#teeheehhehe

Their eyes are fixated on the flames. Quiet, gentle, like the veil of night that adorns mortal skies. You wonder what memories they see in them. You wonder if you will ever know.

And when this world’s insincere

They smile. Sharp and wanton, rich and beguiling, dark eyes gleaming with a mischief that can only mean nothing good. In this glittering ball of mortal aristocrats, they flit from noble to noble with unfettered ease, donning the mannerisms of a human with perfect fluidity. Like this, Ciocana seems to be in their element; their every word a dance of gold and honey, effortlessly working the hearts of mortal desires.

So beautiful. So impossible to ignore. When you see them like this, you can almost forget the way their existence feels like tainted rot to your divinity, the way your every instinct howls at you to stay away. Deity of Misfortune, the phantom shadow that lingers among the divine; their title is a shroud that follows them wherever they go. And yet– and yet–

You cannot help but wonder at the moments when something sharp and dark and cynical shines through their laughing eyes.

When nobody hears you scream

The wind dances through your hair, blowing it away from your face and bringing the scent of ocean spray to your nose. You laugh as you dangle from the net that spans the length of the ship's mast, holding one hand out to Luciel, who looks at you with wide eyes.

"Well?" You grin encouragingly, though there's no hiding the teasing light in your eyes. "Are you coming?"

They look at you. Although hesitation glistens in their green eyes, there's also curiosity — and a sparkling excitement.

"...Are you sure?"

"Very," you say. "I'll be right behind you all the way. Promise."

There's a pause.

And then they take your hand, and hoist themself up to the net. The net sways for a moment at your combined weight, but then holds firm. You pull them to your side, then nod, gesturing for them to climb up. "I'll follow you!"

They nod, determination set on their face. They climb up, and true to your word, you follow behind them, watching them carefully. The wind gets stronger as the higher up you get, tugging at your clothes and whistling through your ears. Your eyes are set on your destination: the crow's nest at the very top of the ship's mast, high above the rest of the world.

Luciel is the first to reach the nest. When you climb from the top of the net and into the nest, they're already looking out at the view unfurling before them, eyes glowing with wonder. Below you, the ship's crew bustle past each other, reminiscent of the toy dolls the children of Lucidio often play with. Around you, miles and miles of endless ocean stretch on until they meet the line of the boundless sky, encapsulating you in a world so vast and yet so free.

"Well?" You have to shout to be heard over the wind. "What do you think?"

They say something, but the wind drowns out their voice. You grin impishly, tapping your ear. "What? I can't hear you!"

They look at you, a flash of hesitation crossing their face, and then–

"It's beautiful!" And you think this is the first time you have heard them raise their voice. Wind streams through their long, flowing hair, making it dance like flames in the breeze. And their eyes, they glow: flashing with excitement, like sunlight in a pool. Like this, they seem so free; like this, they seem so near.

You grin, and don't hesitate to respond.

"Like you!"

And when a flush stains their ears, when a smile bursts into their eyes, you laugh, your heart soaring — and you can't help but marvel at how beautiful they are.

I’ll scream with you

They run behind you with an uncharacteristic gracelessness, their feet slipping and sliding on the rain-slick ground. You grin and tug them along, paying no heed to their laughing inquiries of confusion. You merely laugh, and it is wild, carefree, singing with the thunder that rumbles from the skies.

Dark clouds gather in the heavens, obscuring the light of the moon and the stars. Rain pours down in a merciless torrent; lightning splits the skies every so often, bathing the world in a blinding white. The sound of the rain thudding against the earth is a melody, one that shakes and thumps and rushes and rattles. 

You spin around on your heel and face them, your hand still in theirs, taking in their appearance: drenched from head to toe, their elaborate clothes lopsided, their hair clinging to their face. And yet their eyes are bright with laughter, face alight with a smile that matches yours, and when they look at you, it is with nothing short of breathtaking exhilaration. 

You hold out your other hand, yelling to be heard over the storm, grinning uncontrollably. “Would you do me the honor of giving me this dance?”

They stare at you for a moment and then they break out into laughter, piercing through the cacophony that rumbles around you. “Why, is this to get back at me for that dance?”

“At least I had the decency to ask!” You shoot back, and amidst the sounds of your laughter you’re sweeping them into the most ridiculous dance you can manage, all flying limbs and spinning flourishes, the world blurring all around you. 

The skies weep above you, and all you can see is their smile: bright, unguarded, the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen.

You’ll be safe here

SONG: You'll Be Safe Here, by Rivermaya.