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[ ... oh. Clive is very good at manipulating his wings. That's an interesting sensation, his wings moving without him needing to do a thing.

Suddenly, he realizes that this is how Ambrosia and the other chocobos must have felt. He's being handled like a chocobo. He moves easily with Clive's direction, at least, but he doesn't complain. It's necessary, even if it feels a little... strange, comparing himself to their mounts. ]

Would that be easy to do, you think?

[ Surely Ain would be able to make something of it, if he's a tailor. ]

I think so. We can modify the clothing you already have.

[ He glances to that rent shirt and grins his little half grin. ]

Other than that one, I feel.

[ Done just moving his brother's wings everywhere, he let's them settle back into a light fold, his hand moving to smooth feathers down from where they had been ruffled. ]

Good bird, there's a boy, easy now...

[ His grin widens into a truly brotherly one, eyes crinkling at the corner. ]

Would Joshua like a sugar beet for being a good boy?

[ To that news, Joshua lets out a sigh. ]

Oh, that's a relief. It would be far easier than having to buy an entire new wardrobe.

[ Which. Clive might have to do. He sees how awkwardly that tail sits. They'll need to modify his pants, as well. Cutting a loop into the fabric, perhaps? Affixing some sort of fastening in the waistband so that the tail can be situated easily?

And he's about to suggest that, too, until Clive starts treating him like freshly groomed chocobo. He takes in a breath, then frowns, turning his head to look away. The tiny, downy feathers that pepper his hair lift in an offended ruffle. ]

I'm not a chocobo, Clive.

[ ... oh, but. He clears his throat, closing his eyes. ]

... but I suppose I could eat.

[ The down feathers coming up makes him huff. ]

Are you sure about that?

[ That looks like a very disgruntled Chocobo to him, and he smirks as he runs his hand down the feathers to smooth them back down, you don't ruffle your feathers at him you little shit.

Then he actually laughs to the eat, a deep rich noise and his tail raises in amusement and comes down. With a crunch. ]

... Fuck.

[ What were you saying about that table, Joshua? Clive glances over his shoulder, and if Joshua doesn't dodge he might get swiped with a pointy horn, to scowl at the broken thing as he tries to lift his tail without over balancing himself. It's thick and not that flexible. ]

Cooked or raw and eaten delicately from my hand?

[ Permission to punch your brother in the ribs, granted. ]

Yes.

[ He will ruffle his feathers if he wants to! He may be the Phoenix, but these aren't exactly bird feathers. Beneath them are leathery wings, so he is not a chocobo, thank you very much.

But that crunch rings through the room like Clive's laughter does, and they turn to look at it at roughly the same time, though at least he can lean out of the way of that horn. ]

Clive, watch where you're moving--

[ Sigh. The poor table. It didn't ask for this. The first casualty of them trying to figure out life with their new additions, and likely not the last, either.

Especially if Clive keeps it up. Joshua frowns, reaching out to bump him in the arm with the back of his knuckles. If it's a little rough, surely he'll be forgiven - and Clive deserves it anyway. ]

Refined down to sugar to sweeten my tea. Really, Clive.

Striking an unarmed man? While he's currently suffering a disability? Joshua, I taught you better than that.

[ But the expression of glee comes back after the poor death of the table, even as he play rubs the spot he was rapped, and he chuckles softly after. ]

All right, I'll see about getting you something. First, though. How are you feeling?

[ He turns his head around again, this time leaning back himself so he doesn't jab his brother. And his eyes go up to his brother's head, where the horns are. He reaches up to touch the base of his own, thoughtful. It gave him a massive headache, and the weight is ridiculous, though the balance blessing is helping immensely. ]

Don't think I haven't seen Ambrosia peck at your hair before for less.

[ ... alright, maybe he isn't beating the chocobo allegations. His lips do curl up into a smile, though - his feathers aren't thoroughly ruffled. ]

We can get something. I'm perfectly capable of walking, and it wouldn't hurt to have each other looking out for potential impacts. We're both dealing with a good bit of... extras.

[ Largely in the back, for the both of them. Wings, a tail, giant horns that curve back... At least his own horns are shorter. He has no idea what they look like, though he's felt them. ]

I'm all right. You don't have to worry about me.

[ Though, he notices that touch... ]

Do yours ache?

[ Ah. Well, that's embarrassing and it works to deflate his peacocking, though he's not truly upset. Just humbled. And his smile matches his brother's after. ]

Always knew someday I would teach you how to cook. Jote would be so proud... and maybe a little disappointed.

