thekissoflife | Inbox for empatheias

[His face is briefly hidden, cradled by the hand concealing his expression in shadow as his elbow rested on the table. Quietly listening, or perhaps trying to reflect and sort out everything that Fuuka had told him - honestly it was hard to tell, at this point.

Part of him still couldn't believe that so much had happened after everything with Ken, he figured maybe something might have gone wrong, as he knew about Strega and their determination to stop SEES but... the literal apocalypse? That was so dumb even he couldn't help but see it as a cruel joke - but no, Fuuka would never do that to anyone.

Her words had been sincere, as they always were, throughout the whole conversation - but after hearing everything and the results of leader's self-sacrifice, it was like a weight had been lifted off his mind. His worries about back home, every time he saw Fuuka, or the general questions on whether or not the rest of them had been able to take down Strega without any more causalities, was finally answered.

And for once, Shinjiro looked more relaxed than he had in a very long time.]

I'm... glad. [It's short, and quiet, but it's a comment that has so much relief lingering onto it, that the snow around him morphed into tiny spheres of light, as he finally moved to sit up properly.] Sounds like you all got a lot stronger when I wasn't looking... tch, guess I'll have to try and catch up while I'm here.

[A pause, then, as his expression became a little more serious.]

I don't know if it'll mean much coming from me, but... I'm proud of you all. Really. You did well, Yamagishi.

[Then he smiled, one that was very faint, but as guarded as he was about showing his emotions - he wanted to make sure Fuuka knew that much. He may not have been able to be there for them, or fight with them in those last battles (something that was more frustrating than regretful), but knowing that they all survived - leader excluded - made it where he couldn't help but be a little happy about their accomplishments.

And perhaps, one day he might be able to run into their leader and express his gratitude. That he was able to keep the other's safe. If not here, then... well, he'll cross that bridge when he came to it. For now, he'll push those thoughts to the back of his mind and finally take a sip of the tea that had seemed to warm to his touch. A stark contrast to the frost, for once, as he gave a small nod when it came to Empatheias.]

I'll deal. May as well make the most of the extra time I have, you know? Makes it a little easier, knowing that you guys won't be getting into so much trouble anymore. [Didn't mean he wouldn't keep an eye on them if any showed up while he was here, but that was to be expected.] But if you ever have anythin' else troubling you, don't be afraid to pull me aside and tell me. Got it?

Hell, and if you can't tell me, find someone you can. [Then, muttered after taking a sip from his tea.] Probably be better at helpin', anyway.

[There's something that shifts in Shinjiro's demeanor when he says those two words, something that makes him seem gentler, and it's not just the snow turning into light. And goodness, his emotions really are on display... But his gentle words ease Fuuka, and she relaxes.

Right up until he says he's proud of her. She startles, eyes wide and a blush rising up to her cheeks. She hadn't expected it at all, and for him to make it so personal, too—!

She ducks her head, tucking her hair behind her ear.] U-um— thank you.

[Her response is a bit flustered, more automatic than anything, but then, Fuuka has never been good at receiving praise. When Shinjiro continues talking, she looks up and fights down the blush... she'll have to give his praise more proper consideration later.

And he's offering to help her, too. That helps that blush drain away, and she relaxes again, smiling warmly in response.]

Okay, senpai. I will. Thank you.

Glad to hear it. [It's all that he has left to say on the matter, and even if he did have more to add, the sight of lights from the corner of his vision was enough of a distraction to stop him. When he realizes it's coming from him, that brief look of confusion was just as quickly replaced with a glare. Of course there would be lights - how could he have forgotten?] Dammit, this stupid crap again.

[Shinji will close his eyes, then, to concentrate... before eventually, after some effort, the spheres would disappear and revert the room back to it's usual brightness.]

Anyway, it's late and I've taken enough of your time. So, unless there's anything else you wanted to talk about - I'm pretty beat.

[Moving to awkwardly rub the side of his neck, before he's giving a quick look towards the Spa's exit again. Wasn't like he'd be able to sleep now, after everything they talked about, but he didn't really want to admit that to Fuuka either. It's just that part of him really needed the fresh air, and spa or not, a walk would probably do him some good.]

[She watches his reactions, giving a small, sympathetic smile.]

