synthneon | [ TBA ] | ❝ i wasn’t looking for romance, just a quick slow dance. ❞

[ They're all in the dark about some things, it would seem. This all feels like some sort of sick, twisted game that's been in the making for thousands of years, amplified only by the fact that other factions have forced themselves into the thick of it all and have just made things that much worse in their quest for domination. No matter what, she's optimistic of the outcome -- her part in all of this is nearly halfway done already, and soon enough she'll be forced to watch from the sidelines of whatever comes after life. Hopefully, things will go accordingly.

Arsène is nearly impossible to read. It doesn't really matter; it doesn't change how she feels about him, but it makes it that much harder to gauge how he feels. For all she knows, he's just doing all of this to keep her in line and to keep her from asking more questions or pressing for his real name. She hopes not, of course, but she can't tell. Maybe she's just a sucker for the tall, dark, and quiet types.

Even if it's temporary, she's enjoyed their time together. She's enjoyed their quiet conversations, whether it be planning on their next move or just about things like coffee or the very stars that light up the night sky. She's also not dumb enough to think that this will be any more than a one time thing, that nothing will come out of this and by morning they'll likely continue on as if it hadn't happened. It's something that she can, and will accept if that's the case; it may even be better that way, given what is to come in the next few weeks.

She's going to have to have a conversation with him at some point, one that she doesn't particularly want to have, but it will be for his own benefit, because at some point in the next few weeks she's going to slow him down and if she can convince him to take off before that happens, he'll be better off for it in the long run. Though out of everything that's going to happen, she knows that saying goodbye to him is probably going to be the hardest.

She can't really think about that right now, though. Those are thoughts for morning. He's being far too distracting right now. Her pulse is practically hammering as she tips her head to the side to give him better access to her neck. Her fingers find his hair again, and gently she lets them tangle around the dark strands. She shudders at his gentle touches and a soft, almost inaudible noise escapes her throat when his hand slides up her thigh, back arching slightly with anticipation... and then right back down it goes. His touches and kisses have set her nerves on fire in all the right ways, and it's only fueling the need to let her own gentle affections be known once the opportunity properly presents itself again. ]

[ There will come a time when they all need to put their cards on the table. They'll need to explain their roles to one another, to the King. It isn't something he wants to do. It isn't something he looks forward to. It means pulling back the masquerade. Showing who he is as the boy form the southern country with more ties to politics than he cares to even think about.

Good thing he doesn't need to think about those things right now.

Lunafreya is inciting. Distracting. Alluring. Calling her a beacon by being the moon seems to be accurate as she brightens the room she stands in. He'd forgotten what hope was like, but he saw it when he saw her. He and his guild have had their justice and that was their light pushing them forward. Lunafreya's light... it is different.

She'll find his hair is thick and layered - fluffy even. There's a low sound that comes from his throat as he trails his lips down her neck. It's... been a while since he's done this. Which is why he presses his lips to her skin more. Just enough to get her excited. Just enough to see where she wants to take this. Is he driving it, is she...? ]

[ Luna feels likewise, honestly; just knowing that there was someone behind the scenes, messing up things for the Imperial Army and causing mayhem had been a blessing. Hearing her brother getting upset and angry about it had brought such a smile to her face every single time. That she's actually been blessed enough to meet that very person and spend time with him? It's more than she could have ever asked for.

When she looks into his eyes, she can see the future. A future for him, a future for the millions of people who are depending on them. It is him, and those just like him, that will make the work and the sacrifice worth it in the end. That he will remain and go on to live a full, happy life is a thought that will push her to see this through until the very end. That is her hope for him, at least; that he can find happiness and live out a normal life when this is all done.

Arsène is the whole package, as far as she's concerned: he's quiet, kind, and offers some of the best conversation that she's ever had. He's also devastatingly handsome, and she can only imagine that she's not the only one who thinks this about him. It had been extremely easy to fall for him, after all, and with each conversation, long or short, and each moment she gets to share with him, she finds that she falls just that much harder.

If he wanted to stop right now, she could deal with that. Just being held is more than she could ask for. She doesn't know much about him, but sometimes, she can see the look in his eyes: anger, pain... he's had a rough life. She doesn't know what he's been through, she doesn't know if he'll ever open up and tell her, but whatever it is, she wants to make him forget about it, even for a night.

It's what has her turning around in his arms suddenly. Her own arms wind around his neck and she leans up on her toes to press her lips against his. Her kiss is tender and warm, but it is chaste. After she breaks the kiss, she remains close for a few moments more, long enough to brush her nose against his affectionately, before her arms slide down his until she takes his hands into hers.

