promises kept. (18+)

A woman like herself, who would catch the eye of anyone who had eyes, choosing to love someone like him? He wasn't worthy - not at all, in his mind. He considered himself to be blessed and lucky to be even able to gaze upon her. Jill was far beyond his reach, among the stars and hanging onto the moon like Metia herself.

And yet, she chose him. She chooses him every single time.

Clive presses himself close to her, taking in the warmth and coolness she gives off. He's home, he knows this. He's home with her, and it makes him happy. Should they decide to leave the Hideaway in Gav's hands after everything is said and done, he won't have to worry about being homesick.

"I only want the world if you're in it," she responds. "It wouldn't be any good to me otherwise." A little bit of an exaggeration, maybe. But she's already shown off her clinginess once already today, so what's the harm in doing it again?

When he finishes his pledge, her face is even closer than before. She presses her lips to his, an immediate acceptance.

to: Jill from: Eiden

to: all contacts from: Eiden✨

to: Eiden from: Jill

"...If he invited me to live with the both of you, I fear I'd have to decline. I'd much rather not be in the middle of your love nest. Too fiery, a lot warmer than what I'm accustomed to." he chuckles.

He's fascinated by her. He's in love with her. It's hard to look away from her, sometimes.

"Have you?" That eases Clive's mind a little. He's always so afraid of being... clingy, when it comes to her. She deserves to spread her wings, not be chained to him. If she is selfish, then so is he. He wants to keep her safe and happy.

The outlaw laughs, breathlessly. His hand cups her cheek, smiling so happily that it reaches his eyes - boyish in nature, free of burdens.

But there's something different about it coming from Clive. He's seen her at her lowest of lows and highest of highs. He remembers and loves her through it all. It's impossible not to feel like she's living on cloud nine almost every day.

She leans into his hand, covering it with one of her own and pressing her nose to his wrist. Her eyes close briefly, and when they open again to meet his, they're full of just as much joy.

( and that's why he fights - for a world where people like them can live. for a world where jill warrick can smile. )

"No shortage of bread. Perhaps I should make a couple of those 'bread bowls' you seem to taken to."

At her question, Clive pauses for a moment. He brings her hand up to his lips, gently kissing the back of it - holding it there in thought before he lowers it.

"I... suppose what my heart desires the most is to be with you." He says quietly, shyly. Like he's imposing on her. "Considering we're going to be here for a while longer... perhaps it's about time we have a space to ourselves, finally. It's been something... I've been pondering over."

But of course, Clive always thinks he's imposing on her. It's why he asked what she wanted to do after the battle with Ultima was done. He wants her to spread her wings... Even if it meant he was not a part of whatever plan she had.

"Just don't make it too hot. I can't handle spices quite like you do," she says fondly. She's learned early on that their tolerances are much different thanks to Ifrit.

His lips brushing against the back of her hand causes her smile to grow easily. This is undoubtedly something she doesn't mind feeling like she will melt over.

"Is that so?" Considering the conversation she had with Joshua not too long ago, the timing is rather funny. "I happen to have already put some thought into this, as well."

A special place to keep her treasure safe and warm. It's likely selfish of her to think this way, but it's also a desire that's been festering for months and months on end.

"I suppose I am, just a little bit," she admits. "It would be nice... To live under the same roof again. I wasn't aware of how much I missed it until now."

The outlaw takes a seat next to her, reaching to ruffle Torgal's fur again. At Jill's comment, he chuckles once again, raising a brow in her direction.

"And I'm sure you would feed me all the bread you would find, by hand of course since I wouldn't have use of my arms." Still, it does sound appealing... to be taken care of by his lover. A lazy arm wraps around her waist. "Being kept all to yourself does sound like a dream come true, though. I wouldn't mind that... Something to look forward to in the future."

"Heh... And there's certainly no shortage of bread." Once he's sat beside her, she's quick to scoot closer. They fit together like puzzle pieces, specially made for each other.

"We've gone without them for some time, now..." It's strange, she thinks, to realize that they've been here for over a year. She looks up at him, head tilting to the side slightly.

He's leaning against the doorframe with a smile on his face, undetected by her. It's only when he chuckles that he finally makes his presence known.

"I..." Her arms finally drop as he walks over, unable to stop the slight upward twitch of her lips when she's kissed. Well... At least he's having some sort of mercy on her.