adelphoi | (no subject)

(no subject)

[ never before has alisaie so deeply, keenly known what it is to feel bittersweet.

arriving on hydaelyn again, surrounded by the familiar walls of the rising stones, eorzea's peoples and lands safe, restored, full - is it not what she had dreamt of since first she awoke in that icy pod? since she looked out over a wide vista of stars and attempted to process the fact that her home was gone? mourning an entire world had been a monumental effort, and when the news had come that their homes could yet be salvaged she had never been more relieved.

that relief, of course, had been soon followed by a sweeping despair. they were to return home, and only home, the natha had a duty to fulfill, to see to it that everything was restored exactly as it was, no exception, no compromise. for the greater good, they had insisted, and alisaie's heart had broken clean in two. she had made so many connections, so many close friends, she had carved a life out for herself on el nysa and -

- and prompto. to lose him forever was an ache she could not bear. she had already lost so much, so many, and to lose him.. of course she fought. she railed and shouted herself hoarse, she petitioned the natha again and again, begged, but they would not be moved. and so she was home again, surrounded by familiar walls and familiar friends, but on her clothing she could still smell prompto's skin, the sensation of his last kiss clinging to her mouth like a ghost.

a week of stunned grieving was all she allowed herself, but alisaie would not be defeated. traveling to other worlds.. it is possible, she has seen it done. the ascians, the warriors of the first - all had traveled between the planes, and alisaie was entirely certain, with all of her heart, that his eos was one of the many echoes, the worlds connected to her own by the sundering of the mothercrystal. prompto was gone and yet he still somehow felt so very close, just out of reach of her touch, her voice, her heart.

the pregnancy, of course, had been.. entirely unexpected. the natha had rendered them sterile, but she can only assume that they had reversed it some time before their restoration of their homes, long enough for him to quicken within her womb and leave her with a soul to remember him by, a sweet child with her own dark eyes and prompto's fair hair, and smile, and laugh that breaks her heart to hear. but gods she loves him, this little sunshine boy who thrives on touch and love, who sleeps well and smiles often and gives her the extra drive she needs to work, to finish, to find the way to drive open the doorway between their worlds. it is unstable, and unable to linger for long, it is entirely possible that this is a one-way trip, that she will never be able to find her way back, and that is all that stalls her. prompto is her heart, her husband, the mother of her child - but hydaelyn is her home, her family is here, and the thought of leaving her brother behind forever, leaving urianger, and the scions..

gods, it is nearly enough to unmake her, to convince her to abandon her work.

but they remind her, all of them, that prompto too is her family, that their child deserves to know his father, that if she does not make this step she will never see him again. she will.. simply have to do it again, to find a way to keep the doorway open. and if she has not, at least she has said her goodbyes, she has made her peace, and decided what it is that she needs.

and so that is what brings her here at last, to eos, where the air is thick with darkness, where the aether is in upheaval. gods, this is the home he had returned to? this is where he has been? the atmosphere is heady and oppressive, the roads swarmed with terrible daemons. she had made the right decision.

finding him, however, was much more difficult. finding her way to a well lit station had been difficult enough in a foreign world, and she had learned quickly to arrange her hair to cover her ears, avoiding questions she does not have the time to answer. but soon enough she had learned of him, where he was, and how to arrive there - to a city called lestallum, the last great bastion against the doom hovering on the horizon.

alisaie's heart is pounding when she arrives before the worn wooden door, in a narrow staircase with yellow walls, the paint peeling and the light harsh. she's ruffled and dusty with travel, exhausted and anxious, smelling of sweat and chocobo but once she had arrived in the city she could not bring herself to wait another second before searching him out, finding him. hefting the sleeping child higher on her hip, alisaie presses a kiss to his pale blonde head, taking a deep, stilling breath.

and she knocks. ]

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Alisaie!!!

[ He screams as she's sent flying, and it takes all his force of will to not going running to her side. But her instructions are clear, and he trusts her judgment. If she were in serious danger, she wouldn't have any words left, and as long as that iron giant is still around —

He has to take it out.

Dashing forward, Prompto pulls out the Gravity Well again, boot slamming hard against the creature's forearm as it grabs for him. He uses his momentum to jump high into the air, force his weapon downward, and fire directly between the giant's shoulder blades as he comes back down. It cries out in agonized death throes. ]

Don't you ever lay a finger on my wife!