[ The woman loves doting on Joshua, and it's very cute. The question makes him pause, already on the way to saying I'm all right, before nodding a little. ]

I'll get used to it, but there's some discomfort. They're heavy and my muscles haven't adjusted, and the skin is a little tender. Yours don't?

[ He squints at Joshua's. Yes, they're smaller, but surely the skin would still ache? Or is he just having a not good day. ]

I will do my best. Though, I'm afraid I have never touched a flame for cooking purposes, so I'll follow your lead.

[ Jote would be proud. And yes, maybe a little disappointed. But honestly, even if Joshua knew how to cook, he would still let her do it. He knows that she enjoys caring for him.

The note of discomfort doesn't surprise him. All the same, he reaches out, gently touching one of Clive's horns with his fingertip. It certainly feels solid. ]

A little, but I'm all right. [ So he says. ] Mine aren't nearly as big as yours.

[... hmm. ]

Do you mind if I try something?

[ The touch makes him tilt his head down more so Joshua can see or feel or do whatever he wants, making a little face as he does as his muscles twinge. He's going to have to exercise to fix that. And his eyes narrow suspiciously to the question, frowning a bit. ]

I do, if you plan on using your flames.

[ Then he sighs. Because he would be a hypocrite. ]

All right, but- [ THUNK goes his tail like an angry lizards. ] Only if you agree to let Will help me transfer more aether to you after.

[ He can see that twinge in Clive's expression. That's just what he expected. The weight must be an awful burden. ]

I won't use much. I promise. I want to help you, and I want to see if this boon has fortified my strength in that way.

[ And he'll never know if he doesn't try it. He settles his hand between Clive's horns, palm gently resting on his hair. ]

If it is needed, I will gladly allow it, so long as it is of no detriment to you.

[ The flame lights on the back of his hand, and that familiar, warm glow of the healing magic washes over Clive, focusing on his head and his neck and shoulder muscles. ]

[ Now whose the Chocobo here, as Joshua's hand lands on his head between his horns. Though less a bird, maybe. He just doesn't fit it. He sighs again, in agreeance, and closes his eyes as the heat travels.

The ache around the horns fades, tender skin healing up quicker under the Phoenix's gentle coaxing. The neck and shoulder muscles are resistant. It's not that they hurt from being injured, it's the lack of use in the new weight and tail.

It's a warming touch though and it relaxes muscles to not be so strained and stressed, getting Clive to grunt a little in delight. It's like hot stones. Founder, it feels good, but- ]

That's enough...

[ That grunt is a good enough sign that it's helping. Joshua can tell the difference between his brother's grunts, and this certainly doesn't sound pained. It sounds relieved, and that in itself is a relief to him. He smiles, softly, letting the magic focus on the upper areas at higher risk of strain from the weight.

And, as promised, he stops when Clive asks. And he feels... fine? No strain at all, really. Granted, he had been going light on purpose, but the fact that he doesn't even feel the slightest bit of a drain makes him hopeful. And it shows in the glittering in his eyes.

But, first: ]

Feeling better?

[ And he will check Joshua over when he stops, eyes opening to flick back and forth, making sure. But his brother isn't even breathing heavier. There's no strain in his voice. And his eyes are bright, and he's not darting them away from Clive to try and hide it.

It makes him smile softly. ]

I am. The ache at the base is gone, and the muscles have relaxed. I fear it won't last but for now, I'll take it.

[ As he thought. Joshua lets out a sigh of relief, his smile brightening. ]

Good. If it gets to be too much, please don't try to endure it. I'm feeling much stronger, and a little bit of soothing won't tax me.

[ Though he's sure that Clive will try to endure it anyway, to keep him from straining himself. But he'll be watching. ]

[ His brother knows him well, because he's already planning on not saying anything. His tail sways a little, and sends several pillows scuttling along the floor in front of it, the scales rasping against the ground. ]

Still, we shouldn't push it. But I'm glad it's helped. And forgive me, I've been wanting to do this.

[ He reaches up to dig his fingers into his brother's hair to ruffle it - Chocobo head - and then carefully tilt it to look at the horns better, tilting his brother's head left and right as he rubs his thumb against it. Is it smooth, rough, is it like big horn... horns in that it doesn't feel or- ]

Hm? Wanting to--

[ But Clive's movement answers his question. His hair is ruffled before he can protest, and he lifts his hands uselessly and ducks his head down. Which just gives Clive better access to his horns, really, and he sputters softly as his brother moves his head.

