A Gathering of Guardians

AN: Hmmm, the epilogue to a prologue. Not sure how that works, but here we are! And we’ve reached the end to the prologue. Finally done! Longer than I had originally anticipated, yet it could have been longer if I added all the cute interactions I initially wanted to :’D Well, let me know what you think!

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AN: Almost done! Just the epilogue to go. After that, I might take a small break and attempt some oneshots. Or at least finish playing DQXI. But the next saga to TTS is also calling. Ah, so much to do Q^Q Anyway, hope you enjoy reading~!

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AN: Longest chapter yet ahahaha :’D

Ao3 | Wattpad | FFNet

AN: Another chapter done @_@ I’ll try to wrap the prologue up soon. After that, I might take a small break and maybe work on some oneshots. Though, the second saga to TTS is also calling me. So…I’ll take a break from writing a novel by writing another novel. Sounds about right.

Well, hope you enjoy reading!

Ao3 | Wattpad | FFNet

AN: Ah, another really long chapter. Over 6 thousand words. It won’t end. Send help.

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AN: Felt like doing a chapter from Axel’s POV now :3

Ao3 | Wattpad | FFNet

AN: Slowly, slowly making my way through these chapters. Still quite long. Over 5k words long~ Anyway, hope you enjoy reading and do let me know what you think!

Ao3 | Wattpad | FFNet

AN: If someone was to say that I’m getting carried away with this novel, I couldn’t confidently deny it. But I mean, it’s filled with all my favourite boys. Of course I’m getting carried away. So, enjoy~

AN: Slowly making my way through this @_@ Though I did get kinda carried away with this chapter. Now that it’s done, I’m taking a nap. I feel exhausted. Enjoy!

Ao3 | Wattpad | FFnet

AN: Yes, a new chapter! I’m steadily getting this prologue done, which makes me happy. So I hope you enjoy reading~!

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Chapter 10:

The dining hall was honestly larger than Oracle had anticipated. It certainly held enough seats and tables to seat a hundred people, give or take. It was currently bustling with a myriad of explorers. Some of Oracle’s own guild were already there, mingling with the others.

“Would you like me to introduce you to everyone?” Lynus suggested as he and Oracle walked into the hall.

Oracle shrugged. “Sure, why not?”

AN: These chapters keep getting longer Q^Q Well, ah, enjoy reading?

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Chapter 9:

Lynus stifled a yawn with his hand, hoping not to reveal that he had spent a few more hours than he should getting his office up and functional. He honestly would have been there a lot longer if Axel didn’t come looking for him.

However, as he had chosen to sit with his fellow medics for breakfast, the attempt to hide was a pointless one.

(( Lynus could sense their collective nervousness from nearly across the city itself. Their anxiety was understandable. It won’t be easy to elevate their nerves, but he could offer them all some words of comfort.

And perhaps the best way to do that is to introduce them to those who would be participating in the operation. ))

Havardr, good, you’re here. How are you feeling? Nervous?

Let me introduce you to those who will be aiding me during this operation. I will be taking the place as lead surgeon, but Isiah, Derek, and Darrell will be my assistants.

Ah, yes. My name is Derek. I am the head doctor and manager of this fine hospital. I will be overseeing this operation. Just as a precaution really, nothing more. Lynus is more than capable of handling any operation.

F-fuck yeah I’m nervous—! ((He clamps a hand over his mouth.)) Sorry, that was rude, I— I didn’t mean it like that. Uh, um—

((Logre places a hand on Havardr’s shoulder without saying a word; Havardr takes a deep breath and continues.))

Um, g-good to meet you, Derek— Dr. Derek. I— Um… ((He’s on the verge of tears, and glances back at Junpei and Logre with eyes that beg them to take him somewhere else, anywhere else. But they all know that isn’t possible.

Junpei has a pained expression, and a grimace that says that he doesn’t have the right words for something like this. But Logre cups Havardr’s face in his hands, and tilts the blonde’s head up to look him in the eyes.))

Havardr, it’s too late to turn back now. But… ((He pauses, searching for the right words, words he must have thought over before but now had left his head.))

