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[In another scenario, he might have asked her; as it stands, with the mood of their exchange and how poorly it went, he refrains. Carefully drawing back and taking her hands again, he summons back his smile. He tries his best to look assured and calm, though it's impossible to fully shake off his misgivings when she looks so worried, still. If she's worried, he needs to do better to give her less to worry about, right?]
You don't need to do anything. Do something relaxing, take the day off! I'll come back in time for dinner. For real, I promise. [Hesitating a moment, he adds more quietly,] And I'll tell you everything.
You don't need to do anything. Do something relaxing, take the day off! I'll come back in time for dinner. For real, I promise. [Hesitating a moment, he adds more quietly,] And I'll tell you everything.
[ She gazes at him as if trying to find comfort in his more assured expression, and eventually nods in return, refraining from voicing further questions or how she feels. Things will be okay. She can focus on... making dinner. Or her garden, or the birds. Or Prompto and Ignis. Any of them. ]
Alright. [ She eventually replies, her hands remaining in his. She's already asked him to be safe. So, the next thing to say is: ] Then... have fun. [ She does her best to sound enthusiastic for him. Circumstances aside, he's probably been waiting to fight something. ] You deserve it.
Alright. [ She eventually replies, her hands remaining in his. She's already asked him to be safe. So, the next thing to say is: ] Then... have fun. [ She does her best to sound enthusiastic for him. Circumstances aside, he's probably been waiting to fight something. ] You deserve it.
[He wishes there was more he could do, but he's restrained by his own conditions and the promises he made before this. It's only for a handful of hours, he tells himself. Hopefully that's not so long that the aftermath can undo some of this unintentional damage. In his mind it really shouldn't have been this big of a deal, so maybe there's something else he's missing. To press for it now might make things worse, though- and to keep his promise and remain safe for her, he has to stay focused. Backed into a corner, it's best not to linger or he really will make it worse.]
I don't know about that, [he mumbles. He sure doesn't feel like he deserves much right now. He can tell she's trying, though, so he leans in and kisses her cheek, then draws back so he can get ready and head out.] Love you. I'll see you later.
I don't know about that, [he mumbles. He sure doesn't feel like he deserves much right now. He can tell she's trying, though, so he leans in and kisses her cheek, then draws back so he can get ready and head out.] Love you. I'll see you later.
I love you, too. [ She replies sincerely, although her smile is heavy as he leaves, and which altogether vanishes by the time the door shuts behind him.
Finding herself unable to think about what she might make for dinner for when (or if) he returned, she instead stands and summons Horus to her, who flies to perch upon her forearm, ready for another practice hunt.
Time for a walk to go clear her head, at least until evening. ]
Finding herself unable to think about what she might make for dinner for when (or if) he returned, she instead stands and summons Horus to her, who flies to perch upon her forearm, ready for another practice hunt.
Time for a walk to go clear her head, at least until evening. ]
[He's gone for several hours, absence trailing into early evening until he finally burst through the door like he'd run all the way home.]
Pyra? I'm back!
[Physically, he is well. His clothes look scuffed up, light bruises here and there, and he's dirty from being thrown around, but as he'd promised he is alive and safe. His expression is decidedly mixed- from the fight, he feels exhilarated, thrilled from getting to experience a proper monster fight after so long. On the other hand, he did have to watch a friend stab themselves for some kind of strange spell, which (even with a warning) was not emotionally pleasant.
Still, the fight is done, the mission successful, and everyone's alive and safe. He can't possibly let himself be that upset- the only issue remaining is the one waiting for him at home, and he's thankfully free from all other commitments now to help with that.]
Pyra? I'm back!
[Physically, he is well. His clothes look scuffed up, light bruises here and there, and he's dirty from being thrown around, but as he'd promised he is alive and safe. His expression is decidedly mixed- from the fight, he feels exhilarated, thrilled from getting to experience a proper monster fight after so long. On the other hand, he did have to watch a friend stab themselves for some kind of strange spell, which (even with a warning) was not emotionally pleasant.
