Love Is. [David]

[Kyrie Blaze]

Words wandered. Rumour flew.

The first she caught after getting back from her visit to Mathew. Regardless of the circumstances - with all of the circumstances there were; and it was a ridiculous amount - Kyrie had needed to know something from him. And it so happened that her journey made her miss, completely, David's departure. His and Olesya's argument.

Which was probably for the best.

So the blonde had thrown herself into work with what could have been reckless abandonment. She needed the work to keep her mind occupied. So she wouldn't-- As it was she did double what she thought she could for her Groves, on top of the task that David had assigned to her.

The task she now did alone with his absence.

But David wasn't absent anymore.

Word travelled exceptionally fast, as was always the case. And as adept as she was in listening, it hadn't taken long for Kiyr to pick up on that fact. Or the state he had been in upon his arrival back home--of his departure for the night to get patched up. Or what happened with Olesya. Or that David still wasn't attending the Council meetings. And Kyrie had tried - oh had she tried - to step back. To step away. But with everything how it was, with the state he had returned in, word this morning of August leaving with David not going to the meeting.

Hoofing it to and up the tallest available building, the blonde soon found herself "flying", utilizing her wing suit of shadow. Her heart was in her throat and her stomach knotted so tightly she swore she could be sick at any moment. She couldn't enjoy the flight as she was angled toward David's house. The place she'd never been within, but one recent night had observed. Her eyes were bright. Tears. Fears. Anxiety. Pain. Love.

It was all brought to the forefront. Like a moth to flame, she couldn't stay away. And still, even through the tears that threatened to stream down (mostly from their unprotected state in relation to the wind streaming along her body) her gaze was keen.

But Kyrie hadn't expected to see him below. Walking. A pack slung over his shoulder. She streaked above him and was gone a second later. Jerking in shock, she tried to sharply maneuver, and instead with a curse, had it dissipate as she tumbled through the air. There was a trademark CRACK as her qi expanded and shifted to a parachute to brake her momentum sharply. It devoured her breathless cry of alarm.

Swinging from the parachute's momentum, Kyrie released her qi, timing it to shoot herself into the brick wall and push off as she corkscrewed her body, rolling off the ground and back up to her feet. And then came the sprint to catch up, as she overshot him by at least a block. Probably two or three.Regardless of that fact, she pushed hard. Not knowing the contents of the pack, she didn't want to jump to conclusions.

But, certainly, it didn't look good.

Leaning, the blonde swerved around the corner of a building, her breaths coming quickly, but lightly, for now. Expanding her stride, she pushed further, propelling herself in a near-sprint.

"...David..!"

[David B.]

They say it's what you make
I say it's up to fate
It's woven in my soul
I need to let you go

Your eyes, they shine so bright
I want to save that light
I can't escape this now
Unless you show me how

David trudged along at a jog, about fifteen minutes after leaving Olesyas. He had to focus not to think about Maddie. To think about what he was leaving behind. So many times he had been drug back- and in such cases, he always ended up unhappy. Working for others. How could someone champion freedom of self, while chained to a wrecking ball of responsibility? He kept up the pace, and didnt look back. As he crossed into Doerc Veritas territory, he slowed to a walk, trying to regain his breath.

Of course, during that time, she found him.

Crying out his name from above, she soared past him, David looking up and watching her, turning around and walking backward as she landed. He would keep walking like that, until she got close, to which he would say-

"Coming along with me, then?"

David had made her a covert operative for a reason. She heard things. Knew things. He didnt pretend, even for a second, that she didn't know what happened. Knowing was her job. So he decided to play with it. Turning around and continuing forward, he tried to steady the newly opened wound in his chest at the sight of her. Keeping himself straight, he readjusted a grip on his bag, the light clinking of metal following. He took a deep breath, waiting for her to say what she came to say.

[Kyrie Blaze]

With the question, the blonde's stride faltered. And she slowed down, gaze bewildered and heart utterly conflicted. His tone was flat but the offer was serious. And it was the tone he used that drove an arrow into her. What was he doing?

"...do you offer because you want me to? For the right reasons?" She wasn't meaning a relationship. She wasn't here to 'turn this to her advantage'. No, no. Far from it.

