[Oh, he's really mad, huh. Although he probably should have expected this.]
All the more reason for me to fight him - if I win, we can ensure that he won't hurt any of us ever again. And.... [He closes his eyes.] even if I lose, I can ensure the same. I convinced him not to take my life in exchange for something else.
It's foolish, I know. But this is the best way I can keep everybody safe, no matter the circumstance.
And I will win this. We can't go set out what we want to do if I can't solve such a measely thing in comparison.
[Because he does want to travel with Will. Go around the world, helping everyone out with their troubles. But he can't do that if he's so weak he can't topple a demon lord by his own.]
[His smile accompanies with the crinkling of his eyes.]
I'm afraid not. To do so would be a betrayal of my heart.
[If only he could give comfort to Will, to assure him that he would be safe. But the best he could do is to hold his hands, to remind his captain that he will still be here no matter what.]
I know it is beyond me to ask for your blessing, but I ask for it regardless. You are...you are all important to me, and if there is an opportunity that shall guarantee your safety, then I must take it.
[He wonders if, he really pushed his authority, Strohl would listen. But he doesn't want to be that person, especially not here.
Still. This is a terrible, terrible idea.]
I don't like this. [He's got to be upfront about that.] But... if Kazuya is in his right mind-- [Which is giving him the benefit of the doubt that the, ah, incident was a result of crystal interference] --He wouldn't be able to protest you bringing a healer along for afterwards. I can bring one of those Archetypes, so.
[He lets Strohl take his hand, frowning and staring down at their clasped hands. His chest tightens and his stomach flips with more than a few feelings he can't describe.]
[Maybe he shouldn't laugh about a threat to his life, but he can't help it with the way Will phrases it. His chuckle is light and airy, as if there's nothing wrong in the world.]
Silly Will. You can't kill someone who is already killed!
I suppose I'd just have to wait for you in the afterlife, no?
[Poor Strohl still doesn't know you can come back from the dead in this place. For now that's no concern though, as he just enjoys Will's company underneath the stars. In fact, he can't help himself but slowly intertwine his fingers against Will's. He's been slowly getting used to holding them as of late.]
[He allows them both the indulgence of intertwining their fingers. Will leans more against Strohl, letting their shoulders press together and share the warmth in the chilly night. He's clung to Strohl in bed when seeking warmth before, but this is different.]
Don't do anything stupid. My heart couldn't take it.
Alas, you know me, Will. I shouldn't make promises I can keep.
[Their foreheads touch like this, Will's warmth intermingling with his own. It stirs an emotion within Strohl.]
But I'll make sure not to do anything too stupid. Sound good to you?
[Will looks so beautiful like this, glowing underneath the starlit night. He can't help but feel enticed to come even closer, to close the distance between them...]
[This feels like a scene out of a novel, romance blooming in gentle moonlight. Will lets his eyes flutter shut, leaning in as well, wanting nothing more than to let himself go and just kiss Strohl...
But instead, he presses his fingers to Strohl's lips before they can close the distance. His eyes are still half-lidded in a faint smirk, waiting for Strohl to look up at him.]
Not yet. [He moves his hand away, instead stroking Strohl's cheek.] You need the extra motivation for the fight.
[It takes him by surprise, his attempt of a kiss reaching fingers instead of lips. And then he sees that mischievous smile at Will, and he could almost feel his heart melting.
This truly is the captain he has sworn is life to.]
Alright. [Strohl finally relents, cheeks dusted pink.] I'll make sure you won't wait for long.
[Strohl's lips on his fingers still make his heart race, his mind only partially processing what they've stumbled into. But it feels inevitable, after everything.
He tries not to let his giddiness overwhelm him, trying to keep an even head for Strohl.] You better not. Now you have a reason to survive, and win.
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How far do you think we'd have to travel, back home, to see different stars?
[...His gaze turns back down to Strohl, his head tilting just a touch.] Sure. What is it?
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[But that is not the reason he called out Will today. He takes a deep breath, bracing himself.]
I challenged Kazuya to a duel. I must ask for you to be our witness.
prioritizes this to enable violence
Will's eye's widen. He's hit by a rush of emotions and can't fully seperate any of them.]
