[ Honestly, considering everything? Argenti's going to be more than alright with that. Fray can purr as much as he wants. ]
...What a beautiful sound. I had no idea you could make such a noise; rather it is like the notes to a gentle piece of music. Soothing, relaxing, and warm.
[ Like Fray himself is. Holding him close like this he is reminded of the other man's presence, and if it were not for the fact he would need to find a place to lie down, he imagines he could fall asleep to such a sound. ]
I have so many questions to ask, but I shall truly save them for later.
[The blush is never going to die down at this rate... But that's not really a bad thing and Fray huffs at Argenti's words.]
You make me happy - happier than I've ever been.
[So happy it threatens to strangle the words right out of him again. Between the fighting and the emotional rollercoaster this palace has been, he just sort of wants to nap for a little while. But being cuddled by Argenti is definitely more important.]
Thank you. I'll answer anything you have to ask.
[There are just some things he's not quite ready to discuss in public.]
[ Happier than he's ever been, huh? Something about that truly does warm his heart. He knows he must make the man feel such wondrous things, but he has never thought to hear such words uttered in his direction. ]
I am most glad to hear it...and deeply honored. To have made you feel such a way at all is a blessing I shall never forsake.
[ Watch them fall asleep outside for a little bit (no) ]
Of course - such thoughtfulness is what you deserve. In the meanwhile, I will simply bask your splendidly beautiful presence, and continue to greet this reality with deep wonder, but ultimate gratitude.
[Such high praise... He's never really known what to do with it, and the blush probably says as much. Still, he settles against Argenti, ears flicking a bit.]
You're welcome, then. I had to keep my promise to you. I couldn't bear to leave you there, and I wasn't the only one. You're truly cherished, Argenti.
[ It certainly does...and Argenti feels that Fray do so very much dearly deserves it; the beautiful red blush spreading across his face is only proof. He sees the way those cute ears flicker too, smiling gently to himself, feeling as if indulgent - it is a word he once associated with a sense of wrong per what he has been taught, but it feels right here. Somehow unselfish, and comfortable. He will embrace that feeling. ]
You indeed kept your promise. I do not recall all of what happened in the palace, but...I believe that somewhere inside of my heart I felt that you would not ever give up. In that horrible time, it was something that likely kept what buried hope that lay inside of me alive, even in the face of that despair.
To be honest, I also do not think I realized how cherished I was until now. I should have realized it sooner. But even so, I do now, and I think I shall ever be grateful for it.
[ Argenti thinks that he is fortunate that way. They could've abandoned him, even left him to die. But, not one of them did. He doesn't think he will forget that, not ever. The strength of those heartfelt convictions reached him, freed him, and still warmed him enough that he can't ever imagine feeling cold again. ]
I will admit I wasn't entirely certain I would be able to reach you. Not at first. But when you gave me your earring, I knew there was a chance. You were still somewhere in there, and I'm glad I was right to believe in that.
[Though they're still in public and the others can see... Fray leans in closer, bumping his head against Argenti's cheek. His eyes fall closed and that soft purring starts up again.]
Thank you for fighting so hard. I won't let the God of Conflict steal you away from me again.
[Exactly how he plans to keep that promise... well, he hasn't worked that out yet. But he means it; he could have lost Argenti today, and he doesn't want to ever face that risk again.]
Doubt is only natural in such a situation. Though, the radiance of your love and belief in my person also served as a guiding light...I am most glad to hear it.
[ Argenti smiles softly, feeling the gentle bump of the other man's head against his cheek. He slips another arm around the other so he can card carefully brush at the back of the man's head. Kind of like...petting him a bit. ]
I...suppose I cannot guarantee that the God of Conflict will not try something again. So, I will trust in the fierce determination behind your words. I too have no intentions of allowing him any further domain in my heart.
[ He believes in the other man upholding his promise. Though if it turns out the God of Conflict literally teleports him away or something, he'll fight even harder than before. ]
[This is a little embarrassing, but Fray is obviously enjoying the affection, given that the purring is louder now. His ears flick a little as well; Argenti can pet the ears if he'd like!]
I know you'll fight, should he try such a thing again. I imagine he's learned his lesson on targeting you, given how quick we all were to fight to save you.
Argenti's hand is going to go for petting those flicking ears next, then! ]
I imagine the same. [ And Fray certainly did, huh. An almost amused look settles over Argenti's face at this, but instead: ] Everyone truly was...I believe I am certain to forever be in their debt.
I shall endeavor to continue to prove that everyone here made the right choice in risking their lives for me.
[His ears continue to flick a bit at the petting before settling and Fray bumps his head against Argenti's hand as if to encourage him to keep going. That feels nice...]
Of course we did. You don't have to prove it to us; you've already proven that multiple times over.
[ Argenti allows a warm smile to grace his face at this, and so naturally, he will just continue. How is Fray so incredibly adorable...? He feels himself let out a soft sigh at the words - it could be that he is being too hard on himself. ]
...Perhaps you are right. Maybe I just worry, is all.
It's understandable, of course. I can only imagine the weight you bear after such a thing.
