clive rosfield (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
pecsonthebeach) wrote2030-08-07 10:42 am
pecsonthebeach) wrote2030-08-07 10:42 am
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As My Lady wishes.
[And, as asked, Clive shows up to the kitchen, a soft smile reaching his face when he sees Jill.]
Did you have a destination in mind, or is this to be an outing for pleasure?
[And, as asked, Clive shows up to the kitchen, a soft smile reaching his face when he sees Jill.]
Did you have a destination in mind, or is this to be an outing for pleasure?
For pleasure, and with no destination in mind. I just wanted to spend some time with you after everything that has been going on here lately.
[Also she’s got her hair in a full braid today, as well as having dressed herself in a lovely blue dress. ]
[Also she’s got her hair in a full braid today, as well as having dressed herself in a lovely blue dress. ]
[Meanwhile, Clive has foregone his usual armor for his pants and a simple shirt and jacket. If he suddenly feels underdressed compared to Jill, he won't bring it up, at least not at the moment.]
Mm. We often don't get the opportunity for this, do we?
[But, now they can rectify that. Clive bows his head toward her, then goes to the door to hold it open for her, whenever she's ready.]
Mm. We often don't get the opportunity for this, do we?
[But, now they can rectify that. Clive bows his head toward her, then goes to the door to hold it open for her, whenever she's ready.]
[It is nice to see him forego the armor. He looks handsome. Though Jill would say he always looks handsome. ]
We don’t, and I’d like to do it as often as we can.
[ She steps outside, and holds out her hand for him.]
We don’t, and I’d like to do it as often as we can.
[ She steps outside, and holds out her hand for him.]
Edited 2024-11-13 04:08 (UTC)
[It's one of the most natural things in the world to take Jill's hand. Clive could come up with a plethora of excuses as to why he wouldn't over the past few years, but they all seem hollow now that their relationship has properly deepened. He gently threads their fingers together as he joins her.]
I'd like that, too.
[Even if he thinks about their actual situation back in Valisthea, how it seems that they'll be separated no matter how much they'd like not to be, it makes his chest hurt. But if that is how things will turn out, then shouldn't that urge him to enjoy these stolen moments even more?]
Just the two of us without the weight of the world on our shoulders. For a time, anyway.
[He walks, silent for a moment.]
I can almost pretend that we're normal people.
I'd like that, too.
[Even if he thinks about their actual situation back in Valisthea, how it seems that they'll be separated no matter how much they'd like not to be, it makes his chest hurt. But if that is how things will turn out, then shouldn't that urge him to enjoy these stolen moments even more?]
Just the two of us without the weight of the world on our shoulders. For a time, anyway.
[He walks, silent for a moment.]
I can almost pretend that we're normal people.
[ She feels a small heat rise to her cheeks. She feels happy that they've gotten to this point. That they could just pretend for a little while that they were normal people. ]
Isn't that what we want? Just for a moment or two.
[ Jill knows that it is not the best idea to pretend that what is coming in their world won't come. It doesn't do them any favors.
But for brief moments Jill wants to enjoy their relationship as they intended. ]
There was a beach somewhere nearby, Joshua and I collected pearls at it some time ago. Would you like to go there?
Isn't that what we want? Just for a moment or two.
[ Jill knows that it is not the best idea to pretend that what is coming in their world won't come. It doesn't do them any favors.
But for brief moments Jill wants to enjoy their relationship as they intended. ]
There was a beach somewhere nearby, Joshua and I collected pearls at it some time ago. Would you like to go there?
[What they want. Want is such a foreign concept to Clive, after living most of his life either denying it for himself or having it denied for him. He's gone so long living without that it almost doesn't even bother him. For so long he's existed for someone or something else, for Joshua, for revenge, for all the souls he inherited when he made the decision to become Cid. But here in Caldera, those responsibilities have truly been lessened and while he does not dare to relax because of it, he can think a little more. Dream, almost.]
I think...it's what I always wanted. For all of us.
[If they could have grown up as simple children and not had the shadow of the Phoenix looming over them, or the lack of it, in Clive's case, would they have been happier? Instead of being hyper-aware of his mother, could Clive have simply enjoyed watching Joshua grow up and hoped to one day catch Jill's eye?
