[ It is so bad! They could have taken cute pictures together and Seo is looking good with that color on his cheeks. He can have both of their hands.
Though what he does next surprises them. The cigarettes which seem so important to him and were part of who he was. The same ones he seemed regretful smoking them when he didn't have access to the rest of them. Taking the one, and just going to smile warmly at it. Another something special to hold on to as the curl their fingers around it gently as to not crush it and bring it close to their chest. ]
I will! [ Maybe it'll be weaved into the story of Astolfo to be part of the trump cards they already have or maybe they will only be able to treasure it as long as they have this form. That would be fitting in it's own bittersweet way, but they are eternally optimistic. Maybe they can hold on to it even beyond then!
They will carefully put it in their pocket. Tomorrow, they can give him their tamagotchi for him to take care of, but today there isn't anything of equal value they could give. Lance would be dangerous and the horn is unfortunately linked to events.
The only thing they can offer is the very thing they gave from the start without any expectations or strings. Just their affection. ] Ah, I want to kiss you.
[ It surprises himself in what he's just done. He always wears gloves and avoids pictures to not leave any traces of himself behind. If Heroic Spirits are powerful by being known, Seodore is the opposite. And yet, he leaves a piece of himself with someone else. It's unheard of.
But he thinks Astolfo deserves it. That's how fond he is of them. Even if Astolfo will get their memories wiped and perhaps go through the same cycle of war again and again. The dead cannot rest and Seodore actually hates that. The dead should stay dead and the living should live with all their might. The thought makes him squeeze both hands for a moment until he's broken out of his thoughts with Astolfo saying that they want to kiss him.
[ He gave a piece of himself to a Heroic Spirit that may keep it with them forever. If only they knew the full scope of what he did.
Shifting their hands to slide their fingers in-between each of Seodore's gloved ones as they shake their head. Astolfo is known as the one Servant that lacks any restraint or reason. That usually did what they wanted when they wanted to. When it came to Seodore who would always be so surprised anyone would want to stick by him without anything to gain but his company, they showed some restraint.
Their time is limited though. ]
Just take this as me doing what I want, Seo. [ Without expectations or hope attached. This is purely because they want to in the moment. Standing up on their tiptoes as they lean forward to press their lips against his. ]
[ He shouldn't be surprised, but he is. Perhaps it's because he didn't expect Astolfo to actually go for it.
Astolfo is always beyond reason and restraint. That's why Seodore understands what they do. Love, is also beyond reason and restraint. It takes many forms. All those unreasonable logical fallacies come for Seodore when he's kissed. Perhaps it's unsurprising that Seodore doesn't return it and merely stands there to eventually part them. ]
Truly... a one of a kind.
[ He doesn't say anything about the feelings involved, because he knows. Astolfo should too. If it's unsaid, perhaps there's nothing to accept nor reject. ]
[ There is no surprise on their features when he doesn't return it. They already knew that's how things would go, and went for it anyways.
They smile again as they part, not feeling any regret or embarrassment at all. ]
Yeah, that's me. The one and only Astolfo. [ They will give his hands a light tug before they start taking slow steps backwards. There won't be words said on the kiss or what feelings that may or may not be there.
Seo can let them walk into something like a moron if he wants, they'll keep walking backwards while pulling him along. ]
We still have time, Seo. Is there anything you'd like to ask while you have the chance?
[ Seo will not let Astolfo walk into things as he's being pulled, so he tries to gently and subtly guide them out of harm's way. He doesn't have anything profound to ask, or at least that's what he tells himself. All the questions could just be answered by Astolfo being Astolfo. ]
[ They'll let themselves be subtly guided past sequined benches and pink trash cans. ]
Are you going to get some? [ Are there any tubs of it in K-mart? ] I actually tried it for the first time before coming here! There was a berries flavor that was pretty good.
[ So they'll go with that until they try something better ] What about Seo?
[ apparently kmarts had their own cafes where they sold pizza, ice cream, etc idk if this applies here but Kmart has "everything" so I'm assuming it has ice cream ]
Yeah? I wonder what kind of berry it was. What kind of red was the ice cream?
[ Not like Seo's eye kind of red, right? Hopefully. ]
It would be perfect if apple ice cream could be sold in these places, buuut it's a really rare flavor! Something about it not working well for freezer storage. I think I can settle for vanilla.
