[ He jumps slightly as it starts to tickle a bit, biting down on his lip in a way that hopefully shows it isn't over anything bad. In fact he's trying to not laugh. ]
We'll never know for sure but... in my heart. I just know this is ... It's special.
[ she does stop, at least, and rolls over until her head hits the other pillow. she could have just slept that way, but her chest was beginning to hurt what with putting so much weight on it. and she's quiet again, taking all of this in. it started off so messy and she even cried so hard. . . but she's more than glad that the issue's been resolved. she just hums in agreement moments later.
without looking at him, she pats around for his hand and takes it, entwining her fingers with his. it's started to get a bit cold; how long have they been up here? it's probably so late now... but checking her cerevice would be rude at a time like this. not when she's trying her best not to mess things up again. ]
I should have brought an extra blanket. [ she says softly, feeling a bit cold. but she'll manage. it's not like they're going to be here forever, anyway... ]
[ It's a loss of warmth for him, but he makes no complaint of it considering staying in the same position for too long would be bad as well. It's her statement that gets him to move, this time with him sitting up and even though she just took his hand he lets hers go to start tugging off his jacket. He's been through worse, and even then he has a spell or two to warm someone up.
This... is nicer though. ] Here. [ It's when it's properly off he holds it out for her. ]
I still have long sleeves so I'll be alright. [ Not to mention his legs are covered... Baka. ]
but ah-- she hesitates for a bit and even tells him that he doesn't have to do that, but it's too late. she was thinking that maybe it was a bit late already and that he should go back to his apartment, but prolonging the night is fine, too. in fact, it's more than fine. if they could make this last forever, that would be great.
but at least working at the cosplay cafe would be different from now on. waking up in the morning would be different from now on. things are a bit warmer now.
she sits up to take his jacket, and gives it a soft hug before putting it on. her hair gets caught in the back but she fixes her hair soon after. it smells like him, and it's as if he's wrapping his arms around her. she's warm now. ]
Thank you. [ she tugs on the collar with both her hands, as if the jacket could get any more fit on her. ] You are so sweet.
Either way he'd rather make this last as long as it can. At some point they'll have to head back (he wouldn't want Ai or Shigeru to worry) but for now... this is a good compromise. It's when she hugs his jacket first that he has to avert his eyes, a little embarrassed.
It's strange seeing it on her too. Well, it had been strange seeing it on himself first and foremost... but this is nice. She looks...
stunning.
That's all he can think when he looks back at her once she's wearing it and he even reaches up to scratch his head lightly, hoping that hides the fact that he almost stared at her. ]
Later is fine. It isn't as though I don't have other jackets here.
You can't say things like that! [ if the sun could ever laugh, it would sound the same as athena's laughter right now. ] I might never return this, you know.
[ she's only kidding, but if she could keep it, she would. it's something like the butterflies he makes, or the flowers that pop out of nowhere--it's special, even if it's just a piece of clothing. she'd never do anything to it, though... just keep it somewhere to be reminded that he is here.
fortunately, athena's drank two glasses of wine straight and she's tired that she isn't so attentive as she should be. to be honest though, she wouldn't even catch him staring at her if she was sober. she can just be a bit... out of it sometimes. so merlin's lucky. (athena on the other hand wouldn't even hide the fact that she's looking at him, if she ever did. he'll likely find her staring at him if she's manning the counter while he's waiting some tables. ha ha.
I... didn't pay for it, so. [ ty Vietnam..... again. His mouth twitches slightly, trying to not smile because she probably doesn't expect this. ] I wouldn't mind if you did.
[ Just be prepared for Vietnam-nee being a creeper, honestly. Though it would mean a lot that it's with things like those that she now associates it with.
Finally, his hand reaches for hers again, only this time he pulls it up, his free hand peeling the sleeve down slightly to kiss at her wrist. ]
What? [ she blinks, batting her eyelashes as her expression turns curious. ] Who did, then?
