caughtinanetwork | [Text] - A Day of Little Importance

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[Text] - A Day of Little Importance - 013

Lunaday, Ifrit-Decan 41, ND 2018

[The date is circled in Guy's personal journal. But he hasn't bothered to tell anyone. With the curse going on and a murderer on the loose in the city, it doesn't really seem like a decent topic to bring up. Besides, he's never been one to draw attention to himself, especially at times where attention was needed somewhere else.

It's still bringing up an interesting topic to his head, though. Hmm.

Sticking to text this time around for as little confusion as possible - he doesn't need people thinking they're speaking with Zelda, after all.]

I understand different cultures have different ideas of when someone is considered an adult, right?

So hey... on your home worlds, what would people do for someone who had come of age? Celebrations, ceremonies... or maybe it's not exactly a right of passage as far as you're concerned?

I'm curious.

[And he'll just leave it at that. He's technically been an adult on Auldrant for long enough - exactly a year ago, to the day.

But he already learned a while ago to treat his birthday as just another day. Celebrate that he's stayed alive one more year, and that's it.

So that is exactly what he's going to do.]

[[ooc: Responses will come from

trepidity!]]

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Hahah.... well, for starters, calm down a little.

[Woman you look like you're going to bolt any second. It's okay!

And he kind of wants you calm for what he's going to ask, anyways.]

[Hearing Guy in her body - a woman's body, directing her to calm down... it definitely does wonders on that front. If he can be calm, then so can she. After a deep breath she appears to have centered herself again.]

Is this better?

[He nods, his expression softening. It's a collected calm, yes, but there still seems to be a front to it. The one he sees in himself so often - a state of peace for the sake of one's composure.

What he wouldn't give to see her naturally calm. But that's besides the point right now. Possibly.

...

Okay, breaking eye contact for a second. He's never done this before - well he has but never with this intention and well um er...

Ahem.]

I know it's a difficult thing to ask right now with everything going on and new foreigners coming in.

But maybe just take a day to let yourself explore? Go out to the hot springs, even if it's just to dip your feet in. Maybe up to the ruins or out to the coast. Take a book or two with you.

It's not... just a matter of doing it. Allow yourself time to explore and learn and relax... for one day. Without a burden on your back.

[...]

And, if you wouldn't mind the company... I'd like to take you.

[That doesn't sound different from the days she typically spends studying, except... it sounds as if there's no real purpose to it. It's just playing.]

A journey without a purpose, then...?

[She smiles a bit. That's something she hasn't done since she was a child.]

All right. It sounds interesting.

Something like that. An adventure, just for the fun of it.

Cause you really deserve a simple day of happiness, you know?

[His smile turns a bit awkward, lips pressing together as though he wants to say something else.

But he holds it back.]

[He probably should have just said it. She just laughs softly, bringing a hand up to cover her mouth as she does so.]

I wouldn't say that I'm unhappy either. Perhaps I'm scheduled a little tight, but I enjoy having things to do. Don't you?

[It's easier that way. Easier to let yourself get swept up rather than be stuck at home with your own thoughts and feelings.]

Of course, but...

[Aaaand tucking his head down in another awkward chuckle. Zelda, out of all the things he could possibly explain to you... why is this the hardest to get out of his mouth?]

Hah, that's not... exactly what I meant.

[Well then what in the world did he mean? Zelda looks at him curiously for a moment before it starts to click. The body language. The faint embarrassment. But...]

[...she could just be imagining it, couldn't she? It's incredibly conceited to assume something like that, even if from her point of view they do get along quite well and she's certainly attracted to Guy and she enjoys his company and -

And...]

...you should... look out for your own happiness too, you know...

[It's said very quietly. Judging from the flush on her face, this time she understood.]

[Read you loud and clear, princess. Seeing her suddenly fluster gets him to sit up a little straighter, strengthen his smile - yes they both are suddenly feeling awkward, but... this is important to him. To try and voice this.]

