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[He quickly raised a hand to signal her to stop.]
Wait! Wait! Let's not do anything hasty!
[He got really serious and drew closer to the camera.]
Are any of them hot?
Wait! Wait! Let's not do anything hasty!
[He got really serious and drew closer to the camera.]
Are any of them hot?
Pyra,
I hope you are well.
I accept your apology, though it is not one I deserve.
I believe I misspoke first, and then continued to do so after misunderstanding your intent.
Your words were misplaced, though that was through no fault of your own. I have learned that in many cultures it is normal for young women to ask such questions during or after weddings, and so it would not be seen as inappropriate to most.
What would be seen as inappropriate regardless of culture is how I spoke to you, and how I responded to what you asked. My own feelings, understandings, and dubious sobriety are no excuse.
You were my guest, and I was a poor host. The fault is not yours, but mine.
He does deserve to make his own choices. However, I am also allowed to make my own choices.
It is when choices come into conflict that navigating them appropriately becomes difficult, and that is something I am working to improve upon.
I hope you are well.
I accept your apology, though it is not one I deserve.
I believe I misspoke first, and then continued to do so after misunderstanding your intent.
Your words were misplaced, though that was through no fault of your own. I have learned that in many cultures it is normal for young women to ask such questions during or after weddings, and so it would not be seen as inappropriate to most.
What would be seen as inappropriate regardless of culture is how I spoke to you, and how I responded to what you asked. My own feelings, understandings, and dubious sobriety are no excuse.
You were my guest, and I was a poor host. The fault is not yours, but mine.
He does deserve to make his own choices. However, I am also allowed to make my own choices.
It is when choices come into conflict that navigating them appropriately becomes difficult, and that is something I am working to improve upon.
I apologized at the wedding, too, and thanked you for being candid. What do you view differently to accept my apology now, from someone you do not trust, someone you view as only playing a role or as a child?
If your choices involve Noct more, please consider how much harm those choices might bring. I love him, and I don't like seeing him hurt. No one in our family does.
If your choices involve Noct more, please consider how much harm those choices might bring. I love him, and I don't like seeing him hurt. No one in our family does.
My apologies, I hadn't realized I did not make it clear I accepted your initial apology that evening. In answer to your question, what I view differently is myself.
I did consider the harm of my choices. It is why I wanted to remove myself from the equation. If I am not a part of it I could cause him no harm. I hadn't factored in that he would care enough to be hurt, which was a poor miscalculation.
I know you do. You love him, and he loves you. You make him happy. I have always respected this.
It hurt him to learn my feelings about you. I tried to change, and failed miserably. In the end I felt my choice was the optimal solution: I would leave, and you would remain with him.
I still feel like this is the optimal solution.
I do not deserve a place in your family, but just as I am allowed to make the choice to leave, so too are they allowed to make the choice not to let me.
I did consider the harm of my choices. It is why I wanted to remove myself from the equation. If I am not a part of it I could cause him no harm. I hadn't factored in that he would care enough to be hurt, which was a poor miscalculation.
I know you do. You love him, and he loves you. You make him happy. I have always respected this.
It hurt him to learn my feelings about you. I tried to change, and failed miserably. In the end I felt my choice was the optimal solution: I would leave, and you would remain with him.
I still feel like this is the optimal solution.
I do not deserve a place in your family, but just as I am allowed to make the choice to leave, so too are they allowed to make the choice not to let me.
His heart is big, and he loves others so much. If you choose to leave, that is your choice. If he chooses to see you as family, that is his. He'll accept others even if they hurt him. If you eventually choose to stay, are you changing to not hurt him again?
[ She struggles a bit to contain her expression and remain in character, serious and concerned, but a small twitch at the corner of her lips gives away that she's one second away from bursting out into laughter. ]
Doesn't that depend on who you consider "hot"?
[ Who does he consider hot. HM. ]
Doesn't that depend on who you consider "hot"?
[ Who does he consider hot. HM. ]
[This was going to get him in trouble but.. ]
True. Though I have impeccable taste, so whoever I see as hot, I can confidently declare 'is hot' and not just by my standards.
For instance, Regis. He's a very attractive man. He has the physique and charisma. You're remarkably beautiful, but now that I've equated you with my daughter, I apologize, I can't really see you as 'hot' any longer.
