I'm just used to being able to handle things most of the time.
[A quiet admission as she shifts herself to fit on the ascian's lap, letting herself to press a kiss to his hair. She then lets a finger roam around Emet's jawline as she looks at him...only to get another flash. It's the same person as before but she can see beyond their mask, to catch their eyes and she silently gasps.
[ Such a tender display would have made him laugh at any other time. His arms wrapped around her middle to hold her steady, while he leaned slightly into her touch. But it was that look of recognition that made him pause.
One hand moved to cover hers as he observed her, silently inquiring with an arched brow, not realizing he was holding his breath. ]
[The flash ends and Yua sees Emet looking at her, as if he is waiting for something. That nagging thought once buried in the back of her mind now chanting it as if it were a prayer: Remember. Was she? Does he know about it?]
I saw something, no, someone. They were holding me like this wearing a mask and robe. And just now I saw them again but I was able to see more to them.
[ It was if time had stopped all of sudden. His golden eyes slowly widened as what she said clicked in his mind while the arm around her waist pulled her against him, his chest rising and falling once more when he remembered to breath. ]
[ The conviction in her voice gave left little room for him to doubt.
With how the pair was positioned, when he leaned forward he was hiding his face above her collarbone, now holding on to her almost desperately. Not a sound was made on his part. Just the gravity of the moment now bearing down on him and it was taking time for him to settle his thoughts that were now caught up in a storm. ]
[He knew her. Not just as an ascian slayer or the Warrior of Light and Darkness or that one weird person popping holes in their plans but he knew her. Yua didn't have any times where she questioned who she was: leader of the Investigation Team, Hope of Earth, Truth Seeker, Hero.
But this time...it's not any sort of manipulation on Emet-Selch's part. Not with how he's reacting to her speaking up. But Yua cannot help but wonder: if he knew her long ago, was she also like him in some ways? Was she also an ascian?]
[ At first he did not answer. Emet-Selch had lapsed into silence and only embraced her. That was all he could do, really.
She had been someone of great importance, one of the most gifted and talented of their kind-- someone who had, for one reason or another, seen him as something more than just an architect and member of the convocation. Someone worthy of her love.
And she had been the one too--
Drawing in a shuddering breath, he suddenly pressed a kiss to the patch of skin beneath her collarbone, above her cleavage. ]
I cannot tell you. [ His words muffled, barely audible. ] You must remember yourself.
[ But how he ached to tell her. The brunt of the truth of it all would be too much to handle in just one night though-- not unless she could find the memories herself. ]
[If Yua was nothing but impatient, she would express her stance greatly. However, she can sense the reasoning behind Emet's answer: to remember everything at once may cause harm to her soul and lose herself to confusion.
At least how she can see it, he wants her to know but not harm her in the process.]
But you want to say don't you?
[One hand rests on the base of his neck, letting a finger make circles on his skin.]
It's alright, I can see why it cannot be forced out so much. But now that I am beginning to see the threads, there is no way I cannot just ignore them. But I can say that when I do remember, it's when I'm with you.
[ Finally, finally, he lifted his head and his gaze sought out to meet hers. Gold eyes that were normally amused and arrogant lacked as such. There was no sign of him releasing her anytime soon. ]
[Her eyes widen at the words. The phrase is simple but to Yua, very loaded. She has an idea what he means by it and she's unsure how to respond.
"Stay with me."
In order to do so, Yua would need to break the ties she already has. That means leaving the Scions and the Exarch, to let the First die in this tainted Light and watch the Eighth Umbral Calamity hit the Source...many lives lost, including hers. But she doubts they would let Emet-Selch stay by her side, probably waiting to shove many sharp things in him.
Except for Minfilia. The girl is too sweet despite living with Thancred.
If this was asked when she was heading to the Rising Stones from Ishgard, it would be easier to accept it. But Yua can't help but look back to Eureka and her decision with Eijika, how she and Krile had to talk about loss and how to deal. There was bickering and then the Echo stepped in. Krile saw every important event from Yua's adventures in Inaba and the TV World to her hardships in Liminal Space and her adventures in Eorzea.
And when it ended, the lalafell could only stare at her in shock, asking the question Yua still has no answer to: "After all that hardship and pain...how are you still able to function?"
