[ She shakes her head, already preparing the slices of cake. One for him, and one for her, and once they're both distributed, she nods towards the table. ]
Ah... I'm glad-- that you two talked, and that it went well. [ From her smile, it may be that she doesn't doubt it went anything but. That, or she's ignorant. Regardless, this actually reminds her of part of reason for their talk-- ]
[Which sort of brought up what he had come here to talk to Pyra about. He wanted to wait until she reached the table before bringing it up in case she got skittish and dropped the plates. He wasn't sure she would act like that, but he didn't want to take that risk as it would embarrass her.
However, Pyra beat him to it. The question about Gladio, caught him off-guard and he tried not to, but he grinned and glanced away. Was there possibly.. just slightly, maybe, a touch of a blush there?* It was brief and he quickly recovered and found that relaxed smile he was wearing earlier.]
Gladio? Um.. he's good. He yelled at me to stop being a jerk to his friends. We're almost done with our proposal for our bar too.
See, that's how you tell someone how a friend is. Details, Pyra. Details! What's been going on with you? You keep avoiding it, so has something happened?
[ But...but she had genuinely wanted to know more how Gladio's doing...! Although, she does notice the faint fondness to his expression at the mention of him. Curious, but he leaves her little room to comment upon it when he asks after her again. ]
[And he genuinely wanted to know how she was doing! But it was good. He was glad she let him tease her a little without getting upset. He hoped she knew if she really wanted him to stop pushing her like that first time, she just had to tell him. Hmm, maybe he should actually say that before they're done here.
For now though, his heart sinks. He'd hoped he'd been just grasping at straws. He stretched out a hand with a frown.]
No, not really. I can back off if you need me too, I'm just concerned.
[ Her gaze lowers from him to his outstretched hand, and then, quietly, her fingers slip into his. A smile reforms upon her lips soon after.
Concerned. He's concerned for her-- after only knowing her for a few weeks? That's-- that's sweet of him. ]
Ah. You're very kind.
[ For now, that's all she says. It seems she's gathering her thoughts, or more accurately, debating on whether to speak or not. But her fingers in his tighten across his palm, if ever so briefly. ]
You've been kind to me too. You're my friend. Whatever you need, if I can help you with something I'd like to.
[He gave her hand a light, affectionate squeeze back.]
Whenever you're ready, that is. Okay?
[He'd let her off the hook after this, he just wanted to be absolutely sure she didn't want to talk about whatever was bothering her. Maybe she just needed some extra encouragement? Either way, the stuff he wanted to talk about wouldn't be an easy subject so this would be the best time to share if she was going to do it.]
[ And for all but a few moments, it does appear that she's about to withdraw from his offer, to return to old habits, or doubts about opening up that plague her mind. The initial few seconds of withdrawal appear as gentle as ever with a smile on her lips, a glance away towards the cake he's made, and then a gaze lowered.
Kind, he is kind.
But there's a small sigh on her part, and that smile fades. ] Noct...
He was hurt--... I'm just, worried about him. That's on my mind.
[Okay, it was extremely inappropriate to cheer or do any kind of victory gesture here, but he was internally getting a whole marching band and pep squad. Pyra actually talked to him!
Still, Noct getting hurt sucked and he didn't have to fake looking concerned about this.]
That sucks. I'm guessing this is emotionally since I didn't see any physical injuries when I talked to him, right? Poor guy.
[He felt bad for her too. And he also wondered if he knew exactly who the culprit was.]
[ There's a slow, but steady nod, but her gaze remains lowered. ] I... understand it, being upset when a loved one is hurt.
[ Not too long ago, Tony had been upset about Noctis and Gladio, angered, even. Pyra is not angered, here, and she avoids confrontation by default, but the other aspect to that-- that want for better for a loved one, for them not to be hurt. That, she understands. ]
[Tony watched her for a moment, hurting for her just as he was hurting for Noctis (but, obviously in a different way). He got up and moved around the table to where she was sitting. Leaning in, he put his arms around her gently.]
It is. I'm sorry, sweetheart. Neither of you deserve that. Is there anything I can do? It's okay to need support while you're supporting someone else.
[He hesitated.]
It's also okay to be pissed off at whoever is causing this.