Still, the fight is done, the mission successful, and everyone's alive and safe. He can't possibly let himself be that upset- the only issue remaining is the one waiting for him at home, and he's thankfully free from all other commitments now to help with that.]
[ Having returned from her walk earlier, she appears as if she's where he had left her. As soon as he announces that he is and calls her name, she lifts her head and turns toward the doors he opens. Her expression, initially apprehensive, her hands holding her elbow as if she had been comforting herself, quickly turns into relief at seeing him. Pyra's eyes sweep over him as if to look for any injury. He seems... well. More than well, in fact, as if he's just gotten done with a satisfying run.
Her arms open to him. ]
I'm glad. [ She says simply, and she pulls him into a hug. ]
Her arms open to him. ]
I'm glad. [ She says simply, and she pulls him into a hug. ]
[He doesn't hesitate, immediately holding her back good and tight, tucking his chin against her shoulder. He really, really hopes she was able to have a half-decent afternoon despite how he'd left, because it doesn't look like it. Not that he expected this to fix itself, but... he'd been a little hopeful for something distracting her, at least.
His tone is somewhat sheepish as he responds,] I'm all gross, sorry. [Not that it stopped him from hugging her.]
His tone is somewhat sheepish as he responds,] I'm all gross, sorry. [Not that it stopped him from hugging her.]
[ She chuckles quietly against the side of his head, her hand rubbing into his shoulder. There's a pause as she holds him. His scent is comforting, no matter if he's been exercising. ] Nothing that a warm shower can't fix.
[ Pyra pulls away to look at him, and... slowly lifts her hand from his shoulder to his cheek, as if appreciating something about him. Quietly, ] You're alright.
[ Pyra pulls away to look at him, and... slowly lifts her hand from his shoulder to his cheek, as if appreciating something about him. Quietly, ] You're alright.
Mm.
[He looks back at her, offering up a smile at last, wishing to be reassuring and confirm all her worries weren't needed, that he'd been honest in his promises even if they were too vague.]
I'm alright. I feel fine, really. Look, no blood or anything- [He holds his arms out a bit to display his body, and while it would be hard to see blood in his black clothes, there's no damp or stiff spots, no spatters on his skin. He took no major injuries worth even noting.]
[He looks back at her, offering up a smile at last, wishing to be reassuring and confirm all her worries weren't needed, that he'd been honest in his promises even if they were too vague.]
I'm alright. I feel fine, really. Look, no blood or anything- [He holds his arms out a bit to display his body, and while it would be hard to see blood in his black clothes, there's no damp or stiff spots, no spatters on his skin. He took no major injuries worth even noting.]
[ She does look. And, she does feel, too. Her hand lowers from his cheek to his shoulder again, feeling over the dry cloth of his shirt and the clean skin of his arms. The other arm, she only needs to glance at to guess that it's just the same. He's fine. He's fine.
He seems rather proud of himself, standing like that, as if displaying how well he's fought. A no-hit (or at least, very minimally hit) battle. That is something to be proud of. Pyra smiles at this, and exhales. ] You're better than just alright, it seems. I should have known.
[ Looks like she was worried for nothing. Although, that's not what had been bothering her. ] C'mon, go get cleaned up. I'll have dinner ready when you're done.
He seems rather proud of himself, standing like that, as if displaying how well he's fought. A no-hit (or at least, very minimally hit) battle. That is something to be proud of. Pyra smiles at this, and exhales. ] You're better than just alright, it seems. I should have known.
[ Looks like she was worried for nothing. Although, that's not what had been bothering her. ] C'mon, go get cleaned up. I'll have dinner ready when you're done.
[He hesitates for a moment, examining her expression.]
Are... you sure?
[That does feel undeserved, considering how he'd had a fun sparring tussle and she'd spent a lot of time worrying and wondering in the dark. He should have brought back a fish and made her something instead. But he's also in no state to be allowed in the kitchen- he's been chided enough times by Ignis to know that.]
Are... you sure?