[Hmm, objectively 'hot'.]
Aerith should be at the top of that list. Wei Wuxian was hot, but I haven't heard from him in a while. I'm starting to fear he has left the city. Gladio, of course. Ignis. I always pictured Noct as more 'cute' than hot. He has a boy quality to him that.. too young. Same with Prompto. They're both puppies.
Ardbert is attractive...
...
Wait, should I really be talking about this with you?
True. Though I have impeccable taste, so whoever I see as hot, I can confidently declare 'is hot' and not just by my standards.
For instance, Regis. He's a very attractive man. He has the physique and charisma. You're remarkably beautiful, but now that I've equated you with my daughter, I apologize, I can't really see you as 'hot' any longer.
[Hmm, objectively 'hot'.]
Aerith should be at the top of that list. Wei Wuxian was hot, but I haven't heard from him in a while. I'm starting to fear he has left the city. Gladio, of course. Ignis. I always pictured Noct as more 'cute' than hot. He has a boy quality to him that.. too young. Same with Prompto. They're both puppies.
Ardbert is attractive...
...
Wait, should I really be talking about this with you?
[He blinked at her for a moment. Wait, what? He thought they were just talking about hot people! Do normal people not sit around and compare/ rate their neighbors?
How did.. why did.. um.. hadn't he listed like several.. but.. he could feel his cheeks heating up.]
I mean.. obviously. He's attractive. He's got the ruggedness and the dramatic tall, dark, and muscles for days thing going for him.
How did.. why did.. um.. hadn't he listed like several.. but.. he could feel his cheeks heating up.]
I mean.. obviously. He's attractive. He's got the ruggedness and the dramatic tall, dark, and muscles for days thing going for him.
[ Out of all the listed hot people as mentioned above, he's only living with Gladio, and he knows Gladio the best. As far as she knows, anyway.
But she's only teasing, because he's blushing. He looks far younger when he's bashful. Not quite himself, but it shows a softer, almost boyish side to him. ]
Have you told him that?
But she's only teasing, because he's blushing. He looks far younger when he's bashful. Not quite himself, but it shows a softer, almost boyish side to him. ]
Have you told him that?
You are stating things I have already acknowledged. Why? Is it your intent to continue reminding me that I hurt him? To dig that knife in deeper?
I have promised him I will not repeat the same mistake. I will not promise I will never make another, as that is impossible.
I am not changing for Noctis. I am improving myself for me.
I have promised him I will not repeat the same mistake. I will not promise I will never make another, as that is impossible.
I am not changing for Noctis. I am improving myself for me.
Era, no, I'm sorry, I'm only worried about him. I know that you do not trust me, but does that entail assuming the worst of all of my intentions and what I say?
I am glad to read that you are improving yourself for yourself, then.
I am glad to read that you are improving yourself for yourself, then.
Edited 2021-03-23 23:47 (UTC)
[He did, but it didn't go so well..]
Have you noticed how exhausting it is around here with one egomaniac? You want there to be two of them? Please, haven't I done enough to this poor city?
Have you noticed how exhausting it is around here with one egomaniac? You want there to be two of them? Please, haven't I done enough to this poor city?
Edited 2021-03-23 23:52 (UTC)
[ And just what are Gladio's feelings on Tony? SHE MUST KNOW-- or at least, she should pay more attention to them and how they interact the next time she's with them. ] Ah... You think it would go to his head... [ Although, Tony does have a point-- Gladio doesn't seem particularly shy of his looks, especially what with going half-shirtless in most of the photos she's seen of the group in Noctis' phone and Prompto's camera.
Still, she dares to pry just a little bit more. ]
Then what about his personality? Do you like that about him too?
Still, she dares to pry just a little bit more. ]
Then what about his personality? Do you like that about him too?
After some consideration I can say with complete confidence that my assumption did not stem from any bias toward you. Even without identifying details or context that was the most logical conclusion to draw.
Regardless, I apologize for misunderstanding your intent. It was not meant as a slight against you.
Regardless, I apologize for misunderstanding your intent. It was not meant as a slight against you.
[Tony laughed.]
Are you trying to play matchmaker? We're friends, Pyra. Just friends.
[There wasn't any pain in his eyes when he said that either. None. N-o-n-e.]