...Well, he supposes the latter did come true, albeit so many years and countless traumas later. Glancing over to her, he can't help the gentle smile that finds its way to his face.]
I would love to.
[Love. Ah...]
I find the beaches here more ideal than most I have seen back home.
I think...it's what I always wanted. For all of us.
[If they could have grown up as simple children and not had the shadow of the Phoenix looming over them, or the lack of it, in Clive's case, would they have been happier? Instead of being hyper-aware of his mother, could Clive have simply enjoyed watching Joshua grow up and hoped to one day catch Jill's eye?
...Well, he supposes the latter did come true, albeit so many years and countless traumas later. Glancing over to her, he can't help the gentle smile that finds its way to his face.]
I would love to.
[Love. Ah...]
I find the beaches here more ideal than most I have seen back home.
[It's easy to find Clive. Joshua's always had no issue tracking his brother down, and here it's no different. He finds him in the sitting room before the fire and wastes no time perching himself on the arm of the sofa, cheeks pink.]
Clive? I've something important to tell you.
Clive? I've something important to tell you.
Edited 2024-12-01 21:20 (UTC)
[After a certain hour, Clive tries to return home, if not to keep some semblance of a routine, than to remain close to his family. Tonight is no different as he sits before the fire, book on his lap as he tries to take in the words, though this particular tome doesn't quite keep his attention.
So when he hears his brother approach, he uses Joshua's presence as a pleasant excuse to mark his place with the ribbon and closes it. Though, when he looks at Joshua and notes the flush in his brother's cheeks, he frowns slightly.]
What is it, Joshua?
So when he hears his brother approach, he uses Joshua's presence as a pleasant excuse to mark his place with the ribbon and closes it. Though, when he looks at Joshua and notes the flush in his brother's cheeks, he frowns slightly.]
What is it, Joshua?
[The slight frown on Clive's face has Joshua faltering slightly, but he regains his composure as he tucks his legs to the side, shifting on his perch.]
Well it's nothing to worry over but I have decided to court the Crown Prince of Sanbreque...and he has accepted my proposition.
Well it's nothing to worry over but I have decided to court the Crown Prince of Sanbreque...and he has accepted my proposition.
[Words are spoken in a very specific order which hold a very specific meaning. Clive hears them. He does. It's just that this particular grouping of words with their meaning are a bundle that Clive had never expected, nor does he have any response ready to give.
Instead, he answers dumbly with - ]
Dion?
[Which isn't even a real question because who else could it possibly be? There's only one Crown Prince of Sanbreque, here in Caldera or back in Valisthea. But he's been knocked off-balance. Give him a moment.]
Instead, he answers dumbly with - ]
Dion?
[Which isn't even a real question because who else could it possibly be? There's only one Crown Prince of Sanbreque, here in Caldera or back in Valisthea. But he's been knocked off-balance. Give him a moment.]
Yes Clive, Dion.
[He finds himself floundering suddenly, lifting off the sofa arm to stand, hand rubbing at his wrist as his face grows more and more red.]
I have grown terribly fond of him to the point that I am certain that I love him...so it only is right that I tell you so. Also, he said that he wants your blessing. He was very adamant about that...your approval. I told him not to worry but he is more insecure than he lets on...
[He finds himself floundering suddenly, lifting off the sofa arm to stand, hand rubbing at his wrist as his face grows more and more red.]
I have grown terribly fond of him to the point that I am certain that I love him...so it only is right that I tell you so. Also, he said that he wants your blessing. He was very adamant about that...your approval. I told him not to worry but he is more insecure than he lets on...
[No, no, wait, he needs to do that again lest Joshua all but flies out the window in...embarrassment? He's come here to tell Clive something so important and Clive has fumbled his words.
He takes a breath and pushes himself to his feet, reaching a hand out to Joshua's shoulder, hoping to settle him.]
Forgive me. You...took me by surprise.
[He gives that shoulder a little squeeze, reassuring.]
This is joyous news.
[But then, voice softening somewhat, Clive has to ask, by virtue of being the elder brother - ]
You truly feel such depth for him?