Slowly, she backs away but keeps his hands in hers, lightly tugging him with her towards the medium sized bed that sits up against the far wall. She'll urge him to sit down, and when he does, she'll gently take a seat in his lap.

She presses slow, gentle kisses across his face -- his lips, his cheeks, his jawline, his ear, and she very lightly cups his cheeks in her hands, smiling. ]

Do you remember when we first met?

[ It's probably an odd question, given what they are currently doing. But humor her, dear 'Joker'. She's quiet for a moment, enjoying the closeness that they currently share, before she affectionately nuzzles her cheek against his. ]

You've never asked me how I knew who you were. At least... the name that you are going by.

[ His life hadn't been rough until he turned sixteen. Everything had gone downhill from there. His thief guild - the Phantom Thieves - remained his closest and truest friends. People like him that had been done wrong by society and the multiple levels of society. From the top to the bottom, their kingdom was being torn apart by people who wanted to see a new system in place. Out went the tradition of joint rule between the king and the clergy. Only a system backed by the Empire would prevail.

He wonders briefly how his friends are. The communications in Lucis have all but fallen apart. There's no way to send messages... and Morgana disappeared days ago. He does feel alone in the sea of it all. There's no way to contact the High Priestess herself. No way to inform her that the Oracle is safe...

Then he's pushed back to the bed and he finds himself sitting down with said Oracle in his lap. A brief look of surprise takes over his face. His fake glasses still don his face and he wonders if she's realized that fact as she peppers his face with affection. It's odd and something foreign. The one woman he had a relationship with... well..

Arsène sits up straight and puts one hand on her arm. Then another on her chin to get her to look at him. His forehead presses to hers. ]

The disguise was meant to full guards, not the Oracle.

[ She hopes that he'll tell her one day, because what she said earlier still rings true and always will so long as she's still breathing: she wants to help him on his endeavors the same as he's helping her. She'll have to figure out a way to do that. But at least, for right now, she can try and take his mind off of those negative things for a little while.

Even right now, she can tell that he's a little bit preoccupied in thoughts that are not of the here and now. And whether he truly likes it or not, he is currently stuck with a lap full of extremely affectionate Oracle, who has no plans on letting up in her affections any time soon.

She does realize he's still wearing his glasses, not that she particularly minds, though at some point she'll... probably have to remove them, as to not smudge them up or worse, accidentally break them. She can heal physical wounds, but objects? Not so much.

As far as she is concerned, Akira deserves the world and far more than that. It's why she's not at all holding back on her affections, she's certainly got nothing to be shy about, and besides, he doesn't exactly seem opposed to them. Not right now, at least.

She smiles at him as their foreheads press together, enjoying the closeness, and she sweeps her fingers gently through his hair, pushing the dark strands away from his face. ]

That may be, but I recognized you as Arsène, not Joker.

[ And pretty quickly, too. Brushing her thumbs across his cheeks, she hums softly. ]

Years before I met Noctis, I had a dream about a young man with black hair and grey eyes. I don't remember the finer details, mind you, but the one word that came to mind when I woke up was Arsène. I had that dream over and over again throughout the years... when I was little, I didn't understand it at first. I assumed I was simply dreaming of Noctis.

[ Prophetic dreams and all, as both Oracle and King are want to have whether they want them or not. ]

That day in the car, I can remember not being able to really see much of your face, but I saw your eyes. I've never met anyone with such pretty eyes, and it just suddenly hit me. That's why I called you Arsène that day... when you didn't try to deny it, I realized that it was you I'd been dreaming about. Which probably sounds a little... [ ...Crazy? ] unbelievable. But I promise, it is true.

[ It's clear the gentle motions are something he's unaccustomed to. Not that he is attempting to make that obvious or even about him. Instead he settles his hands on her hips to reposition her in his lap. If it is something she's going to pursue, then, she should be aware of how he feels.

A small shrug. He figures she can cheat being the Oracle.

Especially as she details her dream. More like vision. He vaguely wonders which Astral it was that gave her the forewarning. Though, he does have to wonder how much he and the King resemble one another. They do have the same bloodline - even if he is more diluted than the direct linage of kings. ]

Pretty eyes. [ He chuckles. ] That is what stuck out to you?

[ Another thing they have in common -- affection hasn't been properly given to her since her mother's passing, and perhaps that is another reason she is so compelled to shower him with it right now. She allows him to readjust her as he sees fit, and she happily nestles close against the poor man, resting her cheek against his.