There are going to be so many people out here waiting on you when you get out of there. Because you are. Your family and Lis and Miku should all be arriving soon, and Junpei and I will be out here with them. All of us, people who care about you so much. 

Your family has a love for you that never wavered over the decade that you were separated from them. And Lis and Miku care about you deeply, having seen you from the moment you decided to start making your way home, and greeting you when you returned home to Tharsis. Junpei here… He hasn’t known you long, but it’s obvious from the fact that he came with us, that he considers you a treasured friend.

And me…

((He closes his eyes and sighs deeply.))

I…

((He looks Havardr in the eyes again.))

Havardr, I— ((His face turns beet red quite suddenly.))

D-don’t say anything you don’t feel obligated to—

It’s not that— It’s a lot harder to say these things out loud… ((He has a nervous grin adorning his face now.)) Heheh…

((He clears his throat.))

Havardr, I— ((His mind races with the thought that had plagued his mind when he was formulating this earlier: If he dies on that table he won’t know just how much everyone cared for him. And he knows if he’s honest about the others, then he should be honest about himself too.))

Before you go in there, I just…want you to know just how much I care about you…how much I-I love you. Because I do. You’re the most precious person to me, and before you go into that operating room I want you to know just how much everyone out here cares about you. That includes me. I’m fighting so hard for you because I— I love you, deeply, and I don’t want to see you suffer. None of us want to see you suffer. That’s why we’re going to this extreme.

Havardr, you can be scared. Hell, be terrified. Don’t be like me, some…crotchety old man who falls out at the faintest hint of love. But go in there feeling terrified and loved.

((Junpei is standing behind Logre with a satisfied grin. A red-faced Havardr’s jaw is hanging open, his hand resting on Logre’s.))

You— You can’t— This is ridic—

((He clears his throat.))

That’s all fine and d-dandy, but I’m a human trainwreck, Logre! That’s why I’m here—!

There’s no time to argue, Havardr.

You’re gonna be fine, okay? Like Logre said, we all care about you and will be waitin’ for you out here.

A-alright.

((He pulls Logre’s hand off his cheek, kisses the back of it lightly, and whispers in a voice that can barely be heard, “I love you too.” Then he turns to Derek and Lynus.))

(( Lynus had to admit that he was a little surprised by Logre’s confession, but was pleased all the same. Even Isiah uttered a sarcastic “no, you don’t say?” under his breath. But he pushed aside the need to tease the other man. He would likely save that for later.

But in all honesty, what had just occurred wasn’t unusual in anyway. The halls and waiting rooms of hospitals hear more sincere words of love and whispered prayers than any church ever could. And gratitude. There was no where else on this planet that the words “thank you” held such impact.

…After such a heartfelt love confession, Lynus wouldn’t dare fail at this operation now. ))

It’s fine. So, you’re ready now? Good. The sooner, the better, yes? The sooner we begin, the sooner I can hand you back over to Logre and your family. The sooner you can get back to living. Together with everyone you love.

That’s something to look forward to, isn’t it?

Of course, doctors. We wouldn’t expect any less from pros like y’all.

Y-yes. We’ll be waiting out here when you’re done.

((Logre and Junpei pat Havardr’s shoulders and watch him depart with the medical team down the hall. As he is walking away, Havardr waves at them one last time over his shoulder.

Once the group is out of sigh, Junpei looks at Logre with a shit-eating grin.))

So, lover-boy—

Sh-shut up. ((His face is as rosy red as an apple, and he almost seems to have beads of sweat running down his temple from the heat of his blush.))

Still reeling from that feathery kiss, huh? ((He elbows Logre in the ribs. Logre groans loudly.))

Seriously though man, I’m proud of you. It takes some balls of steel to say that right before an operation like this.

…Thanks. ((He pointedly looks away from Junpei, his face still red as can be.))

(( Lynus smiled reassuringly as he placed a hand on Havardr’s back to guide him toward in-patients. He could still sense his nervousness, but he could sense determination as well. Logre’s timely confession gave him the boost he needed to move on with the operation. ))

Hmm, should I offer my congratulations, Havardr? You certainly seem less nervous after speaking with Logre.

