Chapter Text
“Naesala.” After confirming that everyone was accounted for after the battle, Kiran came to find him, fueled by worry that had become frustration.
“Ah, summoner, yes, I know, what happened earlier was partially my fault, and--”
“Partially?”
“Mostly,” he conceded.
“If you'd just done as I said without sass, you wouldn't have nearly been hit by that arrow,” Kiran argued.
“Yes, that is true; however, I also would have seen the arrow coming if I hadn't been distracted by your very interesting and unprofessional way of telling me off.”
Yes, that one, brat!
“Well I… you…!” Kiran stammered, and Naesala smirked. “You act like it and you know it! And you still shouldn't have made me have to tell you off in the first place!”
“Yes, I have already acknowledged my partial fault in this matter, and--”
That word again. Kiran had had enough of this. “Just don't let this happen again.” With that, they turned to leave.
“Wait, I was going to thank you.”
Pleasantly surprised, they faced him again. “Oh, you were?”
“Yes, thank you for defending me.”
They'd panicked and thrown a magic gust into the arrow’s path. Thankfully it had been enough to steer it away from him by an inch.
“If you want to thank me, then promise you’ll do what I tell you to.”
At that he suddenly stiffened. “I don't owe you that much.” His wings spread slightly, like he was considering taking off.
“It's not about owing me! I just don't want you to get needlessly hurt!” Kiran hastily clarified. “I'm sorry if I went overboard. I just… I'm sorry,” All the fire they'd started with was gone now, extinguished by the wave of guilt at misrepresenting their intentions.
“I see.” Naesala relaxed, even smiled a little. “I don't make promises lightly, summoner, but I'll try not to give you reasons to worry, alright?”
They let out a breath, relieved to have finally gotten the point through to him. “Alright. Thank you. You know, can just call me Kiran.”
“Seems fair since you neglect my title."
“Oh, right, sorry, bad habit. It's Alfonse and Sharena’s doing. They're not really the most formal--” Actually it was almost everyone who allowed Kiran to address them casually, but it had started with those two.
“It’s alright. I don't mind if it's mutual. It's not like it would have made much difference anyway. There isn't really a polite way to call someone a brat, is there, Kiran?” Back to his teasing smirk.
“I--I guess not. Well, I should go… check on some other people,” Kiran awkwardly excused themself.