[ Let that be a warning to any other daemons who might think about attacking them now.

They need to get the lights back on, but as soon as the iron giant goes still, he leaps off its back and dashes to Alisaie's side, sinking onto his knees as his hands fly to her face. ]

Alisaie? S-sweetheart? Can you hear me?

[ she's dead, rip

just kidding, she's fine. banged up, yeah, she's terribly sore, might've cracked a rib, but she's whole. ]

I'm fine, I'm fine -

[ she wheezes roughly, still trying to catch the breath that had been so forcefully knocked from her lungs, one arm held tight around her middle. the daemon is still, smoldering beside them, disintegrating slowly back into the darkness, though her sharp eyes roam past it, looking for more. in the far distance she can hear movement, more daemons, but they are not near enough to serve a readily apparent threat. ]

Better y-yet..

[ alisaie coughs, then feels on the ground for the heavy power cord beside her, lifting it for him to see. it's been completely chewed through, and a thoroughly electrified raccoon lies not far from it. looks like she found the problem. ]

[ The sigh of relief he breathes when she answers him is immense. She's okay. A little roughed up, but nothing that she can't handle. She's had worse before, and Prompto takes a moment just to lean his forehead to hers, to let his panic subside.

But they're not done yet. Prompto follows her movement with his eyes when she lifts up the chewed cord, and a laugh huffs out of him. ]

Heh, that's all? Easy peasy. Can you stand?

[ They need to make haste so no other daemons decide to make their way over here, but he doesn't want to rush her, either. They have a little breathing room. ]

I think so, yes..

[ though she'll definitely use him for support, clamping a hand onto his shoulder so she can haul herself to his feet. she's wobbly, and it hurts, but like prompto surmised, she's had worse. much worse. alisaie is and always has been accident prone. nevermind that a lot of it is because she deliberately puts herself in danger..

nevertheless, she's fine, and for now the house is safe and clear. still, they can't afford to sit on their laurels. ]

Can you get it repaired? The kit is under - [ a hiss, and a wince. ] - under the sink.

[ He helps her up of course, his arm slipping around her shoulder to offer her support so they can make their way back inside together. They're almost safe, and being bathed in the warm light of the kitchen once again, he can see the finish line. ]

You bet'cha. Go check on the kids. I'll be down in a jiff once the outside lights are back on.

[ They might need to split up for a few moments, but it won't be long. ]

[ she doesn't like the sound of that. the area was clear, but what if they missed a daemon? what if they were mistaken? will she be able to hear him if he shouts, if he needs help..? her expression says it all, her brow knit, her face tight with concern.

but she trusts him. ]

I'm going to bring them upstairs. Shout if you encounter trouble. If the lights are not on within five minutes, I am coming outside.

[ He knows she doesn't like it, but in the end, she trusts him, just as he trusts her. It's a simple enough fix, and they shouldn't leave the kids any longer. Poor Louie must be scared to death down there, having to be the grown up for the twins and Peo. They need their mother. ]

You know me. I can be loud when I need to.

[ Very loud. Pressing a quick kiss to her lips, Prompto steps away to grab the kit from under the sink and head outside to repair the wire. But before he disappears through the door, he turns back to her. ]

I love you. So much.

Oh no. None of that. You can love me when you are back inside in one piece.

[ alisaie says sternly, her eyes flashing with steel. she won't even deign to think that this might be anything even close to resembling half of a watered down goodbye. she has placed her trust in him, and so it is his duty and obligation to return without consequence.

rubbing at her bruised ribs, alisaie straightens up and pulls in a breath, and begins to move toward the cellar stairs. ]

Be careful.

[ Hah...feisty as ever, and unwilling to accept and "I love you" that can be construed in any way as a goodbye. He didn't mean it like that, but he understands her sentiment all the same. They can pour of their hearts all they want once their home and their family is completely safe and secure.

So he answers her with a nod only this time, heading outside with the kit to repair the line. It doesn't take him long, though it's stressful work. The whole time he listens for the sound of approaching daemons, and while he knows they're nearby, the like pouring out from the back door is enough to keep them at bay while he works. Soon enough, the wire is repair, and the outside lights blare to life, illuminating the perimeter of their home and sending the lingering daemons scattering.

