forgottenmists | romance

romance

[ There were many people Miscarlet needed to help handle. Recently, that weird mimic Faya had been trembling and screaming about things, and there was another rip in reality (which he thought might be able to bring his dear Vaan here but he didn't know if he should) - but he had taken a break. His eyes had returned to him - a thankful time, to be sure.

And he wished to celebrate with the lost Warrior of Light who he cared for. Even if he tried to hide how he felt deep in his heart, he gripped a small box in his arm as he went to her room in the Company. Honestly, he liked how she had one near to him - a little close to that portal to the Void, but he wasn't going to complain. After all, he'd gotten quite rare tickets - and wished to share it with her.

Was his heart truly this fragile? (His body felt so fragile today.) He knocked, gently. ]

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[It's worth being a little close to that portal if it means she's that much closer to the people she cares about- K'pandolu's confident enough she'll be fine.

She's patching up one of her shirts when Miscarlet knocks, and she secures the needle before setting it aside to answer.]

Miscarlet? What brings you here?

[she glances at the box, curious, her ears flicking up, but looks back soon enough, sure he'll explain that in good time.]

[ His voice is gentle as he stands in the doorway - crossing his arms a little, gazing to her with his golden eyes. Unlike when he was blind, they seemed to glow a little - kindness behind the,. ]

Tell me, have you heard of the Diadem?

[Oh- that's different. Different, and nice. She nods, tilting her head.]

The area to which House Haillenarte has been dispatching its exploratory missions? Yes- I've been there, a few times. Do you have plans there, then?

That I do. Though discussions with the House, well...

[ He presents the box. ]

There have been areas explored which have not much worth in wealth, but have beautiful sights - tickets to there have been selling for quite some Gil. But, ah... due to the aid we've given, these are... tickets for a private voyage.

[ He seems so nervous - which is very unlike him. ]

...Because they're thankful for the return of dear Francel.

Yes- I'd think so. Many of the areas I've been to have been worth travelling to to see.

[She blinks, surprised, and then smiles, the tip of her tale rising.]

I'm glad to hear that. That's very kind of them! And- of you.

[If- she's reading this right. She thinks- she's fairly sure she is- reaching out to touch his fingers, gentle.]

There's not another I'd... consider taking with me, if you'll come.

[ He lets her touch him - before holding her hand, his hands gentle. A pause, before he looks back to her weaving, a soft curiosity on his lips. ]

But if you need time to prepare - I'd understand.

[she brightens, smile broadening.] Truly- I'd be glad to come, of course! Thank you, Miscarlet.

[she gives his hand a squeeze, still beaming, before she glances back. She lets go, letting out a soft laugh.]

Ah- it won't be long! I thought to fix this up while there was time. You could stay, if you liked?

...I'd like to. [ He said, moving to sit on the ground. He's used to that, okay. ] I enjoy any time we can spend together - but times of peace are... the best.

[ Even if it's just in his home. He lets out a laugh and sigh at once. ] And there's always time, is there not?

[She picks the shirt up, and settles down next to Miscarlet to pick up where she left off mending it. It just- feels odd, to be on the chair while he's on the ground, and this is nice, besides.]

They are. I'm glad… that we have them.

[she nods, pausing so she can lean towards him and bump his arm.]

Yes. It's good, isn't it?

[she does stay prepared- still in the habit of expecting some emergency, but… it's much better this way. Enough time to finish patching her old gear up- it still serves as it needs to, and she glances up at him when it's done, smiling.]

Well. Shall we?

I'd not expect it from a house like this. With Garleans and Archadians both... and yet, here we are.

[ He says, so very softly, resting his head backwards a little, watching her work. When she was done, he stood, giving a bow. ]

That we shall. I'd think it best to teleport - they're waiting for us, I'd suppose.

[ He offers his hand again - for once, he's not flinching when he is held. ]

It's a good surprise.

We won't keep them waiting any longer, then.

[she stands, folding the shirt to put away, and reaches out to take his hand with a smile. She gives it another gentle squeeze, before beginning to initiate the teleport to Ishgard.]

[ Once they arrive, it is Francel and Stephaninan waiting for them - the elder sibling ready to take them to his super new airship that he made alongside the Garlond Ironworks. Miscarlet can't help but laugh at them, Ishgard still amazing to him.

