[catch all for belph]

[survivaltricks]

Comments

[axilium]

[...]

Let's just get to the point. What do you want, Akira?

[survivaltricks]

-- what makes you think I want something??

[giving Belph a ??? look now]

[axilium]

You're here for a reason.

[survivaltricks]

I am.

[he opens his mouth to say something-- then shuts it again, frustration appearing on his features]

But it's not because I want anything from you.

[axilium]

... Is that so?

[it's said neutrally. belph doesn't believe him, but there's no reason to hurt his feelings by voicing that out loud.

belph knows he's not a likable person. even the people who are merely ambivalent towards him have no reason to extend their sympathy, when he's never given them an open reason to. he's never cried, gotten visibly upset, disrupted trials or executions by snapping at others, or any of the other things that people flock to.]

[survivaltricks]

You don't have to believe me, especially since I c-- [. . . he cuts himself off abruptly, and he looks. . . frustrated?? again???]

. . . but it's true. There isn't anything I want from you.

[and then. . . a little more quietly]

Except maybe to talk about Sanji a bit.

[axilium]

... What, are you asking because you have a role and you were hoping for a kindred spirit in him?

[survivaltricks]

[SO]

[FUCKING]

[EXASPERATED, and he throws his hands in the air]

No.

[axilium]

The whole self-interrupting thing isn't really convincing that there isn't some kind of ulterior motive going on, just saying.

[survivaltricks]

Yes. I'm aware.

[still exasperated]

Maybe I'm just looking for someone else who was close to Sanji to share feelings with.

[axilium]

It's not like he didn't have other friends. Yasusada is right there.

[survivaltricks]

Well, I'm here right now. Not there. So.

[DEADEYED STARE]

You're a very difficult person.

[axilium]

[...]

I'm aware.

[survivaltricks]

[huffs!! just a little bit]

. . . well. To be fair, it isn't completely your fault.

[. . .]

It's not like I'm not being difficult, too.

[a helpless shrug at that]

[axilium]

[their reasons for being difficult are probably at least somewhat different, though, he thinks.]

Well, there you go.

[survivaltricks]

[a tiny sigh. . .]

I guess that's all I can really say for now. [. . .] I'll come check on you later, though.

[pushing away from the counter]

And if I find out anything else about what really happened with Sanji, Taako, and Magnus, I'll tell you.

[if. he can]

[axilium]

[that's more than he expects from most, so...]

... All right. Thanks.

[survivaltricks]

Mmm. Don't mention it.

[a small wave, and he makes his way towards the exit]

Take care, Belph.