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INVENTORY
· His canon clothing.
· His canon sword, The Burning Thorn.
· His half of The Founder's Grasp, a pair of bracelets of which Clive possesses the twin.
    NOTE: Ydalir has enchanted this bracelet, allowing Joshua to assume the form of a small,
    cockatiel-sized Phoenix.
· His copy of the Journal of Moss.
· A photographed family portrait of his own family, in fine (but not royal) clothing and
    appearing happy.
· A stock of medicine for his coughing, supplied by Pure Vanilla Cookie.
· An ear cuff, custom made by Sesa and gifted to him by Dion.
    NOTE: Ydalir has enchanted this ear cuff, allowing Joshua to create a small ball of light
    similar to Dion's that fires three quick laser blasts before disappearing.
· A small stolas, requested from home. Her name is Willowisp, and she coos a lot and
    accepts snacks.
    NOTE: Pure Vanilla Cookie has now linked her as Joshua's familiar.

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[ 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.

[ He raises his hand and rubs it over the back of Joshua's head, carding his fingers through it, before just relaxing to hug him. Breathe a moment and make sure Joshua isn't going to start coughing. He'd always cough after, even younger, and Clive would always feel so bad about it. ]

Never again.

[ He sighs heavily and loosens his grip, smiling a little before helping Joshua to sit back, shifting his tail to try and keep it from being trod on or squashed. ]

Drink some water, it'll help the tickle.

[ Joshua he knows you. ]

[ Founder, it feels nice to just... hug his brother again. Not in desperation or in a fit of high emotion, but just holding for the sake of holding. For them, not because of something that happened.

But the tickle is calling, and he can't escape it forever. And even Clive is noticing, because of course he would. So, after his brother helps him to sit back, he politely turns his head, lifts his hand to his mouth, and lets the cough have its way with him. ]

Some things don't change...

[ Ugh. He does need a sip of water, so he pushes himself back up to his feet. But first, he holds a hand out to Clive again. ]

Your horns are stuck in the couch.

[ He trusts his brother won't yank him down again. ]

[ And Founders, but the look Clive gives him is so fond. Some things never change, and for that, he's extraordinarily thankful. It doesn't matter what they go through, Joshua will always be Joshua.

He takes his brother's hand this time, up near his elbow for a better grip, and let's him help him to his feet.

His horns bring a cushion with him. ]

Were stuck in the couch.

[ He very carefully turns himself to begin picking up the mess he's made, collecting the cushion to put it back, then herding the pillows back up onto it as well. Rearranges the sheets and blankets. Turns carefully again, grinning a little. ]

Ready for food?

[ No teasing this time or he'll prolly jam his tail in the door. ]

[ Oh, that poor cushion. Joshua can see the padding from inside as Clive takes it from his own. Maybe those can be repaired... ]

We should find some protective padding to put on the end of your horns. I'd hate for you to get stuck on something, or worse.

[ Hmm. He'll have to look around, see what he can find. But Clive isn't the only one to clean up the mess. Joshua helps. After all, he made some of the mess himself. Books get stacked neatly back where they had been before his wing knocked them off. ]

I think so. Let's hope we don't get anything stuck in a door or stepped on.

[ He's looking at his own pinions. He doesn't even want to think about how painful it would be to have one or more of them yanked out. ]

We are not going to pad my horns...

[ The idea is insulting and makes Clive wrinkle his nose much like his brother would. He doesn't do it often but sometimes that Rosfield trait pulls through. Not that he doesn't understand where his brother is coming from... Sigh.

The idea of getting stuck in the door, and the way Joshua is looking at his own pinions, makes Clive frown. His tail wont get pulled out but those feathers. ]

You first.

[ ... Actually. Before Joshua can step out, he stops him. Grabs the sheet off the couch. Carefully fits it under Joshua's wings and over his shoulders to work it into a top. Enough to hide him.

There. Better. ]

It's either that or suffer damage to our furniture while you figure out your balance.

[ He'd rather play on the safe side, honestly. Whether his brother agrees or not, he's going to look into what might be good for padding.

But while he turns to leave as Clive has indicated, he isn't expecting Clive to stop him. Joshua turns, angling a wing so that he can look over his shoulder with a raised eyebrow, and then he's assaulted with fabric. It takes a moment to figure out what his brother is even doing, and once it registers, he sputters softly. ]

And what about you? Don't you need a shirt?

[ The question makes him glance down at himself. Thinks about it for a second, then grabs a blanket and slings it around his shoulders like a cape, tying it to the side so his left arm can move through the side, but it covers his chest.

Then glances up as his brother like better? With a soft little grin, before gesturing for his brother to step through the door.

They both look a little ridiculous but it's going to have to work until they can get shirts and pants that work... ]

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