dissonates | [Action]

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[It's morning, and Asch is paying a visit to the smithy to look into getting his Maestro sword sharpened; it's been a while, and you can only do so much without giving it a proper filing. While he's there waiting for his request to be processed - or waiting for a free spot in the workshop to do it himself if necessary - he browses around the store at the new arrivals, wanting to check on what kinds of blades have shown up. And that's about when he stumbles upon something he definitely wasn't expecting to see.

So within a few hours, Asch can be found heading home through the snow with two swords, one at his hip and the other simply carried by his side, though he's careful with it, as if it's some kind of sacred weapon. He's looking for someone specific, but feel free to stop him en route to House 5 if you're around.]

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[It's a lot to take in. Hard to hear it, even harder to accept; Guy had been right, it was all so ugly, so hateful. This was Guy, the Guy he'd loved and treasured and hugged and played with as a child. His precious servant, his childhood friend. He'd known for a long time that it had all been a lie, but it's quite different, hearing it to that extent, knowing just how deep that lie ran through Guy's heart.

The last part- that's the worst of it. And while he'd remained quiet and relatively calm throughout it all, even he can't help but flinch a little at that, finally looking away from Guy to face the window instead. It's still snowing outside, harder than before, and the warmth of the inside air is forming fog on the glass.

It isn't how Guy feels about him anymore. He knows that, he knows. And that sort of hatred is something he understands very well. How many times had he felt such thoughts about his replica- about Luke? How often had he dreamt about killing Luke, or watching him die, or knowing that he'd died in Akzeriuth like he'd been born to do, drowning in the filthy mud and miasma of the Qliphoth. It had been such a comfort to know that everyone who had made him suffer would pay for what they'd done. Even Guy, even Natalia. They were all going to die when Van purged the Score from the world. And then he could die too. At last.

He doesn't know what to say. For a long while, long after Guy's finished, he can't think of a single thing. He could talk about how he understands, coddle him and say how he's forgiven for it, he could explain how it wasn't his fault, he could even prove Guy right by accusing him, getting angry, expressing pain or shock or betrayal. So many options, and he'd probably be justified in some way or other.

Guy had said he couldn't do it wrong, after all.

...it all feels empty, though. Every single one. So Asch sighs quietly to himself, watching his breath on the window, and finally speaks up.]

Thank you.

[Guy shakes his head hard, lifting his other hand to cover his eyes as well. He hunches his shoulders. Grits his teeth.

God damn it. He hadn't wanted to do that. He'd put it away far enough that he'd never have to think about it again, and now it hurts like it was just yesterday.]

[Asch doesn't move at first, doesn't so much as glance over at Guy. It's too much, it's too soon. No one would want to acknowledge the person to delighted in your own suffering. Not too long ago he'd have been outraged, shamelessly letting it out and storming off to brood or abuse someone who didn't know any better.

Such a hypocrite.

He doesn't do that now, though. Instead he stands up from his seat by the window, stepping over to Guy's chair and crouching down in front of it, knees resting against Guy's legs for balance. He reaches up, tugging at one of Guy's hands to pull it away from his eyes and hold it closely. If Guy fights, Asch will fight back, his gaze slowly growing steady again, the way it was when he'd decided this was what he wanted.

He's determined not to regret this. This is Guy, all of Guy- the noble servant who loves and hates and feels just as much as everyone else.]

Edited 2010-11-20 14:36 (UTC)

[Guy, naturally, does fight. He tries to wrench his wrist out of Asch's grasp, recoiling.]

Get off of me!

[And Asch holds on, clutching Guy's hand with both of his, eyes determined.]

Why?

I don't- [Guy yanks again, and reaches down to pry at Asch's fingers with his free hand.]

I don't want you anywhere near me. Get off of me. Get off.

Guy. [Asch snaps his name this time, jerking his hands towards his own body and pulling Guy's with it. He's not caving in this, or giving Guy an inch. He's already decided.] I'm not going anywhere.

You're such a bastard.

I told you I didn't want to do this. I told you. This isn't any of your business-!

[Guy shoves hard against Asch.]

Everything you said had something to do with me, or my family. You pledged House Gardios to me. And unless something changed while I wasn't looking, we're still pretty damned involved with each other. Care to tell me what exactly isn't my business here?

Edited 2010-11-20 15:22 (UTC)

[Guy doesn't have a good rebuttal for that; his eyes dart from side-to-side as he attempts to find some thread of logic, something, anything to get Asch to go away but he can't.

There isn't anything.

He yanks again, his expression crumpling into something more trapped and maybe even a bit afraid.]

Let go- Please let me go-!

I won't! [Asch holds Guy's hand so tightly his nails are digging into the skin, but he doesn't care. He needs Guy to stay, and he doesn't know what might happen if he lets go.] I won't let go, and I won't leave you. Guy, it's okay.

[Okay.

Okay.

Asch's fingernails make Guy flinch and his eyes slide to the side, staring down at the ground. He has to calm down; there isn't an easy out to this situation so he has to make one. The first step is to calm down.]

Right.

It's okay. ...I'm okay. I'm sorry.

...No lying. [It's a precaution more than an accusation; Asch's expression is wary but somewhat relieved, now that Guy's finally settling down.] You can say whatever you need to say, but don't lie.

[Guy's jaw clenches; he doesn't say anything.]

[That silence is pretty telling. Asch relaxes his grip on Guy's hand a little, one hand letting go and rising to touch Guy's face, fingers brushing against his hair.]

I meant what I said. I'm glad you told me.

[Guy pulls away from Asch's hand, but leans forward until his forehead is resting upon Asch's shoulder.]

Asch just...shut up. [Guy's free hand reaches up to hold onto the bottom hem of Asch's shirt.]

[Well, alright. Asch just shuts up.

He also lifts his arms and pulls Guy into a firm embrace, body language all but daring him to try and wrestle out of this one. It didn't seem as likely, though.]

[Not this time, no. Guy is exhausted, so he just kneels there with his head on Asch's shoulder. He doesn't move for quite some time; it seems if Asch wants to get a response, he'd have to look for one.]

Edited 2010-11-20 23:21 (UTC)

[Asch doesn't want to disturb him, so he remains like that for a long while, holding him close and stroking his hair. Eventually, though, he reaches his limit, shifting slightly and murmuring into Guy's ear.]

...Guy?

[Guy responds almost immediately; he pulls back and pushes himself up to his feet, his hand on Asch's shoulder.]

Sorry.

I think I need to be alone for a while.

[Which is a good thing, admittedly, since Asch's legs were starting to fall asleep. He pushes lightly on the chair to straighten up, trying not to wince, and lightly taps his toes against the floor a few times. He's not sure if it's such a good idea to leave him alone, but he's pushed Guy enough today already. Time to let him be.]

...Tell me if you need anything.

Edited 2010-11-21 01:19 (UTC)

[Guy's hand leaves Asch's shoulder and he makes a noncommittal sound before turning and heading out of Asch's room. His door down the hallway clicks shut...and then clicks again as it locks.]

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