firstworldproblem | IC Inbox (Imeeji)

Then we are even.

[Holds out a hand to help him up.]

[ he sighs and takes his hand

and then immediately pulls him down instead of going up ]

[Well.

Honestly he originally considered dunking both of them because he figured this was the outcome.

Now they are both wet!]

[ he's going to splash water on his face immediately after but then he'll just swim next to him ]

It's not as if I thought you'd be mad at me, exactly. I simply did not want to hurt you and to take your comfort before informing you didn't seem right.

[He’s just laughing as he tries to rub the water out of his eyes.]

Neither revelation is an injury to me or my pride. You need not have worried that from the start.

It's not your pride I'm afraid of hurting.

I know. And you know I love and appreciate you for it.

[He pulls himself up, thank you long arms, and then will pull Five up.]

I was going to give you my coat so you wouldn’t be wet, but here we are.

[ This time he plays nice ]

A perfectly good time to go for a change of clothes, then.

[ There's a pause as he considers whether he wants to return to that matter or not, but eventually ]

... Levity seemed under the impression that I got upset because he implied I was a bad brother. That wasn't it, obviously, I already explained, but —

...

Well. You know how complicated things are with my family.

[This is gonna be an interesting conversation to revisit once he has both sides.

And he just drips water everywhere. There isn't much else to do. Well, besides kiss the top of Five's head.]

First of all, you are not a bad brother whatever the intention was trying to be portrayed. As raiser of many heirs to the throne set upon sabotaging each other, well, ...you get the picture.

[He pauses as well, for a long time actually even for him, before he speaks.]

Your family means something special to you. Complicated if you want to use that word. Just as Amuarot is for myself and Lahabrea. Yes, you recognize them as living breathing people to which you interact. But the memory of them, the thought of them, is what kept you going for so many years. It still keeps you going. It has morphed into an ideal that breathes into your very core. Thus, when one threatens your perception of family, in a sense, they are threating the perception of you, yourself.

'Tis why when with no memories Kaguya's thought of 'family' did ring so terribly with you.

In the interest of fairness. I know it's not what he meant. It's simply what he got stuck in guessing bothered me. But I did feel judged, like I said.

Still.

It has been on my mind. There are things I should be able to do for them and I'm not. You and Lahabrea keep encouraging me but at the end of the day I haven't made nearly enough progress as I should have.

And I keep thinking.

How long will it be until they've had enough. Or until I prove myself to be like our father. It stuck to me the other day too, after our ... practice. That I thought the methods were effective and therefore the best to use, regardless of my reaction.

That's exactly what he would have thought.

[He takes his face in his hands.]

Where did such deep worries come from?

Well, you have listed the failings. On which you desire to improve.

Now, tell me where you have succeeded in regards to your siblings. And I’m not dismissing the failures, but do look at the whole picture.

And then I will answer you rhetoric questions.

Maybe my mind is finding new things to get worried about because I have so much free time.

[ a pause as he thinks on how to answer his question, and then— ]

I was able to have a few normal conversation with Luther and even promise I'd visit more often. That I'd be there for him if he needs. And I told Klaus about regaining my memories of the apocalypse as well as the flashbacks.

Luther came by actually because you told him. It was rather sweet.

[He leans down to kiss him softly.]

In terms of practicality, of the three of you, you are most like your father. Is such a thing terrible, no? But such a trait is seen just as strongly in Lahabrea as well. Also you are hard on yourself. I'm sure you would not do to me what I did to you.

And I know it seems hard, and perhaps it always will be. But I have not seen their demeanor change for the worse for you. Klaus even spoke fondly of you.

Let them grow and be part of it.

You have not missed out your chance. You are making progress.

All this insecurity really doesn't suit me. But I think things just got more ... overwhelming. Now that I remember my years of solitude. How I forgot the way they looked over time. And how badly I wanted to go back.

And selfishly I had been worried that Luther might decide not to go back to our world with me. Now that he has happiness elsewhere. I told Lahabrea about this and he suggested I discuss this with Luther, but I haven't had the chance. And now it's really not a good time, given, well. This argument.

[ he'll take his hand to kiss once more and then tug him toward the door ]

We're drying up and getting a proper change of clothes. ... Thank you. For, well. Everything, as usual.

[Before he tugs him to go, he kneels and wraps his arms around him holding him tight.]

Five Hargreeves.

You have endured what no one should. Endured and thrived and inspired those around you. Trust in the love of your family. When you feel the time is right, talk to Luther. Do not let me, or Levity, or Lahabrea or anyone get in the way of that wish you hold in your heart.

This we promised each other.

[ there's a bit of a sad smile at that, but he brings his hands on each side of his face, leaning in to kiss him lightly ]

As much as I'd like to do that in theory, in practice if Luther and Klaus have different plans even I can't force mine on them. But I realize my worries aren't entirely rational. Consider this just venting to my incredibly sweet fiancé who always listens to my worries, big and small.

Really starting to think I should get him a proper "thank you gift" for that. Do you think my undying love and devotion will be enough?

[He still seems concerned but will not say no to kisses.]

I meant more of do not let any of us get in the way of asking Luther what you want. You would never force him.

[He is charmed by the words placing his hands on top of his.]

That sounds almost enough. Add a cup of coffee and it should be adequate.

[ he can tell Emet is still worried, and he's clearly trying to at least lighten the mood a little, since there's nothing he can do at this point beyond voicing his feelings ]

Mmm. You drive a hard bargain but I believe that can be arranged. After we dry up and change clothes before either of us gets sick.

But how am I to convince you in a nurse outfit if I am not ill?

[He stands though taking his hands and continuing the way before he interrupted them.]

No matter what happens, I did promise to stay at your side.

I'll wear one for you if you wear one for me.

[ squeezing his hand then ]

You did promise and I haven't doubted you would in quite a while.

Truly?

[Time to get out of these wet clothes when they get to his room.]

Only if you're the one to buy both outfits.

[ he knows that's not what he's asking but he has to. He's gotten a few outfits for Emet in his room, just like he does, so he'll hand it to them - they're all Taisho style ~~but i forgot to save the fanart i wanted to show you one day i will find it again~~. ]

It has been a long time since I felt like the other shoe is about to drop. That this happiness has to be temporary. So yes. truly.

[He puts it on after drying off still a little enchanted that he has a wardrobe here, hand picked by Five.]

Can I do anything? To make it feel less overwhelming.

Stay for a while, and let me keep you close.

[ he's changed clothes after drying as well, so once he says that, he will walk up to Emet to wrap his arms around him again. ]

I'm admittedly feeling excessively needy. And this time I'm going to take full advantage of your good will.

I suppose I should have asked if there was anything I wasn’t already planning on doing.

[He holds him close, squeezing tightly before tugging him towards the bed.]

Lie down.

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