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[ It's truly a beautiful scene - it's quiet, beautiful, given new life after so long of being dull and lifeless - and Niles feels his heart clench as he thinks, he thinks he knows what's going on, what's going to happen, but because he so desperately doesn't want to be wrong he refuses to think on it.
Besides, if he really is right, then surely he's about to hear it from the man himself, right?
He presses a light kiss against Leo's temple, then takes a moment to admire the lake. ] I never thought I'd say this, but... it's beautiful here. [ For most of Niles's life, Nohr has been a cruel place to live. Being by Leo's side made things easier, sure, but it didn't change the facts that many people suffered under previous kings and queens. A sight like this - it gives Niles hope for the future. A happy future. ]
Besides, if he really is right, then surely he's about to hear it from the man himself, right?
He presses a light kiss against Leo's temple, then takes a moment to admire the lake. ] I never thought I'd say this, but... it's beautiful here. [ For most of Niles's life, Nohr has been a cruel place to live. Being by Leo's side made things easier, sure, but it didn't change the facts that many people suffered under previous kings and queens. A sight like this - it gives Niles hope for the future. A happy future. ]
Imagine at sundown... the reflection of the sun on the water will be breathtaking.
[Leo's chosen a spot on the lake that's removed enough away from everything that they wont be disturbed, but activity within the church can still be heard soft in the background.
It's peaceful.]
It's perfect... [Leo breathes, to himself, and bends at the knee to lower the basket down onto the floor. However, even after it's placed, he doesn't rise. He keeps on one knee and takes Niles' hand in his own.]
Niles I... I'm sure you've caught on by now, to what this is all about. And I don't have a speech for you - not when you've always understood my feelings better than anyone else. I just want to get straight to the point. [He takes out the ring, simple with a small gem in the middle, because he knows Niles would never like anything extravagant.] Niles, will you marry me?
[Leo's chosen a spot on the lake that's removed enough away from everything that they wont be disturbed, but activity within the church can still be heard soft in the background.
It's peaceful.]
It's perfect... [Leo breathes, to himself, and bends at the knee to lower the basket down onto the floor. However, even after it's placed, he doesn't rise. He keeps on one knee and takes Niles' hand in his own.]
Niles I... I'm sure you've caught on by now, to what this is all about. And I don't have a speech for you - not when you've always understood my feelings better than anyone else. I just want to get straight to the point. [He takes out the ring, simple with a small gem in the middle, because he knows Niles would never like anything extravagant.] Niles, will you marry me?
[ Well. Looks like he was right. And though he expected it after a point, seeing Leo on one knee looking up at him with such love and adoration and the ring presented to him (god that ring. it's perfect. when did he even get it? how long and meticulously had he been planning everything up to this moment?) has his pulse racing, his face heating up slowly as reality sinks in that Leo really, truly asked for his hand in marriage.
A warm smile grows on his face and he drops down to his knees in front of Leo, to wrap his arms around him tight as he breathlessly replies ] Of course. I want to be yours forever, Leo.
[ The scene Leo described sounded truly beautiful - the orange and purple hues coloring the water as twilight creeps into the sky - but this, this is much more breathtaking. ]
A warm smile grows on his face and he drops down to his knees in front of Leo, to wrap his arms around him tight as he breathlessly replies ] Of course. I want to be yours forever, Leo.
[ The scene Leo described sounded truly beautiful - the orange and purple hues coloring the water as twilight creeps into the sky - but this, this is much more breathtaking. ]
Oh! Sure thing. [ Oboro loosens and undoes some knots here and there to go back a few steps - but before she resumes her explanation, she looks up at him and brings a hand closer to his. ]
Uh. May I? [ She's definitely going to go even slower now but maybe guiding his hands along will help it stick?? ]
Uh. May I? [ She's definitely going to go even slower now but maybe guiding his hands along will help it stick?? ]
Anything would be a big help to me. Besides, I want to make sure my design gets the Lord Takumi Seal of Approval.
