★ // 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]

Because I'd not be the healer he sees in me if I ignored someone in pain.

[piercetheheart]

I can deal. As long as I know you two can be happy I can deal with it for a while.

[scourgingstars]

Don't pull that self-sacrificial nonsense, Gladio. Not with me of all people who knows how it feels.

[piercetheheart]

I want him to be happy and I want you to be happy and I don't factor into that. We both know it.

[scourgingstars]

Don't delude yourself. He won't be happy without you.

[piercetheheart]

Well then what am I supposed to do? You can't stand me.

[Okay maybe a little harsh.]

[scourgingstars]

Circumstances are different here. Just because I don't want you trying to get my clothes off doesn't mean I'd sooner be rid of you entirely.

[piercetheheart]

[Just.... just staring.

Ardyn he put an arm around you and you acted like he had the plague.]

Why does everyone assume I'm trying to get in their pants!? For fucks sake I just-

[He's a teddy bear come on guys. First Laurent, now this. If anyone is going to accuse him of that shouldn't it be Prom?]

[scourgingstars]

Was that...not what was going on here? Usually a dramatic line invoking how both parties have been dancing around an issue immediately precedes all manner of things less suitable for open air or an audience.

[ardyn...]

But whatever do I know, I'm functionally dead and well out of date.

[piercetheheart]

[When he was younger he slept around, yeah, a lot. He still did even after the Night fell. But it was always just a way to be close to people, to celebrate being alive against all odds it-

It wasn't meant to be something aggressive or whatever the hell else people seemed to think he was trying to do. It was no different than hugging Shion or Lance when they were upset or kissing someone's hair to soothe them when they were scared. Physical affection was just part of who he was, it came so easily to him. And yet it's constantly blown up in his face since coming here.]

I meant that more for you and Iggy to stop with the waltz. I just... like being close to people.

[scourgingstars]

Oh. Well-...

[. . .]

...alright, I suppose. As long as that's all it is, and you don't care about being near a walking corpse.

[piercetheheart]

It's fine... I need to learn to keep my hands to myself.

[CT had nearly taken his head off for hugging her after all.]

Too stubborn to learn my lesson I guess.

[scourgingstars]

[gladio, honey.]

I've been without significant physical contact in two millennia and I'm giving you express permission, I am not sure I see the problem here.

[piercetheheart]

[Actual legitimate hopeful wibble.

So it's okay if he scoots back over?]

[scourgingstars]

[Ardyn was still a little tense, but didn't shove him back in the opposite direction.]

[Scoot as you will, Gladio.]

[piercetheheart]

[Leeeeaaaan?

Gods no wonder Leo is as clingy as he is look at this, they're spirit animals.]

You should still spend time with Iggy.

And for fuck's sake kiss the man.

[scourgingstars]

...I do care about him. It's just not something easily expressed under normal circumstances.

[piercetheheart]

I know you do or you wouldn't be so hung up on my existence. but these aren't normal circumstances so stop dancing and just... take the opportunity while you've got it.

[scourgingstars]

I was planning on it.

[piercetheheart]

Good.

[A playful little shoulder nudge.]

I'm still gonna make myself scarce at least a little bit. Give you two some alone time.

[scourgingstars]

...Just don't go far. [Ardyn leaned slightly against Gladio like a standoffish cat.] It's difficult to get through the other half of the island, and he'll be upset if you leave entirely.

[piercetheheart]

Not too far. Just doubt you want an audience.

[See he's trying to be respectable here. Not a creep. Promise. He'll happily accept that lean though, careful not to move too much or do anything that might make Ardyn go away.]

[scourgingstars]

The only thing I want is for him not to be upset. That's all.

[piercetheheart]

Then you [A gentle nudge with his shoulder.] need to stop pushing him away.

We'll play it by ear I guess. See what happens.

[scourgingstars]

...I can't always help it. What I am outside of this desert...it's like a wounded coeurl backed into a corner. I've not known kindness in longer than you can comprehend, and a matter of months is barely even an instant in comparison. When someone extends compassion to me, I question their motives; presuming they want something from me whether that should be my power or my limited mercy.

In the end, it's not something that I can understand. No sane person would show a daemon and genocidal monster compassion, and so such things seem naught but lies to me. It's frightening and defies comprehension, so I choose to believe it an empty platitude preluding betrayal and lash out at it.

I don't...want to hurt him. That's the last thing I desire, whether driven mad by darkness or otherwise. But hurting people is all I know how to do anymore.