ELOQUENCE BELONGS TO THE CONQUERER

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【 ❝ …I didn’t think about it like that. I’m sorry. ❞ She glances to the side before shutting her eyes as well, leaning into him when he does the same. Quietly letting out a puff of air, Feng ponders the moment. “I know I need someone like you.” “I need you.” It doesn’t feel quite right, but she can’t deny something she just heard him say. Arguing over it wouldn’t feel right, either. ❝ Yeah. I guess neither of us will ever be alone, then. We’re stuck together. ❞ Weak laughter. Drying tears.

❝ …Do you think we can sit down, maybe? I don’t know when I’ll be ready to leave. If that’s okay with you, y'know. ❞ 】

THERE'S A SOFT WARMTH THAT comes over Leon when she accepts what he's said. It's relief to a degree. The fear gripping his chest dissipates - that fear of being left alone. Whether by their own decisions or something ripping them from him - he slowly always lost everyone who meant something. His thoughts come back around when she asks to sit, and he gives a nod, before slowly easing them both down so he can sit and have her comfortably in his lap. Worse to worse they'll be found and sent back to the campfire. As it always goes. 

" You know, it's funny in a way, what I tried to do. " He speaks, though more to give her something to focus on, something to ground her. " I trained to be an officer to help people. If it weren't for one, I'd not be alive right now. I chose a city with some mysterious murders ongoing, got accepted, and on the first day somehow I chose the zombie apocalypse. Drove right on in. You'd think I'd know better, but I guess self preservation wasn't on my mind. It's weird, to think you can help people in an apocalypse. " He lets out a weak laugh. " It was kind of fucked up though. Imagine zombies being real. " He shakes his head. " I wasn't expecting that. Like living in a horror movie. Found out I'm not a bad shot through that though. I think people call it being a dead shot ? It's something I'm kind of proud of. I mean, that and knowing how to make the flashbangs. " There's a moment he's thinking before he brightens up. " Hey, I could teach you ! Would you want to learn ? "

【 ❝ I didn’t tell you to apologize. ❞ Ji-Woon interrupts. His tone is bittersweet, the gentle, almost patronizing expression in his voice intertwined with the bite of a threat. Something subtly dangerous. A warning. There is not that same level of aggression or malice occasionally present when he finds himself truly upset; however, if it stabs the same, then he still got his point across.

❝ I don’t want to hear you talk like that… You were doing so well before. You were doing perfect. ❞ It’s not like that kind of self-deprecation is simply too much for him to hear. He just didn’t want to risk Leon breaking himself down beyond recognition. Beyond repair.

That must have been the first time he had blinked during their conversation as his expression shifted slightly. Still holding onto the other’s hand, gently brushing his thumb against his skin. ❝ That dream you have is entirely within reach, isn't it? I’m right here. That’s why I’m a little disappointed you’re trying to convince yourself otherwise… ❞ 】

COULD HE WRAP HIS HEAD around the idea that this could be possible ? Then again, did the societal standings matter here ? His brows furrow as he goes through it in his mind. There's no denying what he'd want - but coming from a life of never being allowed such things made it hard to accept. Leon bites down hard on his tongue, as if to hold any words in, before he looks back to Jiwoon. There's the question burning in the back of his head showing in his gaze; Do you really mean all of that ? 

" You'd... want me ? " Uncertainty edges into his tone, the self doubt prevalent again. The unsaid I wouldn't want me. lingers. He takes a breath in, slowly letting it out. He's never been the best at anything - let alone talking to people he formed those stupid little puppy crushes on. He'd never really won on those - most just had made a mockery of him when they learned. " I'd give you everything I have - " Words fall from his lips, as if he wants to convince he's got worth. " I'd only leave if you told me to - I don't leave anyone I stay - I'm loyal. " I'm making a mess of it. He clamps his mouth shut, lips drawn in a worried line. Talking too much, that's never a good thing.