[If he tried to take the drink out of her hand, she’d fight him. Poorly. And she would lose.]
Yeah, but if I keep drinking, I’m not gonna get a hangover.
[Galaxy brain.]
Don’t wanna go to sleep, though. The nightmares are gonna start again. And all the screaming and shouting and falling apart. Can’t talk to anybody about the nightmares.
[Now she’s just babbling.]
‘Ts nice of you to go through the trouble, but you shouldn’t be so kind to me. ‘M a bad person to be friends with. I get people hurt and I’m probably gonna die soon.
Yeah, but if I keep drinking, I’m not gonna get a hangover.
[Galaxy brain.]
Don’t wanna go to sleep, though. The nightmares are gonna start again. And all the screaming and shouting and falling apart. Can’t talk to anybody about the nightmares.
[Now she’s just babbling.]
‘Ts nice of you to go through the trouble, but you shouldn’t be so kind to me. ‘M a bad person to be friends with. I get people hurt and I’m probably gonna die soon.
Not... immediately. [He didn't sigh but one could practically feel it in his words. Shit, son, he couldn't say she was wrong.
Nor could she dispute her points towards having nightmares. They were familiar to him too, at least half the reason he opted to work or drink rather than sleep most nights.
"We are all going to die", was a thought in his mind. One he kept deep underground. "A bad person to be friends with", was she?]
... I am not much better. [It was reluctant at first, the muscles in the arm Rose was leaning against tensed. He still felt as if he lacked the right to do this, but in the end temptation won out. He wrapped his arm tight around her shoulder.] ... Being kind is the right thing to do.
Nor could she dispute her points towards having nightmares. They were familiar to him too, at least half the reason he opted to work or drink rather than sleep most nights.
"We are all going to die", was a thought in his mind. One he kept deep underground. "A bad person to be friends with", was she?]
... I am not much better. [It was reluctant at first, the muscles in the arm Rose was leaning against tensed. He still felt as if he lacked the right to do this, but in the end temptation won out. He wrapped his arm tight around her shoulder.] ... Being kind is the right thing to do.
[She would probably feel it in his words...if she could feel anything at all. Was the room spinning this much before? The room couldn’t have been spinning this much before.]
Yeah, but you saved my life. I was stupid and got caught and you had to meet that one guy again because of it. And all the people that were with you died and it was all because of me.
[The floodgates are opening. If there’s a bright side to this, it’s that she probably won’t remember it in the morning.]
I’m really bad at being a hero. I didn’t wanna be a hero, but I didn’t get a choice, and now all these people are dying for me. I just wanna go home, but I can’t.
Yeah, but you saved my life. I was stupid and got caught and you had to meet that one guy again because of it. And all the people that were with you died and it was all because of me.
[The floodgates are opening. If there’s a bright side to this, it’s that she probably won’t remember it in the morning.]
I’m really bad at being a hero. I didn’t wanna be a hero, but I didn’t get a choice, and now all these people are dying for me. I just wanna go home, but I can’t.
[He imagined she would not remember. And he would not dare remind her. She seemed the prideful sort who would prefer not to. He moved his hand slowly up and down the side of her arm.
If only to keep himself occupied, his thoughts towards the failings of that rescue mission deep in the corners of his mind he refused to tread. He felt like he needed a drink remembering it.]
I... you. Ah. [He didn't even know what he could say to her. Words never came easily to him. He was good for being a pillow. And being... no. He has to say something... anything at all.] I... I'm sorry... [For many things, but the fact that he had no clue what to say was a big one.]
If only to keep himself occupied, his thoughts towards the failings of that rescue mission deep in the corners of his mind he refused to tread. He felt like he needed a drink remembering it.]
I... you. Ah. [He didn't even know what he could say to her. Words never came easily to him. He was good for being a pillow. And being... no. He has to say something... anything at all.] I... I'm sorry... [For many things, but the fact that he had no clue what to say was a big one.]
[Rose feels just a little bit better after the physical contact. She feels really safe right now, and it’s a feeling she’s going to treasure, as inebriated as she may be.]
Why’re you apologizing? It’s not your fault, it’s the stupid Mothercrystal’s. She coulda chosen someone else, someone better. Anyone else woulda been better.
[She pauses. She’s really far gone.]
You’d be a lot better. You should be the Warrior of Light instead of me.
Why’re you apologizing? It’s not your fault, it’s the stupid Mothercrystal’s. She coulda chosen someone else, someone better. Anyone else woulda been better.
[She pauses. She’s really far gone.]
You’d be a lot better. You should be the Warrior of Light instead of me.