Yeah. I... I know. And I am. I wouldn't have asked if this was something that didn't bring me joy, after all.

... Hah. You--- I care about you. A lot. Q-quite a lot actually, it... hah. [He rubs a hand against his neck, feeling his face start to go hot.] You really make me incredibly happy, Zelda.

I just want you to be happy in return.

[At first, she looks happy to hear it, and very nearly echoes the sentiment without thinking. But it's not that simple, is it? Not for her. She's the heir to the throne, the last member of the royal family.]

Guy, I - ...I want that too. More than I can say, but... I cannot choose just for happiness. Even here, in this city, in another world. It would be cruel... if the chance to return home arises, I would have to take it. You deserve better than that. You deserve someone that could put you first.

...

[He stays silent for a moment, expression staying calm even though his mind starts screaming. Nope. Nope, nope, nope, none of that assuming of what he deserves, Zelda, that is what he hears enough of from Luke and he is not about to hear it from someone else he.... loves?

Loves. Dammit.

He saw that sudden glimmer of happiness through her eyes, and he's not about to just throw it. Putting her into a corner is the last thing he wants to do, but at the very least, he's going to knock some ideas out of her head. She doesn't need to accept it, but... he wants her to understand.

Gently taking her hand in one of his own - look at him. Look at him, listen, please... just for a little longer---]

You're a leader. Your heart is and will be with your people, regardless of what anyone says - to ask you to put anything else first is like asking you to be a different person. It would be removing a core of who you are and where your loyalties lie.

I know that. I understand that.

I'm not wanting to put you on a pedestal, or for anyone to do the same to me. That isn't what helps. Happiness on its own isn't what helps - it's fleeting. But if it can come from having someone who wants to understand - who wants to share, treat you as you regardless of your weaknesses... Zelda, if you don't think you deserve happiness, at least give yourself the chance to be understood for more than what you throw out there for people to look at. I don't care if it's with me or with someone else in the city or with someone else in your future; that is something you need.

...And honestly, I don't even know what I deserve anymore. Or who. I'm not going to even pretend to know. But I know I deserve life. I deserve another day. And I deserve to be selfish every once in a while, when I deem it special.

[He slips his other hand onto hers, taking in between both of his hands with a gentle squeeze. His voice is blunt - straightforward and unwavering.]

So this is me. Just a man who is being incredibly selfish right now, Zelda. And I'm sorry. But for however long: if you'll let me, I want to make sure you're cared for while you're here. Not just because of what I may or may not deserve, or just because I want to make happiness that might be gone the day after tomorrow. But because of what I know you deserve to be shown.

[And if not with him... then damn, if he isn't going to encourage her to keep an open mind to someone else.

It hurts. But he sure as hell isn't about to let that seep through. Not right now.]

Is that really all right? You wouldn't resent me for... for being selfish?

[Just as someone who wants to understand. Someone to share things with, someone that will be accepting regardless of weaknesses... even though he knows she'll always put her country first. He might even know how she feels about Link - though he surely knows exactly why that can't happen. He understands that better than anyone else possibly could. She's always been just a little afraid that if someone saw through to her heart clearly that it would weaken her, but right now?

It feels like it might make her stronger. Like he's seen who she is and what she must do and that he's saying it's alright, he'll take her just as she is, flaws and all. The princess, the goddess reborn, the person. Just Zelda.

And she wants that.]

Then I will. I care for you, Guy. I don't know when it happened, but you've become a part of my life that can't be replaced. I think... perhaps I realized that once you were gone. I don't want to come to another realization like that.

[She smiles, terrified and full to the brim with a happy sort of anxiousness simultaneously.]

I'll be selfish too.

[Well.

He can't help but laugh again, a little breathless, giving her hand another squeeze and letting his grin broaden. It's different than other smiles she might have seen - it's real, it's raw, it's anxious and nervous and a little cocky, a little confused, a little horrified... but so incredibly happy, he can feel it all across his face and he doesn't care about masking it.