But she wondered. And certainly, even hurt, her heart jumped at the question. If she went, it would be for him. What others would think was the furthest from her mind. But the Dragons. Not to mention Mathew--but she would make her choice and be able to stand up to the consequences, if that was her path. Chances were the Dragons would be fine without her, but...

Even slowing, she continued to catch up, moving faster than she struggled through the sudden tangle of emotion. Still, her eyes zeroed in on the mass of tags as they clinked and clamoured, and the light shone off them. But they - while they were important, what they meant - weren't so important as David was. It was just a reflection.

When she spoke, it was quietly breathless, filled with worry and concern and every other conflicted emotion she was struggling with: "David, s'il vous plaît arrêter pour un petit moment--?"

Just for a moment.

Just a moment.

He was leaving, she knew. And while everything in her demanded she stop him from leaving, she couldn't. That wasn't love. That was her own flaws speaking--the avarice she had told Delilah about. Not for material things, but for something much more important. And she couldn't keep him here, even more than she couldn't let him go to have space he needed. In those few moments between catching sight of him and taking him in, her heart gave a pained lurch.

Kyrie knew.

If David relented, he would quickly find arms banded around him in a tight hug. A head against his chest. She didn't jostle what he was carrying, but didn't pay the items much heed, either, with the fiercely gentle hug. She didn't say anything. It was a moment that was felt, over needing to be heard.

[David B.]

David rolled his eyes, turning around to walk forward as she asked him if he wanted her to. He didn't really know the answer to that question. What he planned...may not be for someone else to take part in. It was why he left Scarlet with- he stopped as she asked him to, back still facing her as she hugged him. He didn't hug her back. He just stood there, arms at his sides, e small girl holding him from behind. His eyes were covered in shadow and he said nothing until she let go. He stood for a couple more seconds.

Then started walking again. He would ignore the hug and instead respond to her earlier question.

"The question isn't whether I want you to. It's whether you do."

He turned back to face her.

"I don't suppose your master wants his dog fetching about with me again, and unless you want your other leg to remain flawless I suppose you better keep barking. Plus your other boyfriend could track you and where I'm going, I'd have to pull him apart to prevent him from running to your master as well."

He stared. His eyes were surprisingly....cold. Distanced.

He started to turn back around, hoofing it.

"Once you figure it out, I'm sure you'll do what you like. Me? I'm going."

[Kyrie Blaze]

To be honest, Kyrie wasn't expecting the hug to be returned. Or even acknowledged. And so, the nature of her feelings being what they were for him, she didn't blame him. Her arms slid from around him, gently and reluctantly.

With his first step, she too, moved out.

Walking with him, for now.

Her lips parted as he stopped and turned. She was about to answer him - she did - when he bit out his next words. It felt like a blow, dead over her heart: a cracking whiplash of pain that lanced through her. Her eyes widened in shock and her lips parted just a little further. She paled, and shifted back. Her hand came up and curled over her heart as she felt something give. Crack, when it had only started to just repair itself.

Tears glinted--tears she didn't bother to hide, despite and because of the fact he was too busy lashing out to care. But she did care and love, still, even with his brazen and harsh attempt at pushing her away.

"David--" Her breath caught. There was no way she could remain unaffected by what he had just said. But, she could continue. Had to, for she had something to say. Something more than this. Because even though he'd just tore a knife of words through her, it didn't change the fact she had seen, could see that he was hurt. Hurt and angry and very likely confused and doubtful. And she felt that, too, for that was what he'd just done to her, with an added dash of fear. She swallowed that away as she started to move after, and with, him. "You say that even knowing, full well, that I was taught to ensure I could stand up to the consequences of my choices. In this, though--? It would be worth it, to follow you--anything he could throw at me, I would bear. Death I would fight. If he wanted to take a limb, I would fight. All because I would be ensuring someone I love had someone that loved him by his side, even as silent support, when he needed it most. But I know you need space, and I feel that at this point you would only speak as you do now, and that it would only cause more pain on top of what we feel at this moment, and compound it with bitterness. And that last part is a consequence I am not willing to bear."