She hums again, closing her eyes for a moment. ]

Well... not quite just your pretty eyes. [ As amusing as that probably would have been. ] You did not speak in the same mannerisms as my normal drivers. Also... you actually bothered to speak to me at all. Usually, the only time I was spoken to is by my brother or being told 'no', or 'hold still', or... well, I'm certain you understand what I am getting at.

[ Growing up a prisoner, she'd gotten used to that sort of treatment and the abuse that generally came with it. Other than Noctis, she hadn't had any other friends, and if it hadn't been for their notebook, she wouldn't have even had him. Had Gentiana not been around, she's certain that she'd have lost her mind -- the messenger couldn't be around all the time, but she was around enough to care.

It's this line of thought that has her realizing that her time with Arsène is the longest she's actually had companionship outside of healing people and Gentiana, of course. The last time she'd been around someone this long on more friendly terms had been Noctis, and that had had a rather unfortunate ending for all parties involved.

She's quiet for a moment, before she lowers her head to his shoulder, burying her face into the crook of his neck. ]

...Thank you.

[ His hands move to circle her, encouraging her to rest against him fully. It's affection. He can share it and show it, but, every time he'll be shocked by receiving it. He tilts his head just enough to nuzzle his nose to hers. ]

Hm. I guess I needed to do more research then. [ He gives her a coy smirk. ] It means that much?

[ Honestly, he is so used to people ignoring him. He is used to them giving him looks, shoving him out of the way. No amount of royal linage would have saved him from the sheer amount of what his charges implied. It didn't matter if they were false. It didn't matter if the High Priestess said. The public had made their minds up. ]

Most people don't even consider me to be more than a pile of dirt on the road.

[ She enjoys his attention, honestly. She curls close to him and smiles again, happily running her fingers through his soft, fluffy hair and nuzzling her nose against his in return. ]

I think you did well enough, you didn't get caught, hm? [ And besides, she liked that he talked to her, okay. ] It means more than you could ever possibly know. I don't think that I could ever possibly put it into words how much it meant to me. How much it still means to me.

[ She offers him a small frown at that last bit, though, and she places her hands on his cheeks so that she can press another gentle, chaste kiss to his lips. ]

Then most people are very wrong. No one should be thought of or treated as such. You're a good man who deserves far, far better than that.

The mission was accomplished. So, yes. I did well. [ He perks an eyebrow at her. ] Well, I don't intend to stop talking to you. Oracle or not.

[ If destiny has other plans--though he knows that part of Alexander's bid in all of this is to change destiny. Or at least, tip it in a more favorable outcome. ]

Good men don't get far anymore.

You seem the type to be able to pull off all sorts of things without a hitch, though. [ And be fearless about it, too. But his quip earns him a small, almost sad smile, and she gently pats his cheeks. ] Well, I very much appreciate that. But... what if there comes a time where we won't be able to talk anymore?

[ Because that time is coming, and it's coming soon. The clock is ticking down, slowly but surely. She won't elaborate, and instead, focus on his last comment. ]

Why do you say that, dear?

Hmm. [ His head tilts back to look at the ceiling. His hands trail from her back down to her waist then to her thighs. ] It requires planning. A lot of insider knowledge. It wasn't one of my best attempts.

[ Lacking his whole guild certainly does that. He can call the shots, make the dramatic flare, and bring it all together. That doesn't mean he is the information hub like Navi. He doesn't know the high society like Noir, or the military and police like Queen.

A sigh comes from him then. ]

...dear?

[ Whatever he might have said is suddenly thrown for a loop when she says it. It's so intimate, so personal. It is obvious it is something he's not used to. He had been close to one of the thieves, romantically involved, but this... this is different. ]

I don't think you're giving yourself enough credit. [ He's not. He doesn't seem to realize just how far he's come, guild or not, all on his own. She runs her fingers through his hair again and shakes her head. ] Not many men are able to face the Gods with the bravery and fearlessness you have. Don't underestimate yourself like that.

[ Most people would have ran screaming the moment Titan began to show signs of life again, but he hadn't. He'd stood his ground alongside her, even as the massive God leered down and close to them.

She blinks, though, and then tilts her head to the side slightly. Ah... she can tell it's something he's very unused to. ]

Forgive me... do you not like being called that?

You haven't seen my bigger stunts.

[ Which isn't wrong. She's most likely only read about them in the newspapers. Arsène is a master of the theatrics and manipulation. He knows how to sway people to his point of view and how to make them see corruption. But, showing them isn't making them change their minds. People can see it and simply not care.

