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[For a bit, Pavo doesn't respond to that. He's just quiet, trying to sort through the emotions hearing her say that has triggered.

He really doesn't understand. Why would anyone go that far to support someone like him? It's not deserved, and it's not fair, because no matter what anyone says he will always feel trapped by that future choice. He still doesn't know what he'll do, and he's terrified it'll end in something he can't ever take back. In some respect he has very little ownership of his own life, and he can never stop walking this treacherous path, no matter how badly he wants to run away or collapse. He's not worth that much care.

But it feels nice. He was really afraid she'd reject him if she knew who he really was, but she hasn't. She sounds just like Noctua, and that feels both warm and deeply lonely, because Noctua's not here and Pavo can't forget that even when he's feeling so very loved.

He doesn't say anything for some time. Instead, after awhile, she'll just hear him sniff once, with a shaky exhale he tries to muffle. But he doesn't, quite, break down.]

That's the same sort of thing he keeps saying. You, and Noctua, and Zephyr... I don't understand any of you. But... thank you.

[She hears those sounds-- and very pointedly looks higher, giving him at least that space to express his feelings without feeling like he's being watched. Really, she doesn't want to pressure him at all, knowing how exhausted he must be just from this much.]

Because that's just the kind of people we are. And we know what we want to fight for. And the future where we get to protect the people we care about and stay together... that's worth fighting for. No matter how hard the road to get there is.

That's so sappy...

[He's so embarrassed. And yes, exhausted. A part of him is still screaming in alarm, that telling someone his secret could ruin everything and get him worse than killed. If he hadn't made up with Noctua so well, he'd never have said a word. The wound on his heart from the first time he told the truth and how harshly it was reacted to is still very much open, but at least by now it's started, just a little, to heal.]

But I guess I can't complain. You should've seen the two of us in my head. It was embarrassing.

This is me we're talking about.

[She laughs a bit, though she stifles most of it with her free hand. Still-- she knows that what she knows now is serious to him. And just being able to convey it won't make those feelings any easier. If anything, he's probably managed to make himself worry worse.]

I bet it was really sweet. But I think it's better that way. That's something for just the two of you to share. Just like I wouldn't really want to share this moment with you with anyone else.

I see... So you'd rather I not tell Noctua how very cute you've been?

[He is lacing their fingers properly now! His are slightly shaky, but he's getting ahold of himself.]

[She acts like she doesn't even notice, though she eventually laces her own fingers around his more tightly. His words do manage to fluster her though; cheeks turning bright red rather quickly.]

Well... maybe it's okay if some of that cuteness is special, just for you...

Hehe... I did want to tell you a little bit of what happened with Noctua in my head, too.

[He turns to look at her finally, with a grin that's totally cheeky, but also genuinely warm, soft around the edges from the way he's still flustered and on the edge of tears.]

Because... We tied the knot. Informally, of course.

[And really probably Celes should know that even though Pavo's otherwise keeping it to himself!!]

--oh?

[She didn't expect that, considering he'd been so shaken about what happened in his head. But the news is an unexpected shock. But if he was telling her now, then she knows it's something they must have discussed further after all that.]

Wow-- congratulations! That's wonderful! I'm so happy for the both of you!

Yes!

[He looks soooo pleased with himself. In fact Celes has likely never seen this amount of pure, joyful excitement on his face. It makes him look a little less like the untouchably beautiful ice prince and more like the energetic 21 year old boy he actually is underneath all the issues.]

We talked about it the other day, when I was done being outside of myself. When we get home, we're going to have the most dramatic wedding in the last century. I'm going to embarrass him so thoroughly he won't want to leave the manor for a month. Which, of course, I intend to take full advantage of as his incredibly gorgeous and eager bride.

[Pavo being the wife is a joke he finds absolutely hilarious.]

And you can help me keep him too happy and busy to get out of bed.

[It's all too cute-- she cannot help but wish that this will be the start that allows him to show this side of himself more often. At least if Noctua has any say in it, she knows he'll make it happen.

That's why it's equally unfair that it reminds her just how awkwardly she fits into their lives. But the world isn't the same as it is here-- she knew that. And she knew she'd never be able to stand beside them in the same way. But it still causes a slight tightness in her chest.

She refuses to let it show though. Her smile never falters-- even when it becomes more of a flustered, sheepish laugh.]

Not a chance. It's your wedding!

