trusthell | And it's the stars, the stars that lie to you.

[This week, Varric opted to take a page from Vanille’s book. Gathering everyone together after the roller-coaster that the first trial had been proved to be somewhat cathartic for himself. He hoped that it would prove to do the same for the others.]

[He wasn’t alone, of course, having found himself blessed with the most ragtag team of chefs and party-planners. He might have had words for and thoughts on Elda and Kimbley, Mikazuki was welcome company, and he wasn’t about to turn away potential allies, even in a fight as simple as cooking dinner.]

[Once everyone’s set to a task, baking a cake, brewing tea, or stirring stew (the only task Varric could think to assign Elda to), Varric excused himself to his room. His first task was writing up cards, each personally titled and signed by Varric.]

Food in the Library. 5 p.m. Don’t spend the night alone.

[Each note was slid under a door and accompanied by a single rap on the wood.]

[With his tasks completed, Varric returned to the kitchen to put out any potential fires and, with luck, set the food out. A table in the library would be adorned with plenty of tea, cake, pancakes courtesy of Viktor, and stew thanks mostly to Varric (sorry, Elda).]

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[ She simply nods, putting a hand on top of his in reassurance (though whether that's for him or for her, she isn't sure). ]

Thank you, Tethras-san. I'll try my best to take comfort in that.

That's all I ask. [He looked to the bowl on her desk, then nodded to it.] That, and that you take a bite or two. Not good to try and handle grief on an empty stomach, if you ask me.

[Which was why he usually tried to fill his with booze but... Orihime didn't need to know that.]

Aha, right...

[ Orihime claps her hands together--thank you for the food--before she goes ahead and takes a bite from the stew. It's delicious, but the taste is clouded by her thoughts and her fears. ]

It's good... Did you make this?

[He nodded to her, a gentle smile on his lips. He'd relaxed in the slightest, now that she had put something in her. It was just a bite but if she liked it, hopefully it meant more was to come.]

[If not, at least she'd made an effort.]

Hell of a lot better than the stuff I would make on the road, too.

[ Oh, she actually really likes it; enough so that she takes another bite from the stew. ]

It's good. Thank you.

[Two bites was enough for him to relax further. He gave her acknowledgment a nod, but nothing more.]

Feeling any better?

I am. Talking to you...it's helped a lot.

[ She's never really had someone look after her like this since her older brother passed away. It's nice, to know someone's always looking out for you. Varric's been doing that a lot. ]

Thank you, Tethras-san...

[He clicked his tongue at her, shaking his head. A pair of brows drew together over narrowed eyes, Varric's expression taking on something akin to a scolding parent.]

It's Varric. None of that politeness necessary.

...Eh?

[ Just 'Varric'? That's not something Orihime's used to, and she only calls her closest friend by her first name nowadays, but... ]

Are you...are you sure? I mean, you're older and I should respect my elders, right?

[ WHOOPS ]

[A hand slid over his heart, clutching at it as if he was in pain. His expression twisted, and he leaned away from her, as if somehow her words had injured him.]

Elders. Sunshine, you wound me.

[ Oh...OH.... She realizes that sounded really rude, and she promptly starts flailing her arms around apologetically. ]

I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean it like that, I--I just meant for someone older than me--

[He winced again, bowing even further over, and eventually sliding off the bed all together. From his vantage point on the floor, he looked up at Orihime with a withering look.]

First Vanille calls me a dad, now this. You two are going to be the death of me.

Ah- [ She is not making this any better is she... WELL. At least she gets off of her chair and squats on the floor in front of him in an attempt to try to. Make up for what she said?! ]

I-I'm sure Vanille-chan meant it in a good way! You're always looking out for us, like a fatherly figure! That's--that's good, right?

[Her concern, admittedly, made him feel a little guilty. After a little more showmanship, he straightened up. A hand rested on her cheek, and he gave her a reassuring smile.]

Sure, sure. I get it, kid. And I appreciate it. [He patted her cheek twice, then lowered his hand once more.] And I'm happy to play that role. You're both... You're good kids.

[ Varric's hand is warm to the touch, fills her with something familial that she hasn't felt in a long time. She smiles again, genuinely, warmly. ]

I'm glad, Varric-san. [ She's still using '-san' subconsciously, but she's trying. ] Thank you for always looking out for us.

[It's enough of an improvement that Varric won't complain. Instead, he offered a smile, bordering on the sheepish. He was trying, at least, and for once his efforts were both paying off and not being criticized by someone.]

Just doing what I can. [He tilted his chin up.] Really, I should be thanking all of you. You're... you're a good bunch. Better than all this shit.

And it's the stars, the stars that lie to you.

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