... Me? [As if the nonsense she spouted couldn't confuse him more, but him? As the Warrior of Light? There was no way, not someone like him. He was strong, that was true. In body and mind (as far as he thought), but not in spirit.
But he needn't forget how drunk she was. Of course she'd say something so off the bloody wall. He had a blessing from the Mothercrystal as well, this "Echo", but. He shook his head, not letting go of her. He wanted her to feel safe, or at least not feel the need to drink anymore. She'd had enough.]
... No. You are far stronger than I am. [Not physically, not by a longshot. But he's admired for a while her ability to proudly states that she hates her circumstances.]
But he needn't forget how drunk she was. Of course she'd say something so off the bloody wall. He had a blessing from the Mothercrystal as well, this "Echo", but. He shook his head, not letting go of her. He wanted her to feel safe, or at least not feel the need to drink anymore. She'd had enough.]
... No. You are far stronger than I am. [Not physically, not by a longshot. But he's admired for a while her ability to proudly states that she hates her circumstances.]
[In vino Veritas. Had Takame asked her when she had her wits about her, she probably would’ve thought the same. She might not have said it, but she would have thought it.]
I’m not strong, though. I’m just a spoiled brat that got in way over her head.
[It’s true. It’s true even on the best of days.]
Mom used to say “don’t go to Eorzea, or you’ll get tempered by a primal!” I didn’t listen, and look where I am now. ‘m tired. I don’t wanna fight gods anymore. I don’t wanna fight the Empire.
I’m not strong, though. I’m just a spoiled brat that got in way over her head.
[It’s true. It’s true even on the best of days.]
Mom used to say “don’t go to Eorzea, or you’ll get tempered by a primal!” I didn’t listen, and look where I am now. ‘m tired. I don’t wanna fight gods anymore. I don’t wanna fight the Empire.
... You are strong to me. [It fell out of his mouth, not knowing what else he could say. Even if she was just spoiled, he didn't know that. She was a bit on the brusque side. But he didn't mind.
But then, he didn't care about a lot. Her mother had good advice for her.]
... I know. You should not have to carry this burden alone. [His hold on her tightened, hoping to express that he'd help her with that alone.] You've time to rest now.
But then, he didn't care about a lot. Her mother had good advice for her.]
... I know. You should not have to carry this burden alone. [His hold on her tightened, hoping to express that he'd help her with that alone.] You've time to rest now.
[Rose is no stranger to hangovers, but still, this is one of her worst. When she wakes up, she's in pain. It feels like her head is being split down the middle, and that's not even beginning to touch up on what happened last night.]
[Come to think of it, what did happen last night? As far as she can tell, she's in a room in the Forgotten Knight. The room itself looks rather unassuming, aside from a small pocket of light in the corner.]
[Oh no...]
My darling sapling, do you have any idea how worried we've been? Well, do you? You have a lot of explaining to do!
[One very long lecture later, and she's at Takame's door, knocking lightly.]
[Come to think of it, what did happen last night? As far as she can tell, she's in a room in the Forgotten Knight. The room itself looks rather unassuming, aside from a small pocket of light in the corner.]
[Oh no...]
My darling sapling, do you have any idea how worried we've been? Well, do you? You have a lot of explaining to do!
[One very long lecture later, and she's at Takame's door, knocking lightly.]
[He was lucky enough to be able to get a second inn room for himself. The proprietor gladly gave Rose his intended room for no charge, she seemed well liked in the Holy See. Good thing too because it took what felt like an age to convince her to sleep.
... Or rather her passing out convinced him to finally carry her to a room.
He was ready to leave the city when he heard the light tapping on his door. In fact it's soon after he heard that that he opened it, having been one step away from it prepared to depart, only to see the Warrior of Light at the other side.]
Oh. Good morning.
... Or rather her passing out convinced him to finally carry her to a room.
He was ready to leave the city when he heard the light tapping on his door. In fact it's soon after he heard that that he opened it, having been one step away from it prepared to depart, only to see the Warrior of Light at the other side.]
Oh. Good morning.
[Feo Ul had been very reluctant to give Rose any actual details, only that she'd acted very unbecoming and nearly gotten herself into trouble. The fairy was also very clear that she's safe right now because of her friend.]
[She's not really sure what to say to Takame, given that she can't recall what happened. That being said, she's sure she owes him something. It'll probably be easier to think about once her head stops pounding.]
Morning. I am told that I owe you a thank you for last night.
[She's not really sure what to say to Takame, given that she can't recall what happened. That being said, she's sure she owes him something. It'll probably be easier to think about once her head stops pounding.]
