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Well, ah, yes and no. I'm much more of a night owl. [He takes one of the teacups from the tray with a quiet "thank you."] But even if I could sleep... there's so much going on during the day, having some time to myself at night is nice. I get some of my best thinking done at these hours.
[He can just tell the tea is probably still a little too hot for him so he takes a moment to blow on it. Hopefully this isn't strictly against Ylissean etiquette or something.] I suspect it's the same for you?
[He can just tell the tea is probably still a little too hot for him so he takes a moment to blow on it. Hopefully this isn't strictly against Ylissean etiquette or something.] I suspect it's the same for you?
[ It's definitely a good place to start - and a rather obvious one, too. ] I'm not 100% certain myself - Lyric and I have had to figure a lot out on our own - but... how do I put this? Shadows are the manifestation of strong human emotion turned maleficent, and Persona are those same emotions, but controlled.
As for why we fight... [ His hand tenses slightly around his mug, and he has to break his gaze for a moment. ] ... Do you remember the train accident? It was over a year ago now. [ "Over a year ago". Like he doesn't remember the exact date, where he and Lyric were when the news broke out, the looks they shared when they connected the dots. But Vero doesn't need to know about that. ] Lyric and I had only recently awakened to our new powers. But we didn't- we didn't know what we were doing. We thought since the Shadows existed unchecked for so long that we didn't need to do anything about them.
We were wrong. A powerful Shadow caused that accident. So to make sure nothing like that happens again, we fight. [ And now Vero and Uriel can fight, too! Have fun swallowing that truth pill. ]
As for why we fight... [ His hand tenses slightly around his mug, and he has to break his gaze for a moment. ] ... Do you remember the train accident? It was over a year ago now. [ "Over a year ago". Like he doesn't remember the exact date, where he and Lyric were when the news broke out, the looks they shared when they connected the dots. But Vero doesn't need to know about that. ] Lyric and I had only recently awakened to our new powers. But we didn't- we didn't know what we were doing. We thought since the Shadows existed unchecked for so long that we didn't need to do anything about them.
We were wrong. A powerful Shadow caused that accident. So to make sure nothing like that happens again, we fight. [ And now Vero and Uriel can fight, too! Have fun swallowing that truth pill. ]
[He's hurting but Lyric's hurting too, isn't she? He clearly isn't the first person to try and assasinate her father - how many of those other people have come after her as well?
Lyric is ten but she knows too much. She's seen too much and she has too much to carry on her shoulders already because of her pissant father.
She's still an idiot for even proposing this, but Vero can't say he doesn't agree with all her reasoning.] ...If you're going to make decisions like this on your own then someone has to look out for you when the consequences finally reach you.
[Sure, Vero, sure.]
I'll be your retainer.
Lyric is ten but she knows too much. She's seen too much and she has too much to carry on her shoulders already because of her pissant father.
She's still an idiot for even proposing this, but Vero can't say he doesn't agree with all her reasoning.] ...If you're going to make decisions like this on your own then someone has to look out for you when the consequences finally reach you.
[Sure, Vero, sure.]
I'll be your retainer.
[ Leo is such a plant nerd and Niles loves him so much?
But while he doesn't have an eye for fabrics, he definitely doesn't for flowers. Not that he doesn't appreciate plants - for being such a destructive spell, Brynhildr has its beauty - but he's never thought of them beyond they exist, and now with more abundance because of his love's tireless work.
Still. Niles takes his time to take in all their options, then gives his not really expert opinion. ] For us? I think I agree with you. [ He points to the same arrangement with the vines. ] It feels... right. As right as flowers can feel for a man like me. [ aka not... really at all, at least to himself. ]
But while he doesn't have an eye for fabrics, he definitely doesn't for flowers. Not that he doesn't appreciate plants - for being such a destructive spell, Brynhildr has its beauty - but he's never thought of them beyond they exist, and now with more abundance because of his love's tireless work.
Still. Niles takes his time to take in all their options, then gives his not really expert opinion. ] For us? I think I agree with you. [ He points to the same arrangement with the vines. ] It feels... right. As right as flowers can feel for a man like me. [ aka not... really at all, at least to himself. ]
[Niles has no idea what a silver bell is and that's okay.
Leo smiles behind his hand.] "A man like you".... There's a lot to unpack in that statement.
But thank you. [And to the florists, another thank you. Just as with the tailors, Leo promises that he will return later in the week. If they have any trouble procuring the flowers, please let him know. He'll see what he can do.
It's getting to be around lunch time by the time they exit the florist. It's perfect timing, which Leo hadn't actually planned, because their next stop is a bakery. He bumps Niles with his shoulder.]
