( She can still see Clive in them, as much as they are a mystery. For all the Eikons are separate, are manifestations of magic coalesced in one body after generations, they are still part of them. They are still reflections of them. And the blue flame is as much Clive's eyes as it is Ifrit's. )
Of the highest order. ( She confirms, her hand still running over the skin -- less petting, and more a gentle stroke akin to the times she runs her hands over his bare skin and scars. ) Though this has all proven me quite correct.
[ Defeated. He IS like Torgal, and he doesn't know how to feel about it, because it's a little mortifying to be compared to your dog but also, it feels really nice to be pet.
( No, the Eikons aren't really considered anything but weapons of war. Jill sees as much when she considers Shiva; but the Phoenix and Ifrit are different, born from passion and the desire to heal and protect. )
It is a reflection of you. Whom I find very charming indeed.
( She can't help but blush all the same, useless at pretending she is unaffected by the title. He always seems to have a talent for using it when she least expects it. One day she'll get used to it, she's certain, but after thirteen years without hearing it from him, it won't be any time soon. )
( Says the woman who brought this upon herself. But she laughs in return, reaching for his snout to wrap her arms up against it in a clear hug, though she presses her lips against his nose in a return kiss. )
And I do love you. No matter what form you take, whatever you’ve become. I will always love you.
( Perhaps she shouldn't feel this calm, this safe, pressed up against Clive and Ifrit -- he has leveled buildings like this, she knows. But there is no safer place for her to be. This she knows intimately. )
Do you promise?
( A tease, because she knows he always stays true to his word. )
[ He huffs one more time, just to breathe in the scent of her, and then begins the slow descent with his hand to the ground, gently twisting just enough to give her a little more help disembarking. When he's satisfied she's on the ground, he takes a few steps backward, a column of flame engulfing him for a few brief seconds before Clive is standing there in front of her, a few wisps of flame clinging to his clothes before winking out entirely. ]
( But it isn't, really. Nothing is a competition when it comes to them, or a lecture. Not even her being correct about how similar he and Torgal might be. )
And, for what it's worth. I don't consider it a bad thing. Not when it means you and he are loyal, protective, and far stronger than you think.
[ He walks up to her, reaching for her arms to pull her a little closer. He knows she means it, and in his heart he can't deny her what she feels, even if he isn't sure he agrees. So he nods, cheeks just a little pink from the praise. ]
( There is nothing, no place on the Twins or anywhere that she'd rather be than in his arms. Wrapping her own around him, she hums -- as if it's a difficult decision to make. )
I suppose I do like you best, yes. Though we can't tell Torgal, he might take it the wrong way.
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Of the highest order. ( She confirms, her hand still running over the skin -- less petting, and more a gentle stroke akin to the times she runs her hands over his bare skin and scars. ) Though this has all proven me quite correct.
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[ Defeated. He IS like Torgal, and he doesn't know how to feel about it, because it's a little mortifying to be compared to your dog but also, it feels really nice to be pet.
And Ifrit agrees. ]
I didn't think the tail would wag.
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I found it charming. All of it.
( She likes the fact that he's unflinchingly loyal, with a good heart and a nose for trouble. )
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[ If he could blush, he would be. Ifrit isn't something Clive would consider charming.
But if Jill thinks so, then... ]
If you say so.
[ He doesn't quite believe it. ]
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It is a reflection of you. Whom I find very charming indeed.
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Well, not Ifrit, but all the same. ]
Why thank you, my lady.
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( She can't help but blush all the same, useless at pretending she is unaffected by the title. He always seems to have a talent for using it when she least expects it. One day she'll get used to it, she's certain, but after thirteen years without hearing it from him, it won't be any time soon. )
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Kissing her back. ]
Yes?
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( Says the woman who brought this upon herself. But she laughs in return, reaching for his snout to wrap her arms up against it in a clear hug, though she presses her lips against his nose in a return kiss. )
And I do love you. No matter what form you take, whatever you’ve become. I will always love you.
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[ And he won't ever stop. No matter what form he takes.
He presses their nose against her again, breathing in her scent, closing their eyes. ]
Forevermore.
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Do you promise?
( A tease, because she knows he always stays true to his word. )
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[ She's teasing, but he's sincere anyway. ]
Are you satisfied with my performance then?
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( For saving her. For always coming back. )
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[ He snuffles at her hair again. ]
I made you a promise that I intend to keep.
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And I know you will always keep it. Always.
( Another smile, and she rests her head against him as well. )
You can set me down now, if you'd like.
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I concede.
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( But it isn't, really. Nothing is a competition when it comes to them, or a lecture. Not even her being correct about how similar he and Torgal might be. )
And, for what it's worth. I don't consider it a bad thing. Not when it means you and he are loyal, protective, and far stronger than you think.
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I hope I'm at least not prone to shedding.
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No, on that front you come out ahead.
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[ Finally! He pulls her in all the way, wrapping his arms around her and placing his chin on the top of her head. ]
And that means you still like me best?
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I suppose I do like you best, yes. Though we can't tell Torgal, he might take it the wrong way.
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You're right. It'll be our little secret.