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[Ignorance is bliss. Renee is unaware of what's transpired since she'd seen Ignis' last transmission. She'd made a stop by the snack shop, though. Peter'd get his promised gummies at some point, and she had the gift she'd told Ignis she'd bring.

She did notice him at a table, looking--well, he always was pretty straight-faced, but there was something more off from the usual. So she slides in opposite him at the table before she even bothers to get whatever's on the menu, and kind of searches his face, brows arched. Before she speaks, she quietly slides the dark chocolate bar over.]

Something going on? You look like you saw someone kick a puppy or something. [No mockery or trolling there, just a serious question. Or as serious as she can make it, at least.]

[He's been mulling over the conversation with Tony. Why did the man keep walking away from him? Sure today had been..hopefully out of the ordinary. And really, there were far more attractive men on the train, so why him? Why did Tony run after him? And what was with the look in those dark eyes?

Ignis didn't even realize that anything showed on his face other than thoughtful. So when Renee sat across from him he registered her presence but didn't acknowledge anything until he saw a chocolate bar coming at him.]

No, nothing is amiss. Why do you ask?

[Typical Ignis response is typical.]

I told you. [A little flat, but even that response to her came off like something was eating him. She knew Ignis was really restrained from their very first meeting on the train, so Renee didn't expect a lot. She also knew how thrilled she was when someone tried to get her to talk when she didn't want to, so she wasn't about to force him, either.]

Plus you've got a little wrinkle right...here. [She pointed at the center of her forehead, slightly above her nose and between her brows.] That usually doesn't live there--'least it didn't last time we talked.

[But then she shrugs and smiles, one that's slightly self-deprecating.] You don't have to talk to me. You don't owe me anything, 'cept we have to live together for the foreseeable future, and I piss off enough people just by existing. But if you need to get something off your chest, I got a pair of ears to listen, at least.

[What was with people trying to put chinks in his armor today? One had already pierced it whether he realized it or not and now Renee was here trying to help. Ignis knew this, that she meant no harm and simply wanted to help. But he'd spent his whole life repressing his own wants to get a certain dark haired prince where he needed to be. Anything dealing with himself either came second or didn't come at all.

When she pointed out the wrinkle thing, Ignis almost raised a hand at himself but he didn't. Instead he put it down by his side and curled it into a fist.]

I appreciate your offer of assistance and I will keep it in mind, thank you.

[The other thing she said bothered the advisor though.]

I don't see how you could possibly anger someone simply by existing.

[But now he was wondering if that's how Tony felt about him because he kept walking off.]

[Well, that was about what she'd figured she'd get, so Renee wasn't too disappointed or upset. She even managed to repress the snort when she saw Ignis' hand twitch--he probably wouldn't believe her good intentions if she burst out laughing at him when his feathers were already ruffled. His next words made her bark out a short laugh, however. This one was directed only at herself.]

You've never met anyone like that, Ignis? Who just got on everyone's nerves just by being there? Or running their mouth, volunteering opinions when they weren't invited?

[She just rested an elbow on the table, then, and quirked a brow at him.]

[It only took him a moment's thought as he thought of Ardyn, Dino and to a much lesser degree Prompto at Renee's question. And then of course there was Tony's thoughtless eunuch question.]

I must say that I've known a few people like that in my time. However, they're nothing to get upset over in the big scheme of things.

[And what was with that expression of hers? Why was she looking at him like that?]

[That got another little snort out of her, really.] I know you're terribly restrained, Ignis, and I actually mean that as a compliment, but they didn't get you even a little riled? Which isn't to say I need to have a deep, meaningful relationship with you to know you'd probably keep your mouth shut and either focus your mind on your job, or use diplomacy to tell them off, but it'd still bug you.

So yeah, my asshole sense is tingling, okay?

[It's not like Renee wouldn't troll the offending party to death in retaliation, were it up to her, but it'd still bother her.]

[Ok that did it. Ignis brought his curled fist to his mouth and coughed. When he could speak, he was more than sure that his face was red. It had been on his mind to get up and walk out but he knew what that felt like all too well anymore, so he stayed though he was at a loss for words mostly.]

Of course focusing on one's job is the best way to get through things.

[The advisor had no answers or comments otherwise and he didn't raise his gaze from the table.]

Edited 2019-09-13 02:14 (UTC)

[She's only a little sad, mostly because Ignis couldn't just let go and laugh. Like she'd be offended? Renee had said what she'd said on purpose!]

I didn't really have a job before I came here, so...that's probably part of my problem, lack of discipline.

[Of course, she's probably mocking Cyclops' voice with the 'lack of discipline' comment, too. But Renee shrugs.]

You though, probably wouldn't know anything about that--unless you were dealing with someone else!

Discipline can be learned.

[If they can discipline a six year old boy, then anyone can be. But Renee's comment is just making him recall his childhood.]

Let's just say I've had a lifetime to learn it.

Yeah, and I'm trying. I figured that was less important than control. Without that, I'm dangerous. [That's flat and unamused--she was at least a little lighthearted in most of the conversation up until now, but not any more.]

