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Jill runs another exasperated hand down her face, gliding across the hardwood below her for the millionth time as she paces. She rambles on, just like she has been from the second she burst through Clive's door with worries falling from frantic lips.
Clive sits with his arms crossed at his desk, head slowly moving back and forth as he watches his dear friend travel across the expanse of his room in the repeated anxious motion, unsure of what the issue really is.
"So, you love her?"
Jill freezes, whipping around to look at him with an expression that makes him want to sink down into the rickety old chair beneath him.
"Of course, Clive!" She speaks with such ferocity he almost regrets asking at all, sparing a glance at the long forgotten papers scattered across the old worn wood of his desk. "That's the issue."
"I don't really see how that's an issue." He sighs, speaking mostly to himself as he watches Jill start going on another rant. He's barely listening at this point, entirely unsure why she would come to him for advice in the first place, and desperate to get back to the work he was doing before she interrupted.
He originally thought that all the woman needed was the ear of a friend, an outlet to vent out some steam and frustration. He was quickly realizing, however, that Jill wasn't intending on leaving his quarters any time soon no matter how much venting she planned on doing.
She's been in here since the early morning, clearly having been brewing about something all night before she finally came in. Now, the sun is high in the sky, and she's still in here talking in circles.
Jill finally plops herself down on the edge of his bed with an irate huff, her arms crossing as she bounces her leg nervously.
Clive begins to take it a little more seriously when he meets Jill's gaze, icy eyes big and full of a worry he hasn't seen even in the most dangerous of situations. He ponders for a moment, sparing one last glance at the papers on the desk so desperately in need of his attention.
"For how long have you felt this way towards her?" He turns in his chair so he's facing the woman, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees.
"How long haven't I?" Her head droops in tandem with her shoulders, thankful her friend is finally listening to her woes. "It's been since we were kids. Since she took the blame for breaking one of your mothers favorite wine glasses when it was really I who had dropped it."
"That was you?" Clive almost laughs, replaying the memory of his mother, her face red as a tomato as she ranted and raved for hours after she had yelled at you for being so reckless. "My mother yelled at her for nearly an hour for breaking that glass. Banned her from ever going near the dishes ever again."
"I know. And you know what she told me after?" Her exasperation seems to grow with every word, hands moving around frantically as she speaks. "That she was trying not to laugh the whole time! That taking the blame for me was the only bearable way to get berated in such a way."
She sighs, resting her chin in her palm as she thinks back on her memories of you. You had always been there for her, even in the most dire of times. You were right beside her when her powers awoken, taken by the same horrible people she was. You had begged to be a warrior for them on the front lines in a fit of desperation, refusing to leave Jills side as you fought hard to let them keep you close by the woman you call your best friend.
You were so thankful back then for all of those times you had sparred with Clive, young face hardened as you fought against their commander tooth and nail to prove yourself. You were even more thankful when they let you fight for them, just to stay by Jill so the two of you wouldn't be separated.
She remembers the smile you gave her when you had finally proven yourself to them; Still rivaling the sun even covered in dirt and blood.
And, by her side you stayed. Through everything. You were the first person she whispered her wish to escape, the words barely needing to leave trembling lips before you agreed to go with her if it ever came to be, not a bit of hesitance to be found on your features.
You told her once you would follow her anywhere. And, so far, you had.
So, why would she be so foolish as to risk everything that you two have? What if confessing to you made you uncomfortable, and you no longer desired to be friends with her the same way you did before? She would sooner writhe in a silent agony as she watches you with someone else than risk not being in your life at all.
Which, brings her to her next problem. Fucking Gav, of all people.
It was yesterday, just after the sun had set and the stars were making their twinkling appearance high in the sky. She had decided that tomorrow-Now today-Would be the perfect time to tell you of her feelings. Today is special, in her mind. It's the day you risked your life to save hers, and she's celebrated your collective survival every summer that passes like a holiday.
However, as she was wondering the hideout, making mental preparations and outlining the speech she would give you in her head, she spotted you having a drink with Gav down in the ale hall.
It wasn't the fact that the two of you were having a drink at the bar, you're just as well-known in the hideaway as her and Clive, after all. What caught her off guard, was the look on your face. The cock of your brow and a teasing smile, a hand on the mans arm when you would laugh.
