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 Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 8:58 pm
There we go~ Stormy smiled a little to herself as she listened, validated in her assumptions at last. Her hands curled in her lap as she regarded Jake. "The first step to doing anything is recognizing what you want," she said, almost reciting it in a lilting voice. "I agree, Deus is not . . . the safest of places, no matter what rank you're at. There are dangers within and without."
She lifted a finger and flourished it with a little hum. "And yet couples flourish! Why is that? I think it's because people would rather have someone to look out for, to hold close at the end of the day, because they know the next mission might be their last--and they'd rather have happiness now than to never know what that's like before something happens." Stormy almost added love conquers all, but that was probably too much for either of them.
"Being oblivious isn't so bad! What matters is that you noticed it now and can react accordingly. So, this is my question for you, Jake, because in spite of all the bitterness and sadness and other things I probably don't know of, it boils down to this: do you want to spend your time at Deus pursuing happiness, or do you want to stay in this limbo?" she asked him, once again growing a little softer in tone. "You can do either because it's your life and your choices. But I believe everyone deserves to try and be happy if they've found something or someone that does make them so. And listening to you talk about Sherry like that tells me she'd make you feel much better."
Reaching over, she lightly ruffled Jake's hair as he had before, hoping it felt affectionate. "As your friend, I want you to be happy too. So you've had a fight or two with her. Liking someone is always like taking a risk, but eventually if you don't face it yourself it'll just . . . make you explode on the inside. The worst that'll happen is that Sherry will say no, and you can move on. The best is that she'll say yes, and you won't have to feel like this anymore . . . I think she'd appreciate you trying to go back and apologizing at any rate."
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Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 10:32 pm
"I..."
Surprisingly, he... did feel a little bit better admitting that he had feelings for her. It was true. With Sherry around, he felt more... calm. Focused? He felt like he could be himself, without having to pretend to be strong or fearless or... heck, she had seen him in the worst state possible so many times, and yet... she still liked him for who he was. He hadn't come to Deus to look for relationships, let alone friendship, and often scoffed at those who indulged in them, but now... he finally understood. Without friends or loved ones, it was too easy to lose sight of what was important. Even now, he vaguely remembered the death lead's words to them before he left them to die, that unless they had nothing precious to hold onto, life, death, none of it mattered, because you had nothing to lose. That was why he didn't want to befriend anyone, wasn't it? Because it would hurt less to lose those who weren't close to you. But... that was a cowardly way of looking at things. Only through the desire of wanting to protect something, to keep it safe, was how one learned to grow, to keep fighting, to get stronger, so that they could protect that one thing that meant the world to them. He understood now, and wanted nothing more than to get stronger so that he could be with her, and wouldn't have to push her away anymore.
He chuckled, bowing his head slightly as she ruffled his hair. Was this payback from the Sahara? Regardless, it still felt... kinda nice. It scared him to think that Sherry might reject him.. again, but... after the way he treated her... no. He couldn't look at it that way anymore. Even if she did, he would have Chester. He wouldn't be alone.
"Seems you've grown a lot." he laughed softly, reaching out to ruffle her hair also. "And I'm glad to see you're a lot better. Didn't expect to get a lecture from you, but I have to admit it helped. Thanks."
He took a deep breath, feeling as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulder and smiled, resting a cheek against his palm as he turned to look at her. "So... how's Gale?"
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Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 10:51 pm
She didn't bother hiding how relieved she looked to see him relax and even went to far as to take a deep breath and sigh in front of him. "Maybe I have, but I don't feel like it," she answered with a tiny shrug and a smile, letting her hair stay ruffled for a moment. "I'm like this when there's only a few friends around, really. In big groups or missions, I sort of . . fade in and out, y'know? I'll talk my friends' ears off if I have to, trust me, but I don't like disturbing other people so . . ." But it was nice to think she looked a little mature for once rather than the childish Mist she was taken for normally, even if most of her advice either came from Disney movies or her experience with therapists in the past.
It always seemed easier to help others instead of yourself at any rate.
"Any time~" Stormy cooed. "Seriously. I, uh . . . I also want to apologize for how I acted in the desert while we're here. I wasn't in the best state of mind going in, and I lashed out when I was given a chance. But I'd much rather lecture than hurt people because I'm angry, just so you know, okay? And I promise I won't do it again," she added with a nod.
No matter how good it had made her feel.
"Gale's been okay. He wasn't happy about the cruise ship disappearing on us and all that," Stormy continued with a little chuckle. "Or the bugs and stuff . . . But he's okay, didn't even get sick really. Lucky. But, ah . . ." She paused sheepishly, then raised her right hand to show off the three-charm silver bracelet hanging around her wrist. "I've decided to try and pursue happiness with him myself," she explained with her own terminology, and with a bigger smile.
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Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 11:26 pm
He laughed at her reaction, glad to see that though she had managed to talk him out of the rut he was in, she still maintained a somewhat childish demeanor. Mature, yet not overbearing. It reminded him a lot of a certain death hunter.
