we'll make it to the foot of the rainbow.

[cantante]

Who: Tear (and open!)
When: May 15th
Where: Around Aqures Ixen.
What: Tear wakes up from having spent a month in stasis, now to navigate her way through the storm because Bad Life Choices.
Warning: None so far!

[ The first thing that registers, even before opening her eyes, was sound—or rather, the lack thereof. It was unsettling, and the sight that met her when she did at last reveal blue irises was even more so when the haze of sleep was slow to dissipate completely. Confusion took its place, because this was definitely not where she remembered falling asleep.

Fortunately, Tear was quick to recognise her surroundings. For all the times she had visited this particular wing of the hospital, waking up locked within it was another thing entirely, especially surrounded by familiar faces that had yet to wake up themselves.

She couldn't tell how long she spent studying them before releasing a tired sigh, turning toward the door to request she be allowed out. The time that followed after was a blur, only vaguely catching the calls of the occasional person she passed by in the halls. It was only when she reached the entrance and she stepped out that it occurred to her what they might have wanted her attention for, stopping dead in her tracks at the sight of the darker clouds and heavy rain that fell from them.

Needless to say, barefoot and in a nightgown were probably not the best way to travel through such weather. However, such a thing wasn't about to stop her, because there was the one thing she knew she had to do for certain—she had to find home.

So with a frown on her face, she tentatively placed one step forward to start the trek in search of it or for any other familiar faces that might come across her path. And hopefully, she would find more suitable to wear soon... ]

Comments

[cantante]

[ By now Tear had received help from various other concerned Heroes, having been patient in accepting their concern over her state of dress and simply being awake again. However, she had been insistent in pressing forward toward her goal, offering little in terms of explanation beyond quiet requests that they be understanding. Thus, her persistence may as well have rendered many of those efforts moot after yet another trek amidst the relentless weather.

But the fact of the matter was that Tear felt she had to find home, to return to that place as soon as possible. Yet upon hearing that voice, it occurred to her that she should have known he would have come searching for her, too. There was only enough time for a sharp gasp before she turned around, eyes widening not only in response to the familiar sound, but to way the emotion it carried seemed to pierce into her heart. All it took was one word, her name to know that she had to hurry to his side so he wouldn't have to feel that emotion for one second longer.

It was her body that began to move of its own accord, taking several hesitant steps toward him as she struggled to make out his features through the downpour. ]

Ace... I'm... [ Her voice, already so soft and tight with her own emotions, trailed away as she closed her eyes to better pull herself together. No, he needed more from her than this; with a deep breath she began again, stronger than before, so that he might hear her over the cadence of falling water. ]

I'm right here, Ace.

[confidentia]

[ Needing no more reassurance, Ace rushed to her side, blinking away the raindrops trickling down his face to make sure he wasn't merely imagining things as the image of the melodist came into sight. Finding her barefoot in the middle of a storm would probably make for a strange discovery, if only everything else wasn't overshadowed by the feelings of relief that came crashing down in waves.

For all the conversations he had imagined to have with her upon her return, holding the real one proved to be somewhat difficult, so he instantly sought her hands for the support. ]

Well… you didn’t make it easy for me to find you. Are you done running away?

[ With that, the boy leaned forward, nudging her forehead lightly with his own. What was in nature meant to be a teasing gesture, quickly turned against him as he revelled in the comforting warmth, hesitant to pull back. He felt like laughing, for the first time in weeks, though his voice, now softer with affection, still sounded a bit strained. ]

… Stubborn as ever.

[ The cadet knew he wasn’t one to talk, with the array of bruises that only reminded him of the unfortunate clash he’d gotten himself into and lost. In fact, he could already imagine the expression of utter disapproval gracing her features if she were to find out, something he wouldn't even mind that much. Her anger would be at the very least justified, unlike the feelings of guilt for actions she hadn't been responsible for.

Staring down at her hands placed in his, he thought back to the letters that had kept him company these past two weeks, remainders of the time when she'd been just as lonely and confused. He had never given these feelings enough attention to grasp the weight behind them until being struck with it on the day of her disappearance.

Now that they were even, all he wanted was to get home. ]

[cantante]

As always, if it means keeping up with you. [ Tear had submitted to his touch immediately, thumb stroking his fingers gently to further reassure him that yes, she was here and had no desire to leave his side, less so when she could still hear the toll her absence might have inflicted in his voice. Closing her eyes, a smile lingered on her lips after Ace had finished saying his piece, to which there were several ways she could finish answering.

