Open RP Post

[centuriesinspired]

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[centuriesinspired]

They are in Krile's hands, you say?

[ It isn't the same rattling shock as hearing his own name, but the memories that resurface at the mention of Krile bring a softness to his eyes. ]

In such case...they are in especially fine care. [ The Exarch's smile turns embarrassed, ears twisting as his cheeks threaten to turn pink. He was nearly sucked into his own head for a moment there. ] Forgive me, my friend. Krile and I were well acquainted in our younger days as Students of Baldesion.

[ So very long ago it feels like yet another lifetime. Back then when had only just begun his search for answers regarding his Allagan Eye. Krile became a confidant and then close friend, perhaps his very first. ]

...so readily and often would she suggest I take more caution that I can near hear her scolding even now. Is she well?

[hoshikiri]

They are. [It was an oddly comforting sight seeing the Exarch speak as fondly of Krile as she did of him. She is an invaluable ally to the Scions and the only reason Takame allowed this comfort was for her sake. And even then it was tinged with some guilt.]

So I've heard, she spoke of you during an excursion we shared some time ago, but she is well indeed. [It felt like an age since he stepped foot into Eureka. Given all that has happened, she was no worse for wear. For that he was thankful, at least. But she certainly did have a mind to scold, not that he could blame her.]

Ah, she did say you were reckless. [A pause.] With due respect, I cannot say she's wrong. [Says the hypocrite and yet the fact that he said it at all spoke volumes.]

[centuriesinspired]

[ His ears twitch higher in a moment of brief but genuine surprise. Krile spoke of him? She...

Well of course she would remember. For Krile those days are little more than a few summers past as opposed to the many, many epochs it has been for him. That world...he spent so many of his years reaching for the Source and even now is standing before its hero and speaking with him, but his part in that world still feels so very far away. It's a strange feeling to be reminded that for those who know him, his departure is still fresh.

Now truly is no time to be sleeping, G'raha Tia.

He smiles when Takame tells him that Krile called him 'reckless', ready to laugh at himself and turn the melancholy into relieved happiness. Victory was achieved in the end, after all. Yet to hear Takame agree with her... ]

To be given such criticism from you, well.

[ The laugh still comes though it's more genuinely embarrassed. The Exarch's eyes wander briefly as he rubs the back of his neck. He would never call the Warrior 'reckless' let alone a hypocrite for saying as much of him. Takame is brave and selfless and knows his limits...however boundless they may seem to everyone else. ]

...do you intend to drum the lesson in the same manner as young Alisaie? I'll not object if you feel it necessary, only ask for the chance to brace myself first.

[hoshikiri]

Ah. [Seeing the Exarch so sheepish, deserved or not, Takame couldn't help but feel that he said something incorrect. He lacked the right to criticize G'raha on so many levels. Takame may be aware of his own limits, but that didn't mean he wasn't constantly pushing past them at every opportunity and running himself just as ragged.

It was not brave of him. G'raha is brave. Takame was just doing his duty, nothing to be celebrated over.]

No. I could not possibly imitate Alisaie's method. [Not for lack of trying or strength, but willingness. He shook his head.] ... My apologies-- ["G'raha"] ... Exarch. I stepped out of line.

[centuriesinspired]

[ As serious as ever.

The Exarch's chagrined smile softens immediately as he shakes his head. Perhaps it's too much to hope for a return to those old days...and perhaps that truly is for the best. The Exarch has had more than a few attempts at sleep foiled wincing at memories of his younger years.

G'raha could certainly be a little shite at times. ]

Pray be at ease, Takame. You, Alisaie, and Krile all are absolutely correct in your assessment.

[ He holds out his left hand, an open and reassuring gesture. ]

My only wish now, aside from seeing your comrades safely home, is to assuage these fears. If there is aught I may do...

[hoshikiri]

[It was hard for him to be at ease normally, let alone when the thought of losing the man right in front of him weighed on him. It was easier to do so before he proposed dying to get the Scions home again. After Emet-Selch was defeated and he was brought safely back home. Takame could relax then, even smile.

There's a small, hesitant step towards the Exarch and he began to move his arm to take the offered hand. But it didn't make it far past his own leg before pinning it back to his side. He couldn't allow himself that familiarity, that nostalgic fondness for G'raha.

And yet here he was, taking another step forward, the heart he was never in tune with selfishly craving to stay and to be heard lest he regret his silence again. While his mind that put up walls argued he would regret his impudence.]

Swear to me... [Walls that were so weak in G'raha's presence.] ... that you will not throw your life away. Please.

[centuriesinspired]

[ The gesture was meant to comfort, the Exarch never dreamed Takame would take it as an invitation. Yet seeing him do so and seeing him begin to accept, even haltingly, has his chest tightening.

