brilith.

[oathic]

Comments

[infire]

Is there even anyone on yours?

[oathic]

... Low blow.

[infire]

[ she regretted it the instant she said it, so brilith only turns away. ]

Am I wrong? You've never been good at relying on others. I know that better than most.

[oathic]

[it's fine, agni already feels guilty enough for failing isaac and ayabe, so what's another kick.]

... No, I guess not.

[infire]

[ there's a part of her that feels a sick satisfaction to hear that, but another, just as strong, pulls her eyes back agni, worried and pitying. brilith hates both sides of herself for it, she decides, and considers leaving now, so they can stop hurting each other just this once. instead, she sighs, and forces her hands to relax at her sides. ]

Humans survive by relying on one another. That's one thing that hasn't changed, from my people to the new human race, to all of the humans here.

You're more or less human while here, too. Maybe you should try learning from us.

[oathic]

... Well, that's why humans have progressed far more than the gods or the sura have.

[if only the gods could be like that.]

[infire]

Have they? I doubt it, or they would have been destroyed, just like we were.

[oathic]

[...

thanks, brilith. didn't know agni could feel any guiltier tonight, but here we are.]

[infire]

[ it's a talent and she hates it deeply. and she regrets glancing over at his silence, because it sends another pang through her chest. ]

Stop... Stop doing that.

[oathic]

Um... stop doing what?

[he's not? trying to do anything?]

[infire]

[ her left hand rises to cover her face, as brilith takes half a step back. ]

Just... S-Stop that...

[ that's not an answer, but maybe she wasn't even talking to agni at all. ]

[oathic]

—Brilith?

[that's alarming.]

[infire]

[ the other hand, burns and bandages be damned, meets her temple as brilith seems to curl in on herself, breath catching, shoulders tight. her lips move but only one word makes it through: ]

Don't...

[ she stumbles as she tries to take another step back. ]

[oathic]

[...

well, brilith is going to hate him for this, but what's another reason to add to the pile? he wraps his arms around her, bringing her into an embrace as he suppresses a wince when it puts pressure on his injuries.]

Brilith! You're in Blue's manor right now! This is Agni—listen to me!

[infire]

[ it takes another moment, and another quiet, desperate protest for her to recognize the warmth around her and the voice calling her back. then her eyes snap open, and she freezes, shocked and unsure of what to do. she doesn't want to be here, not in agni's arms - brilith knows that all too well, after all he's done (or failed to do, such as it is). but neither can she seem to pull herself away as she takes a shuddering breath, and whispers one word against his chest. ]

Again...

[oathic]

—Sorry! I know this is uncomfortable, but... um...

Have you been having attacks like these recently?

[he's not surprised, if that's the case.]

[infire]

[ she nods, not trusting her voice. ]

[oathic]

... Please don't get offended, but...

[...]

You may have realized by now, but your body—the second human race—isn't meant to contain the sheer amount of memories your soul holds. You're... likely going to get worse, as time goes on.

[infire]

...I thought so.

[ hard to be offended when her voice is just as shaky as she feels. despite that, she carefully extracts herself from agni's arms. ]

I... I'll handle it.

[ she doesn't know how. she has no idea where to even start. how does one handle the physical and mental side effects of not belonging in her own universe, anyway? ]

[oathic]

... It may be better for me to be around. If it happens again, I can help ground you to the present...

[infire]

[ ...there it is again. her heart rate jumps, too flustered by the suggestion despite her innate disdain. how frustrating, having so little control over her own body. ]

I... I don't think that's a good idea.

[ no. the closer agni is, the harder it is to remember... ]

[oathic]

... If you're sure. Still, you should probably be with someone else as often as you can, so that you don't have to deal with it alone...

[infire]

I told you, I can handle it!

[oathic]

... That doesn't mean you should have to handle it alone.

[and yes, he knows that he of all people can't talk.]

[infire]

I don't need to be protected, Agni, and the last thing I want is for you or anyone else to be that close. I tell you that every time, and still you...

[ still, he tries, even knowing it will fail. still, he loves her.

...still, she loves him, too, even when she has every reason not to.

she won't acknowledge the tears in her eyes at the thought. if she refuses, and seeks refuge in anger, maybe they'll fade instead of fall.

but of course, it's never that easy. ]