IC inbox ➢ etraya

[sweetmilk]

un: emberflit

𝚟𝚘𝚒𝚌𝚎 . 𝚟𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚘 . 𝚝𝚎𝚡𝚝 . 𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗

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[sweetmilk]

That is too bad. The swans were excellent soldiers.

A lab.

[ A delay. He adds: ]

That was a joke. I doubt you have one in your pocket.

Did you still require a new brace for that knee? Are you certain I cannot convince you to replace it entirely?

[ Another pause. Janna, he hates texting. ]

That was also a joke.

[somnifer]

Do you always explain when you're joking? You never know. I could've had a lab lying around. So you're a scientist?

I always wanted to be a cyborg. Sounds cool. [ Is Noctis the one joking now? Hard to tell. ]

[sweetmilk]

It is difficult to tell through text, so yes. Though I do note it in person as well. I do not think most understand my sense of humor.

Do you have a lab laying around?

I am.

It has it's benefits to be sure.

[somnifer]

Weird. But I guess not everyone gets sarcasm.

Not right now, but I wouldn't know what kind of stuff you'd need in it anyway. You need me to find supplies?

I bet. No feeling like ass in the cold or rain, for one. But yeah, I could use a new brace. What are you asking for it?

[sweetmilk]

So it seems.

There is a junkyard here that I intend to go through to see what might be useful. If you are serious about offering assistance, you can meet me there.

Of course, rust is an issue.

[ Viktor resists the urge to clearly label that as a joke. Chem-treated steel doesn't rust. Ask him about it. He can go on for hours. ]

I do not charge for my work. If you need it, I will make it. We would have to discuss specifications however, and what you can tell me about the nature of your injury.

[somnifer]

Course. I do this all the time back home. Umbra can help, too. He's got a good nose. [ Not specifying Umbra is a dog, Noctis? Helpful. ]

What about squeaking?

I got in an accident when I was a kid. Spinal injury. [ That took forever to type. He hates talking about this, but — ] I can explain more when I see you.

[sweetmilk]

You regularly find yourself picking through garbage with your acquaintance with a good nose?

[ He's teasing, but he is curious. Most people don't do good deeds in his experience, but it seems like this young man is possessed of a desire to prove him wrong. ]

I will endeavor to make sure you do not squeak, rattle, or groan.

I see. Have you considered a brace for your spine as well? I used to wear one and am quite familiar with them. I had a twisted spine for most of my life.

[somnifer]

Yeah. Technically we're hunters, but we travel a lot and help people out with stuff. My Our country's in the middle of a war, so there's lots of places that need support.

[ That text actually makes him smile. Viktor's sense of humor reminds him of Ignis. ]

You're a real pal.

Sorry you had to go through that too. It sucks. [ He hesitates, debating. ] How long did you have to wear it?

[sweetmilk]

Have you always been so generous with your time?

You would be the first to accuse me of that in a long time.

It does indeed suck. [ There's something ridiculous about reducing it down to something so simple and yet it is comforting in a way. ] I had to wear it every day until I replaced my entire spine.

Not the answer you were hoping for, I assume.

[somnifer]

It's a long story. The short version is yes.

Bad? I could call you something different if you want.

[ Yeesh. ] Not exactly, but if it worked. What's the recovery time like for that?

[sweetmilk]

Now I am interested in the full story.

No. It is just an unfamiliar sentiment.

By then, I had installed a pain inhibitor and had already replaced much of my chest cavity. Even then, it took four months to fully recover.