The horns are smooth, with tiny ridges imitating the central lines of feathers. The tips are blunted, not sharp, lending to the illusion of feathery tufts. But Joshua can certainly feel the touch and the weight of Clive's hands on them, and the flesh at the base is still a little tender besides. ]

You could have asked, you know.

What sort of big brother would I be if I did something so ridiculous as asking?

[ They're cute, honestly. They fit Joshua well. Even the duller tips. His brother is soft, it only stands to reason his changes would lend to the image. He smiles and gently pets them. From base to tip with his thumb. ]

At least it helps you get away from the Chocobo accusations. Ah, speaking of, let's not keep you waiting on your sugar beet.

[ He drops his hand and pulls away, stepping back. Trips over his own damn tail and sits down hard on the floor because of it. Also manages to jam his horns into the couch, getting them stuck in the cushions, and jam himself with one of his tail spikes in the thigh.

He sits there, eyes on the ceiling, scowling. Karma, he guesses. ]

Far more Phoenix than chocobo, if I had my say.

[ And since they're his own boons, and it's his own body, he does have his own say!

But he doesn't pout about it, because as soon as he says it, Clive is just. Very spectacularly wiping out on the floor. And with his horns jammed into the couch... Sorry, Clive, but your brother is sputtering out a laugh. ]

Oh, Clive. Are you all right?

[ He's trying so hard not to laugh more, truly. He extends a hand, to help his brother to his feet. ]

Physically, yes.

[ His pride? His ego? Mortally wounded. Especially as his brother laughs at him. He huffs heavily and reaches out to take Joshua's hand.

But rather than moving to his feet, he tugs hard to throw his brother off balance to make him join him. And the moment he's close enough? The moment he can? He tickles him.

This is what you get for laughing. ]

[ BROTHERLY BETRAYAL. ET TU, CLIVE?

Joshua, out of the kindness of his heart, had not expected Clive to use his gesture - of kindness - as a tool against him. So, it does indeed throw him off balance, and down he goes.

Except his wings flare out in reflex on the way down, knocking a stack of books off the arm of the couch and on the floor. Oops.

But the tickling makes him shriek in laughter, wings flapping behind him as he squirms to try to get away. ]

Clive--!

[ The flapping is fascinating to watch, even as it knocks things around, and Joshua's laugh warms him in a way he hasn't felt since he was fifteen. Because that's how long ago he's heard such laughter from his brother. Unbound, a little scandalized, but joyful. ]

Hm?

[ Pretend innocence as he digs his fingers into his brother's side, under his arms, finds the places that would always make him shriek when he was young. Just for this brief moment, those eighteen years never happened. There's no worries, there's just them, rough housing and enjoying life.

He stops before he causes his brother to die, pulling him into a hug, tight and fierce. ]

[ Clive is relentless in his assault, and the more that Joshua tries to get away, the harder it gets to avoid those fingers. Clive knows him too well, remembers his weak spots. Each one elicits a curl of laughter, sharp and ringing against the walls of the room, but no less joyful for it.

And oh, does his face hurt. He hasn't smiled this much in... in years. It's like they're children again, rough housing in the solar until one or both of them were scolded for it. Just like then, he can feel the tight brush of an oncoming cough, but unlike then, he can swallow it back. Not now. Not this. Let him have this.

When Clive pulls him in to that tight hug, Joshua hesitates only for a second out of surprise alone. But then, he returns it with equal fervor, breathing hard and still smiling from the laughter. ]

[ He squeezes tight, squashing his brother like he's afraid to let go, the sound of his laughter still ringing in his ears. They don't say it in words, and Clive's not sure why they don't, but truthfully he knows he doesn't need to.

He loves his brother, with all the strength he has in him. Carefully rests his head against his brothers, his arm tucked tight against his back, under the joints of his wings. Takes a moment to simply enjoy this moment in time. ]

I missed you.

[ An odd thing to say, maybe, but it's true. They haven't had a time to rest since they've met up with each other again, to re-bond as brothers. They've been God-killers, Outlaws, Profane. But, until this world, not merely Brothers. And he's missed it. ]

[ They don't have to say it - they have had a strong bond since the day Joshua was born. Love is shown through actions, through affections, through promises and oaths. Through ensuring the other is safe, by any means necessary.

What Clive says isn't odd, not to him. He understands. Eighteen years apart was more time than they ever spent together. They missed out on so many things because of Ultima, because of their mother's lust for power... But not anymore. Never again. ]

I missed you, too.

[ His voice is thin, a little watery and choked. Partially from emotion, partially from holding back the need to cough. ]

But we won't be apart again. I swear it.

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