[And so she proceeds to make a mental note on the necessary steps and methods to collect a fund for the two of them on short notice. She's not entirely familiar with their world, but that's all the more reason she'll need to work out a plan to earn the necessary money--]

Well, it'll probably be tight but-- I'll find a way-- The two of you have to have a proper honeymoon together!! You'll have so many pictures and stories to embarrass him with when you come back... it's absolutely essential! And you deserve it.

Hm? You don't have to find a way. He's one of the richest men in Teyvat. He could send all of us on twelve first class honeymoons in a row and not flinch.

[But more importantly...]

Anyway, if it's my wedding then I'm the one who gets to decide who's involved. Actually...

[There is a brief pause, as the gears visibly turn for a moment, and then a light going DING in his still slightly drunken brain.]

Aha! You see, my dear lady, I had been thinking that any glamorous wedding needs a big, classy gown. But I'd been debating whether or not I'm willing to endure the teasing of my fellow knights were I to wear one. But when we have such a cute and charming third partner, the problem solves itself.

[Clearly, he's not really thinking of her as outside the arrangement. He's just rolling her right into his excitement.]

Wh-- it's not right to make him pay for his own honeymoon!!

[She does giggle though. It's cute how theoretically eager Noctua's wife is to start spending his money for him already.

But then suddenly he's talking about dresses and she assumes he'll ask her to help her pick one but instead he talks about putting her in one and she sputters.]

Wh-- m-me?! Well... yes... it is your wedding...

[And quickly realizes she doesn't really have an argument for that.]

...you really shouldn't deprive Noctua the joy of seeing you all dressed up. I think you'd look quite beautiful. Not that... um... I'd say no if you decided you really did want me there. Just-- I thought...

[Her face is so warm, she feels like he can probably just feel how close she is to exploding. Emotionally it's-- everything she could ask for. But she doesn't want to barge in and ruin something that was supposed to be special, just for the two of them. But it's equally difficult to keep her mind from getting carried away with the "what if"s.]

Of course we want you there. It isn't as if I've invited you to come be a housemaid, Celes.

[just. ruffles her hair! but also he's lifting their entwined hands so he can kiss her knuckles, all knightly and cool]

You are part of the image we both have of a future where we can be happy.

I know. You wouldn't ask something like that-- even if I would have offered.

[How dare he be tipsy and still this dashing. She's utterly defeated.]

I just... guess I didn't expect that. At least, not so soon. I wouldn't want to take away from what you had planned. But it would be nice...

Hmmm... If it's too much too soon, I wouldn't presume to pressure you into a commitment of that nature. But if you really do find it appealing, I'd be quite happy to have you.

If it makes you feel more secure in my level of selfishness, I'll admit I was dreaming of having his full attention the night of. But we can work out an arrangement to everyone's liking. I'll be inviting Zephyr if possible as well, although not in the same capacity. He wouldn't like to be tied down.

No, I—- If I’m honest, it is something I do want, deep down. But I figured something like that was probably an impossible dream.

So even if I had to wait a little… I’d still be happy just to have that moment.

Because it does feel a little bit like I’d be cheating you both out of something you’d meant to share together, just the two of you. I’d want you to be able to have that without having to worry about other people. You both deserve that.

It's very kind of you to think so.

[He has to think about this a bit more.]

...We all deserve a little one-on-one time, I think. So we'll just trade off, when that feels necessary. I'll be spoiled and claim the wedding night, but the second night is all yours. And the next... will be you and I alone.

That does seem like the most fair way to do it. And then if we're not satisfied we spoiled him enough, we can take all the time we want after that.

Precisely. I want us all to return to our daily lives so relaxed it makes everyone we know jealous.

That does sound quite nice.

[Chuckling--]

You know you're still gonna owe Noct a wedding dress though, right? Even if you only wear it in private.

Hmmm... Maybe so.

[He is always willing to dress up. And he is absolutely going to spend Diluc's money on clothes.]

Ah, right. When we get back, I'll have to introduce you to Dandelion... I have no doubt the knights would be delighted to have you.

Mmmmmhmmm.

[She knows it. And she also remembers Pavo in a wedding dress, which is why she can say with certainty that it deserves a repeat.]

You think so...? Well it's true I'll have to find some way to contribute-- I'll do my best!

The Acting Grandmaster is a lot like you. Honestly, if you can make a dent in her busywork, you'd be saving me a lot of trouble.

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