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[noburden]

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[noburden]

[They both know she'd likely be wed to Joshua were that the case. Still, she can pretend well enough, imagine a world in which they could have been together from the start.]

Three Dominants under one banner. Imagine.

[Wed to Clive or Joshua, Rosaria would be sitting pretty.]

[rosarianoath]

Rosaria would be an empire.

[As disgusting as it is unsettling. He gives a little huff, tired.]

I do not care to think on it.

[noburden]

Then think of something more pleasant before we sleep. Something about us.

[Surely he can think of a better fantasy.]

[rosarianoath]

[His mind feels like an ugly place, and surprisingly, it does not feel lighter simply for having been asked to be. He stews on it for a moment, and then asks:]

What would you like to do on our next date?

[noburden]

I'd like to go to a bookstore and find something for us to read together.

[Not THAT bookstore, but somewhere they can find a new book to sink into together. She says it with the hope that he'll come spend the night with her more often.]

We can get dinner somewhere and come back here. How does that sound?

[rosarianoath]

I like that. Sitting with you and a book is the perfect evening.

[He is already thinking about books. Joshua has him reading sci-fi. Maybe Jill would like that, too? It is far away from magic.]

On Thursday, perhaps? I won't go hunting.

[noburden]

Thursday it is. I'm reluctant to say it, but... I'm glad you've been going hunting less as of late. It's good to have you here.

[Where he should be.]

[rosarianoath]

Mm. [He’s been glad to be home, bored of the rote supply of monsters here, nothing bigger than twenty feet tall. But money is always a concern.] I wish I could hunt during the day just to be around here more.

[noburden]

Hunting isn't the only thing you're good at.

[Just give her a minute to think of other things he could do that are profitable.]

[rosarianoath]

This place has little use for soldiers or assassins.

[noburden]

Good that there's more to you than that, then.

[She pauses to kiss his head. He doesn't know, does he?]

If you could do anything, what would it be? Don't worry about money for now. Just think of what would make you feel happy, Clive.

[rosarianoath]

[He doesn’t at all. He stares into the shadows of her neck and the first answer that comes up is “sleep”, preferably in her arms. Finally:]

Perhaps I’d keep and train chocobos. And… eat a lot of food.

[noburden]

[He makes her laugh. All the things he could name, and he chooses a simple life. A kinder life. She can't help but squeeze him tightly.]

I can help with the latter. You already eat a lot of food. I always suspected you had room for more.

[rosarianoath]

[He can’t help but smile against her neck.]

I suspect I have several stomachs to match my appetite.

You’ve gotten quite good.

[noburden]

Thank you. I'm glad you've been happy with my cooking. I never thought I'd find pleasure in cooking, but feeding you and Joshua always leaves me feeling... good, I suppose.

[It sounds less foolish than saying fulfilled even if that's more accurate.]

But really, it's just following instructions.

[rosarianoath]

You have far more patience to learn it than me. When I am in the wilderness, I just put a bit of meat on the tip of my dagger and hold it over the fire until it no longer bleeds. I much prefer your cooking.

[noburden]

Were I by myself, I doubt I would bother with anything beyond that.

[Fortunately, she's always had someone to cook for in the city. It's been a nice hobby.]

[rosarianoath]

You care for yourself better with Joshua and I here.

[That, more than anything, feels like cause to feel good about himself.]

[noburden]

[She hadn't thought about it that way. She has little reason to do more than the bare minimum on her own.]

I do. You'd be upset if I did not.

[Said fondly.]

[rosarianoath]

I would go sleepless, endure any hunger or thirst, to see you cared for.

[And after a beat:]

In other circumstances, anyhow. This place is no feast or famine.

[He has to have some self preservation, for her sake.]

[noburden]

[She understands the sentiment. She'd endure the same for him.]

I only wish for you to care for me. And I will care for you.

[rosarianoath]

[He kisses the nape of her neck again, thoughtlessly.]

I do care for you, most ardently.

[noburden]

I know. I don't doubt your love for me. How could I, after your letters?

[He would never write such words if he didn't love and care for her.]

[rosarianoath]

I’ve never written to anyone but you. Not even with the machines.

[His hand drifts along her belly, roving gently before holding her tight again.]

[noburden]

Really?

[Whoops. Sound less surprised, Jill.]