[ Anaxagoras appears in the library himself, looking miserable, face even a little reddened from the cold, nodding his head at the greeting. It's strange, seeing Lobelia as he is, with the books surrounding him all the while. He's the type of person to indulge in such things as well? ]
...I don't know what that is.
[ His words are spoken softly as he keeps a close eye on the other man, gaze curious all the same. ]
But, I was trying to do quite a bit. There's much to be done. Even if it's cold, I can't stop for anything...how irritating it is to suddenly deal with a snowy spell. Why not simply grace us with pleasant weather instead if we must endure the horrors?
[Ah... Anaxagoras is rarely sunshine and rainbows, but right now he's practically a storm cloud. If nothing else, Lobelia hopes he left the frost and sleet outside.
He clears a path through the towers of books to let Anaxagoras step closer. The sheer amount of literature, piled beside him, scattered at his feet, bristling with sticky notes and tabs, might be concerning to anyone else. But Anaxagoras will soon learn this is perfectly ordinary for Lobelia. He pursues knowledge as voraciously as any practiced mage.]
If only the world were so kind! Perhaps this is merely the storm before warm, gentle weather... or perhaps the storm will worsen before it breaks. Who can say?
[Lobelia shrugs.]
Ah... but you seem to be feeling this bout of inclement weather more keenly than most. I prefer warmer days myself, but chin up, Monsieur. All that pouting will give you wrinkles.
[ Something like a storm cloud, indeed! He comes on over despite the general mood he has, eye sweeping over each and every note laid out before him as he walks through. He even reaches for a book, far too curious to keep from doing so. ]
Typically, in dangerous situations, there is still more of a chance for a storm to worsen.
[ A disgruntled mutter. Though, after allowing himself to properly digest all of that apparent showing of research and note-taking, he gives Lobelia a little Look. ]
Hmph. You often will see such a face regardless. Though, that being said...it will take quite a long while for wrinkles to appear. Just so you know. [ He already seems so cheery despite his silence when Yuki died. That's right, he remembers that...it makes him wonder, but one thing at a time. ] You have been quite at it yourself, haven't you? Working through even this storm. I doubt you've been researching the elixir of youth in our circumstances.
[Anaxagoras's little Look earns a quiet laugh from Lobelia. He watches the man thumb through a book, amused at how quickly curiosity wins out over gloom.]
Ah, so even storms can be coaxed into clearer skies with the promise of something interesting.
[His smile curves, eyes tinged with a quiet amusement. Nothing mean, though. Nothing pointed.]
You are right, of course. Dangerous moments do tend to worsen before they break... but you are navigating this one quite well, Monsieur. Better than you give yourself credit for.
[He rests an elbow on the arm of his chair, chin settling into his palm as he studies Anaxagoras openly now, far too delighted by the shift in his manner.]
And oui, I have been keeping myself occupied. When the weather is unkind, one must find warmth in other forms, non? Books, company... stimulating conversation.
Tell me, Anaxagoras. What keeps you warm when the storm refuses to pass?
[ Truly, curiosity is a great motivator towards dispelling stormy moods - this one is no different. Perhaps that is why even as he goes through the pages, he will pause to tilt his head slightly, finding nothing but truth in those words as he peers at Lobelia who is wearing a genuine amusement.
He thinks he's right. Though...he hadn't expected him to say he was navigating any of this well. Last week was briefly a disaster (not wholly, mind), so if he's doing any better from before, then - he feels a bit proud. ]
Coming from someone who appears able to adapt readily to storms in the first place, regardless of weather preferences, even someone like myself will take it seriously.
[ He says in an apparent strict tone, but he sincerely means it in his own way.
It's also a good reminder, because he thought he looked a mess. One he keeps in his mind in case things worsen...and now, he focuses on the question Lobelia has thrown his way instead. ]
I'd have to say that it'd be whatever I could use to stimulate my mind, at first - ideally books, or perhaps the stars in the sky. Then next, something to drink, and finally at last, other people. Even if I'm not the type to crowd so many people, it is difficult to weather a persistent, harsh storm alone for long.
It may seem plausible, even possible. But, continuance of sticking to such a method is bound to become tiring, yes? So, can anyone even begin to always see their way out of a storm when they have forgotten how to warm themselves in the first place?
[He's a big fan of that sharp-edged tongue, so what praise Anaxagoras does deem to mete out is sincerely appreciated on Lobelia's end. He considers himself fortunate to be among bright minds— particularly those who can handle conversations that edge on a battle of wits and philosophical debate. It would be no exaggeration to say he's delighted.
His eyes remain on Anaxagoras as they chat, eyes sharp and focused.]
You take storms far more seriously than you let on, mon ami, And yet you speak of navigating them as though you walk through tempests alone.
[His chin tilts in his palm, eyes softened by a touch of amusement.]
But you are right. Even the wisest man with the sharpest mind cannot weather every storm in isolation. One forgets the shape of warmth when no one reminds them of it.
