"You could've just said 'aye."

DIALOGUE PROMPTS

could you... do that again?

please come back.

hold me again.

i need to feel you close.

we could share the same bed.

could we try holding hands?

right there. just like that.

i want to know how it feels.

i like it when you're nearby.

if you could just... stay here for a while.

lean into me. it's okay.

i like your hugs.

i want you here.

please touch me.

your arms feel so safe.

stay close to me.

the bed feels so cold.

come into my arms.

let me hold you.

cling to me.

you can keep doing that.

you don't have to let go.

i feel safe when you're near me.

that feels so good.

that was... really nice.

i like it when you play with my fingers.

could you come a little closer?

you can play with my hair if you want.

you don't have to sit so far away.

would you sleep here with me?

you feel like home to me.

if you keep doing that, i can't promise i'll behave.

can i lay on you?

would you touch me again?

don't let go of me.

stay like this.

don't go.

ACTION PROMPTS

[ reach ] sender hesitantly reaches for receiver's hand, unsure if the action will be reciprocated

[ instinct ] sender takes receiver's hand on instinct in reaction to a startling sight or event, not even realizing they did it

[ cling ] sender wraps both of their arms around one of receiver's arms and clings

[ rest ] sender sits next to receiver and rests their head on receiver's shoulder

[ doze ] sender falls asleep with their head on receiver's shoulder

[ play ] sender clings to receiver's hand and begins absentmindedly playing with their fingers

[ reassure ] sender reassures receiver by rubbing their arm up and down, hoping to ease their stress

[ heart ] sender guides receiver's hand to their heart

[ quiver ] sender and receiver's hands brush with slight contact, causing receiver to shiver on instinct

[ come back ] receiver took their hand away, so sender reaches for it a second time, taking it back and refusing to let go

[ first hug ] sender pulls receiver into their first hug

[ lasting ] sender and receiver's innocent hug lasts a little longer than they both expected

[ trace ] sender lightly traces the shape of sender's face, exploring every part of their complexion with tender fingertips

[ comb ] sender takes their time brushing receiver's hair

[ refuse ] when receiver insists they break their hug, sender refuses and only tightens their grip around them

[ cuddle ] sender moves closer to receiver as they sleep and snuggles down beside them, finding comfort in their presence

[ pull back ] sender pulls receiver back into bed with them

[ nuzzle ] sender nuzzles into receiver's cheek with their nose

[ cheek ] sender caresses receiver's cheek

[ nose ] sender lightly taps the tip of receiver's nose

[ lips ] sender caresses receiver's lips with their fingertip

[ chest ] sender smooths a hand over receiver's chest

[ legs ] sender starts to drag a hand back and forth over receiver's legs

[ inner thigh ] as sender caresses receiver's thigh, they gently slip their hand between receiver's legs

[ distance ] unable to touch or embrace receiver, sender self-soothes by wrapping their arms around themselves

[ pinky ] sender and receiver hold hands by their pinky fingers

[ smooth ] sender takes their time caressing over every part of receiver's body

He’ll never say it out loud, but Gav thinks Clive deserves a better mother. He’s met plenty of them - from his own village back in his early childhood and even those he’s met here in Rosaria ever since - and has never heard of one being so cruel to their own son. He understands that customs and parenting differ from region to region, but this amount of cruelty just unsettles him. 

He doesn’t trust her. But he’ll keep that to himself, as well. Being as much of an outsider as he is, it’s not in his place to be criticizing others' parents.

“I’m sure you’ll do great. Just be careful. Please…” He has every confidence that Clive will be fine. That he’ll finish his mission with no problems. Be home after the journey to Phoenix Gate to regale him in the details. He’s looking forward to it.

But he’s also… uneasy. There’s a feeling in the pit of his stomach that’s unsettling and making his heart flutter - though, not in a good way. It’s the same feeling he felt the night before Sanbreque came to raze his village. It’s putting all his nerves on edge, but he’s trying to bury the feeling. They won’t be able to see each other for a while and he doesn’t want to ruin what little time they have together with a sour mood.

It’s the words he hears next that make the feelings go away quickly, almost forgotten completely. How Clive wants to spend more time with him - more still, if he was allowed. 

