✦ スノウ

        Gently, he smiled, blue gaze serenely reassuring. ❝I’ve suffered far worse — and I would endure the same again so long as it meant helping you.❞ Clapping a hand upon the other’s shoulder, he chuckled lightly.

        ❝Besides—- everything’s evidently been resolved since then.❞ One glance about the city proved that much. It was remarkable that the scientists could alter their surroundings so very easily, a notion which clearly proved their might. ❝I wouldn’t worry, if I were you.❞ Furthermore, it was remarkable that the blond was so sensitive. It was easily one of his more charming points; Griffith had never taken well to brutes. 

        ❝We have a lot to catch up on.❞

        Returning to Hive City gave him reason to ponder his own behavior; neither this nor his royal facade were entirely.. accurate, though his current mannerisms seemed more akin to how he’d used to be — before the sacrifice. Altogether, Griffith nearly felt like an entirely different being… and perhaps he was. At least spending time with Snow allowed him to remain in the illusion that he had not changed. Either way— he was surely better this way.

        Everything was better now.

"Except-- please don't danger yourself like that again, not even for me." He replied, a crooked smile upon his lips. Griffith was often too generous, and it got him in trouble.

Nodding at the others observation, Snow took a glance around as well. The buildings seemed to be repaired, the people milling about and going on happily with their lives, and a blanket of snow rested upon awnings and rooftops, giving the city a serene feel. It was nice, almost like a small vacation, and while Snow wanted to stay a bit more he knew he had to get back to maintaining the chaos in his own world.

❝We have a lot to catch up on.❞

"You're a busy guy, huh?" He smirked teasingly, but the others next words caught him by surprise. Certainly he had to find his own apartment sooner or later... But maybe later was better. It was nice to stick with some sort of familiarity after trying to remap all of the streets and sectors in his mind. Snow gave Griffith a nod, sticking gloved hands in his pockets.

        ❝I’ve been better,❞ the God Hand replied, soaking in the sight of him. ❝My kingdom has been flourishing, though my brief return bore some.. unwanted surprises.❞ The return of a former comrade. It felt as though he’d only just been slapped — and in front of Pope and others, as well. That, in itself, was a loose end… one that Griffith had been unable to cut off in time. ❝Surprisingly.. it’s good to be back.❞ He’d learned to appreciate the city. Having such independence, regardless of his own weakness, had it’s pluses. Tilting his head gently, he regarded the other with clear honesty. 

        ❝I was afraid you hadn’t made it, though it seems you’re as strong as ever.❞ In all honesty, it was a pity they’d returned to their separate worlds when they had; Griffith had had such fascinating plans for the man..

        He’d so wished to see Snow suffer; to see him struggle more and more against his immoral urges before finally breaking down.

        Nevertheless, a gradual moral collapse would surely come in due time, particularly due to the sadistic nature of the scientists. Even Griffith, who hadn’t spent a considerable amount of time within Hive City, knew that well enough. He was willing to wait, for the reward would surely be worth it. ❝Have things been well in your world?❞ His smile remained entirely clear — without any great amount of effort, as well.

"It's nice to have a small... Time of relief, I guess. However long the scientists give it to us, anyway."

❝Have things been well in your world?❞

"Well..." He paused for a moment, looking away before letting out a heavy sigh, shaking his head in response.

"Not really, there's still a lot of chaos, my time is still ticking before I become a Ce'ith..." Rubbing a hand through his blond locks, Snow attempted to smile as well. It seemed they were both in tough situations, but they were trying their best to fix it.,.. Or at least make the best of it.

It seemed, however, that Hive City was a relief for the two of them... Until he remembered what transpired the last time they had seen each other.

"Oh, um..." Snow started out awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck and looking down. He searched for the right words to say, but for his actions, there was no delicate way to put things. Taking a break he spoke again, his tone a bit quieter, but the sincerity of the apology was still apparent.

        That mop of blond hair, that tall build. Black clothes. As soon as the man had passed by through the throng of citizens, Griffith knew they’d crossed paths once again. Regardless of the time that transpired since their last meeting, he hadn’t forgotten about Snow. Everything had been going so very smoothly during their last moments together; surely the traumatic events of their past meeting had secured further attachment.

        Griffith intended to take full advantage of it all.

        His pale blue eyes remained trained on the man, a soft breeze rustling the God Hand’s hair as he stared at the blond with eerie concentration. But just as easily as it had come, the moment seemed to pass as a warm smile seeped to Griffith’s features. Swiftly, he approached his former companion.

        ❝Snow!❞

        Gaze cheery with happiness at their long-awaited reunion, the God Hand couldn’t help but feel a true sense of satisfaction at seeing the man again. While he had his own hoard of resources remaining within his kingdom — demons and humans alike — Snow struck a rather familiar note within his mind — reminding him of a distant friend made enemy. But no; Villiers would surely serve as something far better than a mere replacement. It would all take patience, and, fortunately, Griffith had sufficient time on his hands.

