[ The scowl and the shove makes him laugh, warm and soft, as he turns to follow Luca outside. He'll be good and not make another comment. He won't push the flirting too much, not yet.
Once outside, however, he moves to draw his sword from it's sheathe on his back, adjusting his grip with his left hand. He still doesn't like using it, it's not nearly as strong as his right, but he has no choice unless he tapes it to his hand. ]
Remember. Exhaustion. Come at me with everything. No holding back.
[ He's fascinated to see how Luca fights, too. A rapier makes him think of Jill. Lighter, dartier? Hm. ]
[Luca is actually quite eager for this fight. They've enjoyed their more tactical conversations over chess, but Luca has yet to have the pleasure of seeing Clive in action. He knows from speaking with Joshua that he fights with a greatsword, but that doesn't say over much about his style.
He'd like to think he's coming in with an advantage though. He knows how a greatsword wielder moves and attacks for the most part. Granted, his own style was much different, considering the fact that his own blade had been just as tall as he was. Nevertheless, Luca is confident as he unsheaths his rapier and gives a nod.
There is a brief moment where he grips the blade with both hands, as if he did indeed clutch a much larger weapon. It's corrected quickly enough, posture shifting with relative ease, even as he scolds himself mentally.]
You don't have to tell me twice.
[He rotates his wrist once, watching the blade dip and bend, before flicking his gaze up toward Clive. Come at him with everything? He'll be sure to make Clive regret those words.]
[ Interesting. So Luca is used to fighting with a larger weapon, if that double handed grip is anything to go on. It's quickly corrected but it means Luca's going to be aware of Clive's own style. He raises his hand briefly to give Luca a hold on, then turns Gotterdammerung, resting the blade against his arm as he holds the handle out towards Luca. ]
Would this be more your speed?
[ Take it, his voice says, because he has an idea. He asked for everything Luca has to give, after all, and he should give as much as well. As he holds the sword out, he calls Odin to him, then manifests Zantetsuken to his right hand. The sword almost grows out of it, silver-blue and jagged.
And with it on his right hand, he can use it properly, twirling his wrist to swing the blade around before offering Luca a little smirk. ]
[Though he knows he should stick with the rapier, Luca nevertheless studies the blade for a long moment. It's a touch more ornamental than he's used to using, but it's about the right size. He suspects the weight will be adequate too.
After a moment, he gingerly sets the rapier down and takes the larger blade by the hilt. Both hands wrap around it and pull back. He gives it a few experimental swings — albeit several steps away from Clive — before giving a brisk nod.]
It will -
[He doesn't finish his statement. He watches the sword manifest within Clive's hands with something between awe and horror. It's not dissimilar to another man Luca knew, capable of summoning a liquid arsenal all without batting an eyelash.
For some reason, it sends a jolt of something heated through him. Not gonna acknowledge that thought with a ten foot pole, thank you. Instead, he admires the way Clive easily moves the blade within his stony hand.]
There is to be no disadvantages in this fight, I see.
[ Luca might someday get to see Clive using Leviathan, if he truly wants another reminder. For now Odin will do, as it puts them both on a more even playing field. And it also changes up his fighting style, leaves them both unaware of what the other can do. Odin, after all, is about speed. ]
It wouldn't be fair to ask all of you, without giving you all of me in return.
[ Though he knows he's going to have to be careful calling any Eikons. With how unstable the curse is, he's lucky it didn't aggravate with merely calling Odin to him.
He steps back a bit and salutes Luca with the sword, bowing lightly as he does, before positioning his sword in the ready stance. Clive looks far more confident with the sword in his right hand, having been swinging one since he was six. And he's learned patience, his eyes bright on Luca but studious. Slightly dark as Odin's energy fills him.
[The hints of shadows within Clive's eyes do little to diminish the parallels Luca continues to draw within his mind. It takes some doing to force the distraction from his head. If he's going to go all out, he needs to have his mind in the moment.
Not that Clive makes it any easier, talking like that. Giving all of him is certainly a thrilling thought, one that makes Luca lick his lips contemplatively. Maybe he can dwell on it further, later. He's wasting precious time, here.