A pause, just to draw a partial, quick, breath. She would hurt, over and over, because he would not have the space and time he needed to heal.

"And you know full well that Levi is not with me. I am not here to stop you from leaving, David--it would not be love if I tried to keep you here when I can see. So--so I say this: that Nicholas Sparks quote? The one that starts: 'Love is always patient and kind'? All of the words in the rest of that quote are true, but there is more. Love is. And it is steady and true. And often, it is brave and fierce and strong."

Love is a warrior.

"If you love her as much as I think, as much as I can see--" Her breath caught, cutting her words off. This was painful. Love also hurt. But in her love, she did not blame him for loving someone else. For being in so much pain after what happened that this was what he chose. She hadn't quite reached forgiveness at the moment, but because of the love she had, it would not be very far. She wasn't giving up on him, or on her own hope, but, she could not stand to see him miserable. It hurt her, too, to see him like this. And his happiness was what mattered to her--and perhaps in time, her own would come as well. Just, perhaps not in the way she had hoped and wanted. And she knew full well that that, too, would hurt. "If you want her above all else...then you will fight for her, even against her, because love is always worth never giving up on. And I would be there beside you to offer support."

Even if it meant it wasn't her that he wanted. And love, for her, was also knowing when to fight for it and when to be gentle. And when to give it--which was another reason she couldn't go with him, right now. It wasn't that she was withholding or withdrawing, oh no, but rather she saw that he needed time and space more than he needed love from her.

Perhaps she needed some time away, as well.

With her throat beginning to close up from the hard admittances, from being brave, from seeing him like this, from being hurt, she called out in question.

"Can I see S-Scarlet before you go..? S'il vous plaît..?"

[David B.]

David said nothing. He didnt bother to rebuff her- having an argument about his love for who and what it means was not on his list of things to do. So his only response was-

"You don't know the first thing about what Im thinking and feeling. But you can think what you want."

David kept trudging along, eyes on the surrounding area. They were out of Dragon territory and into the danger zone now. He needed to keep his eyes peeled. As she asked about scarlet, David took a deep breath.

"Shes not with me. She's with...a friend. And I can't tell you where she is. But I can help her to you in a few days...."

For that, he felt for her. Her and Scarlet. But at this point there was nothing he could do about it. He'd promised to tell no one where Mitsuki was, and it was a promise he planned to keep.

[Kyrie Blaze]

The blonde jerked at the stab. Her eyes glistened. Despite the hard lump in her throat, she found her voice.

"...n-no. I suppose I do not. But--the same can be said for how I feel." She could only manage a whisper, and it was clear it was more just a response than actually arguing. What he felt was his. What she felt was hers. Certainly there were similarities, however...it didn't mean they felt exactly the same.

But with his response to her query on Scarlet, blue eyes flared wide. A startled sound slid from her lips. He was leaving her behind? If he didn't have the amount of dog tags he did, if he wasn't in the shape he was, she wouldn't have been able to stop from crying out: why?

"Does she know you are leaving agai-in? You told her, at least?" There was a note of pleading in her tone. For him to say he did--that he did, and that he wasn't lying to her about it. Unbidden and unconscious she spoke, her word was for that, and for her. "...please..."

[Kyrie Blaze]

David B. said:

David kept walking, the three words falling from his lips emotionlessly-

"No, she doesn't."

He paused, turning around, looking at her with what might be stoicism, but beneath was actually a rather thick layer of trust in his words as he kept his eyes on hers and-

"I'm leaving her with you, for three weeks. I'll be back, and living outside of the city. That's all that really needs to be told. When I get back from my....vacation.... Then perhaps you'll take me up on the offer of coming along with what I have planned."

He turned around and took a left, breathing deep, trying not to disturb his wounds as he moved.

"But make no mistake- I'm done with the Dragons."

Kyrie Blaze said:

Her step faltered with a slight roll of her ankle. A misstep. That was how much he threw her off. Scarlet was his. She knew everything--she only ever was his everything--and he was keeping her in the dark. The blonde with her shocked gaze could only hope he would not dare to treat her so coldly. But, only time would tell. She couldn't speak for the lump lodged in her throat. So she listened, instead, intent and intense and trying to reason out his words.