Suddenly his heart is fluttering again, though the feelings are warm and fuzzy this time. Has his cheeks heating up again; and not because they’ve been sitting in the sunlight. It’s the sheepish grin and the “I’m lucky to know you” that have a grip on his heart so tight, he almost feels he can’t breathe. 

He’s embarrassed by his own reactions and wants to hide. But he doesn’t want to give the wrong impression. Doesn’t want Clive to think he doesn’t feel the same. 

Giving himself a moment to recompose, he then takes a deep breath and gives Clive a soft smile. There’s a slight bit of hesitance as he reaches over to take one of his hands in his own, but he’s determined enough to do so despite the nerves. 

“It’s not too much. I… I feel the same, honestly.” A gentle squeeze, gaze lowering to linger there for a moment. “It’s… lonely, when we’re apart. Part of me always wants to go look for you.” He knows how busy Clive is, though, so he always stops himself. Lets it be a wish going ungranted so as not to be a bother. 

“I’m always thankful for the time we get together, though.” Especially for days like today, where they’re alone. They can be themselves without having to worry about the world finding out. 

“It’ll be lonely still, since you’ll be gone for a while. But I’ll be here when you return.” Another gentle squeeze of the hand in his own before he finally slips it away. Forcing himself to stand up, he then looks down at Clive, hand outstretched to help him up off the ground. “So? How shall we spend the rest of the day? We’d best make the most of it if we won't be seeing each other for a while.”

If he’s honest, he wouldn’t mind sitting in the field with Clive the rest of the day. Basking in the sunlight and his presence. But he’s also still embarrassed by his own little confession. A distraction would do them both good, he thinks.

Mid knows Gav is not the strongest in the group, of course. He's a scout, not a warrior. But his work is just as important as the ones who are on the battlefield to directly fight the enemies. She hopes he knows that. She knows she should think this way about her, too, because her engineering skills are very important to the Hideaway and for Clive's mission, but it's always easier to speak highly of the others than to do it about herself.

"Well, if you had met these Fallen machines, I hope you just wouldn't have approached," Mid teases, letting a chuckle escape her mouth. She knows Gav wants to be useful, too, but he shouldn't risk his life, and especially not if it's just to pick some materials. It's important, but not enough for him to die in the process. Mid lost too many people over the years. She hopes it'll never happen again.

She nods. She remembers Clive mentioned Quinten and Isabelle, too. Things are becoming more and more complicated, of course. The fight against Ultima is important, but they all know it's just part of the trouble Valisthea is facing nowadays.

Happy to hear she’s on board with his plan of adventure, he then nods at her next statement. “Us, and those of the future. I might not know much about what you’ve got going on in that head of yours, but I know it’s important.” He knows how important all of this is to their cause. To their fight; to protect Valisthea. It might go over his head every once in a while, but he didn’t need to know every detail. Besides… “Cid would be real proud right now.”

“Anyways, you might want to start packing. Keep it light, though. As soon as Clive is headed off, we’ll take our leave as well.” He wanted to make sure they were back before Clive, so no questions had to be asked and no answers had to be meticulously planned. The less conspicuous they were, the better. Especially since he was hoping this would be a fun little outing for the both of them. 

To hear those voices raised in merriment as they bellowed On The Wind Borne, some off-key, some slightly slurred from one too many steins of cheap ale, and all full of warmth for their brothers-in-arms and love of their homeland.

And so, as Miles sat at his usual distance from the others, preferring the company of his ghosts while still taking solace in the near proximity of the living, and himself falling somewhere in-between -- he was lost to thought as his eyes remained fixed ahead at the campfire's flames.

He didn't seem to notice when Gav sat nearby, and was only vaguely aware of the hands that entered his line of sight to seek the warmth of the fire. No, it wasn't until the younger man spoke that the dark-haired man slowly roused from his emotional purgatory. His brows raised, then furrowed again; lips curved just slightly downward, though it was more or less obscured by shadow. Initially, he remained silent -- not from annoyance, but from contemplation on how best to respond, though his expressiveness of this fact, too, was concealed in the darkness. After a brief closing of his eyes, he turned his head to glance at the scout.