After adjusting his grip on the hilt once more, Luca reaches into his mind. He calls the the Phoenix's power forth, sending flame down the span of the blade. He's pretty sure the weapon won't come to harm, considering who its wielder is. Nevertheless, it won't last but a second in any case.
Luca sprints forward, swinging overhead and coming down toward Clive's shoulder.]
[ As promised, Clive gives Luca everything he can give. While he doesn't dare to switch to another Eikon, he will use Odin to exhaustion, utilizing the Dark Demi-God's ability to speed him up. Allowing him to dodge the heavier blows - that make him laugh at one point because it truly reminds him of himself - while taking the lighter ones.
But as good as he takes, he gives to Luca in return. He doesn't spare his strength when their swords clash, his teeth baring as he brings his considerable weight down behind the eikonic weapon attached to his arm. He knows his own will hold up, aided by Luca's fire, so he doesn't worry about meeting blow for blow.
He only calls for an end when they're both at their limit, when the muscles begin to burn and lifting their weapons begins to feel like moving a boulder with a hand. Clive isn't unused to pushing himself to the point his body gives out, though he hasn't dealt with that in a long time, but Ydalir said to exhaustion.
So to exhaustion it is.
He raises his hand, using the tip of the eikon sword to rest on, sagging a little into it, laughing a little, his breathing heavy and rough. ]
I keep forgetting what it's like not to use magic.
[ His muscles burn and he tilts his head to Luca. ]
[Luca has come to a handful of conclusions in the heat of battle. One? Clive is incredibly hot when he's throwing himself into a fight. Two? Luca has missed fighting with a sword larger than himself. He won't be making the switch back any time soon, considering the sentiment behind the rapier. However, that does lead him to conclusion three. He really needs to adjust to fighting without throwing himself around again.
But acting on most of that can wait. Right now, he's far too winded to do much of anything. He has his hands braced upon his knees, half bent over. He opts to stop standing entirely, instead, settling into the grass on his knees.]
Beasts. [It's really all he can think for the time being. He hears Clive's question, but has to take a few moments to actually weigh it within his mind. Eventually he lifts his hand and attempts to let out a shot of flame. Instead, only a piffle of smoke leaves him.]
[ The 'swear' makes Clive laugh and he finally lets Odin go, the aether fading out of him making him groan in relief as the sword fades away. He's not used to holding one Eikon for so long, his insides crawl a little with the sensation of overwhelming Darkness. He reaches into his pocket as he walks over to Luca, pulling a small bracelet that glimmers and shines in iridescent oranges under the light, moving to sit himself down beside Luca in a heavy collapse. ]
I think I pulled something the last swing, so I'm done.
[ And then he holds the bracelet out, his voice soft as he lets it sit in his open palm. ]
Your gift. I was told to make sure to tell you to never take it off. Before you place it on, however, you should know what it will do. It will allow you to close the connection between you and the Phoenix whenever you desire it.
[Luca catches the faint glimmer of the bracelet, but isn't sure what to make of it just yet. He tilts his head enough to watch Clive, smiling a touch shyly as he comes to rest beside him. He waits until Clive is good and ready, and reaches out only when Clive holds it aloft.
He stops, however, just short. What Clive describes is nothing short of a miracle. He feels something painfully hopeful shoot through him, but he knows not what to make of it. His heart thunks heavily within his chest, alternating between joy and fear.]
Clive - [His voice shakes as he takes the bracelet into his hand. He moves it back and forth between his palm, feeling power and comfort within it. He almost worries it might burn him. Part of him even thinks to hand it back.
He can feel the Phoenix's indignation in the back of his mind. It makes dread coil all the tighter within his gut.]
[ He sets his hand down on his knee after the bracelet is taken, but he doesn't close his fingers. Not yet. He sees the hesitation in Luca and understands what a big thing this is. What it means. He shifts a little to brush his arm lightly against the others, shaking his head with a small smile. ]
Then don't say anything. You needn't even wear it, if you don't desire it. But it is an option I can give you, until I can end it permanently.
