[Oh look, he IS alive. So that's one question successfully answered, at least, though he gives a soft snort.]
Not from a lack of trying, I would assume.
[Now, maybe it's because Megumi's own worries ended up rubbing off on him. Maybe it's because he's still feeling that emotional vulnerability from his talk with her at all.]
[Maybe he's just tired of losing, or nearly losing, the people he actually cares for.]
[Whatever the reason is, that sure is a hug he's pulling Estinien into.]
[ He can't say he didn't expect this. More than once has he gotten reactions from being an absolute fool. But it seems lie perhaps Megumi hasn't given Gaius the full story.
So while he takes a moment, an arm DOES come to secure itself around Gaius. ]
You would likely call me a fool, but I did what I had to do, do you understand?
[Damn right you better hug him back, because his imagination has been left to fill in the blanks of what happened and everything he can think of is not great.]
Of course I would call you a fool. That was never in question. [Too bad even now he has a hard time letting the embrace actually linger. There are still boundaries he's hesitant to cross, but his hands stay on Estinien's shoulders even when he back away again, and he shakes his head tiredly.]
However... I do understand, much as I may wish I didn't.
Whatever it is that happened, I'm simply glad to know you still remain hale and whole.
Hopefully this is nothing you are losing sleep over, my decisions were solely my own. Those of the dragonstar needed the push. Megumi needed a path to move forward. I did what I knew was right at the time.
[ Though he knows how upset it made both Alphinaud and Megumi. He heard about that one later on. ]
Estinien, I dare say I've lost more sleep in the last two weeks than I have in decades, between those "final days" and you, Alphinaud, and Megumi flying off to your Twelve only knew where.
[THANKFULLY though, now that he's seen for himself that all three of them are seemingly unharmed... Estinien's shoulder gets a squeeze. And then Gaius finally lets go entirely, so he can find somewhere to sit instead.]
[ His own curiosity begs him to speak up. It begs him to make sure it is nothing that he has done. ]
Strange, honestly. I only explored the dragonstar myself. It was there I found that the dragons were impeding themselves. So.. I used the environment to my advantage. Sure, I may have been taken away bodily, but it was worth it.
[No. No, best to not think too hard on that phrasing, because there's no answer for that that he'll actually enjoy hearing. He's here now, that's the important part. They all are.]
There's little that ails me now, I promise. Just...too many days worrying for my daughter and defending the people of Werlyt have taken their toll, I fear.
You and the others being here actually takes quite a weight off of my shoulders.
Aye, taken away bodily. I could elaborate but it is all very confusing. Sort of a blur to me at the moment. I would need to collect mine thoughts of how to explain how my action benefitted Megumi in the end.
[ Gripping his shoulder, squeezing. ]
Then take it easy for once, aye? I am just as bad as the rest...but I've come to know mine body's limits.
[Honestly, the hand is more of a surprise than it probably should be. Neither of them have been particularly affectionate people in the past, after all, but. It's nice, having that reassuring gesture. And earns a bit of a smile as he covers Estinien's hand with his own and squeezes back.]
I suppose I shall have to, if only so I'm properly rested for when you tell the tale that will no doubt set my blood pressure to new heights.
[Said as if he hasn't done his own share of reckless shit to protect people- But anyway. He chuckles, softly, pulling that hand on his shoulder over to brush his lips against the back of it in gratitude.]
No, I promise I shall try, my friend. Provided that you do as well. If little else, this place at least allows us that much, after so many months of near constant excitement.
[ Gaius must be really tired if he's kissing Estinien's hand. At least, maybe that is what Estinien assumes? He doesn't jerk his hand away by any means. Just gives him a curious gaze and then a squeeze to remind him that he is still holding on. ]
This place does seem like sort of a drop in the pond, aye?
[ They went from being sought after to being...stuck. ]
You should use it to your advantage. As I should use it to mine.
[Totally tired. Yep, that's it. That's clearly the only reason.]
I know not what you and your Scions have been doing since your return to the star, but I'm fairly certain they will insist on it, difficult as that may be for you.
And with the workload that still awaits me in Werlyt...
[Ah... But that squeeze, uh. Does pull his attention to the hand he's still holding, and...]
[Well, he's really not surprised, even if the realization exasperates him a bit. At least Estinien doesn't seem offended, which...well, Gaius looks thoughtful for a moment, turning something around in his mind before he lets go of Estinien and glances up again.]
If you must know, I am working with one of the first brood in Radz-at-Han. He has another task for me, though, that much has not been revealed to me. I am in great care there, I am fed and given a place to sleep. Clothes to wear.
[ ...this just sounds like a dragon is taking care of Estinien.... ]
None are needed.
