[ Luna had high hopes for the day! Waking up to see a full sink of unwashed dishes, she's taken it upon herself to be the hero of the household. First, she's dutifully rinsed off every dish, scraping off any dried crusty residue of food (with only mild struggle). Secondly, she's loaded the dishwasher, poured in some helpfully labeled dish soap into the detergent holder, and turned the thing on. As it whirs to life, thrumming warmly, she is very proud.
And then...
...
Soapy bubbles begin to spill out from the edges of the machine.
Oh. Oh dear.
When Gladio finds her, it will be, uh. On her knees, patiently wiping up the mess with a sponge. Ignis's favourite sponge, probably. By now, the warm and soapy water has soaked the skirt of her dress about the knees, turning it from white to transparent.
[ To her credit, she doesn't flinch at his foul-mouthed appraisal. She simply continues mopping up the mess with Ignis's favourite sponge, occasionally taking a moment to wring it out over a bucket she found somewhere. ]
I did.
[ Never let it said she doesn't go into her own execution with her head held high! ]
... I hope you will not tell Noctis.
[ In Luna's worldview, apparently Noct will lose all interest if he knows she's menially incapable. Huh. ]
[A time and a place to be alone happens once in a blue moon these days. Between the two of them, neither house is quiet – with the number of people coming and going through the Eos house and the nosy moogle (and sister) under hers, it hasn't been easy to find peace. It's why camping has quickly grown on Lightning; it provides the privacy that she feels more comfortable in, but it's only enjoyable when weather is permitting, and it's been uncooperative this evening.
Near the end of it, rain had started to pour and so she's had to find another, more creative way to get some alone time. It's after a nice dinner at a vague, unnamed restaurant on the other side of town that she leads him back to the one that's more familiar to both of them: The Hearth. It's already been shut down and locked up for the night... but guess who has a key!
She keeps the restaurant dimly lit, save for the lights at the bar where they'll be sitting and from behind it, Lightning leans over the counter towards him with a brazen smile.]
[ Is this how they talk to others when it comes service industry interactions?! Who knows... ]
Gimme your strongest cheap stuff, and let's make it two.
[ He doesn't intend to drink the good stuff for free, as he's invested in this place succeeding just as much the people who actually work here. As far as their chosen location goes, however, he certainly can't think of a better place given the current condition outside. This is just as nice and familiar, and most importantly, it's a place for them to be alone. He likes that for many reasons, one of them being that he can freely address her by her real name. ]
[Her smile widens a crack before she turns away from him, making sure to give her hips a playful wiggle, just enough that it's noticeable as she journeys to the fridge behind the counter. After some searching and rummaging, she returns with something ice cold, strong, and not cheap. A bottle is slid across the bar at him while she keeps the other one for herself, snapping the lid off with a pop!]
On the house.
[No really, it is. Lightning's not about to hand over anything for free, but she's always happy to cross some numbers off her next paycheque to cover the costs. It's easier that way for everyone and much subtler than leaving the money for Crowe or Auron to discover in the morning.]
The girl behind the bar sent it.
[And what do you know!? There's only one girl behind the bar, but not for long.
She comes around to join him on the other side and slips onto the stool next to him. There's also a convenient bowl of fresh fruit that she slides between them that she'd grabbed from the kitchen. Working here has its perks... just don't tell Ignis!]
[ WHAT A SETUP. Gladio smiles in approval, as he's the one who's always encouraging the group to get up early and train. Not that Prompto needs much pushing, he's proven to be self-disciplined in that department, but he thinks it makes it easier to convince Noctis to do the same (it never works). ]
A little early to be contemplating so deeply about the source of all life, isn't it?
[ The only early morning routine they'll ever rope Noctis into is probably fishing, and even then, they'd be pushing it. When was the last time Prompto even saw his BFF before noon??
He leans back in his chair, kicking back a glass of O.J. ]
Nah, that's the best time of day to get all philosophical! [ That and, you know, in the shower. ] Now I've done my thinking for the day and it's smooth sailing from here. Oh - can you pass me the syrup?
Would rather do this here than there. Training a new Crownsguard is a priority, however it would also be somewhat reckless if those doing the training were to suddenly leave.
[ It's no surprise really; the Amicitia clan are all tough as nails. The only thing that would even be a barrier so to speak would be Clarus and Cor already knows what to say there.]
It sounds like you're not a fan of this. I get it. Considering she isn't of the same stature as you or your father, something not so heavy handed will be best.