Hope you're hungry.
Leo smiles behind his hand.] "A man like you".... There's a lot to unpack in that statement.
But thank you. [And to the florists, another thank you. Just as with the tailors, Leo promises that he will return later in the week. If they have any trouble procuring the flowers, please let him know. He'll see what he can do.
It's getting to be around lunch time by the time they exit the florist. It's perfect timing, which Leo hadn't actually planned, because their next stop is a bakery. He bumps Niles with his shoulder.]
Hope you're hungry.
[ it's a bell made out of silver??? what else could it be?????? why can't it just be plant #394 instead
Niles, to his credit, is doing his best to try and unravel this mystery with what little he has. He highly doubts Leo would say anything if he asks - he's always tight-lipped with his plans, telling who needs to know only what they need to know. But nothing connects cleanly. How do an outfit for a future ball and a flower arrangement even relate?
The bump jolts him out of his head quickly. ] Hm? [ Oh. Yes. Food. His stomach grumbles at the thought. ] Quite, milord.
[ So to the bakery they go...!! ]
Niles, to his credit, is doing his best to try and unravel this mystery with what little he has. He highly doubts Leo would say anything if he asks - he's always tight-lipped with his plans, telling who needs to know only what they need to know. But nothing connects cleanly. How do an outfit for a future ball and a flower arrangement even relate?
The bump jolts him out of his head quickly. ] Hm? [ Oh. Yes. Food. His stomach grumbles at the thought. ] Quite, milord.
[ So to the bakery they go...!! ]
[ (Odin absolutely understands. From wherever he's hiding, he sees the wyvern take to the sky and he's delighted.)
They say that a rider and wyvern's hearts are connected - which is definitely the case with Camilla and Marzia. The wyvern can sense how happy Camilla is in the moment and, in turn, is happy as well, going as far as to nuzzle Leo with her head to his chest while Camilla reviews safety precautions with him.
Marzia lets out a screech as they soar higher and higher into the sky, and Camilla keeps her hands tight on the reins as wind rushes past them. It's only once they've settled at a good elevation that Camilla speaks up. ] Take a look around, darling. Isn't it beautiful up here?
[ "Around" being the entirety of Windmire and its surrounding areas below them. ]
They say that a rider and wyvern's hearts are connected - which is definitely the case with Camilla and Marzia. The wyvern can sense how happy Camilla is in the moment and, in turn, is happy as well, going as far as to nuzzle Leo with her head to his chest while Camilla reviews safety precautions with him.
Marzia lets out a screech as they soar higher and higher into the sky, and Camilla keeps her hands tight on the reins as wind rushes past them. It's only once they've settled at a good elevation that Camilla speaks up. ] Take a look around, darling. Isn't it beautiful up here?
[ "Around" being the entirety of Windmire and its surrounding areas below them. ]
[Vero remembers the train accident. News about it had been everywhere. He hadn't thought much of it at the time - of course it was a tragedy but it was something that, thankfully, hadn't directly affected him. ]
Wonder if something's made them start actin' up... [He's more musing to himself here. This is some heavy stuff. Vero finally looks away from Chance to stare down at his coffee and twist the stirrer inside it to distract himself from the all-too familiar anxiety crawling up his back.]
So it's just been you two? For about a year now? You've really never found anyone else to fight with you until now. .... us? [He would like to know more about that whole business. More about Chance and Lyric. Like, maybe if Chance can explain how he summoned his Persona, he can wrap his mind around why he and Uriel have them as well. It's not like they're particularly good people like Chance and Lyric seem to be.]
Wonder if something's made them start actin' up... [He's more musing to himself here. This is some heavy stuff. Vero finally looks away from Chance to stare down at his coffee and twist the stirrer inside it to distract himself from the all-too familiar anxiety crawling up his back.]
So it's just been you two? For about a year now? You've really never found anyone else to fight with you until now. .... us? [He would like to know more about that whole business. More about Chance and Lyric. Like, maybe if Chance can explain how he summoned his Persona, he can wrap his mind around why he and Uriel have them as well. It's not like they're particularly good people like Chance and Lyric seem to be.]
Good. We received a request to do some tastings.
[In other words, Leo requested the bakery to do some of the wedding dishes. They'll only be tasting appetizers today and maybe a couple desserts but it promises to be filling enough for lunch time.
The owners of the bakery (is it even a bakery) sit them down in a quiet corner and begin bringing a couple different plates around to them. A bottle of wine is brought to accompany the tasting despite the time of day. Leo doesn't even seem phased by it and gestures for a toast with his glass after they've both been poured.
