abraxaslogs | [ OPEN ] you got a shock to your system

[ ....Nope. It's still awkward as fuck. And the mud bath is starting to feel more than a little chilly.

His gaze darts between them, because he's really not sure what he's supposed to do here. Neither one of them have wanted to talk about this, especially not to him. And they don't seem all that inclined to talk to each other, either. Maybe today was a bad idea after all, because whatever's wrong between them is clearly still too fresh.

He sighs, scrambling to think of what else he can try, sinking a little lower in the mud. ]

Have you guys heard about the beach trip they're planning for this week? I'll probably need some there. It'll be nice to get to go back to Aquila for a vacation for a while, though.

[ She's going to kill Claude. Or dunk his face first into the mud. That would probably make her feel better about the fact that he's being a complete ass about this right now.

The smile on her face doesn't reach her eyes by any means but it remains affixed there at the thought of the man's reaction. In any other situation but this one, it probably would have been perceived as a funny joke. If she did it now it would just be mildly vindictive. Fortunately as it stands, she doesn't feel like wasting much effort in physically dragging herself through the mud to reach him on the other side of the tub. He isn't worth that. ]

What if that makes him reflective though? Obviously he's blindingly handsome but I don't think we want that to literally happen.

[ The mention of the beach trip does perk her up considerably though. ]

It'll be really nice to go with everyone and just spend some time there. We've never had the chance to do that back in Fodlan.

Maybe if one of the spa treatments here is secretly coating him in glitter. It could be that's what we'll all be walking into when it comes to the scrub.

[ If it was any other time, Claude would've laughed at that. There would've been no hesitation: the image of Sylvain being so anti-sun he manages to reflect it somehow is objectively funny. The most he manages now is still feigned pleasantry on the dry side along with an admittedly lame suggestion compared to what might've come out of his mouth - there's a good chance the omission says as much as anything else.

This is his best attempt beyond continuing to ignore or breeze past what was said. It's also not one he really cares to expand upon but with an internal sigh he puts recalcitrance aside. Sort of, and only for Sylvain's sake since he hadn't missed that sinking down, though he keeps talking while glancing back wistfully over his shoulder and wishing he'd brought his tea to the edge of the bath rather than leaving it on a table. ]

Hopefully this time we'll get to go without having to move anything that can electrocute us in the process. At least if it's already warmer in Aquila compared to Cadens we'll have the sea to go along with it.

I could use a vacation with a lot less tentacles involved, that's true enough.

[ He manages to deliver that line with a straight face, even if it's a bit of a struggle.

Beneath the mud, one hand slips to the side a little and manages to find Claude's hand beneath the mud. He hasn't missed the lack of laughter, the absence of easy teasing. It feels weird to have the banter without it. That has him worrying even more than their edged tones and casual-but-not-really disinterest in each other, and he threads their fingers together for a moment, giving a squeeze.

His other hand gets a finger playfully waving in Hilda's direction as he smirks at her. ]

Did you just admit you find me blindingly handsome? Why, Hilda, I'm so flattered. And here I thought you were so worried about my ego growing too big to handle. [ He winks at her, because that had definitely almost been a completely different tangent, but he's behaving himself. Mostly. ]

[ Hilda recognizes the absence all too well. Not that she cares. She tells herself that she's taught herself to steel herself against the Claude-shaped absence in her life in a very short time. So long as she keeps reminding herself of that, the pang in her heart will become less noticeable and as time passes, it will mean it'll never bother her again.

Even the mention of their harrowing time on the beach trying to save the giant jellyfish doesn't tug at her heartstrings. She'll be the dumb, petty creature that he made her out to be.

The reference to the night of the gala prompts Hilda to swat harmlessly at the finger being waved at her along with sticking her tongue out for good measure. Her voice is nothing but a teasing lilt, coaxing it back to a level of Normal despite what she says. ]

Just figuratively because you don't have any glitter on you. If there's anything else growing, just say the word and I'll show myself out.

