firstworldproblem | IC Inbox (Imeeji)

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.

I think I would prefer if he kept us outside of his hobbies actually, but thank you for the mental image.

[Emet gets a look!! Don't call him out.]

Can't an old man enjoy the cute romance of the young?

Ah, but did we wish to discuss details of this business now or shall I leave you lovebirds after all?

Of course he can. But when it is you, do expected to be teased out of affection.

[He leads them into his room and plops himself down on a comfy couch.]

We at least should determine our next course of action. Which seems like affirming our wary intent of agreement with the Scions themselves.

Is it teasing if it's just stating the truth? Hobbies aside, he is sentimental after all.

[ and at that he will sit down next to Emet ]

I can send a message to Thancred and let him know you have decided to warily honor the agreement, and give him my word that we intend on ensuring Zodiark will not be a problem. But as I said, I would not give him further details regarding our plans.

He'd mentioned being willing to sign a contract, so what would you want to do?

[He sits on another couch facing them, crossing his ankles and leaning back.]

What exactly does he want in the contract? What does he expect to hold that would be worthwhile? Those are, as far as I an aware, binding only within this production. It is their actions beyond this place that will be the most concern.

But perhaps I overlook something.

I would be surprised if a contract would bind their wish be it Heaven or Hell's path.

And truthfully, he should get no say on how we manage our star, Zodiark or no. That is the point after all, relinquishing it to the other party letting them guide it as they see fit.

You're right that he doesn't, but if it's all the same to you I'd keep that detail to ourselves. Though considering you both are fully aware I'd also rather avoid having you sacrifice half of your population again it's not exactly lying.

As for what he would want in a contract, your guess is as good as mine, but it's my understanding he proposed it in hopes it would help in demonstrating his good faith.

[He sighs.]

Fine. We can consider if there's any merit to it. As for a truce. He knows of our plans. Then let him come forth with his. If we are not to interfere then let us know what we are not interfering with.

Then the burden is now on him. We'll agree to whatever is put on the table unless it dictates how we plan to manage our star.

And if there is no point to a contract, I would go without. One, so it doesn't put the burden on you, Five. And also because I don't want anyone else to get the idea we 'forced' it upon him as part of the agreement. You know how people make judgments.

Considering Taisho's reputation is also terrible that sounds fine by me. I'll let him know you should discuss any further details with you.

[He just nods to all of that.]

You do believe them sincere, but I would have your assessment in general Five.

Do you think this will truly last?

[Leaning back and getting comfy as Five speaks his mind.]

[ he's quiet for a few moments at that, eyebrows furrowing as he thinks it over ]

Hades already mentioned how Vergil and I disappearing could influence their decisions, if we're Thancred's primary motivation. But I believe they'd operate under the assumption that I am still in Hell somewhere, and that we will find our way back. Which does mean if they don't keep the agreement we'd still have to kill them when the time comes.

What truly concerns me is what would happen if you were to disappear. Would they believe they're rid of you for good and decide to protect their world across every possible timeline?

That, and the rest of their companions. Noah already agreed to keeping to his timeline once, and that all went southways when Thancred appeared. Even should Thancred take a more active role in gaining the cooperation of his friends, it is not guaranteed he would manage. What of their Hero? If they find their way here, would they truly agree to this?

If they were logical creatures they should. But they're clearly not. And they're seeing timetravel the same way as they see actual murder.

[ a pause, and he sighs ]

I suppose ultimately I don't, no. But I'd like to.

[He listens quietly and looks out the window when Five is done. It really is a nice view, top floor and all. He leans his chin on his hand, and sighs.]

"I'd like to." Yes. I suppose that is the best we can hope for at this point. There is no possibility of ensuring they keep their word, nor even remember that they have given their word if we are not here to remind them.

Yet try we must.

I am sorry you have been caught in all this, but grateful as well. Though it seems I must pay more attention.

[He looks back at Five with a wry smile.]

You are even busier than I had thought.

"Yet try we must."

[He simply shrugs with a sigh.]

Of course he is. I have no doubts Five has already a half a dozen thoughts running into his head on how he can convince them to keep their word.

But I know it comes from the heart. And my thanks, as always, for trying.

I'm officially off vacation, so you can't scold me for that. Is it really surprising that I'm keeping busy? You're both just as bad with that.

Though this does remind me.

I distinctly recall we agreed to force Lahabrea on vacation once mine came to its conclusion.

Oh is that what prompted it?

Do be aware I consider you only got three days of your own vacation. I may concede you back to work but I consider you are still owed four days rest at some point.

The point was time off from one trauma and stress to the next, after all.

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