( Ifrit may not like it, but he seemed to enjoy the attention from earlier -- so Jill reaches out once Clive has lifted her up, hands running over his snout in a clear petting motion, one even going under his chin to scratch there. )
Nothing you've done so far has convinced me you're not similar to Torgal.
( She points out, a hint of a laugh in her voice. Their Eikons are dangerous things to be sure, but with Clive they somehow feel less like instruments of murder and destruction and more like the extension of the self they are. )
( She hears it more than she sees it until he says something, and then she can't help but laugh -- rich and bright out of delight. He might be mortified but she is, unfortunately for him, thrilled to find out that yes -- he is quite dog-like when not battling whatever other Eikons might be threatening them. )
You're such a good boy, aren't you.
( Leaning forward, Jill allows herself to rest against the side of his snout, facing the bright burning blue eye and letting herself stroke the lava-like skin. )
( Too easy, but she takes it easy on him now that she’s proven her point, and instead is just content to rest against him — warm and solid beneath her. It’s fitting that, of all the men in the Twins, the sturdiest of the fire Eikons, the one gifted not with plumes of fire but of a river of it, it chose Clive. A shield indeed, of Roseria and of flame. )
Then I shall have mercy on you both for the moment.
[ A shield for the world, if he had his druthers, but there are too many people in his life who insist otherwise, now Ultima is gone.
The tail stops wagging when she stops petting, and Ifrit, at least, might feel a little sad about it. But Clive is just glad it's over, his own metaphorical tail between his legs. He's never going to live this one down. ]
( Jill smiles, pressing a cheek against the side of his snout and then, just as sudden as the desire to see if he can wag his tail, she turns her head fully to kiss the warm, unyielding rock. Nothing of this, of any part of him, is not worth loving.
No matter what he's done, no matter the burdens he carries. )
I should be the one thanking you for indulging me.
[ Ifrit's eyes rarely belie much. They are glowing embers of bright blue flame, the hottest fire can burn, and looking into them is a mystery. But when she presses her lips to the rock that makes up a portion of his skin, there's surprise there, from both Ifrit and Clive, and he blinks, a soft huff coming out of his nose. ]
So this is an indulgence then?
[ Said with both surprise and humor to it. She rarely allows herself these things, and a little bit of pride swells in his chest that he was able to allow her to do it. ]
( 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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Nothing you've done so far has convinced me you're not similar to Torgal.
( She points out, a hint of a laugh in her voice. Their Eikons are dangerous things to be sure, but with Clive they somehow feel less like instruments of murder and destruction and more like the extension of the self they are. )
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Just a little, not quite a wag, just a little swish over the grassy field.
Both Clive and Ifrit are mortified and it's clear in those big blue eyes of theirs. ]
Jill...
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You're such a good boy, aren't you.
( Leaning forward, Jill allows herself to rest against the side of his snout, facing the bright burning blue eye and letting herself stroke the lava-like skin. )
Yes, Clive?
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This isn't fair.
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Then I shall have mercy on you both for the moment.
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The tail stops wagging when she stops petting, and Ifrit, at least, might feel a little sad about it. But Clive is just glad it's over, his own metaphorical tail between his legs. He's never going to live this one down. ]
...Thank you.
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No matter what he's done, no matter the burdens he carries. )
I should be the one thanking you for indulging me.
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So this is an indulgence then?
[ Said with both surprise and humor to it. She rarely allows herself these things, and a little bit of pride swells in his chest that he was able to allow her to do it. ]
You're welcome.
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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.