Even so, once he steps back inside, he locks and secures all the doors before heading upstairs to find Alisaie. He needs to see that his children are safe and sound. ]

[ she watches the space he left behind for a few short moments, but she cannot linger overlong. their children are safe, but terrified, and so she goes to them quickly. louie greets her with wide, tearful eyes, it's clear that he's been holding back his sobs all this time in an attempt to be strong for the little ones, but the sight of her is enough to break the dam, and he dissolves into howls that spread like a contagion to the twins, and even to peo, who whines and shifts nervously.

but she is fine. bruised and dirty, but whole, and she calms him in time, and together, they move upstairs again. there's some cleaning up to be done, furniture to be righted and glass to be swept up, but the childrens' room is intact. prompto will find them all on louie's bed, the children sniffling but calmed, watching carefully while she gently wraps peo's paw in a supportive bandage. ]

You see? Just like this. He will be fine. He was very brave - all of you were very brave.

[ He steps into the room, and sights them all there, together, on Louie's bed, shaken and fretful but whole and well and most of all alive. His wonderful, little family. They've made it through this terrifying episode, and they did it together.

It's enough to bring tears to his eyes, and no doubt later, when he no longer needs to keep on a brave face for the children, he will dissolve in earnest, all the pressure and terror of the night bearing down upon his heart. But for now, he smiles for them all, picking up the twins in each arm and rocking them gently. ]

That's right. You were so brave and strong...we are so proud of you.

[ Their children shouldn't have to live in this terrible, cruel, dark world, but someday, the light will return. And until then, they've already proven their strength. They can handle this. ]

[ prompto scoops up the twins, and alisaie gathers up louis, whose face is still streaked with tears, but he's beginning to calm. she tugs him into her lap nonetheless, pressing a kiss to the crown of his mussed head; he's so much like his father, so easily spooked, so tender and sensitive, no doubt it shall take him some time to sleep well again. but also like his father, he is strong, and though she hates that they must raise their children in a world like this, there is a lesson to be learned here, tonight. that no matter what, the world is dangerous, that anything can happen at any time, but so long as they are together, they can survive, and protect one another. ]

Yes, we are.

[ she murmurs, rocking louie gently back and forth as he settles, and the house falls once again to peaceful silence. the floodlights have driven the daemons far away, no sound of their presence yet lingers, only the gentle crackle of firelight and the soothing voices of their parents to soothe the frightened children.

even nervous as he is, though, louie begins to nod off after some time. it takes a lot of energy to be frightened, the adrenaline rush had exhausted all of them. soon enough she leans the boy back in bed to tuck the covers up under his chin. ]

I shall leave your door open tonight, with the hallway light on, all right?

[ As Louie settles into bed, Prompto passes off one of the twins to Alisaie so he can lean over Louie and press a kiss to his brow, smoothing a hand over his hair. He's been so brave tonight...with any hope, his dreams will be peaceful and free of the daemons that terrorized them all tonight. ]

We'll be right there just in case you need us, okay? Sleep well, my best, little buddy.

[ Louie snuggles up with his chocobo plush and murmurs something incoherent, as good as asleep. Prompto rises again and starts towards the twins' room with one final look at his son, an aching smile on his lips. ]

That little guy is my hero...

[ He murmurs to Alisaie. ]

[ louie settles right down, warm and safe in his bed, and together they carry the twins to the nursery next door. already she can feel the drain of adrenaline tugging at her body like a weight, the fatigue of the fight and the soreness of her bruises settling in. ]

I know he is.

[ she says through a chuckle, while she leans to lay luci in her crib, carefully smoothing her fingers over the crown of her downy head. she's a little fussy, but she's calming quickly once she's tucked up with her blankets. ]

He's stronger than he looks.

[ As Alisaie lays Luci down in her crib, Prompto does the same with Luna, pressing a soft kiss to the crown of her head before straitening again. She's always been a good sleeper...he can only hope that tendency will hold true on a night like tonight. ]

I'd say we all are, huh? Those daemons didn't know what they were getting into when they messed with this family.