When I was little, I didn't have to worry about it, but once I hit adolescence I got powers. No control, though, and so that had to come first. [She shrugs, lifting her casted wrist.] That's how I did this, as an example. Though I suppose if I had more discipline I'd probably have decided that was a bad idea before I got this far.

[But she didn't.] So if it's not prying, what did you do to learn all this discipline and being cool as a cucumber? [The lightheartedness is sneaking back in, but there's still not a lot of it. She doesn't want Ignis to think she's teasing him.]

[When Renee kept going on, this was something Ignis was far more familiar with. He was simply listening as she had offered him but he kept everything inside, much like Noctis. When she offered her casted wrist, he thought to reach out and heal her, but that could be seen as invasive and he'd already had that dealt to him today.]

It's never too late to learn.

[A small smile crept onto his face as Renee asked about him and the cucumber thing. It certainly wasn't the first time Ignis had heard those things about himself.]

I was taught to be that way, it came with the territory.

[Of being the hand of the future king.]

Edited 2019-09-13 03:20 (UTC)

I'm working on it. It's about all I can do, right? [Renee shrugged at that.] Problem is, Iggy, I'm not about to endanger the whole train by doing my thing here. So I have to wait 'til we're off it and on a world. But that'll probably be soon, so.

[Renee doesn't really think that's discipline, either. It's not exactly self-preservation, though. Despite the fact that she really doesn't want to be here much, and she doesn't want to care at all, she does. It's a damn burden, but she's gonna pick it up and bear it anyway.]

Yeah, the territory! That's what I'm asking about, okay? [But she laughs a little bit, at least, even as she gestures at him.]

[He wasn't going to ask personal questions but since Renee was saying that she would endanger the whole train, it made him wonder.]

Is it something like you were talking about with punching the train?

[Ignis didn't want to mention Tony's name and start a whole conversation that he didn't want to have. And he didn't think this was a personal question because the whole train heard the conversation. With the day he'd had, he was finally able to let out a small laugh at her pointing at him.]

I am an advisor back home, so that's what I was taught to do, to put others first.

[And Noctis was definitely that.]

Yeah. Long story, kind of. On my world there are these people called mutants, and when they hit puberty, they get all sorts of weird powers. Sometimes they change and look different, too. That's...a really short summary of it, basically. [Mostly, Renee's not terribly comfortable talking about it, but. She figures the 'territory' is why he was circling her warily when they first met. Renee feels like she owes him an explanation.]

So yeah, if we weren't stuck in this Void, I could probably lift the train. Among other things that aren't terribly safe to do here, you know?

[Not that it had been anything she'd ever asked for, thanks. But that was the hand she was dealt, and she's trying to make the best of it.]

Everyone else but you, huh? That kind of explains why you're letting me talk, too. So...when do you get to talk, Iggy? Who do you talk to? Or are you like a soda that's been shaken, just holding it all in?

[The only thing he could compare this to was that the king could share his powers with others, but they didn't change or look different really.]

I should think lifting it would cause irreparable damage. Not that I wouldn't like to see us all go home..

[Ignis' voice trailed off as he thought of the one person that he knew who had nothing to go back to as he'd said. But then it felt as if she had peered into his entire life and started to ask about it. It was uncomfortable really to feel so exposed. Still, the head shook.]

I made a promise and I don't mind. I wouldn't trade a day of my life for it to be any different than what it has been.

Edited 2019-09-13 04:33 (UTC)

Not really sure that even if I did suplex the train, that it'd actually break at all, though. Couple of us tried to damage it and it didn't take a scratch. [And he knew what she'd done to herself!]

Yeah, I'd like to go back to Earth, even if it might be cool to see other places too. [Because as much as Earth was supposed to be 'home', it didn't feel much like home. Renee bowed her head a little, looking down at her hands. It was awkward enough to try and engage...]

That's not what I asked, but I mean--it's good that you're content with your life, if not happy? [And she meant that. There's a tiny part of Renee, buried deep, that flares briefly with jealousy. If only...but no. She's expendable; she's always been. And Renee lives with that, every day. But she takes a chance and glances up at him, now.]

Ya know, you could always try to loosen up. Tiny bit? [Thumb and forefinger parted as slightly as they could be and still not touch. She smiles, but it's more sheepish than mocking--Renee knows she's hardly one to say 'lighten up', since she probably could use some of that, too.] You're probably thinking ahead, but if you've been an advisor all your life--that's not the kind of thing you'd forget, even if you're technically off the hook here.

[Because really, Renee figures Iggy doesn't think he's off the hook at all.]

[Ignis shook his head.]

I'm afraid that some people may not have..much to go back to. Compromising the train isn't a good idea, as much as it might seem to be. I do wonder if everyone might remember each other after we're done here though.

[A small smile appeared as Ignis thought of Noctis at Renee's next question about being happy.]

I can't complain about it since I have some rather good friends.

[Green eyes then focused on her as she made that odd gesture with her hands and he kept the smile.]

I'm not quite sure how to unwind though I unwillingly admit I have so much spare time here. And I'm not off the hook by any means, especially should my friends show up here.

