closed 🪶⚡ all i really, really ever want is under the mistletoe

[garudas]

Who: Cidolfus Telamon & Benedikta Harman.
Status: Closed.
Where: Around places.
What: Cid and Benedikta follow a lead and sneak into a fancy holiday party. Event stuff TBA.
Warnings: it's them, what do you want from me



🥂 🎄 ❄️

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[ramuhs]

[His gaze softens at that.]

Then we'll make the offer once they approve of the tree.

[garudas]

[As she turns to him again with a sound of approval, she tilts her head and moves closer.]

Is that why you brought me back out here?

[ramuhs]

What, to look at the tree?

[garudas]

[A glance at the tree, and then at him, her expression taking on a more sheepish look.]

... Yes.

[ramuhs]

Did you think I brought you out here for something else...?

[There's a more teasing look in his gaze as he leans to further close the gap between them.]

[garudas]

With you, there is no knowing for certain.

[She offers him another kiss then, pausing partway to smile before she closes the rest of it until her lips meet his.]

I suppose I have been a little worried about him. But if I know that he is safe here, then I will be fine.

[ramuhs]

[A quiet huff of laughter at that before he smiles into the kiss.]

I had hoped this would ease some of your worries. You know, it was actually quite hard for me to let Mid go to Kanver.

[garudas]

[She laughs quietly to herself, the smallest exhale leaving her.]

I had wondered if you ever felt like this with Midadol... but I did not want to ask.

[For the obvious reasons.]

... What did you end up doing?

[ramuhs]

Buried myself in work.

[A wry grin as he looks out towards the dark night sky.]

I knew she needed to go, that it would be safer and she would be able to learn more than I could offer. But it really was hard to believe that eleven years had passed... Truthfully if she were any other child I'd say she was still too young.

Even now, I can only ever see her as that young, little girl that chased after my heels and clung to my legs wanting a ride on my shoulders.

[Especially since he's seeing her so much older than when he last saw her. He's gotten more used to it, now, but he'll always feel that gap.]

[garudas]

[Of course he did, and there is not a flicker of surprise on her face. Only that same regret that always comes when he reminisces about the days that she had not been there for. That she had missed. She averts her gaze, staring at the tree instead, watching as that little bit of her magic that she'd let wash over it start to fade.]

She has grown up quite a bit.

[Her voice is quiet, because any louder and he might hear it too.]

I suppose it is not entirely the same... She is your daughter. This is... an owl... And it is not as if he is going far.

[She doesn't know what she's getting so worked up about. Maybe she just doesn't like goodbyes anymore, and has a hard time letting go.]

[ramuhs]

It's more similar than you seem to be willing to admit.

[Whether or not he picked up on it, he just continues to hold her in his arms, his voice quiet and soft in that soothing, almost coaxing way.]

No matter how brief, you've watched him grow, took care of him, worried over him...

[He looks down at her.]

Gave a little space in your heart and loved him.

It's always going to be painful to see such an important part of your life grow up and leave.

[garudas]

[She makes a noise in the back of her throat, not quite an uncomfortable one, but at the way that her heart tugs at his words.]

I suppose you are right...

[She didn't want to be so soft and vulnerable, especially now, yet as she looks over the tree, she can't help but hope that he and Willow do choose to stay, and that they can at least watch over the new owls. Perhaps even help teach them how to fly.]

Look at me... They have not even gone anywhere yet and I am already a mess.

[Her fist bumps against his chest, giving him the tiniest shove.]

You've made me all soft. I ought to make you pay for that.

[ramuhs]

[A quiet laugh as he just leans back before falling forward to hug her closer.]

And what's wrong with being a little soft?

[garudas]

[She nuzzles her face into his neck, welcoming the warmth that seems to radiate from him.]

I've an image and a reputation to uphold. I cannot go around feeling attached to things.

[ramuhs]

So?

[Another laugh.]

Feeling attached to things can make one even stronger and fiercer.

[garudas]

Do you think me stronger and fiercer for being attached...

[She pecks him on the cheek with a kiss.]

... To you?

[ramuhs]

I would say so. Do you not agree?

[She's certainly become more adorable.]

[garudas]

[He'd better not speak a word of that out loud.]

Well... I suppose so. Because if you tell anyone about this, I will be sure to punish you accordingly. As I always do.

[Her hand presses to his chest, and her lips to his again, the sweetness and longing of it a stark contrast to her declaration.]

Were you not planning on returning to the party?

[ramuhs]

[He just smiles into that kiss because he knows full well how she is. Ever wanting to maintain that tough outer shell when she can be as soft as anyone. One day he hopes she won't see as much if a weakness as she still does.]

I am, but I've had a very needy dove who has been in need of my attention.

[garudas]

[She is getting better. She is at least allowing him to see this newer side of her that he has helped open up, but that may be as far as it ever goes. And even then, she feels embarrassed right now for it.]

But would you like to stay with your very needy dove?

[A glance back at the path they had come up from.]

She might need a moment before she can return to the party, too.

[ramuhs]

[A wry grin as he pulls her in closer.]

Reckon I can stay a little longer.

[garudas]

[Her smile lifts, and her head finds its usual spot on his shoulder, and she hugs him greedily.]

You do not have to if you wish to go back. Do not let my feelings get in the way of your fun, Cidolfus.

[ramuhs]

And know my sad little dove is feeling lonely?

[A softer smile as he looks down at her.]

The night's young yet, and they may be enjoying not having the boss around.

[garudas]

What?

[She does not move from where she is, but he'll feel a surprised laugh sweep over his neck as she presses her lips to it in a string of chaste kisses.]

Do you think that they have more fun without you?

[ramuhs]

[A low, rumbling hum as his eyes close.]

Wouldn't they? Won't have to worry and be on their best behavior.