[ He meets Alisaie's gaze with a meaningful smile, reaching out to gently cup her elbow. They're all strong...because they have a wonderful example to follow in her. ]

[ thankfully the children are just as exhausted from their ordeal as their parents, so with a few gentle coos and warm kisses they're settled down and drifting to sleep, tucked in their blankets with their favorite stuffed animals. like as not they'll sleep late into the morning, which is just fine with alisaie, who's more than ready to do the same.

though not quite yet. ]

I should say so.

[ she says through a chuckle as they draw back into their own room again, and she lays her rapier down beside the bed again, where she had plucked it from. it's got some daemon ichor on it, but.. that can wait 'til tomorrow, with everything else. prompto is right, though. for as terrifying as it had been to be attacked at their home, their safe space, and at their most vulnerable, they had made it through unscathed - save for a few bruises and some broken dishware. speaking of which, she's sweaty and dirty. ]

I've need of a shower.

[ she says, turning back to him again, and drawing near to tug him by his waistband, her voice dropping low. ]

And I would not refuse your company, should you like to join me.

[ killing daemons gets her randy!! ]

[ She's not the only one, and while under normal circumstances, he might take the time to be playful, to tease her for her eagerness when they're both weary and dirty and in need of first aid, tonight he doesn't. Not after how easily they could have lost everything, or how hard they fought to protect their home and family. This is more than a need to burn off the excess adrenaline that still burns in his veins. This feels necessary.

So no sooner does she speak those words and tug him near than does his mouth close over hers, needful and ardent, a soft sound escaping him as his tongue curls into her mouth. Neither of them are ready for sleep just yet, and it isn't just the promise of a cleansing shower that has him surging forward, arms winding around her waist and prompting her to wind her legs around him. ]

I could be convinced...

[ He breathes, dragging his teeth over her bottom lip, pulling it taut. ]

[ his arms urge her, and she follows suit without delay, hopoing into his grasp with her knees braced around his hips, one arm winding tightly around his shoulders, the opposite hand splaying against his jaw, pulling his face even closer, locking their mouths even further together. when she speaks, her words are muffled between their mouths, punctuated by kisses, some quick, staccato, others long and lingering. ]

I should say you already are..

[ she murmurs, her mouth curving into a grin. after such a frightening experience, one might think she would still be too unnerved to tease and smile, but living the life that they do, it is the best time to smile. they've been tested and found worthy, they have survived unscathed. well, mostly unscathed. ]

Are you going to take care of me?

[ she purrs, low and soft, her fingers sinking into his hair. ]

[ He melts beneath her touch, her mouth warm and perfect, all of her curving and closing around him, and he's ready to undo her on the spot, to push her right back against the wall and make quick work of the both of them — but she asks him to take care of her, and so he will. A sound of wanting slips from his throat as he drags his mouth from her to trail kisses from her jaw to her ear, the world around them narrowing.

He could have lost her tonight. He's come so close, so many times, and yet she persists. They both persist, and so they will honor their bond, and unwind. ]

Mm...every inch of you.

[ Exquisite, delicate care, given by a practiced hand that knows every inch of her intimately. In the back of his mind, he knows to be gentle — she took a rough hit from the iron giant, and he doesn't want to exacerbate her injuries by, er, being too frisky. But needing to be gentle won't take any of the intensity or heat out of it. If anything it will only amplify it, and give them time to savor it.

With her scooped up in his arms, he moves slowly towards the bathroom, those sweet, hot kisses moving down her throat with all the care he promised, nosing at the collar of her nightdress to kiss the ridge of her breasts. ]

You're gonna need a full examination.

[ He says between warm exhales as he sets her on the countertop. ]

[ she knows him well enough, they've danced this dance enough times that she can tell he's being gentle, despite the intensity of every touch and kiss, how his hands seem to cling to her wherever they move. normally she might give him a hard time for it, but she is sore, and they've got cleanup to do in the morning, she'd rather not be worst off.

but this is necessary nonetheless, in a way they can't deny themselves. it's imperative. ]

Mm.. I shall try to behave for you, doctor..

[ she breathes, tilting her head up to facilitate the sweep of his kisses down her neck and collar, her hands already finding the hem of his sleeping shirt and slipping beneath it. his skin is hot beneath her fingertips, her palms smoothing lean muscle and bone as she glides them up his sides, rucking the hem of his shirt around her wrists. ]

But I make no guarantees.