When she started apologizing, he raised his hand, shaking his head. "Stop. I already said I don't hold a grudge against you for that. I'm kind of glad you did. I deserved it. But I promise you, I'll do my best not to put you or anyone else into that situation. I... don't know if I'll ever be ready to lead a mission again, or, if ever given the chance, but regardless, I'll learn to trust in my teammates more."
... though it largely depended on who he was teamed up with, but... he would try. Really.
... Maybe.
He nodded, remembering the cruise, and somewhat wishing he hadn't. It hadn't been the most pleasant mission, and only reminded him how useless he was, having to watch others fight as he couldn't do anything itself, but he was glad it was over, and... he blinked at the bracelet, mouth gaping slightly, which then turned into a huge grin, and then broke into a laugh.
"That kid... didn't think he had it in him." He shook his head. "But no, if anything, I'm glad. I used to harass Gale a lot and... I guess I still kinda do, but... despite his age, he's... pretty mature for a kid. A hell lot mature than me, and... he's a good guy. I know he can protect you. He's strong." His gaze grew distant, remembering a past memory, of his very first mission, and how when he had first seen the death hunter, he had looked so dejected and broken. "And he deserves some happiness too... both of you do." A pause. "Don't tell him I said any of this."
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Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2013 12:24 am
"Tell him what?" she asked sweetly, winking. "It's nice to know he can protect me, but I can also do the same. Remember that with Sherry too, whatever happens. If you put too much of the burden on yourself again, you'll fall back to where you were before, okay?" Jake had a nice laugh too, though--maybe that was a trait all guys who didn't get to smile so much had.
She clapped her hands together abruptly and beamed. "This was a good talk! Better than I imagined, actually . . . I hope some of that helped, though. You'll keep me up to date with a text, right? Or I will come find you and pester you~" she warned with a gently poke of his arm. "Any other advice you need?"
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Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2013 3:56 am
"Smart girl." he chuckled. And then he stopped, lips curling into a small frown, and sighed. "Yah, I know. She's won a few spars, and... I feel as if she held back several times, or else she would have won more. And that weapon of hers..." He hated to admit it, but if it weren't for the fact that golems were extremely fragile and pretty much prohibited from exhibiting violence, Armagnac would easily wipe the floor with him... and probably would have killed him that one time she came to visit. Needless to say, Sherry was anything but helpless.
Her clap startled him, bringing him back to the present, and he smiled. "Sure. I owe you at least that much." He was still terrified at the thought of being rejected, but... if he didn't try and left things the way they were, he would probably only end up regretting it more. "I..." A faint blush tinted his cheeks. She didn't need to know that he was kind of interested learning more about the story. This "Beauty and the Beast" concept intrigued him. He shook his head."Ah, no, I'm good. Thanks, uh... for listening."
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Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2013 10:39 am
"Like I said, Beastly, anytime~" She was beginning to grin, paused, then put it on hold for one quick second. "Oh! I'm not sure what sort of person Sherry is when angry--well no that's a lie, I saw some of that in the desert--but she might make you jump through a few hoops as an apology. Hopefully she'll just hug you or something instead of making you call her, like, Your Royal Majesty of Lifehood and giving her foot massages and feeding her grapes while she lies on a bed."
Think positive~
Now grinning, Stormy opened her arms and held them up. "May I hug you before you go?"
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Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2013 11:14 am
You had to remind him, Stormy, you had to remind him.
"I... don't think she's that kind of person..." he started, and then paused, thinking what exactly she would put him through. It wasn't a very pleasant thought. "To be honest, I just hope she punches me and gets it over with." Abuse he was fine (and used to). Eternal slavery? Uhhhhhhhhh
Yes, he would try to think positive and not bother with the repercussions until he figured out how exactly to confront her.
Then he looked to see Stormy with her arms wide open and blinked, letting out a soft chuckle. "If you want."
He was... probably going to have to get used to positive physical touch if he wanted to date Sherry. She seemed like a rather touchy person.
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Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2013 12:27 pm
Humming, Stormy stepped forward and embraced him warmly, keeping him held for only a few seconds just in case he was only indulging her. "Hopefully no punching either!" she chirped as Jake was released. "You'll be okay. You're tough too, even if a lady makes you soft~"
Stormy sat back in her chair and rolled away back to her original place across from him. "Go feel the sunset of the past and look to the dawn of the future," she told him with a beam. "And keep me up to date! I'm gonna be bored doing this translating stuff anyway~"
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Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2013 3:57 pm
Her comment made him flush, but he made no sound, giving her an awkward pat on the back as she hugged him. He was... going to have to get used to this yes.
As she pulled away and sat back down, he looked at the papers before her and frowned, remembering he had mission reports to finish too, and then turned to Stormy, giving her a small smile. "Alright, take care. Don't overwork yourself." He gave a wave and headed out the door.Ol-j-man Feel free to wrap this up, and thanks for rping with me! ; u ; <3333333333
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Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2013 9:22 pm
Stormy just gave him a little smile and a wave in return.
That was a pathetic hug, but Jake was just a beginner. He'd rise in ranks eventually.
Thus did Stormy go back to translating the book as she had before, pulling out a new piece of paper since she'd crumpled the original.
By work, of course, she meant doodling hearts and drawing random shapes like a five year old while every once in a while working on an actual sentence.
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