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[exarched]

art @ surfacage

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@inklongdry (7.0 spoilers)

[exarched]

[ The opportunity had been unexpected, but very welcome. It's true that neither he nor Arthur offer their assistance with any expectation of payment or reward, but an extension of genuine gratitude is not one to be turned down simply to save face or pride. and, truth be told, the thought of getting to spend a few quiet, thoughtful moments with his dear Warrior of Light on a boat moving lazily along a river...well...

He wouldn't have guessed the time and place would be here and now, but life has become a long series of surprises.

Still, despite the idyllic scenery in Living Memory, G'raha Tia found his thoughts drifting towards the existential crisis that lay before them. The futures stolen from so many...and yet, here, the futures of a few were secured in a paradise free of pain and misery. To never know loss...what a concept.

As he descends the steps away from the gondola's platform, G'raha turns so that he can watch his companion fully. To think that he could become so preoccupied in a moment that could have easily been--

--G'raha looks away and clears his throat, the tip of his tail twitching. ]

--My apologies. It seems I was getting ahead of myself, to...burden you with more than you have already been burdened.

[inklongdry]

[ What was supposed to be a vacation of sorts has very suddenly found itself devoid of moments of rest, so to say the ride along the canals had been unwelcome would be a lie. What's more, Arthur could not have asked for better company, and perhaps with the two of them well and truly alone—

Well, nothing is ever easy, is it? And it is true that they are here to do rather grim work. It is no wonder his companion's thoughts wandered to melancholy places. Arthur can hardly fault him for it.

In response, Arthur can only shake his head a little, offering a small but genuine smile. ]

You've naught to apologize for. I think... when it comes to that sort of thing— [ Wanting to save everyone, wanting to try, only to watch precious lives slip through your fingers. ] —you and I understand each other best, don't we?

[exarched]

[ G'raha can feel his ears perk up again as Arthur starts and, by the Twelve, is he not always so forgiving and understanding? No matter how G'raha so oft fumbles these moments alone. It should be easier when he doesn't have to worry what wandering eyes and prying ears will think, but it's much too easy to get lost in the moment.

...Not that they're anything but moments between two comrades, friends forged through the trials and tribulations of world-saving adventures. What G'raha wants, hidden in the deeper recesses of his heart, hardly matters. He's content with what he has, to be this close after so long. It's why he mentally kicks himself for these sorts of missteps--what if he should turn Arthur away? No, Arthur is much too kind-hearted for that. But he deserves only G'raha's best.

G'raha glances away again, just for a few seconds, as he nods and smiles.

Understand each other best.

It makes his heart sing and weigh heavy at the same time. ]

Would that we had a less sobering foundation to stand on.

[ When he lifts his gaze up to Arthur again, it's more relaxed, even if he's still kicking himself a bit. ]

Yet...I suppose we provided a few joyous moments for our happy couple. That must be worth something.

[ For the pair they had reunited, for however short a time it now will be. ]

[inklongdry]

Mm.

[ Arthur turns, eyes following what bit of the canal he can see from his current vantage, and gives another small nod. ]

That we did.

[ It's a bittersweet feeling, knowing that they will only be together again for a short time, but even the souls here seem to realize that which Sphene herself does not: even this life after death is only fleeting. They cannot be here forever.

Nothing lasts forever.

He turns back to look at G'raha, feels that warm fondness welling up in his chest, and realizes quite suddenly that he's been putting this off long enough. The moments they have are precious few, and he would rather spend them full of joy than longing and regret. ]

Ah... G'raha? Might I monopolize you for a few moments more? Before we rejoin the others.

[exarched]

[ G'raha raises his brows, eyes widening just a bit at the request. They shift back and for across Arthur's face as if to discern his motive, though the easiest thing to do is just ask--and he's already overthinking it. As usual. They literally just had a moment alone and he's already jumping to conclusions over another minute or so.

His expression settles and G'raha nods, repositioning so there is just a little less space between them. For...a sense of privacy, of course. ]

Of course.

[ Arthur assured him that he hadn't overstepped, but G'raha can't help but wonder if the topic isn't still weighing heavily on his thoughts. ]

Is aught the matter?

[inklongdry]

[ Sweet G'raha. Arthur can practically see the smoke coming out of his ears as he tries and fails yet again to be subtle. It's quite endearing, actually, and Arthur's expression warms in response. ]

Not exactly.