For the time being she felt it best to try and match his tone, managing a slight nod despite her lingering worry. ]

Running away, though... That would depend, would you allow me if I tried? [ Opening her eyes again, in that moment it occurred to her that she had to look up just a little more than she remembered doing so in order meet his gaze. The realisation struck her as odd, because even if she had been in stasis for a month, Ace surely couldn't have grown significantly in such short a time... Right? However, it wasn't often that she was without footwear.

It was this observation that led her to inspect his features as much as the rain would allow her, and what brought the bandage on his face to her immediate attention. Reluctantly, she pulled one of her hands out of his hold so she could trace the tips of her fingers along the affected area instead, eyes filled with questions. ]

[confidentia]

[ Ace, on the other hand, scowled at the question, answering in a quieter voice that almost drowned in the cascades of rain. ]

Well... who am I to hold you against your will? [ He couldn't quite figure out why the thought upset him the way it did, but it did hurt to consider losing her again, regardless of the lighthearted context. Pushing away the unwanted mention, he focused on their intertwined fingers, and closeness that he had so dearly missed, instead of giving in to irrational fears. Something about it helped him sort out his priorities, and calm down.

Feeling the soft pressure against his cheek, he made a soft sound of protest before turning his head. Though the damp cloth was no longer fulfilling its original purpose, it worked as a way to contain the girl's curiosity for the time being. He then lifted his free hand to place it over hers and push it away, gently. ]

A claw. I got the wound cleaned out, so do not worry. [ Of course it wouldn't suffice as an answer. Looking mildly apologetic, the boy went on. ] I was one corridor away... I knew you would come back.

I also assumed you would notice the clothes I had left for you by the bed. [ Motioning to her bare feet, he chuckled, his tone filled with warmth. Not that he blamed her, confusion being an inevitable part of each awakening; it had just been a while since he could fluster her some. ]

[cantante]

[ Again, there were several ways she could respond to his question, but Tear chose to keep her silence this time as she nodded once and continued stroking his fingers. That wasn't to say she wasn't going to try and fuss over the injury now that she knew its origin—why a claw?

Except he had to bring attention to her unfortunate state of dress, and flustered she was if the faint blush on her cheeks and slight pout were anything to go by. Despite the embarrassment that came with it, the more Ace spoke the more relief she felt, swelling when his laughter reaches her ears. A smile once again touched her lips, joined by a weak chuckle of her own. ]

If I'd known you were that close, I would have stayed. I wasn't sure of what day it was, if you were working...

[ Because if he had been, then waiting at home would definitely be the logical solution. ]

[confidentia]

[ He also knew when to stop, placing a finger on the girl's lips in a silent expression of understanding. There were more important issues to address that took precedence over idle chatter, and better places to seek shelter from the rain than the middle of a road. A faint chill that ran through his body further strengthened his resolve to move, and unlike hers, his attire provided some protection, at the very least. ]

Hold onto me and watch your step.

[ It would have decidedly been easier to carry her across the pools of water at their feet, but wounds weren't so forgiving as to allow for such a feat. He waited for her to slip her arm into his, ever resisting the urge to pull the melodist close. There would be time for that. ]

Also, I, uh... I took a day off. I did not want to miss a birthday, so I won't be working today.

[ He kept his eyes on the road ahead, but his lips curled into a knowing smirk. So, maybe Sein had been letting him on certain facts and providing him with cheer when there had been none. The Moogle deserved to hear some words of gratitude later. ]

[cantante]

[ Tear complied with his instructions at once, glad for any reason to continue being closer to him and for the reassurance his touch gave her. Though she, too, was tempted to be even closer and lean against him, it could wait until they were some place warmer and safer, which they could reach faster if they were willing to have the patience.

There was also the tiny bonus of being a little bit warmer while they were close like this, but in her stubbornness she was trying to hide just how cold the rain really felt. Although... ]

Birthday...? [ It couldn't be any more obvious that she had no idea what he was talking about from the look on her face, brows furrowing as she sought an explanation from his expression. And sure enough, after looking at him for several moments it occurred to her exactly what he meant, renewing her blush anew and eliciting a soft huff of exasperation, which still somehow carried the air of affection she felt. ]

Idiot. Honestly... [ Because that was a perfectly valid way to try and hide the unexpected happiness she was experiencing and convey her gratitude, right? ]

[confidentia]

[ The reaction left him wondering how much she had been able to learn in the short time he had, and whether he wasn't careless in his choice of words. It wasn't something to be taken lightly, in any case, so he glanced at her somewhat uncertainly, just in time to note the flushed cheeks. ]

What...- [ Various replies that formed in the back of his mind quickly became a mumbled mess, as though to prove he hadn't gotten over her affectionate insults. Maybe he didn't necessarily want to, secretly enjoying being able to steal her attention, though she was no worse at capturing his, with the way her soft voice carried in the air. How he longed to hear her songs again.... ]

I missed you, partner. [ Saying it out loud, with much more confidence in his tone than before, felt oddly liberating despite his resolve to keep such things to himself, though he'd never made it a secret that she was a large part of his life. ] Maybe it's a strange time to celebrate, but... what can you do?