And you, Anaxagoras... you have been far too accustomed to the cold.
[His smile is gentle, but edged with curiosity that could slice a man to ribbons.]
But I'm curious. When was the last time someone warmed you... and you did not refuse it out of habit?
[ It's within his nature to view matters with such a serious lens, particularly the one they're in here. The storms that assail them all are subtlety brutal and all at once a gale that can push them into oblivion.
He wonders, how many will they all weather until they see it all through to the end? Even as he feels the sharp gaze like a cutting wind...the soft smile he sees with fascination just the same like that razor sensation of those eyes. ]
...Perhaps so.
[ But, it's true. And it's funny that Lobelia asks him this question, because... ]
Before I arrived here, it would've had to have been family, as a matter of course. But, that was a long time ago. It simply so happened to be what it was.
Though, here...I'm not afraid to admit that over time, I decided not to in some ways. I didn't understand why at first, when I thought I'd only be annoyed. I won't act like you don't know I prefer usually to do the opposite. Who knows how much you've been watching, after all.
[ Anaxagoras supposes he's drawn to people who annoy him at first in some way, and then in some way exhibit some similarities? It's a little complicated, of course. Though, speaking of complications... ]
As for you...you appear to have no problem with exuding a warm personality. Not that I'm one to be simple minded as blinded by appearances.
Such that I have a question for you. Have you allowed much people your trust? And not want to step away instead?
[Lobelia listens, truly listens, as though Anaxagoras's past, his storms, his cold, are all pieces of a puzzle he is eager to solve.]
Family... How rare, mon ami. Rarer still that you admit you have not run from warmth entirely. Most men who have known the cold cling to it out of habit. Out of fear that kindness is a blade disguised as a hand.
[His smile deepens, warm, but laced with intrigue.]
As for me? I trust sparingly. Not from cruelty, nor cowardice, but because trust is a precious instrument. One must choose carefully whose hands it will sing for.
On that note? Non, I do not step away easily. When someone catches my interest, I stay. Even when I shouldn't.
[He leans in just enough to let Anaxagoras feel the weight of that admission.]
[ Anaxagoras can't help being cold, even if there are parts of himself still bright and alive. Perhaps bit by bit he's becoming even more warm in expressing who he is, though at times, he feels in even that he stumbles. ]
...Hmph. If audacious had a supplemental name assigned to its definition in a dictionary, yours would be right beside it, Lobelia.
[ Anaxagoras feels the weight of such an admission, and his gaze turns curious. He speaks the words lightly, with an actual undercurrent of amusement.
But, he doesn't find himself intimidated by it. He...doesn't know what to make of it in certain ways, though it seems something undeniably positive, Anaxagoras knows that much. A heavy gaze that sears into his soul. ]
In many ways you are straightforward. I can acknowledge that well enough...I prefer that people are upfront about how they are, even while unable to lie down everything in full view. While there is still mystery to you, you make no secrets about who you are.
[ Anaxagoras wonders if because he is here, he has found himself standing a bit less on shaky ground when it comes to the odd and deep nature of their conversations. Funny how that works. ]
And speaking of mysteries...
I also see what you have gathered around you...[ Has Lobelia's efforts ever felt like they've grown more frantic, he wonders? ] have you entertained the idea of another eye looking over what you have been researching?
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...I don't know what that is.
[ His words are spoken softly as he keeps a close eye on the other man, gaze curious all the same. ]
But, I was trying to do quite a bit. There's much to be done. Even if it's cold, I can't stop for anything...how irritating it is to suddenly deal with a snowy spell. Why not simply grace us with pleasant weather instead if we must endure the horrors?
[ He is huffing a little... ]
no subject
He clears a path through the towers of books to let Anaxagoras step closer. The sheer amount of literature, piled beside him, scattered at his feet, bristling with sticky notes and tabs, might be concerning to anyone else. But Anaxagoras will soon learn this is perfectly ordinary for Lobelia. He pursues knowledge as voraciously as any practiced mage.]
If only the world were so kind! Perhaps this is merely the storm before warm, gentle weather... or perhaps the storm will worsen before it breaks. Who can say?
[Lobelia shrugs.]
Ah... but you seem to be feeling this bout of inclement weather more keenly than most. I prefer warmer days myself, but chin up, Monsieur. All that pouting will give you wrinkles.
no subject
Typically, in dangerous situations, there is still more of a chance for a storm to worsen.
[ A disgruntled mutter. Though, after allowing himself to properly digest all of that apparent showing of research and note-taking, he gives Lobelia a little Look. ]
Hmph. You often will see such a face regardless. Though, that being said...it will take quite a long while for wrinkles to appear. Just so you know. [ He already seems so cheery despite his silence when Yuki died. That's right, he remembers that...it makes him wonder, but one thing at a time. ] You have been quite at it yourself, haven't you? Working through even this storm. I doubt you've been researching the elixir of youth in our circumstances.
no subject
Ah, so even storms can be coaxed into clearer skies with the promise of something interesting.