Emet's line feels a lot like what Krile asked; something she cannot answer easily. She looks downcast, her hold on him tightening because this is something she cannot simply say yes to. But she won't deny this either.]
I want to. Kami knows that my feelings for you go beyond words but I cannot simply leave this place to die. Not when there is still a chance left.
[She can feel tears start to form from the corners of her eyes.]
They told me that someone had a vision of the future...of the Eighth Umbral Calamity happening. And with it came many deaths...including mine. I know your stance on the Rejoining but I do not think you want to spend another few thousand years trying to see if I come back. Not when we just found each other now.
I want to stay with you...but I know I can't just let things go like this. There has to be another way-!
[ Oh how he desperately wished to argue against this. This shard, these people-- they were mere fractions of their people, of what was once they're beautiful home. They were not worthy of her empathy or concern. Even as he reached up a hand to wipe away the tears that were glistening in her eyes, he wanted nothing more than to whisk her away to Amaurot to show her that it would be worth it all-- just to bring back their people.
But as things stood now, it would not change her mind. Memories of when they fought with one another over the summoning of Zodiark and the actions that resulted of it resurfaced. She had not understood then and she would not understand now.
He was desperate though and wanted to cling to this moment. ]
Stay by my side this night. [ He brushed a thumb across her cheek to catch a tear that threatened to fall. ] I have never lied to you-- I cannot tell you about your past. Not in words at least. But I can show you what you meant to me. To us.
[She bites on her lower lip, at first in fear of what may come but they're unfounded for now. He's still here and no one is yelling about how the other is wrong so that counts as a win.]
I wasn't planning on leaving your side tonight and I'm sticking with it.
[And then he offers to show her more and Yua won't lie and say she isn't nervous. But she has not been one to shy away from wanting to learn more.]
If words can't express it, then show me. Let that do the talking.
Emet knew she was nervous-- after all, he had promised to teach her how to be intimate at a slow and easy pace, which he still intended to keep his word of. Carefully pushing her bangs aside, he tilted his chin up to kiss the corners of her lips before trailing them up her cheek. ]
Do you trust me, Yua?
[ It was the the second time he had used her name in as many days and it was still a peculiar sound in his ears, yet this was not the time for titles. ]
[ Leaning into her hand he let out a low hum of content. ]
Thank you.
[ And he truly meant it.
With care he pressed a kiss to either cheek before capturing her lips in a slow, languid one. He made sure to keep her steady with his arm at her waist while he sought to pour every bit of his conflicting, raw emotion into this kiss. A gentle nip her, a soft whispering of her name there. He could remember the countless ones they had shared in ages past but he never tired of them. Of her. ]
[Yua didn't need to know about aether to know that the feelings shown were the real deal; the unspoken words and the motions could explain everything she needed to know. She can feel love coming out like a wave, the warmth and joy taking over the two of them as she returns his kiss, deepening it as she tightens her hold on him.
'This is love then?' she thinks. 'I welcome it fully.']
[ Emet-Selch had to remind himself again and again to be slow and mindful of her comfort but he was pleased with her responding to him with equal affection. He took care to allow the kiss to last as long as it could.
Gently, carefully, he started to ease himself back upon the bed, keeping her close as his back finally met with the mattress with her on top of him. He even tried to coax another response from her by running his hand through her hair and brushing against the base of her ear. ]
[It's instinct she supposes. Follow the leader maybe and try to judge weither it's too far or just right. When he lowers them both down on the bed, Yua can't help but ponder how many have seen him like this. Surely he's had children and therefore lovers before but she can't help but think of who watched him from above. It's amusing to think that somehow she is practically on top of the same person who could do anything with a snap of his fingers.
But then again, she is following this dance which Emet leads. And those skillful hands touch the base of one of her ears and Yua feels like seeing stars. It feels almost like when he found her first but this one feels more intense. There's a sharp gasp as she uses one hand to grip the sheets tightly, to try and hold herself steady and not to fall on the man.]
[ There it is-- a pleasing response that he had sought for. Grinning as he pressed a quick kiss to her lips once more, his fingers continued to stroke that exact spot at her ear.