[It's been one hell of a week for Lightning, to put it mildly. With the recent events unfolding, she's become withdrawn and quiet, and her worry and anger have been manifesting in a static aura that follows her wherever she goes, zapping anyone who dares to come near her, despite all her best efforts to keep her frustration under wraps. It never works here, and maybe a part of her has given up trying at this point.
She's been getting less sleep and it's beginning to show in the tired look in her eyes and the hoarseness in her voice. The nightly dreams of her journey through the ruins of Etro's temple in search of answers have only aggravated it....
Nevertheless, it's been at least a week since she's seen much of anyone, and why it's nice for her to finally be able to break from the stress of it all. It hasn't been easy to peel herself away from the house and leave it absent of her presence, regardless of whether Noel or Serah were there, but this time was entirely her decision. Lightning didn't have to ask to seek refuge here, but she did, and that's why she's in Gladio's room tonight instead, already in her polka dot pajamas and curled up on his bed.
But whenever he joins her, she doesn't look like she's ready for sleep just yet, despite how tired she looks and feels. Her fingers have the sheets bunched up between them, her lips pressed into a thin line, and when she peers up at him, it's in brief intervals between her looking elsewhere.
Eventually, she speaks up, her voice quiet and unsure.]
[ He could tell that something was wrong; not at first, but gradually as it was becoming more obvious in her eyes and withdrawn presence. He had planned on asking her about it soon, but also wanted to give her time to bring the subject up on her own. The fact that she was here in his room meant she was already taking small steps towards that, so it was only a matter of time he figured.
Relieved that it's finally out there, he's not about to turn down a chance to talk with her. Not now, not ever. They're partners now, for better or worse. Her problems are his problems, and he knows it's the other way around, too.
He pulls up a chair (why is he confident that it won't break), and sits on it backwards as he hangs his big arms over the back rest. ]
[Lightning flashes him a Look through the corners of her eyes, but it doesn't stick around for long. She knows what he means and frankly, she should have said something earlier. As soon as it happened. It was just a matter of finding the right time and place to do it, as well as the proper way to. It needed to be a private conversation without the risk of someone overhearing, and she feels safest here. With him.
She lifts the sheets over her arms and shifts until she's able to see him better.]
You said we don't keep each other safe by keeping secrets, right? We promised we wouldn't.
[She intends to uphold that promise, no matter what, so she's not even sure why she's asking or bringing it up. Perhaps to seek assurance that he, too, continues to feel the same?]
[ What do you give a brother whose been through hell and back with you? It's hard. Admittedly, Noctis finds every gift decision hard. Gifts are hard, feelings are hard, there's a reason he doesn't like them.
But he'll face this one head on. So, for Christmas, in addition to vouchers to a local bookstore, Noctis gifts Gladio with a new tent as well as a sleeping bag meant for two. Go get her, tiger.
[ By now, Gladio is kind of getting used to these intrusive messages. He feels bad for these people, and considered staying quiet in this case so that whoever is on the other side doesn't feel too embarrassed about sharing this, but that also runs the risk of them continuing to blissfully share these thoughts. It's best to put a stop on it now.
... Besides, this one is almost too amusing to just pass up. ]
She sounds like a special lady. Ya gonna ask her out?
[ He realizes that this might be a stupid question to ask, but he needs to make sure that this isn't a simple misunderstanding. The simplicity of her message is making him hope it's an innocent one, but he can sense what she's feeling through the amulet, too. It's... not good. Today is not going to be a sunny day for the Amicitias. ]
[ Now here's something you don't see everyday: a mental ping over the amulets from one Ravus Nox Fleuret. ]
I heard of your father's departure from this world.
[ Right to the point, not bothering to sugarcoat anything as the former prince tends to do. ]
While he and I did not see eye to eye on various things, I can admit he was a man of both pride and loyalty. [ Gently, a pause. ] I wish to offer you my sympathies.
[ A long time has passed since Gladio last considered Ravus an enemy, but this is quite unexpected from the man who, as far as Gladio has always known, still clings to old grudges. Then again, paying respects to those who have passed is a human thing to do, and Ravus is no stranger to losing family himself. ]
...Yeah.
[ That was a genuinely appreciative response, in his own Amicitia way, which will now be followed by a stern reminder: ]
Insomnia lost a lot of fathers on that day. Keep 'em in your thoughts, too.
