[And stack, they do. Leaning their cheek into his hair, plenty content with it.]
In exchange for my own gem, I gave up my sense of taste. With it, my mouth and stomach. Hence being within my abdomen. It seemed much more convenient. Removing one's gem is not particularly difficult if it isn't hidden away.
[They've seen what happens if a gemstone gets removed somehow - the others have gone temporarily blind without theirs, after all. That doesn't sound, y'know, fun. Plus, it's just another way of concealing any weaknesses. They don't need those. Weaknesses are for, well... the weak.]
[That explains a lot. Duval had wondered how they were getting by without any sort of sustenance.]
They do. I’d like to know more about your powers. [He blinks up at them.] The magic from my world is... limited. And if there are any magic capabilities outside what is common knowledge, the ones guarding that information are never going to give it up.
[The way he looks up at them like that... they're not sure why, but something in Purple's chest squeezes a the sight. And in turn, they squeeze his hand a bit, too.]
For you, Duval, I have no secrets. Ask whatever you wish, and I will answer.
... That's putting a lot of trust in me, but thank you. You - [Can do the same? Usually, Duval's qualm with that would be people digging where they shouldn't be. But with Purple, he finds himself anxious thinking about them thinking of him differently upon learning about his past actions.
That's something that's never bothered him before. People's opinions of him.
But there's that warm hand in his. The weight of Purple leaning on him. He cares about what Purple thinks of him, but he needs to trust them, too.] You can ask anything of me, as well.
Oh? You get this far, only to withhold your questions?
[There's a bit of humor in their tone, asking as much. Because as much as they are enjoying this, getting to "relax" with Duval, as he puts it, they definitely were expecting to answer a question or two after offering it up. It's not something they'd have minded, after all! Talking about themself isn't something Purple does very often... if at all.]
Would your questions impede our... relaxation in some way?
Will this be my only chance to ask questions? [He retorts with just as much humor in his tone.]I can ask a lot of questions, is all. One question can turn into many.
[Duval huffs a laugh and then blinks back up at Purple like before.]
Ask as many as you please. I have nowhere to be but here.
[If only they had a mouth... they'd definitely be smiling with it if they did. But they're actually going to lift their head away from Duval's at this point, mostly so they can look down at him in return.]
As for my gem... the stone itself holds my powers, and it was bound to my soul. Through my soul, I am able to use its powers as my own. It is a rather powerful gemstone, as well. There have been very few who can stand up against my power.
It was my duty to take down those that stood against the one I served. So, in a word, yes.
[It's not like they were kept around to do manual labor. It was Purple's job to intimidate - and, where they could, "disable" - their master's enemies. And Gold Pig had a lot of enemies.]
[Purple's mentioned serving someone before, and it still doesn't sit well with Duval. Not with how Purple is, currently. Still learning their own likes and dislikes.]
Two more questions.
Was the person you served the one who gave you your gem? Or bound your soul to it, rather.
[Yeah, this question feels different. And they tilt their head at that feeling, curious what it could be... But still, they promised him answers. So answers he will get.]
Yes, you are correct. Gold Pig was their name. I had spent a long time poor and starving... and weak. They offered me these powers in exchange for my servitude. I did not know it would come at the cost of binding me to this gemstone.
The process of binding oneself to a gem is painful... but most consider it worth it in exchange for the powers they hold.
[Did they think it was worth it? He wants to ask that and so many more questions, but he's already decided what his last one will be, and he's sticking to it.
[Duval does nothing without reason. That includes changing the direction of this conversation.]
Okay. [He straightens up, too, but then draws his knees up onto the couch. With a little more shuffling, Duval is able to position himself to hold Purple proper. Chest to what he can only assume is Purple's chest, and his hands bunched in the back of their cloak.
For some reason, Duval holds his breath, anxious for Purple's reaction. He's steeling himself for them to pull away.]
[Do they pull away? Thankfully, no. They tense up, yes. Even expecting it and asking for it doesn't make this any easier on them. But after a brief moment, they move to bring their hands up... and gently clutch at the front of Duval's shirt. As if they have no idea how to properly return it. But they're trying. They still do their best to let themself sink into his hold, even leaning their cheek against him again as before.]
