dear_mun | (no subject)

[He may feel too ashamed to request contact from her, but if anything, he looks like he could use it.

So she opens her arms for him.]

Come here.

[Not even a request at this point.]

[ Lyon smiles sadly, and takes a tentative step forward... before running into her arms, embracing her tightly, trying to hold back tears.

How long he'd waited for this. ]

[He's probably needed a hug for a very long time, and she is only happy to be the one offering it. So it's nice and tight, as if simply to remind him that if he's found her, she'll do all she can to ensure he's not left to his solitude.

As much as she can, anyway.]

There. That wasn't so hard, was it?

[ A very long time. Years, at least. He loved his father dearly, but he had always been in love with Eirika, and while he respected Ephraim, he envied him greatly. And even with his new powers, he still couldn't beat him. Poetic irony.

Her hug is returned, just as tight as it was from her. She was right. He had been needing this. ]

No... I love you, Eirika.

[She has a thing for knowing when he needs something. They were something akin to best friends, after all. She had better know. Otherwise... She's not a very good friend, is she? Or anything beyond that.]

And I love you.

[And she very much does.]

[ Apparently. He doesn't want to let go, not one iota, not one muscle twitch's worth. But what she said next finally made the first tear fall. ]

Would Ephraim approve?

[No. He's crying. Well, at the brink of it. The very concept stirs her heart and she lifts a hand to draw it aside. A simple gesture, just her thumb over his cheek.]

I know my brother well. He is my flesh and my blood, but we don't always share feelings. I couldn't say for sure, but I'd want to think that he would.

I would as well. [ His voice isn't shaky, at least. They aren't sad tears. Far from it. ] I'm sorry, Eirika... for all the pain I brought.

You keep apologising, as if you've somehow earned my ire. Yet you know that I don't hold these things against you. You were always wishing for the best. Your motives have always been good ones.

[She doesn't count Fomortiis, because he is... not Lyon. Lyon and Fomortiis' objectives were different.]

Can an evil power be used for good?

[ Not necessarily a validation of the "Dark Is Not Evil" trope; he knows what he is, he knows what he did, and he knows what kind of power he sold his soul for. And the fact that Eirika still thinks of him as Lyon means so much to him. ]

Power itself is neither good nor evil, Lyon. Its nature is dependent on the wishes of the one who wields it. If you plan to be constructive, then you can do a world of good. If you plan to be destructive... I don't need to explain it to you.

[Eirika smiles. She seems to believe her words with an undeniable sincerity.]

All I want is you, Eirika. [ His embrace got tighter, and he even kissed her temple. ] But I can never return to Grado. My place is no longer with my home.

[The action is a little surprising. More than a little worthy of the blush that finds Eirika's cheeks. All... he wants is her? She tries not to take it too possessively.]

I don't know what would make you think that. You were - are - Grado's heir. I can't view you as the sort who would turn your back onto your position or your people. Now is the time to display your strength and your humility.

That's not it. [ It... might have sounded possessive, yeah. That might have just been how it goes after finally having his feelings for her returned. ]

I can't bring myself to face them again. And... I doubt they'd want me back, anyway. I've hurt them so much.

[Eirika shakes her head at him.]

Even a leader is permitted to make mistakes. Your people will not be so unforgiving. The people loved your father, and they loved you as well. I'd sooner find it more impressive for a man to admit his mistakes, stand at his people, and strengthen his resolve.

Build for them a better tomorrow. They look to you for guidance and whether you choose to see it or not, overcoming your hardships and continuing to lead them will make you an inspiration. You have Renais' support, Lyon.

[ He finally lets up on his grip on her, smiling sadly. ] Do you really believe that, Eirika?

[ He wants to believe her. He really does. She's far too kind to him. ]

[She lifts her hands to his collar and straightens it out for him as she offers a nod.]

I wouldn't say it if I didn't believe it. What use have I for false hope? I wouldn't give such to my people. I won't give such to you. Your people still love you and you will make an imprint in history with your determination.

But what if Fomortiis grows strong again? I... I don't think I can hold him off forever.

[A good and valid point. Eirika almost doesn't even like saying it, but even she seems to understand that while she would prefer a world of peace, the ideal itself is fleeting. Sometimes one must fight, even when it goes against everything within her.]

Then he will be crushed once more. We will never allow him such a grasp over Magvel again. And when we must face him again, we'll do so without putting you at risk.

[Regardless of what Ephraim may say, or any of the others, she will find a way to keep Lyon safe. Even if she must walk that pathway to do so alone.]

[ He smiles at that. He wasn't sure if he believed her, but he certainly wanted to. He kissed her cheek again. ]

... Thank you, Eirika.

[She... returns the gesture somewhat sheepishly. The smile, anyway. She feels much too modest to offer up kisses so easily - even those destined for soft cheeks.]

I didn't... do anything. The real gratitude is just knowing you believe in me and have faith in me.

I wouldn't be able to do this on my own. You believing and having faith in me is the reason why I would consider going back to Grado.

[Okay. Now that's a shy smile if she's ever given one.]

Oh... But you had that strength all along. I was just giving you a little, tiny push.

[ His hand moved to her cheek. ]

You're more important to me than you realize.

[The pause is slight. She's not a child anymore. Ephraim once would do such to comfort her and she's gotten on him about it once or twice.

She's unsure of how to react when Lyon does it, however.]

I'm only as important as I need to be. [To her people. To him. To Renais, in general.]