I have to admit that I’m surprised. Heh. Nothing like a proverbial kick to the guts to ease a man’s emotional constipation.

Now, that was quite the controlled but sincere confession. One of the best I’ve seen.

(( Lynus laughed softly as he guided Havardr to the medical bay. )) Now, you two. Havardr, I’ll leave you in Derek’s hands for now. Just to prepare you for surgery. I need to get ready myself. I’ll likely be the last face you see before falling asleep. And when you awaken, this ordeal will all be over.

Once they make it to the medical bay, Havardr listens to Lynus carefully, standing up straight and taking a serious expression.))

I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.

((He would never admit it to the young medic– or to anyone besides Logre, really –but that heartfelt confession had made him feel braver, and he was sure that Lynus could tell, so he didn’t need to say anything.))

Ah, we just need you to get undressed and into bed where I take your blood pressure and other vital signs. And yes, another IV. Not too fond of those? You’re not alone; to many that’s the worst part.

In all honesty, all you need to do now is lie there and wait. Not the easiest thing for explorers to do, I’m sure.

Then again, he hadn’t willingly been to the doctor’s in, what, a decade? The past few times he’d gone had been because someone else dragged him there in a delirious or unconscious state. He probably wasn’t going to have to undress in front of Derek; he was probably just being an idiot again. Or, wait, no, he shouldn’t— He was probably being forgetful again.))

Now that I think about it, I dunno how clear-headed I’ll be when I wake up…but I might as well ask anyways…

I guess just normal questions? Er, I dunno what’s normal or not, my memory’s shit and I haven’t been to the doctor in a right state of mind in a long time…

But just like… How long am I gonna be in the hospital afterwards, and what do I need to do after I’m discharged? And then, uh, how— how long is it gonna take before I’m strong enough to go back out into the field?

(( Derek turned to Havardr and arched an eyebrow. ))

Havardr, you’re being prepped for surgery. This is no ordinary doctor’s visit. We’re about to put you under sedation and wheel you into the operating theatre. Now, strip to your underwear and climb into bed.

Well, depending on how well you respond to treatment, your stay in the hospital can be anywhere between four days and a month. If you’re a good boy and follow instructions, you’ll be back with your guild in no time. 

I will be completely honest with you; this surgery is intensive. We’re going to keep you sedated for at least 24hours following because you’re going to feel like you’ve been thrown off a 10story building otherwise.

There will be some physical therapy afterwards, helping you to retain the full function of your lungs and heart once again. Lynus will help you with that initially before he gives instructions to your guild’s medic, allowing you to return home with them.

As for the field, that entirely depends on how much you’ll allow yourself this time to rest and recover. Once you start your physio, you’ll begin to feel better. You’ve been dealing with the significant damage to your chest and lungs for ten years.

Trust me, I know you may not believe it now, but once you start to recover from the operation, you will feel far better than you had previously. The weight, both physical and metaphorical, will have been lifted from your chest. You will find that you have more energy than before. You’ll breath easier, again both physically and metaphorically. 

I know you’re nervous. Scared even. And that’s completely normal. But look to the future. Where you’re out on the field with your guild once again. You’ll get out there again. This is just a slight bump in the road. 

(( Lynus could sense their collective nervousness from nearly across the city itself. Their anxiety was understandable. It won’t be easy to elevate their nerves, but he could offer them all some words of comfort.

And perhaps the best way to do that is to introduce them to those who would be participating in the operation. ))

Havardr, good, you’re here. How are you feeling? Nervous?

Let me introduce you to those who will be aiding me during this operation. I will be taking the place as lead surgeon, but Isiah, Derek, and Darrell will be my assistants.

Ah, yes. My name is Derek. I am the head doctor and manager of this fine hospital. I will be overseeing this operation. Just as a precaution really, nothing more. Lynus is more than capable of handling any operation.

F-fuck yeah I’m nervous—! ((He clamps a hand over his mouth.)) Sorry, that was rude, I— I didn’t mean it like that. Uh, um—

((Logre places a hand on Havardr’s shoulder without saying a word; Havardr takes a deep breath and continues.))