[ Forcing a weak smile, he thought of the inevitable conversations that would await them back home, some of them more difficult than others. The storm was only the prelude, though it made for a tricky enough obstacle; fortunately, the housing district was already in sight. ]

[cantante]

[ Noticing his uncertainty, followed by such heartfelt words, the girl's blush was slowly replaced by a look of absolute tenderness despite the hint of apology in her eyes. Since she hadn't experienced any level of awareness while in her crystal sleep, she couldn't necessarily say the words back to him—compared to the amount of time he may have had to endure loneliness, it seemed insensitive to do so.

But what she could do was allow herself to lean against him a little, if for only a short time as her eyelids fell shut and her hold on his arm tightened, the brief pressure meant to reassure him that yes... For this moment she was right here beside him, that it was where she wanted to be.

Though the location they were heading for may be physical, she was already home. ]

As long as it means being with you... [ Opening her eyes again, she could only hope that he had understood the message behind her gestures. And if not, then maybe she could smile more in his stead. ] I don't mind how strange it might seem. We'll just have to make the most of it in our own way, won't we?

[confidentia]

[ Warmth made its way to his cheeks when she manifested her presence with a firmer embrace; though it had been a one-sided sentiment, she was the only one who could understand it. Soon enough, he found himself mirroring her expression with a sheepish smile of his own, raising his free hand to brush some of his hair's loose strands back. ]

We'll see about that confidence of yours when I do the cooking.

[ While he didn't take pride in his lack of skills, it wouldn't weaken his resolve once he put his mind to it. Fixing something quick shouldn't be much of an issue, though he considered it fair to put a warning in place.

Walking up to the front door, he dug in his pocket for the keys that nearly slipped from his grasp as the storm only grew in intensity. A relieved sigh fell from his lips when the lock gave in, for there was nothing that could compare to returning home after a long day, week, month. Ace could swear it felt even longer than that as he stepped to the side, loosening his hold and inviting the girl in. ]

... Welcome home.

[cantante]

[ By now it was natural instinct for her to reach out and brush away any unruly hair, and one of her hands had indeed pulled loose from her hold to try and tame it. But with the rain continuing to fall relentlessly and then being so close to their destination, it could wait.

In fact, what he had offered was much more intriguing. ]

You don't have to make anything... [ Not that she wouldn't appreciate his efforts anyway, but at the same time, a part of her wondered just what he had in mind as they approached the house. With each step she could feel her nervousness growing, perhaps anxious about returning to this place after having been away for so long. It's for that reason that for a split second her hold on his arm tightened when he opened the door, and she took a deep breath before stepping in.

Yet once she was inside, that feeling was all but forgotten as it was replaced by relief instead, more so with those two words spoken in his voice. The home was just as she remembered it, however, part of her couldn't help but feel it was. Taking a few moments to drink it all in, she eventually closed her eyes and breathed out, perhaps figuring out what one of the missing pieces was.

And beginning to fix it would be so easy: it's for that reason that she turned around and reached out to take hold of his hand to gently pull him in after her, smile once again on her face as she quietly wrapped her arms around his waist. ]

I'm home...

[confidentia]

[ Indeed, stepping in, she would find the place mostly unchanged save for the touching absence of floral accents - despite certain Moogle's attempts at fixing that state of things, it all had been beyond even poor Hanafuda's control with her offers being repeatedly shot down. A lone vase stood against the surface of the table as it always had been, now pitifully empty; there were no plates with dinner leftovers, misplaced tomes, or anything that could suggest that the apartment had recently been occupied, for that matter.

The door closed with a thud, at long last leaving behind the howling of the wind and torrents of water, after which the boy carefully locked it. His hand lingered at the handle for a moment as he contemplated what to do next, still somewhat breathless from the effort. Though it didn't make any sense to succumb to exhaustion after such trek, his limbs suddenly felt like lead, nearly making him fall into the embrace when she tugged at his hand.