A feeling that only grows when Takame makes his plea. It's impossible for the Warrior of Darkness to ever be impudent. Takame could toss the Exarch over his shoulder and carry him directly to Spagyrics if he felt it necessary and none would do more than ask a question or two. Even the Exarch himself could not protest too much...once he'd recovered from his embarrassment. ]

You have my word.

[ Even now there is a tremor in his voice, the words coming instinctively even if he wonders if making such a promise is a mistake. He would never throw his life away...but if it were to save his hero, his--his friend, that is no waste... ]

...never would I give my life for nothing.

[hoshikiri]

Then-- nn. ["... why would you give your life for me?"

The thought never left his lips, but it was still there. For all his supposed accomplishments, he never felt the praise he received deserved. His failings outweighed them. Still. He could do little more than take the Exarch at his word.

His word that Takame was unsure would be followed. And there arose the feelings of guilt yet again, he should have said nothing. It was true, he didn't want G'raha to push himself, harm himself. To lose his life, it was part of his nature but he should have said nothing. It was G'raha's decision to make in the end. He was half tempted to turn away. He didn't. He was just as tempted to try and reach for his hand again, moving his arm from his side.

He didn't.] Pray forgive this selfish request of mine...

[centuriesinspired]

[ No hero is perfect, no victory ever without cost. Even the stories of Takame's adventures, passed down through the generations, did not try to hide these truths. It was why the Exarch had tried so hard to hide his identity, lest Takame take his sacrifice as another failing.

None of that makes Takame a failure. He has done so much good, saved so many...the doubt in Takame's voice is heartbreaking. ]

Takame...

[ If the Warrior hesitated to close the distance and reach for the other's hand then the Exarch had found it paralyzing. Yet upon being asked for forgiveness something must give and the small miqo'te finds himself taking a step closer, imploring. ]

There is naught to forgive. That you would still hold me in even the faintest of fond regards after all that I have done? I am moved beyond words...

[ They are so close now, both the Exarch's arms hands open towards Takame. Does he dare to trespass further? ]

[hoshikiri]

[Perhaps as the Warrior of Darkness he has triumphed over impossible odds. As that Warrior he has done his job, he knew that in these circumstances not every life could be spared.

He should only be the Warrior of Light and Darkness. Because years after he set out for the shores of Eorzea he still lacked a true sense of himself beyond his title. A purpose to have when... if the fighting should ever cease.

For the realms at large he was a story worth celebrating. For himself and for his loved ones? He was a failure who could not so much as answer a single question about himself and was not strong or fast enough to spare them from death. He was a weapon. Always has been. First of Garlemald, then of Hydaelyn.

He didn't deserve G'raha's kindness. And yet to be offered them even still by someone like him... someone who from the day they first met had such a drive and enthusiasm for a particular subject and to uncover hidden truths lost to time. Someone who had such an incredible sense of purpose and passion...

It was hesitant, unsure. Still undeserved, he felt. But Takame allowed himself to reach out and take the Exarch's crystallized hand.]

... How could I hold my inspiration in anything less than the highest regard?

[centuriesinspired]

[ Having his crystal hand taken is enough by itself to take the Exarch by surprise. On a surface level he never thought Takame the sort to be bothered by his deformities but deep down he clearly feared otherwise. His breath catches as warmth begins sinking into the stone, fingers giving a reflexive twitch as they slowly begin to move and hold Takame's hand in turn.

Already Takame has rendered him weak, making it easy for the confession to do him in completely.

'My inspiration', Takame calls him. Deliberately recalling his own speech atop Mt. Gulg, the one that in retrospect the Exarch can't help but feel silly over. It isn't silly now, of course. But it is near impossible to believe. Nearly...because he would never imagine Takame to lie.

His next breath comes with a hiccup, eyes glistening as he ducks his head, utterly overwhelmed to the point of tears. For a moment he truly is beyond words, ears and shoulders trembling as he cries softly. At some point he realizes he's leaned in, head butting against Takame's chest. That's what makes him gasp for breath, rigorously wiping the tears away and begin pulling himself back together. ]

Such an old fool I've been...

[ He laughs at himself, soft and brief, shaking his head before looking up again. ]

...I missed you so...

[hoshikiri]

[As the Exarch's fingers curl around his hand, Takame moved his to instead lace their fingers together. He would be the last to judge of any deformities, scarred as he was. And recollection of G'raha mentioning childhood ridicule towards his Allagan eye only made Takame want to appreciate the crystal that much more.

He hadn't intended to make G'raha cry, but he only spoke the truth. If Takame could list the ways G'raha inspired him he would. His bravery, his determination to save the First and the Source because he wanted to, not just because he was told. Still... Takame let him have his moment, his free hand moving to hold the Miqo'te's shoulder. Kami, he was so small...

Takame would have allowed G'raha to stay for bells on end had he not pulled himself away. But the fact that he did allowed the Au Ra the chance to lean over his frame, touch their foreheads together... and smile.

