[action, closed to Rygdea]

[animus_concisus]

[...Damnit. Damn it all. This was exactly what Cid wanted to avoid, exactly what shouldn't have ever happened. Everything had been going smoothly until now, and although he knew that it was inevitable, he was hoping that he could delay it for as long as possible. Apparently, as long as possible wasn't more than just a few weeks

Comments

[cowboy_aloft]

[He knocks, though the formality feels strange when he really just wants to kick the door down and demands answers. Still, Cid is his superior officer, and old habits die hard.]

[cowboy_aloft]

[He just stares for a minute, completely nonplussed. Then he draws a faintly shaking hand across his face, trying to scrub away his confusion.]

But..why?! Why would I do that?

[animus_concisus]

You didn't know the truth. You saw me as Primarch. You did what had to be done.

[cowboy_aloft]

I wouldn't.. I would never..

[He gives a violent little headshake, lost for words. Kill Cid? It doesn't fit inside his head. It's simply not possible.]

[animus_concisus]

I don't know the whole situation, but I assume that I would have asked you to do it. If I was brought back, a puppet again, death would be freedom to me.

[cowboy_aloft]

[He finally leaves his place, slumping into a seat and burying his face in his hands.]

I don't think I could. Even then. Even if...

[He sighs]

But then, I guess..you never know. Shit, Cid. How long have you been sittin' on this?

[animus_concisus]

A long time. I...did not want to tell you. The last you who was here, when I told him, all but hated me after. Things were never the same. I didn't want that. I cannot have that.

[cowboy_aloft]

[He gives a dry snort that's not really very amused at all.]

Well, shit. Now I'm startin' to think that I've got an identical twin wanderin' around. [More seriously, he adds:] I don't agree with what you did, I don't even fully get it. But hating you? You're my boss, and..a friend, as well. Even if I don't understand why you did somethin', I respect you enough to guess that you have yor reasons.

[animus_concisus]

I'm sorry, Rygdea. I...wish to atone for what I did.

[He puts a hand on Rygdea's shoulder.]

You have been at my side for years. You kept me grounded, and you are my sole link to humanity. I cannot let you hate me.

[cowboy_aloft]

[He smiles. It's a little sore, a little empty, but a smile nonetheless. Reaching up, he squeezes the hand on his shoulder.]

I don't hate you, Cid. Wish you'd told me sooner, wish you'd trusted me enough, but...if this other me's been goin' around doin' all this shit, I can see why you'd think twice.

[animus_concisus]

I trust you more than you know, Rygdea. This may sound overly sappy, but I cannot afford to lose you.

[cowboy_aloft]

[He chuckles.]

You're right. That does sound overly sappy. But I appreciate it.

[He doesn't say how much he depends on Cid, on his guidance and leadership, as well as his friendship. He figures that should be a given by now.]

[animus_concisus]

[His hand tightens on his shoulder.]

...will you forgive me?

[cowboy_aloft]

Nothin' to forgive. For me, at least. [He snorts.] You'll be lucky if Fang leaves you with your balls intact, but you've got nothin' to worry about from me.

[animus_concisus]

[Chuckle.] I'd rather keep those, thank you very much.

[cowboy_aloft]

[A soft little laugh.] Don't worry. I'll protect ya from the big bad girl.