[Chasing after a king is a full time job.]

Edited 2019-09-13 19:50 (UTC)

Iggy, I promise I'm not gonna compromise the train. If I do, it's gonna be an accident. I mean it. [Renee might not act like she cares, but she does. Whether she really wants to or not. So she's not going to try to break the train, now.]

Friends are nice. Not that I'd really know. I didn't really have any friends back home. I...I...well. That might be changing here, but it's hard to tell, you know? [Because she didn't have friends at all back home, embarrassing as it was for her to admit. It was hard for her to figure out.]

Well, if your friends show up, worry about them then? [Tilting her head to look up at him, now.] Maybe I ought to try to teach you that then, 'cause I have an idea of how to. Though I'd let you off that hook if necessary. Train emergency. Your friends. Something like that, you know?

[He nodded about the whole train thing, holding a gloved hand up in protest.]

I believe you and I can understand the whole..friends thing. But you already use a nickname for me that my friends used back home, not that you knew that.

[This made him smile a little, hoping it made Renee feel a little better. Sighing slightly because of Ignis' built in worry about Noct though made the smile fade a little.]

The people on the train need my assistance more than others back home. They have each other so they're in good hands. And I do appreciate your offer of assistance.

[And speaking of something Renee could help him with..]

Tell me what you know of the other council members. For example, do you know how Tony was health wise when he arrived?

[It was a subject he didn't want to broach, especially right now. But with the older man not sleeping, it couldn't hurt to at least ask.]

I do? [Though really, it would make sense if she'd thought about it. Renee hadn't given it much, though, if any. Her face falls, though Ignis doesn't seem angry at all.]

If you don't mind, I'll keep using it, but if you do, I'll stop. You tell me, okay? Promise I'll be fine either way.

[Renee does watch his expression as he keeps talking, bobbing her head in a little nod, then.]

All of 'em, or should I just focus on our illustrious leader? [There is quite the hint of sarcasm, there. But her next words do mean she's serious.]

Tony came on the train before me, so if he came on hurt? It would've been healed up by the time I arrived. But I know he doesn't sleep much at all--he's usually in his lab puttering around. [Renee's a bit sheepish, there.] I know because I don't sleep a whole lot either, but I know why. And I've consulted a doc and I'm not dangerous because of that.

[Her powers, maybe, but not her own PTSD.] Tony's got a lot of anxiety too, that much I can tell. He cares a lot and puts a lot on himself. Even if sometimes he's got a really shitty way of showing it.

[A nod though the nick name was usually used by just the other three. But Ignis didn't mind and he wasn't angry. All things considered, it was actually nice to hear the name here.]

It's quite alright that you use it.

He smirked at the illustrious leader comment but nodded.]

We'll start with him.

[And as Ignis listened, his concern grew for both of them. Not that he thought either of them were dangerous in themselves, but not sleeping was a problem since the body needed rest.]

Then next time we have a drop off somewhere, I will see what herbs or remedies I can find to alleviate stress and anxiety. You both need to rest.

I do...sometimes. I know Pete doesn't sleep much either, so maybe we can find something to help him, too. He goes until he's too tired to exist. I don't really do that.

[Sure you don't. Renee blinks and shakes her head a moment.] We've gotta be careful with Pete though, he's got like...a laundry list of allergies. He might be all right with plain old chamomile tea, though, maybe.

Do you want to know about any of the others? I can try to fill you in. Though it's Ash I probably know the best.

Ah yes Peter. He's Tony's son, correct?

[Ignis knew better, but there was more information he was seeking here. And as he listened about the allergies, he pulled out a notebook to write about the herbs, allergies and tea. But his head came up at the question about the others. At this point it wouldn't hurt to get an insight regarding his new fellow council members.]

I would appreciate any assistance that you can offer.

Nooo. Pete's parents are dead, far as I know. Back on Earth he lived with his aunt, if I remember right. He's Tony's intern! They're not from my version of Earth, either. Though I've definitely got a Tony Stark where I'm from. Maybe a Peter Parker, too.

[But Renee doesn't read the newspaper, much, so she doesn't know. Still, she narrows her eyes at Ignis. Distrust is a fundamental portion of her personality. She tries not to let it take control, and for the most part, she thinks she can trust him, but she's been wrong before, too...]

Manabu's got a lot of experience with trains. I'm not exactly sure what kind but he's mentioned galactic stuff there, and so I...guess it's space trains? [Weird to Renee, but this whole damn thing is weird, so she's not about to throw stones from her glass house.] He says he's known people with powers before, but that wasn't from his world...so it's like he's been to other worlds before.

[Renee rubs a hand over her face, then, gritting her teeth.] Listen...Iggy. I'm not gonna stop answering you, but can you do something to ease my mind? What do you want to know this stuff for?

[She's come up with explanations why they'd danced around each other when they'd first met on the train--Renee knows exactly why she'd been wary, but she didn't want to pry...not then. But now with his questions, she realizes she's pretty damn uncomfortable and feels like she's ratting people out. Even if that's not Ignis' intent. And Renee really hopes it's not.]

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