From there, none of it mattered any longer, feelings of discomfort quickly replaced by sweet oblivion granted by the pair of arms wrapped tightly around his waist. With its impeccably good timing, the movement also came as a little bit of a surprise, and for a moment he simply allowed himself to lean against her, though it wasn't long before his hands settled against her back in an attempt to bring the melodist even closer.

Pressing his lips against her tousled locks of hair, he acknowledged her response with a quick kiss, and then another, before tipping his head back just enough to see the face that the rain had previously obscured. Needless to say, they were both soaked to their skin, so he pushed the damp strands of hair away with the tip of his nose, just to meet her bright eyes. ]

[cantante]

[ To say Tear had anticipated a reaction to this degree wasn't entirely correct—her surprise manifested in the way her eyes widened when she fount herself supporting him more than she had expected, which in turn prompted her to tighten her hold a little more. Not just to keep them standing, but to grant him whatever comfort her touch could possibly provide even as guilt twisted in her stomach uncomfortably. While it could be said that she was familiar with what he was experiencing thanks to her own time being separated from him, she wasn't about to try and compare their experiences; these were Ace's feelings, and nothing would change her willingness to accept them or her desire to protect him in whatever way she possibly could, or lessen her longing to ease the loneliness reflected in their house. All this, despite knowing it hadn't been her fault.

Concern had once again filled her eyes when they met with the cadet's, not daring to turn away as one hand reached up to brush back the light strands. The movement was slow and careful, almost fragile, nevertheless there was nothing but love in her touch as she submitted to his, allowing herself to smile for him.

Eventually the girl allowed herself to lean against his shoulder and start nuzzling, only to pull back when she remembered his mentioning how much it tickled to do that. Breathing out softly, she took a step back to give him another look over, the hand that wasn't focused on keeping him close brushing through his hair. ]

Let's get you dry, or you might get sick. [ So what if she was even more soaked than he was? It wasn't going to stop her from seeing to his needs, not when he had been in such a state that the home hardly looked as if it had been occupied. Which, now that the weight of it was beginning to dawn on her... ]

Where is... Rem...?

[confidentia]

[ Whether she was bold or simply careless, this time, Ace welcomed her affections without a single protest. Having her in his arms again made up for the small discomfort of being completely exposed to her tickling ministrations, and even that felt much nicer than it had right to be. ]

Look who's talking. [ He tilted his head slightly to the side, never drawing his eyes away from his rebellious girlfriend as his hands went to her shoulders and worked on removing the heavy jacket. Though it no longer served any purpose indoors, Ace felt only gratitude towards whoever it was that had decided to offer a helpful hand. He, too, had every intention of ensuring she got the best possible treatment, especially with that strange sickness growing in strength each day. It was when the boy realised he hadn't exactly given it a thought until now. ]

Ah, I left her with Suzaku at the farm, which felt safer than locking her up in such weather. They do have a roof above their heads, before you ask. [ The hand that wasn't holding the jacket cupped her chin, after which he smirked. ] We could walk there once it clears up, since I figured you would be concerned... but you should consider taking care of yourself, first.

[ And may his gaze underline the importance of the request that might as well be a demand. ]

[cantante]

That I am. [ The look on her face could certainly be chalked up as defiance, but really it was stubbornness that was talking as she shook her head to try and loosen the damp strands of her hair. Except now that the girl was free from the heavy weight of the jacket and exposed to the air, the effects of having been drenched in rain for so long began to show themselves, beginning with a light shiver threatening to overtake her. The borrowed clothing may have provided her with enough protection when she started out, but one could only go so far with battling the elements when they were insufficiently dressed to begin with, and for so long.

Her mind occupied by trying to get the trembling under control and thinking about her Chocobo back at the ranch, Tear was completely unprepared to pull away from the hold keeping her in place or meet the expression that accompanied it, which alone was would have been enough to prompt the very pink blush she now donned. ]

Y-you know I will, as long as you do, too. [ Really, he should know well enough by now that he had the power to send her thoughts in disarray when he smiled and acted in this manner. ] We can't take care of them if we're both sick or get stuck in mud somewhere, and you need to have that bandage replaced.