Niles should be very familiar with the smile on Leo's face this time. He's very satisfied; everything's gone as planned.]
Cheers.
[In other words, Leo requested the bakery to do some of the wedding dishes. They'll only be tasting appetizers today and maybe a couple desserts but it promises to be filling enough for lunch time.
The owners of the bakery (is it even a bakery) sit them down in a quiet corner and begin bringing a couple different plates around to them. A bottle of wine is brought to accompany the tasting despite the time of day. Leo doesn't even seem phased by it and gestures for a toast with his glass after they've both been poured.
Niles should be very familiar with the smile on Leo's face this time. He's very satisfied; everything's gone as planned.]
Cheers.
[ Semi's baiting him, and Shirabu knows it. But it works! ... in a really weird way. ]
Wait. [ The word leaves Shirabu's mouth before he's even gathered his thoughts. He furrows his eyebrows and takes an audible breath. Thinks hard about what literally anyone besides himself would say in a moment like this. A familiar voice rings through his head.
"Sweet Kenjirou... You're always by yourself, aren't you? But you don't have to be alone. Why don't you try talking with other people?"
...
...
....................
For the moment, he settles on handing Semi the plate he already had. ] Take this, too. [ ... but what the fuck is confiding in and relying on others??? He'll. give it a try??? uh. ] I. Can't eat most of this. [ He's never sounded more awkward or unsure in his entire life. ]
Wait. [ The word leaves Shirabu's mouth before he's even gathered his thoughts. He furrows his eyebrows and takes an audible breath. Thinks hard about what literally anyone besides himself would say in a moment like this. A familiar voice rings through his head.
"Sweet Kenjirou... You're always by yourself, aren't you? But you don't have to be alone. Why don't you try talking with other people?"
...
...
....................
For the moment, he settles on handing Semi the plate he already had. ] Take this, too. [ ... but what the fuck is confiding in and relying on others??? He'll. give it a try??? uh. ] I. Can't eat most of this. [ He's never sounded more awkward or unsure in his entire life. ]
[ oh just wait for your birthday buster
But for now, Lyric will relent with a simple "I know." before ducking back into the kitchen to finish whatever she's making for dinner. Morgan, meanwhile, squeals in delight and returns that big ol' cheek smooch with one equally as big and affectionate. ] Mm-hm! I looooove you!
[ his favorite!! person!!! that isn't Lyric!!!!! ] I gotsta show you something, okay? It's just for you!! [ He points in the direction of his bedroom. Take him there, take him there!! ]
But for now, Lyric will relent with a simple "I know." before ducking back into the kitchen to finish whatever she's making for dinner. Morgan, meanwhile, squeals in delight and returns that big ol' cheek smooch with one equally as big and affectionate. ] Mm-hm! I looooove you!
[ his favorite!! person!!! that isn't Lyric!!!!! ] I gotsta show you something, okay? It's just for you!! [ He points in the direction of his bedroom. Take him there, take him there!! ]
[ Lyric's shoulders slacken instantly, hearing those simple words. Her relief is very obvious. ]
Thank you. [ She steps toward him again and rests her hand gently against the back of his. ] I promise to protect you, too.
[ She looks up at him, and though she's the one who looks tired, in her pajamas and everything, she tilts her head slightly in the direction of her much too large to be for a ten year old bed. ] You should stay here tonight - things won't calm down until morning. [ That, she knows from experience. It usually takes a bloody execution to change the tension in the air back to the normal amounts of tension. ] Get some rest.
Thank you. [ She steps toward him again and rests her hand gently against the back of his. ] I promise to protect you, too.
[ She looks up at him, and though she's the one who looks tired, in her pajamas and everything, she tilts her head slightly in the direction of her much too large to be for a ten year old bed. ] You should stay here tonight - things won't calm down until morning. [ That, she knows from experience. It usually takes a bloody execution to change the tension in the air back to the normal amounts of tension. ] Get some rest.
Princess, I can't even rest on a good day. [Vero laughs humorlessly.]
Don't worry about me. You, on the other hand... [Should go to sleep. It's past your bed time.
Vero takes a seat in the nearest chair. Probably near her desk.] I won't move from this spot, I promise.
Don't worry about me. You, on the other hand... [Should go to sleep. It's past your bed time.
Vero takes a seat in the nearest chair. Probably near her desk.] I won't move from this spot, I promise.