[ she can't keep this, if that's the case. it must have been a present or something. merlin has to have it in the end. ]
And that's because I'm not a giant like you. [ why is she so tiny... though once he's fixed the sleeve, she opens her hand to it's flat against one of his palms. it takes a bit of effort to get him to open his palm and raise it to chest level, but she manages. ] See what I mean? Mine's like a baby's compared to your hand.
Vietnam... [ He picks at the sleeve lightly. ] ...took me shopping. [ His voice goes a little dry at the end, and he winces. Athena, does that tell you anything about the day he had... ]
I only had three outfits, and the one I was wearing in that darker place ended up ruined and I obviously didn't have any credits so... [ A shrug.
He goes quiet when she takes their hands to measure against each other, eyes flickering from that to her face. ]
Vietnam, huh? I didn't know she was into fashion. [ her fingers fold into his and she gives his hand a soft squeeze. ] She's amazing. I owe a lot to her for saving my life.
[ it was the worst christmas ever, too. she'd never ever forget almost dying after getting hit by a truck like that. thanks, blizzard! ]
Some girls have large hands, though. I'm not one of them. But at least-- [ ah... this is so shameless of her to say. colour fills her cheeks before she can even add: ] my hand fits so well in yours.
[ It tells her it was a day of suffering. Whether a photography session actually happened or not though, it doesn't come up. ]
I'd definitely say she is after she dragged me around all day. [ His eyes flutter when their hands entwine properly. He blinks them open when she says the rest though, pausing. ] What did she do?
[ He still doesn't know much about her, even if they worked together in the dark pits of hell and they ran from a giant caterpillar together and now... this.
His own skin gets a faint tinge of pink to it when he adds: ] It does.
I got hit by a truck during a blizzard and I was unconscious for a while... I think I would have died of blood loss if-- [ she swallows. she started off nonchalantly, but now continuing is taking a lot out of her. ] they didn't come.
So, I owe Vietnam a lot.
[ even if she's died here already... still, that was still an escape from death, and she couldn't be any more grateful for her. ]
[ He pauses at that, only moving to squeeze her hand again while he watches her. He has to try and remember what a truck even is, but going through all the new vocabulary in his head turns up a result and he winces. ]
What were you doing outside in a blizzard to begin with? [ smh ] Though I'm glad she was there to help you.
[ Maybe next time he won't complain so much when Vietnam treats him like her slave :c ]
[ she doesn't try to defend herself especially when the story really did sound stupid. instead, she smiles nervously, cheeks twitching every now and then. ]
I saw my mother.
[ she'd told him about metis, so she thinks... so maybe she doesn't have to explain any further. ]
[ hah... her breathing gets a bit heavier when he brings her hand to his lips. why does he have to be so sweet... this is why she couldn't think that he liked her back before. but at least now, things are clear. still, though, the way he continues acting towards her might just make her fall harder. ]
It's fine now. I'm over it.
[ her smile turns into a more genuine one. she really communicates through her smiles. ]
I'll get over what happened in that mirror room, too. I have to.
Still... [ His other hand moves to lightly slide her hair behind her ear, eyes dipping to her jaw. ] I'm sorry.
[ Even if it isn't his place to apologise for her seeing her mother during the blizzard. The other thing though... ] and I'm sorry for what happened there. You already saw enough, but it still-- [ kept going. ]
[ she lays back down slowly, pulling him with her. if he wants to talk about this, then she may as well try to relax while doing so. there's not much to say, really. but if he ever asks anything, she'll answer with the truth. ]
It happens... This place makes you see things that you don't-- you shouldn't see.
[ They already talked about it enough, but it's the fact that she brought up what this place was like... and the fact that the Flamines were a threat while he didn't seem too bothered by it. It just linked together. ]
It isn't me that I'm worried about. [ He makes himself comfortable next to her, hand entwining with hers properly while he shifts onto his side. His shoulder will start to ache soon enough, but for now this is more than alright. ]
[ most people woukld find what he just said to. Be annoying, but athena just gives the issue the silent Treatment. That is, until she spots one of thr stars above them twinkle ever so brightly. ]
I'm the same. [ it doesn't matter what happens to her, so long that everybody else is ok. ]
[ It's definitely annoying, but... it's also something he's been used to thinking like. Back home he's more powerful than anyone else he knows, and really even if Uther wanted to kill him he wouldn't be able to. Not really.
