47 - (voice/video)

[conductyourself]

I've returned.

[ This is said in a neutral and quiet tone - or, rather, what passes for somber or half-hearted when you are Clef. He isn't really interested in announcing his arrival but merely thought that it would be rude to go and take a nap in his room and then show up to dinner or whatever without saying hi to anyone first. So he is saying hi

Comments

voice; 1/2

[pharles_at_life]

[ Well, here's someone with enthusiasm that you're back. ]

Clef! Clef, you're back! [ She sounds quite relieved. ]

action; 2/2

[pharles_at_life]

[ And you can expect her arrival a few minutes later, somewhat out of breath. Yes, she ran. ]

[ And... it's strange to see you in formal clothes again, and there's something in your quiet... She wonders when you've come from, because you really don't seem happy. So there is hesitation, and she stops before embracing you, allowing a length of distance, should you need it. ]

Are you all right?

action;

[conductyourself]

[ Hesitates, but then shakes his head before drawing closer to her. He doesn't need all that distance. ]

I--

[ Lied. LIED. ]

... can't discuss it right now. I'm sorry.

[ Stares absently at her hand, though. ]

action;

[pharles_at_life]

All right.

[ Yeah, you came back from a bad place. And you don't want to talk about it, okay. But you are getting a hug, no protests. Because she thinks you need one. ]

action; apologies for the COMPLETE LACK OF DIALOGUE.

[conductyourself]

[ Tenses up as he is pulled into a hug, but swiftly relaxes. He was only a bit surprised and... not used to those kinds of displays of affection since he went back home. He certainly didn't mean to cry, but after a moment or two there is the quiet, shuddering gasp that generally signals and precludes such a thing. Under all that gleaming metal and all those voluminous robes, he is human and he needed this after all. ]

action; <3

[pharles_at_life]

[ She clutches him firmly, stroking his hair a little and mumbling reassurances half under her breath. She knows the words don't really matter right now - not until he's ready to talk. ]

It's okay. [ Not... whatever happened, because it sucked, but okay to cry. ]

action; <333

[conductyourself]

[ This goes on for a while, probably resulting in Presea's shirt getting a bit damp. The quiet sobbing only lasts a few minutes, but once it has ended it seems like a long time before he finally lifts his head. He doesn't pull away, though. ]

I will probably say this back home, but... I'm sorry I lied.

action; <33333

[pharles_at_life]

[ Her shirt can get wet. It will dry. She continues petting his hair, thinking about the way this conversation had gone the first time, how much it had hurt to learn then. ]

You did say so. And I shouted a lot and eventually realized that you did what you thought you had to do. So I'll spare you the lecture. You'll get it when you go back. [ She smiles a little, trying to be reassuring. ]

Just promise never to do that again. [ She scowls momentarily and flicks him in the forehead. Okay, a little punishment was necessary. ]

action;

[conductyourself]

[ Makes a sound and a face somehow very similar to that of a kitten who has just had the same thing done to it, ducking his head a bit. ]

I promise.

action;

[pharles_at_life]

[ She seems satisfied with this reaction and presses her forehead to his briefly. ]

Good.

action;

[conductyourself]

[ He still has his circlet on, you know. But the closeness makes him smile just slightly, looking into her eyes. ]

action;

[pharles_at_life]

[ Well, that's okay, she wasn't doing it hard. No need for silly forehead marks. ]

I should have told you then. I'm sorry about the Princess. I know you really loved her.

action;

[conductyourself]

[ Looks down. What happened shouldn't have been necessary. ]

Zagato, as well.

action;

[pharles_at_life]

[ Nods. He has a list of people, doesn't he? Alcyone, Zagato, Emeraude... It's not the first time that she's thought, "He's so strong." ]

At least they were allowed a moment of happiness.

[ Totally doesn't make up for this mess, but it is kinda nice .]

action;

[conductyourself]

[ Nods, and then leans against, feeling just a twinge of guilt at the fact that he's getting a lot more than a moment. ]

action;

[pharles_at_life]

[ Supports comfortably and smiles. Clef, you derp, you're allowed to be happy even when other people aren't. No guilt allowed here. ]