He takes a breath and pushes himself to his feet, reaching a hand out to Joshua's shoulder, hoping to settle him.]
Forgive me. You...took me by surprise.
[He gives that shoulder a little squeeze, reassuring.]
This is joyous news.
[But then, voice softening somewhat, Clive has to ask, by virtue of being the elder brother - ]
You truly feel such depth for him?
[All of a sudden Joshua can feel the creeping tingle of shyness threatening to take hold of him. As easy as it was to tell Clive anything, this was something that he never really thought he would have to talk about with his brother. He remembers being little, asking Clive if mother and father would let him pick the person he could someday marry, to which Clive had reassured they would...but those were the musings of children, of one who especially knew nothing of romance beyond what he read in the pages of books at the castle or in plays.
In life Joshua hadn't been lucky in love. It would have been nice to experience but circumstances had made it impossible. The best he could do was support his brother and Jill in their happiness...but that didn't mean he was without yearning for his own. Now in death and life once renewed, the hunger for that kind of connection had grown. He had always been fond of Dion, Clive was well aware of that, but that fondness has blossomed into something more with the opportunity he had now been presented with.
It is joyous news, or so Joshua thinks it is, even if he feels embarrassment now colouring his cheeks and ears red.]
He is the only one I feel such a way toward. The only one who understands...what it's like to be like me.
[He bites his lower lip, smiling bashfully.]
Well, aside from you of course, but that's different.
[Naturally.]
In life Joshua hadn't been lucky in love. It would have been nice to experience but circumstances had made it impossible. The best he could do was support his brother and Jill in their happiness...but that didn't mean he was without yearning for his own. Now in death and life once renewed, the hunger for that kind of connection had grown. He had always been fond of Dion, Clive was well aware of that, but that fondness has blossomed into something more with the opportunity he had now been presented with.
It is joyous news, or so Joshua thinks it is, even if he feels embarrassment now colouring his cheeks and ears red.]
He is the only one I feel such a way toward. The only one who understands...what it's like to be like me.
[He bites his lower lip, smiling bashfully.]
Well, aside from you of course, but that's different.
[Naturally.]
[It isn't Clive's intention to make his brother even more embarrassed, merely to verify that Joshua's feelings aren't a momentary thing. Although even thinking such a thing about Joshua feels wrong. His heart has always been big and inviting, but even as a child his mind was strong enough to temper most fancies within reason.
Clive has no reason to doubt his strength all these years later.]
You're right, though. I remember even after the Remembrance Ceremony, you spoke of him for weeks. How excited you were to meet another Dominant like yourself.
[Clive breathes out a soft laugh.]
It might have been the first time I wasn't your favourite person.
[That was a strange feeling. For all of Joshua's life until that point, Clive had been his closest confidant. And then, suddenly, there was someone else in his life who made him feel joy. While Clive never truly felt as if Dion would replace him, it was hard to reconcile Joshua splitting his affections even more. Not even when Jill joined their family had Clive felt this way, probably because Jill had become so ingrained into their little unit that any affection Joshua showed her wasn't far from Clive.
Either way, it's all silliness. He knows that. Just because Joshua has found someone else to share in his love doesn't mean his family will suffer for it. And even if that were the case, Clive would want him to be happy first and foremost.]
You said Dion accepted. Does this mean you believe your feelings are reciprocated?
Clive has no reason to doubt his strength all these years later.]
You're right, though. I remember even after the Remembrance Ceremony, you spoke of him for weeks. How excited you were to meet another Dominant like yourself.
[Clive breathes out a soft laugh.]
It might have been the first time I wasn't your favourite person.
[That was a strange feeling. For all of Joshua's life until that point, Clive had been his closest confidant. And then, suddenly, there was someone else in his life who made him feel joy. While Clive never truly felt as if Dion would replace him, it was hard to reconcile Joshua splitting his affections even more. Not even when Jill joined their family had Clive felt this way, probably because Jill had become so ingrained into their little unit that any affection Joshua showed her wasn't far from Clive.
Either way, it's all silliness. He knows that. Just because Joshua has found someone else to share in his love doesn't mean his family will suffer for it. And even if that were the case, Clive would want him to be happy first and foremost.]