How foolish... selfish... to think he could push himself away.]

I missed you as well, G'raha...

[centuriesinspired]

Full glad am I to hear...

[ To be fair to Takame and his intentions it is astonishingly easy to move the Exarch to tears as of late. He only manages to rub a few of them away before Takame is leaning close and letting their brows touch. This close the Au Ra's fine features are a blur, making that smile difficult to see. Yet the Exarch can hear it in Takame's words and his own name...

The next breath he draws is deep and wavering but he manages to avoid shedding further tears, covering his mouth as a relieved laugh slips out instead. His crystal hand carefully returns Takame's grip, stone fingers brushing over the man's knuckles as they fit in between.

Like a summoning, the Exarch feels a stirring in his heart at the sound of his old name. The same thrill he'd felt back then, working with NOAH to become the first to set foot in the Crystal Tower for so many epochs. Side by side with Takame, the man he'd come to cherish even as he bade him farewell.

He remembers awakening next, and the news...he doesn't want to think on that. That tragic history has successfully been rewritten and the proof stands before him now. Stands very close to him, in fact, close enough to touch.

The Exarch blinks as his other hand has found its way to Takame's cheek, fingers following the scales along his jaw before he snatches it back to clutch his robes in embarrassment. ]

Ahh, forgive me! Forgive me, that was...far too forward.

[hoshikiri]

[He could shed tears for both of them, at least. Takame had long since lost the ability even if he could still easily discern happy tears from sad ones.

Another thing that made him feel like more of a convenient object, but close as Takame was to the Exarch now. Holding the hand of crystal tighter, stone that was still undoubtedly G'raha's, and his other stroking his face so softly that is caused his eyes to fall shut and a gentle sigh to slip out of him.

It made him feel like a person. Reminded him that he had a heart that yearned for companionship, these quiet moments and ached at every failure and loss. That had to be silenced at every turn should he want to be an efficient Warrior.

G'raha pulling back to himself took a moment to register for Takame, his eyes opening again and head tilted towards where the hand was. His smile faded, partially concerned at G'raha's reaction. But the sudden lack of contact was just as upsetting. He would pay that want no heed, though, wanting above all to reassure his friend with a single shake of his head.]

It is alright. Be calm, G'raha. [His other hand rubbed at G'raha's shoulder.] I don't mind... I don't mind it at all.

[centuriesinspired]

[ Even being told that Takame doesn't mind...

It isn't fear of offence that makes the Exarch--that makes G'raha hesitantly reach for the other again. ]

In the time that followed your arrival there were moments, a fair number of them, where I could not help but... [ Fingertips reach Tamake's face again, tracing over his cheek. ] ...but doubt my own eyes. For so many years did I labor to see you once more, to bring you back, that I could scarce believe the fruits of them before me.

[ He closes his eyes now, trusting his sense of touch instead as he moves more boldly to cup Takame's face. ]

Yet no matter how I yearned to prove to myself that you were truly back there was naught I could do without risking everything...

[hoshikiri]

... G'raha... [Such a fervent admission of how he felt, how plainly he spoke his heart gave Takame pause. He couldn't help but think back to their first in-person encounter where he looked at him with nothing but contempt.

The Exarch, as Takame knew him at the time, was a stranger after all. He never imagined it would be G'raha, he'd accepted the fact that he'd never see the Miqo'te again after those doors to the tower closed. He'd never even have the thinly veiled hope, he knew better than to let that cloud his mind at that time when there were more important matters at hand than to lament loss. More would come, after all, as is the fate of the Hero.

But seeing G'raha again that time on Mt. Gulg, now in this very room. He could not well describe how he felt, he rarely listened to his heart let alone knew how to describe its whims. Heavy, but at the same time weightless. Like a weathered rope around his neck was a hair away from breaking and finally allowing him to breathe. The only thing stopping him from feeling complete relief was knowing damned well that they both will do what must be done in the future.

"This is fleeting", he thought, lifting the hand off of G'raha's shoulder and laying it against the one that held his cheek. "'Tis for his comfort, not yours", he lied to himself with a heavier sigh as he leaned into the hands. At least in this moment... for his friend, not for Takame who's done nothing to earn it, he can give this security.]

I am here now.

[centuriesinspired]

[ Takame's hands are so much larger than his own. Broad and warm and calloused along the palm. Their weight is a comfort and speak to G'raha far more than what few words Takame chooses to say. What exactly is going unsaid is harder to pin down, but G'raha hopes that it means Takame is glad to be here, just as he is glad to have him.

That is his most fervent wish now. Their worlds have been saved and while there is yet work to be done, what G'raha wishes for most is for his cherished to be content.

To be happy. ]

That you are... [ A sighing laugh. ] And full glad am I for the fact.