[ Oh yes, he hasn't forgotten what his initial promise was. He'll figure out a way to take the Phoenix out of Luca entirely, either by breaking the connection or figuring out how to let Ifrit consume foreign Aether.
He finally shifts his hand up to reach up to curl his fingers against Luca's jaw, tilting his chin upwards, leaning in to place a soft kiss down against the corner of his mouth, his voice soft. ]
It's a start, but it's only a start when you feel comfortable taking it. All right?
[Luca takes a deep breath, finding himself surprised when it trembles at the very edges. He chalks it up as fear at first, only to realize that what's welling within his chest is warmth, not the chill of fear. Yes, he dreads the Phoenix's response, should he choose to activate its spell, but the fact that he has a choice is so much more than he ever could have asked for.
He moves at Clive's urging, staring up at him with a sheen of tears in his eyes. He opens his mouth, but finds that he can't quite manage the words. Instead, he pitches forward, head thunking against the center of Clive's chest.]
You are - [His voice wobbles.] You - kept your word.
[Of course he would. Clive Rosfield never once gave the slightest indication of not being a man of his word.]
I don't know if - if I'm ready to activate it. I fear what the Phoenix may do if I shut it out, only to ask for its power later. But... [He shifts backward, and instead holds his hand out. He presents the bracelet once more, offering a hesitant smile.]
[ He moves his arms as Luca moves to wrap them around the other man, tucking him in against him and holding him gently as he hides in against his chest. The words make him smile and he rubs his fingers lightly against Luca's back, his voice soft, a gentle rumble under his head. ]
I try.
[ And he nods, understanding that hesitation. But it will offer Luca the ability to shut the Phoenix out if it begins to hurt him. A warning that he won't put up with the creatures claws anymore. He lets him lean back, glancing down to the bracelet as it's presented, then back up to the smile.
Which gets his own out of him and he nods, carefully picking the not-so-delicate piece of jewelry up. ]
Together?
[ Because he can't use his right hand, so he carefully hooks his thumb into the latch and waits for Luca to grip the other end, so they can hook it around his wrist together. ]
[Luca may not be fragile, but he doesn't hate being treated as such. With every gentle touch — the secure embrace, the fingers down his back, even the gift itself — he finds his heart soaring. There is still fear there, but it is tempered with each moment that passes. Some part of him had deeply feared that Clive would be angry. He doubts this gift had been particularly easy to procure, and yet Clive was more than willing to wait for Luca to be ready.
For a long time, he has not been a man of prayer. Not when his deity has been as scornful as it is. Nevertheless, Luca finds himself uttering a silent thank you. Not to his Beast, who already bristles as Luca's audacity, but to the gods and guardians of this world. For so long, he had distrusted them. This kindness marked a shift from that.
With his silent utterance out of the way, Luca turns his attention back to Clive. In the height of his emotions, he had forgotten of Clive's limitations. No matter. It feels far more poetic to work together. He takes the other end as instructed and gives a nod.]
Together.
[He loops it around his wrist, touch still boarding on reverent. He waits for Clive to latch it into place, then holds it out into the small space beneath them. Something moves through him, creeping up his arm and down the span of his body. It feels powerful, protective even. More than anything, it feels loving. He'll have to ask what all went into the process, but he doubts it was easy or without its share of emotion.
The Phoenix, naturally, continues to balk. Luca pays it no mind.]
[ Carefully he latches his end to the piece Luca offers, making sure it's secure and won't release before letting his hand go, so Luca can show it off. His laugh is a soft chuckle, and he takes Luca's hand to hold it steady. ]
It does but it doesn't nearly have the same lustre.
[ He admires the stone only briefly, he's seen it enough, and turns his attention to Luca instead, tilting his head a little and smiling at him. ]
Don't think I've forgotten my promise. [ Threat, to the Phoenix. Behave, or else. ] But this is the least I can do for now.
[ Maybe if they ever figure out ways to go home, he'll make good on his promise. Until then, all they can do is shut the door on the Phoenix's beak. A beat or two as he thinks, his brow furrowing a little. If the Phoenix decides not to give Luca it's aid in turn, out of spite... well, he doesn't know if he can give Blessings with the other Eikons, they're not his, not really.
But Ifrit is... ]
And I'll be there by your side for any other moments that might arise.
[Luca only huffs in response at first, snatching his hand back with a playful scowl. It's significantly defanged by the warmth spreading over his cheeks, never mind the clear adoration in his eyes. He does his best to deflect by giving Clive's bicep another shove, but quickly undermines his own efforts with a thoughtful smile.]
You are doing terrible things to my stoic persona, I hope you know.
[He... doesn't hate it. He's long lamented the loss of the boy he used to be. He's not the only one, either. Kiera still seems to hold fast to that young man. It would be easier for all of them, he thinks, to be a little more like that.
But he can turn that thought over more later. Clive is here and now at the moment, happy with Luca as he is. He reaches up, cupping the man's cheek and gingerly thumbing over the scar there. He waits only a second before leaning up to steal a kiss, one that he hopes conveys the endless gratitude he feels.]
If you could only ever do this, it would be enough. It's more than anyone has been able to accomplish thus far.
[He shifts just enough to lay his forehead against Clive's shoulder.]
I know you will. Perhaps it's too early to say but... you have yet to let me down once.
[ The yank and the whack makes him laugh again, and he playfully rocks with it like it did anything, his mouth turning up into a little smirk in return. ]
You? Stoic?
[ The cup to his cheek makes him close his eyes and lean in to it, relaxing into it like a touch starved animal, his hand coming up in turn to cover over Luca's. The soft touch to his mouth makes him smile and lean in to return it, a brief warm brush.
As Luca leans in to him, he shifts his arms to cradle the other, just letting him rest against him and making sure he's secure so he can just relax. They did just get done pushing each other to the limits after all, Luca deserves to relax. ]
I vow it. I will not fail you.
[ He turns his head to press his mouth into Luca's head, letting it linger there for a moment. ]
[Clive is lucky he doesn't get shoved again. Instead, Luca crosses one arm with a huff, settling for fixing a glower upon the other man. He tries to manage a scowl, but it falls apart given the fact that he's still holding Clive's face with the other hand.
Which, speaking of, yes he's melting as Clive leans his head into the touch. He can at least be pleased by the fact that for all the comfort the other man gives him, Luca seems to give the same right back.]
I trust you, Clive Rosfield.
[A smirk crosses his lips after a moment, He glances toward the Watchtower, then back at Clive.]
I suppose if you're offering to carry me up the stairs and start a hot bath, I will not complain. It's only fair, after the work you made me put in.
[ His voice is musing but he's smiling as he says it, finally opening his eyes so Luca can see the sparkle in them. He doesn't say anything else as he shifts his other arm under Luca's legs to easily gather him up off the ground and into his arms proper. Then stands with him. ]
I did challenge you, it's only fair.
[ He pauses only to kneel so Luca can grab his Rapier and Clives sword for him, before straightening again and carrying him into the Watchtower proper. He will carry him up stairs, people watching be damned, and he WILL draw him a bath, see if he won't. ]
[That's the sort of glimmer that could melt a man's heart. And oh, does it. Luca wasn't going to fight being carried, mind you, but now he practically melts within Clive's arms. He nestles in close, head resting comfortably at his shoulder for a brief moment.]
Never mind the fact that you rendered me so emotional.
[There is, of course, no real complaint to those words. It's a very precious gift that he's been given, and he'll be grateful to Clive for as long as he draws breath.
For, now, though, he twists his body in order to properly sheathe his rapier. It's a bit more effort to get Clive's sword tucked away, but he does it with the same care as his own weapon. Eventually he settles once more, opting to glare daggers at anyone who dares to cast them a sideways glance.
Once they're out of earshot, Luca sighs. There's a faint laugh in his voice.]
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2025-03-12 02:15 am (UTC)Once outside, however, he moves to draw his sword from it's sheathe on his back, adjusting his grip with his left hand. He still doesn't like using it, it's not nearly as strong as his right, but he has no choice unless he tapes it to his hand. ]
Remember. Exhaustion. Come at me with everything. No holding back.
[ He's fascinated to see how Luca fights, too. A rapier makes him think of Jill. Lighter, dartier? Hm. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-03-12 02:43 am (UTC)He'd like to think he's coming in with an advantage though. He knows how a greatsword wielder moves and attacks for the most part. Granted, his own style was much different, considering the fact that his own blade had been just as tall as he was. Nevertheless, Luca is confident as he unsheaths his rapier and gives a nod.
There is a brief moment where he grips the blade with both hands, as if he did indeed clutch a much larger weapon. It's corrected quickly enough, posture shifting with relative ease, even as he scolds himself mentally.]
You don't have to tell me twice.
[He rotates his wrist once, watching the blade dip and bend, before flicking his gaze up toward Clive. Come at him with everything? He'll be sure to make Clive regret those words.]
no subject
Date: 2025-03-14 04:40 am (UTC)Would this be more your speed?
[ Take it, his voice says, because he has an idea. He asked for everything Luca has to give, after all, and he should give as much as well. As he holds the sword out, he calls Odin to him, then manifests Zantetsuken to his right hand. The sword almost grows out of it, silver-blue and jagged.
And with it on his right hand, he can use it properly, twirling his wrist to swing the blade around before offering Luca a little smirk. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-03-14 05:04 am (UTC)After a moment, he gingerly sets the rapier down and takes the larger blade by the hilt. Both hands wrap around it and pull back. He gives it a few experimental swings — albeit several steps away from Clive — before giving a brisk nod.]
It will -
[He doesn't finish his statement. He watches the sword manifest within Clive's hands with something between awe and horror. It's not dissimilar to another man Luca knew, capable of summoning a liquid arsenal all without batting an eyelash.
For some reason, it sends a jolt of something heated through him. Not gonna acknowledge that thought with a ten foot pole, thank you. Instead, he admires the way Clive easily moves the blade within his stony hand.]
There is to be no disadvantages in this fight, I see.
[Good. All the easier to exhaust himself upon.]
no subject
Date: 2025-03-14 05:42 am (UTC)It wouldn't be fair to ask all of you, without giving you all of me in return.
[ Though he knows he's going to have to be careful calling any Eikons. With how unstable the curse is, he's lucky it didn't aggravate with merely calling Odin to him.
He steps back a bit and salutes Luca with the sword, bowing lightly as he does, before positioning his sword in the ready stance. Clive looks far more confident with the sword in his right hand, having been swinging one since he was six. And he's learned patience, his eyes bright on Luca but studious. Slightly dark as Odin's energy fills him.
On Luca's mark. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-03-15 12:07 am (UTC)Not that Clive makes it any easier, talking like that. Giving all of him is certainly a thrilling thought, one that makes Luca lick his lips contemplatively. Maybe he can dwell on it further, later. He's wasting precious time, here.
After adjusting his grip on the hilt once more, Luca reaches into his mind. He calls the the Phoenix's power forth, sending flame down the span of the blade. He's pretty sure the weapon won't come to harm, considering who its wielder is. Nevertheless, it won't last but a second in any case.
Luca sprints forward, swinging overhead and coming down toward Clive's shoulder.]
no subject
Date: 2025-03-15 02:25 am (UTC)But as good as he takes, he gives to Luca in return. He doesn't spare his strength when their swords clash, his teeth baring as he brings his considerable weight down behind the eikonic weapon attached to his arm. He knows his own will hold up, aided by Luca's fire, so he doesn't worry about meeting blow for blow.
He only calls for an end when they're both at their limit, when the muscles begin to burn and lifting their weapons begins to feel like moving a boulder with a hand. Clive isn't unused to pushing himself to the point his body gives out, though he hasn't dealt with that in a long time, but Ydalir said to exhaustion.
So to exhaustion it is.
He raises his hand, using the tip of the eikon sword to rest on, sagging a little into it, laughing a little, his breathing heavy and rough. ]
I keep forgetting what it's like not to use magic.