Which is exactly what happened.

His gaze drops ever so slightly as a gentler far away expression takes to his face. ]

It isn't hard when you've seen a god before. [ Alexander and him did have a nice chat. ]

I'm... [ how to say it? ] It isn't a nickname I'm used to.

Not in person, no.

[ He's correct, though: she's read plenty about them and she's heard her brother rant and rave about them enough times, too. Now... she can say she's at least seen him in action once.

She kisses his cheek when he glances away, another small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. ]

Ah, so he has appeared to you, then? Even still, you sell yourself short.

[ He probably has an even bigger reason to run away, then. The Gods are intimidating, and seeing one up close and personal once would be too much for most. But he's willing to do this several more times, which is amazing. ]

Ah... forgive me, then. [ She doesn't want to make him feel uncomfortable, after all. ]

[ His hands slide down her back to rest on her hips. They went further down, brushing along her thighs. His fingers pushed the hem of her skirt up just enough to test the waters. ]

I suppose. There's still details that have been left out.

[ Things he didn't need to know, things that didn't matter to his part of the calling. ]

Not many people are kind to me.

[ Luna's enjoying his attention, and she makes no move to stop his wandering hands, and instead presses slow, deliberate kisses up his jawline and to his ear, her fingers toying with the collar of his shirt for a moment before she simply pops the first two buttons open. ]

I can fill you in on those, if you'd like.

[ If he really wants her to go full on Cosmogony nerd on him, at least. Though she'll still leave a few details out for her own sake. ]

Well, that's ridiculous. I'm sorry you've had to deal with that sort of mistreatment. Do you have friends at home that you can rely on, at least?

[ He raises one sly eyebrow but says nothing. Instead, he lets her continue. He's certain she'll want to stop at some point. ]

...Sure.

[ It can't hurt. Right? He may need to know the full picture in order to do his part. He shifts her on his lap and settles his hands up her skirt, resting on her hips. ]

I had one.

[ It's cute that he thinks that, because he clearly has no idea who he is dealing with here. She'll stop when he tells her to, not the other way around.

Well. She may pause in order for story time, at least. Her lips linger against his throat for a few moments more, and she hums, trying to find a good start to a story that is, by far, way too long, especially considering where they are and what they are going to do. ]

The prophecy states that the King of Kings is to drive the darkness from our star. This, you are already aware of. The steps necessary to do so, however, are far more complicated than simply rousing Astrals from their sleep states.

[ Suddenly, she wants to back pedal just a little bit. Offer to tell this story a little later, but she's already started... and he is a comforting presence. Besides, it's not nice, nor is it fair to keep him in the dark. ]

In order for the world to see dawn, it must first go through a time of darkness. For a period, Noctis will be forced to... become one with the Crystal, so to speak. I have no idea how long this will be, but when that comes to pass, darkness will shadow the earth and daemons will rule. Certainly, you remember Chancellor Izunia?

[ The man's not an easy one to forget, and so, she goes on. ]

He will tell you his name is Ardyn Izunia. But it is in fact, Ardyn Lucis Caelum. Though these days, he is better known by the Gods as the monster known as Adagium. It is he who is destined to bring this period of darkness, to spread the scourge far and wide, until Noctis awakens from the Crystal and ascends the throne. By Noctis's hand, Ardyn shall perish. But in turn, Noctis, too, is meant to perish. And he will, unless... unless we can find a way to change that.

[ She hides her face in his neck for a moment longer, closing her eyes to enjoy the closeness and the way his hands feel on her hips. She's quiet for a moment, considering what to say next. ]

Noctis is not the only one destined to sacrifice his life. Though I would imagine he is largely unaware for what he is meant to do... I've already come to accept my part in it all. I've known, and accepted it, since I was a child. And I am happy to do so, and ready.

[ He pushes her skirt up to her hips and settles his fingers over the edges of her underwear. The fingers trail around the waistband, but, he prefers to see how she reacts before pushing further. He tilts his head up to kiss her jawline as she hums. ]

So, the rest of us are here to make sure there is a world for him to save.

[ Short, quick, to the point.

It certainly explains why Alexander has stepped forward.

His eyes widen at the revelation though. ]

How has Ardyn lived for so long...?