To hear those words from her mouth - to know that she cares, that she wants this, too, that she's willing to let a little bit give for the sake of... whatever this friendship of theirs was becoming...? It fills him with both incredibly anxiety and a sudden sense of warmth, giving him a confidence that shoots through his system.

They were both new to this, and they were both scared. He can read it on her face. But damn, they were going to try, weren't they? For the first time in his life, he actually wants to try.

...

And before he can actually get any legible words out of his mouth, there is a waitress at their table, clearing her throat politely. Guy starts with a quick apology, giving a rather sheepish and amusing expression towards Zelda (holy Score his face is still hot) as their meal is delivered and settled into.

It only takes an awkward tripping of words, but the topic slowly slips into what they do best: science. Mainly, Guy finally gets to hear what Zelda had found out from her exploration of the book he'd given her a couple weeks prior. It started out quiet, but the more they spoke, the easier it became, drowning in questions and theories and more talking than actual eating! Guy doesn't see any need to be embarrassed, though - they're both comfortable and enjoying each other's company, even if it's a longer dinner than normal.

The conversation finally reaches a little bit of a lull, after they've finished, and their waitress slips back with a smaller tray. Guy's expression brightens as soon as he sees it, thanking the waitress as she sets one last plate onto the table and dismisses herself with a smile.

Guy chuckles, letting his expression turn right back up with that little bit of mischief from earlier.]

So, if I remember correctly, a certain someone had a soft spot for sweets--?

[Yes, it's a little awkward (especially since they were barged in on like that!), but once he's fully engaged her mind any embarrassment is forgotten in favor of ~~a totally public brainsex session~~ theorizing on the differences between fonons and mana. Any eating that is accomplished only happens when it's Guy's turn to speak, and even then it's only if she remembers to.

She looks surprised when the cheesecake arrives, looking up at Guy curiously.]

Oh! Is this what you spoke with the waitress about earlier? Really, there's no need...

Hahah, no, please! My treat. Even if it's just one bite. [Said as if the food isn't totally free anyways, but hey.]

You are in the body of the birthday boy and all. I figured you at least deserved something.

It's your birthday?

[The wonder is only momentary as she recalls his earlier post. Then she starts giggling to herself.]

Ahh... I'd been curious about that earlier! Coming of age seemed like a rather random topic. Shall I sing, or would you be too mortified?

[Singing? Not that he minded, but...]

If you want? I'll try not to hold it against you - my voice isn't the greatest.

I do expect you to have some of this once you're done, though. [Yes he is holding up two spoons, not just one. Come on, he'll even let you have the berries~ Best deal ever.]

Oh, you can carry a tune.

[True that his range isn't exactly impressive, though! She eyes the spoons. That does look tasty... maybe singing isn't necessary.]

Since it is your birthday, I suppose I will spare you. Happy Birthday, Guy.

[Zelda picks up one of the spoons, still smiling to herself.]

[She has him beat on singing quality by a long shot and she knows it. He is not even going to argue.

So he just gives a chipper smile in return, dipping into the slice first.]

Thank you for making it a happy one, Zelda.

[A toast of cheesecake to you, dear girl.]

[A toast of cheesecake it is! Though if he expected her to actually eat the bite she just scooped up on her own he would be mistaken. Zelda doesn't really know that there's a cultural meaning to feeding someone else, and she'll just lean forward and hold her spoon out towards Guy.

The waitress seems amused, at least.]

[She can keep on being amused, then. Guy is certainly oblivious to her still watching. He gives Zelda a look of surprise before tucking his head down in a chuckle. Ahh... okay okay, he'll give a little, adjusting in his seat so that he can get that spoonful of dessert into his mouth.

Well, try to. And attempt not to laugh too much in the process. That wouldn't really be beneficial.]

[Once he's taken a bite, she tries a bit herself. Zelda tries to eat well for the most part, but she does love sweets.]

It's good! It is nice to have help, though. I can rarely finish cheesecake on my own.

[She did once and regretted it afterward!]

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[Text] - A Day of Little Importance - 013

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