[Closed] Catch-all

[silentnarration]

WHO: Squall, misc
WHAT: Catch-all for the month
WHERE: Here and there
WHEN: January
WARNING: Mentions of mind control, child soldiers, other warnings pending.

[Closed starters within. Hit me up if you'd like to plan something. I'm available on Discord: Shirochu#4072 and shirobiro]

Comments

[silentnarration]

[He almost did leave her there. Would have listened to adults and their authority. It was the stupidest near-mistake he's ever made on top of the many that he did. He's trying not to repeat it.

He keeps a serious expression even when her face and movements tell him she thinks otherwise. Mild annoyance colors his features but he just looks silly sitting in bed crossed legged, dressed casual and looking quite comfortable honestly.

He opens his mouth to retort before it gives way to a look of surprise. Is it that easy? He nods.]

What flavor?

[Chocolate but now he's thinking about the first time he met Connor. The android who learned to be human. How odd it felt to be able to relate to a robot. Made to follow orders until they realized how important everything else was.

And that Connor couldn't eat ice cream at the time.]

[etherealsage]

[...Wait. She's right? She supposes it wasn't exactly completely an educational guess, really. Or even luck of the draw. Yes, she knows she can sometimes detect things from Squall and she supposes it's entirely possible she can dig into him for information, but the thing is...

It seems morally wrong to do that. It would mean that they could have no secrets from one another and while she advocates for openness between them, Rinoa also understands that sometimes someone needs a secret or two. Something to feel safe. It's nothing personal. She couldn't fault Squall for not being entirely open with her, because it's a falsehood if she claims she always is with him.

All the same, considering she's largely tried to avoid actively digging for his thoughts, that she's now doing so intentionally is jarring and disorienting.]

Ah. I thought I knew, but...
I don't know. Are you distracted by something?

[Because she... still isn't completely comfortable reaching for something that might not be any of her business.]

[silentnarration]

[Somehow he feels like he can sense her hesitation. Though it could just as well be her body language as it is what intangible connection they may have between them.

He sits up straighter and leans towards her, holding out a hand.]

I guess I am. What's wrong?

[Well, probably plenty. Considering the last conversation they had and the lack of resolution from all of it.]

[etherealsage]

[He reaches for her hand, waits ever patiently, and after a moment's consideration, she rests her touch in his, though she cannot help but wonder if it's the right thing to do. Regardless of whatever changes in their relationship, the bond between sorceress and knight will remain.

Rinoa does not reply immediately, but when she does, she's careful in how she words it.]

Nothing's wrong, really. Just...

[Her head tilts as she eyes him patiently.] I don't feel right trying to get into your head. I know that I can if I try hard enough. If I concentrate hard enough. It just doesn't seem right. I want to respect your privacy and I'm sure there are things going on in there that I shouldn't know about. I don't know if this is okay, Squall. It's not necessary yet, is it?