Don't worry, it gets easier to control over time.

[She waits patiently as Shinji dispels the lights, then nods at his words. It was getting quite late now, and she'd likely be tired tomorrow, but that was alright. She felt like she would sleep easier tonight than she has been for the past few days.]

I'm sleepy as well. [She rises from the table and nods to Shinjiro.] Good night, Aragaki-senpai. I'll see you tomorrow.

[With that, she turns and makes her way upstairs to her room, feeling relaxed in a way she hasn't in quite awhile.]

[Prompto enjoyed his time with Fuuka at the camping trip so much that he's been thinking of ways to see her again, outside of possibly bringing the charger in for a false alarm. She'd mentioned that she wanted him to keep coming around, and while he wants to comply he also doesn't want to come off as too eager. Despite a slow building confidence, he's still not the greatest with women. Having feelings he lacks the experience to properly act upon certainly doesn't help, but they're feelings he wants to find a way to act upon anyway.

And step one would be to... actually hang out with the girl he's quietly yearning for right?]

Hey, Fuuka. So you, um-- you had a good time camping right?

[He's a little nervous so skipping the pleasantries and getting straight to it!!]

[Fuuka is currently in the spa with Eikichi's wyvren when she hears from Prompto. The response is immediate; a wave of warmth, friendliness and happiness being transferred over the connection as she responds with an enthusiastic:]

Prompto-san! Good afternoon!

[She rests against the large dragon, scratching its chin while she listens to Prompto, smiling.]

Yes, I had a wonderful time. It was a great way to wind down and relax with everyone.

I hope we can do something like that again sometime.

[That calming emotional wave eases his nerves somewhat, as does the sounds of her voice in his head, and suddenly he can think a little clearer. His anxious energy dissipates almost immediately in favour of something just as joyful as hers.]

Oh! Awesome. Okay, cool. I really wanted you to enjoy yourself so... yeah, that's a relief.

[A bubbly chuckle echoes over their connection. ... And there Fuuka goes, helping him again. Just like that she's given him an easy transition into his question. He's beyond thankful, and the feeling nestles over them like a warm blanket.

He takes a second to bask in it, to collect his thoughts before he continues.]

I was-- well, that's actually why I called! I dunno if you're planning on going to that festival but I - I think maybe it'd be a lot more fun if we went together?

To the flower festival?

[Oh, that sounds like fun, but hold on, wasn't there a theme to it? ... besides flowers...

Wasn't it... matchmaking?

She suddenly bolts upright, speaking out loud as well as in her mind.]

A date?!

[Her sudden exclamation is followed by a horrified silence and a rush of embarrassment. She can feel her ears burning.

She just... said that, didn't she.]

[And then comes a hurried, flustered:]

I-I-I mean it's fine if it's not! I mean— [WHAT DOES SHE MEAN]

[There's an absolutely miserable noise from Fuuka as she flops against Jackson once more, her face beet red.]

Can you... forget I said anything?

[O merciful god, please come take her away...]

[The sudden ring of the word "date" in his head has him stuttering as well, and suddenly he's glad he decided to do this in his room and away from others. His cheeks darken even alone, but then he reminds himself: it kind of is a date, isn't it? At least, that was his intention.

Even if she'd requested they go as friends he would've been elated just to go with her in general. But he'd hoped, deep down, that it would be considered one. He just wants to make Fuuka as happy as she makes him.

The silence drags, a nervous energy forming that dissipates immediately as she breaks it. He can't help but project his quiet chuckle at her reaction, a slight apologetic and guilty tinge to it for having put her on the spot like that.]

Said what? I didn't hear anything. [She may not be able to see his smile, but it can definitely be heard in the way he speaks and felt in the supportive, reassuring wave he exudes over their telepathy.] So how 'bout it? Wanna go?

[She doesn't expect Prompto's casual response, and she barks out a laugh in response. Surprisingly, she isn't sure how to feel in response— thankful, disappointed? Somehow, she feels both.

...he's still offering, even after her mistake. So easily, too... perhaps she truly had read Prompto's words, his expressions wrong. Perhaps wanting this to be a date was just wishful thinking.