Emotion was high; the task, for the moment, impossible.

Her hand lifted to her heart and closed into a fist, paired with a nod. The petite woman couldn't speak, but the gesture and the emotion in her eyes spoke volumes. She would keep Scarlet safe; her life would be forfeit millions of times before she would allow the mechanical Scarlet to fall in even a moment's harm.

Tears stung her eyes, but she let them, blinked them back because she could not use them to even attempt keeping him here. He needed to go: and so, she would let him. Because he deserved that much, at least.

Swallowing several times as he dropped the last line, unable to form words once more, Kyrie lifted a hand to press her fingers to her lips. The hand dropped, limp to her side. How could he just be done? It wasn't possible--some part of him would always be The Storm Dragon. One couldn't simply cast it aside like it was refuse. Like it was disgusting. But she held her tongue--this was no place for such a discussion. In fact, the only thing it would be at this point was an argument, and for his sake, she would send him away without further ridicule. He likely wasn't ready to hear and listen, anyway.

With a sniff and another harsh swallow, she found her voice. A whisper of it.

She couldn't say she would take him up on his offer. Not right now. He needed time. More time than three weeks. David needed to heal.

"...I will keep her close to my heart..." She looked up, staring at him and perhaps only hoping to meet his gaze. Hoping to see the person she knew him to be instead of what he was projecting, even if that hope was foolish. Her throat threatened to close once again. It was still husky, but softened. "Go, then--go with love and understanding."

She accepted, even if part of her didn't want to. But it was easy to quell that part of her, seeing him like this simply solidified what she knew and felt more than what her own flaws told her to act upon.

"...and come back, safe and sound."

David B. said:

David would smile as he walked, stopping just before the end of the road, Kiyr having stopped about twenty feet back. He would watch her a moment.

"Don't worry about me, Kiyr. Though I'm not the Elder leading the struggle, though I'm not a member of the crew- I'll forever be the Storm Dragon. In that, you can count on. My strength of will and of arms, as such- both a gift and a curse- will make sure I'll be home, one way or another."

He would offer her the thumbs up.

"Take care of things for me."

And in that, he would take off- not in flight or in a jog, but in a balls out spring- his body would be a blur, the buildings flying by- if she rounded the corner after him, he would be fading into the waves of heat in the distance, the sounds of his feet echoing mindlessly off the walls, and within moments he was gone.

Soon to be at city limits for a final break....then north.

To find his older brother.

Kyrie Blaze said:

The blonde's chin dipped downwards, stalling the hiccup that threatened escape before it actually could. Once again, she listened. Listened to the words and the tone. While it was meant as reassurance and comfort, he was still holding fast to his statement. Her heart didn't lighten for it, though she appreciated his attempt.

A brave, but tiny smile twitched her lips upwards with the thumbs-up.

She couldn't reply with the lump back in her throat, but she managed a rapid dip of her head: a nod. And then struggled with a gasp as he tore off. And, in the moment as she was, she took off after him. Even though she knew it would be no use. She wouldn't call him back. Couldn't as much as that. But still, she didn't want him to go, didn't want to watch him leave.

But would let him go.

Would watch.

She rounded the corner with a sob cracking and stuck in the back of her throat, and rapidly slowed her pace from a sprint. To a jog. To a walk.

To a stop.

Once again at war with the emotion lodged in her throat, she sniffed softly a few times and finally reached up to press her fingers and palms against her eyes, wiping the glistening wet there away, and none-too-gently. And in watching him through one eye - then the other - stood for a while. Watched for longer.

And eventually, once she had herself composed, would turn to head back Home...

David B. said:

...meanwhile...

Scarlet sat on the roof a above, proudly portrayed, like a gargoyle come to life, as David and Kiyr spoke. Words were spoken softly and she couldn't hear, but she understood the tone. Watched David race away and Kiyr take off after him...only to slow and stop, wiping away tears. Scarlet looked up, blinking her red eyes-

"Take me to her."

