pawnstorm | [semi-open] come, let's fly.

Entry tags:

[semi-open] come, let's fly.

Who: Gilgamesh and various characters
When: Following the latest dungeon.
Where: the Airy, around Polgar, possibly other places
What: Catch-all log for post-dungeon adventures.
Rating: I'll just slap this with the classic "Gilgamesh Deserves His Own Warning" warning. Mentions of rape in Adrasteius thread. Fetish and sex talk in the Kavi thread.

[Custom prompts are below. Feel free to PM me if you're interested in doing something aboard the Airy or in Polgar; I'd be happy to plot with you!]

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[Once, those eyes would've been disconcerting. He would've shied from them; he would've yelled in the face of them. But now he understands that this is simply the way Setsuna looks at the world, and so he has learned to appreciate it. For several seconds, he stares back, his own gaze just as faraway, quietly insightful. It is a show of respect, but also a show of camaraderie. He too knows what lies behind such distant eyes.]

I brought something for you.

[Gilgamesh makes his way to Setsuna's bedside, sitting on the edge of it. He puts down the boxes, lays them across Setsuna's lap, and opens them one by one. Inside each are an entire meal's worth of delicious food—seared lamb, seasoned mutton, grilled kabobs, rice cakes and stuffed vegetables and generous selections of cheese and yogurt. All favorites inspired by the cuisine of his homeland, chosen for the purposes of nostalgia. Silverware rests in the final box, enough for both of them.

Gilgamesh holds his head high like a child awaiting approval.]

I thought we might share, and that a meal would lift your spirits. Will you dine with me?

[ It's understatement to describe Setsuna's initial reaction as mere surprise. He's undoubtedly caught off-guard by all of this, especially as someone who doesn't recognize the concept of pleasure. Despite how he truly feels though, he hides it all away with the same blank expression that he upholds against the world. For the first few seconds, it feels as if he's not reacting at all. But that's not true. He is bewildered from the thought presented to him. He doesn't... know how to react to all of this, how to realize it, or if he should accept it.

Once Setsuna moves his head, revealing his eyes one more time to the King, it's more evident from this proximity of how overwhelmed he really is. Despite the dark hue within those irises, the fact that they're so light indicate the emotions hiding behind them. No, he shouldn't push away such kind thoughts. Even if he doesn't deserve it, he didn't want to completely turn away. He would reject pleasure at point blank, but he understands that it isn't about that. Gilgamesh genuinely wants to share these blessings to him. For that, he wants to recognize those feelings... And thus, he nods once. It's a small one, but the fact he accepted it means much more.

This is too much for him. How should he properly convey his gratitude? He doesn't have anything to offer back... He doesn't know how to repay such kindness. He understands the theme of these meals... They all had one thing together. They all rooted from their mutual homeland. That's the reason why it's too much, apart from such honesty presented to him. ]

... You helped me live on, yet you are the one doing this.

[ He got reckless again back there. But he doesn't regret doing what he had. It's worth it to see this King hold his head high, so innocently at that. ]

Is this difficult for you?

[Gilgamesh sees no reason to beat around the bush. He calls it right out, which may be a little uncomfortable, but it's something they would've had to address eventually. Gilgamesh did not count many among his inner circle, yet he would spoil those who made it there endlessly. Setsuna would have to learn to accept this sort of treatment, as much more of it would follow and Gilgamesh wouldn't tolerate any refusal, no matter how polite.

He reaches for Setsuna's wrist, much like he had within the dungeon, as a placating gesture. Smoothing fingers across his skin, taking his hand in a gentle grip for but a few seconds before letting go. Such contact would also be commonplace between them, as Gilgamesh was a tactile creature, and despite appearances, needed it more than anyone.]

I will make no apologies. Instead, I would tell you I should like to see you smiling more often. So if you are happy, then smile.

[Gilgamesh shakes his head, gaze momentarily turning stern.]

But if you are not, say so. If you dislike something, be direct. I would act to correct it.

[Be straightforward, he seems to be saying. The shyness was endearing, but after a while it became a hassle to dismiss.]

