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[He's tempted, but he doesn't want retaliation when he might be more ticklish than she is. He settles for tucking her hair back and kissing her temple again.]
Pyra, um... I just... I love you, you know? I'm here for you. I wanna make sure I say it more.
[It's such a simple way to give her encouragement or make her smile, why would he not? She deserves more reminders of how she's not alone.]
Pyra, um... I just... I love you, you know? I'm here for you. I wanna make sure I say it more.
[It's such a simple way to give her encouragement or make her smile, why would he not? She deserves more reminders of how she's not alone.]
[ She tilts her head as his lips find her temple, her own curl affectionately in response. But when he pulls back and speaks, her smile sobers.
He doesn't have to say it, as he shows his love in so many other ways. However, she loves hearing it all the same. She, too, loves telling him that she loves him. There's only so much time left with him for her to be able to say it to him.
Her hand finds his cheek. ]
I hear every word.
[ Fear is a driving force to have her leave, to give in to the belief she should seclude herself, bury herself, or otherwise isolate and never emerge, to beg for an end; but so too is love-- she fears the deaths and harm of all because she loves them, she doesn't want to hurt them. The force that pushes against this is love as well. She wants to stay, because she loves them. She loves him. She wants to be there to give and show that love herself...
Sometimes the conflict tears at her. Sometimes it's difficult, when there's a reminder such as the memory playing before her. Yet when he says he loves her, things become clearer, and she realizes where she is-- this other world-- and with whom she is-- someone she loves. ]
And I love you, too, I--.... [ Her gaze is grateful. ] Thank you.
He doesn't have to say it, as he shows his love in so many other ways. However, she loves hearing it all the same. She, too, loves telling him that she loves him. There's only so much time left with him for her to be able to say it to him.
Her hand finds his cheek. ]
I hear every word.
[ Fear is a driving force to have her leave, to give in to the belief she should seclude herself, bury herself, or otherwise isolate and never emerge, to beg for an end; but so too is love-- she fears the deaths and harm of all because she loves them, she doesn't want to hurt them. The force that pushes against this is love as well. She wants to stay, because she loves them. She loves him. She wants to be there to give and show that love herself...
Sometimes the conflict tears at her. Sometimes it's difficult, when there's a reminder such as the memory playing before her. Yet when he says he loves her, things become clearer, and she realizes where she is-- this other world-- and with whom she is-- someone she loves. ]
And I love you, too, I--.... [ Her gaze is grateful. ] Thank you.
...Yeah. Any time.
[It feels weird to be thanked (or to say 'you're welcome' for something like this) but he understands why. It's more than the words themselves, it's the whole of it, and while he may think this to be the bare minimum he should be doing, he knows it must mean a hell of a lot more to her. He feels much the same way when she supports him, after all.
He knows he can't always be there for her; even when he is around, he fumbles at times. That just means he needs to do right by her when he's able. The last thing he wants is for her to fall into a funk or be driven further to tears because of the pressure she gets from her own past, with no one around to alleviate it. The life they live here is for them, not fate or destiny or the future that's doomed without them. All of that can wait. He's... not ready to let go of her. Maybe that is selfish, but he'll ban that word from his vocabulary as long as he can, where it relates to her.]
I think... we should sit here like this at least until lunch, just because we can.
[It feels weird to be thanked (or to say 'you're welcome' for something like this) but he understands why. It's more than the words themselves, it's the whole of it, and while he may think this to be the bare minimum he should be doing, he knows it must mean a hell of a lot more to her. He feels much the same way when she supports him, after all.
He knows he can't always be there for her; even when he is around, he fumbles at times. That just means he needs to do right by her when he's able. The last thing he wants is for her to fall into a funk or be driven further to tears because of the pressure she gets from her own past, with no one around to alleviate it. The life they live here is for them, not fate or destiny or the future that's doomed without them. All of that can wait. He's... not ready to let go of her. Maybe that is selfish, but he'll ban that word from his vocabulary as long as he can, where it relates to her.]
I think... we should sit here like this at least until lunch, just because we can.
