4.1

[sighsheavily]

I can't believe this... I actually like these.

[these being reference to what clothes she's picked at within the room they're holed in for hours indeterminate. she's pulled on a pastel gown and finished fiddling with the fiddlier bits, smoothing out the drapery in front of the floor-length mirror.]

The color is a shame, and I doubt this'd be of use if I get dropped in that bloody maze again, but still...

[it's nice. it feels nice! no more denim and excess buttons...

gads, the rhinestones making cactus blossom patters are kind of tacky, though. she oughtn't complain; it's a step in the right direction.]

Comments

[sighsheavily]

So long as you think it a good thing to do, yes. [she peers outside, squinting, trying to search out shapes in the hedges.] But if I become a hindrance, that will have to be contested, naturally...

[forgeabettertomorrow]

...Okay, actually? That's something I do want to talk about.

You know how you don't like it when I call myself a 'monster' or something? You...use a lot of negative language when talking about yourself. Saying things like 'becoming a hindrance' and things like that.

...You're a person, Cecelia. We might argue but you make it sound like...like you're an obstacle and not a person with valid feelings.

[sighsheavily]

[her ear twitches at the start of the topic, feeling a clench in her stomach. as he talks, she glances over her shoulder his way, brow still creased.

like an obstacle.

...hm.]

I'm aware. [now, at least. and unconsciously, sure. but measuring worth of self versus others has a clear and predetermined victor, it seems.] Though I can't say I catch the sense of negativity like you may in the moment. Perhaps in hindsight?

[it's like stating facts, somehow. or just being used to taking herself out of the narrative.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

That...doesn't make it better. Even if it's in hindsight, you can't do anything about it.

I just wish your opinion of yourself was...more forgiving.

[sighsheavily]

[her mouth curves up just faintly, apologetically.]

We’ve both work to do in that regard, I think. Mm?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Hey, I'll have you know that I think I'm pretty amazing most of the time~

[sighsheavily]

[she Squints.]

Is that so.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

What, you can't see it? Do I need to give you some kind of demonstration~?

[sighsheavily]

[her mouth twitches, unable to keep from smiling at least a little bit before turning her head to look back outside.]

You are rather remarkable, it's true...

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[He moves behind her to wrap his arms around her waist.]

It...helps that you say things like that. It keeps the dark thoughts from taking hold.

As confident as I am, knowing there's someone who believes in me that much...it gives me strength, y'know?

[sighsheavily]

[she shifts her focus to the dim reflection of themselves, easing into the hold bit by bit despite the relentless tingling at her shoulders.

looking down, she gingerly touches at one of the scars on his forearm.]

I don't mind being that reminder. [because she's not the source; she can't move him for himself, but if her voice can encourage him to try...that's worthy work, isn't it?

familiar work.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

You've come a fair way yourself.

I can remember a time when even me touching your shoulders had you recoiling.

[sighsheavily]

[with faint amusement in her tone:] Well, you did throw me a considerable height upon first encounter, I think I was well within my right to be unnerved.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Oh come on! It was an accident! And we were trapped!

[sighsheavily]

I'm well aware! But facts are facts. A body doesn't just forget such a thing so easily, thank you.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

So, you're saying I need to do something to overwrite that?

[sighsheavily]

I'm saying it takes time.

[beat.]

And positive reinforcement.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

I can do that. Hell, I'm practically made of positive reinforcement...

[He leans in to kiss her cheek.]

[sighsheavily]

[on cue, she turtles up a bit with a little noise, tickled, shrinking against him and managing to lift her head and peck at his jaw.]

Made of more than that, but! It's not wrong per se--

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[He turns a little more to catch her in a real, proper kiss.]

Yeah? What else would you say I'm made of~?

[sighsheavily]

[she hums against his lips before they part and is slow to answer. she'd rather actually consider it than just murmur platitudes, after all.]

I wonder... Is it simple enough to say spirit? That which keeps your eyes forward in the dark, looking for the dawn. [her expression waxes contemplative.] Maybe that's flame in of itself. Indomitable spirit...

[forgeabettertomorrow]

You...always make me sound so much cooler than I actually am, you know that...?

[He scratches his cheek bashfully. Is...is he blushing?]

[sighsheavily]

[wait, IS he?? she has to tilt her head a bit to see at this angle, eyebrow arching.]

What do you mean? Am I not saying something you would've said yourself? [...] ...Perhaps with more forging metaphors? But I'm no craftsman, you know.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

I-I mean...yeah, I guess...!

[He is ABSOLUTELY blushing.]

I think...you make me sound a lot more...heroic...

[sighsheavily]

[she squints, mouth quirking on one side.]

What did you think you were when saying such things yourself, dear? If you say anything remotely close to 'charlatan,' you're going to have to give that lecture you gave me to yourself...