#ffxvi.tm

Clive had asked Maribel and Gav to help him collect a material called stardust sand out in the arid lands of Dalimil for Mid's latest project. They were tasked to grab a wagon and meet him by the rivers to collect it all. The two of them had no issue going on ahead as it gave them some much needed alone time as Clive finished up a few other errands for their allies. 

After acquiring the chocobo and the wagon, it didn't take the two long to make it to their destination. Maribel sat in the back, swinging her legs to keep her mind busy as Gav leaned up against it next to her, humming a small tune. She turned to her companion, already a bit bored out of her mind. "Suppose how long do you think Mr. Rosfield is going to be Gav?" 

"Might be a while considering how Clive can be at times. Why do you ask?" 

Maribel let out a soft sigh, "I'm getting bored, and it's so hot that I can feel my clothes sticking to my skin. I'm already ready to be back at the Hideaway."

Gav chuckled and moved to be right in front of her, planting his hands on the edge of the wagon on either side of her. "Bored? You getting bored of my company already, dearie? I'm hurt." 

Maribel blinked in surprise at the straightforward-ness of her companion, but smirked all the same. "Oh Gav darling, I could never tire of your company." 

She leans in close to him, right hand moving to caress Gav's face, "I just need something to keep me busy is all." 

"I can think of a few things--" She let out a soft chuckle as Gav closed the gap and kissed her, almost out of desperation. It had been too long since they were able to spend even a miniscule time together, and even longer romantically. 

As they parted, Gav leaned in once more but before their lips even grazed each other, they heard a firm, embarrassed sounding 'Ahem.' 

Like a deer in headlights, the two turn to see Clive and Torgal standing there awkwardly, catching them accidentally. Before anyone could speak, Gav stumbled backwards as Maribel hopped off the wagon, both of their cheeks dusted with red in embarrassment. "Took you long enough Rosfield, was beginning to think you weren't going to show up today."

"That was a rousing speech between you and Clive. Do you really think destroying the Mothercrystals will stop the blight?" 

Cid chuckled at his companion, seeing her look over the crystal they had embedded with daggers. "It's the only chance we got, love. We have to try, no matter how difficult the challenge. Don't you want a world where you can live free despite the brand that marks up that beautiful face of yours?"

Maribel pushed herself off the wall she was leaning on, making her way over to the former Lord Commander, taking a seat right next to him on his bed while he stared off. "I just don't want you to do anything reckless, Cid. Founder only knows what Gav and I would do without you. Especially me." 

She scoots a bit closer to him, their knees touching as she lays her head on his shoulder. "I'm your bearer, your shield… I don't want you to jeopardize what we've built together even if it does bring us all peace." 

Cid shifts to place a gentle kiss on her forehead, a silent 'everything will be fine, stop worrying'. "It'll all sort itself out, love, stop overthinking. Clive, Jill, and I will be back from Oriflamme before you know it." 

He stood after planting another kiss on her forehead then lips, moving towards the door. "Gav and Otto will help you keep things ship-shape here while we're gone. I promise I'll come back home to you once that damn crystal is destroyed."