He can't obtain it again without gaining your agreement? What's to stop you from making this bargain yourself? Getting them for yourself?
[The thrust of her argument makes perfect sense to him. Yes, she absolutely should want to destroy something so evil. It's the framing of this as the "only way" that has him highly suspicious.]
Why could you not be the one to hold them until the disentanglement method is ready? If he's truly serious about this, that shouldn't be an unreasonable request.
I'm not sure where it is now. The last time I saw it was the day-- the day I killed him. One of his stupid little companions ran off with them. I don't know if he still has them, or if Azwel has them back...
But they all know what I want with the gauntlets. They aren't going to give them to me for fear I'll simply destroy them without any care for Azwel's safety.
[Which... let's be fair, she probably would. But as with the rest of this, she doesn't give a damn about Azwel's safety. It's the safety of the rest of Duplicity that she's worried about.]
Frankly, I can't promise them that I won't. I don't think it's wise for me to keep them any longer than it takes me to destroy the shard. [She gives him a significant look. She's been able to resist the pull of her blood thus far, but she has no desire to test it.]
Is there anyone you do know that you would trust to keep them? Must they be worn to be dangerous, or is it merely proximity?
[For now it's as close as he'll come to making the offer, himself. If they're too dangerous even in proximity, then he would be quite dangerous possessed, and that's an unacceptable risk.]
Right. I understand.
[It would be like playing directly into the plan laid out for her she had told him about that first night she confided in him.]
[She understands what he's getting at almost immediately. Her eyes widen.]
Oh, no. No. I won't allow it. Absolutely not. [She reaches up to cup his face in her hands.] I don't want you anywhere near that thing. I don't want anybody getting near it. It's bad enough that Azwel and his companions have been exposed to it. It will not have you.
[She can picture all too well what insidious things even a shard of Soul Edge might try with Cullen, how it might try to appeal to him-- or use him, on its way to her.]
He won't offer the gauntlets until he's through removing them from himself. Not to me, or to anyone connected to me. I'm quite certain of that. And if I force the issue, one of his little friends will take off with them, just like before. I don't want this to escalate any further, or involve anyone else.
[Her fingertips rub softly against his stubble, a little fretful look pinching her brow.]
And he can't remove them unless he regains his memories. I know what I should do. But I will never forgive myself if I botch this. If I'm made a fool of. If that blasted thing hurts someone.
[He nods. He won't suggest it again. It's obvious how much it agitates her, and he truly believes she best knows how it could affect him or others.]
Then I shan't.
[He leans forward, lips brushing her cheek gently.]
Consider this. You can kill him a hundred different times. He'll be back along with this same problem. In the end, that's not a viable option. You've already tried it.
There's a chance that if he regains his memories he'll become more dangerous, yes, but if his friends are serious about him freeing himself of this influence, they'll also put their thumbs on that scale. There are more people aware of the problem, and you won't be facing this alone.
[He takes one of her hands between his.]
If this thing puts us all at risk, then your allies are a strength and have a vested interest in combating this threat. And possibly his allies will be in the same position. I understand the instinct to go it alone and protect others. It's not always the right instinct.
[She closes her eyes when his lips brush her cheek, and she listens. Really, listens. Slowly, she nods as his words sink in. Everything he says makes perfect sense.
Peacefully negotiating didn't work. Killing him didn't work. What is this but another tack to try? If it works as it's meant to, then everyone wins. That unpredictable shard will be obliterated, and she and her sword will be the only things here tainted by its evil aura. Under control. Her control.
And worst case scenario, she feels tricked and stupid, and then she brings down unholy vengeance on Azwel that'll make him wish he'd stayed dead.]
I know you're right. It's good to hear someone else voice it.
[She presses her hand to his, sandwiching them together and tightens her fingers.]
Will you come with me? When I meet him. I truly don't-- want to get you involved, and I don't anticipate a fight. But I would feel much safer if you were there.