[ Her head lifts when his arms go around her, and then after a pause, she brings up her hand to pat one of her hands upon his shoulder. For a few moments, she remains there, silent, as if allowing herself this hug and the meaning he brings to it.
But guilt still weaves into her voice. Noctis doesn't want to lose people, but if he loses someone he loves-- even if they hurt him-- he still hurts and just. Accepts that hurt.
She doesn't know how to explain that, and it's a personal matter, besides. ]
[He drew back when she spoke. He smirked at her question and sat back down in his chair.]
Punch them.
[He waited a beat for Pyra to either laugh or look horrified or something.]
I'm kidding.. unless, they are actually physically attacking me, then yes, that's my answer. But.. the real answer?
[He shifted uncomfortably knowing more than he was going to be able to say.]
I think I know what you're talking about and it's actually why I'm here. I've learned recently about a situation that went down at a social event not that long ago and I wanted to see if you were alright. I also wanted to see if I could get your side of the story. I can't really say much about the source of my information or what I've been told specifically but.. it's made me concerned about you and Noctis, but mostly you. Would it be alright if I talked to you about this?
[ At this, she pulls back from the hug, but only just enough so that her head can snap up as she looks at him, securitizing his expression.
He seems concerned. Sincere.
Her hand drops from his shoulder to take his again. ] You talk of... [ What other social gathering would it be? Regis' birthday went fine. And the only one before that was the wedding. ] The wedding?
[ She reads a want to understand in Tony's expression, a willingness to be patient, and to listen. ]
Era.... is someone who has so much on her shoulders. [ And this is what she begins with, sympathetic. Ever since she's first met her, she's learned that she is strong. That she fights for her world, and that-- for who she loves, she loves them fiercely. Emet-Selch, Ardbert, her amaro child, her familiars... and she's radiant in the presence of who she loves. ] She wants to protect others. I learned this throughout the year.
At the wedding, even if she didn't trust me, she allowed me to attend. Her heart-- it's so big, like that. [ She pauses briefly, struggling. ] But I presumed too much-- that, since she considers Noctis her brother, that we were family, too... I immediately apologized for it, realizing my error. [ She cringes at recounting the event. Really, what was she thinking?
It hurts to think about, but it probably had hurt Era even more. She shouldn't have gone to the wedding, when she caused such pain, when Era didn't trust her, when she thought her a child, disingenuous and poorly playing a role. ]
He groaned and put his head in his hands for a moment. Could he shake her? Was that allowed? Was there a pillow he could bop her on the head with?
In a way, it broke his heart.]
Pyra..
[Oh, he had his fork! He bopped her very lightly on the top of her head with his the flat side of his fork.]
I don't know where your father was when he should've been teaching you stuff, but clearly you need a dad. So for the next.. twenty minutes. I'm your dad, okay?
[He spoke firmly but kindly, like how he used to to Morgan.]
Young lady, don't you ever let someone disrespect you and treat you like this ever again. Do you understand me? Don't you dare apologize for being nice to someone just because they're batshit crazy. Their stupidity is not your fault or your responsibility.
[ She looks at him, blinking and perplexed as he raps the side of his fork atop of her head, lips parted in a silent question. That same look morphs into a surprised silence by the time he finishes speaking. ] I...
[ --No. No, she doesn't have a lot to say at that. What he's given her just is a flat out rejection of her self-blame, as if he sees through her words. He speaks to her directly, offering his opinion flatly and firmly-- fatherly?-- that the foundation he establishes is a hard wall, one that he's made to show he won't accept such a bad habit of hers, period.
Even if she does feel bad for Era, and self-blame is hard to combat, still, this does... help. And she's stunned. ]
I am certain. You're a good person, Pyra. You have a big, beautiful heart. You're quiet and you have a lot going on under the surface. My wife used to tell me that you have to close your mouth to hear other people. As.. you know, you can probably tell I have the gift of gab, so she.. told me that one and ones like it a lot.
[He chuckled a little at that self-deprecating remark.]
Anyway, you don't just look like my adopted daughter, but you act like her too. She had this quiet strength that I see in you. But.. sweetie, she could be a doormat and so can you. You gotta cut that out. You've got more power in you than that.
Tell me more about what's happened between you two so I can maybe help you see it more clearly. I have a bad feeling you have a few things mixed up, kind of like that wedding story.
