[Themida dies from her injuries. It isn't entirely unexpected, but that doesn't make it any easier. Just days before, he was thinking about how much he disliked her and the way she treated Jacinthe, and then suddenly she's passed and it feels weird to think of her in such a negative light anymore. Her apology - if it can even be called that - was passed on by Rusco, and the guy... well, he's definitely seen better days.
The only reason why Corbeau doesn't outright ask him to stay with the Rust Syndicate is Rusco's pride. He doesn't need to be pampered or babied by an organization that isn't his own, but he still manages to find time to swing by and visit in person more frequently than a man of his station and prestige probably should. He's lonely, Corbeau thinks. He's lonely, and with Themida and Jacinthe gone, he needs someone to talk to, and Corbeau doesn't mind helping out. He rather likes the guy, now that they've spent more time together.
...But he'd be lying if he said that the mood wasn't always a little dour considering the heavy and uncomfortable topic of Jacinthe that they both tend to talk around. Rusco seems to have an inkling that something happened between them, but he doesn't know what, and he doesn't ask. That suits Corbeau just fine.
He doesn't know what happened between them, truly. He didn't think it was that big of a deal. Sure, it was a bit startling at the time, but he'd been willing to write it off as... hell. He doesn't know. Maybe a flirtation? Sure. And he could just look away from that and not give it any more thought and maybe everything would go back to how it always was and that'd be just fine and dandy.
But Jacinthe left. The SBC is in shambles now, with new leadership taking over every few days it seems. Lebanne made a full recovery but has left Lumiose as well, though to where he can't say. And any and all attempts to reach Jacinthe simply aren't happening, because she's ditched her Rotomphone and apparently also her Pokémon.
(But they were given to her by her parents. She said so herself. Does she have new partners now, ones she's caught herself?)
It feels like the blink of an eye that the first year passes.
After all, there's always work to be done in Lumiose. The newest Wild Zone has people in more trouble than ever, and Team MZ is spreading themselves too thin. So the Rust Syndicate steps in wherever they can, and so Corbeau works, and so he doesn't have to think. He meets with Rusco. He trains his Pokémon. And he thinks about Jacinthe, and wonders how she's doing.
Team MZ grows up before his eyes, and soon, five years have passed. Corbeau doesn't look much different - older, sure, but his style of dress and haircut are exactly the same as they were five years ago. After all, why change what isn't broken? He crafted this appearance for the purposes of being an intimidating mob boss, and even if the Rust Syndicate isn't exactly that, that's the vibe he wants to give off to those who could pose problems.
Thankfully, the five years since have been relatively quiet. Rogue Mega Evolving Pokémon are rarer now, the Wild Zones have been more easily integrated into daily life in Lumiose, and things are going pretty damn well.
...Mostly. Rusco passed away during the time. In some strange way, he'd come to really like the guy. He left the Rust Syndicate far too much money, and even a chunk for Corbeau specifically that he's been sitting on for too damn long, because he can't bear to spend it on anything personal.
And then Philippe got a call from an overseas contact about a potential problem shipment that might be headed their way, and somehow this snowballed into where he's standing now, half a world away in Hoenn.
What had started as a business connection and conversation had turned more casual; Philippe and the guy had become friends, and in that friendship had started chatting about various people in their lives. The contact works in the casino, and at the heart of Hoenn, Mauville certainly has seen its fair share of odd people coming and going. One person in particular caught Philippe's interest, and he asked quite a bit about her - and then shared that information with Corbeau.
You're going to regret it if you don't go after her. Philippe had said, with that same blunt certainty that always cuts through Corbeau's doubts. Stop wasting time. You've got the money, you've got the time. If you don't strike now, you'll miss your chance.
So that's what he did. After sending triple what he usually does to the kids, anyway. Just to feel a little better about himself, or maybe to cover months in advance so he doesn't have to worry about it while he's away. Hell, he's not sure he knows.
Either way, he's here now. Slateport City is certainly an interesting place - definitely not like any ports in Kalos, that's for damn sure. Corbeau has only barely stepped off the boat and is still getting his bearings, looking around the city like a damn tourist. He'll have to figure out a way to track Jacinthe down, but she cuts a pretty memorable figure. He's sure someone can point him in the right direction. For now... For now he'll just take a moment to prepare himself.