She can't bring herself to ask either way. She's shy, but on top of that... she doesn't want to be selfish. She certainly doesn't want to push Prompto away even if he doesn't have feelings for her, because he's a good friend, a wonderful friend, even... And he thought to invite her to the festival, because he enjoys her company.

...she realizes he hadn't even confirmed that he wasn't interested like that, but it was so easy to think Prompto had better choices, maybe even had someone he was already interested in. Goodness, it was a good thing that Prompto wasn't one to be offended by such things and taking it in such good grace, because she could have easily put her foot in her mouth, there.]

Yes. [Oh, that didn't sound sincere at all. She gives a bit of an apologetic laugh.] Sorry... [She pushes those depressing thoughts away and responds again, this time more warmly and cheerfully.] I'd love to, Prompto-san.

[Fuuka's laugh eases his nerves even further, the sound of it alone enough to chase away any hesitation and doubt. He thinks there's something off in her reply though, something a tad disappointed. And an apology? She has nothing to apologize for. More and more he's starting to understand Fuuka's mannerisms. She's just like he is... kind, insecure, shy and inexperienced. He can throw looks and words around all he wants but it isn't fair to Fuuka if he keeps dancing around the subject. If she's truly anything like him then it's just confusing to her; he's sending mixed signals.

He doesn't want that for her. He wants Fuuka to be happy, and even if it takes clearing the air to do that then he'll take his chances. At the end of the day her company will still bring him joy - it's what matters most to him. He treasures who she is, how she makes him feel and everything she's done for him. Rejection won't change that.

But she did say yes, didn't she? At least he's going off of some kind of hope here...]

Woo-hoo! [With that exclamation comes a rush of eager affection, something he can't contain. His cheeks burn, his chest swells, his pulse quickens... he's on a cloud, really.] Awesome - it's a date then!

[And it's his turn to be a little bold and impulsive, though unlike her he's aware of what he's saying. Fuuka and this feeling has that kind of effect on him.]

[Oh, that quite was an exclamation! And now... she is confused again, because why is he cheering about that of all things—

It's a date then!

She blinks, several times, then abruptly responds with:]

Wait, what?

[????? But he just— he didn't even bat an eye it felt like— and now he's saying—?????

Fuuka is getting some crazy emotional whiplash, here.

Let's just establish this once and for all—] I-it is a date?

[He laughs, though the nervous energy he's been giving off only amplifies at her question, having never truly abated even despite his growing feelings of confidence. He expected her reaction to be something like this and even so, he finds himself worrying at his lower lip. No turning back now!]

I, um... o-only if it's okay with you.

[...!!!

She's being asked out on a date. Someone actually wants to date her and it's Prompto.

Her face turns red all over again, and for a few moments there's shocked silence as her brain tries to catch up with this fact.

Prompto wants to date her. Prompto has feelings for her.

And finally, it bubbles out of her. Laughter. Partly in disbelief, partly in relief, but entirely in utter joy. She doesn't think it's entirely sunk in, yet. And honestly, that's probably a good thing. With any luck, she'll be able to respond to Prompto and end the conversation before she completely embarrasses herself.

... as if Prompto would mind, really. If he had been so encouraging of her display of joy while indulging in her hobby, surely he wouldn't mind her celebrating the fact the boy she had feelings for had feelings back for him. He'd probably appreciate it, even.]

I thought... [Prompto might not be able to see the way that she can't stop smiling, but it definitely carries over into her tone.] And here I was so worried about pushing my feelings unnecessarily onto you...

[Noctis picks a day when he knows Prompto is deeply ensconced in his darkroom and is unlikely to emerge for hours yet. Not only will this mean little if any telepathic texting for a bit but also almost no risk of Prompto walking in on the conversation Noct intends to have with a certain Fuuka Yamagishi. He's well aware of how Prompto feels about her (heck, even if Prompto hadn't outright told him or gone on a date with her, it's still pretty obvious with the way Prom talks about her and the sort of look he gets when he shows pictures of her), and from what he'd seen in the pictures and Fuuka's own demeanor at Gladio's birthday camp, Noct doesn't doubt that she reciprocates to some degree or another.

But even so, Noct doesn't really know her all that well outside of Prompto's chatter... which is why today he stops by her shop, hoping that she's in, she has time to spare, and that she's willing to chat for a bit. It's the duty of a best friend, after all.

