Open Post / Overflow / Voicetesting

[flamesofperdition]

- Flexible on canon point - Will warn for spoilers - Can avoid spoilers for those who prefer that - Open to canon, cross-canon, and AU alike

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[rosarianrebirth]

[ Maybe a little. For all the ways that Joshua has shaped himself into a weapon, a tool for a purpose, he has not given up on the little joys - and especially on making people's live a little lighter, a little happier.

And who would he want that more for than Clive?

He smiles again as they keep walking Gav home. ]

I am counting on you. And will stay at our side in turn. We ever were stronger together.

[flamesofperdition]

[We ever were stronger together.

No truer words said.]

Wise words. I'd expect nothing less of you. If Father could hear you now. [Joshua's wisdom in the face of Clive's frequently reckless behaviour.] Any other requests whilst I scour living lands for honeybush? Perhaps I have you come along with Torgal and me.

[rosarianrebirth]

[ Joshua does his best.

His breath still catches at the mention of their father. ] He would be proud of both of us, I think. Not that he was anything but, with you. [ It's said with pride, not sullenness - he never felt slighted by their father in any way. But Clive always deserved all the praise given him, so it was good and right that Father had given it.

He breathes out slowly. Then grins across to Clive, over the bowed down blond head. ] I would love to join you, though I hope you do not intend to seek it out tonight. You can do with a good night's sleep no less than Gav.

[flamesofperdition]

[He hears that often nowadays. That he is so reminiscent of their father. He would like to think the man would be proud of who his son has become today, even if it is the result of such adversity. But Joshua, too, has evolved and changed in the face of time. Clive can't help but be exceptionally proud of his brother and all he's achieved.

All he will achieve.]

You caught me. I suppose I would be of the mind to set out right away. [If only because he has become terribly bad at simply stopping and taking some moments to breathe.] Would be kinder to let you get some rest instead of pressing you overmuch.

[Not because Joshua can't take it. Clive knows he can. If anything, it is merely the idea that he can't seem to admit to himself that sometimes he needs a beat of respite as well.]

[rosarianrebirth]

... Clive...

[ Joshua breathes out slowly, but then manages a small smile. ]

So long as you get rest, also, I will take this kindness.

[ No, seriously, big brother. You keep running everywhere, at least catch a few winks. ]

[flamesofperdition]

[He offers his brother a somewhat weak, but sincere smile. Joshua was onto him. He's come to expect this. Despite that, Joshua is unendingly patient.]

I will make the attempt. I can offer no promises. Even should I not find rest, I will find something to do around here.

[Better than him getting into trouble somewhere in one of the other regions.]

[rosarianrebirth]

[ Joshua's eyes narrow ... thoughtfully. ]

I have.. an idea, if you would indulge me. After we settle Gav.

[ It is already time for rest, anyway. ]

[flamesofperdition]

Is there a world that would exist where I would not indulge you?

[He doubts it. He can't turn Joshua down ever. Probably. After what he's done. After the role they have played in one another's lives. Clive is a strong man, capable of fighting powerful beings, and yet against his brother, he feels so defenceless.]

Best we get Gav to a safe place. Tarja's will do, I think. She may want to ensure he's in good form.

[And likely give him a piece of her mind. Tarja always says what's she's thinking, after all.]

[rosarianrebirth]

And I shall do my best to not use that selfishly.

[ Soft smile but also his face heating a little, because while he has known this, hearing it out loud warms his heart and it's been so, so long since they've had a chance to talk, let alone indulge each other. (And Joshua will do the same for his brother. Always.) ]

That fate we shall give him to, then. And then, to rest.

[flamesofperdition]

[Better Gav than the both of them, Clive thinks in a mire of other thoughts whilst en route to towing their third to Tarja's infirmary. He's not as wordy as perhaps he thinks he ought to be. Not because he doesn't have so many things he wishes to say to his blood, but perhaps because there are so many things to say that he doesn't necessarily know where to start.

An apology, which he's already aired, feels so hollow and empty, especially in the face of the world that they face. It is such a thing then, that being a shield, he should somehow feel so powerless. He can slay any number of Akashic or other creatures in the world, and yet the flame of courage inside of him sometimes withers in the face of Joshua for any number of complex reasons.]

In Gav's case, it will likely be the reverse. Rest first. When he comes to, we'll see if he even remembers anything from tonight.

[Perhaps he won't. Perhaps that's a kindness in this world that they all share in together.]

[rosarianrebirth]

[ They both... just might have reasons to be ashamed in front of the other. Joshu's first words to Clive had been an apology, and he has many others to offer, not ... not expecting forgiveness.

But he is aware enough of how limited his days are. And wasting them does not seem appealing. He has this time to take care of the family he has left, and he will. ]

Then let us get him settled.

I think my room will be closer to the infirmary, if you would care to join me for a bit?

[ He still has his idea that might - he hopes - help his brother rest. ]