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[She's not particularly loud herself, but her words are firm.]

We aren't here because we want something in return.

[She sets her cup down and looks up finally.]

We're here because we're worried about you. Because we want to make sure that no matter what, you'll be safe. That... no. You are not a burden.

Towa's right. You're not a burden. Just because you can't give... some power or whatever doesn't mean you're some kind of leech for needing help. That either of us could offer you support, especially something that can tangibly really help you, don't you think we'd want to?

I don't know what you've been through in your time as a divine knight, Crow, but I do know how you've treated me since I got here. And Towa can speak for herself, but I'm betting you've been as good a friend to her.

What you need isn't a burden. So what if you haven't got your powers? You're you. You're our friend. Do you think we need anything else to be there for you?

[ He reaches to cover his face. ]

Haha.... hahahaha! You really are so soft, both of you. You know that?

You know... that's why I didn't want to say anything. Because I knew you'd never agree with me, with how I feel about this. And I wasn't ready to hear you tell me none of that matters. ....I'm still not sure I am.

But.... thank you. It's kinda nice to get to pretend to be a person for a while. And I'll accept your help.

Crow Armbrust-- I can't begin to imagine what hardships you've been through. It's clear that there are more than a few things I still don't understand. So I'm sure there are a lot of reasons you feel the way you do... about this, about yourself... All of those experiences are a part of who you are now. Part of a history that we don't share with you.

Even so... I believe that all of those things have made you more of a person, not less.

Living with them all can't be easy... but I'm sure that not all of those memories are negative ones, either. Some of my most difficult memories are tied to events that irrevocably changed my life, and not all for the worse.

Remember... that no matter what... you will always be Crow Armbrust to us. Divine Knight, classmate, friend-- all of it. This is... just the beginning of us getting to know that side of you a little better.

I... really couldn't have said any of that better myself.

...Can you have secondary contractors?

[ He nods slightly. ]

I've never actually done it myself, but it's definitely possible.

[ His timeline's Rean has probably done it in the past, let's be real here. ]

If I had to do it for the first time, though.... I couldn't think of anyone better than you two.

[She looks at them both and nods.]

...I think that's an honor that I'd be more than happy to share with the both of you.

Good. Because I was thinking being the Azure Chevalier would be a bit much on top of being the Ashen Chevalier. Glad you're both on board.

You both have my full support, as a secondary contractor.

...huh?

[What.]

[She didn't??? Expect??? That???]

Oh--! Um... I... I'll give it my all!

Edited 2020-12-24 08:13 (UTC)

[ He gives Rean a salacious grin. ]

I dunno, I think it'd look good on you.

[ There's another implication there, but he'll let that hang in the air for a moment before he turns to Towa. ]

As for the rest.... Just so you know, I've never done this without any trials so I'm kinda winging this. So you think you can offer me a drop of blood?

[Oh. Well he's not so stupid that doesn't make him blush but also look confused. Maybe that's. Just Crow flirting pointlessly. Who the fuck knows Rean doesn't.

But he stays quiet.]

I think you've put us both through more than enough trials already.

[Honestly, her emotions have gone through so much today she's Tired. But even if she's not his first choice-- this kind of ending is even better, right?]

A little blood is no trouble.

What's a few more between friends?

[ He extends a hand to Towa. ]

Dost thou desire the power?

[Well this is familiar he's just going to watch.]

[With a deep breath, she lifts her hand breaking the skin on one of her fingers, allowing the blood to well up a little. Enough to hold it out in offering.

And clearly and calmly--]

I do.

[ He mimics the move, breaking the skin so that a little of his own blood wells up before he takes her hand. ]

Call my name.

[She grips his hand firmly and calls out, loud and clear, in a way that feels familiar to her--]

Crow Armbrust-- the Azure Knight.

[ He smiles at her briefly, and there is a feeling of something shifting. It's not the power that would have come in a different setting, but the attachment is there.

He holds out another hand to Rean. ]

And will you accept a place at her side as Secondary Contractor?

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