[ No one approached him like this before. It's still something Setsuna has to adjust to. Yet, he still questions exactly that. Should he? Is it all right for him to do so? He doesn't know... It's less about shyness, but more of a loss. He doesn't understand any of this. He doesn't... know how to react. He's always lived minimizing or cancelling out his emotions, yet he's being told so bluntly to bring them out, when he has always kept them away as a means of protecting himself and those around him. It's not that easy for him... Indeed, it's difficult.

Setsuna didn't want to be hurt all over again. He didn't want to start questioning himself all over again. Every time he opened up to someone in the past, they've always ended up being the worst. They either led to betrayal or they led to endangering the people he cared for. That's why... it's not that simple for him. As Gilgamesh compels him, he remains with the same expression. It's not only difficult to do, but it's ironically also difficult to hold back. It's not that he doesn't want to. He believes in smiling when one is happy, too. But he still is figuring out, how much is too much, how many times should he display himself in front of someone... He doesn't know how to.

He wants to smile, he does. But he also wants to explain just how hard it is for him. He can envy those like this charming King who can freely express themselves without holding back. His eyes speak for him again, the words that he can't place. He looks at him closely, then eventually moving his own two hands forward. In a familiar gesture, he cups those cheeks in front of him. And they say, "Will you teach me?" ]

[In complete fairness, Gilgamesh was, pretty much, the worst. The worst of the worst, even. Someone selfish, someone tyrannical, someone who always put himself ahead of others. Someone who would strike down the innocent, insult women, and overall act the fool as much as it suited him. Gilgamesh was not known in legends for being kind; it was for being cruel, and in all the ways Setsuna would despise.

And Gilgamesh told him so. Setsuna heard the story. Even for the sake of their younger audience, Gilgamesh made no attempt to hide his wicked side. Yet still he embraced him. He had not turned away. He had not judged him in disgust. For this reason, and because of what transpired in the dungeon—even before, with the flower—Gilgamesh remains with him. Setsuna had believed in him, so Gilgamesh had in turn extended his own faith, as hard as it was to come by.

He wants to smile. Gilgamesh can see that. He just needs an extra push to get there.]

Very well.

[Gilgamesh answers the question that had not been asked. He holds Setsuna's face too, in both hands, and leans forward. To each cheek, he delivers a quick peck of the lips, nothing offensive, even childlike. And at the very end, he stretches Setsuna's mouth into a big smile with his fingers.

Then he smiles, brilliantly, and so instructs him:]

Like this.

[ It is because Setsuna wants to understand. He believes in reason firmly. There has to be an explanation for everything. Gilgamesh became the person he is for a reason, and he wants to understand that. It's not as if this King beside him is completely atrocious, otherwise they wouldn't be here together in this moment. He knows it's not as simple as black and white. Maybe he's still blinded or is on more on the naive side despite this knowledge, but he will judge it for himself once he fully understands one day.

Right now, all this time... Setsuna was given no ground to hold doubt against this King. No, instead he keeps receiving reasons to stay closely with him. Even though he is constantly overwhelmed by this King, he never sensed true malice yet. Those benevolent, ruby eyes that looks at innocent children with such affection — he will never forget them. His heart tightens as he feels unfamiliar contact. He wants to slide back, turn his face elsewhere — somewhere in his comfort zone. He's gotten better in recent years regarding physical contact, but it's still something he's slowly adjusting to. It's the same way... with him trying to adjust to his emotions, too.

But it didn't feel bad... Is it because he can feel that they're harmless? He knows it to himself, at least in this specific moment, no one will hurt him. This King doesn't want to hurt him. So despite the faint colorization against his cheeks, he does his best to follow. He allows his lips to be curled up, causing a nice expression across his face. He smiles. ]

... Sipas.

[ It's faint, and really short... But Gilgamesh of all people should be able to understand it. "Thank you," in the language they both know too well. ]

Edited 2016-03-27 07:12 (UTC)

[Gilgamesh hears him speak but a single word in that shared language, and now his smile becomes the genuine article rather than a mere demonstration. Though it may have seemed innocuous to most, Gilgamesh understands this was truly monumental progress, a concession that did not come easily. Setsuna thanks him in his native tongue, and even if it is but a single word, he knows it came from a very deep—and very difficult—place for Setsuna to reach.

Gilgamesh dips his head in acknowledgment and answers him in kind.]

Al'afw.

