firstworldproblem | IC Inbox (Imeeji)

Well I certainly wasn't aware of all this charm I apparently have.

[ There's something about the way Hades says it that is odd, and he's looking at him like he's a puzzle to figure out. Lahabrea's words do distract him, though, so he directs his attention toward him, quiet for a few moments as he considers their words ]

I do not want either of you to do or agree to anything you don't want regardless of how convenient it would be for our plans. While I yearn for efficiency it will not be at your expense.

I won't ask you to act or truly place any faith in them. And if you do not want to negotiate or talk with them they'll have to accept that. It's their fault the agreement fell through, to start with.

[ a pause, and then he adds ]

But I'll admit I am starting to wonder whether I am getting ahead of myself again, regarding how much I can help. I don't want to ignore your feelings.

'Tis not that we don't wish for it, but it has to be somewhat believable.

When I came at the decision to propose the solution to the Exarch it did not come at an easy conclusion. It was a realization I would let at least one timeline fall to their hands, my brethren gone forever. That they would be the shepherds of their star and, while likely it would fall to ruin, it was theirs and theirs alone. For their loved ones, for the future they would try in vain to build. To believe in them for a moment and wish for their happiness.

Truthfully I think I'm less insulted when they simply wanted us to perish in all timelines over that they've made two friends that are worth more than this entire timeline they plan to 'sacrifice' to us.

[He touches his mask like he wants to pinch the bridge of his nose.]

You are not overstepping, Five. And truthfully while I agree with Alexander in principle, I am more mercenary.

We do not have the luxury of rejecting even the slimmest and most unlikely chance at making our road even a little easier. Should they falter again, renege once more upon their agreement, which I believe they shall, then we will already be expecting it, and no loss. But if it succeeds by some miracle, it is worth putting up with one more farce upon the way.

[ he may not be overstepping but he does feel as though this may be a little beyond what he can achieve. Still. A truce is all they need so far and if they both wish to pretend they believe it, it's probably fine ]

Then I'll be informing them of your agreement to a truce, but inform them you are not particularly interested in discussing the matter with them, unless you change your minds.

Though I should specify that while Thancred did cite his fondness of us as a reason, hearing out his motives from him directly would be better. It is possible he's mentioned that as his primary motivation because I was the one he was talking to.

If they wish to discuss, 'tis fine, but they could actually talk to us rather than use you as a proxy. Another point on why this seems so terribly fleeting.

And do not think we don't appreciate you trying, Five. The fault has never been on you. I actually would be delighted if the option were truly back on the table. But I agree with Cosmo. We might as well try.

[He nods in agreement, sighing.]

It is tiring but we are obligated to try, no matter how insincere they appear, or how impossible to trust their motives. How nice it would be to have the luxury to refuse desperate measures!

But this ire is not aimed at you Five, for ever are you a boon and a true friend in this.

I'm not worried about that, but I do worry about causing unnecessary discomfort.

We can head to Baritones for the rest of this discussion — unless you require time alone. I'm aware there has to be quite a lot on your mind right now, for the both of you, even taking this matter aside.

[He takes Lahabrea's hand briefly and squeezes it before patting Five on the shoulder before turning towards the dorm.]

A fine suggestion though I'm not sure how much more there is to discuss other than agreement on that particular matter.

On other matter, however, Five, are you just not setting yourself up for heart ache?

[He pats them both on the shoulder, gently ushering them dormwards though he does not interrupt the discussion.]

[ Following them, though he does furrow his eyebrows at the question ]

I am but whose fault is that? I'm holding you responsible for that, you made me start caring and now I can't stop. It's terrible.

The Exarch I can understand. You had gotten close the same time as we had, but Thancred?

[Hitting the elevator button up to BARiTONES.]

Though I suppose I can't fault you. There was a brief period of time where I did respect him.

[He leans on the elevator wall, just listening.]

He clearly needed help and I couldn't ignore it. I did want to avoid this sort of outcome but it just happened.

[ a pause as he looks at Lahabrea, then at Emet ]

You're not jealous, are you?

Of course I am, but who am I to dictate who you can and can't spend your time with?

[He actually laughs where he leans, but he's assuming it's not addressed at him so he only steps out and opens the door for the other two when they reach the top floor.]

[ he is curious about Lahabrea's feelings on the matter too, but his primary concern was Emet so the question was definitely directed at him.

And Emet's actual response has him so surprised that he doesn't know whether to continue the discussion now, with Lahabrea there, or later. In the end he decides that Lahabrea knows enough about them both that it doesn't matter ]

"Of course you are"? This might come as a shock to you but it's really not as obvious as you clearly think it should be. You're my fiancé, why would you think there's any reason for you to be jealous?

[ a pause, then to Lahabrea— ]

Feel free to go ahead if this is embarrassing.

You asked for an emotion not a logical reasoning. Do try to separate the two as I do realize it may seem unkind. As for why, the Scions already claimed one very close friend.

[He just laughs at Lahabrea.]

Vergil probably fights with him. I imagine he enjoys himself.

I am! Do not mind me.

[He will close the doors behind them though, and follow to whichever room they go, but he will probably just enjoy watching for a while so do feel free to skip him. He'll just sit with them.]

[ He seems sarisfied with the answer, but he sighs, hand going to the back of his neck ]

It's not unkind. When you out it like that it makes sense.

But they're not claiming me. Don't doubt that I would kill every last one of them if it came to it, regardless of my current ties to them.

You are and always will be my second priority.

[ there's a pause, and since Lahabrea has gone ahead, he'll move closer to emet to hold his hand ]

[He does take his hand and kneels kissing the knuckles.]

Have no regret as I know this. I do not doubt you. My trust is yours, rightfully earned.

But I also will not lie to you. I will not hide my emotions from you even the ones that are not as flattering.

But you also claimed I care to deeply, and I wonder if you are now falling into the same pitfalls. If you find kindness and friendship with them, I will no deny you. You have been devoid of these for far too long.

But be careful of your heart. I do not wish to see you hurt or to put yourself in a situation where that is the only outcome.

Well. Now I get why me doing this always gets you to blush.

[ He can't help being charmed, not just at the gesture but at Emet's words as well ]

I don't want you to lie. If anything, I would rather know exactly how you feel if I'm unable to pick up on it. And I give you my word I'll try to avoid setting myself up for heartbreak as much as possible, but well. I'll have to count on you to put the pieces back together should it come to that.

It is a nice color on you. When I can manage it.

[But he will still hold his hand when he does stand back up.]

After all you have been through, I will not tell you to close your heart. It has been guarded enough. But I will be your constant, and you will be mine. Just be careful. And for as much as I belittle them for faults that are not their own, they will be good friends. This I have witnessed.

They have been considerate, that's true. Still. I have no intention of feeding your jealousy, so maybe I can adopt a strategy of singing you praises twice as many times for any praise I give them.

For example. You have been the very first friend I've ever made in my entire life, and every moment I'm lucky enough to share with you makes me a better person. There's nothing that can compare to all that you've given me since we've met.

[ squeezing his hand at that ]

And I'll keep that at that before it gets any more embarrassing while Lahabrea is waiting.

[Distant amused Speaker noises. Look he's been watching this whole time you're both adorable.]

The jealousy is my own to unravel, but I appreciate the sentiment nonetheless. And I do trust you. I truly do.

[He walks past Lahabrea hand in hand with Five giving him a wink.]

Oh, I bet he is just as sentimental with Vergil. I know he is with me. I wouldn't be surprised if this became a new hobby of his.

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