The only difference to Corbeau's appearance is that he's older now; he's even wearing the same outfit as before. Though he does have a new Pokémon companion at his side... a female Meowstic, who keeps pace with him, but seems ever-alert to their surroundings.]
[It looks like the most recent boat on the docks has landed; Jacinthe pays it the barest of mind as she watches the grunts for the slightest movement. These neo Aqua brats are certainly not the brightest sort, but she catches them looking out toward the port, and her look ends up flicking over there as well. Tiny, rich woman binoculars end up spotting something that very nearly makes her drop them in her surprise.
He's older, sure. Even now, the man has aged gracefully, though he looks just the same as he did five years prior. Jacinthe isn't even sure if she's dreaming or not, if this is some kind of joke at her expense. Surely, it must be; he'd never have a Meowstic beside him, would he? Even if he and Gardevoir seemed to get along, he had always seemed so damn unnerved by her type, and...
Unfortunately, Jacinthe doesn't get time to contemplate that. The Neo Aqua grunts have started to make their move toward the museum after what seems to be a small scuffle outside of it with one of the recent arrivals--not Corbeau, thankfully, but Jacinthe knows better than to let these troglodytes fester.
Jacinthe gets up from the rooftop she'd been sitting on, throwing a Luxury Ball into the air as Altaria comes out.]
Altaria, my dear, we must make haste! These foul miscreants will not be allowed to threaten the peace of Slateport while I draw breath!
Come! Let us go and make merry together~
[She doesn't have to think about the man like this. She doesn't have to think about someone she had been so content to shove out of her mind for years, someone that rightfully rejected her because she let herself get caught up in feelings. Who needs them, anyway, when the adrenaline rush of a coming fight is so much better?
(And yet, she bellows loudly enough that he could certainly hear, if he truly is who she thinks he is. If he's somehow looking for her after all these years.
Let the man come and gawk.)
Jacinthe is quick to dart off toward the museum shortly after, pushing her way past more than a few complaining tourists as she makes a beeline toward glorious battle. She's definitely outnumbered, but is that not half the fun? She can truly see if they put up a fight like this, or if she'll just cleave them all down.
It's time for the fun to begin; are you following, Corbeau?]
[Meowstic doesn't know Jacinthe. But she's seen pictures, and she's certainly heard Corbeau mention her more than a few times. She's overheard his conversations with Philippe about this woman, and she's all too aware when Corbeau perks up on hearing that shout. So she's already following the woman it came from before Corbeau can even ask her to.]
Meowstic—
[On it.
The Pokémon picks up the pace, daintily darting off and Corbeau is quick to follow. That had to have been her voice. It's been five years, but he couldn't forget. It has to be her. It has to be. The thought that he came all this way for nothing has been tugging at the back of his mind - after all, what if she already left? What if she was never here to begin with and it was someone else entirely? But hearing her voice...
This has to be fate, or something like it, right? Onward we go.]
[Welcome to the Slateport Museum! It's usually a lot better when there aren't a bunch of clearly defeated grunts trying to catch their bearings from the apocalyptic asswhooping they received before they start to flee like their lives depend on it. Thankfully, the nice Museum ladies are happy to waive the fee for anyone coming in while they too gather their own bearings from the hurricane that seems to have rained down upon them, but they'll direct Corbeau upstairs...
Where thankfully, it seems, there's no more grunts to be found. In fact, the woman in the dark magenta suit seems almost disappointed, hands on her hips and pouting as she looks around. Her Altaria is still with her, but another Pokemon is out as well; a Dragalge who's highly alert, her gaze immediately flicking to Corbeau before Jacinthe even notices.]
Hmph. All of this hustle and bustle, and they couldn't even put one of their bosses at the helm of this operation? How rude, and deeply boring. Well, I suppose we ought to make sure we get one of them to take to the authorities, so let us away, girls. Chop chop--
[But then Jacinthe turns around properly, head in the clouds as ever as she flicks a short strand of hair out of her face, and she catches what she didn't expect.
She wanted him to pursue her, for once. She's always felt like she's been the mirror barely following his reflection, the little one barely toddling behind the footsteps of a much greater, kinder man who she wanted to emulate so badly it hurt. Who she...