[ Her hand falls from his cheek, and instead she links her arm around his, drawing close to lean against him, making a small noise of agreement-- ] Mm. [ --then, more firmly: ] Yes.... Let's.
[ Just spending time together, cuddling and warm, enjoying his presence... She wouldn't be able to do this, if she had given in to her fear and found some place to vanish. Not losing to fear means being brave, even against the toughest of memories.
"Mythra... It will be okay." ]
[ Just spending time together, cuddling and warm, enjoying his presence... She wouldn't be able to do this, if she had given in to her fear and found some place to vanish. Not losing to fear means being brave, even against the toughest of memories.
"Mythra... It will be okay." ]
[ A voice, faint and small replies to herself.
"Yeah.... Yeah." An inhale. "Okay."
Addam-- herself, too-- was right to seal and sink her at the time. It's all they could have done, it's what was responsible, and there was no safer way for the world. But here... the world remains safe, still, and she's walking among others. There's no one after her-- there aren't even either of the other two of the Trinity here. Alrest and its conflicts are worlds away.
"It will be okay." ]
"Yeah.... Yeah." An inhale. "Okay."
Addam-- herself, too-- was right to seal and sink her at the time. It's all they could have done, it's what was responsible, and there was no safer way for the world. But here... the world remains safe, still, and she's walking among others. There's no one after her-- there aren't even either of the other two of the Trinity here. Alrest and its conflicts are worlds away.
"It will be okay." ]
[ She'll be in their backyard, tending to both of their birds whenever he finds her, and she'll greet in him with a kind smile as he approaches. ]
There you are. [ She greets him as if she had been looking for him which-- clearly, as she's petting Captain's long feathers-- she hadn't been. Her lips curl upward into a teasing, but loving smile. ] You're just in time for me to tell you that you're wonderful today, too.
There you are. [ She greets him as if she had been looking for him which-- clearly, as she's petting Captain's long feathers-- she hadn't been. Her lips curl upward into a teasing, but loving smile. ] You're just in time for me to tell you that you're wonderful today, too.
[ She smiles sheepishly at both the flattery and kiss upon her hand, and her other one abandons Captain's feathers to cup over their joined hands, smoothing her fingers over his knuckles. ]
Lucky us.
[ His smile isn't quite full, she notices, but-- she doesn't inquire, at least, not yet. Instead, she continues casually, ] I was just caring for your chocobo and Horus.... Don't tell them, because I think they might deny it-- but I think they're starting to get along.
Lucky us.
[ His smile isn't quite full, she notices, but-- she doesn't inquire, at least, not yet. Instead, she continues casually, ] I was just caring for your chocobo and Horus.... Don't tell them, because I think they might deny it-- but I think they're starting to get along.
Lots and lots of treats--.... Feeding time, together. [ Reward with association!
Pyra does smile as she looks back at the two birds, allowing herself a small proud smile, as if she has managed to accomplish something. Horus, a bird of prey, and Captain, a domesticated steed... who knew the two would get along? ]
I don't think it's to the point that Captain will allow Horus to ride atop her head, though. [ She adds with a laugh. ]
Pyra does smile as she looks back at the two birds, allowing herself a small proud smile, as if she has managed to accomplish something. Horus, a bird of prey, and Captain, a domesticated steed... who knew the two would get along? ]
I don't think it's to the point that Captain will allow Horus to ride atop her head, though. [ She adds with a laugh. ]
[ Pyra plays along with Noctis. ]
As dashing as eyepatches can be, don't worry Captain, I'll make sure you'll keep both!
[ Horus, being a hunting bird, seems to recognize his name being called earlier, but doesn't appear understand the exchange taking place. His wings rustle, and he shuffles a step over upon his perch, but nothing more. ]
As dashing as eyepatches can be, don't worry Captain, I'll make sure you'll keep both!
[ Horus, being a hunting bird, seems to recognize his name being called earlier, but doesn't appear understand the exchange taking place. His wings rustle, and he shuffles a step over upon his perch, but nothing more. ]
No doubt she's grateful.
[Captain gives a softer kweh again and tucks her legs under her. Noctis glances over as Horus fluffs up, and when he finds that both birds are properly settled, he refocuses quietly and gives Pyra's hand a light squeeze.]
