projectroxas | (no subject)

Entry tags:

(no subject)

[ he's not entirely certain if the day's gone by fast or slow; feels quick in certain moments, slow in others. when distracted by the preparations, there are not enough hours left in the day. when left alone to his thoughts, the seconds felt to be like weeks. ridiculous; he knows it's ridiculous, a mere trick of the mind. but it's not often he feels anxiety to this level. confidence is his default, the baseline, & a deviance from this is leaving him -- agitated. irate. quick to snap. it's to his luck that alicia & riku are the main sources of company during the day. the two understood, surely.

& it is the former that is standing faithfully by annabelle's door when the designated time arrives. his steps are rigid, calculated, thoughts so entirely elsewhere that when he makes the mindless (routine) motion of entering annabelle's room, he runs into the arm of alicia instead. makes him bounce back a few steps, a frown twisting his lips & the skin between his eyebrows creasing. what the hell, woman?

a short banter later, alicia is fixing robert's appearance -- the unkempt nature of the prince would most definitely raise the worry of the princess, would it not? do try to keep yourself presentable. then a softer smile, a roundabout manner of encouragement later:

a knock at the door. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ & back to baseline, the smile taking on a confident edge even as he lifts his own hand to press annabelle's between his cheek & his palm. ]

Nonsense. It'd be heresy to use what God has already set in stone as a token of my gratitude.

[ tilts his head to the side in mock curiosity. ]

Oh? And what would that be, my prince?

My safe return, of course.

[ can't help but laugh at that, removing his hand to instead shake his head gently. ]

Of course. Forgive me for not assuming.

[ snorts for show. ]

Just this once, Annabelle. You should know better than to doubt your prince.

[ smile takes on a softer edge, leaning in to press the side of his face against robert's in an affectionate manner. ]

I have never doubted you. [ a pause to shift his words into more of a whisper. ] And I never will.

[ eyes slip closed at the contact. gives annabelle's face an affectionate nudge with his own, voice just as low & soft. ]

I swear to never betray that faith. On my honour. [ wraps his arms around him; a light embrace. ] And on my affection-- love-- for you.

[ and with that he slips his arms around his neck, unable to help himself from clinging on, a little helplessly. ]

I love you as well. More than anything this world could offer.

[ & moves his arms to wrap around annabelle's waist instead, while he presses his forehead against his brother's. ]

Keep yourself safe, and well. So that I may retain my reason to return to these lands.

[ settles into the position comfortably, murmuring: ]

As long as you are safe, then I will be as well.

The same applies to me, Annabelle. [ closes his eyes with a small smile. ] And here we come to a paradox.

[ allows himself to quirk a small smile as well. ]

Then I suppose we shall both have to keep ourselves free from harm.

Yes, but reserve your worry for yourself. I am used to the practice.

Why ever should I worry when I have someone to protect me whilst you are away?

Ah, yes. That woman. Has she been to your liking thus far?

[ smile takes on a softer edge at that. ]

Yes. I enjoy her company greatly.

[ pause. ]

. . . It is alright to be honest. She cannot hear us from her post outside.

[ chuckles lightly, shaking his head once. ]

I am being honest, brother. She has been a great companion, as well as a protector.

Then I suppose her job is secure for another night.

[ lets out yet another chuckle behind his hand before he gently removes himself from robert, save for a hand that still links them together. begins to move towards his bed, shifting onto it comfortably when they arrive. looks up at him with a knowing smile, lightly patting the bed in a silent gesture for robert to join him. ]

[ follows along obediently, not too surprised by the destination. he sits without further encouragement, twining their fingers together in the space between them. leans against his brother lightly, head resting on a shoulder in silent contentment. ]

[ leans his own head on top of robert's, shutting his eyes to relish in the moment. after a while he moves again, gently prying himself away for the time being. lies his back against the pillows to prop himself up properly, motioning for his brother to place his head on his lap. ]

[ blinks at him briefly despite having correctly read the wordless message. then slowly shifts around so that he can position his body comfortably against the bed, with his head resting on top of annabelle's lap. a short pause, then his head tilts a bit (slightly awkward, due to it being resting against annabelle) as he gazes up at his sibling curiously. ]

[ smiles down at him in reply, lifting his hand to begin stroking his hair gently, slowly. keeps with the motions in silence, using his other hand to cup it lightly against the crown of robert's head, almost as a means of protection and security. ]

[ stills a bit when he first feels that, but quickly relaxes into it, his entire body going a lax against the mattress. eyes slip close again as he quirks another smile. ]

And what, pray tell, have I done to deserve such gentle treatment?