... Thank you.
[Look. It's rude not to thank someone for doing what you requested, okay. They weren't raised in a barn.]
Ah... is "warm" an acceptable answer? It is... warm.
[They're suddenly very glad their skin absorbs no light, because saying something like that does get their face to warm a bit. Flustered at their own words, of course.]
... Is there more that I am meant to do? Something about this, is... It does not feel correct. Not exactly. But I don't... remember...
“Warm” is good. I’d be concerned if it was still cold.
[As for what they can do... Duval hesitates.]
I think. You could hold me back. [And quickly, would be ideal. So they don’t feel how his heart beats fast under the rise and fall of his chest.] Put your arms around me rather than between us.
... Oh. I see. Yes, that... is the obvious conclusion to draw, hm.
[Suffice to say they feel a little dumb having needed to ask when the answer is so obvious, but look. They aren't perfect, they make mistakes. They're a little dumb sometimes. But no, Duval's right. That's exactly what they should do, so it's what they try to do. Fortunately for him, Purple isn't slow about it - having to pull back a bit to free their own arms before leaning in to return it - but the attempt probably doesn't help that pulse of his, considering it involves their arms looping around his shoulders to pull him in close. They're a bit tense and definitely had to squeeze their eyes shut to accomplish it, but... they're actually holding him. It's a big step, all things considered.]
[Hey, Duval’s also a little dumb. And for all they know, he could also be doing it wrong!]
That’s what one would normally do, but it’s not like either of us are really normal or trying to be, so -
[And then Purple’s arms are around his shoulders and there is much less space between them. Yeah, this is doing nothing to help his pulse. It only picks up faster, and Duval swallows around a lump that’s suddenly formed in his throat.
Duval leans his forehead on their shoulder, and it's like looking into a black hole. Everything about this situation is surreal but also... nice. It's nice. Duval hasn't let anyone get this close since Kenta. It's really nice.]
[Duval will get plenty of time to let his pulse calm back down, of course. It takes Purple plenty of time for nearly the same thing - that, and to let the tension in their shoulders go. Frankly, they're not sure why this is making them so tense in the first place. Purple is usually the calm and collected one that everyone looks to when things are going chaotic - it's always been as if nothing ever rattled them. But maybe that's why this is getting to them so much. They're finally talking to someone that respects them for things outside of their cool head or their intimidating presence or their powers, and this person's helping them broach an aversion they weren't completely aware of before - because no one had ever thought to get close enough to them for it to matter.
After a moment their shoulders droop into a hold that's much more relaxed, and though it's a bit hesitant, they even go so far as to lean their cheek against his hair.]
[Hm, nope. Pulse still wilding out after Purple leans against his hair like that - even though they've done that before? Duval's not sure why this time makes him feel way different.]
You're thanking me too much. I'm doing what a friend would do [Say it, say it.] because I care about you. And you care about me, too.
[Which is a fact that Duval still has a hard time wrapping his head around. But after Purple came to him with the cure first and disregarded their own state of being, there's no brushing it off anymore.
There's also no way he will be relaxing any time soon.
Maybe he should have stuck to talking about their powers after all..]
- Oh. ... My apologies. I am still struggling with... friendship and its intricacies. But you are correct. I do care about you.
[Quite a lot, in fact! They're probably already at the level of "I would kill for this person", but then again, they've been given very little reason to do so in the past -- (It's fine, don't think about it too hard.)]
... I also don't quite understand the etiquette for... holding someone else. So please tell me if you find yourself uncomfortable.
[Duval stop shoving his foot in his mouth challenge.]
You’re doing well. [Any discomfort comes purely from Duval’s own inexperience with being held and his curious heart beat. After a moment, he lifts his head to prop his chin on their shoulder.
And after another moment, he shifts again to press his nose into their hair.]
I didn’t think I would be, but I’m actually quite comfortable.
[Look, it's fine - even though Duval's good at shoving his foot in his mouth, Purple doesn't seem upset by it! If anything, it's just more to learn and figure out.