[ Long has she gone about her existence without defending herself to others, yet Tony's words resonate with what Noctis had encouraged of her before, that she might speak up when she wishes or stand up for herself. A doormat, Noctis had said, too, one who is walked over repeatedly.
And then there is the more recent matter with Noctis being hurt over something-- and Noctis being hurt is something she does want to defend, is something that she doesn't wish to be 'walked over', because someone she loves is in pain.
She appears troubled-- more than she had before-- and casts her gaze wayward. A few moments is all it takes to collect herself, and she returns her sight to him. ]
I'm not sure where it started. [ And in retrospect, it probably started a long, long time ago, far back than when Pyra herself had ever been made aware. ] She thinks of me as a child and as... someone who is only playing a role. [ That last part makes her eyes dart away again, as if it's touched on a great insecurity, the words still stinging in her ears. ] But it--- I wish I had known this all sooner, to... keep her from the trouble I bring her. [ Keep her from the pain it apparently brings her for Pyra to simply exist around her. ]
[It didn't make sense to him, this desire some people had to 'not rock the boat'. Who wanted to go through life without being heard or noticed? What fun was that? How did they feel alive or worth anything without the world looking their way? At least, that was how he'd felt for a long time. He put less importance on stuff like that now, but he still struggled to put himself in those particular shoes.
It didn't matter though. He could see pain and he understood suffering. Heartbreak, fear, guilt, and feeling inadequate were universal. He wanted to hold her like he used to hold his daughter, but he also heard her when she said she'd been compared to a child.]
She's jealous, Pyra. People hate and will lash out at those they envy the most. Whatever struggles that have happened in your life have made you cautious but you're sweet, easy to be friends with, and you have a sunny, positive view of the world. You are hope. Whatever struggles that have happened in her life have made her bitter and angry and a chore to deal with.
Maybe she wanted to be the brilliant, scientific, mysterious and charming girl in town? Maybe she wanted to be the only adopted daughter in Reggie's eyes? Maybe she wanted Noctis for herself? Maybe she didn't want the guy with three eyes and the one who used to be a ghost for a hundred years? I can't imagine either one of those guys knowing what they're doing in bed and that'd make anyone bitchy as hell. All I know, is this has nothing to do with who you are and everything to do with who she is.
[He took a breath and tried to reign in his own frustration with Era to refocus on Pyra. It was difficult with his conversation with Era being so fresh in his mind.]
My point is, if you're playing a role then you're just not playing the role she wants you to and she can go fuck herself. You do you, sweet girl, and that's all you need to be. If anyone questions you again, you tell them this- I'm Pyra, bitch. And then let them eat your dust.
[ For a few moments after he finishes speaking, she stands in shocked silence as his words settle. While she may not agree or condone all of what he's saying... It's the fact that he's supporting her-- that someone is supporting her at all, and in such a candid, unapologetic fashion, that has her stunned. She blinks a few times, finding herself unable to come up with something to say in return.
She's been feeling as if she's been the one at fault for... everything, for far too long. And while she doesn't feel as if she can't speak with Noctis about it, there just hasn't been a good time to bring up anything with him for the past two-- no, three months and counting, when his relationship with Era remains close and him so sorely effected by it (among other things that have happened to him in this time). Because of this, she's been isolated with her own feelings and thoughts.
It seems she didn't really know herself just how affected she had been by this, herself... And it seems she didn't know how moved she would be, if only she could have someone's support.
When she speaks, it's only his name stated in a tremulous tone, her gaze lowered, her breath shaky. ]
[Being a dad was hard enough but trying to be a dad to someone you've known for about three weeks was way harder. He tried his best to read Pyra's thoughts but he just couldn't get the ESP to work.
Had he said too much? Was she about to burst into tears? Would he be able to repair this damage? He waited as the silence stretched on for eight or nine years in the length of a couple heartbeats.
Even when she broke the silence, he just.. he couldn't figure out which way she was needing him to go. Did he apologize? Joke it off? Or.. unsure what else to do, he took a gamble. He opened his arms to see if she wanted a hug(???).]
[ --As soon as his arms open to her, a welcoming sign, she takes one step forward, another... and then takes it.