You said Dion accepted. Does this mean you believe your feelings are reciprocated?
[Oh how his excitement lasted for weeks after the Remembrance Ceremony had ended. Joshua had been ecsatatic to meet a boy just like him, and the opportunity to forge a friendship beyond Clive and Jill had left him energized. Letters had been penned and sent, but of course it all came to an end thanks to that fateful night at Phoenix Gate. Still, the spark had been lit within Joshua's heart all those years ago and never was extinguished.]
Oh come on Clive, you know you'll always be my favourite. No matter what.
[Not even his adoration for Dion could supersede the importance Clive held in his heart. Even if his attachment to both was different, Clive would always be the one person he would always hold in the highest regard.
Clive's question has his smile faltering however, ever so slightly. In an instant he curses himself for it, knowing that his brother will have caught the downturn of the corners of his mouth, no matter how brief.]
Well...to an extent. I will never lay claim to his heart in full...but that is something I have accepted. He had a lover for over a decade...a friend he grew up with that was his closest confidant. How could I ever begin to replace such a bond? Nor would I ever want to. He is fond of me though. I know that much to be true.
[And that should be enough, right?]
Oh come on Clive, you know you'll always be my favourite. No matter what.
[Not even his adoration for Dion could supersede the importance Clive held in his heart. Even if his attachment to both was different, Clive would always be the one person he would always hold in the highest regard.
Clive's question has his smile faltering however, ever so slightly. In an instant he curses himself for it, knowing that his brother will have caught the downturn of the corners of his mouth, no matter how brief.]
Well...to an extent. I will never lay claim to his heart in full...but that is something I have accepted. He had a lover for over a decade...a friend he grew up with that was his closest confidant. How could I ever begin to replace such a bond? Nor would I ever want to. He is fond of me though. I know that much to be true.
[And that should be enough, right?]
Edited 2024-12-02 03:18 (UTC)
[...Ah. The flicker of that smile does catch Clive's attention. Of course, this situation doesn't come without its own outside influences, but they all learned from too young an age that real life doesn't play by the same rules as the storybooks that lived on his shelves in Rosalith. And Dion is attractive and with a good heart, so why wouldn't he have found someone in his own youth?
But the way Joshua speaks of this lover, in the past tense, Clive assumes this person has passed on. Or perhaps things didn't work out. So much has changed in Valisthea in the last handful of years alone, after all. Lovers could become enemies.
Not that any of this is actually his business. Joshua is, though, and his brows knit together again.]
You are content with his fondness?
[...Maybe that's a little accusatory.]
Forgive me, I just...worry. You always give so much of yourself. I can't bear the thought of you being left empty while someone else benefits but doesn't give anything back.
But the way Joshua speaks of this lover, in the past tense, Clive assumes this person has passed on. Or perhaps things didn't work out. So much has changed in Valisthea in the last handful of years alone, after all. Lovers could become enemies.
Not that any of this is actually his business. Joshua is, though, and his brows knit together again.]
You are content with his fondness?
[...Maybe that's a little accusatory.]
Forgive me, I just...worry. You always give so much of yourself. I can't bear the thought of you being left empty while someone else benefits but doesn't give anything back.
...I am.
[Or as content as he can be. It's hard not to be content when Dion had shown him care and had spoiled him rotten. He had made him feel and experience things he never dared to think he'd have the opportunity to. It wasn't as if the prince himself hadn't voiced similar concerns, ones Joshua had done his best to quell. It wasn't fair to him...but when had life ever been fair to him or any of them?]
If it calms you, he holds the same worries you do. That he won't be able to give himself to me the way he thinks I deserve...but I told him that it is okay. I don't need much.
[A hand instinctively raises to touch at his chest, free from the hellish mark Ultima had left upon it.]
He is kind, Clive. Cruel to himself, at times, but he holds nothing but kindness and fondness toward me. I do not mind being patient with him as he is patient with me in turn.