[ He has been better at receiving affections, just has slight difficulty in the return of them. ]
[The dragon is definitely taking care of Estinien... But knowing that he's practically their neighbor over in Thavnair right now is something to talk about later.]
[After something slightly more important is taken care of.]
A question for you, if I may, as other conversations lately admittedly have me curious.
How is it that Megumi and Ser Aymeric actually managed to get their feelings through to you?
'Tis true, subtlety of any kind always seemed lost on you.
[He remembers you setting off literally every alarum in the factory when they met—]
[But the answer makes his decision for him. Exasperated as he sounds, there's still a little smile there as he reaches up to grab the front of Estinien's shirt.]
[Well, it's very nice to have that returned. Unlike Estinien, Gaius doesn't pause when he feels the reciprocation, reaching up his free hand to bury it in Estinien's hair as he briefly deepens the kiss.]
[By the time he breaks it and leans back again, his eyes are bright and his smile more than a little relived.]
Aye, it is. You appear to be the only one I had successfully hidden my affections from, so if I'm to do this I wanted no misunderstanding.
[He's teasing, but it's with all the warmth in the world he promises. And really, if he didn't do this Megumi may well have gone ahead and done it for him, for all he knows. Can't be having THAT.]
[But though the smile doesn't waver, he does go quiet again for a moment.]
...I must confess, however, I've shared similar feelings with Megumi as well. I care quite deeply for both of you, but I understand if that isn't returned.
If I were not okay with it, Estinien, I doubt that I would be doing this now.
[And as if to emphasize that point, he gently takes one of those hands on his chest and lifts it to place a soft kiss on the underside of Estinien's wrist.]
[Why wouldn't he want Estinien. It's whether Estinien will want some broken old man back that's the question...]
I told you before that I don't make a habit of lying, didn't I? [But he does let go of his hand again after giving it another small squeeze, tired fondness in his smile.] Though I...do apologize, if it seems a sudden thing.
[ He shakes his head, face still just the smallest touch of fond. ]
If it seems sudden it is only because we would have never had the time at home to admit these sorts of things. We were in the middle of the world ending, after all.
I will be upfront that even fancying these feelings... I am still rather dull when it comes to realizing things.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2022-02-07 12:56 am (UTC)I am alive, see?
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Date: 2022-02-07 01:08 am (UTC)Not from a lack of trying, I would assume.
[Now, maybe it's because Megumi's own worries ended up rubbing off on him. Maybe it's because he's still feeling that emotional vulnerability from his talk with her at all.]
[Maybe he's just tired of losing, or nearly losing, the people he actually cares for.]
[Whatever the reason is, that sure is a hug he's pulling Estinien into.]
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Date: 2022-02-07 01:49 am (UTC)So while he takes a moment, an arm DOES come to secure itself around Gaius. ]
You would likely call me a fool, but I did what I had to do, do you understand?
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Date: 2022-02-07 02:06 am (UTC)Of course I would call you a fool. That was never in question. [Too bad even now he has a hard time letting the embrace actually linger. There are still boundaries he's hesitant to cross, but his hands stay on Estinien's shoulders even when he back away again, and he shakes his head tiredly.]
However... I do understand, much as I may wish I didn't.
Whatever it is that happened, I'm simply glad to know you still remain hale and whole.
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Date: 2022-02-07 02:08 am (UTC)[ Though he knows how upset it made both Alphinaud and Megumi. He heard about that one later on. ]
I've no intention of leaving the star again.
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Date: 2022-02-07 02:29 am (UTC)[THANKFULLY though, now that he's seen for himself that all three of them are seemingly unharmed... Estinien's shoulder gets a squeeze. And then Gaius finally lets go entirely, so he can find somewhere to sit instead.]
...what was it like? Out there.
endwalker spoils from here on out
Date: 2022-02-07 02:36 am (UTC)[ His own curiosity begs him to speak up. It begs him to make sure it is nothing that he has done. ]
Strange, honestly. I only explored the dragonstar myself. It was there I found that the dragons were impeding themselves. So.. I used the environment to my advantage. Sure, I may have been taken away bodily, but it was worth it.
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Date: 2022-02-07 04:22 am (UTC)[No. No, best to not think too hard on that phrasing, because there's no answer for that that he'll actually enjoy hearing. He's here now, that's the important part. They all are.]
There's little that ails me now, I promise. Just...too many days worrying for my daughter and defending the people of Werlyt have taken their toll, I fear.
You and the others being here actually takes quite a weight off of my shoulders.