Um, g-good to meet you, Derek— Dr. Derek. I— Um… ((He’s on the verge of tears, and glances back at Junpei and Logre with eyes that beg them to take him somewhere else, anywhere else. But they all know that isn’t possible.

Junpei has a pained expression, and a grimace that says that he doesn’t have the right words for something like this. But Logre cups Havardr’s face in his hands, and tilts the blonde’s head up to look him in the eyes.))

Havardr, it’s too late to turn back now. But… ((He pauses, searching for the right words, words he must have thought over before but now had left his head.))

There are going to be so many people out here waiting on you when you get out of there. Because you are. Your family and Lis and Miku should all be arriving soon, and Junpei and I will be out here with them. All of us, people who care about you so much. 

Your family has a love for you that never wavered over the decade that you were separated from them. And Lis and Miku care about you deeply, having seen you from the moment you decided to start making your way home, and greeting you when you returned home to Tharsis. Junpei here… He hasn’t known you long, but it’s obvious from the fact that he came with us, that he considers you a treasured friend.

And me…

((He closes his eyes and sighs deeply.))

I…

((He looks Havardr in the eyes again.))

Havardr, I— ((His face turns beet red quite suddenly.))

D-don’t say anything you don’t feel obligated to—

It’s not that— It’s a lot harder to say these things out loud… ((He has a nervous grin adorning his face now.)) Heheh…

((He clears his throat.))

Havardr, I— ((His mind races with the thought that had plagued his mind when he was formulating this earlier: If he dies on that table he won’t know just how much everyone cared for him. And he knows if he’s honest about the others, then he should be honest about himself too.))

Before you go in there, I just…want you to know just how much I care about you…how much I-I love you. Because I do. You’re the most precious person to me, and before you go into that operating room I want you to know just how much everyone out here cares about you. That includes me. I’m fighting so hard for you because I— I love you, deeply, and I don’t want to see you suffer. None of us want to see you suffer. That’s why we’re going to this extreme.

Havardr, you can be scared. Hell, be terrified. Don’t be like me, some…crotchety old man who falls out at the faintest hint of love. But go in there feeling terrified and loved.

((Junpei is standing behind Logre with a satisfied grin. A red-faced Havardr’s jaw is hanging open, his hand resting on Logre’s.))

You— You can’t— This is ridic—

((He clears his throat.))

That’s all fine and d-dandy, but I’m a human trainwreck, Logre! That’s why I’m here—!

There’s no time to argue, Havardr.

You’re gonna be fine, okay? Like Logre said, we all care about you and will be waitin’ for you out here.

A-alright.

((He pulls Logre’s hand off his cheek, kisses the back of it lightly, and whispers in a voice that can barely be heard, “I love you too.” Then he turns to Derek and Lynus.))

(( Lynus had to admit that he was a little surprised by Logre’s confession, but was pleased all the same. Even Isiah uttered a sarcastic “no, you don’t say?” under his breath. But he pushed aside the need to tease the other man. He would likely save that for later.

But in all honesty, what had just occurred wasn’t unusual in anyway. The halls and waiting rooms of hospitals hear more sincere words of love and whispered prayers than any church ever could. And gratitude. There was no where else on this planet that the words “thank you” held such impact.

…After such a heartfelt love confession, Lynus wouldn’t dare fail at this operation now. ))

It’s fine. So, you’re ready now? Good. The sooner, the better, yes? The sooner we begin, the sooner I can hand you back over to Logre and your family. The sooner you can get back to living. Together with everyone you love.

That’s something to look forward to, isn’t it?

Of course, doctors. We wouldn’t expect any less from pros like y’all.

Y-yes. We’ll be waiting out here when you’re done.

((Logre and Junpei pat Havardr’s shoulders and watch him depart with the medical team down the hall. As he is walking away, Havardr waves at them one last time over his shoulder.

Once the group is out of sigh, Junpei looks at Logre with a shit-eating grin.))

So, lover-boy—

Sh-shut up. ((His face is as rosy red as an apple, and he almost seems to have beads of sweat running down his temple from the heat of his blush.))

