pc catchall for jiji.

[agleam]

Comments

[agleam]

[he hesitates instead of taking it back.]

...Are you sure? It would make me feel a lot better if you kept it, honestly.

[unsaid]

... where is it that you received it?

[agleam]

The gift shop, a couple weeks ago.

[unsaid]

[ . . . ]

I will hold onto it for a time, but I would like to teach you additional self-defense in exchange.

[agleam]

[he laughs]

I'm not going to be good at that, but - sure, if you want.

[unsaid]

... my dear Rupert, if you are not familiar with self-defense, why are you giving me an item that will ensure your self-defense?

[agleam]

I feel like I kind of already explained that...

[unsaid]

No matter what danger I may or may not be in, that does not mean that you ought let your guard down.

[agleam]

[he shakes his head]

That's not what I'm doing. I'm going to be careful no matter what.

[unsaid]

[ . . . he just frowns a bit.]

It feels as though I am accepting something at your expense.

It does not sit entirely well with this old man.

[agleam]

Is it really at my expense when I'm telling you I'll feel better if you have it...?

[unsaid]

It is.

[he reaches out to place a hand atop rupert's head]

For I would feel better if it remained in your possession.

[agleam]

[affection week...

after a long moment:]

You're absolutely sure?

[unsaid]

[he would have done this even without affection week this is his grandson]

Mm, I am.

And I still intend on instructing you to defend yourself. Take heart - it is not often that I give lessons.

[agleam]

...Okay, but keep in mind I really wasn't kidding when I said I'm not going to be good at that.

[unsaid]

It is precisely why I believe you ought to learn.

[agleam]

Because I'll be bad at it?

[rupert]

[unsaid]

Because it is best to be equipped whenever possible to defend yourself.

[agleam]

I mean... It's not like I want something to happen. I just think it's more likely to happen to someone who's having, you know, contact with people who used to be here.

[unsaid]

[he shakes his head]

It is but one bouquet.

Should I properly believe my life in danger, I will reconsider... but for now, I lack such belief. Even without such an item, I believe myself capable of defeating most who will come to claim my head.

So worry little.

[agleam]

[he huffs a little]

You should know by now I'm going to worry as much as I want.

[unsaid]

That is your kindness - but perhaps then rely on some of my confidence.

[of which he has. so much.

a beat]

... though I do possess a thought. I do not think it an impossible thing, that at least two shadows may have acted last weekend.

[agleam]

[he tilts his head.]

...What makes you think so?

[unsaid]

An individual's behavior, between trial and then afterwards.

[a tilt of his head]

Though I cannot speak more on it, I believe it well enough to suggest a warning.

[agleam]

...So you can warn me, but you can't tell me who it is?