Pyra's arm wrap around his back, and she presses her head to his shoulder. While she isn't crying, her shoulders tremble with what could have been more, if only she would let herself. But she's steady-- steadier, than she was moments ago-- and his presence helps. This? This is better than merely holding hands, as they had been doing. ]
Thank you. [ ---...Not for what he's said about Era, because she disagrees on many points. And so she clarifies: ]
...For listening to me.
[ He had said he would be a dad to her in the next twenty minutes. Is this how he acts as s father, to give such support? It's overwhelming in far too many ways to describe, and-- ah. Validating, too. She feels validated and valued, and not brushed aside like some child or something useless. ]
[Tony held her when she let him, though he still was left in the dark about far too much. What just happened here? He had no idea what parts she agreed with or disagreed with or if she understood what he'd meant- well, he could tell she got enough to cause this reaction.
Even as he leaned in and pressed a kiss to her brow, he battled with himself over what to do next. Except, there was at least one part he knew exactly how to respond to.]
Always, sweetheart. Always. We're family. I lied before. It's not for just twenty minutes, but whenever and however you might need me, if I'm at all able, I'll be here for you, Pyra.
[Reggie could suck it. A girl needed a dad and a father-in-law and the king only got to be one of those. When there was a wedding, they could mud wrestle over the specifics.]
[ She allows herself this hug to last a breath or two more, afterwards pulling away just enough to hold his hand again.
And hold his hand, she does, tightly. ]
I...
Ultimately, I don't want to see him so hurt anymore. I don't know what to do. He-- doesn't want to lose family, but if his family hurts him like this...
It doesn't seem right, to me. [ Knowing Noctis, she knows that he might continue to be hurt, because this is just how he is. ]
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Ah... I'm glad-- that you two talked, and that it went well. [ From her smile, it may be that she doesn't doubt it went anything but. That, or she's ignorant. Regardless, this actually reminds her of part of reason for their talk-- ]
Erm, Gladio. How is he doing, by the way?
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I promised you I'd behave.
[Which sort of brought up what he had come here to talk to Pyra about. He wanted to wait until she reached the table before bringing it up in case she got skittish and dropped the plates. He wasn't sure she would act like that, but he didn't want to take that risk as it would embarrass her.
However, Pyra beat him to it. The question about Gladio, caught him off-guard and he tried not to, but he grinned and glanced away. Was there possibly.. just slightly, maybe, a touch of a blush there?* It was brief and he quickly recovered and found that relaxed smile he was wearing earlier.]
Gladio? Um.. he's good. He yelled at me to stop being a jerk to his friends. We're almost done with our proposal for our bar too.
See, that's how you tell someone how a friend is. Details, Pyra. Details! What's been going on with you? You keep avoiding it, so has something happened?
[*ooc: Think smile from the icon!]
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Oh.... Is it that obvious?
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For now though, his heart sinks. He'd hoped he'd been just grasping at straws. He stretched out a hand with a frown.]
No, not really. I can back off if you need me too, I'm just concerned.
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Concerned. He's concerned for her-- after only knowing her for a few weeks? That's-- that's sweet of him. ]
Ah. You're very kind.
[ For now, that's all she says. It seems she's gathering her thoughts, or more accurately, debating on whether to speak or not. But her fingers in his tighten across his palm, if ever so briefly. ]
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[He gave her hand a light, affectionate squeeze back.]
Whenever you're ready, that is. Okay?
[He'd let her off the hook after this, he just wanted to be absolutely sure she didn't want to talk about whatever was bothering her. Maybe she just needed some extra encouragement? Either way, the stuff he wanted to talk about wouldn't be an easy subject so this would be the best time to share if she was going to do it.]
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Kind, he is kind.
But there's a small sigh on her part, and that smile fades. ] Noct...
He was hurt--... I'm just, worried about him. That's on my mind.
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Still, Noct getting hurt sucked and he didn't have to fake looking concerned about this.]
That sucks. I'm guessing this is emotionally since I didn't see any physical injuries when I talked to him, right? Poor guy.
[He felt bad for her too. And he also wondered if he knew exactly who the culprit was.]