[Or as content as he can be. It's hard not to be content when Dion had shown him care and had spoiled him rotten. He had made him feel and experience things he never dared to think he'd have the opportunity to. It wasn't as if the prince himself hadn't voiced similar concerns, ones Joshua had done his best to quell. It wasn't fair to him...but when had life ever been fair to him or any of them?]
If it calms you, he holds the same worries you do. That he won't be able to give himself to me the way he thinks I deserve...but I told him that it is okay. I don't need much.
[A hand instinctively raises to touch at his chest, free from the hellish mark Ultima had left upon it.]
He is kind, Clive. Cruel to himself, at times, but he holds nothing but kindness and fondness toward me. I do not mind being patient with him as he is patient with me in turn.
Edited 2024-12-02 04:19 (UTC)
[Joshua has made up his mind, as quietly headstrong as he ever was. And yet there's a tightness in Clive's chest that doesn't go away as he listens to all this. He can't help but feel like Joshua is settling just because he is so fond of Dion. But Joshua isn't blind, either.
Clive will forever be his brother's Shield, but sometimes there are battles that cannot rely on such a defense. In this case, all Clive can really do is step back and let Joshua live.
Slowly, he nods, then pulls Joshua into a hug.]
You've already made your decision. Even if I were to forbid it, it wouldn't do any good. I only have so much sway.
[He holds Joshua close for a few moments, perhaps longer than necessary, but the two of them have always found comfort in this embrace. A side effect of separation, maybe. Or the need to depend on each other when either of their parents wouldn't do.
With another deep breath, Clive pulls away.]
How should I assure Dion of my blessing, then? In person? I can put it in writing...
Clive will forever be his brother's Shield, but sometimes there are battles that cannot rely on such a defense. In this case, all Clive can really do is step back and let Joshua live.
Slowly, he nods, then pulls Joshua into a hug.]
You've already made your decision. Even if I were to forbid it, it wouldn't do any good. I only have so much sway.
[He holds Joshua close for a few moments, perhaps longer than necessary, but the two of them have always found comfort in this embrace. A side effect of separation, maybe. Or the need to depend on each other when either of their parents wouldn't do.
With another deep breath, Clive pulls away.]
How should I assure Dion of my blessing, then? In person? I can put it in writing...
[The hug is unexpected but it's not unwelcome. It's never unwelcome. Joshua readily returns the embrace, settling his chin atop Clive's shoulder, soaking up the comfort and reassurance that comes with it. He's not wrong. He had already made his decision, and although he respects Clive's opinion he can't imagine what he'd do if he did forbid it for whatever reason. There's a brief moment of panic when his mind races to dark places, of what he'd do if he had to defy him...but that won't have to happen.
If only Clive knew just how much sway he did have over all of them.]
Thank you, Clive. I know you only have my best interests at heart. You're protecting me, even now.
[As for the best way to reassure Dion...]
Considering I gave him my confession and proposition in writing, another letter may cause him undue stress. I think in person would be better.
If only Clive knew just how much sway he did have over all of them.]
Thank you, Clive. I know you only have my best interests at heart. You're protecting me, even now.
[As for the best way to reassure Dion...]
Considering I gave him my confession and proposition in writing, another letter may cause him undue stress. I think in person would be better.
[ Jill wants that for him more than anything. To want something for himself, to take something for himself, to do something completely for himself. It's why she tries to take him out as often as she can. So that he could enjoy those things. ]
Then trust me for a while and worry about nothing but right now.
[ She will start taking them in the direction of the beach. Her footsteps light and normal for a change. She's not rushing to get anywhere, she's not hiding behind every wall. they can just be themselves here.
On top of that? She's taken to holding his hand. Something she would likely never take for granted again. What with how long the two of them danced around what they really wanted. ]
Then trust me for a while and worry about nothing but right now.
[ She will start taking them in the direction of the beach. Her footsteps light and normal for a change. She's not rushing to get anywhere, she's not hiding behind every wall. they can just be themselves here.
On top of that? She's taken to holding his hand. Something she would likely never take for granted again. What with how long the two of them danced around what they really wanted. ]
[Clive bows his head slightly.]
Yes, My Lady.
[Apart from Joshua, there is no one else Clive would trust with his life, or his heart. And apart from Torgal, there is no one who has stood by his side so unfailingly, even when he hasn't felt worthy of such loyalty. So it's easy to do as Jill says and walk beside her, hand in hand.