But still, to have lost Lightning after finding her, right after telling her of Serah's fate... It weighed heavily on Snow's mind.

Trying to get to his newly appointed apartment, the burly male was less than graceful among the throng of people. Muttering apologies as he went along, broad shoulders bumping into others as he passed through, a call caught his attention.

❝Snow!❞

"Huh...?"

The voice was light and familiar, but it was the flash of platinum white hair that made his eyebrows raise. He hadn't seen a single familiar face in Hive since he had arrived, so seeing one of his closest companions first was a surprise-- but a good one.

"Griffith." He replied, weaving his way through the crowd in order to stand before his friend. A weight relieved itself from the blonds broad shoulders at the sight of Griffith. He in turn looked over the other for any remaining injuries from their... last encounter. Luckily none seemed to show or have even scarred.

"Yeah-- I know..." He sighed, but a soft smile still remained on the tall mans features. "But it's great to see you again. I was just brought back here a few hours ago-- I didn't think I would bump into you so soon." Out of pure habit the blond lifted a large hand, setting it upon Griffith's head and rubbing affectionately.

        ❝Alright..❞

        Yet even while his ulterior motives were certainly dark enough, Griffith couldn’t help but feel an odd rawness. As though some of it were true. That part of him was gradually becoming more and more human, less and less God Hand, though he did not wish to acknowledge it yet. A soft smile came to his features as he saw the other reaching for a blanket. ❝Thank you, Snow.❞

        It was easy enough to see by the other’s movements that he was on edge. The thirst for blood must have grown, by then… and while Griffith would have, under normal circumstances, been elated by such news, he could not help but feel a tremor of uncertainty. Concern, even — and perhaps… some fear. Such emotions surely did not belong, but there seemed little he could do to stop them. Curling under the blanket, his pale gaze remained upon the blond, watching him sleep. ❝You’ve been so gracious to me..❞

        It only took a moment before sleep overtook him. A deep slumber, one that his body needed for replenishing himself. Curled upon the sofa, Griffith found himself resting far more peacefully than he had even within his own bed, comforted by the other’s presence.. at least while it had remained. The room itself remained dim, a cool light slipping through the sheer curtains. No lightning illuminated the setting itself — after all, the entire building remained transformed.. and perhaps that in itself provided more comfort for the near-human.

        By the time Snow had returned, Griffith was still fast asleep. His silken locks of hair draped over the blanket, pale even in such light, while soft breaths escaped him. He’d remained nestled against the couch pillows while his companion had left for his meal. Yet even while the blond gradually drifted off, it took some time for the smaller of the two to wake up. Groggily, he blinked, taking time to look around. For a moment, he’d nearly forgotten where they were.

        ❝Snow..?❞

The hunger had, of course, returned. He hated it.

"Not again..." And yet still the scent of Griffith was everywhere, egging on his hunger-- a seemingly endless thirst for blood that raged on and on in Snow's stomach and throat-- so much so it actually made him sick. It was almost as if the man wanted to empty the already nonexistent contents of his stomach onto the floor, but he couldn't, not like before. Keeping himself composed, the blond pulled off the blanket that seemed to be soaked in the others scent. It was distracting, made him hungrier, sicker, and so he threw it across the room. Frowning in distaste, he finally looked over the room, catching Griffith just as he came back into the living room.

"Morning." He sighed, rubbing his eyes before looking at the clock-- it was already 6pm. "Or, afternoon I guess." He let out a soft sigh, mustering a small smile toward the other his body both desperately craved for the blood within and hated for the apparent specie he was able to maintain. Sure, he was jealous, but this went deeper... Something far more deeply rooted that made him want to curl his fingers around the others neck and shake him until his last breath was whimpered out.

But of course, he wouldn't.

Standing, Snow stretched with a small groan and rolled his head back, listening to the bones pop as he finally let out a sigh, arms dropping. Looking toward the other, he canted his head slightly, offering the barest of smiles as he walked toward Griffith. A window pane before him shone an orange hue of sunlight upon the carpeted floor, but of course Snow thought nothing of it, walking straight into what was, for his species, a deadly trap.

        …Before Snow gently pulled back, worry painfully clear within his gaze as he regarded the smaller of the two. Griffith no longer felt that burning sense of humiliation, now that he’d opened himself up so much for the other’s eyes to see. To think that Snow had witnessed him at such a fragile state — it was nearly unprecedented. Not even when he’d been tortured had he shed such raw tears. Not in front of his companions, at least.. though he’d never accepted them as true friends.

        Snow was different. As far as the God Hand was concerned, the blond was to be his legacy of sorts; a person whom he would mould into something far greater. For the moment, however.. Griffith’s thoughts were on entirely different matters.

