pawnstorm | [Open] It's getting hot in here

Oh! Then certainly, I will watch.

[...careful, Vietnam. Now Gilgamesh has sat himself down and is looking at you rather eagerly. That offer may have been a mistake. Go on; the King awaits!]

[GILGAMESH???? PLEASE????

She stares back. How did he switch so fast. But now she's too proud for take backs!]

Fine. Etch it into your mind because you may never see it again! [Everyone this side of the planet laughs. But she does as urged, since does have to undress anyway, and (neatly) throws her towel down before she starts to unbutton her shirt.

Wait does she have to make a show out of this. Or does she just roughly take her clothes off just to spite him.

She opts for the second option and throws her clothes down with her towel before she sits down next to him. Just so she can tie her hair up into a bun to keep it dry.]

Was that too fast?

[Gilgamesh lets loose an impressed oho, clapping his hands together as he enjoys his striptease. Such as it is.]

The lady is bold! Perhaps it is true. Perhaps I would be so unlucky, to never know the true beauty of her form.

[But he doubts it, and he's pretty sure she doubts it, too. Nonetheless, Gilgamesh sits through it patiently and to his credit does not make any crude remarks. When she lowers herself beside him, he playfully takes her into his arms and shakes his head, sneaking a kiss to her brow.]

No, beautiful tigress. It was just enough. But I must demand a fantastic leap into the water, as suits one so elegant.

If you are lucky, it was because you were so well behaved.

[If anything, Gilgamesh's enthusiasm for whatever is thrown at him probably makes her feel better about the whole thing. And how patient he is. Had he mention something about trade agreements, she probably would've stomped off.

But instead, here they are, and she wraps her arms around his shoulders, even though she's making it look like she's doing it just because. It's obvious because she presses her forehead to his cheek next.]

As long as it does not disturb anyone, King. Then I will grant you that.

A tyrant is not so well-behaved.

[Or rather, he's selectively well-behaved when he knows it can get him what he wants. Like right now. He hums, satisfied, when she reaches for him, when she touches faces. He nudges back at her, his own cheeks a faint red—not out of embarrassment, but fondness, as he was especially weak to this sort of contact. Between fellows, between mates.]

And I cannot promise not to disturb, because...

[Enjoying that romantic moment of reprieve, Vietnam? Not for long! Up you go, and now you're racing, as Gilgamesh is racing towards the nearest pool with his favorite Rook in tow—]

...a King must always make the grandest of entrances!

[Wherever they're headed, they're headed with a splash. Your Gilgamesh, Vietnam, he'll be here all day and all night and pretty much forever.]

Oh, yes, your reputation. Understood. [Hey, she's not complaining about him being a tyrant, because if he's selectively well-behaved, at least it's around her! Which is why she lets it pass.

ALTHOUGH NEVER MIND. HE'S MISBEHAVING RIGHT NOW.]

Gilgamesh--!!

[She has to keep a firm grip on him before something chaotic happens, like if he actually dives--...

He actually dived, and she splashes in with him. It was so dramatic that she'd be surprised if no one noticed the noise (which was the loud splash and probably her screams) so much that she probably would like to just drown herself then and there. Her Gilgamesh is too rowdy! Even if he looks so proud of himself.]

That was too grand! [She's untying her hair now because it's a little bit wet. Then pushes his forehead with one free finger.]

[So he's misbehaving. But he knows for a fact this is exactly the sort of misbehaving Vietnam enjoys, even if she huffs and puffs and claims to the contrary. Her Gilgamesh, alright, but he means well, means only to make her smile, and he knows it's just waiting in the wings, so...]

I would argue it was not nearly grand enough.

[...he tugs her cheeks apart to form a nice big one. He beams back at her, utterly pleased with his vassal.]

There! Now you're in the proper mood for it! Bigger, bigger...!

[He just keeps pulling! What a nasty little imp.]

[IT'S ALL TRUE, she hates to admit it (out loud anyway) that when Gilgamesh messes around, she actually enjoys it. And after he manages to make her smile or laugh, he usually looks so bright. Just kill her now and end her, really.

He's definitely right though, his Sen can still do to smile a bit more. Except this is not the way! Sadly, this is not the first time someone has tried this on her. See: her family.]

Noooo--... [That's her trying to complain, but instead of comes out like a soft whine because of how he's tugging at her cheeks, and she starts holding his hands to stop him. Not that she's making much effort to defend herself, except for STEEL FACE.

But no this entire scenario is so ridiculous that she finally laughs.]

