IC Inbox: Hugtopia

[flawed_immortality]

"Make it good."

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[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.]

[scourgingstars]

I'm sorry. I don't mean to cause you any trouble.

[flawed_immortality]

You haven't. You cannot stop a worrier from worrying.

[scourgingstars]

I suppose that someone has to look after a house with no ability to look after themselves. I only regret that we're so persistent in that.