But feeling him shift closer, though... the skin on that side of their face prickles with a little bit of warmth, and they can't help but tighten their hold on him to match. It isn't very tight at all, of course, even with that. He can likely feel how thin their arms are, just thanks to this hug. But still.]
I feel there is some way we could be doing this that would be more comfortable... But I do not know what to do with my arms even when I am at ease, let alone trying something so new.
... Yet another reason I like my robes, I suppose.
[Are they implying they just float around with their arms hanging at their sides like some kind of stupid banshee? Yeah, kinda.]
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In exchange for my own gem, I gave up my sense of taste. With it, my mouth and stomach. Hence being within my abdomen.
It seemed much more convenient. Removing one's gem is not particularly difficult if it isn't hidden away.
[They've seen what happens if a gemstone gets removed somehow - the others have gone temporarily blind without theirs, after all. That doesn't sound, y'know, fun.
Plus, it's just another way of concealing any weaknesses. They don't need those. Weaknesses are for, well... the weak.]
... Do my powers interest you?
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They do. I’d like to know more about your powers. [He blinks up at them.] The magic from my world is... limited. And if there are any magic capabilities outside what is common knowledge, the ones guarding that information are never going to give it up.
[Fucking dragons.]
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And in turn, they squeeze his hand a bit, too.]
For you, Duval, I have no secrets. Ask whatever you wish, and I will answer.
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That's something that's never bothered him before. People's opinions of him.
But there's that warm hand in his. The weight of Purple leaning on him. He cares about what Purple thinks of him, but he needs to trust them, too.] You can ask anything of me, as well.
But not now. We're relaxing now.
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[There's a bit of humor in their tone, asking as much. Because as much as they are enjoying this, getting to "relax" with Duval, as he puts it, they definitely were expecting to answer a question or two after offering it up.
It's not something they'd have minded, after all! Talking about themself isn't something Purple does very often... if at all.]
Would your questions impede our... relaxation in some way?
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[Duval huffs a laugh and then blinks back up at Purple like before.]
How does the gem work?
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[If only they had a mouth... they'd definitely be smiling with it if they did.
But they're actually going to lift their head away from Duval's at this point, mostly so they can look down at him in return.]
As for my gem... the stone itself holds my powers, and it was bound to my soul. Through my soul, I am able to use its powers as my own.
It is a rather powerful gemstone, as well. There have been very few who can stand up against my power.
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Have many tried?
[He doesn't! Like the sound of that!]
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So, in a word, yes.
[It's not like they were kept around to do manual labor. It was Purple's job to intimidate - and, where they could, "disable" - their master's enemies.
And Gold Pig had a lot of enemies.]
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Two more questions.
Was the person you served the one who gave you your gem? Or bound your soul to it, rather.
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[Yeah, this question feels different. And they tilt their head at that feeling, curious what it could be...
But still, they promised him answers. So answers he will get.]
Yes, you are correct. Gold Pig was their name.
I had spent a long time poor and starving... and weak. They offered me these powers in exchange for my servitude.
I did not know it would come at the cost of binding me to this gemstone.
The process of binding oneself to a gem is painful... but most consider it worth it in exchange for the powers they hold.
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[Did they think it was worth it? He wants to ask that and so many more questions, but he's already decided what his last one will be, and he's sticking to it.
Especially after that answer.]
Last question.
Do you still want me to hold you?
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Yes, please.
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Okay. [He straightens up, too, but then draws his knees up onto the couch. With a little more shuffling, Duval is able to position himself to hold Purple proper. Chest to what he can only assume is Purple's chest, and his hands bunched in the back of their cloak.
For some reason, Duval holds his breath, anxious for Purple's reaction. He's steeling himself for them to pull away.]
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They tense up, yes. Even expecting it and asking for it doesn't make this any easier on them.
But after a brief moment, they move to bring their hands up... and gently clutch at the front of Duval's shirt. As if they have no idea how to properly return it.
But they're trying. They still do their best to let themself sink into his hold, even leaning their cheek against him again as before.]