[ Wink! ] Hang tight - I'll go grab my sketches. [ Oboro bows politely, then is quick to go back to her quarters, grab the paper and the fabrics she plans on using, and return to her lord's side. She's only gone for a few minutes tops - can't leave him alone for too long! ]
So, this is what I'm thinking... [ Her plans on paper are very detailed, with notes on everything she could think of that would go into making the yukata, but the verbal rundown she gives is kept simple. She'll use this fabric with this and add some accents here and here to really make the colors pop, blah blah blah, I'm Nil and I definitely know things about sewing. ]
[ Wink! ] Hang tight - I'll go grab my sketches. [ Oboro bows politely, then is quick to go back to her quarters, grab the paper and the fabrics she plans on using, and return to her lord's side. She's only gone for a few minutes tops - can't leave him alone for too long! ]
So, this is what I'm thinking... [ Her plans on paper are very detailed, with notes on everything she could think of that would go into making the yukata, but the verbal rundown she gives is kept simple. She'll use this fabric with this and add some accents here and here to really make the colors pop, blah blah blah, I'm Nil and I definitely know things about sewing. ]
... That's right. Up until we found you and Uriel, it's been just me and Lyric.
[ Chance isn't sure if this is the answer Vero wants to hear, but it's all he really confidently has. ] We're not sure why us, or you for that matter. We've thought it had to do with our strong wills, but then it's hard to believe that we haven't found anyone else before now. [ His voice lowers. ] I'll be honest - it's been hard fighting like this. Lyric won't admit it right now, but we need all the help we can get.
But that being said, [ He looks at Vero. Tries to meet his eyes. ] I can't in good conscious ask you to join us. You only got a glimpse of how dangerous it can be - it's too much for me to ask of you.
[ But fuck, does he want to. ]
[ Chance isn't sure if this is the answer Vero wants to hear, but it's all he really confidently has. ] We're not sure why us, or you for that matter. We've thought it had to do with our strong wills, but then it's hard to believe that we haven't found anyone else before now. [ His voice lowers. ] I'll be honest - it's been hard fighting like this. Lyric won't admit it right now, but we need all the help we can get.
But that being said, [ He looks at Vero. Tries to meet his eyes. ] I can't in good conscious ask you to join us. You only got a glimpse of how dangerous it can be - it's too much for me to ask of you.
[ But fuck, does he want to. ]
[He puts his hand over his heart.]
You have my word.
You have my word.
... Okay.
[ Quietly satisfied with his answer, Lyric gets nice and comfortable under the covers. Her eyes begin to droop as soon as her head hits the pillow, but she still thinks to ask something important before she drifts off completely, voice heavy from sleepiness. ] What's your name?
[ Quietly satisfied with his answer, Lyric gets nice and comfortable under the covers. Her eyes begin to droop as soon as her head hits the pillow, but she still thinks to ask something important before she drifts off completely, voice heavy from sleepiness. ] What's your name?
[There's a distinct snicker in the background and Leo has half the mind to tell Oboro "no." But dealing with their incessant giggling now is far preferable to dealing with it later when he has his arms caught in knots again.]
Yes, of course.
[Be gentle with him, Oboro, he's never been touched by a girl before.]
Yes, of course.
[Be gentle with him, Oboro, he's never been touched by a girl before.]
[The reality of this whole situation hits Vero again and he has to take a moment to just close his eyes. He pinches the bridge of his nose.
She's hired him on as a retainer without knowing anything about him, including his name. And he already knows he would do anything in his power to protect her.
This is not how he expected this night to end at all.]
Vero. My name is Vero.
She's hired him on as a retainer without knowing anything about him, including his name. And he already knows he would do anything in his power to protect her.
This is not how he expected this night to end at all.]
Vero. My name is Vero.
[ Inigo smiles so, so brightly through his tears and nods, maybe a little eagerly. ]
I don't think I could sit still right now, even if I wanted to. [ Which he 100% doesn't, by the way, unless resting involves taking a nap in Vero's arms. He kisses his hair, his temple, anywhere he can reach, really. ] Would you show me around town?
I don't think I could sit still right now, even if I wanted to. [ Which he 100% doesn't, by the way, unless resting involves taking a nap in Vero's arms. He kisses his hair, his temple, anywhere he can reach, really. ] Would you show me around town?