But... he can try and let that mindset fall through a little, while they're holding hands like this. Under the same night sky. On the same blanket. He lets his eyes shut. ]
So if I watch your back, will you watch mine? [ It's the closest she's getting to him being a little more careful about himself anyway smh ]
Yeah, he definitely notices. He breathes out slowly instead, not replying right away but instead looking at her quietly. Even if she's still looking at that sky that was twinkling brightly, he's looking at his favourite star right beside him. gross ]
Another time. [ He clears his throat as he looks away, and considering the random questions she asked earlier, he decides to bring something else into the conversation. ]
Other than the aquarium... is there anywhere else you'd want to go?
she looks back at him without saying anything, but eventually breaks the ice with a cheerful grin. ]
Wow, that's a tough one. . . [ she looks at him curiously, eyelashes batting every now and then. ] There's no place else that I want to go right now. Why do you ask?
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We'll never know for sure but... in my heart. I just know this is ... It's special.
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without looking at him, she pats around for his hand and takes it, entwining her fingers with his. it's started to get a bit cold; how long have they been up here? it's probably so late now... but checking her cerevice would be rude at a time like this. not when she's trying her best not to mess things up again. ]
I should have brought an extra blanket. [ she says softly, feeling a bit cold. but she'll manage. it's not like they're going to be here forever, anyway... ]
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This... is nicer though. ] Here. [ It's when it's properly off he holds it out for her. ]
I still have long sleeves so I'll be alright. [ Not to mention his legs are covered... Baka. ]
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but ah-- she hesitates for a bit and even tells him that he doesn't have to do that, but it's too late. she was thinking that maybe it was a bit late already and that he should go back to his apartment, but prolonging the night is fine, too. in fact, it's more than fine. if they could make this last forever, that would be great.
but at least working at the cosplay cafe would be different from now on. waking up in the morning would be different from now on. things are a bit warmer now.
she sits up to take his jacket, and gives it a soft hug before putting it on. her hair gets caught in the back but she fixes her hair soon after. it smells like him, and it's as if he's wrapping his arms around her. she's warm now. ]
Thank you. [ she tugs on the collar with both her hands, as if the jacket could get any more fit on her. ] You are so sweet.
I'll return it to you later?
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Either way he'd rather make this last as long as it can. At some point they'll have to head back (he wouldn't want Ai or Shigeru to worry) but for now... this is a good compromise. It's when she hugs his jacket first that he has to avert his eyes, a little embarrassed.
It's strange seeing it on her too. Well, it had been strange seeing it on himself first and foremost... but this is nice. She looks...
stunning.
That's all he can think when he looks back at her once she's wearing it and he even reaches up to scratch his head lightly, hoping that hides the fact that he almost stared at her. ]
Later is fine. It isn't as though I don't have other jackets here.
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[ she's only kidding, but if she could keep it, she would. it's something like the butterflies he makes, or the flowers that pop out of nowhere--it's special, even if it's just a piece of clothing. she'd never do anything to it, though... just keep it somewhere to be reminded that he is here.
fortunately, athena's drank two glasses of wine straight and she's tired that she isn't so attentive as she should be. to be honest though, she wouldn't even catch him staring at her if she was sober. she can just be a bit... out of it sometimes. so merlin's lucky. (athena on the other hand wouldn't even hide the fact that she's looking at him, if she ever did. he'll likely find her staring at him if she's manning the counter while he's waiting some tables. ha ha.
oops. ]
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[ Just be prepared for Vietnam-nee being a creeper, honestly. Though it would mean a lot that it's with things like those that she now associates it with.
Finally, his hand reaches for hers again, only this time he pulls it up, his free hand peeling the sleeve down slightly to kiss at her wrist. ]
...The sleeves are a bit long on you.