... Thank you.
[Look. It's rude not to thank someone for doing what you requested, okay. They weren't raised in a barn.]
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You're welcome.
[He rubs their back in small circles.]
How does it feel?
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[They're suddenly very glad their skin absorbs no light, because saying something like that does get their face to warm a bit. Flustered at their own words, of course.]
... Is there more that I am meant to do? Something about this, is...
It does not feel correct. Not exactly. But I don't... remember...
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[As for what they can do... Duval hesitates.]
I think. You could hold me back. [And quickly, would be ideal. So they don’t feel how his heart beats fast under the rise and fall of his chest.] Put your arms around me rather than between us.
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Yes, that... is the obvious conclusion to draw, hm.
[Suffice to say they feel a little dumb having needed to ask when the answer is so obvious, but look. They aren't perfect, they make mistakes. They're a little dumb sometimes.
But no, Duval's right. That's exactly what they should do, so it's what they try to do.
Fortunately for him, Purple isn't slow about it - having to pull back a bit to free their own arms before leaning in to return it - but the attempt probably doesn't help that pulse of his, considering it involves their arms looping around his shoulders to pull him in close.
They're a bit tense and definitely had to squeeze their eyes shut to accomplish it, but... they're actually holding him. It's a big step, all things considered.]
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That’s what one would normally do, but it’s not like either of us are really normal or trying to be, so -
[And then Purple’s arms are around his shoulders and there is much less space between them. Yeah, this is doing nothing to help his pulse. It only picks up faster, and Duval swallows around a lump that’s suddenly formed in his throat.
Duval leans his forehead on their shoulder, and it's like looking into a black hole. Everything about this situation is surreal but also... nice. It's nice. Duval hasn't let anyone get this close since Kenta. It's really nice.]
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Frankly, they're not sure why this is making them so tense in the first place. Purple is usually the calm and collected one that everyone looks to when things are going chaotic - it's always been as if nothing ever rattled them.
But maybe that's why this is getting to them so much. They're finally talking to someone that respects them for things outside of their cool head or their intimidating presence or their powers, and this person's helping them broach an aversion they weren't completely aware of before - because no one had ever thought to get close enough to them for it to matter.
After a moment their shoulders droop into a hold that's much more relaxed, and though it's a bit hesitant, they even go so far as to lean their cheek against his hair.]
... Thank you. For your patience.
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You're thanking me too much. I'm doing what a friend would do [Say it, say it.] because I care about you. And you care about me, too.
[Which is a fact that Duval still has a hard time wrapping his head around. But after Purple came to him with the cure first and disregarded their own state of being, there's no brushing it off anymore.
There's also no way he will be relaxing any time soon.
Maybe he should have stuck to talking about their powers after all..]
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But you are correct. I do care about you.
[Quite a lot, in fact! They're probably already at the level of "I would kill for this person", but then again, they've been given very little reason to do so in the past --
(It's fine, don't think about it too hard.)]
... I also don't quite understand the etiquette for... holding someone else.
So please tell me if you find yourself uncomfortable.
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You’re doing well. [Any discomfort comes purely from Duval’s own inexperience with being held and his curious heart beat. After a moment, he lifts his head to prop his chin on their shoulder.
And after another moment, he shifts again to press his nose into their hair.]
I didn’t think I would be, but I’m actually quite comfortable.
[That might just be because it’s Purple, though.]
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If anything, it's just more to learn and figure out.
But feeling him shift closer, though... the skin on that side of their face prickles with a little bit of warmth, and they can't help but tighten their hold on him to match.
It isn't very tight at all, of course, even with that. He can likely feel how thin their arms are, just thanks to this hug. But still.]
I feel there is some way we could be doing this that would be more comfortable...
But I do not know what to do with my arms even when I am at ease, let alone trying something so new.
... Yet another reason I like my robes, I suppose.
[Are they implying they just float around with their arms hanging at their sides like some kind of stupid banshee? Yeah, kinda.]
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hands duval a shovel so he can dig his grave further
digs to the center of the earth
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