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[noburden]

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[rosarianoath]

"But if we could be closer," he suggests, brushing her hair behind an ear.

[noburden]

"Ah. That may be worth the agony of parting... do you believe it to be so, Clive?"

She'd crawl into his skin if she could.

[rosarianoath]

"I do," he says, and he rolls her over then, pressing his weight into her without hesitation before withdrawing. For a beat he looms over her on his hands, kisses her swiftly, and then retreats to the door to close it and lock it.

[noburden]

Jill sprawls out on her back with a sigh.

"I'm happy we have reason to lock the door," she says.

[rosarianoath]

“As am I,” he says. “Keeps Torgal from putting his paws where they don’t belong, too…”

He returns to her swiftly, pushing her knees to one side with one hand and then laying down beside her, the length of his body flush against her side.

[noburden]

She looks at him with warmth, as if he hadn't been right against her moments ago. She traces a line down the slope of his nose, tapping the tip.

"I'm sure he's simply happy we're sleeping in the same room." As is she.

[rosarianoath]

“It’s certainly far less distance to patrol,” Clive replies. He can sleep through the heavy footfall of Torgal bounding up and down two flights, but it’s not ideal. He smiles at Jill, gently nudging a knee between hers. “I don’t think Dion was too pleased.”

[noburden]

She sighs, though the smile remains on her lips.

"He only worries for me. Like a brother would," she adds, fingers trailing down Clive's cheek. "I don't often speak of our relationship to him."

So no wonder any changes are a surprise to him. Jill often doesn't know what to say of her relationship to Clive, so it's easier to avoid the topic altogether.

"I should tell him that we've been better."

[rosarianoath]

He hums some acknowledgement, though he's not sure he agrees –– perhaps it's better that Dion knows less, as it would invite less scrutiny. Clive watches her face.

"If you think that's wise, then it's for the best."

[noburden]

He doesn't agree. The reply is indication enough. Jill brushes the hair away from his eyes.

"Do you not think it wise?"

[rosarianoath]

“I think he is expecting me to disappoint you,” he says, gently.

[noburden]

Jill hesitates, then nods in agreement.

"He is. I think you'll prove him wrong."

[rosarianoath]

“I intend to.” He leans his face in slightly, to bump his nose against hers.

[noburden]

"We've been happy lately, haven't we?" She murmurs, nuzzling her nose against his. Even before Joshua arrived, her heart felt lighter. The past felt like the past, and not some raw wound.

[rosarianoath]

“I’ve certainly felt so,” he says, sincerity in his voice, but he hopes that question is rhetorical just the same. “All I want is your happiness, my love.”

[noburden]

"If you've certainly felt so... have I not seemed so?" She asks, giving him a light and playful kiss on the lips.

[rosarianoath]

Clive chuckles under his breath and kisses her and then shifts his weight against her.

“I haven’t seen you this bright and at ease since you were a girl,” he says.

[noburden]

"My happiest days were spent with you and Joshua. I feel as if I've gotten a second chance to have that joy again," she tells him, hand running over his arm, the curve of his bicep. "And I get to have you."

[rosarianoath]

“I want you to have that happiness always,” he says, holding her gaze seriously despite the smile.

[noburden]

She gives him a sweet smile back before leaning in for a kiss.

"I always hoped to one day have a family with you. I suppose in a way we already have one."

[rosarianoath]

“We do,” he says, just off her lips. Unusual as it is, it is family. He hesitates, and from the comfort of their bed, their bodies twined together, he can ask: “Are those hopes behind us?”

[noburden]

She wanted to spread her wings and explore new lands. She supposes she's done that, too.

His question surprises her, but she keeps the smile on her face.

"I don't want them to be."

[rosarianoath]

His gaze drops to her lips for a moment, that enduring smile. She’s ensured so much. He meets her eyes again.

“I don’t either,” he says.

[noburden]

There's a flicker in the smile, a rush of emotion threatening to take hold. She blinks it away.

"I don't think you would have said that a few months ago."

Maybe not even a few weeks ago. A lot has changed with Joshua's arrival.

"I'm glad. Something else to strive for," she says, combing her fingers through his hair. Some reason for her to wish to return home.

[rosarianoath]

“Perhaps not,” he says. Things are changing. He doesn’t know how to fix any of this, but is it so wrong to want more? If Valisthea can be saved, shouldn’t she have something to remember him by? He could give her that, at least. He closes his eyes, sighing under her touch. “I need to try.”