linkingup | @knightofbeauty

Oh.

...I am so sorry, I probably shouldn't have sprung that on you.

[Sayaka's absolutely gone beet red and practically planting her face in a pillow for a little while because. Well. She wanted to broach the subject with Argenti since she already had with Fray before this, but...]

...I had already broached the subject with Fray before this happened, but I had wanted to do so with you eventually, when I could properly. Get the words to ask. I wouldn't want to do something unwanted, but...

I'd be happy to consider you family, if you'd allow it.

[As for the rest...]

I wouldn't either. I'm honestly just as blindsided. But I'd want to hear it, especially if it'll help any. I know that being alone with one's own thoughts isn't a good thing, sometimes.

But I won't force the issue if you don't want to. Know that I don't mind for a second, though.

!

Oh, sorry, I was so surprised that I did not send a response properly. Please, give me a moment.

[ Pretend that there is a space of time in between his typing here. ]

I am still surprised, and I do not have proper words for this at the moment, but I'd love to be considered your brother...your family.

I am not sure if I had any siblings, though I know a long time ago I had a family of some sort. To have one at all once again...

It will truly make me happy.

So, please, do from now on call me your dear brother, Sayaka. I will gladly be receptive of such a title from you.

Talking may in fact do us some good indeed. Perhaps it can be about normal things? I have always been the one comforting others, so I have yet to get used to the other side, but we can certainly navigate this together.

Please, take as much time as you need. I'm so sorry if I was overly forward.

[Sayaka waits duly, mostly just. Prepping a giant apology in another document that is probably just "i will not force my feelings on people" written fifty times like a child who's been told to write lines, but Argenti's response comes in before she can pen it out properly.

...And it's...

...It's genuinely the nicest thing she's read. To be able to give Argenti something he's never truly had, to give him happiness and be able to give him somebody to rely on and care for him--it's a heavy task, but Sayaka, for better or for worse, does mean every word of it.]

I'm...genuinely happy to hear all of this, Argenti. I was worried for a second that it'd be too forward of me to consider you as such, but...

You've cared for me so much, and made me want to better myself. Because I've wanted to be someone that you could be proud of, while finding myself and learning how to be myself. You've always stood by me, and you've always been willing to support me in any way possible. Being around you...it feels like what a family should be like.

If being a family is what brings you that happiness, I'm glad to consider you as such. My dear brother.

[Oh, how her heart warms to be able to say that.]

Of course, though! I'd be happy to be able to talk to you about normal things--sometimes it does help to have a distraction, to help take your mind off of things. I'd be happy to help you navigate this. Did you want to come by my room, or shall I go to yours?

[ Strange...being called something like that again brings tears to his eyes - or maybe it is all the sentiment that goes along with it. It's a heavy thing, but it's a wonderful, weighted thing too. ]

That I have been able to inspire such feelings in you is truly nothing less than beautiful...my dear sister.

[ He takes a moment to look at what he typed. Is this what it feels like...? To even so much as convey anything like that? ]

I do firmly believe that you are correct.

So, I suppose I shall go ahead and drop by your room this time, as the last instance I recall that you came to me.

Please wait while I make the journey.

[ That sounds probably a little funny to remark as when it's just a little walk from one room to another, but it's fine...

Anyway, he'll end up definitely heading to Sayaka's room and knocking on the room's door soon enough, making good on his words. ]

Sayaka? I have arrived!

Gladly. I look forward to your arrival!

[listen. it is silly but we embrace silly in this house. it helps that sayaka's heart proceeds to warm by a lot at having the sentiment returned, and she'll gladly await him--

Nevertheless, when he knocks on the door, Sayaka will open it easily and with a smile.]

Argenti! Please, feel free to come in, take a seat where you like!

[...It feels really empty without Fray here, but Sayaka will go and take her place at the bottom bunk. With her, and her collection of Raisinomorolls that also take up the bed real estate.]

I appreciate it. How has everything been going for you, otherwise? I know we both tend to be rather busy people...

[ We are, in fact, embracing silly at full force here!!

Argenti excitedly comes into the room, bright smile easily witnessed on his face. ]

I shall, thank you for the invitation, as always.

[ Manners are still a part of him, so...he will go ahead and seat himself on a chair in the room, smiling at her, before his expression turns thoughtful as well as serious. ]

I think, well, all things considered, besides what has been happening with dear Fray, I am managing to keep a levelhead. It would not due for me to panic or be out of sorts. Even if it may be indeed a stressful predicament.

But, what has helped me is the sudden outpouring of support...which I truly appreciate.

...And yourself?

[ He can't help but ask!! He just. Has to. ]

Everyone here really does care for you, you know.

[...Might be a bold statement saying that, Sayaka, but if nothing else she believes in the spirit of the statement.]

But I get it. It's about the same for me, too--I've actually been trying to train a bit, if you can believe it. I'm actually getting pretty good with the practice swords now, and Sunrise-san, she's apparently gotten access to a forge and knows how to use it.

I'm really looking forward to being able to train with a real blade. Maybe I can properly make something of myself.

[And follow in her brothers' footsteps, but that goes unsaid for now. She imagines the implications are obvious.]