If you want me there, then nothing will keep me away.
[He trusts himself to be a clear head and steadying influence but also to be able to handle himself and not be a liability to her if the whole thing goes tits up.
He reaches to draw her in against him, a hand lifting to the back of her head.]
I'm grateful you trust me enough to bring this to me and want my help.
[It has given him much to think about in his own situation. The timing at the moment is wrong with her preoccupation with this. Perhaps soon...]
Of course. I know you'll keep your cool, and think before you act. And if worse comes to worst, wiping all the magic in the area can't hurt.
[God. They'll all drop on their faces if it comes to that.
She curls in close and sighs, shaky, the butterflies that have been swarming in her stomach finally starting to dissipate. Her hand grips his shoulder and she holds herself in tight.]
Thank you for listening. For not judging. I'm not proud of much of this but with you... I know I'm safe.
[He's content to gather her as close as close can be. It's sad that such a lovely woman, a lovely person inside and out has to deal with something so complicated, but he supposes that's life. Easy answers are few and far between.
He considers for a bit before speaking again, listening to the sound of their breath in the darkness.]
[She's pleased enough to hold him in silence until he speaks again. Her eyes open, a bit surprised.
Perhaps someone of a more modern persuasion would have noticed before now. But they've never stayed together overnight before, have they? (Not in person, anyway.) Ivy's always been amenable to one of them excusing themselves. They both have to work, and she would never think to impose. But the idea of not having to get up from here, staying with him all night...
Her reply is soft, where only he could ever hear it.]
I would. Very much.
[She'll text Jester to let her know, and ask her to feed the cat. But that's as far from this bed as she's willing to move until the morning, now.]
[Doesn't he know it, too. He smiles at her answer, not having expected a rejection, but it's nice to have it decided and out there. He cups her cheek in a gentle hand, pressing a soft kiss to her lips.]
I'm glad. Don't be too alarmed if Blade joins us some time in the night. He's good about not kicking.
[If the Maker smiles on him, he won't kick much, either. He doesn't awaken crying out every night. It's worth the risk to have her here, especially after the conversation. She shouldn't have to walk home after something like that.]
[Her smile show her gratitude for his graciousness, and she happily leans in to kiss him. It's starting to dawn on her that she really, really doesn't have to get up. Get dressed. Walk home in the cold. Her earlier uneasiness is replaced by giddy delight.
She giggles at the mention of Blade.The rooms here don't get nearly as cold as they did back home, but Ivy hoards warmth regardless. Especially in a cozy bed.
She cuddles in close and glances up at him, still positively gleeful.]
It depends on if we're eating with Rhys or not. He doesn't eat meat. I try to be respectful of that when we eat together. In that case we make porridge with dried fruit and nuts, a drizzle of honey and cream. It's quite nice.
If he's already gone for the day, sausages and eggs with toast and jam.
I am going to cook for you, in case there's any question.
[He's smiling in the darkness, nuzzling against her throat.]
So if you have any requests, do put them in.
[The less he thinks about this, the less chance there is he'll trip himself up overthinking or getting too nervous. The breakfast talk is a perfect distraction from overarching concerns.]
That's thoughtful of you. I hope we didn't disturb him earlier.
[Even if Ivy is boggling at the mere concept of not eating meat. (What else is there?)
Either of the options he describes make her stomach rumble with anticipation. She turns her face enough to drag her lips along his temple, then buries her nose in his hair.]
I'm looking forward to it. Anything you make will be wonderful.
I have absolutely no room to complain about amateur cooking, darling. [Frankly, she considers it a miracle she's gotten as good at it as she has. Fortunately, she's always been good at following written directions. Too good, once or twice.]
It'll be wonderful. You're wonderful. [Her smile softens, and she closes her eyes and relaxes.] And warm.
I'm going to remind you that you said that first part in the morning when something is burned.
[That's what the delivery services are for, one of his favorite things about this place beyond the almost never ending hot water.