Morning. I am told that I owe you a thank you for last night.
[He wouldn't say unbecoming per se. Even though that was entirely accurate, he'll never SAY it. Or think it.
As far as he knew she spouted a lot of straight up nonsense followed soon by continuing to vent her frustrations of her role. Both of which he listened intently to. What mattered most to him was that she be kept safe after that mess.]
Ah, you needn't worry. It was no trouble. [Said genuinely with a small shrug.] ... How are you feeling? ["... save for like shite" he didn't voice, only assuming that she was massively hungover but not wanting to jump to that conclusion.]
As far as he knew she spouted a lot of straight up nonsense followed soon by continuing to vent her frustrations of her role. Both of which he listened intently to. What mattered most to him was that she be kept safe after that mess.]
Ah, you needn't worry. It was no trouble. [Said genuinely with a small shrug.] ... How are you feeling? ["... save for like shite" he didn't voice, only assuming that she was massively hungover but not wanting to jump to that conclusion.]
Has anyone ever told you that you're too nice for your own good?
[Because it's true. Even if she doesn't remember what happened, she can make a few guesses. If she asked, Feo Ul would probably happily fill her in on the rest.]
[Still, it makes her feel better to see Takame here. She must have worried him last night.]
Awful. Unfortunately, white magic wasn't made to cure hangovers.
[Because it's true. Even if she doesn't remember what happened, she can make a few guesses. If she asked, Feo Ul would probably happily fill her in on the rest.]
[Still, it makes her feel better to see Takame here. She must have worried him last night.]
Awful. Unfortunately, white magic wasn't made to cure hangovers.
... Is being nice not the right thing to do?
[Most go straight to calling him a fool, really. But a fool he will be if it means he can be even the smallest bit like his sister.
The genuine curiosity in his tone though says a lot.]
I... see. I am sorry to hear that. [He knew it was her own fault. He was very concerned for her even after putting her to bed. In a turn perhaps more bold that Rose may have expected, he could not just leave it at that.]
... You really should not have had that much to drink alone. [It's a soft reprimand, but a reprimand nevertheless.]
[Most go straight to calling him a fool, really. But a fool he will be if it means he can be even the smallest bit like his sister.
The genuine curiosity in his tone though says a lot.]
I... see. I am sorry to hear that. [He knew it was her own fault. He was very concerned for her even after putting her to bed. In a turn perhaps more bold that Rose may have expected, he could not just leave it at that.]
... You really should not have had that much to drink alone. [It's a soft reprimand, but a reprimand nevertheless.]
It depends on who you ask, I suppose.
[Rose never priced herself on being nice, but anyone who knew her when she was younger would easily see how much she’s grown as a person. It comes with the territory of being a hero, probably.]
[She doesn’t expect that reprimand out of Takame, but she does deserve it. For once, she’s the one embarrassed.]
I shouldn’t have, you’re correct. Ishgard is the last place I feel safe; I may have overdone it.
[Rose never priced herself on being nice, but anyone who knew her when she was younger would easily see how much she’s grown as a person. It comes with the territory of being a hero, probably.]
[She doesn’t expect that reprimand out of Takame, but she does deserve it. For once, she’s the one embarrassed.]
I shouldn’t have, you’re correct. Ishgard is the last place I feel safe; I may have overdone it.
Hm. I suppose. [The only authority he cared to ask about that was his sister. She was always right. But he's met those who would say otherwise.
Because of his own painted experiences with Ishgard he's a bit surprised to find that she feels safe here even though it made sense. Most seemed to know her, not just as the Warrior of Light but as Rose.] Perhaps.
[Even still he shook his head slightly. "May have" overdone it, she says.] Ah, but should you choose to drink alone again it would be wise to keep in mind your limits. You can do little to defend yourself if you are intoxicated... [She was strong of spirit but not strong with spirits. All of this is coming out by habit, barely aware that he's essentially scolding her.]
Because of his own painted experiences with Ishgard he's a bit surprised to find that she feels safe here even though it made sense. Most seemed to know her, not just as the Warrior of Light but as Rose.] Perhaps.
[Even still he shook his head slightly. "May have" overdone it, she says.] Ah, but should you choose to drink alone again it would be wise to keep in mind your limits. You can do little to defend yourself if you are intoxicated... [She was strong of spirit but not strong with spirits. All of this is coming out by habit, barely aware that he's essentially scolding her.]
[If Rose gave it more thought, she would soon realize why Takame feels on edge in Ishgard. She doesn’t. To her, Ishgard is home, a place to come when she needs solace.]