Well, no time for that. Jacinthe crushes those thoughts easily as she fixes Corbeau a practiced, bright smile.]
Sir, it's rather dangerous to come in here, you know. You should go out where it's safe, hm?
[Maybe if she plays dumb and pretends enough, he'll go away. Or maybe he'll call her bluff; she's not entirely sure, but both of her partners stare at her and at Meowstic and her trainer, confused more than anything.]
[A nod of thanks, and they're on their way. Meowstic is barely keeping up with Corbeau at this point - despite his short stature, he takes the stairs two at a time and reaches the upper floor with ease, finding Jacinthe. He remains near the only exit as if to block her from trying to run, but... surely she wouldn't do that again. Not here and now. Not after five damn years. Even so, he won't give her the opportunity.
He knew that the woman Philippe described looked different, but seeing Jacinthe now... She's radiant. Well, she's always been radiant. But there's something about seeing her new appearance - short hair, new outfit, same bright smile - that makes him feel—
[Meowstic bristles beside him, gearing up for a fight, because clearly that's where this is headed. Corbeau doesn't get angry without good reason, and now he's yelling, so clearly—]
You're just gonna pretend like you don't know me, like that'll somehow make this all go away!?
[—orrrrrr not. Okay. She doesn't know what's going on anymore. She'll just wait for the cue to attack, she supposes.]
Somehow, deep in her heart of hearts, she knew he wasn't going to make this easy. She doesn't even try to hold up the facade anymore; her arms fold in front of her neatly, like she's the picture of prim and elegant perfection, but her eyes have gone that deeply distinct brand of unamused she gets when things don't go her way. Or maybe it's just a distance she wants to keep, because she made the mistake of letting her emotions guide her before. Never again.
When she speaks, it's more than a little sharp, barbs raised and her Pokemon looking even more confused as she speaks coldly.]
Oh, no. I simply thought it would be much easier if we attempted to start from scratch, but it seems that I was incorrect. I would watch my mouth, however, if I was you; I am in no mood to tolerate your attitude.
[Maybe if she pushes him away enough, he'll go. Let him think them enemies, because it'd be so much easier. He'll make that awful noise of disapproval and just make it all the easier to leave again, and he won't interfere with the new life she's so desperately tried to claw for herself.]
[Corbeau wants to stay mad. He wants to rise to the challenge she puts before him because it would be easier. It would be so much simpler to take the bait and get angry and maybe it'd just break things off for good. Then he wouldn't have to think about her ever again.
...But no, that's a childish and stupid way of looking at it. He knows himself better than that. He'd never be able to forgive himself for treating her so poorly. So Corbeau takes a breath and steadies himself. He adjusts his glasses. He tries again.]
I wanted to find you. It... didn't feel right, leaving things as they were. I want to know why you left and cut contact with everyone.
[He's quiet for a moment, eyes flicking away.]
Was it because of what happened that day? My reaction?
[Should he apologize? Would that even help at this point? He isn't exactly sorry, because he doesn't think he did anything wrong, but he doesn't really understand what happened. It seems foolish to offer an apology for something he's not sure warrants it. So... let's start with this and see where that takes us.]
[She doesn't want to think about this. She'd been so damn content to put this out of her mind for years, along with everything else. She was fine. Jacinthe was fine and now he's here and she can't escape it, and she's starting to shake--]
What on earth are you talking about? You didn't do anything wrong.
[It's out of her mouth before she can stop it, and maybe it's a little uncharacteristic of her, of all people, to take the blame. But it was her fault. It was her fault all of this happened, she screwed up with one of the few genuine friends she had and she panicked and--
Jacinthe wants to walk away so damn badly, because confronting this means confronting the puzzle of what she actually...feels, about Corbeau. And by the way her gaze seems to dart, she's...really not ready for that, and she finds herself shaking her head.]
--There's no reason to talk about this further. Your reaction made things quite clear that day, and I've been content to put it out of my mind and find my own way since. If anything, I should be thanking you for bringing me out of my silly little fantasy! It truly works wonders to clear the mind.