[ Because clearly that was the main priority here, if the light pout joining in with the blush was of any indication. ]

[confidentia]

[ Little did Tear know that her sullen looks only fuelled Ace's desire to prove just how pointless her struggle was. Releasing her from their hold, as gentle as it had been, his fingers then ghosted over her heated cheek. ]

And I'd like you to assist me, if you don't mind. [ It sounded like a fair enough compromise, didn't it? He knew better than to avoid a topic already raised, though seeing her shake slightly broke his composure. Tossing the jacket onto the nearby sofa, he finally had his hands free to place them over her trembling shoulders, thumbs brushing against her skin in a fruitless attempt to generate some warmth. ]

Get out of these clothes. [ Instantly, his gaze fell to the floor. It did not... really... occur to him how ambiguous his phrasing sounded until after the words had escaped his mouth. Understandably, his explanation came out a bit muffled, preceded by a few awkward seconds. ] By which I mean... that you should go change to the bathroom while I wait in the- [ ... bedroom, really? ] - ...here.

[ At least he figured she would require more space than he did, and when, pressing his lips tightly together, he dared to look into her eyes again, his expression was nothing but hopeful that he'd managed to get his point across. ]

[cantante]

[ Helping him out would hardly be any troubles no matter how intent he seemed to be about flustering her, the melodist already mentally going over whether there were any skills amidst her equipped jobs that could help him out in treating that wound of his. If she got more information about how they happened, then all the better as she nodded once in agreement...

... Only to freeze absolutely when he kept talking, suddenly very aware of his touch. Tear always knew the cadet could sometimes have a certain... way with words and how he phrased them, but this was a whole other level that made her feel as if her face were on fire, her blush so red and bright. She couldn't even think of how to possibly respond when her gaze meets his again, lips parted in shock.

Luckily for both of them, the girl was able to understand just what Ace meant right away after seeing his expression. It might not do anything to help in quelling her blush any more quickly, but at least she could breathe properly again, chest no longer feeling quite so tight even as she placed both hands over her rapidly beating heart. Breathe, Mystearica, It was just some unfortunate choice of words. That's all. ]

O...kay... I won't be too long. [ And to seal her promise, she dared to lean up and press her lips against the untouched cheek before hurrying off to do just as he had asked. Maybe it would be enough time for them both to recover their composures again. ]

[confidentia]

[ Though no amount of it would allow him to forget the horrified expression she had graced him with, he had to pull himself together for the sake of them both. The kiss was unexpected, and in its brevity just as sweet as he'd remembered it being, making for a good starting point.

Listening to his own advice, he slipped out of his shoes and set them aside to dry before assessing the ever-growing smaller stash of medical supplies. It wasn't much, but he had dealt with worse injuries before to be concerned, there was just as far as he could flee from the prying eyes of his partner.

Following a quick change of clothes, he settled down cross-legged on the couch and awaited Tear's footsteps, fingers absentmindedly hovering over the very spot she had marked with her lips. Both the side of his face and the arm previously securely wrapped in bandages were sporting new gashes, the rest of it being bruises and scratches he'd managed to conceal beneath the shirt. Luckily, he was no longer bleeding, but all the tools had been spread over the table in front of him just in case. ]

[cantante]

[ Fortunately it didn't take Tear long to return, though her entrance into the room was still slow thanks to being preoccupied with the disheveled mess that was her hair. Even with its shorter length—or perhaps because of—the strands had tangled together quite spectacularly, having been exposed to the storm.

But her attention was directed to her partner soon enough, and when it was she couldn't keep her brow from furrowing in concern or from crossing the room a little more quickly than necessary, kneeling down beside him. Yes, the wounds had stopped bleeding and he had gone to the hospital, but what state had he been in when he arrived there? ]

What exactly happened, with this? [ Her voice was firm, even as a faint sigh of exasperation pushed its way past his lips and she reached out to the gashes, not touching them just yet. Instead she looks up to search for his gaze, not wanting to scold him yet when she didn't know the full story. ]

[confidentia]

[ It wasn't how he'd wished to start their conversation, but the glint in the girl's eyes mirrored the determination in her voice. In that moment, Ace knew she wouldn't rest until she had the details she wanted, so he complied, albeit a bit unwillingly. His attention was elsewhere, wandering between the shiny locks of hair framing her face and the light pout of her lips, the matter of his own injuries quickly being pushed to the very back of his mind. They no longer hurt, providing him with a subtle feeling of discomfort at most. ]

I overestimated my abilities. [ Something about his tone was different, as though he was a child owning up to an act of mischief. He flexed the fingers of his injured hand before withdrawing it. ] ... A Behemoth, over at the Arena. I'd fought them many times before, but that particular one was a different kind.