[You're welcome. He would kiss him again, for good measure, but he suspects Setsuna was already feeling overwhelmed by it all. He lets go, though lingers in Setsuna's personal space. Having gotten that exchange out of the way, he returns to his usual boisterous self.]

Make room for me, before this food turns chill! I eat beside my comrade!

[And, Gilgamesh being Gilgamesh, he's already moving to claim his proper place on the bed.]

[ It's a single word, but its weight equates to much more. Setsuna is relieved that the King seems to have picked up on it without requiring him to say anything further. Today, the two of them are living on... And that's something to be happy about. He calmly watches the King's gestures, from the way he first humbles himself before shifting to a more familiar confident aura. And when the next declaration is said, he slowly shifts aside to allow him a place to sit.

This is a new experience, too. Setsuna has never eaten on a bed before. They closely followed a formal line of conduct back home, so it was only appropriate to eat at the assigned dining room. Ever since coming to this world and meeting others, spending time with others such as this... he's always discovering something unusual in his standards. Though, that doesn't necessarily entail a bad thing. He's actually quite curious... Is this what being human is about, too? ]

How does... a King eat?

[ Setsuna can't help but ask this. He's spent time with a royal before; but Princess Marina has always carried herself with delicate grace. While Gilgamesh is graceful as well, he clearly has a different sense of carrying his status as a ruler. Is it a usual habit for him to have a meal atop a bed? Would he prefer that he takes the first bite? ]

[Curiosity was an excellent sign, and far better than that morose air that had been hanging over them earlier. Gilgamesh claims a fork and takes up a box full of well-marinated mutton to demonstrate, and just begins to spear food straight out of it.]

With good company! And with gusto. I don't fuss over manners; food is meant to be eaten, not posed for show.

[Although Gilgamesh could certainly appreciate a fancy feast as well as any other tyrant, back in his day, they didn't have the luxury of dressing up things nice and pretty. Just as he said, food was meant for sustenance. So Gilgamesh eats in a similar vein here, not impolitely but certainly not modestly, either.

Gilgamesh pushes a box of lamb kebobs over to Setsuna obligingly.]

I know you must be hungry. Therefore, it is polite to eat as much as you can, to honor your host.

[ There is a nod of agreement. Setsuna can certainly agree. Food should be eaten and appreciated, especially considering that not everyone gets enough of it. As a sign of respect for receiving such, it should be properly consumed. It means much more for someone who faced the worst scenarios of war. He will never forget those days of struggle. So to uphold his appreciation, he picks up one of the lamb kebobs, holding its stick at one end.

And to please the eager Gilgamesh, Setsuna goes ahead and bites the first piece of lamb off it. Since his mouth is full now, he can't speak anymore. But in place, he looks at his King and gives him another brief smile to indicate that he likes the food. There's plenty of meat on the stick however, and he certainly wants to share. Although there's a full box right here, the older man did say that food is best eaten with good company.

So he holds it out, wordlessly; he's offering that he doesn't mind him taking a bite from it as well. ]

[Ah, there it is, the winning smile. It's rather like training a dog, he thinks. With enough rewards for good behavior, eventually he'll associate smiling with a happy feeling. Gilgamesh reflects a smile easily back at him and leans over to bite off a bit of the kabob. His mmm serves as thanks as he chews.

In truth, Gilgamesh was also learning to appreciate food again. When he was alive, he ate, but as a Servant he had no need for it. He'd gone thousands of years without a single morsel, other than a glass of wine. So it's just as much of a process for him, as well. Remembering what he liked or disliked. Even sharing with others was something of a novel concept, as Gilgamesh by definition... well, simply did not share at all.

With Setsuna, who he sees as a subject, it's different. He shares because he'd share any of his treasures with one of his own. It was just a matter of principle.]

I hope you're ready for another adventure after this. Vietnam spoke to me of Polgar, which lies to the north, and told me of its resorts.

[Gilgamesh sighs in bliss, reaching for another box of spicy chicken legs which he eats by hand.]

You are coming, of course. If you really wish to know the ways of a King, I'll show you how we relax.

[ Polgar... Normally, Setsuna would decline going to establishments such as resorts. After all, he is unfamiliar with the concept of pleasure. But in this world, traveling does have a purpose. It's better to see what is beyond known walls, especially when they already know little of this world itself. Heading out to learn, investigating past what's provided in the libraries — these actions are meaningful for him. That's why in growing interest, he nods.