[ we're here at the combination fantasy bakery/high enough end place to cater wedding dishes for a royal
Niles picks up his wine glass with practiced (very practiced) poise and mirrors Leo's motions for the toast. ] Cheers. [ He takes that first sip of wine but before he takes a bite out of any of the appetizers he takes a moment to look at his love. ]
... I won't ask what else you have up your sleeve, Leo, [ Now that they're alone, it feels easier to drop the formalities. ] but I must say, I've quite enjoyed this adventure you've brought me along for so far. Though it is a little out of our norm.
[ HE'S ONTO SOMETHING, AT LEAST ]
Niles picks up his wine glass with practiced (very practiced) poise and mirrors Leo's motions for the toast. ] Cheers. [ He takes that first sip of wine but before he takes a bite out of any of the appetizers he takes a moment to look at his love. ]
... I won't ask what else you have up your sleeve, Leo, [ Now that they're alone, it feels easier to drop the formalities. ] but I must say, I've quite enjoyed this adventure you've brought me along for so far. Though it is a little out of our norm.
[ HE'S ONTO SOMETHING, AT LEAST ]
[Listen he's trying to be friends but he's not just gonna do shit for him. Especially when this is the perfect opportunity for Shirabu to talk with the others.]
No. I'm going back but I'm not -- That you can't eat this, that's something you need to tell them.
No. I'm going back but I'm not -- That you can't eat this, that's something you need to tell them.
[It's probably not even that high end, honestly, Leo just really likes the food. They make a really good stuffed tomato.
Niles is onto something but Leo's relieved he hasn't totally caught on yet. They're close to their final destination where Leo's finally going to propose.
He takes a sip from his own wine glass.] I thought it might be nice to do something a little different. Something a little more.. domestic, if I may.
[He offers his hand across the table, silently asking for Niles' own.] It's not often we can. But we deserve it. You deserve it.
[This small bliss. This happiness.]
Niles is onto something but Leo's relieved he hasn't totally caught on yet. They're close to their final destination where Leo's finally going to propose.
He takes a sip from his own wine glass.] I thought it might be nice to do something a little different. Something a little more.. domestic, if I may.
[He offers his hand across the table, silently asking for Niles' own.] It's not often we can. But we deserve it. You deserve it.
[This small bliss. This happiness.]
[ Takumi's gotten more used to Keaton's company. Does that mean he's entirely comfortable with him? Not exactly. But he doesn't jolt like he used to whenever he approaches.
(It helps too that usually, he can hear him coming from a distance. He surely isn't quiet.) ] I'm tending to Fujin Yumi. [ He half-gestures to the bow in his lap, but his hands don't stop whatever it is they're doing I don't know shit about archery either. ]
Did you need something from me?
(It helps too that usually, he can hear him coming from a distance. He surely isn't quiet.) ] I'm tending to Fujin Yumi. [ He half-gestures to the bow in his lap, but his hands don't stop whatever it is they're doing I don't know shit about archery either. ]
Did you need something from me?
[ Niles does indeed take Leo's hand - but to bring Leo's up to his lips, to softly kiss his knuckles. ]
And here I thought I couldn't fall for you any more. [ His voice is soft, a little strained because he's happy. He's feeling the bliss. ] I love you.
And here I thought I couldn't fall for you any more. [ His voice is soft, a little strained because he's happy. He's feeling the bliss. ] I love you.
[Hhh god he wants to marry this man. Leo never doubted whether this was the right choice but now he knows and its every bit of resistance in Leo's body to not pop the question right now.
He bites his lip but his smile is too strong.] I love you, too.
[They continue their sampling, Leo just a bit more antsy than he was previously, and end with a small dessert. Leo does his thing at the end where he whispers to the owner of the establishment and then bids them well.
Except this time, they're also sent off with another bottle of wine along with a pair of wine glasses tucked in whicker basket. That's uh, normal, right? Right.
Leo links his arm round Niles again. He's sure to press against him.] One last stop, I promise.
[Surprise, it's a church. A humble little building on the edge of a lake. But they aren't going in the church; the church actually has nothing to do with this - it just happens to be there. What Leo's really interested in is that lake and the open field that surrounds it.]
He bites his lip but his smile is too strong.] I love you, too.
[They continue their sampling, Leo just a bit more antsy than he was previously, and end with a small dessert. Leo does his thing at the end where he whispers to the owner of the establishment and then bids them well.
Except this time, they're also sent off with another bottle of wine along with a pair of wine glasses tucked in whicker basket. That's uh, normal, right? Right.
Leo links his arm round Niles again. He's sure to press against him.] One last stop, I promise.
[Surprise, it's a church. A humble little building on the edge of a lake. But they aren't going in the church; the church actually has nothing to do with this - it just happens to be there. What Leo's really interested in is that lake and the open field that surrounds it.]
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