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[Despite promising to take things easy, Dion... arguably has not done so. There's much to be done, starting with facing Clive like a man and asking for his permission, and then picking his brain for ideas. It's easy enough in theory, but it takes quite a bit of will on Dion's part to be ready to do so.

After that, it's a matter of gathering what he needs. He spends hours at the river, carefully gathering shells whilst dodging snakes and seaborne alike. After that, visit is paid to Sesa, with Dion walking away from the encounter with a dizzy head and a fresh ear cuff in hand.

Finally, he heads to make his final purchases with the locals, handing over his payment for a wealth of items from home, and an enchantment that he hopes will be enough. He's thought long and hard on what to offer up, and can only settle for protection.. He isn't Joshua's shield, but he will be his lance if he must. Even from a distance.

And then... he waits.

Really, he should go straight to Joshua and get it out of the way. Greagor only knows that Clive is probably waiting impatiently. But he wants to be sure he has the words right.

Instead, with each day that passes, Dion heads to the clinic. He makes sure that all of his wounds are looked at, and that he continues to recover well. He won't add any additional stress to Joshua by making him worry.

And maybe he wants the excuse to look at the man. It's for inspiration, okay?

One day, though, the waiting grows to be too much. It's on that day that he finds himself moving without thinking. He holds the potted flower within his hand, while the sachet of similar seeds sits within the dirt. The cuff is tucked away in a pocket for the time being. When he's good and ready, he'll present Joshua with it.

For now, though, he simply knocks on the door and waits.]

[ To be honest, the fact that Dion has been willingly dropping by the clinic each day to submit himself to examination has made Joshua's entire week. He had been so against it before, so it's nice to see the change in heart. He's been worried about his friend, and not just his recovery from the snake bites, but the previous injuries as well. But all seems to be healing nicely, and it lightens Joshua's heart to know it.

But even healers need a break, and so one day finds Joshua sitting in his room at the inn, flipping through the pages of a book, still studying hard on the local plant life. Clive is out for the day - perhaps with Luca? likely at the bar regardless - and so he is alone in the room, not even Torgal to keep him company. But that suits him fine for the purpose of studying, so he doesn't mind it so much.

The knock to his door brings his head up from the pages, though. Marking his place, he crosses the room to the door, opening it just a crack to see who it is. And when he sees that it's Dion come to visit, his face lights up, and the door opens further. ]

Hello, Dion. To what do I--

[ But then, he notices the potted flower, and freezes, eyes widening. He... He knows that flower. He hasn't seen it in years, but he would know it anywhere. A treasure flower... ]

... Dion, I... Where did you...

[That Joshua brightens the moment he opens the door is a good sign. It sets Dion's heart to pounding. Woefully early in their encounter considering what's to come, but unfortunately there's little to be done about that.

Equally as unfortunate is the fact that Joshua's eyes simply widen. Briefly, he wonders if he's made a mistake. It was something planted in his home after all, perhaps it wasn't Dion's place to hand it over. Especially after all Sanbreque had done to Rosaria. the Dhalmek's may have wrecked the place outright, but it wasn't particularly joyful when they got to it.

Nevertheless, Dion presses onward in the hope that Clive had the right idea.]

Hello, Joshua. [He extends his arms, holding the flower out to him.] I received word that this particular flower might have a deep meaning to you. And so I wished to ask if you would accompany me in finding the proper place to plant it. I have also retrieved a number of seeds, in the hopes we might yet cultivate a field of them to match.

[ The second Dion says "I received word", Joshua knows immediately. Clive. Only Clive would have known about this flower, that it was one of his fondest memories of their childhood garden. But that he told Dion this... He can't help but laugh, softly, almost disbelieving.

And Dion wants to plant a whole garden of them. A field, even. It wipes the surprise clean from his face, warmth settling in in its place. The flower is gladly taken, his fingers gently tracing the petals. Founder, it smells the same as he remembers it. ]

These were planted in our garden at Rosalith Castle... I always loved them. As a child, I thought they were made of treasure, until I kept one in a box overnight and witnessed the truth firsthand.

[ As he speaks, the tone of his voice turns incredibly fond, eyes softening as he looks over the flower he hasn't seen in eighteen years. But that softness gets turned up to Dion in kind, and he laughs quietly, thoroughly humbled by the gesture. ]

I would love nothing more than to plant an entire field of them with you, Dion. I know just the place, in fact.

[The relief on Dion's face is noticeable. His shoulders, having stiffened the moment the flower had come under scrutiny, relax once more. Joshua seems well-pleased with the effort put forth, perhaps even excited. His heart practically soars — he owes Clive immensely for this suggestion.]

I trust, then, that your lesson has been learned and you will not be keeping this one in a box? [Dion's tone is gentle despite his teasing. He knows this is precious to him, and he doesn't dare to truly mock Joshua for it.

