[ cardia deserves a better otome route than jae-ha ]

[alttitude]

what if i live enough weeks to actually justify this catch all

Comments

[alttitude]

[oh. well - ]

I mean, I do feel like I want to go see him - and I hate when he's not around.

But I know those aren't my personal feelings, which makes it awful.

[so he's running away OUT OF SPITE OF THE CASTLE]

[discardia]

...

[ well, congrats, Jae-ha, you got her to giggle. Quietly. ]

[alttitude]

[ugh she's cute]

... you know, I do very much prefer that look on your face.

[discardia]

Ah, there-- [ um. ] There hasn't been all that much to laugh about.

[ given literally everything. ]

[alttitude]

Well - you're not wrong, given that.

[but still, he waves a hand]

There can sometimes be something here and there, though, if you care to look. But ah - I did have a reason to look for you.

[and he'll bring out what he was keeping behind his back?? it's a cloak, made of warm fabric and sewn together. he'll offer it out to her]

For you.

[discardia]

[ Jae-ha seeking her out could mean literally anything, so Cardia honestly doesn't know what to expect--

Up to and including being presented with a cloak.

Her eyes go wide, even as she reaches out to take it from him, holding it out to study it properly. ]

For me?

[ He just said that. ]

I-- thank you, but you didn't have to--

[ She's slightly overwhelmed. First Fran, now this. ]

[alttitude]

[ . . . why is she overwhelmed, it's just a cloak. Jae-ha tilts his head.]

It's already getting cold out - there'd been some extra cloth in the tailor's room, so I merely put it to better use than letting it stay as it was.

[yoon would be so proud]

[discardia]

[ Presents are precious things!! ]

...

[ Well, fine. She's just going to slip on that cloak over her clothes, because sure, it's warm in here, but might as well be prepared. ]

Is there anything I can do in return?

[alttitude]

[jae-ha just waves a hand at that, offering a smile]

Your laugh and smile are all that I could ask for - so continue finding reasons to do that and I'll be the wealthiest man in the world.

[discardia]

Now you're just being ridiculous again.

[ She has to say it. He's ridiculous. ]

[alttitude]

Am I? I ensure you that every word I say is sincere. ♥

[discardia]

...

[ this is not the face of someone who believes him. ]

[alttitude]

[HE'LL BE RELENTLESS ABOUT IT]

- oh well, one day I'm sure you'll believe me.

[discardia]

I think you probably say things like that to everyone. And I already like you, so you don't have to say those kinds of things to me.

[ because honestly, it's such an Impey thing to do, it almost makes her homesick. ]

[alttitude]

[jae-ha just laughs at that and - well, he can't deny it, so he won't but]

I don't have to... but I want to.

Seeing you happy is all I could ask from you.

[discardia]

You could ask for a simpler wish from me.

[ You know. Because they're in a place. Where they're supposed to kill each other. And being happy is hard when that happens? ]

[alttitude]

[ . . . and he just shakes his head, reaching out his hand for hers again.]

I could... but I'm afraid this one trumps all others in importance.

[discardia]

You are a flirt.

[ She says this very decisively, because yeah. She knows what flirts are by now. Thanks, Impey.

But he's allowed to take her (gloved!!!) hand. ]

[alttitude]

[ . . . ]

Yes?

[like that's

valid

what is he supposed to say]

[discardia]

Ah, you didn't have to respond to it. I was just reminding myself, so that I was prepared. I was told to watch out for flirts.

[alttitude]

Ah, that's good advice.

[he'll be honest about it]

Men in general can be difficult to trust, so it's important that you watch out for yourself. But still - tell me if anyone gives you any trouble, alright?

[discardia]

...

So I shouldn't trust you, but I should trust you?

[ UM. ]

[alttitude]

You can trust me to always protect you, dear Cardia!

[SO

YES?]

[discardia]

Thank you, but you should protect yourself. I'll be all right.

[ Probably. ]

[alttitude]

I can do both - I'd hate to see you worry after me anymore, after all.