But yes, I love that about him. He's someone who will always have your back, no matter what is thrown your way. He knows when you need some support and when you need a swift kick in the ass. He doesn't give himself nearly enough credit and when the right person comes along worthy of him, I know he'll make them very, very happy.
And fair is fair. What is it you love about Noct?
Are you trying to play matchmaker? We're friends, Pyra. Just friends.
[There wasn't any pain in his eyes when he said that either. None. N-o-n-e.]
But yes, I love that about him. He's someone who will always have your back, no matter what is thrown your way. He knows when you need some support and when you need a swift kick in the ass. He doesn't give himself nearly enough credit and when the right person comes along worthy of him, I know he'll make them very, very happy.
And fair is fair. What is it you love about Noct?
[ But matchmaking....! She sighs, and nods, conceding. At least she's able to hear a bit of what Tony thinks of Gladio, and all he has to say about the man is very sweet-- and that Tony wishes the "right person" to come along for him (even if it might not be Tony) is very mature of him, too. ]
Mm... If I start now with a list, I think I just might put you to sleep. [ She has a whole list of things she could say about him. ] I think-- that's an answer in of itself.
Mm... If I start now with a list, I think I just might put you to sleep. [ She has a whole list of things she could say about him. ] I think-- that's an answer in of itself.
[Tony was relieved to leave the other topic behind. He knew at some point, he'd accept his fate and deal with a broken heart, but right now he didn't have to.
When she gives her answer, he does a very immature thing and makes a loud 'ERRR' sounds, like a buzzer.]
Nope. Try again. That's very much, not an answer. That's what I would define as a non-answer.
When she gives her answer, he does a very immature thing and makes a loud 'ERRR' sounds, like a buzzer.]
Nope. Try again. That's very much, not an answer. That's what I would define as a non-answer.
I removed the pronouns and context of your message and asked a trusted, unbiased companion what they thought the intent of the message was. I then asked Ardbert and Solus. I asked all three of them separately, and all three came to the same assumption of intent.
I wanted to be certain my bias toward you played no role in my interpretation, and I am very certain.
No, you are not a threat to me. But you can tell Tony Stark to take the assumptions he has made about me in bad faith and shove them up his fucking ass instead of spreading them around like a venerial disease.
I wanted to be certain my bias toward you played no role in my interpretation, and I am very certain.
No, you are not a threat to me. But you can tell Tony Stark to take the assumptions he has made about me in bad faith and shove them up his fucking ass instead of spreading them around like a venerial disease.
[ Oh boy. ] In that case...
I love how strong he is— his heart. How brave he is... the way he pushes himself when he wants to succeed or learn something or become stronger for others— when he already is strong. He wants to be strong to protect them, everyone, all, even when he doesn’t need to, and there are times when he’s so inspiring and determined that I lose my breath. [ She’s become a bit breathless now, voiced hushed as if becoming in awe once more as she lists so much of what she loves about him. ]
I love how— even with that strength and courage— he doesn’t need to be strong for us or protect us, because... [ Her eyes lift, looking at Tony through their communicator screens. ] He makes us feel brave, and that’s even better. [ That’s a leader, that’s a friend, that’s love at its finest, a force that inspires her to be brave herself and better (or try to be), and to face her own fears, to inspire her.
At times, she feels as if she’s slacking. Other times, she feels as if she’s watching him only from behind as he continues to grow and move forward without her. He’s been through so much, yet he still stands tall and finds the world worth protecting and loving, no matter how much it may cost him in the end.
He has his vulnerabilities, his insecurities, his grief and sorrow. But even then, even in his weakest moments, he still remains mindful of her, selfless to the point she almost wishes he wouldn’t be. Care more for yourself! she wishes she could tell him in those moments. Be kind to yourself, she ends up hoping for him, alone with her thoughts.
Noctis has a complicated past with deep scars, but what she also loves about him is that despite those scars, it hasn’t turned him cynical of the world, jaded to others, or blanket mistrusting and assuming the worst of people— even if he might have all the right to be.
Pyra draws a breath, continuing. ]
I love how he’s daring, clever, and quick-thinking. I love how he loves the world, too, and I love how he can make time for himself, and I love how he loves his own.
