Sowing Seeds

[buon_giorno]

"Come here...isn't your paw hurt?"

Giorno had full intentions of stealing a mid-day nap, but Croccante was high on one of the broken pillars beside the door to his room. The white cat eyed him but didn't come down. Giorno sighed and rubbed his head. Just looking up for too long was hard when he had been on his feet for longer than an hour or two.

It had been just two days since he cured Joseph. He had slept almost the rest of the day through and that was all he was allowing himself after making himself so scarce for a whole week. At some point doubt would creep into the community gossip and that was the last thing he needed to manage.

Giorno leaned against the pillar and put some of his energy into the ivy vines that crept up it. The flowers burst open, surprising the small cat, and urging her to leap down--right onto his head. He quickly pried her out of his now-mussed curls and inspected her paw. A little splinter poked out of the pink pad, and he squinted to pluck it out--and missed. And tried again--and missed. His hands were shaking. Croccante's tail was swishing in irritation. He summoned all his focus and managed to fix his fingers around it to pull it out, and the fluffy cat bolted out of his arms not a moment later.

"Yes, yes...you're welcome." Giorno watched her take off down the hall.

Comments

[youre_the_sunflower]

Caesar yelped, catching himself on his forearm as he rolled over Joseph. The bed creaked in warning but held up admirably.

"I've--" he grunted softly as he tried to find a comfortable position, "--I've been thinking...about how to contribute."

[nohardwork]

"Yeah?"

[youre_the_sunflower]

"Yes, I've decided. I'll be assisting with the expeditions to explore the abyss."

[nohardwork]

"Oh? Interested in what's out there?"

[youre_the_sunflower]

“I’m not sure that’s the word I’d use…” It sounded creepy, no matter how much Zelda’s eyes lit up when she spoke of it. “But it could hold answers. There are only so many here who are ready and willing to venture into danger. If I can use my abilities where they’re most needed…”

[nohardwork]

"You need another volunteer?"

[youre_the_sunflower]

Caesar’s lips quirked “If you’ve the stomach for it.”

[nohardwork]

"You think I don't?"

[youre_the_sunflower]

“I was prepared for you to insist you had to focus on your paternal duties or some such thing.”

[nohardwork]

"That kid can take care of himself," Joseph said, reaching out to rub one of Caesar's birthmarks with a single digit. "He might not be as strong or handsome, but he knows what he's doing."

[youre_the_sunflower]

Caesar closed an eye as Joseph’s thumb rubbed his cheek. It was something he would have given him an uppercut for not two weeks ago.

“Perhaps…but family…it’s a blessing.” Caesar’s mouth set into a line, the corners of his mouth firm against something unspoken.

[nohardwork]

"Yeah, yeah," Joseph said in flippant English. He hoped that Granny Erina was somewhere safe with Speedwagon. It wasn't something he liked to dwell on very much because he worried. And Joseph didn't like to worry.

"I'll take care of him."

[alteredfates_npc]

~~

“Yukari!” Iris approached Yukari in the dining hall from behind, her hands behind her back and a grin across her face. “It’s your lucky day.”

[takeba]

Yukari would know that voice anywhere, but she still turned around. "What's going on?"

[alteredfates_npc]

“The prince is officially back in public.” Iris winked. “I confirmed it myself.”

[takeba]

"Really? Where'd you see him?"

[alteredfates_npc]

“In the library. That’s one of his preferred haunts. Oh…”Iris whipped out a jar from behind her back. Its liquid contents were pleasantly honey-colored. “Ta-da! I nabbed some for you for this very moment. Bring it with you…y’know, to share.”

[takeba]

"Thanks!" Yukari blinked, but took the offering without giving it a second thought. "What's this?" she asked, turning it around in her hands.

[alteredfates_npc]

“Mulsum…just take a little wine and a little honey and—“ Iris mimed a squeezing motion with her hands.

[takeba]

"W-what?" Yukari said, laughing. "Seriously? You're way too much."

[alteredfates_npc]

“Hey, first impressions, right? He’s alllll about the sweet wines…besides, it’s actually pretty good.” Iris gestured for her to rise. “He doesn’t end up alone for long, so strike quickly!”

[takeba]

"Okay, okay," Yukari said with a laugh. "I'm totally not interested in him, though."

[alteredfates_npc]

“Mhm. It’s just south of here…that semi-circle building, okay?” Iris grinned with anticipation as she watched Yukari leave—a few other girls in the dining hall glancing Yukari’s way as she passed to regard her with quiet awe.

[takeba]

"Hey, sorry if I'm interrupting." Yukari set the bottle down on the table where Giorno was reading. "I heard you were feeling better so I thought I'd bring a gift and introduce myself. I'm Yukari Takeba."

[buon_giorno]

It was almost impossible to miss anyone about in the library with the floors being carefully constructed out a mixture of marble and mosaic tile, but it took Giorno longer to pick up on the sound of Yukari's approach than usual.

He looked from his book at the offering and then up at her, lips turning upwards in an appreciative smile.

"Giorno Giovanna." Even if she already knew that, it was still polite to say. He nodded towards the chair opposite him. "I've heard of you. It's good to meet you."