The young Meister listens intently as he continues to eat, having more bites of the kebob until he eventually finishes the first stick. As he sets down the emptied item, he picks up a fork of his own this time. But before picking up any more food, he speaks: ]

The Airy is leaving tonight... I wish to buy additional supplies before it does.

[ Setsuna has already prepared preliminary supplies prior for general purposes, but he wants to be careful and properly stock for the week's worth of travel back to Caissa. He's thankful that he's recovering at a good pace.

Come to think of it, he does wonder how he's able to move this much. His Innovator abilities are suppressed, so he knows that it isn't that which saved him. He is aware that Vietnam and Gilgamesh both used healing spells on him, but his mana dropped dangerously because of the poison that nearly destroyed him. How did he survive the poison? How did he recover from the poison right after being saved from it?

After pulling his gaze away from the food, he slowly looks over to the King once more. ]

... King?

[Gilgamesh had a feeling Polgar may have been a tough sell to the ever pragmatic Setsuna. But he's also well-aware that Setsuna prioritized the welfare of his comrades above his own, and so would likely tag along wherever they went. Perhaps it was a bit manipulative of him to assume Setsuna would go just because he insisted upon it, but whatever the reason, he looks glad to have Setsuna's tacit approval of the trip.]

Of course. Sound thinking of you, stocking up on the essentials.

[And he'll leave the bulk of the responsibility to him on that front. Gilgamesh didn't need to dabble in such mundane errands. He devours the food almost as fast as he picks it up, yet somehow there's not a single crumb or speck out of place on his face. For eating so vigorously, he's still quite elegant, and all but oblivious to Setsuna's pondering.

Gilgamesh pauses when he's hailed, tilting his head at Setsuna.]

Yes?

[Setsuna never spoke up for no reason. There must be something weighing on his mind, and he can only wonder at what it might be.]

[ Gilgamesh didn't need to worry if it's Setsuna stocking their supplies. He doesn't look like it, but he's thorough and organized. As an independent person and one well-acquainted in survival, he knows what to look for and what they would require on such a long journey. Since he has approval to go after their meal, he'll get started on that whenever they finish here.

But that brings Setsuna right back to a certain thought again: how did he survive if he's this low in mana? His long sleep not long ago, the food they're having right now, and the earlier innocent affections from the King all do wonders for his on-going mana recovery. Once he catches the King's attention again, the Meister hesitates for a moment, if only to wonder how to ask.

He decides with simply asking straightforwardly. ]

What happened back then?

[ Someone healed him from the poison. Was it either Vietnam or Gilgamesh? It didn't feel like their mana, though... And what exactly happened afterwards? ]

[Just as Gilgamesh said, straightforward requests were best. When Setsuna asks him directly, Setsuna receives a direct answer after a moment of careful thought. He'd taken notice of Setsuna's declaration during battle, that there was no God in this world, but that didn't preclude the existence of multiple gods.

In fact, Setsuna would be quite foolish to claim he knew of none, as one had been beside him from the beginning here.]

You were suffering from poison. As it disappeared suddenly, without intervention from any of us, it quite likely occurred as a result of the goddess' intervention. She must've heard some form of plea and acted accordingly—perhaps a prayer you never intended, yet saw fruition anyway.

[Gilgamesh scoops some more rice and veggies into his mouth, and goes on:]

I carried your body out of the temple. You regained consciousness aboard the Airy, where you now rest.

[Gilgamesh takes the opportunity to puff out his chest with pride. As ever, he seems to make light shine even where is none to note, so proudly he speaks of himself and what transpired. Vietnam may have been humble about her role in the rescue, but Gilgamesh very much was not and is very clearly seeking praise.]

It was my arms that led you to safety! Rejoice, Setsuna. The great Gilgamesh looks after you.

[ For a moment, Setsuna lowers his head. Had he heard of such a statement a few years earlier, he would've been filled with anger. To think that a god would answer his prayer now... Now, and not back then. But as the person he is now, he decides not to think much about it anymore. It's in the past, a past he moved on from; there was no need for him to linger in what he's already chosen to let go. It also aids him to consider that this isn't his world. Maybe in his world, God truly didn't exist. But here and among others, it may not be the case. He didn't want to disregard the possibility just because of his personal feelings. If he is going to survive in an unknown world, he needs to consider everything that anything is possible.