It's the same song and dance you would do to get the two of you free drinks, or a free room at an inn just to leave the men confused and alone when you two were nowhere they could find. She remembers sharing hushed giggles with you, hiding just outside view of the men as they kicked the door in annoyance at the empty room, storming off with heavy steps as the two of you hurried to get inside the room before the door shut all the way.
But, this is different. You're not trying to get anything from Gav. So, why were you talking to him like that?
The thought plagued her all night, tossing and turning in her bed as she replayed the scene in her mind. As soon as the sun crossed over the horizon, she practically ran to Clive's room for help, hoping the man would have some sort of advice for her.
And, so far, he's said just about nothing.
Clive hides a groan behind a gentle sigh, a plan forming in his mind as he stares at his friend across from him.
He could tell her to just talk to you, sure. He knows that you're kind and understanding, especially when it comes to Jill. So, you would at least ease her worries. But, he's sure Jill has already thought of that. He could tell her that it's up to her, or that she'll never know if she doesn't just try--But he knows too well none of that will really do the trick.
Instead, he rises to his feet, her wondering gaze snapping toward the man as soon as she notices the movement.
He reaches her with just a few steps, placing a hand on her shoulder with a look that feels a little too mischievous for her liking.
"If you don't tell her by the end of the day, I will."
"What--Wait--" She sputters, stopping as she considers the possibility. It's not the worst idea. Then you'll come to her to talk it over, and she won't have to come to you. "I mean, then I won't have to bring it up. Not the worst idea-"
"No, no. You misunderstand me." Clive shakes his head, his devious smirk growing by the second as he realizes just how well this might work. "If you don't tell her by the end of the day how you feel, I will tell her that I have feelings for her."
"Clive!" Jill stands abruptly, a mixture of horror and confusion exuding from the poor girl. "You have feelings for her?"
"No, but I can certainly act like it." He shrugs as he crosses his arms, like it's all so simple. "She's a very kind woman, I'm sure I can treat her very well if you won't-Ow!"
Jill interrupts his words with a smack to his chest, almost offended at what she deems must be a joke.
"Clive, this is serious." She might as well be pouting, arms crossed and a frown evident on her features.
"I'm being just as serious as you are, Jill." His tone doesn't waiver. And, despite being rather snarky about it, he definitely doesn't seem like he's joking. "If you don't tell her how you feel, I will."
The words sink deep into her soul as she processes the situation. Clive Rosfield is a lot of things, but he isn't a liar. Her blood practically runs cold when she hears Gav call out your name, a friendly welcome back from your mission as you return to the hideaway.
A ghost of a smile crosses Clive's face, motioning toward the door as he starts to walk toward it.
"Speak of the devil," He snatches a couple of papers he needs from his desk on the way to the door, swinging it open with very little care as he calls out to you, taking long strides all the way from his chambers to the main area of the hideaway. "There you are!"
His muffled voice snaps Jill out of her daze, hesitating before she hurries after him, barely taking the time to close the door behind her as she rushes down the hall toward the main deck.
You're blissfully unaware of the turmoil, a beaming smile on your face as you greet the friends you've grown to love so dearly. Your cheeks and dress are covered in a thin mixture of dirt and blood, starkly contradicting your bubbly demeanor as you stand from having been giving one of the children a small flower you picked on your adventure.
Her heart swells as she watches the young boy marvel at the small white flower in his hands, thanking you with a bashful giggle before running off to surely show his friends.
"My Lady, how was your mission?" Clive's voice is soft as he approaches you, a hand over his heart to convey the genuine tone. "It went well, I presume?"
"Very well, actually!" You sigh out in relief, stretching out your arms as you crack your neck. "A few more detours than I intended. But, nothing a warm bath and a cup of ale can't fix right up."
You nod curtly, smile never leaving your face as you let your arms fall to your sides, bones heavy and aching after having been gone since before dawn running various errands and clearing a couple extra areas than you intended when you had left.
However, no matter how exhausting the day was, it was all worth it for what you found.
"Wonderful news, My Lady." Clive gives you a warm smile, a featherlight touch as he reaches forward to move a strand of hair out of you face and behind your ear. His hand falls away not a moment later, the touch seemingly helpful and innocent despite being so unlike him.