And a good deal behind her. He relaxes into the mattress and settles so that both of them can be comfortable and not hold themselves awkwardly.]
So are you. I've...aside from bunking, which is entirely different, and my own siblings...also entirely different, never actually slept with anyone before. I hope I don't snore or...
Ohh. Lucky me. [She glances at him, smiling and pleased, then reaches up to muss his hair a bit.] Not to worry. I'm a heavy sleeper. And you'll find I steal covers right back.
[She twists enough to kiss him, briefly, then sighs.]
[He settles in. It's a while before he gets to sleep, the weight of her in the bed with him novel, the sound of her breathing.
It's Blade settling in at his back that sends him down, the dog's familiar presence comforting and expected. Luckily, aside from stirring here and there, he doesn't awaken until early morning, his usual time, and doesn't immediately attempt to get out of bed, not wanting to awaken her.]
[She sleeps hard and peacefully beside him, falling under quickly and staying there.
In the morning, it's a good half hour or so after him that she shows any sign of stirring. She's not exactly a morning person, though the unfamiliar surroundings and the weight next to her work to keep her from sleeping in too late.
Her eyes open briefly, then she smiles and closes them again, as though pretending she's still sleeping. No doubt he sees it, though.]
[Even if he hadn't seen it, there's a certain quality to someone awake different from the heaviness of sleep. He'd felt the change in her, heard the switch in the rhythm of her breath. It amuses him beyond words to see her quickly shut her eyes again.
He rubs his hand gently down the side of her hip and squeezes her upper thigh with a soft press of fingertips and thumb.
A slight lean and curl forward has his breath spilling across her brow, lips coming to rest lightly against her forehead. He doesn't yet speak, not wanting to spoil the game.]
[Her eyes and smile both twitch when he kisses her forehead, giving her away for certain, but she still maintains the ruse.
She resists the urge to smile wider, to roll forward and curl into his arms, perhaps wanting to see what else he will do to play along with this silly little act.]
[He can't stop smiling. It's possible she might be able to feel it in the way his lips press to her forehead. Smiles and all, he kisses across her brow in a small trail, then gently over each eyelid, one and then the other.
When he makes his way down to her nose, he gives it a sudden wet little kiss, and that's when he can't hold back his laughter anymore.]
[It takes all she has not to laugh at as he kisses his way down her face. The last kiss is the break, and when he starts laughing she busts up too, bright and warm and very, very silly.
She opens her eyes, practically glowing with delight.]
[If anyone had told him he'd ever awaken laughing with a beautiful, vibrantly intelligent woman in his arms, he'd have scoffed. He almost feels the need to pinch himself. This sort of thing doesn't happen to him.]
Good morning.
[He nuzzles in against her throat, smelling warm skin and the remnant of perfume.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[Unless he's missing something here.]
He can't obtain it again without gaining your agreement? What's to stop you from making this bargain yourself? Getting them for yourself?
[The thrust of her argument makes perfect sense to him. Yes, she absolutely should want to destroy something so evil. It's the framing of this as the "only way" that has him highly suspicious.]
Why could you not be the one to hold them until the disentanglement method is ready? If he's truly serious about this, that shouldn't be an unreasonable request.
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But they all know what I want with the gauntlets. They aren't going to give them to me for fear I'll simply destroy them without any care for Azwel's safety.
[Which... let's be fair, she probably would. But as with the rest of this, she doesn't give a damn about Azwel's safety. It's the safety of the rest of Duplicity that she's worried about.]
Frankly, I can't promise them that I won't. I don't think it's wise for me to keep them any longer than it takes me to destroy the shard. [She gives him a significant look. She's been able to resist the pull of her blood thus far, but she has no desire to test it.]
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[For now it's as close as he'll come to making the offer, himself. If they're too dangerous even in proximity, then he would be quite dangerous possessed, and that's an unacceptable risk.]
Right. I understand.