He quite liked the view above him and continued to lavish attention upon his partner at this new angle. His kisses trailed down her cheek before finding purchase at her throat, deliberately pausing every now and then to whisper her name against her skin. ]
Calling out another's name like that is hardly fair, my dear.
[It's said with a giggle as he continues to stroke her ear and oh the sensation is wonderful. Yua's resisting trying to moan loudly again given the window is still open.]
If I didn't know any better, you want me to be putty in your hands.
[Good lesson to learn, honestly. She did ask for it.]
[ He laughs after another kiss before ceasing in stroking her ear. There was a look of feigned indignation when he meet her gaze once more. ]
Surely you jest! I certainly haven't the faintest notion what you're going on about.
[ His reason for stopping though was to shift his hold around her middle so that his hands could switch places, allowing him to stroke her other, unattended ear now. ]
[She's about to retort but his hand is now working on her other ear and the words become lost. If this keeps up, she would be at his complete mercy. But there is that small voice in the back of her head asking if it was such a bad thing. Honestly...no, no it wouldn't be bad but she didn't want to fall onto him!]
[ For a man so fond of the theater, it really should be no surprise he could be a clever actor when need be. He hid his devilish curiosity behind a wide eyed look of surprise, all the while remaining unrelentless in his attentions. ]
[Oh hells, he's going to have her say it isn't he? Yua can only pray that this won't bite her in return.]
I may very well be putty in your hands.
[He's not letting up she feels and it would be denying her own feelings if she said she wanted it to stop. Quite the opposite as Yua can feel the heat begin to form in her belly.]
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[A quiet admission as she shifts herself to fit on the ascian's lap, letting herself to press a kiss to his hair. She then lets a finger roam around Emet's jawline as she looks at him...only to get another flash. It's the same person as before but she can see beyond their mask, to catch their eyes and she silently gasps.
'Is that...?!']
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One hand moved to cover hers as he observed her, silently inquiring with an arched brow, not realizing he was holding his breath. ]
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I saw something, no, someone. They were holding me like this wearing a mask and robe. And just now I saw them again but I was able to see more to them.
[She breaths in deep.]
They were your eyes I saw.
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You are certain of this?
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[She doesn't even stop to think, she KNOWS this to be what she's seen.]
There's no way those eyes could belong to anyone else or feel like this. It was you I saw.
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With how the pair was positioned, when he leaned forward he was hiding his face above her collarbone, now holding on to her almost desperately. Not a sound was made on his part. Just the gravity of the moment now bearing down on him and it was taking time for him to settle his thoughts that were now caught up in a storm. ]
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But this time...it's not any sort of manipulation on Emet-Selch's part. Not with how he's reacting to her speaking up. But Yua cannot help but wonder: if he knew her long ago, was she also like him in some ways? Was she also an ascian?]
You knew me before all this. Just who was I?
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She had been someone of great importance, one of the most gifted and talented of their kind-- someone who had, for one reason or another, seen him as something more than just an architect and member of the convocation. Someone worthy of her love.
And she had been the one too--
Drawing in a shuddering breath, he suddenly pressed a kiss to the patch of skin beneath her collarbone, above her cleavage. ]
I cannot tell you. [ His words muffled, barely audible. ] You must remember yourself.
[ But how he ached to tell her. The brunt of the truth of it all would be too much to handle in just one night though-- not unless she could find the memories herself. ]
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At least how she can see it, he wants her to know but not harm her in the process.]
But you want to say don't you?
[One hand rests on the base of his neck, letting a finger make circles on his skin.]
It's alright, I can see why it cannot be forced out so much. But now that I am beginning to see the threads, there is no way I cannot just ignore them. But I can say that when I do remember, it's when I'm with you.
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Then stay. Stay, with me.
[ His voice was just barely above a whisper. ]
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"Stay with me."
In order to do so, Yua would need to break the ties she already has. That means leaving the Scions and the Exarch, to let the First die in this tainted Light and watch the Eighth Umbral Calamity hit the Source...many lives lost, including hers. But she doubts they would let Emet-Selch stay by her side, probably waiting to shove many sharp things in him.
Except for Minfilia. The girl is too sweet despite living with Thancred.