[ His muscles burn and he tilts his head to Luca. ]
Got anything left in you?
no subject
Date: 2025-03-15 03:04 am (UTC)But acting on most of that can wait. Right now, he's far too winded to do much of anything. He has his hands braced upon his knees, half bent over. He opts to stop standing entirely, instead, settling into the grass on his knees.]
Beasts. [It's really all he can think for the time being. He hears Clive's question, but has to take a few moments to actually weigh it within his mind. Eventually he lifts his hand and attempts to let out a shot of flame. Instead, only a piffle of smoke leaves him.]
I think I am tapped out. You?
no subject
Date: 2025-03-15 03:28 am (UTC)I think I pulled something the last swing, so I'm done.
[ And then he holds the bracelet out, his voice soft as he lets it sit in his open palm. ]
Your gift. I was told to make sure to tell you to never take it off. Before you place it on, however, you should know what it will do. It will allow you to close the connection between you and the Phoenix whenever you desire it.
no subject
Date: 2025-03-15 03:36 am (UTC)He stops, however, just short. What Clive describes is nothing short of a miracle. He feels something painfully hopeful shoot through him, but he knows not what to make of it. His heart thunks heavily within his chest, alternating between joy and fear.]
Clive - [His voice shakes as he takes the bracelet into his hand. He moves it back and forth between his palm, feeling power and comfort within it. He almost worries it might burn him. Part of him even thinks to hand it back.
He can feel the Phoenix's indignation in the back of his mind. It makes dread coil all the tighter within his gut.]
I - don't know what to say.
no subject
Date: 2025-03-15 03:47 am (UTC)Then don't say anything. You needn't even wear it, if you don't desire it. But it is an option I can give you, until I can end it permanently.
[ Oh yes, he hasn't forgotten what his initial promise was. He'll figure out a way to take the Phoenix out of Luca entirely, either by breaking the connection or figuring out how to let Ifrit consume foreign Aether.
He finally shifts his hand up to reach up to curl his fingers against Luca's jaw, tilting his chin upwards, leaning in to place a soft kiss down against the corner of his mouth, his voice soft. ]
It's a start, but it's only a start when you feel comfortable taking it. All right?
no subject
Date: 2025-03-15 03:57 am (UTC)He moves at Clive's urging, staring up at him with a sheen of tears in his eyes. He opens his mouth, but finds that he can't quite manage the words. Instead, he pitches forward, head thunking against the center of Clive's chest.]
You are - [His voice wobbles.] You - kept your word.
[Of course he would. Clive Rosfield never once gave the slightest indication of not being a man of his word.]
I don't know if - if I'm ready to activate it. I fear what the Phoenix may do if I shut it out, only to ask for its power later. But... [He shifts backward, and instead holds his hand out. He presents the bracelet once more, offering a hesitant smile.]
Will you help me put it on?
no subject
Date: 2025-03-15 04:36 am (UTC)I try.
[ And he nods, understanding that hesitation. But it will offer Luca the ability to shut the Phoenix out if it begins to hurt him. A warning that he won't put up with the creatures claws anymore. He lets him lean back, glancing down to the bracelet as it's presented, then back up to the smile.
Which gets his own out of him and he nods, carefully picking the not-so-delicate piece of jewelry up. ]
Together?
[ Because he can't use his right hand, so he carefully hooks his thumb into the latch and waits for Luca to grip the other end, so they can hook it around his wrist together. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-03-15 04:52 pm (UTC)For a long time, he has not been a man of prayer. Not when his deity has been as scornful as it is. Nevertheless, Luca finds himself uttering a silent thank you. Not to his Beast, who already bristles as Luca's audacity, but to the gods and guardians of this world. For so long, he had distrusted them. This kindness marked a shift from that.
With his silent utterance out of the way, Luca turns his attention back to Clive. In the height of his emotions, he had forgotten of Clive's limitations. No matter. It feels far more poetic to work together. He takes the other end as instructed and gives a nod.]
Together.
[He loops it around his wrist, touch still boarding on reverent. He waits for Clive to latch it into place, then holds it out into the small space beneath them. Something moves through him, creeping up his arm and down the span of his body. It feels powerful, protective even. More than anything, it feels loving. He'll have to ask what all went into the process, but he doubts it was easy or without its share of emotion.
