★ // king and lionheart

[scourgingstars]

Who: Ardyn + open
What: Camping back on the desert.
When: 1/14 and onward
Where: Monsun C4, possibly more added later
Warnings: None yet.

[He'd gone willingly this time, for whatever reason. Maybe he just knew he'd end up in the desert sooner or later, and it wasn't worth arguing.]

[But the longer Ardyn spent under the canopy Gladio had put up with a giant black chocobo at his side, the less he really cared about that. Sure, occasionally he had to step out into the oppressive sunlight to handle the curious and antagonistic cactus population, but...was that really so bad? The people would need whatever safe haven they could get in a chaotic desert, and he more than had the power to provide as much. That--that was right, wasn't it?]

[By the time night fell, he'd taken off his hat in favor of simply tying his hair back into a short ponytail, idly petting Hresvelgr with the hand not currently holding a red-toned greatsword as she nudged at his shoulder.]

Comments

[scourgingstars]

Come on, little one. [While Hresvelgr nuzzled at Gladio's shoulder, Ardyn led the younger bird back over to the canopy.]

She's lovely, you must be proud.

[piercetheheart]

Hey 'Res. Bet you never give your dad this much trouble.

[Gladio you know damn well that's not true.

His expression does soften a little when Ardyn compliments her, though, uncurling a hand from Leo's rough to stroke first Hresvelgr and then an apologetic (if still muddy) Tiana.]

Yeah she is... finally lost the last of her down, too. Lani was so sleek for weeks before she finished poofing.

[scourgingstars]

[Tiana's getting all the pets and appreciation while Gladio's busy with Leo and Hresvelgr, of course. Good heavens, he even looked happy about it.]

What a darling little child. Clearly, incapable of giving anyone trouble at all.

[piercetheheart]

Uh-huh, right.

[He rolls his eyes but, gosh is that a bit of a chuckle there?]

You, at least, seem to be in a helluva better mood.

[scourgingstars]

I often am, when I've the chance to come out here. I can't stand the sunlight, but ultimately part of me likes being a bit safer to be around.

[piercetheheart]

Well at least that means I don't have to fight with her and you. Gods fucking damn.

[Grump grump grump]

[scourgingstars]

Do settle down, when you can. It would be a shame to spoil such a nice place with a foul mood.

[piercetheheart]

Oh that's rich, coming from you.

[Scowl. But at the same time... he doesn't want to be this angry. He spent so many years like this and tried so hard to overcome it, it's hard falling apart like this again.]

Fuck this. I'm not leaving again. Ugh.

[scourgingstars]

Relax. You'll be fine after a little while.

[piercetheheart]

You sure you don't want me to just fuck off for an hour or something?

[At least he's aware of the fact he's being an ass. That's better than usual.]

[scourgingstars]

Not particularly. I don't care for being alone, despite what you might think.

[piercetheheart]

You were pretty eager to get rid of me last time so what do I know.

[That's not fair. That was on Nuidan. Gladio, don't be a dick.]

[scourgingstars]

My jealousy speaks loudly enough to be heard across islands, Gladiolus.

[piercetheheart]

[The most put upon sigh... Iggy would be proud.]

Keep telling you you've got nothing to be jealous of. Idiot

[scourgingstars]

The heart never listens to reason. It would seem that applies to even the heartless.

[piercetheheart]

Don't fucking start. Gods you sound like a broken fucking record, Ardyn.

[scourgingstars]

I'm being literal, you want to check for a pulse?

[piercetheheart]

That would involve touching you and I've had enough stab wounds, thanks.

[He says this like he wouldn't cherish the opportunity to even just lean on Ardyn. Look he's very tactile but-

All he seems to do is push people away with it.]

[scourgingstars]

I'm not going to stab anyone here. Promise.

[piercetheheart]

[He knows that. He's also not entirely sure how he feels about the fact that he wants to touch Ardyn.]

You love being contradictory don't you?

[scourgingstars]

I can't exactly help if the person I am in this desert is the polar opposite of my usual self.

[piercetheheart]

I know-

[Fuck it. Fuck this shit. Ardyn come here. He's leaning on you, deal with it. It's not like there's a lot of space under this little tent anyway.]

Do you have any idea how much I want to just be mad at you?

[scourgingstars]

And should you not be? Heavens know I deserve it.

[Even in the desert, he was cold--at minimum, colder than a human in so many layers under oppressive heat should have been. But he didn't push Gladio away, wary though he sounded.]

[piercetheheart]

I wish it were that easy.

[Knowing that he's cold only makes Gladio want to wrap him up more, cuddle him up to share some of his heat with him. Stupid but there it is.]

I wish any of this were easy. I'm so fucking tired of people getting hurt because of-

We don't have time for this.

[scourgingstars]

I can't help but note we have an abundance of time at the moment, as the world is not yet crashing down around us this time.