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[ Not too long ago, Tony had been upset about Noctis and Gladio, angered, even. Pyra is not angered, here, and she avoids confrontation by default, but the other aspect to that-- that want for better for a loved one, for them not to be hurt. That, she understands. ]
Isn't it awful, seeing another be hurt like so?
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It is. I'm sorry, sweetheart. Neither of you deserve that. Is there anything I can do? It's okay to need support while you're supporting someone else.
[He hesitated.]
It's also okay to be pissed off at whoever is causing this.
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But guilt still weaves into her voice. Noctis doesn't want to lose people, but if he loses someone he loves-- even if they hurt him-- he still hurts and just. Accepts that hurt.
She doesn't know how to explain that, and it's a personal matter, besides. ]
Tony.... When someone hurts you, what do you do?
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Punch them.
[He waited a beat for Pyra to either laugh or look horrified or something.]
I'm kidding.. unless, they are actually physically attacking me, then yes, that's my answer. But.. the real answer?
[He shifted uncomfortably knowing more than he was going to be able to say.]
I think I know what you're talking about and it's actually why I'm here. I've learned recently about a situation that went down at a social event not that long ago and I wanted to see if you were alright. I also wanted to see if I could get your side of the story. I can't really say much about the source of my information or what I've been told specifically but.. it's made me concerned about you and Noctis, but mostly you. Would it be alright if I talked to you about this?
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He seems concerned. Sincere.
Her hand drops from his shoulder to take his again. ] You talk of... [ What other social gathering would it be? Regis' birthday went fine. And the only one before that was the wedding. ] The wedding?
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Would you please tell me about your relationship with Era? What has it been like before the wedding and after?
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Era.... is someone who has so much on her shoulders. [ And this is what she begins with, sympathetic. Ever since she's first met her, she's learned that she is strong. That she fights for her world, and that-- for who she loves, she loves them fiercely. Emet-Selch, Ardbert, her amaro child, her familiars... and she's radiant in the presence of who she loves. ] She wants to protect others. I learned this throughout the year.
At the wedding, even if she didn't trust me, she allowed me to attend. Her heart-- it's so big, like that. [ She pauses briefly, struggling. ] But I presumed too much-- that, since she considers Noctis her brother, that we were family, too... I immediately apologized for it, realizing my error. [ She cringes at recounting the event. Really, what was she thinking?
It hurts to think about, but it probably had hurt Era even more. She shouldn't have gone to the wedding, when she caused such pain, when Era didn't trust her, when she thought her a child, disingenuous and poorly playing a role. ]
I... really hurt her that day.
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He groaned and put his head in his hands for a moment. Could he shake her? Was that allowed? Was there a pillow he could bop her on the head with?
In a way, it broke his heart.]
Pyra..
[Oh, he had his fork! He bopped her very lightly on the top of her head with his the flat side of his fork.]
I don't know where your father was when he should've been teaching you stuff, but clearly you need a dad. So for the next.. twenty minutes. I'm your dad, okay?
[He spoke firmly but kindly, like how he used to to Morgan.]
Young lady, don't you ever let someone disrespect you and treat you like this ever again. Do you understand me? Don't you dare apologize for being nice to someone just because they're batshit crazy. Their stupidity is not your fault or your responsibility.
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[ --No. No, she doesn't have a lot to say at that. What he's given her just is a flat out rejection of her self-blame, as if he sees through her words. He speaks to her directly, offering his opinion flatly and firmly-- fatherly?-- that the foundation he establishes is a hard wall, one that he's made to show he won't accept such a bad habit of hers, period.
Even if she does feel bad for Era, and self-blame is hard to combat, still, this does... help. And she's stunned. ]
You say that... so certainly.
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[He chuckled a little at that self-deprecating remark.]
Anyway, you don't just look like my adopted daughter, but you act like her too. She had this quiet strength that I see in you. But.. sweetie, she could be a doormat and so can you. You gotta cut that out. You've got more power in you than that.
Tell me more about what's happened between you two so I can maybe help you see it more clearly. I have a bad feeling you have a few things mixed up, kind of like that wedding story.
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And then there is the more recent matter with Noctis being hurt over something-- and Noctis being hurt is something she does want to defend, is something that she doesn't wish to be 'walked over', because someone she loves is in pain.