He voice was spoke softly, the woman lifting her and jumping off the roof. She would land in front of Kiyr, black hair flowing behind, her eyes a cool violet. Youichi spoke calmly.

"Kiyr Barrial? I don't think we have ever had the pleasure..."

She offered her hand to shake, Scarlet currently out of sight.

Kyrie Blaze said:

Mid-step, a body landed before her. Blue eyes shot wide at the perceived threat, and her foot came to set itself on the ground in short order, hands lifting to guard her centre line--

Just in case.

With no malice present in the woman before her, and being addressed by name (though really, that didn't mean much: her would-be assassin had known her name, after all), the blonde relaxed, if slightly. One last swallow before she trusted herself to speak, Kyrie's hand slowly drew forward to grasp hers. And realization came. She was part of the group--one she had never met, personally, obviously. But she had ousted David with Anna, when she had passed the note for her prank around. She'd seen her from afar.

When Kyrie took her hand, she was more sure. More certain--and certainly somewhat embarrassed she was so out-of-sorts she didn't recognize her earlier. She shook the woman's hand, grip gentle, but firm.

"...hello. You are...Youichi, correct..?"

David B. said:

The woman smiled, and nodded.

"Yes. I'm here on behalf of one whom we love."

Youichi held out her hand, palm up, and from around her back Scarlet crawled, winding her way over the arm and sitting on Youichis palm. She shook her head roughly, as though clearing it out before scratching her neck with her back right leg and huffing.

"As if that dimwit could leave without me knowing. I knew before he did."

She looked up at Kiyr and blinked.

"Hello, Kyrie. It is good to see you again."

Kyrie Blaze said:

One? Yes. But...

'...better make that two...' She thought, whatever progress she made being lost again as the tiny Dragon made her way down to Youichi's palm. The blonde's fingers twitched mid-air, having paused in their extraction from shaking the young woman's hand. Her eyes watered and she blinked them away. But there was a slight shake to her shoulders, indicating laughter as much as tears. Her free hand came up to press away the tears once again before she looked at Youichi; searching for confirmation she could take the precious being perched in her hand. David had said 'in a few days', after all.

Provided she was granted permission, she would reach out, swiftly to cover her shaking, but gently scoop Scarlet up and bring her close.

Her head bowed, and she managed two words. "H-Hello, Csitri."

David B. said:

Youichi smiled- a small, subdued one, and nodded. Scarlet would step up into the grasp of the blonde, spreading her legs for stability as she nodded, blinking up at her.

"You are...crying."

She would sit, as it was easier than standing, and sigh.

"Do not fret, Kyrie. He loves you. He will remember it, before too long."

Kyrie Blaze said:

There was another small sniffle before Kyrie slowly drew her hand up, feathering her lips softly against Scarlet's head, and finished pushing back her tears, not wanting them to drop onto her little metalworked body.

"I apologize, Scarlet--but one can not help tears if one is hurt or sad, or even afraid."

Gently curling her fingers further around her, the blonde kept the tiny Dragon close to her heart and looked up to Youichi.

"Thank you." She breathed, grateful with every bit of her being.

David B. said:

Youichi spoke.

"Take care of her- Any harm comes to that little dragon, and I'll skin you myself."

A small smile to indicate it was spoken out of love before her jacket glowed a little to indicate an activated power. She bent her knees and rocketed into sky. Scarlet watched her go before turning her eyes to Kiyr.

"You are leaving too. Am I to be left with another again?"

Kyrie Blaze said:

"My life for hers with countless bodies in my wake before any harm unto her should fall."

Kyrie's chin lifted, the words spoken soft but sure and strong. But a small curve of her lips indicated no offence was taken. In fact, Kyrie would likely issue the same warning to someone else, if the situation was different. Kyrie watched with only the smallest prickles of envy as Youichi lit to the sky and fired away from their location. Blue eyes fell back to regard the Dragon. And while everything in her cried out that Scarlet should not be put into danger...she did not want to call upon Youichi or another of David's friends and allies when he entrusted to her, his precious friend's safety.

Slowly, she lifted the arm that had fallen to her side as she took a slow, deep breath. The tip of her finger ran gently over Scarlet's back.

