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[Looking up from the table, Ignis shook his head.]

I'm sorry, it's just been a day I suppose.

[He still felt raw from Tony's question and was trying to decipher the reasons behind as to why it was asked. And he almost offered to be Renee's shield in dealing with Tony, but if a mere question could reduce him to his, he could imagine whatever else came out would do.]

Why does he call you stupid?

[There's a slight annoyance and irritation in his tone now that wasn't there before.]

Yeah, it sounds like it. [Though Renee's brow furrows at that, too. But she wasn't going to pry. She'd told herself that she wasn't going to. Ignis' next question, though? Fine. She looks like she ate something that disagreed with her, but Renee does answer.]

Because he's a genius with half a dozen degrees from some of Earth's finest schools, and I didn't finish high school. I mean, I had reasons I didn't, but. Oh, yeah, and he thinks he's God's gift to...like, everyone.

[She shrugged at that. Really, it only bothered her a tiny bit, but Renee wasn't going to let on.] It's not that big of a deal, Iggy. If it's gonna interfere with your...anything? Let it go. I'm not that important in the big picture, you know? Don't wreck your spot on the council or anything. Not 'cause of me, okay?

[He's grateful that Renee didn't push because there was no way that he was going to reveal what happened between Tony and himself. He felt exposed and raw from the question. But at hearing this new information about the man made him wonder. Then why all the..armor with being an ass? A mystery to be solved later then..]

None of this will interfere with my job and what I need to do here.

[A thought]

To repay you for all of your help, would mind being eyes and ears in case there's an issue with any team?

So long as it doesn't. You earned that place on the council. It needs someone like you. [Don't let her fuck it up. Renee's not going to flat out and say it, but she may as well, with her attitude.]

I am not sure that's repayment to me! [She laughs then, a bit short, but keeps going.] I can keep my mouth shut and my eyes open, so if you need that, I'll do it. I already told Manabu I'd help him, no reason I shouldn't help you too. [And she nods.]

I don't need payment though. I don't want things going south here before we can all get back to where we belong.

[The head shook since it was a position he hadn't sought or voted on because of not feeling qualified to vote on strangers. So just as Tony put it together and hadn't put himself on, Ignis hadn't even tried.]

I appreciate that.

[He smiled a little at her comments.]

That would be most helpful, in case there's something we're not being told and needs to be brought up. I would like to make sure everyone on the train feels that their voice matters.

[Okay so he's used to dealing with 3 other guys only but the comment about going home strikes.]

And what would you say of others who have nothing to go back to?

Hey, it's like I told Manabu--even if you didn't think you belonged there, other people did. Not that I could even tell you who I voted for now. Tony practically had to make me cast my vote. [Mostly because she was astounded he even wanted her opinion, but they'd gone over that already, and dead equines didn't need to be beaten more than they already were.]

That's why I didn't say go home. I'm not dead meat if I go back to Earth, but if I got a chance to stay on a planet we've been to here, or go somewhere else? I'd probably take it. My brothers have their own lives. I haven't got much else. Not sure I even have a home.

[Renee shrugs at that.] That's for me. I can't judge anyone else, I'd hope they got to make a choice that'd work for them. So they could go somewhere and be happy. I sure as hell don't wish anything bad for anyone!

[Other people didn't know him. Tony, Evie, Renee and maybe even Buttercup knew him. And they still didn't know everything about him. Her words about staying on another planet sounded good, but Noct had a strong sense of right and wrong. There was probably no way Noctis would want to quit their journey.]

I understand your point of view, but maybe this train is all that some have.

[Not that she didn't make it a point to keep people at arm's length or more. Ash knew a little about her. So did Tony. Renee hadn't made any effort to tell Ignis much at the moment--but she got the sense that he'd actually listen, if she chose to. If ever. She hadn't told Gwen or Pete, and they were supposed to be her friends, too...]

So is this shitshow all you've got, Ignis? I was under the impression you had a home to go to, after this was all over.

[All Renee wanted to do was lay her head down on the table, at the moment, but she was too damn stubborn , so she just tried to cram the pain down where no one could see it. Least of all him.]

[He shook his head, a slight defensive tone in his voice.]