[It would be like playing directly into the plan laid out for her she had told him about that first night she confided in him.]
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Oh, no. No. I won't allow it. Absolutely not. [She reaches up to cup his face in her hands.] I don't want you anywhere near that thing. I don't want anybody getting near it. It's bad enough that Azwel and his companions have been exposed to it. It will not have you.
[She can picture all too well what insidious things even a shard of Soul Edge might try with Cullen, how it might try to appeal to him-- or use him, on its way to her.]
He won't offer the gauntlets until he's through removing them from himself. Not to me, or to anyone connected to me. I'm quite certain of that. And if I force the issue, one of his little friends will take off with them, just like before. I don't want this to escalate any further, or involve anyone else.
[Her fingertips rub softly against his stubble, a little fretful look pinching her brow.]
And he can't remove them unless he regains his memories. I know what I should do. But I will never forgive myself if I botch this. If I'm made a fool of. If that blasted thing hurts someone.
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Then I shan't.
[He leans forward, lips brushing her cheek gently.]
Consider this. You can kill him a hundred different times. He'll be back along with this same problem. In the end, that's not a viable option. You've already tried it.
There's a chance that if he regains his memories he'll become more dangerous, yes, but if his friends are serious about him freeing himself of this influence, they'll also put their thumbs on that scale. There are more people aware of the problem, and you won't be facing this alone.
[He takes one of her hands between his.]
If this thing puts us all at risk, then your allies are a strength and have a vested interest in combating this threat. And possibly his allies will be in the same position. I understand the instinct to go it alone and protect others. It's not always the right instinct.
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Peacefully negotiating didn't work. Killing him didn't work. What is this but another tack to try? If it works as it's meant to, then everyone wins. That unpredictable shard will be obliterated, and she and her sword will be the only things here tainted by its evil aura. Under control. Her control.
And worst case scenario, she feels tricked and stupid, and then she brings down unholy vengeance on Azwel that'll make him wish he'd stayed dead.]
I know you're right. It's good to hear someone else voice it.
[She presses her hand to his, sandwiching them together and tightens her fingers.]
Will you come with me? When I meet him. I truly don't-- want to get you involved, and I don't anticipate a fight. But I would feel much safer if you were there.
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[He trusts himself to be a clear head and steadying influence but also to be able to handle himself and not be a liability to her if the whole thing goes tits up.
He reaches to draw her in against him, a hand lifting to the back of her head.]
I'm grateful you trust me enough to bring this to me and want my help.
[It has given him much to think about in his own situation. The timing at the moment is wrong with her preoccupation with this. Perhaps soon...]
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[God. They'll all drop on their faces if it comes to that.
She curls in close and sighs, shaky, the butterflies that have been swarming in her stomach finally starting to dissipate. Her hand grips his shoulder and she holds herself in tight.]
Thank you for listening. For not judging. I'm not proud of much of this but with you... I know I'm safe.
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[He's content to gather her as close as close can be. It's sad that such a lovely woman, a lovely person inside and out has to deal with something so complicated, but he supposes that's life. Easy answers are few and far between.
He considers for a bit before speaking again, listening to the sound of their breath in the darkness.]
Would you like to stay the night?
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[She's pleased enough to hold him in silence until he speaks again. Her eyes open, a bit surprised.
Perhaps someone of a more modern persuasion would have noticed before now. But they've never stayed together overnight before, have they? (Not in person, anyway.) Ivy's always been amenable to one of them excusing themselves. They both have to work, and she would never think to impose. But the idea of not having to get up from here, staying with him all night...
Her reply is soft, where only he could ever hear it.]
I would. Very much.
[She'll text Jester to let her know, and ask her to feed the cat. But that's as far from this bed as she's willing to move until the morning, now.]
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[Doesn't he know it, too. He smiles at her answer, not having expected a rejection, but it's nice to have it decided and out there. He cups her cheek in a gentle hand, pressing a soft kiss to her lips.]
