IN THE FOREST OF THE LOST

[beathollow]

it's all too perfect.

Comments

[beathollow]

... Are you okay...?

[cirquedesang]

I am, now that you're back with us.

[He was! Worried!]

[beathollow]

...

( he's getting another hug. and then, tentatively, only for them to hear- )

... Dad?

( it is both prompting a question, and asking permission. )

[cirquedesang]

[And he's hugging her back so tight. Not enough to hurt, he's not her mother, but it's secure. Safe, if she wants to think it so.]

...Yes?

[Duality continued - it's giving permission, and prompting any further request. What is it? What do you need? Let him bend over backwards for you, because if it's for you the metaphorical difficulty of the turn of phrase is as easy as his reality.

And he's not letting go of that hug, because if he doesn't then she can't see him tearing up again.]

[beathollow]

...

( relief, joy.... love. she's sure thats what these light, warm feelings are. )

I love you.

[cirquedesang]

[It's not a shift in their relationship he'd considered outright - he'd even rebuffed her the first time something like it had come up, but... it's natural, now, isn't it?

So much for 'I don't need human connections', huh.]

Ah, je t'aime, Mafuyu.

[We're breaking the universal translator here...! But with how often Mafuyu's mother - in memory and in monarchic manifestation - had said she loved her... The depth and sincerity of feeling is different. Personal.]

[beathollow]

( she squeezes, because she doesn't need the translator to know what he said. )

... I want... you to meet my friends. I want to show you our songs. I want you to stay in my life.

[cirquedesang]

[Truly a blessing that the French language has the reputation for being one of love-

She squeezes. He squeezes back, but then pulls away just enough that he can look down at her while still holding her.]

I will. I'd love to meet your friends, and hear your music, and stay in your life as long as you'll have me. I want you to have a home... a safe one. However you want it.

[With him, or in her own world, or with Arven - whatever will make her feel... safe. Comfortable. Home.]

[beathollow]

You'll always be part of it. You already are.

[cirquedesang]

Good. I intend to be.

[...For as long as he can be, anyway.]

[beathollow]

Lets go home? I'm so tired.

( she feels like she died so many times. please help. )

[cirquedesang]

[...so the dorms are home, now, huh? The thought makes sense, after everything they had just witnessed, but... it does still ache, that she couldn't have this safety and love at her original home.

Regardless? In a movement that would be very familiar to anyone who paid close attention to the last bit of the last memory, he bends low to scoop Mafuyu up exactly as he had on day one - held securely but comfortably, where she could hide against his shoulder if she wished.]

Yes, let's go home.