[ Inigo hums in thought, taking the other teacup off the tray so he can tuck it under his arm. ] Like you, I'm more of a night owl - but I'm less of a thinker, and more of a stargazer.
[ He takes a quiet sip, then looks down at Vero. ] I'm sorry for chatting your ear off - I'll take my leave now, if you'd like. I only wanted to bring you some tea.
[ He takes a quiet sip, then looks down at Vero. ] I'm sorry for chatting your ear off - I'll take my leave now, if you'd like. I only wanted to bring you some tea.
[Vero never would have considered himself good with kids before Morgan was born. But it's so easy with Morgan - there's no being uncomfortable or unsure like with other children. It's probably because he's Lyric's kid.]
Just for me??? [Well alright then!! Taking Morgan to his bedroom!!]
Just for me??? [Well alright then!! Taking Morgan to his bedroom!!]
[That's not how this works. Vero wants to scream, that's not how this works at all. It's too much for him to ask of Vero? Chance can't tell him that there are these things causing havoc to the real world that they can stop, and expect Vero to walk away from it like that.
The more he stares at his coffee, black, the more endless it seems in his cup. It doesn't help his anxious feeling so he chugs it. Of course it burns going down but Vero doesn't make any indication of it. He only sets the empty cup down and gets up himself.] I'll be right back.
[And he leaves in the direction of the line.
He comes back with another hot, black coffee.]
That's it then? You found us but you're just going to keep going at it alone?
The more he stares at his coffee, black, the more endless it seems in his cup. It doesn't help his anxious feeling so he chugs it. Of course it burns going down but Vero doesn't make any indication of it. He only sets the empty cup down and gets up himself.] I'll be right back.
[And he leaves in the direction of the line.
He comes back with another hot, black coffee.]
That's it then? You found us but you're just going to keep going at it alone?
[ As Vero steps away for a moment, Chance takes a deep breath to quell his emotions, put a lid on the lingering regrets he harbors for all the things in the past year he knows he should've done better. The lives he couldn't save, the injuries he couldn't prevent.
Chance takes another sip of coffee. The restlessness inside him only continues to build. ] It's not the ideal, but I can't ask you to join us, knowing you could die. You're still young, and I... Lyric and I have seen things that've changed us, and I'm not sure if it's been for the better.
So I want you to ask me questions, and to think about it until you can make your own decision. But if you do join us, I promise to do everything in my power to keep you safe.
Chance takes another sip of coffee. The restlessness inside him only continues to build. ] It's not the ideal, but I can't ask you to join us, knowing you could die. You're still young, and I... Lyric and I have seen things that've changed us, and I'm not sure if it's been for the better.
So I want you to ask me questions, and to think about it until you can make your own decision. But if you do join us, I promise to do everything in my power to keep you safe.
[ His eyebrow twitches. Intentional or not, Semi's hit a nerve, and those thoughts about getting along with Semi and the others? Momentarily cancelled. ]
This has kept me alive, Semi. And I don't need you acting like whatever this is [ gesturing to the plate ] is better than my way of life.
This has kept me alive, Semi. And I don't need you acting like whatever this is [ gesturing to the plate ] is better than my way of life.
[ Elise and Camilla: Not Girls.
But Oboro will be gentle - even though she's the one who asked, she still hesitates before actually taking his hand in hers because he's a prince of Nohr and it's a lot for her to handle all at once. ]
Okay, so if we start from here... [ She guides his hands through the motions of the knots, even slower than before. ] Does that make more sense?
But Oboro will be gentle - even though she's the one who asked, she still hesitates before actually taking his hand in hers because he's a prince of Nohr and it's a lot for her to handle all at once. ]
Okay, so if we start from here... [ She guides his hands through the motions of the knots, even slower than before. ] Does that make more sense?
[He said yes.
Leo hadn't expected Niles to say no, that's why he went about this the way he did - essentially making some of the wedding plans as their date - but hearing Niles actually say yes (or a form of yes) and agreeing to marry him still makes Leo's heart swell. His own face blooms pink with his happiness and he throws his arms around Niles in return.
To be with Niles, his soulmate, forever... to be bound together as more than just lord and retainer. It almost feels too good to be true.]
