pecsonthebeach | Caldera IC Inbox

That would be nice. Thank you.

[They should drink something besides alcohol during their brotherly conversations, for starters.]

It'll be ready then, when you've returned.

[Not too long later, he comes back to the house, but not without some trepidation. While there hadn't been anything in Joshua's message to betray any sort of pain, their last major talk hadn't been good at all. But Clive breathes in, then breathes out, and walks inside.]

Joshua?

Clive!

[At the sound of his name Joshua's quick to pop his head out of the kitchen, only to leave it in full to greet his brother. He's cheery and all smiles, spirits higher than usual. It seems that Clive's precious little brother is in quite a good mood and eager to share whatever it is with him.]

That was quick. You didn't race back here, did you?

[His shoulders relax a little when he sees Joshua's smile. It...really does seem like this is going to be pleasant for once.]

I don't think so. Should I have taken longer for...whatever you have planned?

Mm, no. Not at all.

[There's a devious look to Joshua's expression as he throws a grin Clive's way before holding out a hand. In a moment it fills with flame, hovering atop his palm. He extinguishes it then, playful in doing so, a singular Phoenix Down left in the process. It's held between his fingers as he waves it teasingly toward his brother.]

My flames have returned to me.

[Joshua's hand gets Clive's attention, though it takes a moment for him to realize why seeing conjured flames should be something special when it's a part of Joshua that has always been there. But, of course, when his own Eikon remains dormant, silent, seeing the Phoenix reemerge within Joshua makes more sense.

His eyes widen and a new warmth blooms within his chest, a warmth that has nothing to do with Ifrit.]

So they have.

[A smile tugs at his lips.]

That's wonderful, Joshua.

Isn't it? Now I've my flames returned to me and the Phoenix's healing blessing too.

[He finally feels as if he can be of use to others, rather than just a liability. Healing had been useful, sure, but it didn't help when he needed to protect himself. He steps closer then, reaching up to tuck the feather behind Clive's ear.]

There. For you. Until your own blessing returns to you as well.

[Of course, he's glad that Joshua is here with him, Phoenix aside, but to see his brother regain some happiness is what eases Clive's heart. Ever since they were young Joshua struggled with feeling useless, though Clive would never have said anything of the sort. So for some of his spark to rekindle and for Clive to witness it...he's happy for Joshua.

When Joshua gives that Phoenix feather to him so freely, so easily, Clive finds himself at a loss for words. He takes the feather and cradles it in his hands like it's the most precious thing in the world. And, in a sense, it is. This manifestation of his brother, the only reminder he had that Joshua was alive for five years while Joshua had made his away around Valisthea, just out of sight and just out of reach. Now, this gift from his brother knowing that Joshua won't survive the entire ordeal with Ultima, rests all the more heavily in his hands, despite being just a single feather.

Clive carefully brings the feather to his chest, holding it close to his heart.]

...Thank you.

[His voice comes out thicker than he would like, but it's too late now.]

And...I'm sorry. Once again, I feel as if everyone is waiting for me. But then Ifrit never was one to follow the rules, was he?

[Oh...his sweet, kind, big brother. Clive always had such a big heart. Seeing him cradle his feather so delicately to his chest has Joshua's heart swell and tighten behind his ribs all the same. He may not be embracing him right now, but the warmth he suddenly feels at the sight is no different.]

Sorry? You needn't apologize, Clive.

[He reaches out with a hand to pat Clive's shoulder, in a bid to reassure him. While Joshua had his own self-confidence and image issues, he's not blind to the fact his brother suffers in a similar fashion.]

This isn't a race. You are incredibly capable as you are.

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