[ He's not talking about Regis or anyone who died in the line of duty, but the civilians who had nothing to do with the war. It's not his intention to blame Ravus for that, but it's worth mentioning that Gladio's loss is nothing compared to those. Maybe it's always just been his way of coping, just as Ravus had his own ways. ]
[ Hark! There is one within the Eos House who is in such a chipper mood as of late and for once, it is not his dear sister, Lunafreya. Rather... it is Ravus himself! But rather than subject dear Gladio to the so-called change of heart which the former prince has (supposedly) had, the shield will find a notecard slipped under his door in a champagne sort of colour with the following little note scribbled onto it: ]
Dear Shield, Thank you for taking care of my new little brother over the years. While Noctis and I become family, I hope that you and I can become something that could be considered friends, perhaps. I see you enjoy the company of a good book... so do I! Perhaps we can exchange a few. I would be delighted! Sincerely, Ravus Nox Fleuret
[ And, yes, there shall be a small happy face drawn beside his name there. So very Ravus. ]
[ Thankfully for everyone involved, since Gladio is in the comfort of his own room, he's going to read the following letter in the nude. As for the contents, it's certainly a nice sentiment, if not odd, considering they spend a lot of time under the same roof as it is and the fact that telepathy is a thing that exists in this world. Who has time to write things anymore? Still, Gladio isn't necessarily weirded out by it, but he has a feeling that Ravus will regret this whenever he comes to his senses. ]
Huh, look at that. Who knew High Commander Chuckles could be so old-fashioned?
[ Proud of his cheesy one-liner to an audience of nobody, he smirks as he's about to fold the note away, until something catches his eye and he reads it a second time. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
action.
And then...
...
Soapy bubbles begin to spill out from the edges of the machine.
Oh. Oh dear.
When Gladio finds her, it will be, uh. On her knees, patiently wiping up the mess with a sponge. Ignis's favourite sponge, probably. By now, the warm and soapy water has soaked the skirt of her dress about the knees, turning it from white to transparent.
Greeting him, she doesn't look up. ]
Good morning, Gladiolus.
[ anyway here's luna ]
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[ "good morning" in Gladio-speak. But wait-- ]
The hell? Who made this mess?
[ Because there's no way it could have been her, right?!? She has no reason to be doing laundry... or if she is, she would know how...... right...
He realizes he may have spoken a little too soon. ]
Lady Lunafreya... you didn't...
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I did.
[ Never let it said she doesn't go into her own execution with her head held high! ]
... I hope you will not tell Noctis.
[ In Luna's worldview, apparently Noct will lose all interest if he knows she's menially incapable. Huh. ]
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action, 6/15 maybe?
Near the end of it, rain had started to pour and so she's had to find another, more creative way to get some alone time. It's after a nice dinner at a vague, unnamed restaurant on the other side of town that she leads him back to the one that's more familiar to both of them: The Hearth. It's already been shut down and locked up for the night... but guess who has a key!
She keeps the restaurant dimly lit, save for the lights at the bar where they'll be sitting and from behind it, Lightning leans over the counter towards him with a brazen smile.]
What'll it be, handsome?
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[ Is this how they talk to others when it comes service industry interactions?! Who knows... ]
Gimme your strongest cheap stuff, and let's make it two.
[ He doesn't intend to drink the good stuff for free, as he's invested in this place succeeding just as much the people who actually work here. As far as their chosen location goes, however, he certainly can't think of a better place given the current condition outside. This is just as nice and familiar, and most importantly, it's a place for them to be alone. He likes that for many reasons, one of them being that he can freely address her by her real name. ]
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On the house.
[No really, it is. Lightning's not about to hand over anything for free, but she's always happy to cross some numbers off her next paycheque to cover the costs. It's easier that way for everyone and much subtler than leaving the money for Crowe or Auron to discover in the morning.]
The girl behind the bar sent it.
[And what do you know!? There's only one girl behind the bar, but not for long.
She comes around to join him on the other side and slips onto the stool next to him. There's also a convenient bowl of fresh fruit that she slides between them that she'd grabbed from the kitchen. Working here has its perks... just don't tell Ignis!]
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Hey, you see that sun this morning? Talk about yellow!
[ He saw it, since he's already been up and gone on a run today!! That's also why he's eating a stack of pancakes like it's going out of style.
Yes, this is the setup. ]
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A little early to be contemplating so deeply about the source of all life, isn't it?
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He leans back in his chair, kicking back a glass of O.J. ]
Nah, that's the best time of day to get all philosophical! [ That and, you know, in the shower. ] Now I've done my thinking for the day and it's smooth sailing from here. Oh - can you pass me the syrup?