I love how wonderful he is... And I love that his smile is like all the stars in the night sky. [ She brings a hand up to her chest, fingers curling around the crystal there, her smile small but content, pleased that she’s able to share this.
And it’s not as if she hasn’t shared any of this with Noctis already. Once, he had asked her of what she thought about Noctis before, and she had replied with a simple statement. Now that they know each other better, she’s allowing herself to be a little more vulnerable, opening up at least with this.
At last, she finished this partial list with a quiet, but no less sincere tone: ]
I love everything about him. He’s... dazzling. Blinding. He’s beautiful.
I love how strong he is— his heart. How brave he is... the way he pushes himself when he wants to succeed or learn something or become stronger for others— when he already is strong. He wants to be strong to protect them, everyone, all, even when he doesn’t need to, and there are times when he’s so inspiring and determined that I lose my breath. [ She’s become a bit breathless now, voiced hushed as if becoming in awe once more as she lists so much of what she loves about him. ]
I love how— even with that strength and courage— he doesn’t need to be strong for us or protect us, because... [ Her eyes lift, looking at Tony through their communicator screens. ] He makes us feel brave, and that’s even better. [ That’s a leader, that’s a friend, that’s love at its finest, a force that inspires her to be brave herself and better (or try to be), and to face her own fears, to inspire her.
At times, she feels as if she’s slacking. Other times, she feels as if she’s watching him only from behind as he continues to grow and move forward without her. He’s been through so much, yet he still stands tall and finds the world worth protecting and loving, no matter how much it may cost him in the end.
He has his vulnerabilities, his insecurities, his grief and sorrow. But even then, even in his weakest moments, he still remains mindful of her, selfless to the point she almost wishes he wouldn’t be. Care more for yourself! she wishes she could tell him in those moments. Be kind to yourself, she ends up hoping for him, alone with her thoughts.
Noctis has a complicated past with deep scars, but what she also loves about him is that despite those scars, it hasn’t turned him cynical of the world, jaded to others, or blanket mistrusting and assuming the worst of people— even if he might have all the right to be.
Pyra draws a breath, continuing. ]
I love how he’s daring, clever, and quick-thinking. I love how he loves the world, too, and I love how he can make time for himself, and I love how he loves his own.
I love how wonderful he is... And I love that his smile is like all the stars in the night sky. [ She brings a hand up to her chest, fingers curling around the crystal there, her smile small but content, pleased that she’s able to share this.
And it’s not as if she hasn’t shared any of this with Noctis already. Once, he had asked her of what she thought about Noctis before, and she had replied with a simple statement. Now that they know each other better, she’s allowing herself to be a little more vulnerable, opening up at least with this.
At last, she finished this partial list with a quiet, but no less sincere tone: ]
I love everything about him. He’s... dazzling. Blinding. He’s beautiful.
The question did not bother me. The statements that came before it did. And, as I have said, I apologize for my assumption. It was not a reflection upon you, but more likely a reflection upon the world I come from.
Do you understand the concept of therapy, Pyra?
I now suspect that he is taking the information I told him in confidence, seeking his advice and input, and using it against me.
I told him of our relationship, and what happened at the wedding. He told me that we are sisters-in-law, which I rejected. He decided I was refusing to take accountability for my cruel behaviour and needed to apologize. I refused, because I couldn't think of a way to give you a genuine apology, and anything less than genuine is unacceptable.
I tried to explain my actions and reasonings for them throughout the time we have known each other. He was not willing to listen. He made it clear he already preferred you to me from the moment your name was brought up.
I already knew I have been treating you unfairly. I had sought reassurance that when I had still tried to form a bond with you that I had put in reasonable effort. That I was not solely to blame for the way things are, because such things are meant to be give and take. There was an imbalance between us, and I did not know how to fix it.
I wanted to receive what I had hoped would be unbiased feedback that I might be able to re-analyze our past interactions and perhaps find a way to return to a politely distant coexistence that wasn't merely 'apologize'. Unfortunately, once he knew who I was speaking about he shifted from telling me I should apologize, to making it clear I am a horrible, abusive person.
Even when I have not had glowing praises for him, and even when I kept his anonymity, I did my best to make sure he would not be thought of badly. That he has tried his best to help. That he was a good person.
So too, when speaking of you, did I try to make it clear I was not throwing the blame on you. I told him it is not your fault. You and I simply have an inherent incompatibility.