Yesssss~♥

[Sorry, Sen. Resistance is truly futile. At least it's comfortable punishment, because he pulls her straight back into his arms, and gives her another big smooch on the cheek. His proud little tigress, huntress by night and beautiful vixen by day. He still wrestles with it, with the idea that he could have followers and supporters and comrades, but seeing her like this, laughing and happy...

He can't find much room for regrets. He, who once indulged in great suffering for the sake of entertainment. He, who once orchestrated a war just to amuse himself. He takes enjoyment in her happiness and it is truly for the good of everyone that he does so.]

How unfortunate that the dungeon did not kill you. Now, I shall smother you to death instead.

[With affection, he means. And proceeds to.]

[She'll show him resistance!!! Look at how she attempts to stop laughing, clearing her throat as he draws her in flusters as he kisses her cheek. She resists by then narrowing her eyes at him, pressing both her hands firmly on his cheeks and leans in. Fiercely gazing, hovering her lips close to his...

And then pulls back and just wraps her arms around him. VENGEANCE. Now, she'll call it vengeance, but really she's just content to see him happy like this. That a tyrant could just go out of his way to relax and offer gentle affection. She did promise herself once, to make sure a monster gets nice things too.]

It was a very easy dungeon for a rook. But while you are plotting my death, [With affection.] I am glad to see you managed to come out of that unscathed... [Suddenly this whole facade breaks?!] I hope...?

[Also gratuitous mention of his tattoos here. SEE I DID IT.]

Oh, was it now?

[Gilgamesh sounds a little skeptical, but it's only for the sake of teasing. Of course Vietnam would have no trouble; he'd seen her in action before, and she could more than handle herself, even as a Pawn. As a Rook, she'd be all but unstoppable. He only regrets he couldn't witness it for himself. It must've been quite the sight.]

We managed well enough, though there were a few... snags.

[Coughing. Is this a good place to talk about his tats? This is totally a good place to talk about his tats. Just watch him flex and ignore his hesitation.]

Leadership seems a bit more difficult than I imagined it to be here. For starters, people do not always do as I say.

[That's probably for the best, Gil...]

Yes it was. I suppose it also helped that my party consisted of one who can fly, and another rook.

[Though Aigis didn't have the gravitational defying powers like she did, they didn't need to share the grappling hook. In a way, Vietnam was a little disappointed that she couldn't repay Gilgamesh's efforts now she has the abilities to. He protected her then, she wants to protect him back.]

Snags? [Yes this is a totally good time to watch him flex his tats of course. But she has better multitasking capabilities, so she'll WATCH and she'll listen.]

Who were you with? I don't remember we had much of a problem before... [She tilts her head curiously, trying to remember their dungeon. There were no arguments over decision making, anyway.

She only remembers they had more problems outside of the dungeon. Hint hint Capablanca.]

That's practically cheating, woman.

[And he's practically jealous over it. He might argue that his party could kind of, sort of fly, but then he'd have to admit that he flew himself straight into a wall and nearly exhausted himself because of it. Instead, he just shakes his head. Sighs, and confesses:]

I was partied with someone I had history with. I cannot say she's overly fond of me, either.

[As fond as he was of her. He keeps her identity to himself, for now, swiftly changing the subject.]

What did you claim as your treasure? A beautiful feather, some magnificent scales, or even a mighty sword?

I thought so too. But I wasn't about to complain.

[So really, compared to many others, they were in and out in like no time. She could understand that this was not normal for this dungeon, considering that it was a rare match up. Gilgamesh on the other hand, seemed to have a rough time. Vietnam frowns, a little worried.]

Someone from home? Well, whatever happened, at least you all succeeded in the end. [She can tell he wanted to move on, but she still had to reassure him that troubles aside, he managed to overcome whatever problems that could've lead to.]

A-ah! [This new subject, she's a little excited, and so straightens up in his arms. This is something she's been wanting to share.] I claimed some strange ashes. [Phoenix ashes!!] I read somewhere that one can synthesis items, no? I wonder if these materials that I found, along with the hairpin I got from our mission, could make something. [She just doesn't know what.] Apparently I need one other person. So you can help me. [Wow demanding.]

What did you claim, Gilgamesh?

What else but gold?

[Really, Vietnam, it's as if you don't know him at all. But quietly he considers her with appreciation for the words of encouragement; not that they were necessary, yet it could be said a lot of things she did, that he very much liked, weren't. He sneaks another kiss to her brow, and although he says nothing more on the subject, this appears to be Gilgamesh's way of conveying thank you.

If she's going to ask about himself, though, he's going to brag about himself. At length.]

A great, golden feather descended before me as we vanquished the beast, and I claimed it for the King's treasury! There was also a considerable abundance of ore that I might use in my future fashionable endeavors, and a curious sort of egg. I wonder if it might hatch into something?

