little wing

   From the Prothean exits a small grunt in his throat as a form of acknowledgement toward the expression of her gratitude, no ‘you’re welcome’, or even the full show of disapproval, and with that not a word to treat it like a privilege even though it might as well be with the way he behaves, but he moves on, preparing himself to answer yet another one of her questions.

What she asks only feels like more fingers in open wounds, digging deeper with the addition to the words she spoke prior. Good intentions, maybe, but it hurts. He meets it with more forced numbness to his pain, a habit by now, all of it wrapped up protectively in the expression of a mild annoyance.

Javik clenches his jaw briefly, debating answering her, but he instead decides to first attempt to find more behind her intentions, “Tell me how it would be beneficial. They are fifty thousand years dead, it will make no difference. There is nothing for you to gain but the pride of providing them with kindness.”

she was prepared for this, but still she had hoped that he might understand her intentions. she winces at his answer, but instead of defeat she is only encouraged; it’s the only way to LEARN.

‘ what about you, javik? ’ she frowns as she challenges his skepticism. there are a million things that come before this long overdue ritual, but still she hopes to ask. for the opportunity to learn, but also for the sake of preventing the prothean this chance. ‘ they aren’t here, but you are. ’ she can’t pretend to imagine the pain —— the RAGE. but she still endeavors to be seen as not a pest, but an equal. that is her pride.

     Reyes grins into his drink. He likes this asari. Beneath the delicate lilt of her voice is something–not quite sinister, perhaps, but calculating. It’s a trait of feigned innocence he knows well enough in himself to recognize in others - and she certainly knows how to bargain.

     ❝You’re asking quite a favor. Few people on Kadara know who the Charlatan truly is. They like to maintain an… enigmatic presence. Assuming they even exist, that is.❞

     ❝What would you need them for?❞

for a moment it looks like she relaxes. with a discerning eye, however, her small smile is one of satisfaction. she watches reyes curiously. picking him apart. she folds her hands on the table and crosses her legs. how quickly she falls into business.

     Javik stops where he is, providing Liara a look that goes beyond annoyed or exasperated —- he looks angry, lips drawing back in a snarl. He thinks he’s answered enough, that she can prod him some other time, but she clearly isn’t satisfied yet. He’s tempted to push her out… with care, but the Prothean decides it best to keep his hands to himself and relaxes his face some, but his shoulders remain rigid with irritation.

    “I will indulge you only once, Asari. Ask your question and then leave me,” He says after taking a single breath, sounding as irate as he feels about her borderline obsession with his people. He understands that he’s the only solid source of information about the mystery that the Protheans have become, but that doesn’t change what he feels.

Although, despite that Javik wants to say he would be more willing if Liara did not prod him so relentlessly with such childish enthusiasm, but stubbornness holds him back from being agreeable. Unfortunately.

she won’t back down; not where there is only a limited amount of time to learn. not even the simple fact that the world could very well end will deter her. she challenges his frustration with her own steadfast stare, and when he gives in she relaxes with a small nod.

‘ thank you. that’s all i wanted. ’ righting herself, liara smooths out her clothes and takes a moment to celebrate the small victory. it’s wrong of her to do so, but if he sees her as a pest, then she might as well be unabashed to EARN the title. she appreciates the chance, at the very least; as far as she’s concerned this is beneficial to the BOTH of them. the very idea that the protheans might die again breaks her heart.

taking a quick breath, the asari studies the prothean curiously as she asks her question, ‘ your people... are there any funerary customs? ’ she begins to pick at her fingers slightly, hesitation apparent in her slight shift in demeanor. she hopes his foul mood does not make the question STING.

‘ shepard? i hope i’m not intruding... ’

she holds a small box in her hands one with a large ribbon and constellation wrapping paper. she doesn’t mean to appear bashful, but considering there are more serious matters on hand she hopes that this isn’t too frivolous.

she just needs to think, for only a moment. it’s been three years since her mother’s passing. she deserves a moment, despite it all. only she is taken aback, however, to see the monk meditating to the vast expanse of space before her.

liara feels a bit unsure —— her dubious business ventures would be enough to grab a justicar’s attention. she’s thankful that they are allies in this upcoming war. the younger asari offers a gentle nod to her older counterpart. she’s impressed, more than anything, that the commander time and time again manages to gather such formidable forces.

‘ it’s good to be working with you once more, kaiden. ’ perhaps it’s major now, but for an old friend she’s sure he’d make an exception. she smiles at him gently, glad to see him back on his feet after what happened on mars. ‘ and... thank you, for your help with cerberus. ’ she’s stalling now, and she knows he deserves better. liara takes a moment to wring her hands and gather her thoughts. it’s because she respects him that she needs to clear the air.

‘ —— excuse me, javik. excuse me!   —— i’m not done. ’

she isn’t above forcing her body into the door to prevent his escape. she can understand his exasperation with her; what she doesn’t understand is his aversion to her curiosity. with her hand on the door she wrinkles her nose in distaste as she studies him with narrowed eyes.