Hm, maybe in a specialized ice scream store? It's not a common flavor, so they would have it, depending on how much of it is in demand. I could just look it up online, but if it's so far away, I wouldn't want to fly a plane just for that. I'm not made of money~
I'm satisfied with regular apples. The red honeycrisp brand was pretty good when I was in America~
I was in Romania just before coming here! I wonder if there's any shops that carries it near there. If there isn't, then I'll keep an eye for some on my travels.
[ They will try to remember to actually look for specialized ice cream stores.
Nearly walking past the K-mart entrance. They are actually going to let go of one of his hands to hold just the one and actually walk forward like a normalish person. ]
Besides apples, what else do you like? Do you like sweets?
[ It's sweet! Just like it's sweet he's letting Astolfo just go on and on like this. ]
They must mean a lot to you if you baked for his birthday. Was it the kid you helped raised or one of your coworkers? [ They do slow a bit as they try to figure out where ice cream could be.
Then they'll turn towards where all the cold food stuff is. Time to walk past all the kid cuisines ]
[ It sure is... Seo would rather Astolfo go on about things rather than talking about himself too much anyway. But stuff like this is something he doesn't mind. ]
It was the kid. We all had a present for him~ because we like him soooo much.
Ah, well~ Whenever we would mention his dad, he would always perk up no matter what he was doing. He loved him veeery much, you see--to the point of unconditional devotion. When the dad first came to join us, we would tease him about being a papa as little Reiji slept in his arms~
[ Curling their free hand into a fist to press it against their cheek. ]
Ah, that's cute. That's cute. They are really lucky to have each other!
[ Imagine being close to a parent can't be them. They are finally at the frozen desserts section! They will let him go to open up the door for him to pick his treat first. ]
[ When they arrive where the cold food is, Seo looks over at the choice while humming. He heard Astolfo, but needs some time to think about his question. ]
[ Astolfo's attention drifts from him to the selection as he gives the usual fangy grin. ]
It's the same for me. [ For much different reasons, but he'll leave the choice on elaborating further to Seo at the moment. ] I was only really close to Roland and Bradamante.
[ They have to think about it. When you're both immortal and a, as IV would say, lunatic, smaller details slip through the crack. ]
Hm... that's true! We were all Paladins of Charlamagne who adventured together.
[ He'll invade Seo's space once again to see the gaudy ones. They are going to laugh at some of them. ]
Eh? There's bugs? Who wants bugs in their ice cream? [ Gummy bugs but still! It's so funny. Astolfo is going to look around. ] Oh! Some of them have nuts. I do like nuts. Think I should try those or one of the colorful long ones?
no subject
Though what he does next surprises them. The cigarettes which seem so important to him and were part of who he was. The same ones he seemed regretful smoking them when he didn't have access to the rest of them. Taking the one, and just going to smile warmly at it. Another something special to hold on to as the curl their fingers around it gently as to not crush it and bring it close to their chest. ]
I will! [ Maybe it'll be weaved into the story of Astolfo to be part of the trump cards they already have or maybe they will only be able to treasure it as long as they have this form. That would be fitting in it's own bittersweet way, but they are eternally optimistic. Maybe they can hold on to it even beyond then!
They will carefully put it in their pocket. Tomorrow, they can give him their tamagotchi for him to take care of, but today there isn't anything of equal value they could give. Lance would be dangerous and the horn is unfortunately linked to events.
The only thing they can offer is the very thing they gave from the start without any expectations or strings. Just their affection. ] Ah, I want to kiss you.
no subject
But he thinks Astolfo deserves it. That's how fond he is of them. Even if Astolfo will get their memories wiped and perhaps go through the same cycle of war again and again. The dead cannot rest and Seodore actually hates that. The dead should stay dead and the living should live with all their might. The thought makes him squeeze both hands for a moment until he's broken out of his thoughts with Astolfo saying that they want to kiss him.
... ]
Didn't you just...
[ It was a cheek kiss. You fool. ]
no subject
Shifting their hands to slide their fingers in-between each of Seodore's gloved ones as they shake their head. Astolfo is known as the one Servant that lacks any restraint or reason. That usually did what they wanted when they wanted to. When it came to Seodore who would always be so surprised anyone would want to stick by him without anything to gain but his company, they showed some restraint.