Now, if you will excuse me--
[So if you don't mind, she is going to try and walk past him--if he's this stubborn, she doesn't imagine he'll make this easy, but this is for the best. Surely he has to realize that?]
[She's shaking. Is she angry? Upset? Scared? He can't tell. Didn't he have an easier time reading her years ago? Or did he just delude himself into thinking he understood her better than he did? After all, he never would have imagined that she'd leave everything and everyone behind so suddenly, for a reason he can't see. She's given him another piece to the puzzle, but it's about as clear as anything without his glasses on: which is to say, it isn't clear at all.
Corbeau moves to block the stairs, reaching to call out Scolipede to ensure that she won't be getting past. The giant bug looks at Jacinthe with an expression that can best be summed up as !!! both because he likes her quite a bit and because this can only be a good thing for his trainer to have found her so soon, right?? Meowstic also stands beside him, but she's a willowy little thing who is not exactly great at blocking the stairs. She's doing her best!! But she'd be more useful if she was using her psychic powers and Corbeau's already told her not to.]
I still don't understand. What happened that day?
[He exhales, frustrated, and tries again.]
...I thought it was the sort of thing we'd talk about in a day or so, after the adrenaline wore off and things were taken care of with our respective groups. I didn't think it was all that big a deal. I didn't know how to feel about it in the moment, and when you took off, I assumed you just needed some time to calm down.
Is that what drove you away? My reaction to it?
[Is he the reason why she left? Why she never got to see her parents again? Things were complicated with them, sure, but...]
[Something in Jacinthe tenses when she realizes that oh. Corbeau is very serious about this, actually. There's a brief moment where her posture seems to tighten, and she can feel Altaria's worried eyes on her; Dragalge has seemingly tensed in kind, looking at Jacinthe like she's waiting for marching orders. Jacinthe could just force her way, as she always has. She wants to. She wants to so badly.
Of all of the things that get her to hesitate, it's the genuine joy that Scolipede looks at her with that actually gets her to consider against it. Because somehow, harming a creature that's looking at her with such joy feels...cruel, almost.
Her shaking hasn't stopped, but Jacinthe finally speaks up after a moment, closing her eyes.]
Zut alors...yes. Fine! It was your reaction that drove me away that day, at least in part; knowing just how little the SBC as a whole actually respects me contributed to such a factor as well. But I let myself get consumed by a flight of fancy that I still do not understand to this day, and I have put it out of my mind for years because I had assumed it was fairly cut and dry! I am still terribly sorry for springing such a thing upon you, but answer me this much:
Are you aware that I cannot tell what you are thinking, Corbeau?
[Something in Jacinthe finally starts to actually anger at this, at the realization that. Oh, she's. Actually a lot madder about this than she thought--]
And do you know how demoralizing it is to have you have implied that I have been simply thinking too much, feeling as if I have been considered stupid for such a thing, only to have those events transpire with one of the few people who have shown me any sort of care without condition?
I am not considering myself entitled to you in the slightest, because I am not. You are your own man, and even though I have struggled with it, I am now my own woman, and...
[Maybe this much will get him to go away. Maybe this much will get him angry enough to fight back, and the bridge will fully burn away into nothing. Because she simply isn't good enough yet, not for him, not for anyone. All she wanted was to become strong, strong enough to surpass him so maybe he'd finally--]
...It was the motivation I needed, really. With nothing else to lose, what was stopping me from finally breaking out of the shell of some weak, delicate little damsel in need of protecting that you all see me as?
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sranks2025-10-22 06:33 pm
no subject
The only reason why Corbeau doesn't outright ask him to stay with the Rust Syndicate is Rusco's pride. He doesn't need to be pampered or babied by an organization that isn't his own, but he still manages to find time to swing by and visit in person more frequently than a man of his station and prestige probably should. He's lonely, Corbeau thinks. He's lonely, and with Themida and Jacinthe gone, he needs someone to talk to, and Corbeau doesn't mind helping out. He rather likes the guy, now that they've spent more time together.
...But he'd be lying if he said that the mood wasn't always a little dour considering the heavy and uncomfortable topic of Jacinthe that they both tend to talk around. Rusco seems to have an inkling that something happened between them, but he doesn't know what, and he doesn't ask. That suits Corbeau just fine.