So early afternoon finds Noctis poking his head into her store and looking about. He's distracted for a moment by the gadgets but the glimpse of her teal hair pulls him back on track, and he lifts a hand in a bit of a wave.]

Hey, Fuuka.

[Fuuka is shelving some items when Noctis comes in, quietly working away until Noctis greets her. She looks up, then offers a friendly smile.]

Noctis-san! How have you been?

[He returns the smile with a small one of his own.]

Mm, all right. [Noct shrugs, eyes trailing to the shelves for a moment before fixing on her again.] You?

[With bated breath he awaits her reply and while part of him expected to receive a positive answer, given the way their conversation was heading, he hadn't quite expected that. She'd been worried in the same ways he'd been, concerned that maybe he'd been approaching all of it in the wrong way.

It's crazy to think, at least to Prompto, that this smart, kind and beautiful woman might see herself as pushing anything unnecessarily onto anyone. To him, she deserves everything good in the world - to be loved and supported unconditionally. Any guy would be lucky to have Fuuka. She may not realize that but Prompto certainly does.

And he realizes right now that he's lucky to be that guy, for however long he can be.

That thankful feeling permeates the air around him and it's strong enough to be felt even where she is. He laughs, overjoyed, unable to contain it or compose himself. If anyone here's going to embarrass themselves, it'll be him most likely.]

Fuuka, you're the most amazing girl I've ever met... and I've wanted to tell you that for a little while now. [It's so shocking to him how easy he's letting this slip, but that just means that what he feels is strong enough to overcome his insecurities. They're still there, lingering under the surface, but the fact that he can do this? It's invigorating, to say the least.]

But I-- I guess I was worried too.

I've been doing pretty good!

[She finishes off the box she was unloading and picks it up, turning to look at the other.]

Did you need something here? Or were you just dropping by?

[He nods and - well, now that she's asking, suddenly all the things he thought about saying instantly vanish from his mind, leaving Noctis floundering, at a loss.]

I, uh...

[Just give him a moment, Fuuka.]

Prompto told me you two went to the Flower Festival together... [On a date, he means, because he and Prompto totally also went to the festival together but that's totally different clearly!] And uh, I was wondering how it went.

[Wait that came out wrong.] I mean - what you thought. He obviously already told me about it. [Yeah he's just going to shut up now.]

[She smiles patiently as Noctis tries to find his words, then tilts her head in the direction of the counter, where she leads Noctis towards with the box in tow. She listens to his words as he stumbles on them, briefly disappearing inside the back room to set the box down and then coming back to the counter.]

What I thought?

[She leans against the tabletop and reaches up, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear with a soft blush as she recalls it. Though, she giggles a little at Noctis' words, quietly delighted that Prompto had told him about their date. She can only hope that means he enjoyed it as much as she did.]

To be honest, I've never been on a date before, but... [She looks up at Noctis, still blushing a bit, but with a pleased smile on her face.] That day was easily one of the best in my life. [She blushes a little darker at the boldness of her own words, but they're true. Prompto had complimented her on her dress, they'd held hands and he'd even helped her aim at a shooting gallery, among other things. All such small, wonderful things, adding up to a wonderful day.]

He's really wonderful, and... I'm really glad he chose me.

[It takes Noctis half a second to get what she's indicating, and then he moves as directed. As she blushes and smiles and seems absolutely delighted at her memories, he can't help but smile again too, crooked and maybe a little bit cat-like (as it had been when he'd told Prompto 'I told you so' over the date going well).

How she describes it is not all that different from how Prompto did - at least in spirit. Different words and a more effusive manner of speaking in Prom's case, but the radiant joy and the blushing for sure for both of them. He knows Fuuka isn't the first person Prompto has gone out on a date with - but she definitely seems to be the first person where they've both clicked, and at that Noctis is quite pleased. It's a far cry from some past experiences, that's for sure.]

Mm.

[Nodding and humming a positive acknowledgement, Noct props his arms on the counter, leaning against it. Honestly, it's the best kind of relief that she seems to so genuinely return Prompto's sentiments.]

If that's how you feel, then... guess I don't have to worry about you two.

Inbox for empatheias

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voice;

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1/?

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In person; April 30th or so

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