Though, as this is a topic he'd rather not dwell on... He doesn't comment about the goddess. He chose to accept it for what it is. Instead, he joins the King in continuing their shared meal; he feeds himself in silence, though he thinks about it one last time. If the goddess healed him, did that mean that she's acknowledging his thoughts back then? The King didn't tell him what happened to Moura... But this is a solace that he can at least have. He decides to believe that the goddess saved that maddened priestess. And that's... enough for him to move on from this.

Setsuna thinks to himself as he listens to the rest of the answer. He really owes Vietnam and Gilgamesh... Although he doesn't know how to repay them, he trusts that these two already know that he'll always continue to fight alongside them; the King especially, as he did declare those very words before him. He has no intention of going back on them. As long as he lives on, he'll keep that promise... He'll keep protecting them, too. Watching Gilgamesh proudly admit his good deeds, the young Meister looks on attentively. He knows what he wants. ]

I see.

[ He's already personally thanked him by words. So this time, he'll thank him by action. He takes the King's unoccupied hand, gently holding on before pulling it up to press against his own chest — where his heart is. He closes his eyes calmly, allowing the additional flow of mana transfer between them. He's again reminded of how low his mana in this moment, but he doesn't want to complain. For now, he doesn't want to think about his condition. Instead, he's doing this to at least reward the King for saving his life. He holds that palm closely, allowing the other to know... This part of him is very much alive because of his actions. ]

If possible, please keep it between the three of us. I... do not wish to worry anyone else.

[I really need to break him of this reticence, Gilgamesh thinks, watching him hang his head and interpreting it as some sign of shame. He's such a beautiful, handsome man, talented in many ways, yet always he draws back in on himself. Gilgamesh simply isn't accustomed to dealing with such individuals, and it makes him feel a bit awkward because of it. Not on account of his own ego, which would never dwindle, but on account of Setsuna's.

Still, if he wants some peace and quiet with his meal, Gilgamesh will provide. He says and does nothing to break the silence, indulging the tranquility of the moment instead. At least Setsuna hadn't refused the food outright, which had been his fear. Then everything would've seemed like one big waste. On occasion he nudges certain bits of food towards Setsuna, clearly offering, but otherwise keeps to himself.

However, he can't help it; when Setsuna chimes in with I see and a brighter look, he perks up at once.]

Yes, yes! No need to thank me, I...

[Oh. Setsuna acts with unexpected boldness, and he glances at him a bit wide-eyed when his hand's grabbed. Not out of dislike, but of surprise. He watches transfixed as his fingers are guided over the space of his heart, and he's once again reminded of why he likes him so much: he's so peaceful with his eyes shut, breathing gently. To look upon him has him calmer by proxy. The mana transfer feels warm, brings a slight flush to his cheeks.

Taking this as a sign that contact will be welcomed, Gilgamesh draws close, until their sides and shoulders touch.]

I would not tell anyone. I want—

[He wants many things he dares not mention aloud. One slips out anyway.]

I want to hold you. If it is permitted.

[ Soon enough Setsuna reopens his eyes, in time to witness those unexpected gestures in front of him. For the first few seconds, he stays still as he observes Gilgamesh; each awkward movement, the endearing perk, and that unforeseen surprise. Right away, he thinks, what's with this? The King is displaying more unusual sides again. Setsuna recalls upon his own words, that he didn't ask anything more about this person as they will be fighting together. This day, this moment, he's glad that he received confirmation that he wasn't wrong. He's still getting to know this King, and so what he's seeing before his eyes in this instance... He'll be sure to remember from now on, too.

It truly is peculiar, though. Who knew the proud King of Uruk is capable of reacting like this? Setsuna couldn't help letting out a whisper of amusement, an almost soundless hum that is undoubtedly laughter. This person's straightforwardness reminds him of a fallen comrade... An equally proud person that disappeared from this world not long ago. But he didn't want to compare the two of them; that is unfair. They're separate people, they lead contrasting lives. And of course, they both gave him different memories. One of them is right here with him, continuing to give him more and more. The food across his lap is only among the many.