[ Except he'd known from the start that the battle was a lost cause on his own, so being unable to provide reasons as to why he'd acted the way he had, he simply kept quiet for a moment. They boy's gaze then dropped to the ground where she knelt, much to his dismay; he'd seen her tremble mere moments ago. ]

I... know what you're thinking, but at least join me up here before telling me how stupid it was.

[cantante]

[ Of course he would know exactly what thoughts came to mind when he gave his answer, though fortunately for him Tear held back on pressing the matter further—for now at least, seeing as she understood the look in his eyes right away. ]

Fine. [ Suppressing a sigh, the girl nodded and pushed herself onto the couch proper, pulling her legs up with her and resting her chin on them once she was settled. Now she could scold him for that lapse in judgement. ] It was stupid of you to try and fight a Behemoth, arena or not. You know how strong they are.

[ Glancing at him out of the corner of her eye, she nonetheless felt a tiny bit of relief—he could have suffered far worse injuries from such an opponent. ] Even if it was different somehow, I doubt it would have made it any less dangerous to confront it. So why?

[ Except she didn't have anything to compare it against, having never sought out the monster before or fought one. ]

[confidentia]

[ Leaning forward to grab a roll of bandages off the table, Ace watched her sour expression undeterred. There was much she didn't know about him, not all of which seeming relevant right now. ]

I don't want you to have the wrong picture. [ He responded with a light shake of his head before turning in his seat to face her. ] Maybe it was as simple as wanting to prove myself, for reasons I can now describe as foolish, but... it made sense, at the time.

[ A frown crossed his features as he searched for the right words, vaguely recalling the burst of emotions accompanying his decision. Having been trained to fight his way through the conflicts, it had never once occurred to him that he wasn't sure how to deal with the problems of more... personal nature. ]

I did the one thing I thought I was good at. We were good at, back home. I guess that's the part I've overlooked.

[ Shrugging weakly, he forced a tiny smile. It seemed as though there was something else on the tip of his tongue, but he said nothing as he held up the bandages for her to take. It was a purely symbolic gesture, since he was more than capable of applying them on his own. ]

[cantante]

[ As much as she would have liked to have pressed the matter further, especially when she could tell how close he was to sharing more, Tear held herself back for just a little longer as she accepted the bandages silently.

Adjusting herself into a more proper sitting position, the girl wasted no time in unrolling and preparing the pieces of cloth. Yet there was a thoughtful, if mildly apologetic, look on her face as she did. ]

I guess it might seem like it would make sense... [ Not that it made her think it was any less stupid, however. ] You're okay now, at least.

But Ace, there are other things you are good at. [ Even though that probably wasn't the point, since she had picked up on that particular word. ] I'm sure they would say the same thing.

[ Except she couldn't quite keep a tiny smile from making its way to her lips, touching one of the gashes on his arm timidly. ]

You must have worried your mother if these were the things you got yourselves into.

[confidentia]

[ Indeed, it wasn't meant to be anything more than a figure of speech, so the unexpected encouragement had him breathe out a soft sound of amusement. He held his arm up like a dutiful patient, rolling up his sleeve to grant her a better access. ]

Huh?

[ Since Tear spoke so casually, her remark didn't register with him until a moment later. Mouth parted in surprise, he stared at her as though she'd accused him of a crime he hadn't committed. The topic came up rarely, but he was never prepared for it when it did, especially after the lecture of his personal file. ]

Well, she always said that each confrontation is an opportunity. A chance to test ourselves. [ And besides, those rare Phantoma and quest items wouldn't just collect themselves. ] Sure, there were times when we messed up, but-....

[ His voice trailed off into a thoughtful hum. Once again, it was difficult to explain, but he didn't feel like hiding behind that excuse over and over. ]

When you fail, you just pick yourself up again, you know? Mother had faith in us even when nobody else did. Nevertheless...-

[ Softening the statement with a bashful smile, he tilted his head to the side. ]

... I suppose you're right. It's not like we didn't provide her with enough reasons to worry.

[cantante]

[ Tear set right to work with applying the bandages, listening carefully to every word he spoke. Though she often held herself back on asking more about his family, it didn't mean she wasn't interested in that part of Ace's life. If anything, knowing how different their families were made her all the more curious of anything he chose to share. ]

She's your mother. [ Pausing to rearrange the next bandage, she continued. ] It might be something she would do whether you gave her reasons to or not.

[ Or so she had gathered from her limited experience with Luke and Anise's mothers, the former going as far as designating her his 'big sister' to watch over the boy in her stead. ]

But I hope you don't intend to try it again alone. [ If it was in the controlled environment of the Arena, maybe that made it a little better. Maybe. ]