[ it's so cute help him ]
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[ she can't keep this, if that's the case. it must have been a present or something. merlin has to have it in the end. ]
And that's because I'm not a giant like you. [ why is she so tiny... though once he's fixed the sleeve, she opens her hand to it's flat against one of his palms. it takes a bit of effort to get him to open his palm and raise it to chest level, but she manages. ] See what I mean? Mine's like a baby's compared to your hand.
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I only had three outfits, and the one I was wearing in that darker place ended up ruined and I obviously didn't have any credits so... [ A shrug.
He goes quiet when she takes their hands to measure against each other, eyes flickering from that to her face. ]
...Well you are a girl. [ I'm so sorry ]
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Vietnam, huh? I didn't know she was into fashion. [ her fingers fold into his and she gives his hand a soft squeeze. ] She's amazing. I owe a lot to her for saving my life.
[ it was the worst christmas ever, too. she'd never ever forget almost dying after getting hit by a truck like that. thanks, blizzard! ]
Some girls have large hands, though. I'm not one of them. But at least-- [ ah... this is so shameless of her to say. colour fills her cheeks before she can even add: ] my hand fits so well in yours.
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I'd definitely say she is after she dragged me around all day. [ His eyes flutter when their hands entwine properly. He blinks them open when she says the rest though, pausing. ] What did she do?
[ He still doesn't know much about her, even if they worked together in the dark pits of hell and they ran from a giant caterpillar together and now... this.
His own skin gets a faint tinge of pink to it when he adds: ] It does.
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I got hit by a truck during a blizzard and I was unconscious for a while... I think I would have died of blood loss if-- [ she swallows. she started off nonchalantly, but now continuing is taking a lot out of her. ] they didn't come.
So, I owe Vietnam a lot.
[ even if she's died here already... still, that was still an escape from death, and she couldn't be any more grateful for her. ]
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What were you doing outside in a blizzard to begin with? [ smh ] Though I'm glad she was there to help you.
[ Maybe next time he won't complain so much when Vietnam treats him like her slave :c ]
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I saw my mother.
[ she'd told him about metis, so she thinks... so maybe she doesn't have to explain any further. ]
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He understands completely.
It's why he doesn't even say anything, just gently turns her hand to kiss her knuckles. He doesn't need to say anything. ]
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It's fine now. I'm over it.
[ her smile turns into a more genuine one. she really communicates through her smiles. ]
I'll get over what happened in that mirror room, too. I have to.
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[ Even if it isn't his place to apologise for her seeing her mother during the blizzard. The other thing though... ] and I'm sorry for what happened there. You already saw enough, but it still-- [ kept going. ]
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It happens... This place makes you see things that you don't-- you shouldn't see.
[ a deep breath, and then she closes her eyes. ]
I'm sorry I saw your painful memories.
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It isn't me that I'm worried about. [ He makes himself comfortable next to her, hand entwining with hers properly while he shifts onto his side. His shoulder will start to ache soon enough, but for now this is more than alright. ]
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I'm the same. [ it doesn't matter what happens to her, so long that everybody else is ok. ]
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But... he can try and let that mindset fall through a little, while they're holding hands like this. Under the same night sky. On the same blanket. He lets his eyes shut. ]
So if I watch your back, will you watch mine? [ It's the closest she's getting to him being a little more careful about himself anyway smh ]
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I can do that. We'll be like a team!
[ she laughs, just wanting to hold his hand a bit longer more than anything else. ]
We can discuss it another time?
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Yeah, he definitely notices. He breathes out slowly instead, not replying right away but instead looking at her quietly. Even if she's still looking at that sky that was twinkling brightly, he's looking at his favourite star right beside him.
gross]Another time. [ He clears his throat as he looks away, and considering the random questions she asked earlier, he decides to bring something else into the conversation. ]
Other than the aquarium... is there anywhere else you'd want to go?
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she looks back at him without saying anything, but eventually breaks the ice with a cheerful grin. ]
Wow, that's a tough one. . . [ she looks at him curiously, eyelashes batting every now and then. ] There's no place else that I want to go right now. Why do you ask?
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though thankfully he smiles right back at her, laughing slightly because: ]
It's going to be difficult to top the dates we've had, isn't it?
[ He definitely just said the "d" word. ]
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