Hand in hand. And isn't that such a simple, but incredible thing? That they found each other and can exist like this, even for a single day.
Clive glances over to Jill as they stroll and takes in her appearance, a slight flush coming to his cheeks.]
You look lovely today.
Yes, My Lady.
[Apart from Joshua, there is no one else Clive would trust with his life, or his heart. And apart from Torgal, there is no one who has stood by his side so unfailingly, even when he hasn't felt worthy of such loyalty. So it's easy to do as Jill says and walk beside her, hand in hand.
Hand in hand. And isn't that such a simple, but incredible thing? That they found each other and can exist like this, even for a single day.
Clive glances over to Jill as they stroll and takes in her appearance, a slight flush coming to his cheeks.]
You look lovely today.
[ She does not want this moment to end. So she does what she can to prolong their time together. Especially here. So once they get a little further down the beach she’s going to stop.
He’s always been sweet in his own way. There is a tint to her cheeks when he compliments her. It’s just so sincere every single time.]
Clive, always charming me.
[ She never really takes what she wants, but today? It’s a different story. She stops their little walk to turn and pull him down to her level swiftly. Even with such a bold move, when she presses he lips to his she is as light as a feather. She couldn’t help herself really, to be so bold with him.]
He’s always been sweet in his own way. There is a tint to her cheeks when he compliments her. It’s just so sincere every single time.]
Clive, always charming me.
[ She never really takes what she wants, but today? It’s a different story. She stops their little walk to turn and pull him down to her level swiftly. Even with such a bold move, when she presses he lips to his she is as light as a feather. She couldn’t help herself really, to be so bold with him.]
[This entire outing has been Jill's idea so when she stops their walk, Clive follows suit obediently. Besides, it's nice to take a moment to look out at the ocean, the vastness of it never failing to impress him, either here or back home.
A moment is all he gets, though, before Jill tugs him down toward her and steals a gentle kiss. The act is so quick and surprising that he doesn't even have time to protest, not that he actually wants to. Jill is usually so reserved and quiet that Clive is the one who initiates most intimacy. It isn't a complaint he has, of course; with Jill he feels safe enough to show such serious affection whereas he might otherwise be choked by his own shyness. And even then his own bravery sometimes whimpers when Jill's happiness is on the line.
But now...
Now, Clive wraps his other arm around her waist and holds her close, sighing contentedly into her kiss as he claims her lips with the same gentleness she has shown him.
He doesn't know how long he kisses her, but eventually he pulls away, though he rests his forehead against her own. A soft laugh passes through his lips.]
Ah...now who is the charming one?
A moment is all he gets, though, before Jill tugs him down toward her and steals a gentle kiss. The act is so quick and surprising that he doesn't even have time to protest, not that he actually wants to. Jill is usually so reserved and quiet that Clive is the one who initiates most intimacy. It isn't a complaint he has, of course; with Jill he feels safe enough to show such serious affection whereas he might otherwise be choked by his own shyness. And even then his own bravery sometimes whimpers when Jill's happiness is on the line.
But now...
Now, Clive wraps his other arm around her waist and holds her close, sighing contentedly into her kiss as he claims her lips with the same gentleness she has shown him.
He doesn't know how long he kisses her, but eventually he pulls away, though he rests his forehead against her own. A soft laugh passes through his lips.]
Ah...now who is the charming one?
[She feels like her boldness paid off here. Her whole body is buzzing with warmth. She’s happy. She can’t help the smile that creeps onto her cheeks. How did she get so lucky to have Clive?
Her arms end up around his neck, and when they part she’s happy to keep her forehead pressed to his. ]
Still you, I would gather.
[She places a few more chaste kisses on his lips. His laugh makes her just as warm as his kisses and she finds herself giggling quietly between their shared space. ]
Her arms end up around his neck, and when they part she’s happy to keep her forehead pressed to his. ]
Still you, I would gather.
[She places a few more chaste kisses on his lips. His laugh makes her just as warm as his kisses and she finds herself giggling quietly between their shared space. ]
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