You did WHAT? When? Wh-- Why? [He holds up his hands at an utter loss.] Strohl, are you mad?
hehehehe
From the first moment we met. I told him that we would have a proper duel once I get my powers back. And I don't intent to take that promise back.
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And you didn't think our incident was worth calling it off? [Of course not. Strohl is too proud, damn him.] How do you know he won't just kill you?
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All the more reason for me to fight him - if I win, we can ensure that he won't hurt any of us ever again. And.... [He closes his eyes.] even if I lose, I can ensure the same. I convinced him not to take my life in exchange for something else.
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Strohl. Strohl. Do you hear yourself?
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It's foolish, I know. But this is the best way I can keep everybody safe, no matter the circumstance.
And I will win this. We can't go set out what we want to do if I can't solve such a measely thing in comparison.
[Because he does want to travel with Will. Go around the world, helping everyone out with their troubles. But he can't do that if he's so weak he can't topple a demon lord by his own.]
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I'm not talking you out of this, am I? Even if I gave you an order as your captain.
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I'm afraid not. To do so would be a betrayal of my heart.
[If only he could give comfort to Will, to assure him that he would be safe. But the best he could do is to hold his hands, to remind his captain that he will still be here no matter what.]
I know it is beyond me to ask for your blessing, but I ask for it regardless. You are...you are all important to me, and if there is an opportunity that shall guarantee your safety, then I must take it.
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Still. This is a terrible, terrible idea.]
I don't like this. [He's got to be upfront about that.] But... if Kazuya is in his right mind-- [Which is giving him the benefit of the doubt that the, ah, incident was a result of crystal interference] --He wouldn't be able to protest you bringing a healer along for afterwards. I can bring one of those Archetypes, so.
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Yes - death is not the goal, after all. I'm sure he would allow it.
[Whether Will wants to heal Kazuya afterwards as well is up to him, but Strohl wouldn't be against it.]
Wait - if you're bringing an Archetype...do you still have Masked Dancer, perchance? I have a plan.
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Unless...]
You said you had a plan. [Carefully. He can start to see it laid out. What will Kazuya do if he catches them being underhanded? Hmm.] It might work.
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[He doesn't even need to explain his strategy. That's good.]
While I may have to fight on my own, it doesn't mean that you can't lend a hand or two. I truly believe I can do anything with you by my side.
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...I'm only agreeing because I know you'll do it regardless of what I say.
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I'm sorry. But I swear I will return home safe.
[And just to make sure he means it, he reaches out to hold Will's hand. That's what he's been told to do, right? To be honest and hold him close?]
We've been through many a turmoil together. This would just be another one of those.
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It better be. If you die, I'll kill you. Okay?
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Silly Will. You can't kill someone who is already killed!
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I'll find a way. Stranger things have happened!
[It's nice. Almost like forgetting, for a moment.]
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[Poor Strohl still doesn't know you can come back from the dead in this place. For now that's no concern though, as he just enjoys Will's company underneath the stars. In fact, he can't help himself but slowly intertwine his fingers against Will's. He's been slowly getting used to holding them as of late.]
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[He allows them both the indulgence of intertwining their fingers. Will leans more against Strohl, letting their shoulders press together and share the warmth in the chilly night. He's clung to Strohl in bed when seeking warmth before, but this is different.]
Don't do anything stupid. My heart couldn't take it.
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[Their foreheads touch like this, Will's warmth intermingling with his own. It stirs an emotion within Strohl.]
But I'll make sure not to do anything too stupid. Sound good to you?
[Will looks so beautiful like this, glowing underneath the starlit night. He can't help but feel enticed to come even closer, to close the distance between them...]
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But instead, he presses his fingers to Strohl's lips before they can close the distance. His eyes are still half-lidded in a faint smirk, waiting for Strohl to look up at him.]
Not yet. [He moves his hand away, instead stroking Strohl's cheek.] You need the extra motivation for the fight.
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This truly is the captain he has sworn is life to.]
Alright. [Strohl finally relents, cheeks dusted pink.] I'll make sure you won't wait for long.
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He tries not to let his giddiness overwhelm him, trying to keep an even head for Strohl.] You better not. Now you have a reason to survive, and win.
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