[ There's a roll of his eyes as he turns back around conveniently timed for both tentacles and things growing, and a squeeze of the hand that finds his. ]

I think we're both out of here then. That means you really get to enjoy the mud all to yourself at that point, just like you wanted.

[ An empty threat considering that'd mean missing out on the pampering happening all around - even if Claude can admit (to himself) there's not much relaxation taking place yet. Not anything past an illusion, anyway, but one he's determined to stick to since navigating a deeply uncomfortable situation is nothing new to him even if who it is involves is.

But it's getting easier, or so he wants to believe though the evidence of that has yet to present itself, and he sits up enough to shrug one shoulder visibly rather than it looking like a random shifting of mud. ]

Unless you mean you're just that happy to have the mud growing on you, in which case we could probably arrange taking you out of here to let it all dry on you like some kind of mask. Just think of it as a bonus treatment before all the others.

[ Sigh. ]

Just how long are we supposed to soak in the mud anyway? You two are supposed to be the experts at this whole spa thing, after all.

[ Dear Goddess, if they keep this up, he's going to be tempted to just bury himself in it for real. ]

[ Barbs peppered with pettiness litter Claude's words and it takes all of Hilda's twenty-five years of practiced decorum to bite back the sneer that would probably look more like bared teeth than anything else. Instead, it's just a sweet smile with a lot of bite. ]

It was a joke, Claude. [ Saccharine sweetness gilds her icy tone. Her tone practically dares him to leave because she'd be happy to see him go even if Sylvain would be in tow. ] You should know that. Time somewhere really changes, a person huh?

[ Aside from the tone, only Claude would know what she's referring to, something that is so blatantly done with intent that Hilda wouldn't even bother to deny it. But she's quick to move on and act like she had said nothing awful at all. ]

We should be done soon. They'll come in and let us know so we can shower off the mud and move to the next treatment.

[ He'd moved on, as far as he was concerned, but when that tone's directed his way Claude sends Hilda a very bored look like her reaction is too predictable. ]

I know it was, Hilda, which is why I was talking about us being the ones to leave Sylvain in the mud. Maybe if you weren't in such a rush to uninvite yourself yet again you would've thought of that.

[ That's what he's assuming is the reason behind her taking offense this time when it comes to the topic of anyone leaving as he's not forgotten that from earlier. Said joke wasn't clear, probably, but Claude can't bring himself to care.

Instead he cocks his head to one side, still studying her as she moves on like that's really going to happen. This would be the time to leave things alone and continue on for Sylvain's sake - that thing he'd been reminding himself to do all along - but what she's said grates on his nerves too much to let it go and pretend. ]

I'm well aware you don't want me here, but if you suddenly have something to say to me then just say it. Unless you'd rather make some other assumptions first?

Why wouldn't I make assumptions? You left out details and details are kind of important when it comes to communicating.

[ Hilda to her credit, doesn't miss a beat despite the bored look striking a nerve. Several years of verbal sparring with nobles that had particularly catty dispositions had prepared her for this. That, and she'd be lying if she said that she didn't enjoy some of this. Her eyelashes flutter innocently in response while letting out a blithe little laugh. ]

But I forgot who I'm talking to. You are Mr. Leader Man for a reason. [ Her muddy hand splays dramatically across her chest as her brow furrows in faux concern. ] Are you sure you don't have any assumptions you want to keep making though? Because that one about me not wanting you here definitely sounds like one.

Are they? And here I thought you preferred not having all the details so you could twist them to be whatever you want.

[ There's the tiniest bit of sharpness creeping into his tone there considering that while what Hilda's said is correct - and that her pointing this out is as well - Claude can't help but feel like that's pinning everything on him alone. There were two of them in that argument, and he wasn't the one who wasn't listening. Or so he tells himself.

He leans back against the edge of the mud bath again, but his gaze remains focused on her even while maintaining the picture of repose as he waves a hand in an unconcerned gesture. ]

That's in your own words just now, so I don't see why you're asking for my input. You're the one who said you have all the answers.