Since the day you stepped into the castle, invited or not, you've changed my life. You've made me the happiest man in Nohr. I only want to be able to do the same for you.
[He's so in love with this man. So, so in love.]
Leo hadn't expected Niles to say no, that's why he went about this the way he did - essentially making some of the wedding plans as their date - but hearing Niles actually say yes (or a form of yes) and agreeing to marry him still makes Leo's heart swell. His own face blooms pink with his happiness and he throws his arms around Niles in return.
To be with Niles, his soulmate, forever... to be bound together as more than just lord and retainer. It almost feels too good to be true.]
Since the day you stepped into the castle, invited or not, you've changed my life. You've made me the happiest man in Nohr. I only want to be able to do the same for you.
[He's so in love with this man. So, so in love.]
[Leo always forgets how small girls' hands usually are. They're nice. Oboro's hands are nice.
But, anyway.
Feeling himself go through the motions certainly helps. He's no pro at it, of course, but when he does the knots by himself after Oboro's demonstration everything is.... a little less wonky.] Yes? [Still not the most confident of answers.] I see how to do it now, I just need to practice.
[Practice makes perfect!]
...Thank you, Oboro.
But, anyway.
Feeling himself go through the motions certainly helps. He's no pro at it, of course, but when he does the knots by himself after Oboro's demonstration everything is.... a little less wonky.] Yes? [Still not the most confident of answers.] I see how to do it now, I just need to practice.
[Practice makes perfect!]
...Thank you, Oboro.
What the hell are you talking about. [Why is Shirabu getting mad at him??? Besides being the brat he usually is.] I'm not naysaying your "way of life," Shirabu. I'm sure it worked for you while you were out on your own in the wild, but this is different.
There are conveniences available to you now that maybe you should take advantage of?? [Which includes a slight bit more variety in food options if he would just ask for them!!!] That's all I'm saying; don't put words in my mouth
There are conveniences available to you now that maybe you should take advantage of?? [Which includes a slight bit more variety in food options if he would just ask for them!!!] That's all I'm saying; don't put words in my mouth
Why do you do this? [These are surely not the questions Chance meant, but Vero is still asking them. Because again, it's been less than a week but this aspect of Chance already pisses him off and when emotions are steadily getting higher -- Vero just can't with this. ] Why do you try so hard to make everything okay for others even at your own expense?
It doesn't always work like that. Trying to give me an out does not make this better. I'm not a fighter. I'm not going to risk my, or Uriel's, life. No matter how many questions I ask, I'm going to say no. But I also have a basic sense of conscious. I can't walk away from this, saying no, without feeling like shit because I now know how big this is. That you guys need help.
This is a lose-lose situation so just -- [He cuts himself off because he knows he's started rambling. This is why he hates talking to people sometimes. Chance just needs to be straight with Vero and tell him what he needs from him.]
It doesn't always work like that. Trying to give me an out does not make this better. I'm not a fighter. I'm not going to risk my, or Uriel's, life. No matter how many questions I ask, I'm going to say no. But I also have a basic sense of conscious. I can't walk away from this, saying no, without feeling like shit because I now know how big this is. That you guys need help.
This is a lose-lose situation so just -- [He cuts himself off because he knows he's started rambling. This is why he hates talking to people sometimes. Chance just needs to be straight with Vero and tell him what he needs from him.]
[Oboro's explanations are simple but Takumi is still looking over her detailed notes. Once again, he's amazed even if this is an entirely different language to him.
Overall, Takumi likes what she's come up with. She knows his tastes well enough that she hasn't picked anything he instantly disapproves of. Unfortunately that only doubly confirms his doubts that he'll be of any help. And he voices that.] That, uh, that sounds good to me. I think those [he points to some accents] will look nice.
How do you make those, anyway? [Is it magic? Gotta be magic.]
Overall, Takumi likes what she's come up with. She knows his tastes well enough that she hasn't picked anything he instantly disapproves of. Unfortunately that only doubly confirms his doubts that he'll be of any help. And he voices that.] That, uh, that sounds good to me. I think those [he points to some accents] will look nice.
How do you make those, anyway? [Is it magic? Gotta be magic.]
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