[ If his skin is hot, her palms and fingers are positively scalding, and Prompto shudders as her hands move beneath his shirt. Chilled sweat still clings to him from their exertions outside, a stark contrast to the heat that surges from his gut as she touches him, and his teeth catch in her skin in response, not as gentle as the rest of his movements have been. ]

Hn...as long as you don't report me.

[ His arms unwind from around her at last, but only so she can lift his shirt free of his body, cool air sweeping over too-hot skin. Soon enough they're upon her again, but this time, his hands creep beneath the hem of her nightdress, fingers teasing along the inside of her thighs while he kisses her mouth again breathlessly. ]

'M not takin' advantage of you, am I?

[ He says with a laugh against her mouth, as his hands continue to move up, her dress gathering on his wrists. ]

[ with his shirt out of the way it is so much easier to touch him, to feel his skin, and the contours of his body that she'd memorized years ago, yet enjoys as if it were the first time, every time. ]

Taking advantage of me..?

[ she asks demurely, her teeth worrying at his lower lip, her hands dropping to cover his own, guiding them up over her thighs, her skin jumping beneath the drag of his callused palms. her blood is running hot in her veins, her heart in her throat, her skin too tight over her bones, all of her leaning toward him, into him. ]

Of course not, ser, you are a professional, I know I am safe in your very capable hands.

[ at last her hands slip off of his but only so she can snag the hem of her nightdress enough to tug it upward over her hips and up, away from her body, leaning in to drag her nose along his, butting her face against his own like a cat, breathing in the scent of his skin. ]

Why? Should I be concerned?

[ In a moment, her nightdress is gone, too, and he soaks in the sight of her skin through heavily-lidded eyes. Then she presses near again, her breath against his cheek, and he nuzzles back against her, peppering her mouth with short, insistent kisses, breaking apart his words. ]

...Not at all. [ A longer, lingering kiss as his fingers slip along the waistband of her underwear. ] I said...I would take care of you...didn't I?

[ Although...

He breaks from her mouth to trail kisses down her neck again, but breaks away just enough to peer at her ribs. He knows Alisaie. He knows she has a tendency to...gloss over her own injuries at the best of times, and he's not about to injure her further just because he didn't know how hurt she really is.

So one of his hands brushes lightly over her ribs, eyes flickering up to find her own. ]

Are you sure this is okay?

[ PLEASE DON'T CRACK YOUR RIBS FOR A BOINK, ALISAIE ]

[ DON'T TELL HER WHAT TO DO, YOU ARENT HER REAL DAD!! she will boink her ribs to dust if she so chooses..

and she does so choose!! ]

I'm sure.

[ she says softly, taking the hand that hovers by her bruised ribs and lifting it to her face so she can press soft, sweet kisses, one by one, to every one of his knuckles. injured or no, they need this, she needs this, she needs his hands, his mouth, his body. she needs to drown herself in him, and everything that they are, everything that they have.

lifting her face to his again, she touches her brow to his own, nuzzling her nose alongside his. ]

You'll just have to be gentle with me.

[ she murmurs, threading their fingers together, her gaze fluttering up toward his. ]

Prompto - [ she whispers, his name little more than a breath. ] I want another child.

[ If he had any lingering doubt that she's in good enough repair for sex, they vanish when she says that, unprompted. Which is sort of cheating, because if there was any set of words that would get Prompto to bone her despite her current condition, it's those ones.

His breath catches in his throat, color splashing into his cheeks as his eyes snap open wide — did he hear her correctly? She's ready to expand their family even further? To welcome yet another miracle into their lives? He doesn't have the presence of mind to think too deeply of the ramifications of such a choice — he, of course, will have as many kids as she'll let him have — and steeped in intense emotions as this moment is, his answer is easy, and absolute. ]

...Me, too. [ Unsurprisingly, but it's still important to say as much. ] Sweetheart...

[ He kisses her mouth, soft and lingering at first, but slowly deepening, his hands dragging down her bare back as he arches up against her. ]

Let's do this. [ He breathes between their kisses, a joyful noise riding on his voice. ] Let's make a baby.

[ As if he needed any more incentive... ]