[Future fashionable endeavors... it sounds almost like a threat, given his taste.]

[She laughs quietly. What else but gold indeed! But he could do to collect things other than gold, since gold looks best with other things around it too!

Vietnam was a little bit surprised when he kisses her brow. But she understands why. And so while he talks about himself and his findings (which will take a while), she quietly drops a kiss onto the base of his neck, her way of telling him you're welcome and that she'll listen to what he has to say intently.]

Ah yes, I remember! It was a beautiful feather, that came with--... [A less beautiful dragon's heart.] It was something beautiful that came from madness. [Ore, oh yes, she remembered seeing a bit near the ancient coins.] I suppose next stop, the jeweler then? [...She'll go with him to make sure he doesn't over do it.

As for his egg...] The library might have records of the egg! It could tell you how to best hatch it. [If it is even still possible. But look if it was possible in Game of Thrones, it's totally possible here, right?!]

[Gilgamesh hums pleasantly at her reciprocation, and just barely restrains himself from covering her in kisses everywhere he can reach. This was part of the reason why he was comfortable around her; she accepted his advances, his near constant need for contact, without so much as a complaint. How could he not help but feel affection towards such an accommodating woman?]

Well, certainly. You are coming with me for that little adventure, if I'm to be any help to you at all.

[It's a date. It's always a date, isn't it? As for the library, Gilgamesh shrugs.]

Perhaps I'll employ another's eyes and ears to handle any research. I'm a bit too busy to be poking my nose in a book these days.

[Yet in the same breath he'd brag over having the greatest collection of them in all the world. Contrary to the very end, this one.]

[As it was, she wouldn't have been this accommodating in offering him affection if not for his efforts in making her feel comfortable enough to. It comes much more easily now, especially with no other around. But not just that, just every reaction he makes whenever she touches him, kisses him. The smile he offers. Sometimes the slight reddening of his cheeks. She wants to see it.]

Of course. [And she pulls back one hand, just so she can clench it, a tiny fist pump!] It will be a productive adventure. And we'll get them to make something nice for you. You deserve something after emerging from a dungeon successfully. [It's another way of saying she'll get him something during a date. Because she needs to find a better way to respond to his note too that's not just one word?!]

[It would've been easier if they looked in his library then, with the vast amount of knowledge he has. And could have, in this world too. She makes note to look out for his egg though, since she'll have to double check the method of synthesis before they can do it. Two birds, one stone.] I'll go to the library when we return. For now, you just keep that egg warm? [Would that even be enough?]

[Gilgamesh laughs at her enthusiasm... and fist pumps back with a grin! What a precious thing he's found in this strange place, getting stranger everyday. He wouldn't allow himself a single friend, couldn't bear to break that promise, but it seems he's found himself with vassals galore. And the more he struggles with it, the more he's coming to realizing the idea may not be so bad after all.]

And what does fair Sen deserve, hm?

[Gilgamesh folds his arms, assesses her seriously. They spoke so much of him, and of course this was more than fine, but sometimes... sometimes he wondered after Vietnam herself. What she wanted. What her goals were.

What did her heart sing for, most of all? That's what Gilgamesh would know.]

What do you desire from this world, that a King might help provide?

[Because if he could, he would. Such are the benefits of being in the King's inner circle.]

[Vietnam manages a smile when he pumps his fist back. He's endearing, and sometimes she really can't handle it. But she will! But then her expression changes, she frowns slightly.]

Hmm...? [This is a good question. Vietnam has always been a simple girl with simple pleasures. Even if it doesn't often show on her face, small things are enough to make her happy. His tokens, for example, were enough. And everything that she figured she needed, like a house, or a motorcycle, she always felt like she should get them herself. It would be nice to be gifted such things, but not something she would outright say she desired.

Which means in all honesty, she has not thought much about this world at all other than to survive. The world itself can probably still burn for all she cares, but if there was anything she was thankful for, it was that she was able to meet many friends. And Gilgamesh.

But she realises she has never told Gilgamesh much about what she likes or what she needs. Nor how little she cared about this world. So, if she had to answer truthfully...] I do not desire material goods from this world. I am grateful that it has already given me a chance to meet the first legend. [She shrugs lightly. Even when they first met, she found him fascinating. A true legend she could talk to.] What you can give me? The way you give me your company is already more than I could ask for.

But if you had to find something...hair accessories and nail polish. [Simple girl, simple pleasures.]

[Gilgamesh flushes, genuinely flattered by the praise. Naturally, he responds as expected to it.]