[That does feel undeserved, considering how he'd had a fun sparring tussle and she'd spent a lot of time worrying and wondering in the dark. He should have brought back a fish and made her something instead. But he's also in no state to be allowed in the kitchen- he's been chided enough times by Ignis to know that.]
I... [Well, he won't say that, because yeah it would be a lie.] I'm not starving, I can wait if you w- if it's what you need.
[A shower isn't going to do anything for this confused guilt complex he's been shoving in the corner for the last several hours, nor will it answer her questions. He can at least make it quick, but...]
[A shower isn't going to do anything for this confused guilt complex he's been shoving in the corner for the last several hours, nor will it answer her questions. He can at least make it quick, but...]
[He hesitates a moment longer, then nods slowly, leaning in to kiss her forehead appreciatively. If she's forcing herself, she's doing it for his sake, so the least he can do is be quick and not keep her waiting long when she won't ask him until after he's finished.]
...Okay. Be right back, then.
[He gives her hand one last squeeze before he withdraws, heading for the washroom to have the quickest clean-up he can manage.]
...Okay. Be right back, then.
[He gives her hand one last squeeze before he withdraws, heading for the washroom to have the quickest clean-up he can manage.]
[ If he's quick, she'll won't have dinner ready by the time he comes back out, but she seems to be comfortable enough in an apron behind their kitchen counter, setting a lid atop of a pot to let the contents simmer. It's hearty and aromatic-- a green, coconut curry for two. ]
It's not quite done yet, sorry... [ She speaks when she hears him enter, but he looks up at him with a smile, washing her hands in the sink. ] All refreshed?
It's not quite done yet, sorry... [ She speaks when she hears him enter, but he looks up at him with a smile, washing her hands in the sink. ] All refreshed?
[He'd bathed earlier in the day, so he didn't need much more than a quick rinse and scrub to clean the dirt and sweat away. He dries, changes his clothes, and emerges before too long with his hair damp and hanging unstyled at his shoulders. He offers another smile in return, moving behind her to hug her, his chin once more on her shoulder, wet bangs against her cheek.]
You tell me. Do I smell better?
You tell me. Do I smell better?
[ It’s always a pleasant surprise when he’s physical with his affection, and as his arms wrap around to her front, her palms raise to rest upon his hands.
He smells as lovely as rain. ]
You do. [ Susceptible to his embrace, her body relaxes against his. ] What is that, sandalwood? [ She throws out a guess, but doesn’t actually know. ] I like it.
He smells as lovely as rain. ]
You do. [ Susceptible to his embrace, her body relaxes against his. ] What is that, sandalwood? [ She throws out a guess, but doesn’t actually know. ] I like it.
Um... dunno. It's soap.
[Unhelpful. He didn't look at the bottle, but if that's her guess, it's probably accurate or close enough. The nature of his cleanliness was more for small talk, so he refocuses on dinner.]
Smells good in here, too. Can I help?
[Unhelpful. He didn't look at the bottle, but if that's her guess, it's probably accurate or close enough. The nature of his cleanliness was more for small talk, so he refocuses on dinner.]
Smells good in here, too. Can I help?
You can help... [ She begins, a coyish tone tugging at the edges of her words. Pyra reaches for the replicator, and touches the end of it to where his hands fall on her body. ] ...by choosing one vegetable to throw in for the curry's simmer.
Just one. It adds for flavor and crunchiness, too, if it's not overcooked.
Just one. It adds for flavor and crunchiness, too, if it's not overcooked.
Hmm...
[His noise is thoughful, but not carrying the usual slight whine that comes up when his nemesis is involved. He kisses her again and instead,] On it. [Before letting go, stepping away, and orders two (two!!) of the Leiden potatoes, which he promptly washes and starts to peel. He'll do whatever instructions she calls for, until she's ready.]
[His noise is thoughful, but not carrying the usual slight whine that comes up when his nemesis is involved. He kisses her again and instead,] On it. [Before letting go, stepping away, and orders two (two!!) of the Leiden potatoes, which he promptly washes and starts to peel. He'll do whatever instructions she calls for, until she's ready.]
