— (𝒐𝒇) 𝒅𝒂𝒘𝒏.

mentally  cursing,  he  crossed  his  arms  over  his  chest  as  a  sour  expression  formed  'pon  his  visage.  he  assumed  that  by  now,  aglaea  had  flagged  his  behavior  as  odd  ──  so  much  so,  that  she'd  probably  begin  to  keep  tabs  on  him,  or  order  the  deliverer  to  do  it.  ❝  don't  play  hero.  i've  no  need  for  you  to  follow  me.  ❞

'Playing hero'… Was that what he was doing? Mydei said it like it was a bad thing. And perhaps it was. But take that away from 'the Deliverer', and what was he? A wildfire, maybe. Something that could barely maintain its shape, desperate not to burn and consume the things it loved. Every single one of the Heirs knew, including Phainon himself, he would be no better than that black-robed swordmaster without being pushed toward 'playing hero'--and the thought alone was enough to make his stomach twist.

As the world began to blur around the edges of his vision, Phainon was less aware of his eyes growing wet than the ember catching inside the gap that crumbled wider still. It was a tiny thing, at first--that little lick of flame; his helplessness turning to what he knew best. To heat. To anger.

"You always know exactly what to say to hurt me, don't you?" Phainon tried to laugh, but the sound was thin in his ears and quickly cracked under pressure. Of course Mydeimos did. Some days Phainon caught himself wondering if his companion knew him better than he knew himself.

For several strained moments, all he could do was stand there, his jaw setting and chest heaving with the effort it took not to lunge at Mydei. Not because he wanted to hurt the crown prince of Castrum Kremnos, but because he was desperate to close the distance forming between them with something familiar, like the equal exchange of blows.

(  various  fluffy  dialogue  prompts  so  soft,  so  sweet,  just  for  you!  )

❛ i just wanted to make sure you’re okay. ❜

❛ there it is, there’s that smile! ❜

❛ you got me flowers? ❜

❛ i’m not afraid of you. ❜

❛ aw, did you miss me? ❜

❛ you’re lucky that you’re cute. ❜

❛ wait, you think i’m cute? ❜

❛ you’re not alone. you never were. ❜

❛ i don’t think i’ve ever seen you smile. ❜

❛ good morning, sleeping beauty. ❜

❛ it’s better with you here. ❜

❛ don’t worry, i’m staying right here. ❜

❛ you’re welcome to stay, if you want. ❜

❛ don’t be a stranger, okay? ❜

❛ i haven’t laughed like this in a long time. ❜

❛ hold still. this might sting a little. ❜

❛ you can hold my hand, if you want. ❜

❛ i knew you would be here. ❜

❛ i just wanted to say thank you for protecting me. ❜

❛ before you do anything, try this and tell me what you think. ❜

❛ wow i really can’t speak, huh? must be because of how pretty you look. ❜

❛ we can order pizza, watch a movie, whatever you want. ❜

❛ what, am i not allowed to look at you? ❜

❛ i’m not giving up on you. ❜

❛ is that my shirt? ❜

❛ this is a good look for you. ❜

❛ pinky promise? ❜

❛ c’mere, you. ❜

❛ honey, i’m home! ❜

❛ you remembered? ❜

❛ you’re my family too. ❜

❛ let’s go somewhere, just you and me. ❜

❛ i’m here for you. don’t forget that. ❜

❛ you’re the only thing that matters. ❜

❛ was that your first kiss? ❜

❛ i was worried something happened to you. ❜

❛ your heart is beating so fast right now. ❜

❛ relationships are built on trust, and i trust you. ❜

❛ you always see the good in people. even me. ❜

❛ do you think the moon is jealous of how pretty you are? ❜

❛ nope, puppy dog eyes aren’t going to work this time! ❜

❛ thanks to you, i know what it means to love again. ❜

❛ how about a kiss before i go? ❜

❛ i’m just glad you’re okay. ❜

❛ here we are, home sweet home. ❜

❛ thanks for being here with me. ❜

❛ seeing you happy is all that matters. ❜

❛ keep it. it looks better on you. ❜

❛ i couldn’t stop missing you if i tried. ❜

>19:00 - Take Mydei to take a bath.

He's heavy, as a fully grown soldier who wields a greatsword ought to be, but in a way that's strangely comfortable. Like a warm, weighted blanket. Or maybe more accurately a gentle giant of a dog you'd rather risk suffocating you than disturbing his rest or that sweet little face. A dog whose tail would surely be wagging near constantly given his easygoing nature, so naturally Adrian can't resist pampering him like one.

That is until something feels amiss, a little warmer, the weight against them a little more rigid. He could easily be dreaming of course, but... Adrian has a sneaking suspicion.

"Okay, okay!" Feeling his resolve to hold his ground quickly wane, he bends toward them the way a sunflower bends toward the sunlight and circles his big arms around their little waist. He tells himself it's to anchor himself to their side, though deep down he knows it's for the simple pleasure of holding them close. "You caught me."