Hey... can I borrow you for a bit?
[Captain gives a softer kweh again and tucks her legs under her. Noctis glances over as Horus fluffs up, and when he finds that both birds are properly settled, he refocuses quietly and gives Pyra's hand a light squeeze.]
Hey... can I borrow you for a bit?
Here's fine.
[What he's going to tell her needs to be passed along to Ignis and Prompto as well, so it's not a big deal if they come in and overhear. And he's not about to shout it loud enough for the neighbours to hear.
With her hand in his, he guides her over to the back porch and sits on the steps, lightly tugging her to join him. He's trying not to be nervous - it really shouldn't be merited - but this hadn't gone well with Gladio, so it's hard not to be a little worried about how to convey it better.]
First, um... I want you to hear me out before you freak out or start worrying. Or- try, at least. I promise it's not that bad.
[What he's going to tell her needs to be passed along to Ignis and Prompto as well, so it's not a big deal if they come in and overhear. And he's not about to shout it loud enough for the neighbours to hear.
With her hand in his, he guides her over to the back porch and sits on the steps, lightly tugging her to join him. He's trying not to be nervous - it really shouldn't be merited - but this hadn't gone well with Gladio, so it's hard not to be a little worried about how to convey it better.]
First, um... I want you to hear me out before you freak out or start worrying. Or- try, at least. I promise it's not that bad.
[ Now she can hear the trickle of nervousness in his tone. Pyra sits alongside him, giving his hand a squeeze… and keeping her expression neutral.
Really, she has no idea. This sort of intro could be something really exciting or something decidedly not.
She offers: ]
I’m listening…
Really, she has no idea. This sort of intro could be something really exciting or something decidedly not.
She offers: ]
I’m listening…
[Welp, now comes the hard part.]
Okay, so... I volunteered to help with a fight. It's supposed to be dangerous, but not for me- my job's to make it less dangerous for other people. Might take a couple hours at most, and the worst I expect is some bruises if we run out of potions by the end of it.
[He glances sidelong at her, watching her expression- and hoping she can recognize the honesty in his, beneath the nerves. It's what he's been told, and he believes it.]
The only thing is, it's a big secret. Talking about it would make it more dangerous for the ones involved. That's the only reason it's coming up now instead of earlier, and why I can't give you a lot of details until after everyone's safe. Then I can tell you anything you wanna know.
[He scuffs his free hand through his hair.]
It's a big ask, I know. But I want to say I'm sorry for holding it in until now, and... please trust me on this one?
Okay, so... I volunteered to help with a fight. It's supposed to be dangerous, but not for me- my job's to make it less dangerous for other people. Might take a couple hours at most, and the worst I expect is some bruises if we run out of potions by the end of it.
[He glances sidelong at her, watching her expression- and hoping she can recognize the honesty in his, beneath the nerves. It's what he's been told, and he believes it.]
The only thing is, it's a big secret. Talking about it would make it more dangerous for the ones involved. That's the only reason it's coming up now instead of earlier, and why I can't give you a lot of details until after everyone's safe. Then I can tell you anything you wanna know.
[He scuffs his free hand through his hair.]
It's a big ask, I know. But I want to say I'm sorry for holding it in until now, and... please trust me on this one?
[ When he begins to explain, she remains patient, but there are some times when her lips part as if to speak-- or, possibly, question more-- before he outlines the condition of secrecy. Her mouth closes, and he finishes speaking.
It can be clear that Pyra is quite worried about what he's said, but-- please trust me on this, he says. And who is she to question when he asks her to trust him on it, and so earnestly?
Eventually, she appears to push her thoughts aside and smile, nodding. ] ....Okay. Um... [ Her hand tightens in his. ] Be safe?
It can be clear that Pyra is quite worried about what he's said, but-- please trust me on this, he says. And who is she to question when he asks her to trust him on it, and so earnestly?
Eventually, she appears to push her thoughts aside and smile, nodding. ] ....Okay. Um... [ Her hand tightens in his. ] Be safe?
I will, [his answer is immediate, nodding.] I promise. I won't do anything crazy dangerous, and Ardyn's gonna be there to keep an eye on me.