[ There is only the matter of things left unsaid. To that end, Arthur offers a hand, which will either clue G'raha in or serve to cause him to short circuit entirely. Mayahp both. ]

Walk with me? I would share something with you.

@clutterbitch

[exarched]

[ Continued from TFLN ]


[ It's a good thing this is over text, because this level of flattering is sure to fluster him into stuttering. He needs a moment to compose himself. ]

I am hardly worthy of such praise, but to learn that my company brings you any amount of joy is the highest compliment I could receive. My night is yours.

[clutterbitch]

stars, you silly man. one of these days we will have you seeing just how worthy you are. i promise.
in the meantime, what's your preferred poison?
we could carouse Tuliyollal or venture out to Wachunpelo. my understanding is the mezcal distillery will have you singing whether you like it or not.

[exarched]

[ Viktor, compliments from YOU always have a base +10 bonus effect. It's hard. ]

Though I would gladly go anywhere upon your recommendation, I have yet to make my way out out to Wachunpelo. The allure of novelty is ever difficult to turn away from.

I do not believe I have tried mezcal yet...?

@aspectmastery

[exarched]

[ Continued from TFLN ]


I

I admit I have been worried it had ruined the moment.

[aspectmastery]

may i be somewhat indecently honest with you?

[exarched]

[ Oh dear. ]

Yes?

[aspectmastery]

the only sounds i even pay attention to when we're together are the sounds you make

so i truly didn't notice

[exarched]

[ Oh.

Oh.

Please excuse the delay in his reply he had to scream internally for a minute. ]

I assure you that you have my full attention as well I just
Well I may have been overthinking things but I do not mean for that to reflect poorly
I mean


I only want for things to be perfect for you.










Mayhaps I should just change the playlist.

[aspectmastery]

[ he is so cute when he's flustered, she can just picture him fluttering and blushing... ]

sweetheart

[ and she gives that time to percolate — ]

don't you dare. i'm not at all complaining, i know how much thought you put into that

unless you'd like to simply include more inspiration...

@activatingcombatmode

[exarched]

[ Continued from TFLN ]


[ Let's be honest, G'raha is ALREADY impressed. But there is such relief in that confirmation! ]

I am full glad to hear it... If I'm to admit, I had been worried I might have seemed overeager.

[activatingcombatmode]

Overeager? No way, I was thinking maybe I was being too forward.

It's not often that I can ask, "Hey, second date?" and not get called a giant puppy for it.

I'm happy you want to.

[exarched]

Not at all! If anything, you have encouraged me to be more open with my own wants.

A giant puppy?

[ He's picturing it... ]

I can see the resemblance. 'Tis almost uncanny, really.

[activatingcombatmode]

Haha, you too, huh? Guess I can't escape it.

Let's just say if I had a tail, it'd be wagging like crazy right now.

[exarched]

Though I cannot speak for all, I do believe it is a compliment.

[ He certainly means it that way. ]

As someone with a tail, I can admit that it does not always do what you would like it to.

[ As...Zack may have already noticed. It has a mind of it's own sometimes. ]

@aspectmastery

[exarched]

[ Continued from TFLN ]

I fear you are adding more accolades than I have actually earned.



I only meant to say that it is your presence that
makes me




This is much harder over text, Cosette. To see my words reflected right back at me.

ouo

[aspectmastery]

nonsense, every time i turn around i think of more and more to include. remember that time you invented magic so far outside the accepted realm of possibility that it confounded an ancient unsundered? summerford farms remembers.


would it help if i told you how i love having your sweet words saved, readily available for me to look over again whensoever i feel the least bit bored or lonely without you?
or maybe if i sent encouraging pictures?
or i could call to hear your voice instead

[exarched]

Summerford Farms? Well, I could hardly let them down.

[ Cosette why are you so charming? ]


Pictures? Well...

[ Oh. Oh he knows exactly what she means, but...now there's no way he can walk away from that offering. ]

Yes, I do believe that encouragement might help.

[aspectmastery]

[ gottem.

the benefit of being the only living person on one's own private island is that clothes are, weather depending, occasionally optional. and while nothing particularly inappropriate is visible, it's clear from the angle of the photo Cosette sends that she has chosen against that option as she lounges in the island hot springs. ]

you said something about being heated?

[exarched]

[ This is definitely how he dies. But if he's going to go, it should be this. It does not need to be overtly revealing as G'raha is more than capable at filling in all the blanks...as his mind does quite easily.

He needs a moment. (Unsurprisingly.) ]

The very thought of you thusly consumes not only my mind but my entire being.