, understanding, "though do you just sit around in this office all day, doing nothing but sit there? "
"For now, yes. Sleeping is rather...difficult with the irritation," he admitted. It was torture, only being only able to sit around but he was trying to figure out a solution, and at times figure out how to get around without being able to see. Tseng also provided things to do, which was a relief.
"That is understandable, do what you can," she replied, faintly. There wasn't much to say about his irritation and how he had trouble sleeping. She was thinking about it as well. There must be some clues somewhere. She would have to look into it later, "if...you need assistance with anything... I'll assist you , at least until you fully recover."
"I will," he said, he refused to just lay around doing nothing. The young mage covered a slight yawn before he spoke again. "Thank you...I really appreciate everything you have done to help me..." he said honestly before sitting up and hugging her. Normally he was not one for hugs, but for all his calm maturity, Marron was still just 16 in the end.
She didn't really have time to nod on that, when she felt body weight on hers, and finding that she was embraced so suddenly, her azure hues widening slightly at the sudden display of affection, she almost fell backwards, but somehow managed to remain standing as he embraced her. Her eyes then returned to normal, as she glanced at the boy's form. For once in all her time here, she had nothing to say... or do at the moment, other than the fact that she was caught off guard by this boy.
Marron quickly realized what he had done and let go, his cheeks lightly red at what he had done and he looked off to the side. "Ah...my apologies..." he said quietly after a moment, feeling uncomfortable as he sat back to create a little distance between them.
Tarei only looked at him for a second, her surprise expression long, gone, now replaced by a frown, though how she allowed him to do that and escaped with his arms still attached, she didn't even know. She looked at him again, with her blue hues, at his slightly red tinted cheeks. She let off a scoff, before speaking this time, after regaining her composure again.
"I don't even know, what I should do with you," she replied. It was strange, how she didn't sound too serious when she said that, but it was a fair warning for next time.
"I'm sorry..." Marron said nervously before deciding to change the topic quickly. "I wanted to ask you a favor though, if I could," he said seriously now, looking towards her...or so he thought at least.
"I do not wish to stay around here and trouble Tseng any longer...but I need your assistance to find a place to recover."
She could tell by his uneasiness. Perhaps it was what humans had called 'being caught in the moment.' When he had spoke again, he had wanted to ask a favour of her, he asked, awaiting for her permission to do so. With his difficulty seeing, she didn't seem to mind if he had looked the wrong way or not, it couldn't have been helped.
"I don't have any intentions of hanging around here for a long period of time, anyhow. I'll assist you," she replied in a normal tone.
"Thank you...I hope to leave soon," Marron said with a nod. "There is no one else here with you? I cannot hear or sense anyone else but I want to be sure..." the mage said quietly, it was clear he was about to tell her something that was very confidential.
"It's nothing at all," the woman replied brushing it again once more. She was given too many thank yous, and they were starting to get to her, "no, of course not, I made sure no one was following me," she replied in calm manner, her azure hues narrowed a bit, "why do you asked?" she inquired, somewhat having a bit of a clue of what he was going to do next, but not really.
"The demon I sealed before...there is a chance...the seal could not have worked," Marron spoke softly, his voice pained. It was something he was not willing to share with Tseng. He knew Tarei knew of what he spoke of without having to explain things. "If that demon was behind this..." he trailed off, he had no idea what to do in this situation.
"Yes, perhaps, that could be the case, however, that is a slim chance is it not? Though, one as that youkai... is strong, I admit that much," the woman replied, her eyes remained in their slightly narrowed state, understanding a bit more of where this was going. She understood and knew what he meant, when he started to speak about it, "If he is behind this... we'll have to take drastic measures," she replied venomously, "though you only assume that this youkai is behind it...right?" she inquired. Tarei kept her voice down as well, soft, almost a whisper.
"I am not sure. He used...some plant based attack when I fought him and this blindness is certainly biologically caused, I am certain of it. But I have no evidence but I do not want to say anything or do anything until...unless I am sure. That is also why I wish to get out of here," he explained.
"If he is after just me...I cannot stay here..."
"A plant... manipulator, perfect. Then the clue to curing it would lie in the youkai that manipulates the plant, this is a fine mess," the kitsune replied pausing for a moment, allowing the information that he had entrusted her with to sink into her memory. There certainly isn't a good outcome to this... at all, "Then we’ll have to investigate it ourselves, without them. As much as a group of people searching for evidence sound so much easier, the less people are at work, the better the results. I will assist you with that."
Her form shifted a bit, before looking at the young boy again, "It seems to be the case, seeing... you were the one that was asked to seal him, after all. It is only natural for one to go after the one that caused him trouble. Yes, that is the first thing you need to do. Get out of this caged building," the kitsune added with a faint sigh.
"I cannot get ShinRa involved with this if it is Youko. But yes, we will have to investigate this before making any judgments. I could still be wrong," Marron nodded. "The sooner I get out of here, the better. Tseng has been...more than kind but I cannot take him away from his own job."
"It is better for them to remain ignorant of the situation for now," the woman replied, nodding in agreement. She had long forgotten about her body's changes and concerned with this situation even more, "we should start soon, before they decide to suddenly suspect something. We'll have to keep a low profile and do our tasks in an unsuspecting way," she added thinking about ShinRa, and Tseng was really starting to get to her.
"Agreed. As much as he is kind to you... I don't trust him. I believe his loyalties seem to be stronger on this company's side, then it is on yours, but that is merely my assumptions, " she replied faintly, listening for any sound or anyone that might have passed by. So far no one.
"Yes. As soon as I speak with Tseng, we will leave the next time you come, is that alright?" he asked.
"Working for ShinRa is his job, I have no doubt that that is where his first loyalties are and I do not blame him for that," the mage pointed out. "I trust him enough but I will not ask Tseng to betray that. I can deal with this...with your help of course."
"That is fine. I don't suppose what we have spoken in this room should be taken outside of its premises, ne?" the woman cracked a smirk before straitening out her posture again.
"I know, and certainly. I bear no loyalties, unless the place, or the person is qualified for it."
"Right," Marron said with a slight smile, he knew she would understand.
"You are not obligated to help me with Youko or whoever it turns out to be...." Marron said seriously but he trailed off, he would not refuse her help either.
"I have already stated that I will assist you, have I not?" she questioned, raising a brow slightly.
"I was just making sure...." he said before yawning again, this had been the longest his eyes had not been irritated and he was tired from not sleeping in the past few days.
"You're a strange one," she replied shaking her head, "sleep," she added faintly, "it will help you recover," the woman replied after he had yawned slightly. How long had he been restless anyway? He sounded tired, and strained, though it must have been pretty decently good to have the irritation temporarily removed from his eyes.
"I will...I think there was a blanket around here somewhere," Marron said, reaching out though he wasn't sure where exactly Tseng had left it.
A blanket, in here? Did he really want to sleep in-- no matter, it was better than nothing. Tarei glanced around searching for the so-called blanket that Marron had said aloud, finding it not too far away from him. She reached out to grasp it within her hand and then dropped it on his lap, "Here," she replied as she dropped on his lap, "this would be a better time than later, try to get as much rest as you can, kid," she replied.
"Thank you, Tarei," he smiled as he took the blanket, yawning again as he moved to get more comfortable but he was already close to falling asleep as it was.
"Enough with the thank yous, you're overwhelming me with those words," the kitsune replied caressing her forehead, "just close your eyes, and sleep," she flatly added. He would sleep soon, she could tell by the sound of his voice and his tired looking form.