She appears troubled-- more than she had before-- and casts her gaze wayward. A few moments is all it takes to collect herself, and she returns her sight to him. ]
I'm not sure where it started. [ And in retrospect, it probably started a long, long time ago, far back than when Pyra herself had ever been made aware. ] She thinks of me as a child and as... someone who is only playing a role. [ That last part makes her eyes dart away again, as if it's touched on a great insecurity, the words still stinging in her ears. ] But it--- I wish I had known this all sooner, to... keep her from the trouble I bring her. [ Keep her from the pain it apparently brings her for Pyra to simply exist around her. ]
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It didn't matter though. He could see pain and he understood suffering. Heartbreak, fear, guilt, and feeling inadequate were universal. He wanted to hold her like he used to hold his daughter, but he also heard her when she said she'd been compared to a child.]
She's jealous, Pyra. People hate and will lash out at those they envy the most. Whatever struggles that have happened in your life have made you cautious but you're sweet, easy to be friends with, and you have a sunny, positive view of the world. You are hope. Whatever struggles that have happened in her life have made her bitter and angry and a chore to deal with.
Maybe she wanted to be the brilliant, scientific, mysterious and charming girl in town? Maybe she wanted to be the only adopted daughter in Reggie's eyes? Maybe she wanted Noctis for herself? Maybe she didn't want the guy with three eyes and the one who used to be a ghost for a hundred years? I can't imagine either one of those guys knowing what they're doing in bed and that'd make anyone bitchy as hell. All I know, is this has nothing to do with who you are and everything to do with who she is.
[He took a breath and tried to reign in his own frustration with Era to refocus on Pyra. It was difficult with his conversation with Era being so fresh in his mind.]
My point is, if you're playing a role then you're just not playing the role she wants you to and she can go fuck herself. You do you, sweet girl, and that's all you need to be. If anyone questions you again, you tell them this- I'm Pyra, bitch. And then let them eat your dust.
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She's been feeling as if she's been the one at fault for... everything, for far too long. And while she doesn't feel as if she can't speak with Noctis about it, there just hasn't been a good time to bring up anything with him for the past two-- no, three months and counting, when his relationship with Era remains close and him so sorely effected by it (among other things that have happened to him in this time). Because of this, she's been isolated with her own feelings and thoughts.
It seems she didn't really know herself just how affected she had been by this, herself... And it seems she didn't know how moved she would be, if only she could have someone's support.
When she speaks, it's only his name stated in a tremulous tone, her gaze lowered, her breath shaky. ]
T-Tony...
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Had he said too much? Was she about to burst into tears? Would he be able to repair this damage? He waited as the silence stretched on for eight or nine years in the length of a couple heartbeats.
Even when she broke the silence, he just.. he couldn't figure out which way she was needing him to go. Did he apologize? Joke it off? Or.. unsure what else to do, he took a gamble. He opened his arms to see if she wanted a hug(???).]
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Pyra's arm wrap around his back, and she presses her head to his shoulder. While she isn't crying, her shoulders tremble with what could have been more, if only she would let herself. But she's steady-- steadier, than she was moments ago-- and his presence helps. This? This is better than merely holding hands, as they had been doing. ]
Thank you. [ ---...Not for what he's said about Era, because she disagrees on many points. And so she clarifies: ]
...For listening to me.
[ He had said he would be a dad to her in the next twenty minutes. Is this how he acts as s father, to give such support? It's overwhelming in far too many ways to describe, and-- ah. Validating, too. She feels validated and valued, and not brushed aside like some child or something useless. ]
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Even as he leaned in and pressed a kiss to her brow, he battled with himself over what to do next. Except, there was at least one part he knew exactly how to respond to.]
Always, sweetheart. Always. We're family. I lied before. It's not for just twenty minutes, but whenever and however you might need me, if I'm at all able, I'll be here for you, Pyra.
[Reggie could suck it. A girl needed a dad and a father-in-law and the king only got to be one of those. When there was a wedding, they could mud wrestle over the specifics.]
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And hold his hand, she does, tightly. ]
I...
Ultimately, I don't want to see him so hurt anymore. I don't know what to do. He-- doesn't want to lose family, but if his family hurts him like this...
It doesn't seem right, to me. [ Knowing Noctis, she knows that he might continue to be hurt, because this is just how he is. ]
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Wrap!