[ He could reach for it, but oh well! ]
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text;
Who were you thinking?
text;
[ And before Cor thinks Gladio is kidding, he quickly continues on with the message: ]
She wants to be out there and do what we do. I can't stop her or change her mind; but I can make sure she learns from the best of the best.
text;
It sounds like you're not a fan of this. I get it. Considering she isn't of the same stature as you or your father, something not so heavy handed will be best.
Does Iris know you're asking this?
text;
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action
She's been getting less sleep and it's beginning to show in the tired look in her eyes and the hoarseness in her voice. The nightly dreams of her journey through the ruins of Etro's temple in search of answers have only aggravated it....
Nevertheless, it's been at least a week since she's seen much of anyone, and why it's nice for her to finally be able to break from the stress of it all. It hasn't been easy to peel herself away from the house and leave it absent of her presence, regardless of whether Noel or Serah were there, but this time was entirely her decision. Lightning didn't have to ask to seek refuge here, but she did, and that's why she's in Gladio's room tonight instead, already in her polka dot pajamas and curled up on his bed.
But whenever he joins her, she doesn't look like she's ready for sleep just yet, despite how tired she looks and feels. Her fingers have the sheets bunched up between them, her lips pressed into a thin line, and when she peers up at him, it's in brief intervals between her looking elsewhere.
Eventually, she speaks up, her voice quiet and unsure.]
Hey. Can we talk?
action
Relieved that it's finally out there, he's not about to turn down a chance to talk with her. Not now, not ever. They're partners now, for better or worse. Her problems are his problems, and he knows it's the other way around, too.
He pulls up a chair (why is he confident that it won't break), and sits on it backwards as he hangs his big arms over the back rest. ]
Ya finally gonna spit it out, huh?
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She lifts the sheets over her arms and shifts until she's able to see him better.]
You said we don't keep each other safe by keeping secrets, right? We promised we wouldn't.
[She intends to uphold that promise, no matter what, so she's not even sure why she's asking or bringing it up. Perhaps to seek assurance that he, too, continues to feel the same?]
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all aboard the infodump train 🚂
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Christmas gift
But he'll face this one head on. So, for Christmas, in addition to vouchers to a local bookstore, Noctis gifts Gladio with a new tent as well as a sleeping bag meant for two. Go get her, tiger.
There's a note attached, too.
'No cup noodles. Do with this instead.']
misfire;
When she smiles you know it's special because her smiles are so rare. I wish she smiled at me more often.
real tag this time
... Besides, this one is almost too amusing to just pass up. ]
She sounds like a special lady. Ya gonna ask her out?
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[There's a whole bunch of embarrassment added. Spark spark spark.]
Wait, who is this?!
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1/3
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3/3
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voice;
Dad is gone.
voice;
[ He realizes that this might be a stupid question to ask, but he needs to make sure that this isn't a simple misunderstanding. The simplicity of her message is making him hope it's an innocent one, but he can sense what she's feeling through the amulet, too. It's... not good. Today is not going to be a sunny day for the Amicitias. ]
voice;
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I heard of your father's departure from this world.
[ Right to the point, not bothering to sugarcoat anything as the former prince tends to do. ]
While he and I did not see eye to eye on various things, I can admit he was a man of both pride and loyalty. [ Gently, a pause. ] I wish to offer you my sympathies.
voice;
...Yeah.
[ That was a genuinely appreciative response, in his own Amicitia way, which will now be followed by a stern reminder: ]
Insomnia lost a lot of fathers on that day. Keep 'em in your thoughts, too.
[ He's not talking about Regis or anyone who died in the line of duty, but the civilians who had nothing to do with the war. It's not his intention to blame Ravus for that, but it's worth mentioning that Gladio's loss is nothing compared to those. Maybe it's always just been his way of coping, just as Ravus had his own ways. ]
voice;
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delivery;
Dear Shield,
Thank you for taking care of my new little brother over the years. While Noctis and I become family, I hope that you and I can become something that could be considered friends, perhaps. I see you enjoy the company of a good book... so do I! Perhaps we can exchange a few. I would be delighted!
Sincerely,
Ravus Nox Fleuret
[ And, yes, there shall be a small happy face drawn beside his name there. So very Ravus. ]
not here...
Huh, look at that. Who knew High Commander Chuckles could be so old-fashioned?
[ Proud of his cheesy one-liner to an audience of nobody, he smirks as he's about to fold the note away, until something catches his eye and he reads it a second time. ]
... I don't think he knows my real name.