Undoubtedly so! You are very fortunate indeed to have met me, and very insightful to recognize it. Alas, not all prove so grateful as you.

[Much as it might be nice to have this world on his heels before him, even Gilgamesh may have recognize it simply wasn't meant to be, that his proper garden was to be tended far away from here. Even so, he seeks to rise as high as he possibly can, because doing so meant it would be all the easier to spoil those he favored.

Hair accessories and nail polish. Well, a woman was a woman, after all. Gilgamesh nods thoughtfully, and makes a mental note to pick up a few presents for her soon.]

It will be done, then. You've certainly locks worthy of it; look how pretty my little tigress is.

[He combs a hand through her hair, suddenly wishing he had a brush in his hands. For now, his fingers will have to suffice.]

I must keep her looking her best. Otherwise, I'd be embarrassed as a man in her company.

[He flushes, but his words are flamboyant as usual. What would Gilgamesh be if not so self-assured? She's amused by this, so perhaps she needs to reiterate.]

I am grateful for reasons they do not yet appreciate. Because even if I am fortunate to have met you, I am more fortunate that you are so patient with me. [Not everyone is as accommodating as he when it comes to her rage. And it's directed to him to. The world sees him as a tyrant, and they fight him. He claims he is a tyrant, and she knows and accepts it. Because he has never been a tyrant to her. Or, well there was that one Incident--

She flushes, every time he calls her pretty, especially now it is about her hair.] A-ah, I am more curious about what you have in mind. And also...[Actually this has always been on her mind--] If I am your tigress, then what should I call you? [A lion?

Before she could suggest that, she hums quietly, head tilting slightly as she feels his fingers comb through her hair. It's luxurious, and she does appreciate the touch over a comb right now.

Even if she coughs slightly at his words.] You say this knowing you are one of the most handsome men around. [She remembers his reaction to her writing. Amazing.]

[Gilgamesh answers, without hesitation:]

I will be your lion.

[For what else could he be? A lion was a king in its own right, considered the most majestic of all beasts. One day he might tell her of his beloved pets, of the lazy afternoons spent in a pile of them, lounging in the palace with his brother and looking over their kingdom together. One day he might tell her, but the stings remains a bit too raw at the moment. Gilgamesh may have claimed to have moved on from his homeland, loved and lost, but...

Well, Gilgamesh would claim a lot of things that weren't necessarily true. Rather, it was his version of the truth he chose to show to the world.]

And handsome though I may be, a king is only enhanced in the presence of a queen. Someday soon, a proper queen we shall make you.

[Just imagining her all dolled up, in a beautiful dress and hair flowing, gets him excited. Not that it takes very much these days.]

[So her thoughts were accurate. It is what he wanted. A lion, a king of the plains, and the way he holds himself, it's not too far off. He is someone who, while he denies it, is always surrounded by others. And she would love to learn more about him, about his life when he was king of Sumeria. With his brother, with his pets. A time before she even existed. And even how he is alive now.

That is for another day. When he is more comfortable telling her. She knows he's hiding a great many things. But whenever she asks, he has shared.]

Then my lion you will be. Let us see how many times I can say it. [It's already embarrassing! But she will try. It's not hard if it's just the two of them.

And then she raises her eyebrow, looking at him curiously.] Is that so, handsome king? [See, he says so.] Are you going to make me a queen to walk beside you?

[Never forget that this humble country can be incredibly ambitious. She would don on finery if she really must, so it wouldn't even take him much to get her into them. Such plans are never that far off.]

Countries cannot love, nor can they marry for it.

[Gilgamesh states this simply, matter-of-factly. Vietnam's path, while not necessarily as lonely as his own, was also one where she was surrounded by other people she couldn't truly touch. She was an immortal, and they were simply her citizens. Simply those to protect, those she existed for. Matters of love were beyond her station, as they were supposedly beyond his.

And yet she's so warm with him, he'd never believe it. He'd never believe she lived as such an entity, on a pedestal above everyone else. She has always been down to earth, and reasonable, and fair. A good wife, he thinks, if she'd ever accept another's hand. A modest wife, modest yet proud. For he knew her history, and therefore knew she would fight, and continue to fight, for as long as she had to.

He grasps around her hand. So small, yet so strong. Stronger than even his now.]

Even so, you are capable of it. So I would give you mine, as well. Walk with that love. Walk, and remember, even should we part...

[His eyes almost seem to glisten. Mischievous things, but here, they are... warm.]

A King once favored you.

[Open] It's getting hot in here

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NICE ICON BRO

TAKE THIS ONE TOO

OH NO THAT ONE IS CUTE THOUGH??? even if for grosso reasons

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