projectroxas | (no subject)

[ it had been five days full of nothing but silently following robert along, knowing their path yet allowing the younger boy to take the lead due to his mood. who could blame him, though? he was already well aware of robert and annabelle having a close-knit relationship, one that nobody (not even himself) could wiggle their way into. despite being quite inept to the full extent of the bond the two siblings had, he was perceptive enough to realize that their parting had been quite different than their usual. this is why he ceased the typical banter he always initiated, whether it be with good intent or not.

when robert had finally spoken and begun to say more than a discussion of their plans, he knew that his neighboring prince had begun to settle back into place. dare he say it was a comfort of sorts, despite being the one that needed to be extra strong and encouraging. and with that hurtle behind them, the elder of the two moved to his rightful position once more: on robert's left side, striding next to him as if they're simply taking a walk and nothing more. he subtly kept his pace slower than usual as to not pass the boy, using the map robert had previously pilfered from the archives as a silent excuse to keep their position leveled and even, as they had finally reached territory that both of them weren't completely familiar with.

keeps to their comfortable silent for a while longer. stops in his tracks when a thought hits him and pauses. face is rather straight as he says: ]

I'm hungry.

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[ stretches, then shakes out his arms a little with a grimace. ]

I feel as though I've gained fifty pounds.

That might be good for you. You would be too easy to kidnap in your current state.

My weight has nothing to do with that topic!

Forgive me, I had forgotten about your height as well. Or rather, your lack of.

Hold your tongue! I've years ahead of me to grow!

[ hums and looks robert up and down, as if considering. ]

I believe you have grown a bit already.

[ straightens unconsciously, looking a little hopeful. ]

What? Truly?

[ nods, still inspecting robert. ]

Perhaps you will grow even more throughout this journey. People will be in disbelief when we return to the palace.

[ trying... to keep a smile down. ]

Hmm. How many inches, do you think?

[ keeps his own smile down easily enough, hovering his hand over robert's head before lifting it up, as if measuring. ]

Five or six, at the very least. I shall keep a close eye.

[ straightens some more, unable to prevent a look of (awed) triumph from crossing his expression. ]

Yes. You do that.

[ gives a sound of confirmation, jerking his head in the direction they had previously been heading towards. ]

Until then, let us get you that meal and bath. I am sure that is of greater importance at the moment.

[ deflates a bit from the short-lived preening regarding his height, but nods in response regardless. shakes out more water from his clothes before wandering over to his own share of bags to pick them up. ]

For the immediate moment, yes.

[ shakes his head gently at that, letting out a short sigh before beginning their first steps towards their destination. when they settle back into a comfortable silence and robert is not looking, he finally allows his face to break out into a smile. despite the downs that the day had brought them, he can't help but feel at least a little accomplished. ]

[ also does his own share of smiling when their rhythm & pace is re-established, though he goes as far as to turn his head to the side to hide it. the fact that he's in a better mood goes without saying; much of the forest's vegetation is spared from abuse thanks to his lifted spirits. instead, he travels in silence next to riku, his steps feeling lighter despite knowing that they should be (physically) heavier due to his drenched state.

when he hears (smells) the next town in the distance, he goes on ahead of the other prince, his mind taking on a characteristic single-mindedness with a focus on food. & a bath, in this case. however, before he overtakes riku, he gives the other a light bump with a shoulder -- a friendly touch, with a touch of playfulness. unspoken gratitude. decides to forgo information gathering for the night in the same beat as well, feeling strangely convinced that his conscious would allow this short moment of selfishness to rest, relax & recharge for the turbulent weeks ahead. ]