Setsuna knew it too well. If Gilgamesh didn't help him back there, he wouldn't be having this meal today or would he feel that warmth so close to him now. He has no reason to decline, especially considering such an innocent request. Rather than respond vocally, Setsuna reaches for the King's other hand. With their hands together, he allows a reassuring compression between their palms. Once again, he lowers his head to rest against the shoulder before his. He thinks about everything in silence. There's always so many people who constantly supports him... It isn't the first time that someone saved his life, yet he can never get used to it. Although he strives to improve himself so it wouldn't happen again, it can't be helped. As long as he's fighting, he knows that this will keep happening.

Still, it didn't have to be one way. Setsuna doesn't say it, but he hopes his actions up to this very day have proven it. He will do the same for the people that care for him. He will keep protecting and believing in this King. ]

[He laughed...?

He laughed. He's sure of it, sure he heard it just now. It was only the faintest sound, nothing boisterous like his own tended to be, but it was certain, and it was for him. It makes his heart swell with pride in his chest, makes him want to announce to the world yes, this is my subject and parade him around in full colors as one would a favorite pet. Setsuna disliking such honors may be the only thing preventing him from doing so; he supposes he'll have to revel privately, in this space just for them.

Gilgamesh allows his other hand to be taken. There's contrast here, too, pale skin against dark. Setsuna couldn't be called anything like soft, as Gilgamesh understood he was a killer once, but it's hard not to be endeared by his touch. It's so earnest, always coming from a place of honesty. It may be why Gilgamesh favors him so much, because unlike many others in his life, he knows Setsuna would never deceive him, would never so much as breathe an untruthful word. He can be trusted with almost anything, even the welfare of a single flower in the snow.

As Setsuna's head sinks to his shoulder, Gilgamesh's chin finds the top of it, the upper half of his body nestling around. Like a lion protecting its mate. Setsuna almost reminds him of a tiger, with those eyes that could turn fierce gold at a moment's notice. A lion and a tiger... yes, he quite fancied that pairing. It would do.]

Yours was a life worth saving. For how many I've taken, for how many I may take still...

[Gilgamesh squeezes his hands back, falls into the hypnotic flow of mana that's overwhelming his senses.]

I will never regret this life I've come to know.

[ This is a moment that Setsuna knows won't come around often, if it ever would again. None of them have an idea when they would be separated. No different from a flower that wilts easily, the time that a single person can be together with another is also temporal. For that reason, he stays still. He wants to remember this King, just as he remembers all the faces that he meets. He's always thankful for every fleeting repose in his life, especially as someone on the journey for lasting peace. He doesn't want to take any of them for granted.

Falling into further lull, Setsuna allows their shared comfort to recover his depleted mana. All this time, he keeps his eyes shut. He leans forward just a little more. He doesn't need to look at Gilgamesh to know how he's feeling, so instead he allows himself to be flooded with thoughts. It's been two months... Although he has almost never said anything about himself, this King is always willing to understand him. Maybe... maybe that was one of the reasons why he wanted to return the same sentiments. No, it certainly is. Gilgamesh didn't need to understand him. He never cared about being understood. Though, whenever someone does... he can't ever deny it; he's blissful. These actions never seem to be enough to express his appreciation.

Even more when he hears words like that. He could feel his heart tighten all over again. ]

I will never regret it, either. I have always just lived on to fulfill in what I believe in, and I will never acknowledge any more regrets.

[ So Gilgamesh shouldn't, either. Setsuna is relieved to hear him say those words. He hopes that the King won't forget them, though he has faith this is the case. ]

I am glad, that we have met.

[Gilgamesh tries hard not to smile. Really, he's been too vulnerable with this man already. What would the others think to see the great and tyrannical Gilgamesh gently embracing another? But he also realizes it's too late to pull back now. He he become endeared with this beautiful subject of his. Whether it is out of loneliness or simply because he longs for a hint of home, he will remain with this person for some time to come.

And maybe he's even warming up to it, the idea of a knight. Someone fighting for him, defending his person and his honor. He daydreams a little without realizing it, using the food as an excuse not to speak. Yet it is obvious: the King is pleased, and all because of Setsuna.

The rest of the food gets finished in short order. Gilgamesh cracks a wide yawn, and without really thinking about it, snuggles up to Setsuna.]

