[And it sounds like Balthier is already quite popular back home. Getting involved in anything that could turn into a spectacle would really only make things more difficult for him. She's sure he enjoys a challenge, but everything in moderation, right?
She's lucky, so far anyway, that her own association with AVALANCHE hasn't put more attention on her than she's already had. She also supposes her own position is quite a bit different. She was already well-known, but only by specific people in specific roles.
There's nothing quite like always being watched.]
Don't you worry. I won't be saying a word. Even Mister Popular needs a break, right?
Much appreciated. It's always reassuring to know an acquaintance can be trusted with delicate information.
[They both have secrets aplenty, but that fact in and of itself makes exaggerating the importance of this particular exchange that much more amusing to him.]
You're quite right, it can be exhausting being so popular. Thankfully, this place has offered something of a reprieve— as it has to many of us in different ways, I would imagine.
How very kind of you— especially since I've yet to pay you in full for the last one.
[He hasn't forgotten, naturally, he's just... taking his time. She'd said she wanted to spread her 'payment' out, after all.]
I'm not so sure that's a good thing, though I know my name has been making its way around certain circles. [Largely concerning odd jobs and acquisitions.] I'll admit, for as hard as I worked for my reputation in Ivalice, there's something to be said for this level of near-anonymity.
[Can words strike someone breathless? She's pretty sure his clever little response touches her just so.]
I think having a reputation is both a good and bad thing. Everything in moderation, right? Although I guess with popularity you probably can't control that. That kind of attention isn't usually determined by you, but rather those who know you.
[And then:] If you ever feel like you need a place to lay low, I can hook you up!
[They certainly can, if you know how to use them.]
I suppose you're right about that. [Followed by an arch of the eyebrow.] Planning to hide me away among your inventory, are you?
[Or if she means her home, the way she's made it sound with regards to the amount of plants kept there, the rest of Camelot may as well consider him to be swallowed whole. At this point, he's come to imagine her residence as a scene straight out of the Salikawood.]
[She thinks about that, the contemplation clear in her voice.] I think you're a little too big and noticeable to hide in my inventory...
[Aerith continues, confirming his original thought in mind.] So maybe just keep you at my place? That sounds more doable and I don't normally have people come visit me regularly. Every once in a while someone will come by, but it's not very often. You'd probably be safe there.
Well, I always just want to be helpful. I don't see what the big deal is. [Although Somnus has had a similar reaction, admittedly. He always hesitates whenever Aerith extends such an offer or anything similar to it. She can only assume that it's a polite sort of reaction. She's simply not traditional enough. At least Balthier doesn't outright sound insulted by it.]
I do have a lot of plants, but I'm pretty sure they're harmless. I haven't been eaten yet, after all. You might be a snack, but I'm pretty sure you're safe.
[Oh. Yeah. There it is again. That Somnus kind of deal. Aerith considers for just a moment that maybe even with Balthier she ought to be a little careful about what she says. She loves to push and prod. Offend, maybe not so much.
When he addresses her little description of him, she grins.]
A snack. Means you're tasty! You know, you look tasty!
Well, it's not that. I'll—uhm—I'll keep that in mind. I'll try to, anyway. [No promises there.]
And I didn't say that either. I stand by my original idea. You're cute. Handsome, if you want to get fancy. But if I was putting you next to a cake, one of those things I'd eat and it probably wouldn't be you.
[Because let's be real, Balthier's dry wit would make for a rather poor cake. He'd make a great lemon bar, though.]
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[And it sounds like Balthier is already quite popular back home. Getting involved in anything that could turn into a spectacle would really only make things more difficult for him. She's sure he enjoys a challenge, but everything in moderation, right?
She's lucky, so far anyway, that her own association with AVALANCHE hasn't put more attention on her than she's already had. She also supposes her own position is quite a bit different. She was already well-known, but only by specific people in specific roles.
There's nothing quite like always being watched.]
Don't you worry. I won't be saying a word. Even Mister Popular needs a break, right?
