cantante | ♫ inbox: melodies of life.

[ She would stop making "that face," except there was more to be concerned about than just his physical well-being. But she had heard the plea in his voice and at least had that reassurance, thus the girl responded with a nod and quiet sigh of relief as she worked to get her expression back under control. ]

Not the right place... Then let's go home, Ace. [ It was her own turn to plead, with the way she looked at him and how her fingers entwined in his.

This area of the hospital had never been her favourite, and she knew now that if she took the time to glance around she would be met with some less than comforting sights. Fortunately, she had had the blessing of his face being the first she saw this time upon waking up. ]

[ He knew he couldn't take her patience for granted, which is why he set out to fulfil her request as soon as Tear was done speaking, helping her into a sitting position by giving her hand a gentle tug. ]

Everything is still where you left it. [ And he wouldn't have it any other way, if the warmth to his tone was any indication. No matter how long her absence were to last, he couldn't even imagine letting anyone else claim her place in the home they had made for themselves.

His fingers trailed shyly along the hem of her shirt for a couple of moments before resting against where her heart was beating, as if trying to map out its rhythm. ] ... It thrives in people's hearts, the Calamity. [ At that, he dropped his hand onto the bed and sighed. ] But worrying won't mend it, so I'll just have to keep a close eye on you. As close as you let me.

[ The girl began her response with a simple nod, still trying to recall the exact details of what was occurring before being pulled into sleep. So much had been happening that the process brought only more questions, but as Ace had said, this wasn't the place for it. Not only that, but the warmth of his tone left her speechless, completely uncertain of how to feel about it.

Except he didn't give her much time to think about it either, her attention immediately drawn elsewhere. Tear's breath had slowed until it came to a stop as his fingers traced along the cloth, even as her heartbeat drummed loudly in her ears. Only when he pulled away did she breathe again, cheeks flushed from what she perceived to be a rather intimate gesture.

Once again, his way with words had served to leave her momentarily speechless, yet a small smile eventually came when she leaned against him, just as it always did. ]

Idiot... isn't that what we already promised to do? I want you here.

[ After all, they were partners. ]

[ And she was the only one who could so easily get away with calling him names, earning a small huff of feigned irritation that had little to do with how he really felt. Finding relief in the warmth of her body pressed against his, he soon began to regret his decision to refrain from talking things through, even though it was for the better. This kind of closeness that he'd so missed made it nearly impossible to keep any of his secrets from spilling out. ]

Such a sharp tongue. [ Closing his eyes, he punctuated his response with a kiss to the girl's forehead. ] But you're okay. I'm so relieved….

[ When his arms finally found their way around her back, he was no longer holding himself back from making it known how much he had longed to hold her once more. It was his manner of saying thanks; one he knew she would understand without a need for an explanation. ]

Can you walk, or should I carry you?

[ Whispering teasingly against her hair, he made no effort to move, slightly contrary to his own offer. ]

[ Likewise, Tear took the time to wrap her arms around Ace in turn, not only to hold him closer but to communicate that she had understood his message, and neither was she in a hurry to pull away. Though she may have been crystallised, it felt as if it had been a long time since they where both together like this.

Perhaps it had been, with the investigation of all that was happening keeping him tied to the station for long hours, for days. And with the state she had found him in, it made her wonder—just when was the last time he had been granted a proper night's rest?

With that in mind it shouldn't be too much of a surprise when she drew a hand back, placing a finger on his lips with a faintly tired smile. ] I think I'll be fine. Maybe I should be the one asking you that, you were sleeping, remember?

... Hey, don't be silly.

[ It came out muffled against her warning finger. It was very like her to draw the course of the conversation back to him without a warning, but he still wasn't sure how to respond properly. Even if there was no hiding the faint circles under his eyes, he wasn't going to let her notice too much, lest she'd only find more reasons to be concerned. ]

I was... saving energy, like I always do. [ Who would have thought that the reality would be more merciful than dreams. Standing up, he reached out his hands to hold hers, giving them a gentle tug. ] You should call for Sein instead of worrying. You know the rules of this place.

[ That, and without a doubt the Moogle would want to know she was awake and well. ]

Saving energy... [ Though she had spoken softly, her tone indicated that she was well aware there was more to it than that. But further discussion could wait, since he had brought up a valid point in summoning her companion. If she didn't do so soon, he might be more upset that she had delayed calling him a second time—and no one wanted to deal with the consequences of a vexed Moogle.

It took her a moment to steady herself, holding on to her partner's hands for unwavering strength as her body was still fatigued from being still for so long. Once she she was completely upright her focus was again on his face, quiet concern making itself known even though she held back the sigh that wanted to accompany it.

But she held herself back again, not yet reaching for the flute that would summon the puffball to her side. They would have privacy for a little bit longer, and so she took advantage of it by leaning up to press her lips against his cheek.

Satisfied with that for now, she finally felt around and brought the instrument to her lips. Wherever Sein was, she had no doubt he would appear all too quickly. ]

♫ inbox: melodies of life.

( the hospital | july 23rd )

( the hospital | july 23rd ) the unintentional rhymes in this thread are killing me

( the hospital | july 23rd ) I only just noticed it oh my god

( the hospital | july 23rd )

( the hospital | july 23rd )

( the hospital | july 23rd )

( the hospital | july 23rd )