I have a duty to perform when I return, so I am not speaking about myself in any way here.

[Ignis fixed his green eyes on Renee, as if trying to study her just for a moment, but then he got up to go make himself a cup of coffee. Maybe she needed space or something, though he could still be kind.]

Can I get you anything while I'm here in the kitchen?

[Taking care of others is just second nature to this one.]

Edited 2019-09-15 21:58 (UTC)

[She should eat, Renee knows. They were supposed to do dinner, but that had been thrown to the wayside when Ignis had looked...displeased. Unhappy was a strong word.]

Uh. Fuck. I don't know. I should eat but. I don't know what. I'll take whatever else you're making, though. [Rubbing a hand over her face, now. She's stubborn. Nor does she like asking for help from anyone. Relying on anyone else. Renee also knows that sort of behavior ought to change, here, but old habits die hard. She doesn't think she's hangry, but she's also aware of how hunger can affect one's emotions. Maybe that's it?]

I'd ask who the hell you were talking about, then, but I honestly don't expect an answer. [Not that she sounds particularly upset about that.]

[Ignis looked around the kitchen and glanced questioningly as he heard the word 'fuck' come from Renee's mouth. He was about to ask but he thought it would be best to ask when he sat back down. So he finished with the coffee and looked in the refrigerator.]

We still have salmon, I can whip that up if you're interested.

[And his green eyes turned back to her gain at the last question but his head shook. He revealed nothing personal about anyone.]

I'm sorry, but it's not my place to say.

Yeah, no offense taken, it's what I expected. [And Renee can respect that, really, since it means Ignis probably won't tell any tales about her, either. That's a good thing, at least. She sighs.]

You know, I liked salmon before I had to eat it for half a month. You can only do so much with it. Though if you have any bright ideas...

[She hadn't been using her powers, so she wasn't likely to get tired enough to go blathering idiot on him, but Renee felt it was best to not tempt fate.]

I'll take some coffee too, please. Assuming you're willing to share! [Definitely more teasing there, but she'd known some real coffee fiends in her time who'd abscond with the entire pot. She doubted Ignis was one of them, but it was best not to take chances.]

[Renee got a slight smile for her no offense comment and the fish comment. So he dug a little deeper and found a few other things.]

I can do them on skewers or as sushi if you're familiar with that.

[Ignis had just stood up when he heard her ask for coffee. So he got right on it.]

Coffee coming right up, though it looks like we have something resembling steaks. Would you prefer those instead?

[Really Renee, you have a very competent chef on your hands here.]

I don't think I've ever even had sushi before, but I've heard people rave about it. Is it really any good, or is it one of those acquired tastes?

[If Ignis is talking about it, he's probably had it, so he'd know. Renee knows everyone's taste is different, too, but she's had hunger born of desperation before, and that can change one's mind when it comes to having aversions to certain tastes or textures.]

Salmon steaks, or steak steaks? Because I think I trust you. [Mostly because he really does sound competent. Not his fault she's fairly indecisive on a good day. Not to mention without repeat meals she really wouldn't be picky at all.] But if it's like...steak steak, well...

I don't think you could go wrong with whatever you decided to make, though, with the way you're talking. Sounds like you've got experience with cooking. [Which is really more than a bit admirable.]

[He thinks a moment.]

Some say it's an acquired taste, it is raw fish after all.

[Hearing Renee debate on the food, Ignis delivers the cup of coffee to her along with creamer and sugar. What he still wouldn't give for a good can of Ebony coffee. And when he answers, Ignis looked right at her.]

Steak steak of course.

[As he heads back once he reached the kitchen, his head turned back to look back at her after taking a sip of his own coffee.]

I'll see what I can do.

Iggy, there's real steak in there? Who did we kill? [Probably no one. Or maybe a cow. Still, she's downright shocked that there's real meat and not just fish in there--but wait.

Isn't there a kid who doesn't eat fish on the train? She wasn't sure, but Renee thought she'd heard that somewhere in passing. And that thought just stops her in her tracks. She can't eat someone else's steaks--no matter how badly she might want to. And boy, does she.]

No, hold on. I think there's someone who can't eat fish here, that's probably theirs. I can't do that. I might be tired of salmon, but I can eat it, you know? [With some whining, but there's always some whining with her, when it comes down to it.]

