IC Inbox: Hugtopia

[flawed_immortality]

"Make it good."

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[flawed_immortality]

[Cor honestly had no idea what to say, what he could do to ease the weight of loss for the redhead. But he also knew that sitting alone and moping wasn't going to help.

He's a little damp when he drops onto the couch beside Ardyn, the careful part he's been attempting to maintain with this ridiculous hair growth mussed by the wind outside. What is there to say? What could possibly make it better?

All he can really offer is a hand on his shoulder, a gentle squeeze, an offer of solidarity. ]

[scourgingstars]

...You're quite the sight, my friend.

[For whatever it was worth, he managed the usual tired smile as the flower vanished in a flash of scarlet and crystal.]

[flawed_immortality]

[Wow, rude. He is here trying to support you. Don't call him out like this.

Cor snorts, a little stifled huff of amusement.]

Not as unkempt as the rest of you, at least.

[scourgingstars]

I made looking unkempt an art form before any of you existed, thank you very much.

[...good heavens was that an actual joke]

[flawed_immortality]

[What is this madness? Cor actually huffs a laugh at that.]

It suits you, though.

[scourgingstars]

...I like to think so.

[He leaned lightly against Cor's shoulder, sighing quietly.]

[flawed_immortality]

[Ardyn leans into him and Cor shifts slightly, just enough to put an arm around the other man, making sure he's comfortable. He goes quiet for a long moment, just enjoying the company, even if the reason is yet more tragedy.]

I never did thank you.

[Actually Cor, you probably did half a dozen times but were so sleep deprived you don't remember it.]

For looking after Regis for me.

[scourgingstars]

You've no need to thank me. Regis was immeasurably kind to me upon my arrival, I was doing no more than repaying the favor.

[flawed_immortality]

[Cor sighs a little, rolls his eyes.]

I still marvel at how much these family traits of selfless sacrifice and humbleness have persisted through the ages.

[scourgingstars]

...

[Ardyn didn't answer that at first; in all honesty it was still difficult for him to feel like he was truly part of the family at all.]

I wouldn't know.

[flawed_immortality]

Well... Every time we speak I feel as though I learn something else about you that reminds me of Regis. And, by extension, Noctis.

[Ardyn gets a gentle, encouraging nudge.]

[scourgingstars]

I'm not so kind as either of them, truly.

[flawed_immortality]

Ardyn...

[Arguing with these stubborn Lucis Caelums is a futile battle, he knows that. Especially when it comes to acknowledging their own strengths. So Cor just shakes his head again, heaving a put upon sigh that makes it infinitely clear that he disagrees but he isn't going to actively argue the point. He's just going to squeeze the redhead gently.]

[scourgingstars]

...Forgive me. I've said something careless again, haven't I?

[flawed_immortality]

No, you've simply proven my point no matter how you might resist it.

[scourgingstars]

...I know there's no purpose in arguing, at this point.

[flawed_immortality]

Then you are, at least, wiser than most of the line.

[scourgingstars]

Or merely too tired to press the issue.

[flawed_immortality]

I do think you are wiser than you give yourself credit for.

[scourgingstars]

I'm quite a fool, actually. If I weren't, then...perhaps so much of this would not have happened.

[flawed_immortality]

[Again, shouldering the blame for absolutely everything. Another unfortunate trait of the line.

Cor also knows when something is a futile battle and arguing that point is certainly that. So, for now, he simply twists in his seat so that he can hug Ardyn properly. Not just a lean but a firm hold, some measure of apology he cannot voice tangled up in the gesture.]

[scourgingstars]

Wh-? [Ardyn froze up for a moment, uncertain of how to respond to the gesture.]

Cor...? What is it?

[flawed_immortality]

[He huffs a sigh, squeezes a little harder, then slumps back against the couch again.]

You- All of you. No matter how much I try to protect you the one person I can never really defend you from is yourselves.

[scourgingstars]

...I fear I've never been much for self-preservation. Such is the nature of my power, unfortunately.

[flawed_immortality]

... I know.

[But that hardly means he's going to stop fussing. If anything it just means he has to fuss more since none of you will look after yourselves.]