It did come as a surprise to hear the offer, though. Not many would willingly switch out with him; his post wasn’t the most ideal, after all, especially on chilly nights like tonight. “You sure? I don’t mind, but…” He almost felt bad, asking to switch posts. There was trust, of course. Not much doubt in his mind that Miles would be fine in the role. He just knew that having to leave the comfort of the fire on such a chilly night to go stare into the darkness for a few hours wasn’t the most fun time to be had. 

Cid had told him he needed to learn to rely on others more instead of trying to do everything on his own, though…

“Well… if you’re sure, I’ll leave it to you, then.” Getting a few winks of sleep would do him wonders, honestly. Enough to do his job properly until they were home, at least. He wouldn’t feel completely at ease until they were back in the deadlands. 

“Thanks, Miles. I appreciate it.” Since he knew he’d get to rest, now, he made himself comfortable in front of the fire. Brought his knees up close, hugging them to his chest. Making himself as small as possible. “Feel free to stay a bit longer, though. Keep yourself warm. I did a pretty extensive search before coming back this time, so don’t feel the need to rush.” 

Joshua wants to be useful at the Hideaway, and not as the Phoenix, just as Joshua. For years, it was only his powers as the Phoenix that matter. He wanted to find clues about Ultima, to find a way to protect Clive from this so called god, but now that he has reunited with his family, which also includes Jill and Torgal, he feels the need to do some good as the man he is, not just as the Dominant he is.

That's why he decided to give Gav a hand, without even asking him if he needs it. Gav seemed tired. And it's normal because everyone is working so hard nowadays, and not just the ones who are on the battlefield. Maybe that's even why Joshua feels the need to help this much. He sees how hard everyone is working, and he has to play his part, too.

Sitting around twiddling his thumbs was something Gav just couldn’t do. He needed to keep his mind and body busy so he wouldn’t dwell too much on their upcoming trip to Waloed. It was still a ways off, what with the Enterprise needing repairs and all, but still… If he didn’t keep himself busy, he’d worry too much.

Picking up a few of the remaining boxes, he then turned to the other and grinned. “‘Sides, if you’re up for it afterwards, I’ve got a few jobs I could use some help with. Nothing too dangerous, but an extra pair of hands and an able body would be nice.” 

It was easy to see that Joshua wanted to be useful around the hideaway. And also easy to see how worried everyone was over his health. None of the missions he was getting ready for would be dangerous and they were all ones he could easily do himself. But he didn’t mind having company along the way if Joshua was up for it.

The day is exactly as Clive hoped it would be - a cloudless blue sky stretched out above him, trees swaying with a soft, steady breeze, and Rosalith Castle just busy enough to obscure his absence. He’s grateful that, for now, his presence isn’t necessary. It’s Joshua who has a full agenda, ranging from an attire fitting (he’s beginning to outgrow clothes nearly month to month, having hit a growth spurt) to matters of war that no child should have to be privy to – Eikon or not.

On days like these, Clive tends to be of two minds: his relief at not being the subject of his mother’s scrutiny, in addition to being freed from his duties, is tempered by his desire to rescue his brother from the trappings of being the Phoenix. The reliance and devotion showered on him by the duchy is far too heavy for a child’s shoulders to bear.

He allows the guilty feelings to drift from his mind slowly but surely, soon replaced by excitement for the day ahead. Gav would be waiting for him in the field by now, having no idea that a new friend would be accompanying them.

Torgal tags along at Clive’s side, thrilled at the prospect of going on an adventure. The pup’s arrival at Rosalith was met with much delight, especially from Clive, Jill, and Joshua. He knows with certainty that Gav will be next to fall for Torgal’s endearing charm.

Realizing that Torgal is having trouble keeping up – his tiny legs tripping over pebbles and losing balance in his haste - Clive chuckles and easily scoops him up in one hand. “Is this better?” he asks, holding him against his chest as they walk. Torgal will surely be a large hound one day, but it’s hard to envision such a transformation when he can fit in the palm of one’s hand at present.

With the pup off the ground Clive can pick up the pace, eager to reach their spot. He spots Gav seated in the grass, his back to Clive.

While Clive can’t be sure of Gav’s feelings, he knows for himself that life has only improved since meeting him. Outside of who he needs to be for Rosaria, there’s a place for him where those expectations can be instantly stripped off. He feels at ease when he lets his guard down, knowing that Gav wants to know him exactly as he is.