He doesn't know what happened between them, truly. He didn't think it was that big of a deal. Sure, it was a bit startling at the time, but he'd been willing to write it off as... hell. He doesn't know. Maybe a flirtation? Sure. And he could just look away from that and not give it any more thought and maybe everything would go back to how it always was and that'd be just fine and dandy.
But Jacinthe left. The SBC is in shambles now, with new leadership taking over every few days it seems. Lebanne made a full recovery but has left Lumiose as well, though to where he can't say. And any and all attempts to reach Jacinthe simply aren't happening, because she's ditched her Rotomphone and apparently also her Pokémon.
(But they were given to her by her parents. She said so herself. Does she have new partners now, ones she's caught herself?)
It feels like the blink of an eye that the first year passes.
After all, there's always work to be done in Lumiose. The newest Wild Zone has people in more trouble than ever, and Team MZ is spreading themselves too thin. So the Rust Syndicate steps in wherever they can, and so Corbeau works, and so he doesn't have to think. He meets with Rusco. He trains his Pokémon. And he thinks about Jacinthe, and wonders how she's doing.
Team MZ grows up before his eyes, and soon, five years have passed. Corbeau doesn't look much different - older, sure, but his style of dress and haircut are exactly the same as they were five years ago. After all, why change what isn't broken? He crafted this appearance for the purposes of being an intimidating mob boss, and even if the Rust Syndicate isn't exactly that, that's the vibe he wants to give off to those who could pose problems.
Thankfully, the five years since have been relatively quiet. Rogue Mega Evolving Pokémon are rarer now, the Wild Zones have been more easily integrated into daily life in Lumiose, and things are going pretty damn well.
...Mostly. Rusco passed away during the time. In some strange way, he'd come to really like the guy. He left the Rust Syndicate far too much money, and even a chunk for Corbeau specifically that he's been sitting on for too damn long, because he can't bear to spend it on anything personal.
And then Philippe got a call from an overseas contact about a potential problem shipment that might be headed their way, and somehow this snowballed into where he's standing now, half a world away in Hoenn.
What had started as a business connection and conversation had turned more casual; Philippe and the guy had become friends, and in that friendship had started chatting about various people in their lives. The contact works in the casino, and at the heart of Hoenn, Mauville certainly has seen its fair share of odd people coming and going. One person in particular caught Philippe's interest, and he asked quite a bit about her - and then shared that information with Corbeau.
You're going to regret it if you don't go after her. Philippe had said, with that same blunt certainty that always cuts through Corbeau's doubts. Stop wasting time. You've got the money, you've got the time. If you don't strike now, you'll miss your chance.
So that's what he did. After sending triple what he usually does to the kids, anyway. Just to feel a little better about himself, or maybe to cover months in advance so he doesn't have to worry about it while he's away. Hell, he's not sure he knows.
Either way, he's here now. Slateport City is certainly an interesting place - definitely not like any ports in Kalos, that's for damn sure. Corbeau has only barely stepped off the boat and is still getting his bearings, looking around the city like a damn tourist. He'll have to figure out a way to track Jacinthe down, but she cuts a pretty memorable figure. He's sure someone can point him in the right direction. For now... For now he'll just take a moment to prepare himself.
The only difference to Corbeau's appearance is that he's older now; he's even wearing the same outfit as before. Though he does have a new Pokémon companion at his side... a female Meowstic, who keeps pace with him, but seems ever-alert to their surroundings.]
no subject
He's older, sure. Even now, the man has aged gracefully, though he looks just the same as he did five years prior. Jacinthe isn't even sure if she's dreaming or not, if this is some kind of joke at her expense. Surely, it must be; he'd never have a Meowstic beside him, would he? Even if he and Gardevoir seemed to get along, he had always seemed so damn unnerved by her type, and...
Unfortunately, Jacinthe doesn't get time to contemplate that. The Neo Aqua grunts have started to make their move toward the museum after what seems to be a small scuffle outside of it with one of the recent arrivals--not Corbeau, thankfully, but Jacinthe knows better than to let these troglodytes fester.
Jacinthe gets up from the rooftop she'd been sitting on, throwing a Luxury Ball into the air as Altaria comes out.]