Still reeling from that feathery kiss, huh? ((He elbows Logre in the ribs. Logre groans loudly.))

Seriously though man, I’m proud of you. It takes some balls of steel to say that right before an operation like this.

…Thanks. ((He pointedly looks away from Junpei, his face still red as can be.))

(( Lynus smiled reassuringly as he placed a hand on Havardr’s back to guide him toward in-patients. He could still sense his nervousness, but he could sense determination as well. Logre’s timely confession gave him the boost he needed to move on with the operation. ))

Hmm, should I offer my congratulations, Havardr? You certainly seem less nervous after speaking with Logre.

I have to admit that I’m surprised. Heh. Nothing like a proverbial kick to the guts to ease a man’s emotional constipation.

Now, that was quite the controlled but sincere confession. One of the best I’ve seen.

(( Lynus laughed softly as he guided Havardr to the medical bay. )) Now, you two. Havardr, I’ll leave you in Derek’s hands for now. Just to prepare you for surgery. I need to get ready myself. I’ll likely be the last face you see before falling asleep. And when you awaken, this ordeal will all be over.

Once they make it to the medical bay, Havardr listens to Lynus carefully, standing up straight and taking a serious expression.))

I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.

((He would never admit it to the young medic– or to anyone besides Logre, really –but that heartfelt confession had made him feel braver, and he was sure that Lynus could tell, so he didn’t need to say anything.))

Ah, we just need you to get undressed and into bed where I take your blood pressure and other vital signs. And yes, another IV. Not too fond of those? You’re not alone; to many that’s the worst part.

In all honesty, all you need to do now is lie there and wait. Not the easiest thing for explorers to do, I’m sure.

(( Lynus could sense their collective nervousness from nearly across the city itself. Their anxiety was understandable. It won’t be easy to elevate their nerves, but he could offer them all some words of comfort.

And perhaps the best way to do that is to introduce them to those who would be participating in the operation. ))

Havardr, good, you’re here. How are you feeling? Nervous?

Let me introduce you to those who will be aiding me during this operation. I will be taking the place as lead surgeon, but Isiah, Derek, and Darrell will be my assistants.

Ah, yes. My name is Derek. I am the head doctor and manager of this fine hospital. I will be overseeing this operation. Just as a precaution really, nothing more. Lynus is more than capable of handling any operation.

F-fuck yeah I’m nervous—! ((He clamps a hand over his mouth.)) Sorry, that was rude, I— I didn’t mean it like that. Uh, um—

((Logre places a hand on Havardr’s shoulder without saying a word; Havardr takes a deep breath and continues.))

Um, g-good to meet you, Derek— Dr. Derek. I— Um… ((He’s on the verge of tears, and glances back at Junpei and Logre with eyes that beg them to take him somewhere else, anywhere else. But they all know that isn’t possible.

Junpei has a pained expression, and a grimace that says that he doesn’t have the right words for something like this. But Logre cups Havardr’s face in his hands, and tilts the blonde’s head up to look him in the eyes.))

Havardr, it’s too late to turn back now. But… ((He pauses, searching for the right words, words he must have thought over before but now had left his head.))

There are going to be so many people out here waiting on you when you get out of there. Because you are. Your family and Lis and Miku should all be arriving soon, and Junpei and I will be out here with them. All of us, people who care about you so much. 

Your family has a love for you that never wavered over the decade that you were separated from them. And Lis and Miku care about you deeply, having seen you from the moment you decided to start making your way home, and greeting you when you returned home to Tharsis. Junpei here… He hasn’t known you long, but it’s obvious from the fact that he came with us, that he considers you a treasured friend.

And me…

((He closes his eyes and sighs deeply.))

I…

((He looks Havardr in the eyes again.))

Havardr, I— ((His face turns beet red quite suddenly.))

D-don’t say anything you don’t feel obligated to—

It’s not that— It’s a lot harder to say these things out loud… ((He has a nervous grin adorning his face now.)) Heheh…

((He clears his throat.))