[ She blinks innocently at that too, unmoved by something that she certainly doesn't believe to be true. As far as she's concerned, she hasn't twisted anything. Her assumptions as Claude was referring to, were more like conclusions in her mind. What else could they be when he hadn't wanted to tell her anything? ]

I have no idea what you're referring to, Claude.

[ Her tone smooths out into a simper, one that both Sylvain and Claude can likely recognize as one strictly reserved for when she's really trying to put on the delicate flower act. This particular tone however has something else sprinkled on top. It's the distinct taste of patronizing folded underneath cavity enducing sweetness.. ]

I haven't done either of those things. If anything, I'm just trying to ensure that you feel heard and that I clarified any misunderstandings I might have had. [ She pushes her bottom lip out. ] You know, so we can avoid them in the future.

[ Everything she says successfully plays upon all of his nerves.

The act is one he's familiar with - quite familiar from having watched it be used on others for years. It's awfully entertaining until it's being turned on him in a way that's distinctively not playful like their back and forths of other times. It brings forth that simmering feeling fueled by deep hurt he refuses to fully acknowledge as she insists this is all some kind of misunderstanding with that faux politeness.

Maybe this is where they could talk about some of those things if it wasn't for spite keeping everything choked back, but not today. Whatever will he'd had left to behave evaporates in seconds flat as he reaches for words meant to sting said as evenly as ever. ]

Huh. Why would we have any misunderstandings later?

[ The smile he puts on is every bit as condescending to match the patronizing sent his way, and it certainly doesn't reach anywhere near his eyes. ]

I suppose we can clear up this one happening right now. Because for there to be something else to be confused over in the future, that'd require me to have anything left to say to you. [ A beat, and then a dismissive shrug follows. ] And I don't.

[ Hilda's expression remains affixed on her face. Whether it's a figment of her imagination or not, the ominous rumbling of thunder echoes somewhere off in the distance as Claude fires back barb after barb at her. There's an attempt to ignore the bitterness of a curtain closed on their friendship, but, she reminds herself, he had done so first.

The rational part of her, desperate to try and reel this back to some semblance of normalcy for Sylvain's sake, is drowned out by bratty, petty thoughts. Instead of trying to have a civilized conversation with Claude, explaining why she reacted the way she did, the urge to do something that would be sure to slide the dismissive shrug off Claude's face wins out.

An icy smile that doesn't reach her eyes locks into her features, replacing the faux innocence from before. ]

Succinct as always, Mr. Leader Man.

[ It's not quite a concession - although she certainly makes it out to be that way. Hilda makes a motion like she's about to get up and leave, but instead, reaches across with a muddy hand, forcing his face into the mud before drawing her hand back like she hadn't just given into her intrusive thoughts. ]

[ Sylvain had fallen silent through all this, his gaze ping-ponging back and forth between them as their barbs grew sharper and more vicious. He’d opened his mouth a few times to try and interject, but there’d been no space, not with how focused they were on verbally eviscerating one another. A few of those blows even had him wincing at the pointed aim of them.

And it’s pretty clear by now, they’d completely forgotten he was even here. Or maybe that just didn’t matter.

But Hilda’s physical act was the final straw and Sylvain’s hand darts out to snatch her wrist away - even if its far too late to salvage any of this. ]

Enough!

[ The word comes out heated and sharp and they’re both graced with the very rare sight of Sylvain’s actual temper making an appearance as he lurches to his feet and glares down at both of them. Fortunately, the tub’s deep enough that the mud hides everything but his torso right now, because this wouldn’t have remained a very serious scolding for very long otherwise.

His angry gaze darts between the two of them for a moment before he throws his hands in the air. ]

Look, if all you two want to do is be cruel and continue to hurt each other over and over again, then fine. Have at it. But I don’t have to sit here and watch you do it. I’ve had more than enough of this petty bullshit to last a lifetime and the last people I want to go through it again with is the two of you. So thanks for the invitation, I appreciate the gesture, but today was clearly a bad idea all around.

