[ he kisses him back readily, soft and tender and content with keeping it like that unless Emet has other plans. He keeps holding his hand, and once he does pull back he'll bring his other to his face, brushing his hair aside before he kisses his forehead ]
I'd say I'm not going to be dramatic but we both know that's a lie. Something else I'm ready to blame you for.
[He puts a finger to Five's lips well after he's done speaking.]
Anyone who'd listen? Even though you I did ask you not to be dramatic, I rather like that. You're so... You're brilliant and thoughtful and caring. More observant than I ever guessed. I knew once you mentioned trying to stop the apocalypse you would be a kind soul, but I even I would have never expected to this depths.
[And his eyes are a little glossy, but he does look at him curiously before complying with the request.]
[ he wraps his arms around him and pulls him close immediately once he complies, adjusting his height a little so it won't look quite as ridiculous - but here he is, Five being the big spoon here.
It works well enough to hide his face as well, because after that speech of course he's feeling overwhelmed all over again. Maybe Emet is gaining a new victory now. ]
... I do enjoy it. Being able to show kindness and care with those I love. Even before the apocalypse, it wasn't exactly encouraged at home.
[Five is always the big spoon in spirit. He leans back a little into him getting impossibly close before resting his hand on top of his.]
Your father was quite foolish in that regard. Wanting to teach you teamwork, but not knowing how. But you are no longer shackled by him, the Commission, time or even this place. You can be whatever you like. Life will interfere as it always does, but I do believe you are enjoying the person who you've grown into.
It does. Like a thick fog cleared. As if the world wasn't quite as oppressive as it was before. Even as so far as to say your touch feels a little more real.
[ It's a little heartbreaking in its own way, to hear that. He's glad for the comfort he can provide him now, but he does wish it didn't feel so bad on a regular basis. He'll kiss his neck at that, hold him tight just to give him further proof that he's there, he's real, and he's not leaving him ]
We'll work toward making sure you'll feel that way under regular circumstances too.
[He leans his head up but he can hardly look at him.]
Don't think it isn't eased under normal circumstances. I would have drowned in it had you not so unexpectedly offered your hand. You weren't the only one silently asking for the other to stay.
Lahabrea helps tremendously. As do you. BARiTONES to a smaller degree though Vergil and Absinthe more than the others.
It has taken a turn. There is actual hope at the end rather than simply watching both of my companions erode themselves in different ways.
When you put it like that, we really are quite the pair. Does it sound too dramatic if I say we saved each other? Well. From loneliness, if nothing else.
[ he reaches for both of his hands, lacing their fingers together as he holds him and keeps placing kisses on his skin, soft and loving ]
You know. I keep thinking. About the days we'll spend together. No life or death decisions. Just us, taking care of one another and the people we hold dear. Living our daily lives.
I'm going to bring so many books back to your place you'll have to kick me out.
[He hums at the kisses and chuckles at the words.]
If you bring enough books I will not be able to find you in order to kick you out. Not a terrible strategy all told. But we'll get you a room to work, a room connected to a porch so I can bathe in the sun and watch you.
But don't expect me to participate. The endless pursuit of knowledge you can share with Lahabrea. I'll be more than content to count the number of people as they go by as the most riveting activity.
[ There's a little laugh at that, and he shifts so he can rest his chin on his shoulder ]
You deserve a break, so I suppose I can allow that. Rest assured I will not neglect you, no matter how intriguing the knowledge I'll have access to will be.
Then, you could take me out. Share with me all the most breath-taking sights your world has to offer.
I do look forward to the day I can make you a field of flowers to enjoy. Ones carefully crafted for you tastes specifically. Perhaps that is where you should store your books.
Shouldn't I be the one to thank you for letting me in this far, to start with ...?
You know. I told you my fondest memory is that time during the truth game, when I decided to believe in your companionship. But thinking about it now I feel like the first time I truly felt my heart swell has been when you told me your real name.
It was precious to me. And it still is. A part of your true self that I've earned.
I didn't think anyone would earn the right, honestly. Even without your abilities, you can't help but be 'special', can you? You'd best use your tenacity to ensure we will never part.
And if you asked me to respond with my fondest memory, I will have you know I would not be able to pick just one.
Happy or overwhelmed? They are two different lists.
I distinctly remember the first time you tried to use our powers in conjunction. Though I was cross with you earlier in the conversation the fact that we got as far as we did was nothing short of brilliant. I'd missed collaborating like that even if we were both left exhausted and nearly bleeding in that dream.
I greatly enjoyed our spa excursion. You'd spent time thinking of it and of that it was apparent. And it was relaxing and soothing. A break from all this which was sorely needed.
The more recent one are too numerous to count. Your ideal illusion, your reaction at my proposal along with you gifting the rings later, our dreams spent on the pier. The are nearly too numerous.
But as much as the grand events, there is something incredibly special about you working on formulas as I was crafting Absinthe's chess set or you making fun of my inability to make coffee and teaching me proper. It is all these, large and small that make me so terribly fond of you. Truthfully, it has been a rather packed half a year, has it not?
You're right. It has been. And I'm definitely looking forward more of these small and large moments to spend with you. A couple thousand lifetimes to spend together.
Talking about it with you like this does make it feel more real. Like it isn't a dream and we won't have to wake up and face reality, after all.
Thank goodness you are not asking me for the overwhelming list. Though I imagine you'll have that for another day.