[It would be hard to dismiss it solely as the God of Conflict's influence, no matter how true that is. He can see how Argenti might blame himself for it.]
I will be here to remind you, however. You needn't let the guilt crush you. I'm certain I won't be the only one willing to remind of that either.
[ Yes...he does. It might be unreasonable, but he just can't help it. At least Fray does say it is understandable, so he lets out another soft sigh, mostly relieved. ]
You are most correct. I say this now and yet ... I feel as if you are also correct that I shall be hearing more reminders.
[ Argenti thinks he really does want to truly rely on others now. He will have to remind himself of that; his heart has untangled some of its thorns, but it makes sense there would be remnants. Perhaps that is why reminders will not only need to come from him. Thinking of this, he plants a kiss on the top of the other man's head. ]
...But, hearing it from you right now is certainly appreciated as well. Thank you, light of my life.
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...What a beautiful sound. I had no idea you could make such a noise; rather it is like the notes to a gentle piece of music. Soothing, relaxing, and warm.
[ Like Fray himself is. Holding him close like this he is reminded of the other man's presence, and if it were not for the fact he would need to find a place to lie down, he imagines he could fall asleep to such a sound. ]
I have so many questions to ask, but I shall truly save them for later.
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You make me happy - happier than I've ever been.
[So happy it threatens to strangle the words right out of him again. Between the fighting and the emotional rollercoaster this palace has been, he just sort of wants to nap for a little while. But being cuddled by Argenti is definitely more important.]
Thank you. I'll answer anything you have to ask.
[There are just some things he's not quite ready to discuss in public.]
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I am most glad to hear it...and deeply honored. To have made you feel such a way at all is a blessing I shall never forsake.
[ Watch them fall asleep outside for a little bit (no) ]
Of course - such thoughtfulness is what you deserve. In the meanwhile, I will simply bask your splendidly beautiful presence, and continue to greet this reality with deep wonder, but ultimate gratitude.
no subject
You're welcome, then. I had to keep my promise to you. I couldn't bear to leave you there, and I wasn't the only one. You're truly cherished, Argenti.
[It's heartwarming, honestly.]
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You indeed kept your promise. I do not recall all of what happened in the palace, but...I believe that somewhere inside of my heart I felt that you would not ever give up. In that horrible time, it was something that likely kept what buried hope that lay inside of me alive, even in the face of that despair.
To be honest, I also do not think I realized how cherished I was until now. I should have realized it sooner. But even so, I do now, and I think I shall ever be grateful for it.
[ Argenti thinks that he is fortunate that way. They could've abandoned him, even left him to die. But, not one of them did. He doesn't think he will forget that, not ever. The strength of those heartfelt convictions reached him, freed him, and still warmed him enough that he can't ever imagine feeling cold again. ]
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[Though they're still in public and the others can see... Fray leans in closer, bumping his head against Argenti's cheek. His eyes fall closed and that soft purring starts up again.]
Thank you for fighting so hard. I won't let the God of Conflict steal you away from me again.
[Exactly how he plans to keep that promise... well, he hasn't worked that out yet. But he means it; he could have lost Argenti today, and he doesn't want to ever face that risk again.]
no subject
[ Argenti smiles softly, feeling the gentle bump of the other man's head against his cheek. He slips another arm around the other so he can card carefully brush at the back of the man's head. Kind of like...petting him a bit. ]
I...suppose I cannot guarantee that the God of Conflict will not try something again. So, I will trust in the fierce determination behind your words. I too have no intentions of allowing him any further domain in my heart.
[ He believes in the other man upholding his promise. Though if it turns out the God of Conflict literally teleports him away or something, he'll fight even harder than before. ]
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I know you'll fight, should he try such a thing again. I imagine he's learned his lesson on targeting you, given how quick we all were to fight to save you.
[finally remembered everyone else, huh???]
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Argenti's hand is going to go for petting those flicking ears next, then! ]
I imagine the same. [ And Fray certainly did, huh. An almost amused look settles over Argenti's face at this, but instead: ] Everyone truly was...I believe I am certain to forever be in their debt.
I shall endeavor to continue to prove that everyone here made the right choice in risking their lives for me.
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Of course we did. You don't have to prove it to us; you've already proven that multiple times over.
[Well, maybe that's just him. Still!]
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...Perhaps you are right. Maybe I just worry, is all.
[ It does help hearing that, though. ]
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[It would be hard to dismiss it solely as the God of Conflict's influence, no matter how true that is. He can see how Argenti might blame himself for it.]
I will be here to remind you, however. You needn't let the guilt crush you. I'm certain I won't be the only one willing to remind of that either.
no subject
You are most correct. I say this now and yet ... I feel as if you are also correct that I shall be hearing more reminders.
[ Argenti thinks he really does want to truly rely on others now. He will have to remind himself of that; his heart has untangled some of its thorns, but it makes sense there would be remnants. Perhaps that is why reminders will not only need to come from him. Thinking of this, he plants a kiss on the top of the other man's head. ]
...But, hearing it from you right now is certainly appreciated as well. Thank you, light of my life.