- want to do more. I want to help where I can."
Simultaneously grasping for straws whilst arguing with himself. Torn between staying and taking the chance temporarily leaving her unguarded.
His own expression twisted into a frown of uncertainty.
"Would you truly be fine with me going to investigate?"
Even with the implication of permission, there was still some guilt.
"It's just...
Someone from there knows me.
What if they need something? What if they need -
she crawls forwards , crouched in front of the massive man , hands reaching up to smooth back some of his wild hair .
" will you go ? "
perilla's voice was quiet , tinged with concern . not for herself , no . but for him . worried he may get himself caught up
&&
- help?"
He felt crazy, why would anyone want a fugitive in their kingdom?
"I'm just... Uncertain. You've been doing so many important things and I've just... Been here. The only things I've done positive is make sure that you're safe.
And maybe it's a bit selfish... But I -
-
"It was... For me.
Like... Like one of those tourism invitation things." Stumbling, unable to find the right words. Never in knowing the right words.
"Asked for me by name - 'We hope to see you, Feijoa.'.
It was weird..."
"I keep my head down. Uniform keeps them quiet if I keep my distance, don't get close enough for them to realize."
Lord knows he's done his best to behave, otherwise more would've met fates similar to Persimmon.
Suddenly, sitting on the floor, hands placed against his knees.
-
" and the guardians , they have left you alone ? "
she was still in the processes of releasing him from his 'shackles' , but it was not easy to do so . hopefully , he kept his head out of trouble .
" wait โ puma ? tell me , they haven't been in contact ? "
"'m fine. I know how to take care of myself despite how strange things can get.
Nothing much has occured in terms the world around us, no civil unrest.
In terms of me personally? Little more than a letter sent from somewhere in Puma and strange whispers in my dreams."
a low purr came from her throat as he stood , allowing her tail to swish smoothly side to side .
" it's hot . . . what happened since i've been out ? are you okay ? "
So long as he was around, he'd be her ever vigilant eyes.
Rising to his feet from his squatted position.
"Summer, yeah. You've been out for... A little while. Something like that."
Promptly stretching now that he wasn't forcing himself to hold his position.
oh feijoa , the ever loyal guardian .
a small smile breaks her lips as she blinks the sleep from her eyes , lifting a hand to rub one with a yawn .
" good . . . summer ? "
- press his forehead against hers.
"It's nice, though. It feels good having someone care about me for more than just the bare obligation of keeping me alive to work."
He'd finally move to bring his arms around her.
"I... I understand. I'm still not used to... Us, if that makes sense.
Never really had the chance to be close with someone.
Especially like what we did..."
Giving a more honest explanation, leaning his head forward to -
"I know - figured I used up all of my luck getting up to that point and didn't wanna try pushing it again."
An admittedly dumb joke, but the concept of closeness to another person was still quite alien to him - even after their little night of passion.
"Wanted to make sure -
she rubs her eyes , simply getting out of the pile and grabbing one .
she was slow , obviously still tired . but managed to pad her way over into his lap , wrapping the warm fabric around them both .
" i have allowed you to do unspeakable things to me , fei . "
A tired groan as he's stirred awake - despite her hushed tone, it seemed to be enough to wake him.
"Sorry - didn't know if you were comfortable with me sleeping beside you, was all."
He grumbles out, gathering his bearings now that he's in the waking world once more.
sitting up on the furs she was sleeping in , perilla glanced over .
" feijoa , "
her voice a hushed tone .
" why are you asleep in the corner , silly man ? "