[ He starts wading for the edge of the bath but pauses before he climbs out, jabbing a muddy finger in their direction. ] Figure your shit out, you two. I thought we were past fights like this when we outgrew the Academy. We’re all supposed to be better than this.

[ Shaking his head in disgust - and maybe more than a little disappointment - he hauls himself up and out of the bath and stomps back off towards the dressing rooms to shower and change. He intends to be gone before either of them can get out and come after him. ]

[ There's a split second in which Claude recognizes what it is Hilda's about to do when she reaches forward, but in that moment it's already too late for him to react. His face meeting the mud is somehow both surprising and not, and he's more determined than ever to not give Hilda the satisfaction of any reaction when he sits back up and wipes it away to be able to see.

He'd been aware of Sylvain's movement, but the sudden outburst has even Claude freezing in place. His gaze falls upon the other man in an instant as he starts to open his mouth to say - something, an apology but to him alone, maybe, though there's no time to even get one syllable out before they're lambasted.

Deservedly, Claude can admit (to himself), which makes the words smart all the more when they land as intended. Sylvain stands then moves to get out of the tub and he's still at a loss for words. It doesn't matter since then they're left alone in the mud by themselves.

Sylvain's right that this was a bad idea since they couldn't even get it together enough to make it through one treatment of the many that'd been planned for this trip. They really were supposed to be better than this, and that only intensifies the resentment that he doesn't even know where to direct. It starts with a withering look sent Hilda's direction; it both feels right and not, but he's not focusing on the latter. Having nothing to say had been more of an insult than anything else at the time, and now? Now he finds he means it.

When Claude pulls apart the tangled and knotted up feelings later on in the night after returning home, he'll find guilt for things turning out this way, irritation for both being at fault here and not the only one who caused it, and most importantly of all: that incredible ache of loss that'd taken root in his chest after their fight and refused to dislodge its thorns ever since. Each day that goes by without them speaking causes another one to appear, but he doesn't want to fix it.

It's not enough now to convince him to do anything other than climb out of the tub himself to not only move onto something else him but also leave Hilda behind with her own thoughts. Because whatever they are, Claude tells himself in yet another lie as he grabs his towel and exits, he certainly doesn't care. ]

[ Hilda can't even bring herself to relish in the childish action. When Sylvain raises his voice, Hilda looks like a deer caught in the headlights as the smug look on her face slides right off.

In another scenario, in another time, they might all have laughed at her actions because no matter how much dignity a person had, no one looked cool wiping mud off their face. But at this point in time she and Claude don't get along, their friendship status in shambles. And after Sylvain's words, maybe her friendship with him might be called into question too.

The bratty part of her that has yet to retreat back to where it came from certainly thinks so. The urge to scoff even as Sylvain departs angrily from the room is there but she purses her lips together instead, letting the angry pink patches on her face bloom. Who was he calling childish? Sylvain didn't know the details of their fight, and certainly had no idea that she thought her behaviour towards Claude was justified. And why would he think that? If she told him, the likelihood of him siding with Claude was probably greater than him siding with her. There's no evidence to support that claim, but she's spent so long convincing herself that there's no room for her between them that the evidence doesn't have to be real.

The thought steels her long enough to shoot Claude a frosty look back before pointedly looking away as he departs from the tub and the room. When she's sure he's departed, she wriggles herself from the mud, taking a long hot shower in order to cleanse the mud and what had just happened from her before flouncing off to her other treatments.

Somewhere between her manicure and facial, her rational voice returns along with the guilt. She'll feel bad about dragging Sylvain in as victim and witness to their war path, terrible for even thinking that there were sides to this, and awful about her initial reaction to a justified scolding. And for what she did to Claude? She can't let herself feel bad about anything she had said or done to him. As far as she's concerned, she doesn't care to think about him anymore than he clearly doesn't want to think about her.

Not caring was the only way she was going to move on. ]

[ OPEN ] you got a shock to your system

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