[That doesn’t make Takame any less right, however. Being a public figure makes her a target, and if she gets so intoxicated she can barely move there’s not much she can if someone decides to come after her.]
Yes, mother.
[She sighs. As much as she wants the sarcasm to make it better, it doesn’t, and she’s left with the sad reality of the situation.]
It pains me to say this, but you aren’t incorrect. I need to be able to defend myself at all times.
[That doesn’t make Takame any less right, however. Being a public figure makes her a target, and if she gets so intoxicated she can barely move there’s not much she can if someone decides to come after her.]
Yes, mother.
[She sighs. As much as she wants the sarcasm to make it better, it doesn’t, and she’s left with the sad reality of the situation.]
It pains me to say this, but you aren’t incorrect. I need to be able to defend myself at all times.
Ah, I... [It's at that sarcastic remark that he actually realizes that he'd been scolding her. He was fully at the ready to beg forgiveness for stepping beyond the bounds of his station.
But that wasn't his life anymore. And he did worry for her safety like he would for Hina or Zhian. Exactly why he lectured her on keeping herself safe as he would either of those two. It didn't quite connect in his mind that she did not live over two decades on guard as he did.
He was going to shut the room door behind him, but instead his hand kept mindlessly turning the knob, fiddling with the lock to relieve his nervous energy.] ... You might have someone accompany you as well.
[That was a better alternative, right? Than having to watch one's own back constantly. Somehow he doubted it helped, but he wished to try.] If... I may, why did you drink so much last night?
But that wasn't his life anymore. And he did worry for her safety like he would for Hina or Zhian. Exactly why he lectured her on keeping herself safe as he would either of those two. It didn't quite connect in his mind that she did not live over two decades on guard as he did.
He was going to shut the room door behind him, but instead his hand kept mindlessly turning the knob, fiddling with the lock to relieve his nervous energy.] ... You might have someone accompany you as well.
[That was a better alternative, right? Than having to watch one's own back constantly. Somehow he doubted it helped, but he wished to try.] If... I may, why did you drink so much last night?
[She might use biting sarcasm, but she isn’t going to reprimand him. Not when he’s right.]
[It brings her some small measure of relief to know that someone is worrying after her. There are plenty who do already, or course, but it’s rare to find someone who does because they care for her as a person.]
I’d hoped not to need a bodyguard, but I don’t think I have a choice anymore.
[It’s legitimately dangerous for her to be alone.]
I had a lot on my mind, that’s all.
[It brings her some small measure of relief to know that someone is worrying after her. There are plenty who do already, or course, but it’s rare to find someone who does because they care for her as a person.]
I’d hoped not to need a bodyguard, but I don’t think I have a choice anymore.
[It’s legitimately dangerous for her to be alone.]
I had a lot on my mind, that’s all.
[It would be a lie to say he did not hold her in some reverence because she was the Warrior of Light. But there was more that he could not explain solely because of all she's shared with him, the pain he could feel from her words.
And she still spared his life despite his past association. He owed her this much respect, seeing past her title as was her wish.] There is no issue in requiring such protection. So long as you are safe.
[He's done his fair share of escort work, but mostly he was concerned about what weighed on her mind. He wasn't specific about just what kinds of outrageous things she spouted the night before, but.] I... could tell.
And she still spared his life despite his past association. He owed her this much respect, seeing past her title as was her wish.] There is no issue in requiring such protection. So long as you are safe.
[He's done his fair share of escort work, but mostly he was concerned about what weighed on her mind. He wasn't specific about just what kinds of outrageous things she spouted the night before, but.] I... could tell.
That is true, but I will likely need protection soon. There is no telling what Garlemald will do now that its Emperor is dead, and the Ascians are backed into a corner, which is likely to make them more aggressive.
[Did he know about the Ascians? She isn’t sure. It’s not so much that she doesn’t regret sparing his life, it’s that she isn’t aware she did. After saving her, killing him was the last thing on her mind.]
I’m sure I spoke to you about it at length, then. What did I say to you?
[Please tell her she didn’t mention the fairy king.]
[Did he know about the Ascians? She isn’t sure. It’s not so much that she doesn’t regret sparing his life, it’s that she isn’t aware she did. After saving her, killing him was the last thing on her mind.]
I’m sure I spoke to you about it at length, then. What did I say to you?
[Please tell her she didn’t mention the fairy king.]
Hrm... Ascians... the enemy. [It's a low grumble, almost a growl at mention of Garlemald, of these "Ascians". He only had a vague idea of what they sought after asking a knowledgeable Lalafellin woman he met one day when returning to the Rising Stones. Krile, if he recalled.
