monolike | IC CONTACT

[So she's been to see him. Unsurprising.]

Have you ever resented humans?

Huh?

[ The question makes him pause and he considers, for a moment, before he shrugs. ]

Sure, maybe, once. But then I grew up and I realised that you humans are like little kids to us seraphim. You don't get much time to grow up, so there's no point resenting you for things you can't control, right?

[That kind of feels a little...well, it's not like Sorey can say anything about it. He more or less proved Zaveid's point all by himself.]

I see. I suppose I can't argue with that.

[Sorey slides down from the crate.] Have you talked to Mikleo yet? He was asking after you, when he first came back.

[ At least he doesn't say it to be cruel, or intentionally mean; he's too old to think so two-dimensionally about humanity. He's had good and bad experiences, too many to count, and he can't just drop them all on Sorey right now. ]

That's gotta be a first. You always argue with me.

[ But then he's crossing his arms, breathing out. ]

Yeah, I went to see him.

[Yeah well. It's a lot easier to argue back when you've got a leg to stand on.]

Mikleo doesn't resent you, or blame you or anything. He told you, right?

[ Jeez... Zaveid almost winces. ]

Yeah, I got the whole speech. Don't really need to hear it again.

Just checking. [He didn't think Mikleo would let Zaveid get away without saying it, but the guy has a way of changing the topic to avoid things he doesn't want to hear. And Mikleo's tired.] So what now? Now that you've heard my answer.

[ It's true; Zaveid had made a good effort to try and keep the conversation away from the obvious, but Mikleo was about as stubborn as he was - there really was no escape. Now all he can do is breathe out, leaning back to stare up at the roof above them. ]

Now I guess I gotta go talk to Lailah.

Are you gonna be her sublord again? [Not sure how he feels about that, still. But that's probably not going to be resolved any time soon.]

I'm gonna talk to her first. See what happens.

[ Because the two of them are both still uncertain - him and Sorey - and there's no point making a pact when their relationship would only sour it. ]

I'm worried about her. [Sorey folds his arms and sighs, bowing his head.] But she never really lets me worry too much. She showed up right in the middle of this, and then she was looking after everyone... She's working herself awfully hard.

[ Zaveid breathes out quietly. ]

I'll keep an eye on her, don't worry. She might not talk to you about it, but I'll get her to talk to me. Alright?

Alright. [Sorey sighs heavily and slumps back down onto the crate.] ...Zaveid, if you did take the sublord pact back up, what would your reasons be?

Edited 2016-10-13 06:19 (UTC)

... I have things I need to do. You know I've got a score to settle.

[ He doesn't quite know how much Sorey does and doesn't know these days; can he talk about Maotelus? Can he mention the things he learned? Zaveid's not sure. He makes it obvious either way.

When he continues, though... His voice is quieter. ]

It's been a long time since I was around people. Maybe I missed it. Being a part of something.

[Sorey expected the first reason; it's the same one Zaveid gave in the beginning, and it's not as if they've accomplished what they set out to do just yet. Even considering Eizen.

It's the second part that gives him pause. He remembers a few things Zaveid had spouted off before he joined up with them, about traveling alone as he killed hellions one after another. Because he'd promised, and because he believed there was no other way for him to save them...and then he'd joined up with the Shepherd crew and purification had suddenly become an option.

Sorey clenches his fist.

I won't ask you to come back-

No. No, that's the opposite of what Zaveid needs right now. And Sorey is never again going to use the excuse of protecting others to hide how he wants to protect himself.]

...I'm going to make a world where you can do that, without making promises you hate. That's still true.

If that's something you want, then...I want you back. [Sorey looks up at Zaveid, determined.] Come back and lend me your strength. [He bows his head, knuckles pressed to his knees.] Please.

[Last time Zaveid had bullied his way in and Sorey had only reluctantly agreed. He had been a replacement, a necessary one but not entirely welcome by those still grieving.

This time he should do this right. Zaveid should be asked to help, the way it should be, for all seraphim. Zaveid needs to be shown he's just as cherished as everyone else who has lended Sorey their power so he can achieve his dreams.]

Edited 2016-10-13 21:08 (UTC)

[ It's hard to be honest, and it's hard to say exactly what he wants to, but he does his best. Sorey has been honest with him, and when he asked... He knows that the Shepherd spoke from his heart. Zaveid has no right to hide things, to deny them, to pretend otherwise, and even if his past is a murky sea of pain and heartache he knows his future can be brighter.

He doesn't want to hide things anymore. It's too hard. He feels like he's wandering around in circles trying to find an answer to a question he hasn't even been asked, and it leaves him on edge and uncertain because he genuinely doesn't know what to do. He knows he has to talk to Lailah, of course, to figure things out, to make sure this is really going to be okay, but until then...

Zaveid breathes out, looking down at Sorey for a moment.

It's hard not to feel so desperately old when he remembers just how young Sorey is, but for his age... He's strong, and bright, and brave, and maybe that's all that matters for now. ]

...

[ He doesn't have to think about it anymore. Slowly, he wraps his arm around Sorey's shoulders and ruffles his hair. ]

Jeez, if you need me that badly then I guess I can't say no.

I am begging you. Literally. [Said with a little bit of humor, but it's the truth. Enough of Zaveid thinking he's still a replacement. It's not true, not anymore.

Plus, that grab and hair-ruffle means the world to Sorey. Lailah told him that he needed to trust himself just as much as he needed the trust of others, and it's going to be a long road but having Zaveid back with him will help everyone, in the end. If Zaveid is willing to throw in with him again- hell, even if he needs some convincing, Sorey will do what he can.]

Sheesh, c'mon, Sorey. Where's your manly dignity, huh? [ Mostly said because Zaveid feels a little awkward and uncomfortable, a touch on edge because he's not sure how to handle this.

He knows how he feels. He knows what his place was, before, when he had first become a Sub Lord. Things are different now and his reasons have changed ever so slightly - he's not just there to fill a void, or to endure something until his mission is complete. It's... Voluntary now, and he... Doesn't know what else to do. ]

I still don't really know what you mean by 'manly dignity,' you know. [like what's the difference from the regular kind

But Zaveid doesn't need any more begging from him. Sorey's made himself clear. And Zaveid's probably got a lot to discuss with Lailah, not to mention Sorey gets more on edge the longer he's away from Mikleo...] I should probably go make sure Mikleo's all right. [he's literally fine] I left a note, but...

Maybe you'll learn when you're older. [ Because he's still so young.

(It's enough to make him feel sick, remembering, but he can't let that show on his face.)

Nodding, he pushes himself up, stretching his arms above his head. ]

Yeah, yeah. Can't let him wake up worried and go wandering around in his condition.

I doubt he would, he knows his limitations. [Unlike this kid. Not that he'll admit to it.]

Thank you, Zaveid. I feel better knowing Lailah's got you to support her. [He said he would protect everybody, after all. Sorey doesn't think Zaveid's ever said a single thing truer than what he told him in that clinic.]

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