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[They both have secrets aplenty, but that fact in and of itself makes exaggerating the importance of this particular exchange that much more amusing to him.]
You're quite right, it can be exhausting being so popular. Thankfully, this place has offered something of a reprieve— as it has to many of us in different ways, I would imagine.
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[See. She's so charitable.]
Actually, I'm a little surprised that you aren't popular here yet. Give it time. Soon, everyone will probably have their eyes on you.
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[He hasn't forgotten, naturally, he's just... taking his time. She'd said she wanted to spread her 'payment' out, after all.]
I'm not so sure that's a good thing, though I know my name has been making its way around certain circles. [Largely concerning odd jobs and acquisitions.] I'll admit, for as hard as I worked for my reputation in Ivalice, there's something to be said for this level of near-anonymity.
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I think having a reputation is both a good and bad thing. Everything in moderation, right? Although I guess with popularity you probably can't control that. That kind of attention isn't usually determined by you, but rather those who know you.
[And then:] If you ever feel like you need a place to lay low, I can hook you up!
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I suppose you're right about that. [Followed by an arch of the eyebrow.] Planning to hide me away among your inventory, are you?
[Or if she means her home, the way she's made it sound with regards to the amount of plants kept there, the rest of Camelot may as well consider him to be swallowed whole. At this point, he's come to imagine her residence as a scene straight out of the Salikawood.]
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[She thinks about that, the contemplation clear in her voice.] I think you're a little too big and noticeable to hide in my inventory...
[Aerith continues, confirming his original thought in mind.] So maybe just keep you at my place? That sounds more doable and I don't normally have people come visit me regularly. Every once in a while someone will come by, but it's not very often. You'd probably be safe there.
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You know, that's not the first time you've invited me back to your place of residence.
[He doesn't seem as concerned about how it might appear this time, at least— they're rather beyond that, he thinks.]
As for safety, I suppose that depends. Your plants rather have the run of the place, yes? Any of them man-eating?
[He's all Rafflesia'd out for one lifetime.]
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I do have a lot of plants, but I'm pretty sure they're harmless. I haven't been eaten yet, after all. You might be a snack, but I'm pretty sure you're safe.
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[There's a dismissive little wave to go with that casual tone. Although—]
Excuse me, I'm a what?
[What does that even mean, Aerith?]
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[Oh. Yeah. There it is again. That Somnus kind of deal. Aerith considers for just a moment that maybe even with Balthier she ought to be a little careful about what she says. She loves to push and prod. Offend, maybe not so much.
When he addresses her little description of him, she grins.]
A snack. Means you're tasty! You know, you look tasty!
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[They're not in Ivalice, after all.
He takes half a beat to consider her answer, and his smirk is clearly audible in his response.]
I see. A feast for the eyes, one might say. I'm hardly inclined to disagree.
[He is a legit snack.]
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And I didn't say that either. I stand by my original idea. You're cute. Handsome, if you want to get fancy. But if I was putting you next to a cake, one of those things I'd eat and it probably wouldn't be you.
[Because let's be real, Balthier's dry wit would make for a rather poor cake. He'd make a great lemon bar, though.]
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['Handsome,' he'll certainly take— that's far more to his tastes.]
That hardly seems a fair comparison, besides. A cake isn't a snack, it's dessert— an entirely different category.
[LET HIM HAVE THIS]
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[There's some moments of pause before she continues.]
Pretty sure I snack on cakes. Therefore, cake's a snack, too. But are you tastier than a cake? I'm going to have to lick you to find out.
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All the same, he chuckles.]
You win this round, I think. I forfeit.
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[And not deliver.]
For today, I'll gracefully take my winnings!
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[In this particular instance, without being crass. That's a line he prefers not to cross.]
Enjoy your victory while it lasts— I'll not be caught unawares, next time.
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[Imagine Aerith sticking out her tongue because that's exactly what she's doing.]
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Suppose we'll just see about that, won't we?
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