Havardr, I— ((His mind races with the thought that had plagued his mind when he was formulating this earlier: If he dies on that table he won’t know just how much everyone cared for him. And he knows if he’s honest about the others, then he should be honest about himself too.))

Before you go in there, I just…want you to know just how much I care about you…how much I-I love you. Because I do. You’re the most precious person to me, and before you go into that operating room I want you to know just how much everyone out here cares about you. That includes me. I’m fighting so hard for you because I— I love you, deeply, and I don’t want to see you suffer. None of us want to see you suffer. That’s why we’re going to this extreme.

Havardr, you can be scared. Hell, be terrified. Don’t be like me, some…crotchety old man who falls out at the faintest hint of love. But go in there feeling terrified and loved.

((Junpei is standing behind Logre with a satisfied grin. A red-faced Havardr’s jaw is hanging open, his hand resting on Logre’s.))

You— You can’t— This is ridic—

((He clears his throat.))

That’s all fine and d-dandy, but I’m a human trainwreck, Logre! That’s why I’m here—!

There’s no time to argue, Havardr.

You’re gonna be fine, okay? Like Logre said, we all care about you and will be waitin’ for you out here.

A-alright.

((He pulls Logre’s hand off his cheek, kisses the back of it lightly, and whispers in a voice that can barely be heard, “I love you too.” Then he turns to Derek and Lynus.))

(( Lynus had to admit that he was a little surprised by Logre’s confession, but was pleased all the same. Even Isiah uttered a sarcastic “no, you don’t say?” under his breath. But he pushed aside the need to tease the other man. He would likely save that for later.

But in all honesty, what had just occurred wasn’t unusual in anyway. The halls and waiting rooms of hospitals hear more sincere words of love and whispered prayers than any church ever could. And gratitude. There was no where else on this planet that the words “thank you” held such impact.

…After such a heartfelt love confession, Lynus wouldn’t dare fail at this operation now. ))

It’s fine. So, you’re ready now? Good. The sooner, the better, yes? The sooner we begin, the sooner I can hand you back over to Logre and your family. The sooner you can get back to living. Together with everyone you love.

That’s something to look forward to, isn’t it?

Of course, doctors. We wouldn’t expect any less from pros like y’all.

Y-yes. We’ll be waiting out here when you’re done.

((Logre and Junpei pat Havardr’s shoulders and watch him depart with the medical team down the hall. As he is walking away, Havardr waves at them one last time over his shoulder.

Once the group is out of sigh, Junpei looks at Logre with a shit-eating grin.))

So, lover-boy—

Sh-shut up. ((His face is as rosy red as an apple, and he almost seems to have beads of sweat running down his temple from the heat of his blush.))

Still reeling from that feathery kiss, huh? ((He elbows Logre in the ribs. Logre groans loudly.))

Seriously though man, I’m proud of you. It takes some balls of steel to say that right before an operation like this.

…Thanks. ((He pointedly looks away from Junpei, his face still red as can be.))

(( Lynus smiled reassuringly as he placed a hand on Havardr’s back to guide him toward in-patients. He could still sense his nervousness, but he could sense determination as well. Logre’s timely confession gave him the boost he needed to move on with the operation. ))

Hmm, should I offer my congratulations, Havardr? You certainly seem less nervous after speaking with Logre.

I have to admit that I’m surprised. Heh. Nothing like a proverbial kick to the guts to ease a man’s emotional constipation.

Now, that was quite the controlled but sincere confession. One of the best I’ve seen.

(( Lynus laughed softly as he guided Havardr to the medical bay. )) Now, you two. Havardr, I’ll leave you in Derek’s hands for now. Just to prepare you for surgery. I need to get ready myself. I’ll likely be the last face you see before falling asleep. And when you awaken, this ordeal will all be over.

(( Lynus could sense their collective nervousness from nearly across the city itself. Their anxiety was understandable. It won’t be easy to elevate their nerves, but he could offer them all some words of comfort.

And perhaps the best way to do that is to introduce them to those who would be participating in the operation. ))

Havardr, good, you’re here. How are you feeling? Nervous?