I'm glad. Don't be too alarmed if Blade joins us some time in the night. He's good about not kicking.
[If the Maker smiles on him, he won't kick much, either. He doesn't awaken crying out every night. It's worth the risk to have her here, especially after the conversation. She shouldn't have to walk home after something like that.]
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[Her smile show her gratitude for his graciousness, and she happily leans in to kiss him. It's starting to dawn on her that she really, really doesn't have to get up. Get dressed. Walk home in the cold. Her earlier uneasiness is replaced by giddy delight.
She giggles at the mention of Blade.The rooms here don't get nearly as cold as they did back home, but Ivy hoards warmth regardless. Especially in a cozy bed.
She cuddles in close and glances up at him, still positively gleeful.]
What do you like for breakfast?
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If he's already gone for the day, sausages and eggs with toast and jam.
I am going to cook for you, in case there's any question.
[He's smiling in the darkness, nuzzling against her throat.]
So if you have any requests, do put them in.
[The less he thinks about this, the less chance there is he'll trip himself up overthinking or getting too nervous. The breakfast talk is a perfect distraction from overarching concerns.]
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[Even if Ivy is boggling at the mere concept of not eating meat. (What else is there?)
Either of the options he describes make her stomach rumble with anticipation. She turns her face enough to drag her lips along his temple, then buries her nose in his hair.]
I'm looking forward to it. Anything you make will be wonderful.
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[One has to consider such things in this place, especially since none of the walls are stone.
Maker, it's different lying like this when he knows neither of them is going anywhere. It's unbelievably luxurious. He can't help his rueful chuckle.]
You say that now...
[He has been known to burn the odd egg. And perhaps undercook the sausage.]
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I have absolutely no room to complain about amateur cooking, darling. [Frankly, she considers it a miracle she's gotten as good at it as she has. Fortunately, she's always been good at following written directions.
Too good, once or twice.]It'll be wonderful. You're wonderful. [Her smile softens, and she closes her eyes and relaxes.] And warm.
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[That's what the delivery services are for, one of his favorite things about this place beyond the almost never ending hot water.
And a good deal behind her. He relaxes into the mattress and settles so that both of them can be comfortable and not hold themselves awkwardly.]
So are you. I've...aside from bunking, which is entirely different, and my own siblings...also entirely different, never actually slept with anyone before. I hope I don't snore or...
[Awaken screaming in the night.]
Or steal the covers.
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[She twists enough to kiss him, briefly, then sighs.]
Good night, my darling.
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[He settles in. It's a while before he gets to sleep, the weight of her in the bed with him novel, the sound of her breathing.
It's Blade settling in at his back that sends him down, the dog's familiar presence comforting and expected. Luckily, aside from stirring here and there, he doesn't awaken until early morning, his usual time, and doesn't immediately attempt to get out of bed, not wanting to awaken her.]
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In the morning, it's a good half hour or so after him that she shows any sign of stirring. She's not exactly a morning person, though the unfamiliar surroundings and the weight next to her work to keep her from sleeping in too late.
Her eyes open briefly, then she smiles and closes them again, as though pretending she's still sleeping. No doubt he sees it, though.]
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He rubs his hand gently down the side of her hip and squeezes her upper thigh with a soft press of fingertips and thumb.
A slight lean and curl forward has his breath spilling across her brow, lips coming to rest lightly against her forehead. He doesn't yet speak, not wanting to spoil the game.]
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She resists the urge to smile wider, to roll forward and curl into his arms, perhaps wanting to see what else he will do to play along with this silly little act.]
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When he makes his way down to her nose, he gives it a sudden wet little kiss, and that's when he can't hold back his laughter anymore.]
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She opens her eyes, practically glowing with delight.]
Good morning, handsome.
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Good morning.
[He nuzzles in against her throat, smelling warm skin and the remnant of perfume.]
How'd you sleep?
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