[ 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?
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.
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. ]
[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.
[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,]
[ 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.
[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.
[ 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.
[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 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. ]
[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.]
[ 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. ]
[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.]
[ 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.
[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 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.]
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...]
[ Her answer is delayed, this time, and her hand's grip becomes lighter in his. He said he'd explain things, but. She wants to be supportive, first and foremost. ]
[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.]
[ 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?
[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.]
[ 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.
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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?
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[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.
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...Right. You know.
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[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.
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"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.
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Tucking his chin on her shoulder, not letting go, all he can do is repeat, quietly,]
I'm sorry.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. ]
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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.]
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Her arms open to him. ]
I'm glad. [ She says simply, and she pulls him into a hug. ]
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His tone is somewhat sheepish as he responds,] I'm all gross, sorry. [Not that it stopped him from hugging her.]
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[ 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.
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[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.]
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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.
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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.]
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[ She asks with an almost coy smile, giving his hand a tug back towards the porch doors. ] You must be, after a battle.
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[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...]
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I can wait, too. Go on.
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...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.]
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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?
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You tell me. Do I smell better?
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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.
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