[He squeezes his hand.]
Even if it were all to fade tomorrow, I would not regret a moment of it. You have made my life all the better, Five Hargreeves. And being able to touch yours has lifted my spirits as well.
I'm giving you some mercy since the whole point of this exercise is to make you feel good, not bad. And I imagine you'll retaliate by asking the same of me, so you can consider this me buying myself some time.
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I'd say I'm not going to be dramatic but we both know that's a lie. Something else I'm ready to blame you for.
But you are the reason I found happiness at all. If it hadn't been for you I would never even have considered it. And now here I am. Wanting to keep you safe and happy in my arms, calling you my fiancé to anyone who'll listen.
[ He shifts at that, moving off of him so he can move to his side, leaning in to kiss his cheek after. ]
Turn around.
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Anyone who'd listen? Even though you I did ask you not to be dramatic, I rather like that. You're so... You're brilliant and thoughtful and caring. More observant than I ever guessed. I knew once you mentioned trying to stop the apocalypse you would be a kind soul, but I even I would have never expected to this depths.
[And his eyes are a little glossy, but he does look at him curiously before complying with the request.]
How could I possibly say no to you?
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It works well enough to hide his face as well, because after that speech of course he's feeling overwhelmed all over again. Maybe Emet is gaining a new victory now. ]
... I do enjoy it. Being able to show kindness and care with those I love. Even before the apocalypse, it wasn't exactly encouraged at home.
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Your father was quite foolish in that regard. Wanting to teach you teamwork, but not knowing how. But you are no longer shackled by him, the Commission, time or even this place. You can be whatever you like. Life will interfere as it always does, but I do believe you are enjoying the person who you've grown into.
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You know I already have quite the big ego, right?
[ which doesn't necessarily mean he enjoyed the person he was before, he's being deliberately obtuse. ]
What about you? You said your burdens do feel lighter.
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[He smiles as he closes his eyes.]
It does. Like a thick fog cleared. As if the world wasn't quite as oppressive as it was before. Even as so far as to say your touch feels a little more real.
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We'll work toward making sure you'll feel that way under regular circumstances too.
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Don't think it isn't eased under normal circumstances. I would have drowned in it had you not so unexpectedly offered your hand. You weren't the only one silently asking for the other to stay.
Lahabrea helps tremendously. As do you. BARiTONES to a smaller degree though Vergil and Absinthe more than the others.
It has taken a turn. There is actual hope at the end rather than simply watching both of my companions erode themselves in different ways.
Re: Day 298
[ he reaches for both of his hands, lacing their fingers together as he holds him and keeps placing kisses on his skin, soft and loving ]
You know. I keep thinking. About the days we'll spend together. No life or death decisions. Just us, taking care of one another and the people we hold dear. Living our daily lives.
I'm going to bring so many books back to your place you'll have to kick me out.
Re: Day 298
[He hums at the kisses and chuckles at the words.]
If you bring enough books I will not be able to find you in order to kick you out. Not a terrible strategy all told. But we'll get you a room to work, a room connected to a porch so I can bathe in the sun and watch you.
But don't expect me to participate. The endless pursuit of knowledge you can share with Lahabrea. I'll be more than content to count the number of people as they go by as the most riveting activity.
Re: Day 298
You deserve a break, so I suppose I can allow that. Rest assured I will not neglect you, no matter how intriguing the knowledge I'll have access to will be.
Then, you could take me out. Share with me all the most breath-taking sights your world has to offer.
Of course I intend to do the same for you.
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I do expect the coffee tour of your home as well.
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Though your selection today really was touching.
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But thank you. For this. For everything. While I may be careless with my heart, I do not let many people in this far.
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You know. I told you my fondest memory is that time during the truth game, when I decided to believe in your companionship. But thinking about it now I feel like the first time I truly felt my heart swell has been when you told me your real name.
It was precious to me. And it still is. A part of your true self that I've earned.
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And if you asked me to respond with my fondest memory, I will have you know I would not be able to pick just one.
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Then tell me about each of them. Anything that makes you happy — I want to hear about it.
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I distinctly remember the first time you tried to use our powers in conjunction. Though I was cross with you earlier in the conversation the fact that we got as far as we did was nothing short of brilliant. I'd missed collaborating like that even if we were both left exhausted and nearly bleeding in that dream.
I greatly enjoyed our spa excursion. You'd spent time thinking of it and of that it was apparent. And it was relaxing and soothing. A break from all this which was sorely needed.
The more recent one are too numerous to count. Your ideal illusion, your reaction at my proposal along with you gifting the rings later, our dreams spent on the pier. The are nearly too numerous.
But as much as the grand events, there is something incredibly special about you working on formulas as I was crafting Absinthe's chess set or you making fun of my inability to make coffee and teaching me proper. It is all these, large and small that make me so terribly fond of you. Truthfully, it has been a rather packed half a year, has it not?
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Talking about it with you like this does make it feel more real. Like it isn't a dream and we won't have to wake up and face reality, after all.
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[He squeezes his hand.]
Even if it were all to fade tomorrow, I would not regret a moment of it. You have made my life all the better, Five Hargreeves. And being able to touch yours has lifted my spirits as well.
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[He does lift one of his hands to his lips so he can kiss it softly on the knuckles.]
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But we're adding that to the list of things I'll ask you about later.
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