@deepspacexavier continued from {x}
Her words don't snap at him like twigs, or prick like thorns, they wash over him the way the sea might spray when you stand too close to a cliff line. Close enough to coat the tongue in salt if you'd left it open, and just enough to wake you up, without drenching you in regret.
Impossible. He stiffens, then relaxes at it.
The mixed up emotions begin to settle with the planets word βtheir wordβ on her lips, and her admission begins to crack his doubt, like a chip in a spaceport window.
Before he can retort, the fiery look in her gaze catches her attention. Warmth stirs in his chest while she speaks, and he knows his love for her could swallow him whole when she looks at him like this -brave, defiant, courageous, and beautiful.
The warmth blooms and stills with her softspoken voice.
There wasn't anyone waiting. For now...? Or ever? Or never was?
"My fault?"
Now he countered with a raised chin and hands upon his hips.
"If I am to be the Grandis Knight that accompanies my lady to Uluru, I'd better show my metal as a worthy champion then."
He takes a few brave steps towards the doorpost, just enough to draw nearer to her face, and tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.
"As for who's waiting for you after, you'll know where to find me when I win. This will help reconcile those rumors, I'm sure."
He lets his shoulder brush with hers a moment, not to intimidate, but with a smile like a promise, and walks past her with renewed hope and energy.
For a moment, Hyori forgets how to breathe. Not because of the challenge. Not because of the confidence in his voice. But because Xavier has always had a terrible habit of saying things that sound far too much like promises.
Her eyes follow him as he steps closer, and for once, she doesn't have a clever remark waiting. No teasing. No sharp comeback prepared to hide behind. Just silence. The kind that only exists when someone has managed to slip past every defense she carefully built.
Then his fingers brush against her hair, tucking the loose strand away with a gentleness that feels almost unfair. Like he doesn't realize how easily small things become important when they come from him.
Hyori's gaze drops for half a second. Because looking at him directly feels dangerous. It feels too intimate.
"You really are impossible."
The words are quieter this time. It's not an accusation, but rather it's almost an admission. She touches the strand of hair he moved, more out of habit than necessity, and shakes her head slightly.
"Only you would hear me say there isn't anyone waiting for me and somehow turn it into a challenge."
A faint smile pulls at the corner of her lips.
"Grandis Knight. Worthy champion. Accompanying your lady to Uluru."
She repeats his words with a hint of amusement, though the warmth in her expression betrays her.
"You make it sound like you've already won."
A scoff. Her eyes lift back to his. Blue meeting violet. Steady.
"You haven't even stepped into the arena yet."
And there it is, she retreats again. Back to the familiar ground. The teasing. The challenge. The place where they have always known how to find each other. But this time, she doesn't let it completely cover what came before. Because she is tired of pretending he doesn't matter.
"Telling me where to find you afterward is a dangerous amount of confidence, Xavier."
She pauses. A small one. But long enough for the truth to settle between them.
"Especially when I might actually hold you to it."
The admission surprises even her. It comes so naturally, she immediately tries to recover.
Her chin lifts, a familiar spark returning to her eyes.
"And for the recordβ¦" She steps closer to the doorway, mirroring his earlier confidence. "If you lose, I will absolutely remind you that a Grandis Knight should have better judgment than challenging a Moonchaser."
A beat passes. When she finds her voice it's softer now.
"But⦠I would like to see Uluru someday."
She lets the words sit there. Simple. Honest.
"And if you're the one telling me about the flowers and skies and forestsβ¦"
A small smile appears, curving her lips.
"I suppose I can tolerate your inaccurate descriptions."
It's a lie. A terrible one. Because she has never merely tolerated them. She has memorized them. Every description every word she's ever spoken about it. Hyori watches him for another moment before looking away, the faintest warmth touching her cheeks.
The command lacks its usual sharpness.
"Before you become so confident that I start hoping you'll win."
Then, after a pause, she turns away, then she adds just quietly enough
"I already know you will."
Because she would absolutely let him.