[ This is more than a little distracting -- his fingers feel wonderful against her skin, and she is very much enjoying the intimacy of the moment and the fact that they are able to carry on a conversation in the heat of it all is something that she can appreciate, too. He works her skirt up, but she's busy unbuttoning the rest of his shirt and gently pushing it from his shoulders, shifting just enough to carefully toss it so that it lands neatly (as neatly as it can, at least) over the back of one of the hotel room chairs.

When her hands return to him, she smooths her palms down his chest, considering how to respond. ]

Something like that. When the final rite is complete, the world will fend for itself. I will no longer be of this world, and Noctis will emerge from the Crystal when the time is right. It will be up to you, and those who are able to, to make sure things don't completely fall apart.

[ Ardyn... is a condundrum, to say the least. Her fingers trail lightly down his stomach, fiddling with the buttons and zipper at the front of his pants. ]

Ardyn is the Starscourge incarnate, so to speak. He was cursed with immortality when the Crystal deemed him unworthy of ruling Lucis as it's Founder King. Ardyn and I were similar, at one point -- he, too, was a healer of the people. Unfortunately, the Scourge proved to be too much.

[ He moves with her to help discard his shirt. Although, she might see several scars across him. Broken windows, fights, maybe some time abuse in prison. He fully intends to let her mind run wild and wherever she wants with it.

Then his hand snatches her wrist. ]

What do you mean no longer of this world?

[ He knows what she means. That's obvious. Dead.

That's something he doesn't intend on happening. To the point where he doesn't even really listen to the rest she has to say. ]

[ Scars or not, he's a handsome man. Scars are just extension of people and personalities -- stories to be remembered and told for years to come. She'll have to ask about them, later. If he's so inclined to let her know.

But right now, something else has been put on the table, and for a split second, she wants to panic. But this is only fair -- he needs to know. Because it wouldn't be fair to him, to get romantically involved with someone only to have to say goodbye sooner than later.

Now, he knows, and now he has the choice to continue pursuing something temporary, or to let it go and cut his losses. He deserves this choice.

When he takes her wrist, she doesn't pull away or move, but instead meets his gaze, pushing her panic back down. ]

Each time Noctis successfully completes and forms a Covenant, my life force is significantly drained. This is part of the Rites -- my life, in exchange for Noctis to gain the approval of the Gods. This was always meant to end in my demise, I've been aware of this since I was a little girl, and I am ready.

[ She forces herself to take a real good look at his expression, trying to gauge his reaction properly, before she lets her shoulders sag. ]

It's already begun, and cannot be stopped. Even now, I can feel it. There will come a time that I will do nothing but slow you down, which is why before we get to Altissia, I would ask that we part ways. It would be silly for you to continue on with someone who would only hold you back.

[ That, and she doesn't particularly want to see her in whatever state she's going to be in. It's bad enough that Noctis may see her at her worst, though she doesn't plan on that. But with Akira at her side, he will, and she doesn't want that. ]

There is no way for the Oracle and the True King to exist at their full strengths at the same time?

[ He wonders if she's ever considered the possibility that there might be a way. Of course, the goal of the True King cannot be changed. However, there must be room to make things flexible if key components change. Had the Draconian expected or planned for Alexander to step forward? ]

That isn't how I operate.

No. The Prophecy states that Noctis and I are to be the final King and Oracle, and that with both of our sacrifices combined, dawn will return. I don't care about my life. I'm ready for the end.

[ She's considered, day dreamed, mostly. But she's never cared much about her own life -- she still doesn't. She cares for Noctis's life, however. He's been her one and only friend for many years, and she can't stand the thought that he, of all people, has to die for this cause, too. ]

You're going to have to learn, then. Because I won't take no for an answer this time.

[ The look on his face says he doesn't quite agree. No, in fact, he very much does not agree. He won't say anything for now. No, things have to progress to a certain place. It seems all roads are truly leading to Altissia. ]

And neither do I, Lady Oracle.

[ She knows he doesn't agree and she also knows well enough that likely, he's going to fight her on this until the bitter end. But... at least, now he knows the truth. ]

This is only going to end one way... it's easy to accept things as they are, and move on. But I felt it would be unfair to you to withhold that information. Even if it isn't for long... for what it is worth, I'm glad that I get to spend these last few weeks at your side. Thank you for that.

It's easier. That doesn't mean it's right.

[ Short, simple, to the point. The right way isn't always the easiest way. Most of the time you have to fight for the right outcome. The problem is when fate and destiny come into play... but he's been told he has a strange way of rewriting both those things. ]

We'll turn those weeks into months.

[ TBA ] | ❝ i wasn’t looking for romance, just a quick slow dance. ❞

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject