#ignitedshield

Alex couldn’t help but tilt his head a bit when he heard Clive mention ‘not wanting to invade your personal space’. That was a thing? He’d grown up attached at the hip to his siblings, his twin in particular. Things like ‘personal space’ hadn’t existed for him, nor ever crossed his mind. Now he was starting to wonder if he was constantly invading others' personal space. He'd have to go ask a few people later. Whoops!

“I don’t mind, really. Especially if it’ll help you fall asleep. My siblings and I used to share the same beds when we were kids, so I’m used to it.” His older sister had been the one to tell him that ‘sometimes, just listening to someone’s heartbeat can help ease their mind enough to relax.’ He’d taken those words to heart and offered his heartbeat to anyone who seemed to  need it. 

Kids. Grown adults. Some of the other Cursebreakers. It didn’t matter to him, so long as he could help ease their worries; even if only for a second. “I won’t force you. You are your own person, after all. But it’s an option on the table, at least.” A few moments of silence passed before he spoke again. “Besides… everyone deserves comfort. Even you, Clive.” Whether Clive would believe him or not didn’t matter. It was simply something Alex believed in wholly. Besides, he was sure the man could use some encouraging words. He'd been through so much already.

“But, if you’re really truly against the idea, I can go see if Tarja has something that’ll help you fall asleep. Pretty sure I remember her mentioning something earlier…” Even if he hadn't passed out on the docks, it was pretty easy to tell he was wearing himself ragged and needed to sleep. Especially if he was tossing and turning like this every night.

It feels unfair how Clive is now the one suffering from the curse. It doesn't seem to progress, at least, but for now, it's still there, and hopefully it will be gone in a short while. After all, magic disappeared from this world. But in the meantime, there is nothing Joshua wants more than to spend time with his brother and be there for him as much as he can.

When Clive opens his eyes, Joshua gently pats his non-cursed arm. "How are you doing today, Brother ?" he asks gently as a soft smile cross his features. Joshua has been sitting at his side for a while now, but he wouldn't have woken him. Clive surely needs to rest, and with the world more at peace again, it is more than fine if he does.

Jote was far from convinced about the extent of Clive's condition. She wasn't born yesterday, and much like Clive, Joshua was constantly postponing any attempts to take care of himself for the sake of others.

"My lord marquess, you neither look nor sound well. Both you and your brother are far too willing to endanger your health for others." Jote would softly chide, though a look of resignation resided on the Undying woman's face. Much like with Joshua, she doubted that she could convince him to take some time away, especially since Ultima was prowling around. All she could do was make suggestions and/or recommendations.

"Brother... Let me accompany you, please." Joshua is already sitting on his bed, His infirmary bed, actually. He was injured during that fight with Odin, while he was protecting everyone on the Enterprise. But he wants to be at Clive's side. He needs to keep fighting, to keep being useful. His brother is just as stubborn as he is, of course... and that's exactly why Joshua wants to remain at his side. "I will be careful, if you are. I promise."

@ignitedshield said: "how did you find that? i lost that ages ago" PROMPTS FOR PEOPLE WHO AREN'T USED TO KINDNESS | ACCEPTING

Joshua shakes his head and offers Clive a warm smile. A lot of their belongings was taken at Phoenix Gate by the imperials, but the Undying managed to retrieve a few things they thought could be useful. It wasn't much, but it still makes Joshua so happy, to finally have his brother in front of him again.

There would be a lot that would need to be done in a world without Ultima. He had been the one to orchestrate the fates of all of human history (or at least he was, according to Ultima himself). With man now being his own master... things could change. Bearers could be treated as equals.

(Would bearers and dominants even still exist?)

"Cid the Outlaw would continue his ruthless reign of upending social tradition and freeing bearers from their bonds." He spoke with a slight laugh in his tone, smiling as he looked over at this brother. It was a wonderful thought.

"Hmm. You could actually maybe travel with Jill?" An innocent question coupled with an equally innocent expression, should Clive find any offensive in the inquiry. It was hard to imagine he'd say no to that. Joshua knew it was something he would have liked to do. To spend time with her, to be able to pretend they were family...

"Knowing you, you'd find yourself going stir crazy if you tried to rest too long." A pause, a slight knitting of his brow. "You could be the Duke of Rosaria." A title that was meant to go to Joshua - but Clive was a Dominant himself now and the firstborn son. "After... Sanbreque releases Rosaria, of course, but I cannot imagine Dion continuing to keep a claim on her."