#ff14 drabble

Shay was a little miffed at him for it but understood why he did it. Because she and the others would never have agreed to any of this if it meant sacrificing a friend. Already the Scions were content with staying as souls detached from their bodies if it meant the Exarch could live. After everyone left to search for ways to bring them back home without a sacrifice, Shay stayed behind to talk.

This seemed to surprise G’raha as he blinked at her. “Shay? What is it?” He averted his gaze a bit, as if embarrassed for her to see who he truly was. “I remember you. From the tower. How you were locked inside. I was...rather upset we couldn’t stop it. Cid had to hold me back from trying to pry my way in.” she admitted. Now it was her turn to avert her gaze in shyness. G’raha turned to her now. “It...had to be done. I saw no other way. But I had no idea it would lead me here, to the future. To, well, you and the others again.”

“Why didn’t you tell me who you were? Was it because of your plan? That if I knew who you were, I would never have allowed you to save me?” Shay gazed straight at him now. He said nothing so she continued. “I had grown to trust you. You seemed so wise and kind. All you did, you did for others. Even if it meant being stuck here. It reminded me of me. Before I became the Warrior of Light. All I wanted was to stay and protect my family back in Ul'dah. I would have stayed if they hadn’t urged me to join the Scions.”

“This world is changing and it is thanks to you primarily. I couldn’t, absolutely wouldn’t, see you turn against your friends after becoming a Sin Eater. I had a feeling you too would be the one to bring your friends home, so what was I needed for? If it meant saving you-” Shay ran up and hugged him suddenly. “Stop. The others and I have already agreed that you don’t need to sacrifice yourself. Or do you want to be flicked by Alisae again?” Shay was grinning now. The Exarch blushed sheepishly, ears bent back as he mumbled, “No, I suppose not.”

Shay realized she had her arms around the back of his neck now and blushed as well for a completely different reason. He now stared back, the two face to face. “Don’t try to sacrifice yourself for me. I’ll find another way to solve things. I always will.” she whispered and leaned in closer as did he when suddenly the door burst open.

“And another thing-!” came Alisae’s voice when she paused upon seeing the two, a smirk now on her face, “Am I interrupting something?” Both Miqo’te’s jumped away from each other, fur, ears and tail standing on end. “N-No, no not really. What is it Alisae?” G’raha replied, trying to regain his composure despite his cheeks burning red. She laughed. “Oh, don’t let me bother you two. I had a feeling something would spark. I had just come to nag the Exarch some more but it seems I don’t need to.”

Still grinning and before either the Exarch or Shay could protest, she waved and went back out again. Both gawked after her. Then after a moment of silence, G’raha spoke up. “You...Do you think there is something between us? Despite me being stuck here? Despite my...condition?” There was both concern and hope in his voice. Shay’s head glanced towards him in surprise then she smiled and almost tackled him to the ground, causing the Exarch to let out a yelp.