But he looks to his, well... he's about to speak, and then Stephaninan asks if she's his girlfriend. ]

...Ah. That is... hm.

[K'pandolu beams at them- gosh she's in a good mood- and then Stephaninan asks that, and K'pandolu looks about as awkward as she imagines Miscarlet's feeling.]

That's- ah- we haven't really-

[her tail flicks, and she hums, with a quick glance at Miscarlet.]

We're certainly friends! Who are going to see how today turns out.

[…this is not exactly the point to say something that determines that one way of the other.]

E-exactly. [ He said, softly, as they got to the airship docks - and the special airship, being led though the crowd. ] Quite close friends.

[ He feels quite suddenly aware of more, as he steps onto the ship. One of those rare ships with private chambers, even. ]

[Particularly given how close they need to stick to get through the crowd together.

K'pandolu gives Francel and Stephaninan a smile before she follows Miscarlet onto the ship, letting out a small gasp.]

Ah… They've really gone all out for this. [It's impressive- and maybe a little embarrassing, but very nice. She rubs the back of her head, and glances at Miscarlet.]

… Should we talk about that? Or- would you rather discuss it after?

...We've time now. It'll be a little until we arrive.

[ He says, quietly beginning to mess with his cuffs. If they didn't talk now, he didn't know if they'd have another chance. He sat on their bed - a shared one, of course. ]

You know the baggage I carry. Over all I could not save, from many attempts.

All right.

[her tail swishes- she's a little worried, because- sometime retainer of House Valnetione or not, feelings are still complicated, and she goes to sit beside him, hands in her lap.]

… Yes. But… I have my own failings, besides… And you are trying, are you not? That's what matters- so I think.

[ He can't help but lean on her, as his voice turns to a whisper - knowing that both Miqo'te and Viera both could hear whispers well. ]

...That I am. I've tried to save them, and I still love them so - and so, now I live for those we've saved. [ And those yet to be saved - even if he must go to other worlds to save them. ] But... when I see you? I've that same feeling.

[She wraps an arm around him, both ears turning towards him to listen better.]

Good. I'm very glad to hear that.

[She pauses for a moment, ears flicking as she processes- yes, that was what she heard. She goes red, and moves to wrap both arm around him- conveniently managing to hide her face in doing so, as well.]

I… Miscarlet. I'm flattered- and glad, truly…

[she hugs him a little more fiercely, as if to try and make the point further that way.]

[ At first, the Elezen didn't seem to respond.

But then, his arms were wrapped so tightly around her, a soft grumble coming from deep within, from his second mouth. Old habits die hard, but... ]

If you died, I would surely go back to how I was. I... love you.

[One hand goes to rub at his side, reassuring.

Her breath catches, and she tries to tuck herself closer, shifting to offer him a fond smile, very red. It's- an incredible thing to hear, to mean so much to someone else.]

If that happens- I would see it be a very long time off indeed. I… Because I wish to show you the love I have for you, as well.

[ And he meant it. For so long, he simply said what he thought others would want to know. And he had hurt them.

Not, Miscarlet spoke for himself, softness - and redness - visible. ]

...Then I suppose this shall be our first date, dearest K'pandolu.

[She beams at him, tail waving.]

It shall indeed! I'm sure it'll be a memorable one.

[She reaches for his hand, squeezing gently.]

You've certainly chosen a good first place to go to!

[ As the ship came to a land, Miscarlet stood, a laugh in his throat. ] If I'd had longer to plan, I may have brought you to another land.

...But I've not shown you that yet. This is good enough.

[ A pause. ]

I brought a packed lunch, as well.

Oh? [she stands with him, leaning towards him a little.] Another time! One to look forward to. [There'll definitely be one, after all, if she has anything to say about it.]

We can stay the entire day, then! [she grins, glad he thought of it.] What did you make- or would you rather it stayed a surprise?

...What would you prefer? A dear surprise, or knowing that I've... er.

[ He's been seeing what she enjoys eating. Lingering in her shadow nervously - she might have been able to sense him recently. ]

Let's get moving. This island, from what I was told before-hand, is protected from the usual winds due to the crystals just under the surface. [ whoops he's blathering on science-like. ] It's quite smart - if this land used skystones, this would be a prime place to mine them from! But these ships use different technology.