I am ill and trying to heal. He offered to help me with my illness. I thought he would. I trusted him and instead he has used it against me.
The most ridiculous part is that it wasn't my intent to speak to him about us. I had another, more pressing concern that I decided against telling him as he is a father and I did not want to upset him.
So no, I will not tell him myself. I will not speak to him of anything ever again, as it is clear that I was a godsdamned idiot for doing so in the first place.
My apologies for ranting.
I am infuriated at the moment.
It is, of course, not your fault.
Do you understand the concept of therapy, Pyra?
I now suspect that he is taking the information I told him in confidence, seeking his advice and input, and using it against me.
I told him of our relationship, and what happened at the wedding. He told me that we are sisters-in-law, which I rejected. He decided I was refusing to take accountability for my cruel behaviour and needed to apologize. I refused, because I couldn't think of a way to give you a genuine apology, and anything less than genuine is unacceptable.
I tried to explain my actions and reasonings for them throughout the time we have known each other. He was not willing to listen. He made it clear he already preferred you to me from the moment your name was brought up.
I already knew I have been treating you unfairly. I had sought reassurance that when I had still tried to form a bond with you that I had put in reasonable effort. That I was not solely to blame for the way things are, because such things are meant to be give and take. There was an imbalance between us, and I did not know how to fix it.
I wanted to receive what I had hoped would be unbiased feedback that I might be able to re-analyze our past interactions and perhaps find a way to return to a politely distant coexistence that wasn't merely 'apologize'. Unfortunately, once he knew who I was speaking about he shifted from telling me I should apologize, to making it clear I am a horrible, abusive person.
Even when I have not had glowing praises for him, and even when I kept his anonymity, I did my best to make sure he would not be thought of badly. That he has tried his best to help. That he was a good person.
So too, when speaking of you, did I try to make it clear I was not throwing the blame on you. I told him it is not your fault. You and I simply have an inherent incompatibility.
I am ill and trying to heal. He offered to help me with my illness. I thought he would. I trusted him and instead he has used it against me.
The most ridiculous part is that it wasn't my intent to speak to him about us. I had another, more pressing concern that I decided against telling him as he is a father and I did not want to upset him.
So no, I will not tell him myself. I will not speak to him of anything ever again, as it is clear that I was a godsdamned idiot for doing so in the first place.
My apologies for ranting.
I am infuriated at the moment.
It is, of course, not your fault.
[That was the single longest span of time speaking, he'd ever heard her say. It was so sweet it almost gave him diabetes by the end, but he couldn't help but smile listening to her. She was so happy, so in love.
He was so glad for Pyra, but please forgive him this brief moment of pretending just for a second, this was his daughter- Morgan- saying all these things about someone she'd found worthy of her love. It'd be someone Tony would never know, never get to see her walk down the aisle toward, never see her have children with, and never see her grow old with.
He could be here for Pyra though, and in some indirect way, Noctis.]
He's a very lucky man. Don't tell him I said this, but I think he's pretty remarkable too.
He was so glad for Pyra, but please forgive him this brief moment of pretending just for a second, this was his daughter- Morgan- saying all these things about someone she'd found worthy of her love. It'd be someone Tony would never know, never get to see her walk down the aisle toward, never see her have children with, and never see her grow old with.
He could be here for Pyra though, and in some indirect way, Noctis.]
He's a very lucky man. Don't tell him I said this, but I think he's pretty remarkable too.
[Tony nodded and gave her hand an encouraging squeeze. He knew this was hard for her. She took so much of this guilt and blame that had been handed to her. It wasn't right. It used to torture him on the train that Morgan might one day end up like Madoka and be some doormat. Now he had found yet another girl with the same issue.
In some ways it was what Era was dealing with too. It was frustrating that they couldn't see things more clearly. They missed the parts that were their responsibilities and clung to the parts that were out of their control. He wondered if it was a girl thing.]
Yes. Listen to your heart, Pyra. You'll know what to do and when to do it.
In some ways it was what Era was dealing with too. It was frustrating that they couldn't see things more clearly. They missed the parts that were their responsibilities and clung to the parts that were out of their control. He wondered if it was a girl thing.]
Yes. Listen to your heart, Pyra. You'll know what to do and when to do it.
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