Their time is limited though. ]
Just take this as me doing what I want, Seo. [ Without expectations or hope attached. This is purely because they want to in the moment. Standing up on their tiptoes as they lean forward to press their lips against his. ]
no subject
Astolfo is always beyond reason and restraint. That's why Seodore understands what they do. Love, is also beyond reason and restraint. It takes many forms. All those unreasonable logical fallacies come for Seodore when he's kissed. Perhaps it's unsurprising that Seodore doesn't return it and merely stands there to eventually part them. ]
Truly... a one of a kind.
[ He doesn't say anything about the feelings involved, because he knows. Astolfo should too. If it's unsaid, perhaps there's nothing to accept nor reject. ]
no subject
They smile again as they part, not feeling any regret or embarrassment at all. ]
Yeah, that's me. The one and only Astolfo. [ They will give his hands a light tug before they start taking slow steps backwards. There won't be words said on the kiss or what feelings that may or may not be there.
Seo can let them walk into something like a moron if he wants, they'll keep walking backwards while pulling him along. ]
We still have time, Seo. Is there anything you'd like to ask while you have the chance?
no subject
What's your favorite ice cream flavor?
no subject
Are you going to get some? [ Are there any tubs of it in K-mart? ] I actually tried it for the first time before coming here! There was a berries flavor that was pretty good.
[ So they'll go with that until they try something better ] What about Seo?
no subject
Yeah? I wonder what kind of berry it was. What kind of red was the ice cream?
[ Not like Seo's eye kind of red, right? Hopefully. ]
It would be perfect if apple ice cream could be sold in these places, buuut it's a really rare flavor! Something about it not working well for freezer storage. I think I can settle for vanilla.
no subject
Yeah! I think it was a purple pink?
[ Not his r255 eyes! They will slow their gait again as they look around to figure out where K-mart is ]
If it doesn't have it, we could always make something with apples to go on top of it, right? There's all of those appliances in there.
no subject
[ Seo continues to follow Astolfo. Are they still walking backwards? ]
Haha, if it's that, I'd rather just eat those apples themselves~
no subject
Could be! [ Maybe they'll try all the flavors to be sure. Or get a brain freeze trying... ]
Where could you find apple ice cream in your world?
no subject
I'm satisfied with regular apples. The red honeycrisp brand was pretty good when I was in America~
no subject
[ They will try to remember to actually look for specialized ice cream stores.
Nearly walking past the K-mart entrance. They are actually going to let go of one of his hands to hold just the one and actually walk forward like a normalish person. ]
Besides apples, what else do you like? Do you like sweets?
no subject
Sweets are fine, but I don't like them to the extent of having a sweet tooth. Pies are pretty good too~
no subject
What about bitter things or spicy food? [ Wait! ] Oh! You said something about making a meat pie before. Do you like meat pies?
[ Leading him to the grocery side of the store. ]
no subject
I wouldn't say it's my favorite, but I know someone who likes it a lot! I baked one for his birthday~
no subject
They must mean a lot to you if you baked for his birthday. Was it the kid you helped raised or one of your coworkers? [ They do slow a bit as they try to figure out where ice cream could be.
Then they'll turn towards where all the cold food stuff is. Time to walk past all the kid cuisines ]
no subject
It was the kid. We all had a present for him~ because we like him soooo much.
no subject
You said he was all kinds of good, right? Tell me more about him. Do you have any funny stories?
no subject
[ Ah. Memories. ]
no subject
Ah, that's cute. That's cute. They are really lucky to have each other!
[ Imagine being close to a parent can't be them. They are finally at the frozen desserts section! They will let him go to open up the door for him to pick his treat first. ]
Were you close to your family?
no subject
No, prooobably not?
[ ... ]
Absolutely not!
no subject
It's the same for me. [ For much different reasons, but he'll leave the choice on elaborating further to Seo at the moment. ] I was only really close to Roland and Bradamante.
no subject
[ Ice cream!! Seodore looks over the list again. ]
Some of these are so gaudy... They really let them through.
no subject
Hm... that's true! We were all Paladins of Charlamagne who adventured together.
[ He'll invade Seo's space once again to see the gaudy ones. They are going to laugh at some of them. ]
Eh? There's bugs? Who wants bugs in their ice cream? [ Gummy bugs but still! It's so funny. Astolfo is going to look around. ] Oh! Some of them have nuts. I do like nuts. Think I should try those or one of the colorful long ones?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)