[He's not fond of being supervised, exactly, but he'll admit it if it gives her any comfort. His doting and conveniently immortal uncle is a pretty good security blanket.]
It's gonna be more like a spar than anything, and I'll call for help if something wild happens and we need it. [A beat, and then-] But we're not likely to, just saying. I'll call you.
[He's not fond of being supervised, exactly, but he'll admit it if it gives her any comfort. His doting and conveniently immortal uncle is a pretty good security blanket.]
It's gonna be more like a spar than anything, and I'll call for help if something wild happens and we need it. [A beat, and then-] But we're not likely to, just saying. I'll call you.
O--okay.... [ A beat. She seems to struggle some, still, but she's making an effort. This seems important to him, after all. ] Promise? To call, if... [ She can't get the words out, and so she chews on her bottom lip for a moment before speaking up again. ]
...Right. You know.
...Right. You know.
Definitely One hundred percent.
[He can recognize the anxiety, and he wishes he had better answers for her, but he's trying to juggle one promise against another. This, he can at least give her without breaking any conditions or the trust he'd been offered already, and he'd really hated the idea of running off to a fight without saying anything until after, so... he hopes this is a compromise they can all handle.
Not wanting to leave it like this, though, he tugs her in and wraps his arms around her, tight and fierce.]
I promise, you'll be the first. I won't need to call, because it's gonna be fine. But just in case, I promise.
[He can recognize the anxiety, and he wishes he had better answers for her, but he's trying to juggle one promise against another. This, he can at least give her without breaking any conditions or the trust he'd been offered already, and he'd really hated the idea of running off to a fight without saying anything until after, so... he hopes this is a compromise they can all handle.
Not wanting to leave it like this, though, he tugs her in and wraps his arms around her, tight and fierce.]
I promise, you'll be the first. I won't need to call, because it's gonna be fine. But just in case, I promise.
[ She's uncertain, even in the embrace. If it's only a spar, then why tell her this. If it's not so dangerous, why all the secrecy. If it has the potential to be dangerous that it needs to be secret, or that it can harm others or get out of hand, then why aren't more warned about it to prepare. She doesn't like it, but.
"Please trust me on this one?"
Selfishly, she wishes he would trust her enough to tell her, too. But who is she to want for trust, when she keeps so much to herself anyways? She's a hypocrite.
Thus she repeats: ]
Be safe.
"Please trust me on this one?"
Selfishly, she wishes he would trust her enough to tell her, too. But who is she to want for trust, when she keeps so much to herself anyways? She's a hypocrite.
Thus she repeats: ]
Be safe.
[He exhales heavily, really wishing there was a way to make this sound less suspicious and sketchy than it seems. He's nervous because he doesn't want her to worry or be upset about it, but it's only making her more worried and upset. He has no power to turn back time and redo it, though, and he's not sure what else he can offer that would make it better. He can tell her where, and when, but not the what, why, and who, which is apparently (and understandably) more important. This sucks. He doesn't regret volunteering, and he'd feel worse if he'd not offered, but... yeah, this sucks.
Tucking his chin on her shoulder, not letting go, all he can do is repeat, quietly,]
I'm sorry.
Tucking his chin on her shoulder, not letting go, all he can do is repeat, quietly,]
I'm sorry.
[ Her arms cup up around him, and there's a single shudder to her touch. To be sure, if she had to quantify it, she's more upset by her not being told, rather than he's going to do some (potentially) dangerous fight... which she assumes he does get into now and then just because he is a warrior of sorts.
But, again, hypocrite. ]
It's okay. [ Placating is the way to go, just to smooth things over for him, even if it feels like she's lying. ] I'll be waiting.
[ Her birthday is coming up. Will he be there, she wonders. ] ...Is there anything else I can do? To help, I mean.
But, again, hypocrite. ]
It's okay. [ Placating is the way to go, just to smooth things over for him, even if it feels like she's lying. ] I'll be waiting.
[ Her birthday is coming up. Will he be there, she wonders. ] ...Is there anything else I can do? To help, I mean.
Edited 2021-07-10 21:33 (UTC)
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