Fifty-fourth Song || Video/Action for Goldenrod

[restardom]

[ Anyone who's been around Rise for the past few days or so might notice that she hasn't seemed like herself. She's been quieter, not as readily found, and tends to disappear from the house without saying anything.

Today is another such day, but she certainly doesn't seem as subdued today. Maybe it's because it looks as though she's busying

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[tiercelet]

[He's noticed her change in moods, of course, seeing her as often as he does, but he won't pry...yet. No, he'll just make himself comfortable on the bench next to her once he finds her hiding place.]

So... a fire alarm? I hope Rosemary doesn't have anything to do with this.

[tiercelet]

But something happened between you and this person. Something you didn't count on.

[Well, that explains it, at least. The last time anyone had tried to hide their feelings for someone, Merlin had caught on nearly immediately. But Rise is much better at hiding than Arthur is, for all her openness and smiles. If she had been trying to deny its existence, Merlin supposes he had more than enough reason to have missed it.

[restardom]

Yeah. [ in a softer voice. ] That's exactly it.

[tiercelet]

You told him? [No...that doesn't seem right. Not if Rise had been fighting it. If something had happened, the other person must have been the one to bring it up...and yet Rise had been rejected.

He frowns.] or...they...noticed?

[restardom]

We both kinda noticed... we just never really said anything about it, until he suddenly said I should meet him somewhere.

[tiercelet]

Ah. [And then he'd let her down.] Did he...give a reason?

[restardom]

Yeah. He had someone else, someone he couldn't... do this to.

[tiercelet]

I'm sorry. [His hand finds hers, mindful of the bracelet she had been working on, to give it a reassuring squeeze.

At least the man, whoever he is, had been honest enough to admit this. And this time, Rise's calmer--that has to be a good sign, right?]

[restardom]

[ Rise glances at his hand, almost as if she's surprised it's there, and then she moves her fingers to squeeze back. She's had her moment to break-- Niou had made certain of that. ]

It'll be okay. It really could've been worse.

[tiercelet]

I guess. [For a moment, he simply lets their clasped hands rest between them, eyes on his Leafeon, who has by all appearances simply curled up and gone to sleep. Then, he shifts until he's facing her and, in the blink of an eye, he's dropping a careful kiss to the top of her head and pulling back immediately.]

Even if it was any worse, I know it wouldn't have made a difference. You're Rise. [And now a fond quirk of his lips.] You're strong enough to get through anything.

[restardom]

[ have a bit of a startled blink, Merlin. Rise clearly didn't expect that, judging from the widened eyes and the half-open mouth; she presses her lips together in a flustered and affectionate smile, though. ]

And when did you start getting so much faith in me?

[tiercelet]

[And have a mock-wounded look in return.] What are you talking about? I've always had faith in you.

[restardom]

Always?

[tiercelet]

Wellllllll. [He draws the word out teasingly, mentally prepared to duck if she takes a swipe at him.]

[restardom]

[ she doesn't.

... yet. ]

Weeeeelllllll...?

[tiercelet]

[Finally lets go of her hand to streeeetch, drawing out the suspense.]

Yeah. I guess you could say always. [He tilts his head back, grinning.] When I first met you, you had been prepared to go through with something you hadn't signed up for. I think I knew even then.