"...how do you know I am leaving, Csitri..?" For now, she didn't answer Scarlet's question, though her gaze was gentle, telling her small companion she would answer her, if she had just a small amount of patience and would answer this, first.

David B. said:

Scarlett stared for a long time before she answered, softly, following a pur of pleasure at the stroke along her back.

"We are not so different, you and I. Were I able.... I would go too. The Dragons, the city....the cause- it all seems a little less bright without him."

She turned her eyes away- unable to cry. Perhaps it was forgotten, perhaps not, but once Scarlet had said she was in love with David- but to no purpose, as he was beyond her. Scarlet folded her hands, one over another, and lay her head on top of them.

Kyrie Blaze said:

Kyrie's fingers continued their slow, trailing motions down Scarlet's spine, and then along her wings and sides. hoping to give the tiny being the comfort that her very presence gave Kyrie, herself. It was no substitute for David, not by a long shot, but she did love the tiny Dragon, deeply and unconditionally.

"I...may make several trips, as the Dragons are my family in every sense of the word." Kyrie murmured, gently, hesitating. And then, she exhaled softly. "...would you like to come with..?"

It was huge, for her, but she couldn't leave Scarlet behind. Just like she couldn't remain. There was too much she needed to do. And to see.

David B. said:

Scarlet lifted her head, blinking up at her- hopeful.

"I...would love to go with you, Kyrie. Nothing would please me more, except...."

Maybe going with David. But she understood, and knew Kiyr would understand.

Kyrie Blaze said:

Kyrie understood. And she nodded, then feathered her lips across the Dragon's head, fingers curling up to stroke her sides.

"Then I will take you with me and keep you safe from all harm. I could no sooner leave you, Scarlet, than I could permanently leave the Dragons."

David B. said:

Scarlet would rub up against Kiyrs thumb, a deep hum coming from inside. She felt warm as she rested there, nodding after.

"Thank you."

Kyrie Blaze said:

Blinking rapidly again, the blonde swept her fingers beneath the mechanical being's jaw and rubbed, softly.

"You need not thank me, Csitri." Especially considering there was no absolute guarantee for her safety--but that was not a deterrent, either. Her gaze slid in the direction of Dragon Territory. Home. She only partially sighed. "I have words to give someone. I suppose you do not want to be parted from me, if only for a little while..?"

Not that she would blame her. Kyrie didn't want to leave her, either, but these things had to be said now, because they could not wait. But she didn't necessarily want Scarlet to bear witness...even though she was certain she could keep her composure and not become too angry.

David B. said:

Scarlet watched for a moment.

"Words....?"

To whom...?

Kyrie Blaze said:

Her blue eyes were contemplative as she looked at Scarlet. Measured and mostly calm, all things considered.

"Yes, words for Olesya."

David B. said:

Scarlet lifted her head, a little surprised.

"That....may not end well, I'd think."

Kyrie Blaze said:

Scarlet earned a small sigh.

"Perhaps not. But I am not afraid, Csitri, of what could happen between her and me. They are both...stubborn, from what little I have seen and heard of Olesya."

David B. said:

Scarlet nodded.

"She is at that. I would go with you if you'd have me- perhaps hidden in your shirt?"

Kyrie Blaze said:

"If you truly want to be there, Scarlet, I will not deny you." She tried for a smile, and managed one of soft reassurance.

David B. said:

Scarlet nodded, and would stand to walk up Kiyrs sleeve, crawl down her neckline and rest inside her bra, curling up there.

"You have these holders for me and your...um...yourself. They are perfect and warm. I'll stay here. Lets get going."

Kyrie Blaze said:

Blue eyes were soft as she watched Scarlet crawl her way up her arm. She het her hand loosen to allow her to, but also allowed her to sidle up without help, as she was strong enough to make the journey, herself. When she crawled into her bra, however...a bright blush lit her cheeks. A squeak escaped her lips.

"I--ah--o-okay?"

Swallowing her embarrassment and drawing on her composure, the blonde turned to walk back to Dragon Territory. It was only when she neared that her stride became purposeful. She had things to say to Olesya. And she would be heard.