[His smile curves, eyes tinged with a quiet amusement. Nothing mean, though. Nothing pointed.]
You are right, of course. Dangerous moments do tend to worsen before they break... but you are navigating this one quite well, Monsieur. Better than you give yourself credit for.
[He rests an elbow on the arm of his chair, chin settling into his palm as he studies Anaxagoras openly now, far too delighted by the shift in his manner.]
And oui, I have been keeping myself occupied. When the weather is unkind, one must find warmth in other forms, non? Books, company... stimulating conversation.
Tell me, Anaxagoras. What keeps you warm when the storm refuses to pass?
no subject
He thinks he's right. Though...he hadn't expected him to say he was navigating any of this well. Last week was briefly a disaster (not wholly, mind), so if he's doing any better from before, then - he feels a bit proud. ]
Coming from someone who appears able to adapt readily to storms in the first place, regardless of weather preferences, even someone like myself will take it seriously.
[ He says in an apparent strict tone, but he sincerely means it in his own way.
It's also a good reminder, because he thought he looked a mess. One he keeps in his mind in case things worsen...and now, he focuses on the question Lobelia has thrown his way instead. ]
I'd have to say that it'd be whatever I could use to stimulate my mind, at first - ideally books, or perhaps the stars in the sky. Then next, something to drink, and finally at last, other people. Even if I'm not the type to crowd so many people, it is difficult to weather a persistent, harsh storm alone for long.
It may seem plausible, even possible. But, continuance of sticking to such a method is bound to become tiring, yes? So, can anyone even begin to always see their way out of a storm when they have forgotten how to warm themselves in the first place?
no subject
His eyes remain on Anaxagoras as they chat, eyes sharp and focused.]
You take storms far more seriously than you let on, mon ami, And yet you speak of navigating them as though you walk through tempests alone.
[His chin tilts in his palm, eyes softened by a touch of amusement.]
But you are right. Even the wisest man with the sharpest mind cannot weather every storm in isolation. One forgets the shape of warmth when no one reminds them of it.
And you, Anaxagoras... you have been far too accustomed to the cold.
[His smile is gentle, but edged with curiosity that could slice a man to ribbons.]
But I'm curious. When was the last time someone warmed you... and you did not refuse it out of habit?
no subject
He wonders, how many will they all weather until they see it all through to the end? Even as he feels the sharp gaze like a cutting wind...the soft smile he sees with fascination just the same like that razor sensation of those eyes. ]
...Perhaps so.
[ But, it's true. And it's funny that Lobelia asks him this question, because... ]
Before I arrived here, it would've had to have been family, as a matter of course. But, that was a long time ago. It simply so happened to be what it was.
Though, here...I'm not afraid to admit that over time, I decided not to in some ways. I didn't understand why at first, when I thought I'd only be annoyed. I won't act like you don't know I prefer usually to do the opposite. Who knows how much you've been watching, after all.
[ Anaxagoras supposes he's drawn to people who annoy him at first in some way, and then in some way exhibit some similarities? It's a little complicated, of course. Though, speaking of complications... ]
As for you...you appear to have no problem with exuding a warm personality. Not that I'm one to be simple minded as blinded by appearances.
Such that I have a question for you. Have you allowed much people your trust? And not want to step away instead?
no subject
Family... How rare, mon ami. Rarer still that you admit you have not run from warmth entirely. Most men who have known the cold cling to it out of habit. Out of fear that kindness is a blade disguised as a hand.
[His smile deepens, warm, but laced with intrigue.]
As for me? I trust sparingly. Not from cruelty, nor cowardice, but because trust is a precious instrument. One must choose carefully whose hands it will sing for.
On that note? Non, I do not step away easily. When someone catches my interest, I stay. Even when I shouldn't.
[He leans in just enough to let Anaxagoras feel the weight of that admission.]
Especially when I shouldn't.
no subject
...Hmph. If audacious had a supplemental name assigned to its definition in a dictionary, yours would be right beside it, Lobelia.
[ Anaxagoras feels the weight of such an admission, and his gaze turns curious. He speaks the words lightly, with an actual undercurrent of amusement.
But, he doesn't find himself intimidated by it. He...doesn't know what to make of it in certain ways, though it seems something undeniably positive, Anaxagoras knows that much. A heavy gaze that sears into his soul. ]
In many ways you are straightforward. I can acknowledge that well enough...I prefer that people are upfront about how they are, even while unable to lie down everything in full view. While there is still mystery to you, you make no secrets about who you are.
[ Anaxagoras wonders if because he is here, he has found himself standing a bit less on shaky ground when it comes to the odd and deep nature of their conversations. Funny how that works. ]
And speaking of mysteries...
I also see what you have gathered around you...[ Has Lobelia's efforts ever felt like they've grown more frantic, he wonders? ] have you entertained the idea of another eye looking over what you have been researching?