[ With how reserved the Exarch is and how Takame can be...with those old memories stirring in G'raha's heart, he feels he may as well follow through on how he was in those days. Arching up on his toes G'raha gently returns the press of their brows together. Close enough to feel Takame's breath against his face. Bold for the Exarch, exceedingly so, but for G'raha?

For G'raha he would very much like to be even closer. ]

[hoshikiri]

As am I... [For as much as Takame refused to allow it, there were few places he would rather be right now than with G'raha. He knew his responsibilities, lingering threats about in the Source but right now? He's here. He's... warm. He wanted to keep his sense of comfort low, but from every angle it continues it's assault like the force of his friend's contentment is too strong to not be spread.

G'raha was far too endearing. Especially as he stood on the tips of his toes just to combat the vast difference in their height and be closer. His attempts would be rewarded, of course. G'raha would be able to see the shades of pink along Takame's cheeks and a softness reflected in his usually sharp eyes just being able to see his friend this close, ghosts of movement in his eyes tracing over every gorgeous feature. But... if G'raha wished to be closer...]

... Hm.

[For as tightly as Takame held G'raha's hands, without warning he released them. Though the lack of contact lasted less than a moment before he leaned further down, his intent unclear... at first. It's not until both his arms suddenly curl around the Exarch's legs that it was clear and Takame lifted him up to meet his height so neither of them would have to strain themselves. They were both being rather bold this day. But perhaps G'raha's boldness, well, inspired him.]

I am so sorry for the wait!

[centuriesinspired]

[ A moment only long enough for his ears to perk in confused surprise before G'raha finds himself lifted up and up. Now he's the one to look down at Takame if only by a few ilms. It's still enough to make him gasp even as his arms find their way around the Au Ra's shoulders.

They are quite close now; he can indeed see the color growing on Takame's cheeks and the gentle light in his eyes.

Close enough that perhaps Takame can feel how hard his heart is suddenly beating. ]

Takame...

[ Bold, so bold, but the Exarch cannot find it in him to stop himself. Carefully he touches the Au Ra's brow, his temple. Ruby eyes darken as he slowly closes them, bending until his head bunts against the other once more.

And if Takame allows it...closer still, for their lips to meet next. ]

np ;w; these are trying times.

[hoshikiri]

[There was some apprehension after lifting the Exarch, he was afraid he'd be upset by it. But the way G'raha's arms wrap around his shoulders eased that almost immediately.

There was still a nagging in his mind, though. That he must not indulge in this, must do his duty and nothing more. Though compared to the sound of both their loudly beating hearts, the nagging was more of a negligible hum.

One completely silenced by that call of his name. By that gentle touch he wasn't used to, the bunt Takame returned and the way their lips brushed against each other, the Au Ra whispering "G'raha..." against them like a needy prayer before allowing himself to press their lips together.

With their lips coming together Takame released a long, inaudible and yet trembling sigh into his mouth. The first thing Takame noted was how soft his lips were, as soft as they always looked. He'd idly wondered what it would feel like to kiss them, another thing in his mind brushed and burned away. And with the way he held onto his friend tighter, the thought of just how long he's wanted this, needed it, surfaced again.

Had he not been focused solely on kissing the Exarch now, perhaps he'd try to reflect on it.]

[centuriesinspired]

[ They both have their duties. Higher callings that will, eventually, pull them apart once more. But not yet.

Here and now the Exarch's ears quiver at the whisper of his name. He's become that young man again, seizing the chance that he'd longed for even then. First meeting Takame, seeing firsthand how he'd earned the mantle of Warrior of Light, yet failing to realize it was so much more than the man's heroics that caused his heartbeat to quicken. Not until he'd been found and awoken, when he'd been told... ]

...!

[ With a small sound he holds Takame tighter still, squeezing his eyes shut against that old grief. He'd been so blind back then, seized by the knowledge the Tower had granted him and the trust placed in him by Unei and Doga.

He should have realized. He should have done this eons ago. Even if he still had to leave he could have at least done so with no chance of regret. ]

[hoshikiri]

[The sound G'raha made had Takame's chest tighten. The fear that he'd stepped out of line almost caused him pull himself away. And he would have succeeded had G'raha not held him closer.

With eyes half opened he's able to see how the Miqo'te closed his eyes, as if willing something away, wanting nothing to do with it. What he could be thinking Takame didn't know, but what he could understand was regret towards what was left undone because of duty. Another heavy breath, another shake of his shoulders through which his grip on G'raha didn't falter.

He didn't want to drop him. He didn't want to lose him again. And whatever pained him Takame wanted gone. Lifting him up as he was, Takame couldn't hold his hands or stroke his friend's cheek as he wanted. He could only hold tighter and deepen their kiss, leaving his mouth open slightly to invite G'raha to do the same should he want it.]