So salmon...and you do that, I trust you. [At least as far as cooking and food was concerned, that is.]

[Green eyes look at Renee at the question.]

We didn't kill anyone.

[Before he can get anything out of the refrigerator, her comment about not eating the steaks halts him. Setting them back where they were with a sigh, he grabs the salmon and sets that down to prepare.]

Skewers will be acceptable then?

[And then Ignis has more coffee.]

Edited 2019-09-18 02:57 (UTC)

Sorry. [She heard that sigh! Renee didn't mean to be frustrating--at least not this time. She'd admit to it other times, sure, but not this one.]

Yeah, that sounds good. Are you gonna have some too? [He might've had dinner himself before she got there, but Renee's not going to count on that one. Especially when they'd agreed to have dinner together.]

If you made this, you make pretty darn good coffee. [Because she at least tries a sip before she makes an attempt to doctor it with cream and sugar. She's not a consistent coffee drinker, so it does get doctored, but just with a splash of cream and a spoonful of sugar. Didn't need much.]

[She got a look because seriously how can she ask that question?]

We decided to have dinner together, didn't we?

[So as he's preparing dinner, he looks over at Renee again with the coffee. Lifting his mug he took a drink before answering her.]

Call it years of practice.

[She has the grace, if you can call it that, to look sheepish.] Uh. I was serious, sure, but I mean--it's not--I'm not used to having an offer like that succeed, okay?

[Nor does Renee usually make offers like that, but she's not going to tell Ignis that, either. She doesn't think she's anything special--far from!--and she doesn't want him to get the wrong idea.]

I have practice too, and it's not like mine is like this! [Really Renee, you can't help it if your dad bought trash coffee. At the Institute, she didn't get to practice because usually there was someone else up before she was.] Besides, you're not that much older than I am!

[Now Ignis is confused.]

Your friends don't have dinner with you?

[He half frowns as she compliments him for the coffee. Really there's better stuff out in the world and if they would only go home for that.. And then.. what?]

What does my age have to do with anything?

[Cue more confusion.]

Edited 2019-09-18 22:27 (UTC)

For that, I'd actually have to have friends. [Renee knows Pete and Gwen might let her, but she doesn't like to bother them. It's a strange sort of respect for them and their budding relationship, out of her. They've never made her feel like a third wheel, and Renee's pretty sure they wouldn't start, but still. She's maintaining her comfort zone, there.

Noticing his frown, she's on the defensive, then.] What's that look for?

[She shakes her head at his age question.] My old man wouldn't even let me touch the coffeepot until I was like ten years old, or he'd spank me. [Putting that mildly.] So it's like, 'when did you start making coffee'?

[Just keep adding to the confusion there Renee. Ignis has seen her with other people he'd assumed were her friends.]

You're saying you don't have friends here?

[That's news to him certainly but he sighs as she seems somewhat alarmed at him and he shook his head.]

I meant no offense. I've simply had better coffee back home though I thank you for the compliment.

[With Renee's explanation, he nodded.]

I suppose ten years is a fair assessment.

I definitely don't have friends at home. I keep to myself, there. [And only half of that is because she still considers herself kind of dangerous. Between her temper and her enhanced strength, Renee worries. So she keeps herself apart.]

I'm...learning here. There are at least people who seem to like me at least. Gwen. Pete. Manabu puts up with me. [She kind of trolls him, though, so that's on her.] I'm a pain in Tony's ass. And yours, too, probably.

[Because here she is.]

Oh, are you used to the fancier coffees? Like kopi luwak or something? [Renee's heard of that stuff before, but never experienced anything fancier than like...Taster's Choice. And if she knew her coffee, she'd know that kopi luwak was more a gimmick, nothing to write home about.]

[Once she starts naming off people, Ignis nods though he's disappointed to hear that Renee doesn't have friends at home. The reference to asses has him blink down at the salmon he's about to finish flavoring. He's already heard way too much about his own ass today.]

You're not a pain, I assure you.

[His expression goes blank when she starts mentioning things he's unfamiliar with. So he puts the salmon in the oven and then looks at her thoughtfully.]

N..no. Where I'm from had their own coffee.

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