Jill doesn't notice the odd face you give him at the gesture, brows furrowing with a clear question conveyed in your features. She's focused solely on the sly look Clive sends her way, a single brow cocked and that same mischievous smirk.
She gawks, realizing just how serious he's being about what he had said.
You're unaware of the silent mental scuffle between the two, turning toward the familiar patter of paws on the deck as Torgal comes to greet you after your mission like he always does. He bumps the top of his head into your leg so hard you almost tumble over, a beautiful laugh bubbling from you as you steady yourself to give the hound attention you all know he already gets more than enough of.
Torgal is rolling on his back less than a moment later, relishing in every pet and belly rub before you stand with a smile even brighter than before.
It's then, when you finally catch Jill's eye.
"There you are!" You practically light up the whole hideaway with you, bounding toward the woman with an extra pep in your step, stopping just barely a foot away from her as you waggle your finger. "I clearly have to wash up first, but don't forget to find me later, I have something for you."
"For me?" Jill motions to herself with a bewilderment that makes you giggle, cocking your head to the side in teasing.
"Have you forgotten what day it is?" You've never had to remind her before, not in the last 15 summers. You pause when you notice the worried glint in her eye, the uncharacteristic wringing of her fingers as she stares back at you. "Jill, are you alright?"
Your voice is low, full of worry and far removed from the teasing tone you held previously as you place your hand gently on her arm. Her heart squeezes and swells, your touch practically melting the woman in her spot as she places a soft hand atop your own.
"Yes, I'm alright." She nods, the smile you adore so much coming back to grace her features. "And, I could never forget what day it is, then I'd be breaking my promise."
You each share a quiet laugh, clearly internally reminiscing about the day she reveres so highly. The promise to never let you forget the kindness you had shown her has been well more than kept so far, the personal holiday turning quickly into a celebration of another year you two survived.
Clive isn't sure how he's never seen it before, the way you look at her with such devotion and care, and the way she looks back at you with just as much adoration and love. He's sure she has nothing to worry about, and he wonders how she seems to be so blind to it.
"Come find me later, I've got to get all this muck off me." You grin at her as you spin around, heading happily back to your quarters to wash up and change, clearly eager to be back from such a long mission.
She watches wistfully until you're out of sight, a contend sigh leaving her lips as she wonders through memories of the two of you together, only broken out of her trance with a harsh snap when Clive plops his hand back onto her shoulder.
"You have until midnight."
His words sink deep, slicing through on the way down as a heavy weight sets in her chest, the simple sentence holding as much dread as fighting against an Eikon should have.
Clive leaves without another word in hopes to finally tend to his work, leaving Jill spiraling even more than before, if that's physically possible. You've never gotten her a gift before on your shared holiday, the two of you usually just find a place to share a drink and a good nights rest. It's just like how she repaid you the very day you saved her life, a way to remember your collective survival.
She isn't sure how long she stands there, only moving when Torgal finally whines at her with worry, his nose bumping into the fabric of her dress. She bends down to pet him, the ache in her chest easing as she whispers her worries to the hound, wondering how she could possibly make it through this.
It didn't take you long to get cleaned up, not with that extra pep in your step and the smile that keeps creeping it's way back onto your face. You stand out looking over the water, skin fresh and hair still damp from washing, a clean simple dress blowing lightly around the bottoms of your calves.
You seem lost in the sparkle of the water, the orange and pinks from the setting sun only adding to the beauty of the scene before you, golden hues blessing the plant life one last time for the day before the moon makes her appearance high in the sky.
The sight almost takes Jill's breath away, finding you leaning your forearms on the railing as you admire the setting sun; The way your eyes reflect the gleam of the water below, features outlined with a beautiful halo of light, looking exactly like the angel she deems you to be.
Every word she had meticulously prepared and rehearsed seems to leave her when you lock eyes, your smile putting even the brightest of stars to shame as you wave her over with the cheery call of her name. Her legs move before she even registers, as if her very soul is magnetized to yours, lulled into a sense of serenity as your presence graces hers.
You turn to her with a single hand behind your back, clearly hiding whatever you had mentioned having for her earlier. You wait until she reaches your side, her hands delicately placed on the railing just beside where you had been leaning moments before.