What was clear enough to him was that they were the enemy. That was all the knowledge he needed. And he would protect Rose if she needed it.
He did stutter though when she asked just what was said to him. He was reluctant but... to lie would be unspeakably disrespectful...
Oh kami, be merciful.]
Ah, w-well. You spoke of a "Lightwarden"? Becoming a monster... a dead man's soul... and becoming a Fairy King? [Wow, it sounds even worse said aloud by a completely sober person. Except for the next part.] ... And of how sleep was difficult for you.
What was clear enough to him was that they were the enemy. That was all the knowledge he needed. And he would protect Rose if she needed it.
He did stutter though when she asked just what was said to him. He was reluctant but... to lie would be unspeakably disrespectful...
Oh kami, be merciful.]
Ah, w-well. You spoke of a "Lightwarden"? Becoming a monster... a dead man's soul... and becoming a Fairy King? [Wow, it sounds even worse said aloud by a completely sober person. Except for the next part.] ... And of how sleep was difficult for you.
I said all that, did I?
[She appreciates his honesty, she really does, but she’s also mortified. Rose is going to neglect commenting on his response to the Ascians for now, in lieu of focusing on smoothing this out the best she can.]
All I ask is that you please forget what you can. I hadn’t expected to encounter anybody I knew, much less anybody who was a friend, and I got carried away.
[If she’s lucky, he’ll dismiss the ramblings as an overactive imagination. She’d much rather him think her crazy than know the truth, although she’s not quite sure why.]
[And then there’s that last part. There’s no lying away that last part.]
Sleep is difficult for me, yes. To anyone who knows half of what I’ve seen, that shouldn’t be a surprise.
[She appreciates his honesty, she really does, but she’s also mortified. Rose is going to neglect commenting on his response to the Ascians for now, in lieu of focusing on smoothing this out the best she can.]
All I ask is that you please forget what you can. I hadn’t expected to encounter anybody I knew, much less anybody who was a friend, and I got carried away.
[If she’s lucky, he’ll dismiss the ramblings as an overactive imagination. She’d much rather him think her crazy than know the truth, although she’s not quite sure why.]
[And then there’s that last part. There’s no lying away that last part.]
Sleep is difficult for me, yes. To anyone who knows half of what I’ve seen, that shouldn’t be a surprise.
You did. [Said with a stoic nod. You know. THAT nod. He would quickly reassure her that he would not speak of what he heard to a soul and immediately expel it from his memory, but.
"Anyone who was a" what?]
... You... consider me a friend? [She considers him anything positive, that isn't a monster? Wait, no, seven hells focus, Kesi. She asked you to do something.]
Ah, er... [He cleared his throat.] You needn't worry. More regretful things than that have been said by those too deep in their cups... I'll pay it no mind from this point on. [He could promise that at least. "Fairy King", though, what a concept... straight out of a storybook it was.
His tone took a more somber turn at her sober admission of insomnia.]
I can scarce imagine. [Even if he's seen his share of horrors.] 'Tis the reason I did not blame you for your choice. [He would be a hypocrite if he did.] I was simply concerned for your safety. [He is one, in fact.]
"Anyone who was a" what?]
... You... consider me a friend? [She considers him anything positive, that isn't a monster? Wait, no, seven hells focus, Kesi. She asked you to do something.]
Ah, er... [He cleared his throat.] You needn't worry. More regretful things than that have been said by those too deep in their cups... I'll pay it no mind from this point on. [He could promise that at least. "Fairy King", though, what a concept... straight out of a storybook it was.
His tone took a more somber turn at her sober admission of insomnia.]
I can scarce imagine. [Even if he's seen his share of horrors.] 'Tis the reason I did not blame you for your choice. [He would be a hypocrite if he did.] I was simply concerned for your safety. [He is one, in fact.]
at this point i just need to start labeling the threads that aren't for takame
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poisontippedcure
2019-08-15 12:33 am (UTC)(link)
[It's well past midnight when the knock starts at Takame's door. It begins softly, and grows incessantly louder. Eventually, it gets so loud that it sounds like somebody is going to break down the door.]
[When Takame eventually opens the door, he'll find a familiar Miqo'te on the other end. Her white-tipped hair is uncharacteristically messy, and there are some very large bags under her eyes. She's crossing her arms, and shaking as she leans against the doorframe.]
Hey.
[When Takame eventually opens the door, he'll find a familiar Miqo'te on the other end. Her white-tipped hair is uncharacteristically messy, and there are some very large bags under her eyes. She's crossing her arms, and shaking as she leans against the doorframe.]
Hey.
Edited 2019-08-15 00:34 (UTC)
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