It's something that Clive is almost afraid to become used to. It’s so novel, so unlike the rapports he’s had with others his age up until now.

He isn’t quite sure what to do with it.

He can’t imagine life without it now.

“Ready, Torgal?” Clive whispers, watching him wiggle his legs with excitement as he’s placed on the ground. The tiny hound scrambles with glee through the grass, jumping up on Gav’s back when he reaches him. Grinning at the sight, Clive hurries over to join them, laughing as he claps a hand to Gav’s shoulder in greeting.

“Imagine my surprise when Father returned from his expedition with this boy tucked under his arm.”

He seats himself next to Gav, patting Torgal’s head as he explores Gav with sniffs and gentle headbutts. “His name is Torgal. I was certain that the two of you would quickly bond. It seems I was correct.”

Palpable relief and ease wash over Clive as he watches the two. All is well in the world, for this moment at least. It is more than enough.

It’s just been too long since he’s been this excited. Too long since he’s had someone in his life he cares about this much. Too long since he’s wanted to feel like this. To love and be loved. To get close and hold close. It's his most guarded secret. One he hopes he can tell Clive about. And... maybe have the feelings reciprocated.

He can feel his cheeks warming at the thought of a possible future where the two of them can be happy… together. Warming still at the thought that… maybe he makes Clive feel just as happy as he does for him. Maybe…

A sudden weight on his back brings Gav quickly out of his thoughts. Almost has him jumping out of his skin. A laugh behind him alerts him to Clive's presence and suddenly he’s embarrassed. Not only has he been caught off guard, but here was the exact person he’s been daydreaming about for the last ten minutes. 

Thankfully the pup Clive has brought with him makes quick work of distracting him. 

It takes a moment for him to reply, too preoccupied with the pup sniffing and pawing at him. He’s adorable, so soft and small; a ball of energy he wants to play with until the sun sets. Clive is asking him a question, though, so he tries to tear his attention away from Torgal. 

“I’ve -” a giggle as the pup licks his chin “- been well. Not much to complain about.” Other than feeling a little lonely when they’re apart - he’s grown used to Clive’s presence - but he's keeping that to himself. 

He asks, in return, how Clive has been, hoping for good news. He isn’t completely aware of what happens inside of Rosalith Castle, but he does know that it’s not all sunshine and rainbows for Clive. Being a prince is hard enough, he’s sure, but sometimes it seems like there’s more going on. More burdening him. Gav just wishes he could do more for him; or anything at all, really.

Once Torgal has his fill of him, he trots off to go frolic in the field stretching out in front of them. Now that the - adorable - distraction has given him time to focus, he turns to Clive and smiles softly. “Thanks for bringin’ him along. Never can stay sad with a cute pup around.” Not that he’s ever sad with Clive around.

"So... as lovely as Torgal is... I'm guessing he's not the reason you called me out here?" He's being quiet, almost afraid to disturb the peace they've finally managed to find. It's not often they get to come this far out, away from people, to just relax and enjoy each other's company. He's hoping he's wrong. Hoping Torgal is the reason they're here. But something inside of him is telling him there's more.

Mid keeps that curious smile on her lips as she listens to what Gav is telling her. She studied a lot about the old technologies, the Fallen technologies, back in Kanver. She even worked with some pieces of it, but she always wants to try more and more, to develop even better inventions. There's nothing she wants more than being useful to everyone with her creativity. Maybe she's not a warrior, but she wants to play her part, more than anything else.

"It was risky, you know ? But at least, you came back in one piece!" She's teasing him, of course. She knows it's his job as a scout to explore the area. But he still took that piece for her to work with, so it means a lot. Mid is often scared of being too much with her inventions, but she knows she can trust Gav.

Gav was glad to hear that Mid was interested in his little adventuring idea, though. He’d gone on missions with other Cursebreakers, sure, but they were all no-nonsense, serious as a stone. Except Cole, but they didn’t get many missions together. With Mid, though, he could have fun. And, well, they weren’t exactly going behind enemy lines to figure out the current state of affairs, so they could afford to have a little fun with the trip. 

“I remember him saying something about going to see Quinten and Isabelle in the next couple of days. Seems some trouble’s brewing out that way. Not surprised, considering the state of Sanbreque at the moment…” Clive had a lot going on, what with having so many allies in so many different places.