[ Argenti's expression is sheepish when he hears this. ]

...I am uncertain if it is everyone, but surprisingly - well, I will simply say that I am fortunate to have those who do care about me. I won't forget that any time soon.

[ It gives him strength even if sometimes it surprises him too. But, he's glad that she understands - they've reached the point where such mutual understanding has been common between the both of them. ]

I can believe that you are giving it your all. Though I have yet to obtain a weapon from Sunrise's forge - as I have one of my own - I do not doubt what you are using is suitable. I suppose I shall have much to thank her for.

...But, even before you get your hands on a real blade, if you ever wish to have a sparring round or two, I shall happily volunteer myself for it.

[ He hears the implications and so naturally...Argenti encourages it! He can't wait to see what it would look like, Sayaka blooming into a talented Knight. ]

[!!!]

Really?! Argenti, that makes me really happy to hear!

[Sayaka almost springs up, ready to go to the fields now, but--right, she doesn't have a weapon yet. She sheepishly dulls her enthusiasm a bit, laughing gently.]

I'm really excited to see what she makes, though. It...really makes me happy to have something wholly my own, I guess? Something that's just mine, and nobody else's. I've always kinda followed where others led because I thought it'd make life easier, but...

There's something to be said about taking a harder road. And I think I've decided I...want to become a proper knight.

[ Argenti's eyes seem to twinkle with something like unrestrained mirth, but genuine happiness as he watches Sayaka excitedly look as if she might suddenly bolt? Or, at least, it feels that way. ]

I am happy that this is a path you have decided to choose for yourself - as yourself. Making these decisions on your own, without allowing it to have been dictated by another person, is truly pivotal. But, wonderful as well.

If you ever find a name for your weapon, you must let me know immediately.

[ Just out of curiosity, he hasn't necessarily named his, but he knows that other people tend to do that!! ]

As for becoming a proper knight...I am certain you shall blossom into a magnificent one indeed in time. It will take rigorous practice, but I have witnessed how far you have come, and know you can hold yourself very well in battle.

Learning the next steps to shimmer brightly and radiantly as a knight of your own making shall prove to be something you are indeed capable of.

[she'd only flee to drag him to the training grounds, it's fine--]

Oh, gosh--I never even considered something like that! They usually only do that for like...weapons of legend, right? That's gonna take a while, I think...

[Sayaka smiles, though, her expression bright.]

Heehee. Gosh, I didn't really realize I'd become that good in a fight! I feel like it's gotten a lot easier over time, that's for sure. But it really means a lot to have an expert like yourself say that!

I'm...I'm really excited. I've only ever really followed people, you know? Followed what people have said, do this, do that--the path of least resistance...but...I'm nervous, but really happy to be able to choose this for myself. I hope I can make you proud! And, um, me too. I've never...really had anything like this...

[ Totally fine~ ]

It could be considered a weapon of legend in its own right, too. After all, it is something that has been forged in the midst of an on-going battle against a God of Conflict. What can be more legendary than that?

[ ...Okay, though, Argenti is apparently just being a kind of ridiculous here.

Even if he does idly wonder if there would be, like, those fairytale stories composed of their exploits in eliminating said God of Conflict (or how he perceives this all to end.) ]

I am happy that it uplifts your spirits to hear as much. You truly have grown, my dear sister.

...But, I also do understand what you mean. Even if it may fill you with understandable, yet excited trepidation, there is no doubt in my mind how much this has been quite a large change for you. One that has certainly shown a marked change from your past trajectory.

And, speaking from experience, that which is newly grasped can truly feel quite overwhelming. However, you and I know the joys in embracing the new - the Beauty of it that has now cast a radiant light upon your soul is evident more than ever. I can't wait to see that happiness of yours continue to flourish with your efforts.

Heehee! Okay, okay, I see your point at least! Maybe we can come up with something together, to really make it special. I don't have a lot of faith in my creativity, but I'm sure we can think of something!

[If he's being ridiculous, she's willing to meet him in kind dammit. And...she doesn't know, maybe it'd be nice to embrace that sort of thing.

...Even if it's a little cringe--

Even so, Sayaka feels her gaze avert a bit in embarrassment when Argenti praises her so easily, but she corrects it back as quick as she can with a smile.]

...I can't wait either, you know. Knowing I don't have to be alone for this anymore...that I can embrace this joy with you all, without having to think too much about what others will think? I think it'll be truly freeing for me, more than anything.

And...I want to seize that freedom, by everyone's side. And see where it takes us all. You really do have a point about all of this--it's almost dizzying to think about, but it makes me want to follow this path down to see where it'll go no matter what.

I believe in you - in this as well.

Such that I'm certain we shall be able to indeed come up with something novel.

[ Embrace the Beauty of cringe, Sayaka. This is your first step as an honorable knight (no)(unless)

Either way, when her gaze flickers away and then back on over to him, he can't help but also return the smile he's been given as well. ]

I am most gladdened to hear it!

Indeed it's dizzying, yet wonderful. Marvelous, yet dazzling. It truly is an incredible experience that I do not doubt you shall continue to enjoy compared to what you had left behind.

And when it becomes all too quite overwhelming, I shall be right there with you, no matter what.

@knightofbeauty

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