The Phoenix, naturally, continues to balk. Luca pays it no mind.]
What do you think? Does it suit me?
no subject
Date: 2025-03-17 12:56 am (UTC)It does but it doesn't nearly have the same lustre.
[ He admires the stone only briefly, he's seen it enough, and turns his attention to Luca instead, tilting his head a little and smiling at him. ]
Don't think I've forgotten my promise. [ Threat, to the Phoenix. Behave, or else. ] But this is the least I can do for now.
[ Maybe if they ever figure out ways to go home, he'll make good on his promise. Until then, all they can do is shut the door on the Phoenix's beak. A beat or two as he thinks, his brow furrowing a little. If the Phoenix decides not to give Luca it's aid in turn, out of spite... well, he doesn't know if he can give Blessings with the other Eikons, they're not his, not really.
But Ifrit is... ]
And I'll be there by your side for any other moments that might arise.
no subject
Date: 2025-03-17 01:22 am (UTC)You are doing terrible things to my stoic persona, I hope you know.
[He... doesn't hate it. He's long lamented the loss of the boy he used to be. He's not the only one, either. Kiera still seems to hold fast to that young man. It would be easier for all of them, he thinks, to be a little more like that.
But he can turn that thought over more later. Clive is here and now at the moment, happy with Luca as he is. He reaches up, cupping the man's cheek and gingerly thumbing over the scar there. He waits only a second before leaning up to steal a kiss, one that he hopes conveys the endless gratitude he feels.]
If you could only ever do this, it would be enough. It's more than anyone has been able to accomplish thus far.
[He shifts just enough to lay his forehead against Clive's shoulder.]
I know you will. Perhaps it's too early to say but... you have yet to let me down once.
no subject
Date: 2025-03-17 07:02 am (UTC)You? Stoic?
[ The cup to his cheek makes him close his eyes and lean in to it, relaxing into it like a touch starved animal, his hand coming up in turn to cover over Luca's. The soft touch to his mouth makes him smile and lean in to return it, a brief warm brush.
As Luca leans in to him, he shifts his arms to cradle the other, just letting him rest against him and making sure he's secure so he can just relax. They did just get done pushing each other to the limits after all, Luca deserves to relax. ]
I vow it. I will not fail you.
[ He turns his head to press his mouth into Luca's head, letting it linger there for a moment. ]
Do you need help returning to the Watchtower?
no subject
Date: 2025-03-18 12:42 am (UTC)Which, speaking of, yes he's melting as Clive leans his head into the touch. He can at least be pleased by the fact that for all the comfort the other man gives him, Luca seems to give the same right back.]
I trust you, Clive Rosfield.
[A smirk crosses his lips after a moment, He glances toward the Watchtower, then back at Clive.]
I suppose if you're offering to carry me up the stairs and start a hot bath, I will not complain. It's only fair, after the work you made me put in.
no subject
Date: 2025-03-19 12:17 pm (UTC)[ His voice is musing but he's smiling as he says it, finally opening his eyes so Luca can see the sparkle in them. He doesn't say anything else as he shifts his other arm under Luca's legs to easily gather him up off the ground and into his arms proper. Then stands with him. ]
I did challenge you, it's only fair.
[ He pauses only to kneel so Luca can grab his Rapier and Clives sword for him, before straightening again and carrying him into the Watchtower proper. He will carry him up stairs, people watching be damned, and he WILL draw him a bath, see if he won't. ]
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Date: 2025-03-19 12:55 pm (UTC)Never mind the fact that you rendered me so emotional.
[There is, of course, no real complaint to those words. It's a very precious gift that he's been given, and he'll be grateful to Clive for as long as he draws breath.
For, now, though, he twists his body in order to properly sheathe his rapier. It's a bit more effort to get Clive's sword tucked away, but he does it with the same care as his own weapon. Eventually he settles once more, opting to glare daggers at anyone who dares to cast them a sideways glance.
Once they're out of earshot, Luca sighs. There's a faint laugh in his voice.]
Oh, the gossip we've once again inspired.