Altaria, my dear, we must make haste! These foul miscreants will not be allowed to threaten the peace of Slateport while I draw breath!
Come! Let us go and make merry together~
[She doesn't have to think about the man like this. She doesn't have to think about someone she had been so content to shove out of her mind for years, someone that rightfully rejected her because she let herself get caught up in feelings. Who needs them, anyway, when the adrenaline rush of a coming fight is so much better?
(And yet, she bellows loudly enough that he could certainly hear, if he truly is who she thinks he is. If he's somehow looking for her after all these years.
Let the man come and gawk.)
Jacinthe is quick to dart off toward the museum shortly after, pushing her way past more than a few complaining tourists as she makes a beeline toward glorious battle. She's definitely outnumbered, but is that not half the fun? She can truly see if they put up a fight like this, or if she'll just cleave them all down.
It's time for the fun to begin; are you following, Corbeau?]
no subject
Meowstic—
[On it.
The Pokémon picks up the pace, daintily darting off and Corbeau is quick to follow. That had to have been her voice. It's been five years, but he couldn't forget. It has to be her. It has to be. The thought that he came all this way for nothing has been tugging at the back of his mind - after all, what if she already left? What if she was never here to begin with and it was someone else entirely? But hearing her voice...
This has to be fate, or something like it, right? Onward we go.]
no subject
Where thankfully, it seems, there's no more grunts to be found. In fact, the woman in the dark magenta suit seems almost disappointed, hands on her hips and pouting as she looks around. Her Altaria is still with her, but another Pokemon is out as well; a Dragalge who's highly alert, her gaze immediately flicking to Corbeau before Jacinthe even notices.]
Hmph. All of this hustle and bustle, and they couldn't even put one of their bosses at the helm of this operation? How rude, and deeply boring. Well, I suppose we ought to make sure we get one of them to take to the authorities, so let us away, girls. Chop chop--
[But then Jacinthe turns around properly, head in the clouds as ever as she flicks a short strand of hair out of her face, and she catches what she didn't expect.
She wanted him to pursue her, for once. She's always felt like she's been the mirror barely following his reflection, the little one barely toddling behind the footsteps of a much greater, kinder man who she wanted to emulate so badly it hurt. Who she...
Well, no time for that. Jacinthe crushes those thoughts easily as she fixes Corbeau a practiced, bright smile.]
Sir, it's rather dangerous to come in here, you know. You should go out where it's safe, hm?
[Maybe if she plays dumb and pretends enough, he'll go away. Or maybe he'll call her bluff; she's not entirely sure, but both of her partners stare at her and at Meowstic and her trainer, confused more than anything.]
1 / 2
He knew that the woman Philippe described looked different, but seeing Jacinthe now... She's radiant. Well, she's always been radiant. But there's something about seeing her new appearance - short hair, new outfit, same bright smile - that makes him feel—
And then she opens her mouth.]
...
no subject
[Meowstic bristles beside him, gearing up for a fight, because clearly that's where this is headed. Corbeau doesn't get angry without good reason, and now he's yelling, so clearly—]
You're just gonna pretend like you don't know me, like that'll somehow make this all go away!?
[—orrrrrr not. Okay. She doesn't know what's going on anymore. She'll just wait for the cue to attack, she supposes.]
no subject
Somehow, deep in her heart of hearts, she knew he wasn't going to make this easy. She doesn't even try to hold up the facade anymore; her arms fold in front of her neatly, like she's the picture of prim and elegant perfection, but her eyes have gone that deeply distinct brand of unamused she gets when things don't go her way. Or maybe it's just a distance she wants to keep, because she made the mistake of letting her emotions guide her before. Never again.
When she speaks, it's more than a little sharp, barbs raised and her Pokemon looking even more confused as she speaks coldly.]
Oh, no. I simply thought it would be much easier if we attempted to start from scratch, but it seems that I was incorrect. I would watch my mouth, however, if I was you; I am in no mood to tolerate your attitude.
[Maybe if she pushes him away enough, he'll go. Let him think them enemies, because it'd be so much easier. He'll make that awful noise of disapproval and just make it all the easier to leave again, and he won't interfere with the new life she's so desperately tried to claw for herself.]