Ah, I've become so sleepy... perhaps I ate a bit too much.

[Still, even if he's feeling lazy, it's his responsibility to clean up, so he starts packing up the boxes.]

You said you were going out? I may nap. My food and my company alike were too good to handle.

[ Even if Gilgamesh should smile, Setsuna wouldn't be able to see it; he's rather content with staying still. He remains so even as the King moves closer, though he eventually shifts to face elsewhere while continuing their shared meal. His eyes would tend to always look out there, reflected by the distant skies before them. Crimson and gold... The colors of the sunset, much like that day, much like this person beside him. Why is it always during the sunset?

But those golden colors before them will not last long. Soon enough, the darkness will blanket the area. Setsuna nods to acknowledge Gilgamesh's words, intending to head out before the sunset is completely over. He was hoping the mana exchange would finish before then... But it's not quite enough, still feeling his waist area pulling him down. He moves a hand to hold over his covered wound, part of him wishing that cell-regeneration equipment were available. Though he doesn't complain as usual, choosing to bury the useless thought at the back of his mind. In place, there's something else that he could ask for. ]

King... May I trouble you one more time?

[Even though Gilgamesh isn't privy to the finer details of his life—that Setsuna was the pilot of a powerful machine, part of an organization called Celestial Being that oversaw the world, went beyond the stars in a very literal sense—he nonetheless knows that he belonged in the sky. Watching from high above, beyond humanity, beyond a homeland. It's evident in how thoughtful he is with every sunset, no matter how many times he's seen one. It never seems to matter; he always seems so awe-inspired by everything. In a sense, Gilgamesh envies him for it. For that innocence, even if he'd claim to the contrary.

When he's hailed this time, Gilgamesh tells him, quite sternly:]

Now, and from this point forward, you have my permission. None of this "may I trouble you" business; just ask.

[It is an uphill battle with Setsuna, coaxing such directness from him, but one he's willing to fight. He prefers that those close to him speak freely, as it is a sign of mutual respect. He may be a King, but Setsuna's opinions matter, too—though, given his stubbornness, only to a certain degree. He's still rather set in his ways.]

That aside... what might I do for you?

[He has a feeling he can guess what's troubling him. His eyes wander to the wound, as well, the slightest bit concerned.]

[ Hm... Setsuna still has to get used to that, too. Getting scolded for being too formal, when living in distance is his way of life. It doesn't matter much lately, considering the public's recent acceptance for their organization after the events from two years ago. But facing unfamiliar experiences and concepts requires time to adjust to. He's a little speechless when told to drop the formality, though it was fleeting.

If there's anyone who can adjust to change, it's undoubtedly Setsuna. He will try. Surely it can't be hard for someone like him, who has a reputation for being too reckless at times. Still... as someone who only knows how to fight, it's harder to apply his directness in the everyday life than in matters related to war; but he will do what he can. For his King, he would not mind. ]

Yes...

[ A light confirmation that he will. And once Gilgamesh asks him, he follows through with it. He pauses only for a second, then says it. Rather, he gestures it. He lifts his hand back up, indicating for the King to lean down closer. ]

[It was a learning process. Just as Gilgamesh had learned to be gentler by planting that flower, Setsuna would learn to be braver in this way, by looking his King in the eye, by always saying what he means and meaning what he says. It will not happen overnight, but eventually, Setsuna will hold his head high. Not as high as Gilgamesh, but high enough that everyone could see he was proud of himself and what he'd achieved.

This, however... this situation's becoming a bit prickly. Not by any fault of Setsuna's, but there's only so close Gilgamesh could come before he took it as a sign of initiating intimacy. Once, he dreamed of taking Setsuna to his bed in a very provocative manner, but he had since decided he would work for the privilege rather than force it. If it was something Setsuna wanted, it was something Gilgamesh would earn, as there was greater pleasure in the chase than in the prize.

Baby steps. Maybe just a little won't hurt.]

Yes?

[His voice is slightly breathless. He does as requested, leans down and draws their foreheads together. Now, they stare eye-to-eye.]

Speak to me. What pleases you?

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quaria - 2016-03-29 09:50 (UTC) - Expand

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babbylon - 2016-03-29 10:02 (UTC) - Expand

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