Let me introduce you to those who will be aiding me during this operation. I will be taking the place as lead surgeon, but Isiah, Derek, and Darrell will be my assistants.

Ah, yes. My name is Derek. I am the head doctor and manager of this fine hospital. I will be overseeing this operation. Just as a precaution really, nothing more. Lynus is more than capable of handling any operation.

F-fuck yeah I’m nervous—! ((He clamps a hand over his mouth.)) Sorry, that was rude, I— I didn’t mean it like that. Uh, um—

((Logre places a hand on Havardr’s shoulder without saying a word; Havardr takes a deep breath and continues.))

Um, g-good to meet you, Derek— Dr. Derek. I— Um… ((He’s on the verge of tears, and glances back at Junpei and Logre with eyes that beg them to take him somewhere else, anywhere else. But they all know that isn’t possible.

Junpei has a pained expression, and a grimace that says that he doesn’t have the right words for something like this. But Logre cups Havardr’s face in his hands, and tilts the blonde’s head up to look him in the eyes.))

Havardr, it’s too late to turn back now. But… ((He pauses, searching for the right words, words he must have thought over before but now had left his head.))

There are going to be so many people out here waiting on you when you get out of there. Because you are. Your family and Lis and Miku should all be arriving soon, and Junpei and I will be out here with them. All of us, people who care about you so much. 

Your family has a love for you that never wavered over the decade that you were separated from them. And Lis and Miku care about you deeply, having seen you from the moment you decided to start making your way home, and greeting you when you returned home to Tharsis. Junpei here… He hasn’t known you long, but it’s obvious from the fact that he came with us, that he considers you a treasured friend.

And me…

((He closes his eyes and sighs deeply.))

I…

((He looks Havardr in the eyes again.))

Havardr, I— ((His face turns beet red quite suddenly.))

D-don’t say anything you don’t feel obligated to—

It’s not that— It’s a lot harder to say these things out loud… ((He has a nervous grin adorning his face now.)) Heheh…

((He clears his throat.))

Havardr, I— ((His mind races with the thought that had plagued his mind when he was formulating this earlier: If he dies on that table he won’t know just how much everyone cared for him. And he knows if he’s honest about the others, then he should be honest about himself too.))

Before you go in there, I just…want you to know just how much I care about you…how much I-I love you. Because I do. You’re the most precious person to me, and before you go into that operating room I want you to know just how much everyone out here cares about you. That includes me. I’m fighting so hard for you because I— I love you, deeply, and I don’t want to see you suffer. None of us want to see you suffer. That’s why we’re going to this extreme.

Havardr, you can be scared. Hell, be terrified. Don’t be like me, some…crotchety old man who falls out at the faintest hint of love. But go in there feeling terrified and loved.

((Junpei is standing behind Logre with a satisfied grin. A red-faced Havardr’s jaw is hanging open, his hand resting on Logre’s.))

You— You can’t— This is ridic—

((He clears his throat.))

That’s all fine and d-dandy, but I’m a human trainwreck, Logre! That’s why I’m here—!

There’s no time to argue, Havardr.

You’re gonna be fine, okay? Like Logre said, we all care about you and will be waitin’ for you out here.

A-alright.

((He pulls Logre’s hand off his cheek, kisses the back of it lightly, and whispers in a voice that can barely be heard, “I love you too.” Then he turns to Derek and Lynus.))

(( Lynus had to admit that he was a little surprised by Logre’s confession, but was pleased all the same. Even Isiah uttered a sarcastic “no, you don’t say?” under his breath. But he pushed aside the need to tease the other man. He would likely save that for later.

But in all honesty, what had just occurred wasn’t unusual in anyway. The halls and waiting rooms of hospitals hear more sincere words of love and whispered prayers than any church ever could. And gratitude. There was no where else on this planet that the words “thank you” held such impact.

…After such a heartfelt love confession, Lynus wouldn’t dare fail at this operation now. ))

It’s fine. So, you’re ready now? Good. The sooner, the better, yes? The sooner we begin, the sooner I can hand you back over to Logre and your family. The sooner you can get back to living. Together with everyone you love.

That’s something to look forward to, isn’t it?