If this was asked when she was heading to the Rising Stones from Ishgard, it would be easier to accept it. But Yua can't help but look back to Eureka and her decision with Eijika, how she and Krile had to talk about loss and how to deal. There was bickering and then the Echo stepped in. Krile saw every important event from Yua's adventures in Inaba and the TV World to her hardships in Liminal Space and her adventures in Eorzea.
And when it ended, the lalafell could only stare at her in shock, asking the question Yua still has no answer to: "After all that hardship and pain...how are you still able to function?"
Emet's line feels a lot like what Krile asked; something she cannot answer easily. She looks downcast, her hold on him tightening because this is something she cannot simply say yes to. But she won't deny this either.]
I want to. Kami knows that my feelings for you go beyond words but I cannot simply leave this place to die. Not when there is still a chance left.
[She can feel tears start to form from the corners of her eyes.]
They told me that someone had a vision of the future...of the Eighth Umbral Calamity happening. And with it came many deaths...including mine. I know your stance on the Rejoining but I do not think you want to spend another few thousand years trying to see if I come back. Not when we just found each other now.
I want to stay with you...but I know I can't just let things go like this. There has to be another way-!
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But as things stood now, it would not change her mind. Memories of when they fought with one another over the summoning of Zodiark and the actions that resulted of it resurfaced. She had not understood then and she would not understand now.
He was desperate though and wanted to cling to this moment. ]
Stay by my side this night. [ He brushed a thumb across her cheek to catch a tear that threatened to fall. ] I have never lied to you-- I cannot tell you about your past. Not in words at least. But I can show you what you meant to me. To us.
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I wasn't planning on leaving your side tonight and I'm sticking with it.
[And then he offers to show her more and Yua won't lie and say she isn't nervous. But she has not been one to shy away from wanting to learn more.]
If words can't express it, then show me. Let that do the talking.
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Emet knew she was nervous-- after all, he had promised to teach her how to be intimate at a slow and easy pace, which he still intended to keep his word of. Carefully pushing her bangs aside, he tilted his chin up to kiss the corners of her lips before trailing them up her cheek. ]
Do you trust me, Yua?
[ It was the the second time he had used her name in as many days and it was still a peculiar sound in his ears, yet this was not the time for titles. ]
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I trust you.
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Thank you.
[ And he truly meant it.
With care he pressed a kiss to either cheek before capturing her lips in a slow, languid one. He made sure to keep her steady with his arm at her waist while he sought to pour every bit of his conflicting, raw emotion into this kiss. A gentle nip her, a soft whispering of her name there. He could remember the countless ones they had shared in ages past but he never tired of them. Of her. ]
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'This is love then?' she thinks. 'I welcome it fully.']
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Gently, carefully, he started to ease himself back upon the bed, keeping her close as his back finally met with the mattress with her on top of him. He even tried to coax another response from her by running his hand through her hair and brushing against the base of her ear. ]
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But then again, she is following this dance which Emet leads. And those skillful hands touch the base of one of her ears and Yua feels like seeing stars. It feels almost like when he found her first but this one feels more intense. There's a sharp gasp as she uses one hand to grip the sheets tightly, to try and hold herself steady and not to fall on the man.]
Oh Kami-!
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He quite liked the view above him and continued to lavish attention upon his partner at this new angle. His kisses trailed down her cheek before finding purchase at her throat, deliberately pausing every now and then to whisper her name against her skin. ]
Calling out another's name like that is hardly fair, my dear.
[ His complaints were only in jest after all.
... For the most part anyway. ]
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[It's said with a giggle as he continues to stroke her ear and oh the sensation is wonderful. Yua's resisting trying to moan loudly again given the window is still open.]
If I didn't know any better, you want me to be putty in your hands.
[Good lesson to learn, honestly. She did ask for it.]
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Surely you jest! I certainly haven't the faintest notion what you're going on about.
[ His reason for stopping though was to shift his hold around her middle so that his hands could switch places, allowing him to stroke her other, unattended ear now. ]
Whatever gave you that idea?
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Aaah~! If you keep that up, I may be-!
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You may be what?
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I may very well be putty in your hands.
[He's not letting up she feels and it would be denying her own feelings if she said she wanted it to stop. Quite the opposite as Yua can feel the heat begin to form in her belly.]
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