An Itch You Notice When It's Gone

[photonicfighter]

Has anyone seen Zed anywhere? I haven't. Haven't heard from him, either.

[In spite of her best efforts, worry is creeping into her tone.]

He's not by the sparkling fire-wand. I thought for sure he'd be there. Could he be somewhere else...?

Comments

[neverfeltthatway]

...He's not in liminal space. I'm sorry.

[photonicfighter]

...oh.

[Anyone else telling her that, she could find a reason to deny it or argue against it.
But if Armin was saying as much, then it had to be true. Armin knew how to tell for certain.

There's a considerable pause before she projects to the network again.]

Will you help me keep watch for a dungeon door for him?

[neverfeltthatway]

I... yes, of course.

I'm not very good at sensing dungeon portals myself, but I'll ask Eren to keep an eye out too. If he shows back up, we'll find him and get him back. I promise.

[Not that Armin knew Zed very well, or really liked him. But he likes Dakki, and she's hurting - besides which, he'd do as much for nearly any Traveler out of ambit, no matter how he feels about them.]

[photonicfighter]

Thank you. Even if you're not good at sensing them, maybe you'll see it, if it appears?

[She pauses awkwardly. Aah, she's asking for foolish things...]

...thank you. I don't mean to, to impose. Thank you.

[neverfeltthatway]

If I see it, I'll definitely let you know. And Eren can sense them, and he'll tell me if he finds anything.

[His expression is gentle, his eyes compassionate.]

It's not an imposition. I promise.

[photonicfighter]

I'll have to thank him, too. I'll be sure to. Does... does he like muffins?

[It's not an attempt to change the subject. Honestly.]

Thank you. Again.

[neverfeltthatway]

Does anyone not like muffins?

[It's half a joke, though his delivery is deadpan. Still, if she wants to change the subject, he'll try to smooth the transition and maybe lighten the mood.]

If you really want to get to him with food, though, make something peanut butter flavored.

[photonicfighter]

It's possible. People have preferences.

[Even if she does realize he's likely joking, it's a serious matter, to her. She'll answer it seriously.]

Peanut butter? Ooh. Alright. Does he... does he like chocolate, too?

[neverfeltthatway]

[Oh, well. That didn't really work, did it? Maybe he should stop trying that way - he doesn't seem to be very good with conveying sarcasm.

He doesn't respond to the first track - trying to explain the joke, or explain that it was a joke, would just make the whole thing much worse.]

He does.

[photonicfighter]

Ah, good. I'll make him something nice. It'll be something to do, too...

[Something to take her attention away from all these uncomfortable feelings. But that doesn't need to be said, does it?]

[neverfeltthatway]

...Let me know if you need anything, all right?

[A distraction, someone to talk to... He knows what it's like to lose people.]

[photonicfighter]

I will. Thank you, Armin.

[She's genuinely grateful for the offer. How kind he is.]

[neverfeltthatway]

Any time.

[And he means it, too. No matter what's going on with him, he'll always be there for a friend when they need him.]