What exactly is it that you want?
no subject
...But no, that's a childish and stupid way of looking at it. He knows himself better than that. He'd never be able to forgive himself for treating her so poorly. So Corbeau takes a breath and steadies himself. He adjusts his glasses. He tries again.]
I wanted to find you. It... didn't feel right, leaving things as they were. I want to know why you left and cut contact with everyone.
[He's quiet for a moment, eyes flicking away.]
Was it because of what happened that day? My reaction?
[Should he apologize? Would that even help at this point? He isn't exactly sorry, because he doesn't think he did anything wrong, but he doesn't really understand what happened. It seems foolish to offer an apology for something he's not sure warrants it. So... let's start with this and see where that takes us.]
no subject
What on earth are you talking about? You didn't do anything wrong.
[It's out of her mouth before she can stop it, and maybe it's a little uncharacteristic of her, of all people, to take the blame. But it was her fault. It was her fault all of this happened, she screwed up with one of the few genuine friends she had and she panicked and--
Jacinthe wants to walk away so damn badly, because confronting this means confronting the puzzle of what she actually...feels, about Corbeau. And by the way her gaze seems to dart, she's...really not ready for that, and she finds herself shaking her head.]
--There's no reason to talk about this further. Your reaction made things quite clear that day, and I've been content to put it out of my mind and find my own way since. If anything, I should be thanking you for bringing me out of my silly little fantasy! It truly works wonders to clear the mind.
Now, if you will excuse me--
[So if you don't mind, she is going to try and walk past him--if he's this stubborn, she doesn't imagine he'll make this easy, but this is for the best. Surely he has to realize that?]
no subject
Corbeau moves to block the stairs, reaching to call out Scolipede to ensure that she won't be getting past. The giant bug looks at Jacinthe with an expression that can best be summed up as !!! both because he likes her quite a bit and because this can only be a good thing for his trainer to have found her so soon, right?? Meowstic also stands beside him, but she's a willowy little thing who is not exactly great at blocking the stairs. She's doing her best!! But she'd be more useful if she was using her psychic powers and Corbeau's already told her not to.]
I still don't understand. What happened that day?
[He exhales, frustrated, and tries again.]
...I thought it was the sort of thing we'd talk about in a day or so, after the adrenaline wore off and things were taken care of with our respective groups. I didn't think it was all that big a deal. I didn't know how to feel about it in the moment, and when you took off, I assumed you just needed some time to calm down.
Is that what drove you away? My reaction to it?
[Is he the reason why she left? Why she never got to see her parents again? Things were complicated with them, sure, but...]
no subject
Of all of the things that get her to hesitate, it's the genuine joy that Scolipede looks at her with that actually gets her to consider against it. Because somehow, harming a creature that's looking at her with such joy feels...cruel, almost.
Her shaking hasn't stopped, but Jacinthe finally speaks up after a moment, closing her eyes.]
Zut alors...yes. Fine! It was your reaction that drove me away that day, at least in part; knowing just how little the SBC as a whole actually respects me contributed to such a factor as well. But I let myself get consumed by a flight of fancy that I still do not understand to this day, and I have put it out of my mind for years because I had assumed it was fairly cut and dry! I am still terribly sorry for springing such a thing upon you, but answer me this much:
Are you aware that I cannot tell what you are thinking, Corbeau?
[Something in Jacinthe finally starts to actually anger at this, at the realization that. Oh, she's. Actually a lot madder about this than she thought--]
And do you know how demoralizing it is to have you have implied that I have been simply thinking too much, feeling as if I have been considered stupid for such a thing, only to have those events transpire with one of the few people who have shown me any sort of care without condition?
I am not considering myself entitled to you in the slightest, because I am not. You are your own man, and even though I have struggled with it, I am now my own woman, and...
[Maybe this much will get him to go away. Maybe this much will get him angry enough to fight back, and the bridge will fully burn away into nothing. Because she simply isn't good enough yet, not for him, not for anyone. All she wanted was to become strong, strong enough to surpass him so maybe he'd finally--]
...It was the motivation I needed, really. With nothing else to lose, what was stopping me from finally breaking out of the shell of some weak, delicate little damsel in need of protecting that you all see me as?