Date: 2023-07-10 03:23 am (UTC)
phoenixdominant: <user name=sheme> (Default)
From: [personal profile] phoenixdominant
[There was a time when Joshua only had solitary thoughts. Lonely and empty things drifted through his mind as he crossed the country with Jote. When he was alone in every other sense and the Undying weren't watching from far away.

But those times seem to be very much over now. Being surrounded by people almost every single day here in the hideaway now is a blessing. At first, it was a little difficult to get used to the noise but now that he has he quite likes it. It reminds him of times when people would be gathered in the yard for all matters of things in Rosaria.

Yet... He might still jump just slightly when his brother joins him.]


Brother. You're still awake.

[He smiles slightly and then frowns down at his untouched drink.]

... I've never quite gotten used to the burn it leaves on my throat, to be honest.

[He doesn't like drinking...]

Date: 2023-07-15 12:40 am (UTC)
phoenixdominant: <user name=sheme> (pic#16589542)
From: [personal profile] phoenixdominant
[It had broken Joshua's heart to be so far apart from his older brother as well. And while he had his reasons, his goals, it hadn't made it any less easy. But now that they are together again Joshua wonders if he should have come to his brother earlier than he had.

That feeling he gets when his brother looks at him with that long-lost fondness, though. He smiles.]


I know all too well. The last time there was a round of drinks here I was certain he was singing all versions of the chocobo medley he could think of. On repeat. [He sighs.] And I do believe that round of drinks was all thanks to you.

[It is good to have a conversation with Clive again. Although they may be grown adults now and it's lost the innocence they used to have. Finding a moment to bring up something like that is good. But it might also add to a bit of Joshua's uneasiness.]

As for my thoughts... I was only thinking of how lively this place has been even in these darker days. And I can't help wondering if I might not exactly ... fit in.

Date: 2023-07-18 03:50 am (UTC)
phoenixdominant: <user name=sheme> (pic#16589555)
From: [personal profile] phoenixdominant
[Clive's response has Joshua feel a small burn of embarrassment in return. He looks down shyly as he tries to reiterate his feelings.]

I know the two of us haven't had the most... conventional upbringing.

[With the strict hating mother, everyone they love dying, being separated for almost their entire adolescence and everything else...]

Yet, compared to you, you are still leagues ahead of me. Everyone here smiles at the very thought of you walking in to charm the room with your stoic expressions.

[He looks up to smile softly again.]

I know it's a trivial matter. Forgive me.

Date: 2023-07-22 08:56 pm (UTC)
phoenixdominant: <user name=sheme> (pic#16589532)
From: [personal profile] phoenixdominant
[As always Clive's honest and quiet voice calms Joshua's thoughts. He looks marginally less awkward about this when Clive relates to the sentiment.]

You've always fit in with others so easily. It's hard for me to imagine you stumbling over your own two feet here. Or anywhere.

[Tell him about it, brother. He wants to know everything that Clive has done here. How did he come here and what were his early days like with the hideaway?]

Date: 2023-07-23 06:47 am (UTC)
phoenixdominant: <user name=sheme> (pic#16589527)
From: [personal profile] phoenixdominant
[Joshua actually nods once very quickly at the stated question. He adjusts himself in his chair to show that he is very much interested in learning about these things.]

Yes, I would, actually. Every single moment of it mundane or otherwise.

[Because the last time he had gotten to learn about Clive's life was years ago. They spent so many years apart and Joshua wants to know and understand every single bit of those years. Even about the days he delivered meals.]

Date: 2023-07-27 01:27 am (UTC)
phoenixdominant: <user name=sheme> (pic#16608306)
From: [personal profile] phoenixdominant
[And all the while Joshua listens to every word and sops it up like a hungry sponge. A small tilt of a smile on his lips as he listens to each bit. And his drink is completely forgotten.]

It must have been difficult. In the beginning.

[Which Joshua knows it partly his fault. For Clive having thought him dead for so long.]

But it does appear you've grown into your position because of all of those mundane chores. [He smiles again.] Seeing even a glimpse into the life you've led here makes me feel ... less distant.

Date: 2023-08-01 12:50 am (UTC)
phoenixdominant: <user name=sheme> (pic#16608302)
From: [personal profile] phoenixdominant
[He lets out a shy puff of laughter and feels a string of guilt for being scolded again over Tarja's medicine.]

I suppose I am starting to fit in if you put it like that.

[He lifts his gaze to look at his brother again.]

If that's the case then allow me to rephrase what I mean. What I mean is... I wish to fill in the gaps and years where you did think you had been responsible for what had happened to me. If you'll allow me... I'd like to earn my place in your life again, Clive.

[He just wants to make up for all those lost years...]

Date: 2023-08-13 03:53 pm (UTC)
phoenixdominant: <user name=sheme> (pic#16608229)
From: [personal profile] phoenixdominant
[Let's not talk about Joshua's track record with his medicine... It's entirely fine. Yes.

Clive's response has Joshua's heart feeling calmer. Perhaps he needed to hear something like that. While he knows that Clive has been better now Joshua can't help but blame himself for some of those darker days when Joshua had been in hiding at the behest of The Undying. All those years of thinking he had killed Joshua... That pain...

Joshua's smile is certain again.]


And I too. Then after this is all said and done we'll see the new dawn together. You, Jill and I.

[For another adventure together, he hopes.]

Date: 2023-08-13 08:37 pm (UTC)
phoenixdominant: <user name=sheme> (pic#16589527)
From: [personal profile] phoenixdominant
[It does put an easier smile on Joshua's face. Having been displaced for so long he felt as though he should find his place amongst Clive and his comrades, earn his keep, all of that ... But maybe he never had to. Maybe he always had his place.

He nods quietly and takes the cup of alcohol once more.]


Then... to more adventures to come. And this time together.

[He holds up the cup for a simple cheer. This time, giving the alcohol a second chance.]

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Clive "Too Many Names" Rosfield