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Date: 2022-02-07 05:06 am (UTC)[ Gripping his shoulder, squeezing. ]
Then take it easy for once, aye? I am just as bad as the rest...but I've come to know mine body's limits.
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Date: 2022-02-07 05:40 am (UTC)I suppose I shall have to, if only so I'm properly rested for when you tell the tale that will no doubt set my blood pressure to new heights.
[Said as if he hasn't done his own share of reckless shit to protect people- But anyway. He chuckles, softly, pulling that hand on his shoulder over to brush his lips against the back of it in gratitude.]
No, I promise I shall try, my friend. Provided that you do as well. If little else, this place at least allows us that much, after so many months of near constant excitement.
[Not
really noticing what he's doing.]
[yet.]
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Date: 2022-02-08 01:42 am (UTC)This place does seem like sort of a drop in the pond, aye?
[ They went from being sought after to being...stuck. ]
You should use it to your advantage. As I should use it to mine.
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Date: 2022-02-08 08:58 pm (UTC)I know not what you and your Scions have been doing since your return to the star, but I'm fairly certain they will insist on it, difficult as that may be for you.
And with the workload that still awaits me in Werlyt...
[Ah... But that squeeze, uh. Does pull his attention to the hand he's still holding, and...]
[Well, he's really not surprised, even if the realization exasperates him a bit. At least Estinien doesn't seem offended, which...well, Gaius looks thoughtful for a moment, turning something around in his mind before he lets go of Estinien and glances up again.]
My apologies.
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Date: 2022-02-09 05:05 am (UTC)[ ...this just sounds like a dragon is taking care of Estinien.... ]
None are needed.
[ He has been better at receiving affections, just has slight difficulty in the return of them. ]
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Date: 2022-02-09 02:26 pm (UTC)[After something slightly more important is taken care of.]
A question for you, if I may, as other conversations lately admittedly have me curious.
How is it that Megumi and Ser Aymeric actually managed to get their feelings through to you?
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Date: 2022-02-09 06:39 pm (UTC)They were blunt with me, I suppose. I am not one to take subtle hints.
[ Shrug. ]
Why do you ask?
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Date: 2022-02-09 06:48 pm (UTC)[He remembers you setting off literally every alarum in the factory when they met—]
[But the answer makes his decision for him. Exasperated as he sounds, there's still a little smile there as he reaches up to grab the front of Estinien's shirt.]
[And drags the man down for a kiss.]
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Date: 2022-02-09 06:52 pm (UTC)But the Why is still lost on him until he’s dragged down. He thinks about it a moment, and not a moment more.
Bet Gaius didn’t expect a kiss back! ]
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Date: 2022-02-10 05:42 pm (UTC)[Well, it's very nice to have that returned. Unlike Estinien, Gaius doesn't pause when he feels the reciprocation, reaching up his free hand to bury it in Estinien's hair as he briefly deepens the kiss.]
[By the time he breaks it and leans back again, his eyes are bright and his smile more than a little relived.]
Simple enough, I suppose.
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Date: 2022-02-11 01:29 am (UTC)[ His hands rest on Gaius' chest while they kiss. Once they pull away, he huffs, amused. ]
Is that why you asked, then?
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Date: 2022-02-11 02:36 am (UTC)[He's teasing, but it's with all the warmth in the world he promises. And really, if he didn't do this Megumi may well have gone ahead and done it for him, for all he knows. Can't be having THAT.]
[But though the smile doesn't waver, he does go quiet again for a moment.]
...I must confess, however, I've shared similar feelings with Megumi as well. I care quite deeply for both of you, but I understand if that isn't returned.
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Date: 2022-02-11 01:19 pm (UTC)Mine enemy, mine friend, Nidhogg. He would have taken any chance at weakness.
[ But now, when he’s already been with the Scions. He is so far removed from that. ]
You are okay then, that I share affections with multiple people?
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Date: 2022-02-11 02:14 pm (UTC)[And as if to emphasize that point, he gently takes one of those hands on his chest and lifts it to place a soft kiss on the underside of Estinien's wrist.]
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Date: 2022-02-12 01:53 am (UTC)Aye, I suppose you are right.
[ But is...Gaius sure that he wants Estinien of all people! ]
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Date: 2022-02-12 11:21 pm (UTC)I told you before that I don't make a habit of lying, didn't I? [But he does let go of his hand again after giving it another small squeeze, tired fondness in his smile.] Though I...do apologize, if it seems a sudden thing.
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Date: 2022-02-12 11:33 pm (UTC)If it seems sudden it is only because we would have never had the time at home to admit these sorts of things. We were in the middle of the world ending, after all.
I will be upfront that even fancying these feelings... I am still rather dull when it comes to realizing things.
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