[ ...Potatoes. Not even remotely green, but a clever loophole to adding a traditional vegetable. She smiles fondly anyway.
Pyra instructs him to chop the potatoes up into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot, after which she stirs it twice and places the lid over it. ] And now... we wait.
[ Silence falls between them, stagnant and awkward, before Pyra steps to him reaching for his hand, which is no more calloused than usual. He's fine. He's fine. She's not. But he came back enthused and refreshed, as if he needed whatever battle that was for him. She feels guilty that her troubles damped his mood, but she doesn't want to return to how she used to be, to push away how she feels as invalid.
Still, she opens with a guess: ]
...You had fun, didn't you?
Pyra instructs him to chop the potatoes up into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot, after which she stirs it twice and places the lid over it. ] And now... we wait.
[ Silence falls between them, stagnant and awkward, before Pyra steps to him reaching for his hand, which is no more calloused than usual. He's fine. He's fine. She's not. But he came back enthused and refreshed, as if he needed whatever battle that was for him. She feels guilty that her troubles damped his mood, but she doesn't want to return to how she used to be, to push away how she feels as invalid.
Still, she opens with a guess: ]
...You had fun, didn't you?
[The question makes him purse his lips, fingers twitching slightly against her hand, and he feels guilty that he was able to have fun while she was stuck at home worrying. He loses focus on most anything else when he's fighting, and...]
...Yeah. Mostly.
[There'd been not-so-fun moments, but that's the case in any battle. The aftermath hadn't been that thrilling comparatively, but he can't deny it or lie to her; he wasn't miserable. It was a wild fight. He feels like he should apologize for that too, but what would that mean? That he's sorry it didn't go worse? Sorry he didn't have a terrible time of it, helping a friend? That he hadn't been proven wrong or given people the chance to say "told you so" after he got hurt and didn't have enough back-up? It wouldn't be all that sincere, and he'd rather figure out what he actually did wrong than offer empty platitudes.]
...Yeah. Mostly.
[There'd been not-so-fun moments, but that's the case in any battle. The aftermath hadn't been that thrilling comparatively, but he can't deny it or lie to her; he wasn't miserable. It was a wild fight. He feels like he should apologize for that too, but what would that mean? That he's sorry it didn't go worse? Sorry he didn't have a terrible time of it, helping a friend? That he hadn't been proven wrong or given people the chance to say "told you so" after he got hurt and didn't have enough back-up? It wouldn't be all that sincere, and he'd rather figure out what he actually did wrong than offer empty platitudes.]
[ She looks at him apologetically, squeezing his hand. She hopes he has more opportunities like that-- to go out and have fun. To spar, to fight, to exercise his skills and power. She's seen in both be able to fight in the VR games and in reality, a combination of both wild moves and speed, but never so much as to not be aware of his next move or how to adapt to how his opponent might hit next.
He said he would talk afterwards, but his short answer leaves her guessing that something bothers him. ]
How are you feeling?
He said he would talk afterwards, but his short answer leaves her guessing that something bothers him. ]
How are you feeling?
[He takes a little longer to answer this time, his gaze cast low at first.]
I'm fine. [His default, and a half-truth: he is fine, he's fit and safe and did okay in the fight, he's not emotionally or mentally traumatized (more than usual), he's satisfied by how things went down. But he's... confused, and here she is fussing over him like he's the one upset about it. He's fine. And that's all too much to explain and very him-focused, but that's not what they need right now.] I said I'd explain everything after... don't you want to know?
I'm fine. [His default, and a half-truth: he is fine, he's fit and safe and did okay in the fight, he's not emotionally or mentally traumatized (more than usual), he's satisfied by how things went down. But he's... confused, and here she is fussing over him like he's the one upset about it. He's fine. And that's all too much to explain and very him-focused, but that's not what they need right now.] I said I'd explain everything after... don't you want to know?
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