[Deep breaths. Shake it off. He very carefully doesn't let any annoyance or pain seep through the pearl, keeping a tight leash on himself. He allows himself to be taken by the sight instead- it is, indeed, not just Numel's amazement being carried through the pearls.
He's nestled himself into a somewhat more comfortable position, holding out his Grumpearl on one paw, when Shoka calls through, and he looks up at her.]
All good. [He gives her a grin.] You good up there? Don't lose your balance now.
[Deflect from it, make it out to be something small and humorous- that's what it was, right? Just a small, embarrassing moment. Numel didn't seem to notice his discomfort at least, and that's a relief.
Before long, the sun slowly starts setting, and Numel thanks them for their help, excited and thoroughly amazed by the sights he was shown. They all wave their goodbyes, before thr Grumpearl's connection is terminated.]
That was nice, [Ren says, satisfied with the outcome of the mission. He looks out over the sea, smiling.] Guess it's time we head back, too.
[The sun is setting, and it's about time for them to head back... But Shoka doesn't show any signs of moving. Seeming lost in thought, she stares out at the waves rolling under the orange-streaked sky in silence.]
... Hey. What happened back there? [She suddenly glances at Ren sidelong.] When you dropped your pearl. You didn't just lose your balance, did you?
[He notices that she's not moving, and he wanders back to her, about to ask what's wrong, but then she turns to him.]
Oh. Um...
[... Well, he supposes he might've not hidden it as well as he thought. Still, he doesn't want her to worry, so he waves off her concern as best he can.]
Well, ya got me. I think I stepped on the sharp edge of a shell or something. The sudden poke startled me, so I tripped.
Yeah, I'm not buying that. Something's been up with you for a while now—even before today.
[His question goes ignored. Her honest answer (maybe) is probably implied in the fact that she's bringing this up at all anyway.]
And what about that mark on your forehead? [She points to the forehead of her disguise, indicating a spot that mirrors that of Ren's scar.] Was that just from a shell, too?
[Shoka exhales a sigh. It seems she doesn't buy that either.]
More like a vibe check. [And he's failing it.] Don't play dumb. I know something's off. I just wanna know what.
[But maybe she shouldn't be prying, if he's being so evasive about it. Maybe it's none of her business. She wouldn't presume to call him her friend, after all. She doesn't even know why he'd say he's had his fill of interrogations.
[Frustration and worry make her voice emerge more harshly than she intends it to, almost a hiss. A moment later, she deflates in embarrassment, the ears of her disguise drooping low.]
But... fine. I won't push it. If that's really all it is. [Or if Ren really doesn't want to talk about it, rather.] I just. Don't want you to think you have to go through it alone or something... If anything does happen. That's all.
[She glances up at the sunset, then down at the sand—at anything but Ren—before she starts to shuffle in the direction of the Spire.]
[Ren doesn't flinch at her tone of voice. He doesn't.
He just... doesn't want to worry her.]
I appreciate it, for what it's worth, [he says, carefully, trying to perk up a bit.] I promise that if something is actually wrong, I'll let you or someone else know.
[Liar.
Still, he's grateful when she finally relents, and suggest they return to the Spire. He shoots her a small smile.]
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no subject
He's nestled himself into a somewhat more comfortable position, holding out his Grumpearl on one paw, when Shoka calls through, and he looks up at her.]
All good. [He gives her a grin.] You good up there? Don't lose your balance now.
[Deflect from it, make it out to be something small and humorous- that's what it was, right? Just a small, embarrassing moment. Numel didn't seem to notice his discomfort at least, and that's a relief.
Before long, the sun slowly starts setting, and Numel thanks them for their help, excited and thoroughly amazed by the sights he was shown. They all wave their goodbyes, before thr Grumpearl's connection is terminated.]
That was nice, [Ren says, satisfied with the outcome of the mission. He looks out over the sea, smiling.] Guess it's time we head back, too.
no subject
[The sun is setting, and it's about time for them to head back... But Shoka doesn't show any signs of moving. Seeming lost in thought, she stares out at the waves rolling under the orange-streaked sky in silence.]
... Hey. What happened back there? [She suddenly glances at Ren sidelong.] When you dropped your pearl. You didn't just lose your balance, did you?
no subject
[He notices that she's not moving, and he wanders back to her, about to ask what's wrong, but then she turns to him.]
Oh. Um...
[... Well, he supposes he might've not hidden it as well as he thought. Still, he doesn't want her to worry, so he waves off her concern as best he can.]
Well, ya got me. I think I stepped on the sharp edge of a shell or something. The sudden poke startled me, so I tripped.
[He gives her a grin, his voice teasing.]
What, were you worried about little ol' me?
no subject
[His question goes ignored. Her honest answer (maybe) is probably implied in the fact that she's bringing this up at all anyway.]
And what about that mark on your forehead? [She points to the forehead of her disguise, indicating a spot that mirrors that of Ren's scar.] Was that just from a shell, too?
no subject
Oh... that?
[It's... Ren doesn't want to think about it. He's-]
I got hit in the head with something while training. It didn't heal quite right, so here we are.
[He doesn't want to talk about this. He's achy and tired and while today was fun, he wants to go rest up.]
Really, Shoka, I'm fine. What is this, an interrogation? I've had my fill of those back home, you know.
[His voice is light, but if Shoka's attentive, she may notice a very, very subtle undertone of discomfort.]
no subject
More like a vibe check. [And he's failing it.] Don't play dumb. I know something's off. I just wanna know what.
[But maybe she shouldn't be prying, if he's being so evasive about it. Maybe it's none of her business. She wouldn't presume to call him her friend, after all. She doesn't even know why he'd say he's had his fill of interrogations.
Nevertheless, she's concerned.]
I mean, we're... teammates or whatever, right?
no subject
I-- well, yes, but... [His grin is slowly growing more strained.] I'm fine, Shoka, really. It's nothing you should concern yourself with.
[And it isn't! It's Ren's problem to deal with, not hers.]
I'm just a bit tired, and all the training's got me a bit sore. That's all.
no subject
[Frustration and worry make her voice emerge more harshly than she intends it to, almost a hiss. A moment later, she deflates in embarrassment, the ears of her disguise drooping low.]
But... fine. I won't push it. If that's really all it is. [Or if Ren really doesn't want to talk about it, rather.] I just. Don't want you to think you have to go through it alone or something... If anything does happen. That's all.
[She glances up at the sunset, then down at the sand—at anything but Ren—before she starts to shuffle in the direction of the Spire.]
Whatever. Let's get outta here.
SORRY FOR TAKING SO LONG RIP
He just... doesn't want to worry her.]
I appreciate it, for what it's worth, [he says, carefully, trying to perk up a bit.] I promise that if something is actually wrong, I'll let you or someone else know.
[Liar.
Still, he's grateful when she finally relents, and suggest they return to the Spire. He shoots her a small smile.]
Let's. I'm starving.