        Quietly, the white-haired male nodded, gaze worn and weary from such a release of emotions. ❝Yes..❞ Glancing away, a nearly sheepish smile twitched to his lips, blue eyes worriedly raising back to meet the other’s warm gaze. ❝I’m sorry, I..❞ Seeing the wet spot on Snow’s shoulder from his tears, Griffith straightened, reaching with the hopes of wiping it, drying it somehow — anything, really, to make up for such an embarrassing breakdown. It swiftly became clear, however, that such efforts would be futile. Slowly, his hand retracted. ❝Thank you, Snow..❞

        For a moment, he simply gazed upon the other, a slight look of wonder and marvel evident within his partially-teary gaze. Then, reaching, Griffith wiped once more at his face, hoping to clear it of any remaining tears, before sniffling slightly. Nevertheless, that gentle smile soon returned, partly from embarrassment.. and partly from the sense of gratefulness that rang deep within, as though canceling out whatever remained of his identity as a God Hand.

        For once.. he was truly human.

"It's no problem... You helped me, and something might be going on with you too, you just don't know it yet..." He sighed, looking down and feeling the dry burn of a growing thirst arise at the back of his throat. Again Griffith was beginning to smell more and more appealing, his mouth watered slightly, but now Snow had a better grasp on what was going on and how to hold himself back. 

At least, for now.

❝And.. how’re you? Are you alright—?❞

"I'm good, I'm good." He lied, but was really quite good at it. There was something fragile about the moment, how seemingly... raw it was. More so than any of their previous interactions. It was as if... Griffith wasn't forcing his emotions anymore, how his eyes shone in admiration, or how even his apologies and thanks felt all the more real and genuine. It was probably Snow, probably the transformation making everything seem strange, but it still made the still-beating heart in his chest hurt. Standing, Snow grabbed the blanket from over the sofa. 

"Please, sleep, you lost blood and... You really should get some." he informed, putting the blanket over Griffith and taking a few steps back. Maybe opening a window would help... But then again he didn't want to worry the pale haired male, so Snow simply sat further away.

It wasn't long before Griffith was finally asleep, and as quickly as he could, Snow ran out of the apartment and into the forest that surrounded a part of Hive City. He could smell the blood everywhere, for all directions, and letting himself go the man was able to easily take down a buck and drain it of it's blood. It was disgusting, bitter from the grass it consumed, and hardly as delicious as Griffith's... But he was full, and that was what mattered. Standing from the drained corpse, Snow wiped the blood from his mouth, letting out a soft sigh as she shook his head. He was a monster-- not a cie'th, but a monster nonetheless.

Finally deciding it was safe enough to do so, Snow finally walked back to Griffith's apartment, and sneaking in he locked the door... Relieved to see the other was still asleep. He would have to keep watch-- after all, with monsters popping up everywhere, he couldn't take any chances in losing his only friend.

      A little sigh escaped from his lips, golden lashes batting lightly, filtering the light that menaced to pierce ruthlessly his azure hues. Fumbling, those delicate, slender hands of his moved to untie a little knot holding what it seemed to look like a precious flask, filled with the cold water he collected from the nearest stream.

And to his surprise, it was in fact, water.

Her heart jounced within its bony cage while its bearer listened silently to his despondent confession. It couldn’t be true. Dreams of home and tearful reunions now were hopeful delusions. Having lost two friends to crystal stasis, hearing the disappearance of the other ex-L’Cie fell on deaf ears. Sazh. Noel. Hope. A young naive boy who bloomed into a brilliant scientists devoted to his world…and who she had seen in Hive not long ago. The boy held unimaginable knowledge, enough to recreate another Cocoon. Surely he wouldn’t allow harm to befall them…

"So you’re telling me we’ve lost Fang and Vanille, then Serah, and now…"

The name of the deceased Farron exited her throat like jagged glass, leaving a prickling bitter taste. She forced the Academia memory deep into her subconscious; she wouldn’t dare lose composure in front of anyone. Especially Snow. 

Yet the internal struggle of acceptance continued its charge against the carefully crafted barrier she made to handle such loss. Was life not content with extinguishing her family’s love, that it felt the need to kidnap those close to her? In fact, Lightning came to accept them as family. Each had a permanent place in her heart from the searing experiences they shared. To think simple words washed away those precious bonds were unthinkable.

It drowned out the other thoughts as if they were childish, and Snow's eye's followed the young woman's gaze. His heart hammered through that thick tar they swallowed together, and it make him wonder how Lightning's own twisted and beat. Was it slow? Fast? Or... perhaps it stopped completely.

"No, I refuse to believe that,"

Of course, for someone who was so harsh, Light could have possibly been just as optimistic as Snow once was... And how she regained her shining light, her burning blame so easily was beyond him. She baked the tar, dried it, cracked it, and broke through it like only a soldier of her kind could. Truly Lightning was worthy of all her titles... While Snow hardly fit the bill of a Patron.

 "They wouldn’t just be taken so easily. Not after everything we’ve been through."

"You weren't there, Lightning." His voice was filled to the brim with anguish, throat tickling as if he'd swallowed a handful of feathers. Tears threatened to swell at the brims of his eyes but he refused them with a clench of a black, gloved fist. His words were harsh but true nonetheless.

"You weren't there to see them swallowed by the Chaos." He shook his head, voice wavering in a way that it never would have before. "You weren't there... But I was."