[She cocks an ear, wondering- well, maybe that does explain why he'd been seeming closer. ~~She's not entirely complaining- it makes it simpler to know he's around.~~]

Let's say the surprise, then.

[it's cute! And she's learning something from it.] A natural occurrence of some of the shieldings we've used… That's incredible. [she tilts her head, looking interested.] So- somewhere else does use them?

Yes. Ivalice - where I was a Sky Pirate. [ He seems to have almost forgotten the lunch he packed so carefully. ] Of course, the stone needed to be modified by Moogle hands - but then again, the Moogle of Ivalice were tinkerers. Quite different to these ones. Perhaps someday I'll return to Ivalice - I've wanted to meet myself from there.

...I'm not rambling, am I? [ He asked, as he stopped - by a single tree, crystals growing though it - giving them a wonderful view of the skies. Nearby was a small cavern. For shelter, in case it rains. ]

So that's where it was! That's- the realm Vaan was from as well, wasn't it? [not to worry, she'll remember in a bit.] Really? With their paws… I wonder what their work's like, then. [she hums, and nods] It sounds very curious!

[Oooh. It's lovely, and she moves closer to examine the crystals- turning back to shake her head first.] A little- but I don't mind. I like hearing you talk about this.

That it is. Though, knowing this multiverse - even if we braved Ivalice, it may be a different one. Who'd let any of us go home?

[ God. He's robbed her of that - it still hurts him. But he looks to her examination, and softly smiles. ] I... suppose that's something. I'm not used to... talking to people. [ He admits, as he begins to lay out a picnic blanket - a hand-crafted one. ]

A different Ivalice… It would be interesting to see it, either way. But… I'd want to be sure we could return here, too.

[…it aches, to tell the truth. If she could go between them- perhaps she would, but- she's decided to stay. They'll manage- so she believes, at least. And this is…

She smiles back at him, moving closer.]

It might become more common in the near future. Did you make that…? [she tilts her head toward the blanket.]

Then I promise we'll go there. I... I've been seeking ways to get you to your home, if only a visit. If we can open up this realm as a nexus, it may aid both us and the Scions who suffer for us.

[ He admits, as he makes sure the blanket is flat and nice to sit on. ] ...Yes, I did. I got Alisaie to help as well... she has a way with a needle that I never did, alas.

You have…? Miscarlet…

[that might be a little tricky for a moment, as she reaches out, wrapping her arms around him.] Thank you…

She does? I never knew… I should thank you, too. It's a good piece from both of you!

[very comfortable to sit down, as she does so, patting he ground beside her and grinning up at him.]

...I know how it feels to be trapped. [ He mumbles, softly, as he hugged. He even seems to relax into it. Which is weird for him. ]

Each of us has vices. For me, it's... living. How about you?

[weird, but good, as K'pandolu reaches out to continue cuddling.]

My vice…? I… hm. [she hesitates, tail flicking.] Wanting to keep things, perhaps- more than I should.

...Keeping what was... now that is something I'd love. [ He mumbles, as he sort of flops into her, voice going quiet. ]

I miss them.

[she nods, nuzzling against him.] Not just… so that they were there, but… to protect them. To see nothing bad happened to them…

… Do you want to talk about them?

[ ...As he relaxes backwards onto her a little - beginning to open the packed lunch, a handmade fish meal - Miscarlet chuckled. Not noticing the slight tingling in his back. ]

...I knew a Princess, you know.

[she rumbles, tail waving as she considers the lunch.]

Really? We know so many people, I suppose… Where was this?

Back in Ivalice. We worked together... and I still worry. She battled for her kingdom well.

Ala Mhigo reminds me of her - those we've met. Those we've protected - like Wilred.

[ He softly smiles. ] Eat up, if you desire. Or we may linger and hold... or both.

Another fight… But won, I hope? I hope she's doing well.

[she smiles, shifting to rub her head against him.] A good person, then.

Both sounds good. Can we? [she looks up at him, grinning.]

...Of course. [ He says, as he places the food between them. ] And in most timelines, dear Princess Ashe-- Queen Ashe is doing wonderfully. And those where failure happened...

Let's not think of them right now.

That's good to hear.

[she nods, perking up at the food.]

Right! It's too good a day to waste on that. [good food, good company- she curls her tail around him (a little longer, perhaps? not enough to worry about), pleased.]

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romance

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