"Happy 'We Survived' Day," You giggle as you say the words, the 'placeholder' name the two of you came up with over one too many cups of ale never quite changing. "To my favorite person in this whole world."
You hold out a small bouquet of hand-picked flowers, the very same ones she had shown you pictures of in a book when you were both just young girls. She had told you they were the most beautiful flowers she had ever seen, how she almost didn't even believe they were real, and how she longed to see them in person someday.
And, here they are. In the hands of the girl she's been in love with for as long as she can remember, the sweetest of smiles gracing your bashful features as you present the flowers to her.
Tears sting behind her eyes as she takes the flowers with care, at a complete loss for words as she looks at the almost iridescent white petals, a shaky breath falling from trembling lips followed by the most dazzling smile you've ever seen, you're sure of it.
"Thank you," She breathes out the words, pulling you into one of the tightest hugs you've ever received from the woman, the gesture returned in an instant as your arms wrap around her with a content sigh. "They're beautiful."
"I found a whole field of them, enough to have a small patch growing in the backyard." You just barely pull away from the hug, holding onto her arms as you meet her gaze. Your thumbs are rubbing absentminded patterns into her forearms, touch so gentle and holding so much care despite how many you've killed just to protect her. "I'd love to take you there sometime, if you'd like to join me."
"Like to?" A quiet laugh full of bewilderment makes your hopeful smile grow, leaves from the bouquet tickling your arm as she holds you just as close. "I would love to, any day you wish."
"Wonderful," You nod, hesitating as your eyes wonder away from hers. She barely registers the light dusting of pink settling across your cheeks as you struggle to look into the woman's eyes. "It's a date, then?"
"It's a-" She stops, her whole body practically freezing in place as she makes her best attempt at processing what you've said. She could be wrong, and she doesn't want to misread the situation, of course. "Like, a date, date?"
The question feels silly, the two of you feeling like nervous kids again unsure of how to quite say what you mean.
But, you're both grown women now. Standing here in front of the setting sun, pinks and purples mixing together in an intricate dance that showers you both in a warm light, looking to the other like the very definition of art.
She slides a tender hand up your arm and to your cheek, her thumb rubbing lightly back and forth along your cheekbone as you meet her eyes once more, suddenly acutely aware of just how close the two of you truly are.
You swallow, unable to form any words as you nod softly, a nervousness exuding from you that she's never seen before. She swears she could burst right then, holding you and being held by you, knowing you feel the very same way she does--
"But," She hesitates, just barely pulling away as she glances over her shoulder. "What about Gav?"
"What?" Your brows knit together, cocking your head to the side as you try to process the question with obvious confusion. "What about Gav?"
"Well, I saw you flirting with him in the ale hall last night," Her words trail off, catching in her throat when you giggle in a way that makes her brain stop working. "I just, I didn't--"
"Jill," You politely interrupt her, shaking your head as you speak. "I was quite honestly bored last night, and Gav gets so red when you give him any attention. It's a sight to see." Your laugh quells her worries, the beautiful sound she's fallen for time and time again making her very bones relax.
"So, you don't have feelings for Gav?"
"No, goodness." You shake your head with more vigor, her hand still on your cheek and with no plans for moving, much to your delight. "Gav's a sweet fellow. Just, not quite my type."
Your comment makes her laugh, the two of you leaning impossibly closer as you share hushed giggles and whispers the same way you have for years. The thought is almost overwhelming, the very same crush you tried to get over so many times turning into a deep love and devotion for a woman you weren't sure would ever feel the same.
And yet, here you are, bearing your soul to her over a bouquet of her favorite flowers, just for the chance she may feel the same way you do.
"So?" You look at her expectantly, the hint of worry creasing your brow as you patiently await her response. "A date, then?"
"Oh, my love," Jill practically swoons, an airy laugh leaving her lips as she shakes her head like you've asked her the most obvious question in the world. "Of course."
Your sigh of relief is cut short by her soft lips against yours, moving in slow tentative motions as your eyes flutter shut. She smiles against you, the action returned from you in less than a moment as your hand moves to rest against her waist, the two of you giggling softly into the sweetest kiss either of you have ever had.
Clive smiles as he walks past from a distance, holding his cup up in a cheers that neither of the women notice as he makes his way back to his chambers, thankful his friends problems are now clearly solved.