At Joshua's acceptance, though, Dion steps back. He fidgets for a moment, wondering if he should offer an arm, or simply to follow. He settles for something else entirely. He holds his hand out to Joshua, gaze cast downward. He isn't used to feeling shy, but of course the Phoenix would bring this out in him.]

Will you lead me there, then?

Oh, believe me, it has. Though, this one... I would keep it in my room, I think. Pray, give me a moment.

[ It is a gift from Dion, of course. Dion had said that he wanted to plant it, but they have an entire sachet of seeds with which to do so. This one has already been cultivated and grown - and so, he turns briefly, taking it to the table by the window and setting it there. They do love sunlight.

And It looks wonderful, positioned where it is. Next to his book, in fact. Joshua smiles at it, tenderly touching the petals once more before retrieving the sachet and returning to the door.

And... noticing Dion's offered hand. Joshua pauses, looking at it for just a moment in mild surprise. Dion had offered his arm once before, and that had been a play, but... a hand. A little thrill rises in his chest, but he doesn't let it overwhelm him. Instead, he slides his hand easily into Dion's, giving the man a reassuring smile. ]

Of course. There is a perfect spot just outside the inn, along the path. I remember ours being planted in full sunlight. Shall we?

[To be honest, Dion hadn't dared hope that Joshua would want to keep this one with him. The thought had crossed his mind, certainly, but there were just as many reasons to deliver it to their planned field. Nevertheless, he watches with no small amount of fondness, heart swelling with the amount of care Joshua takes with it.

It could just be the memory, but Dion lets himself hope that the sentiment helps. His hope is yet bolstered when Joshua joins him, then threads their fingers together. So far, his efforts have not been for not.

His fingers fold carefully around Joshua's own, heart thudding loud enough that he worries it might be heard.]

A gift of light for this place. I think it fitting. [He gives a nod, before setting off. He can at least lead them as far as the exit.]

[ Dion may be worried about his heart being heard, but Joshua worries about his own being felt. There's a clear flutter there, making his pulse pound firmly in a beat that is so strong it may very well give him away. But he won't remove his hand from Dion's for the world. His hand is warm in Joshua's own, and he would have it no other way.

If Dion wants to lead him to the door, though, he will certainly allow it. There will be time for him to lead once they get outside. ]

Fitting indeed. I really must thank you for your incredibly kind gift. What has garnered your interest in flowers suddenly?

[ It's said kindly, curiously. Dion doesn't seem the type for gardening, but the prospect of Dion doing this solely for him makes his head spin in a decidedly wonderful way. Or is it medicinal use, perhaps? He recalls hearing something about the flowers having mild healing properties when used on a wound. ]

[His steps briefly falter when Joshua speaks, but he rights himself quickly enough. He wonders if it's too soon to mention it. It's far from romantic, being in the middle of the inn. Not that digging in the dirt will be much better, but...

Focus. He tries his best to answer without a lie, stringing together a handful of half-truths to keep from stammering in his effort.]

You have done much for me over the last few weeks. I simply wanted to grant to you the same kindness and warmth that you have shared with me.

[That and he really wants to keep holding Joshua's hand. But that part can wait.]

[ A simple return of kindness. Yes, he supposes that could be it. Still, Joshua can't stop smiling, and the soft laugh that follows the words is filled with so much warmth and light that it's surprising it's soft at all. ]

And my brother told you my favorite flower, did he?

[ He knows at least that much, Dion. Not that Clive told him, but it's a reasonable guess. Clive is the only one that would know. ]

Not that I mind him telling, though, if he did. It is truly a kind gift. Thank you. I have not seen these flowers since I was but a boy of ten summers. I'd thought I would never see them again, to be honest.

[ He is... incredibly touched. Even if the gesture is only a friendly one, repaying the kindness he's given to Dion, it's meaningful nonetheless. ]

That he did. [There's a pause, one supplemented by a sheepish smile.] After some questioning on my part, perhaps. I wanted to be sure that my gesture was the right one. What good would it do, if I was not certain it would have an impact.

[It is exactly as Clive had said to him, then. He utters a silent prayer to Greagor herself that the sentiment of the gift had wound up being a positive one, rather than melancholy. After a moment of thought, he also prays for continued strength.]

When I learned that the local residents were capable of summoning gifts from home, I had a few ideas of what I wanted to ask for. But this seemed of the utmost importance.

[He reaches the door and uses his free hand to push it open, letting go of Joshua's hand solely to ensure he passes through without issue. Fear not, though, Dion quickly returns to his side and twines their fingers together once more.]

I believe here is where your pathfinding will be at its most useful. Trust that I will remain dutifully at your side.

Well, it has certainly had an impact, I can assure you.

[ The words come with a heartfelt smile, and he squeezes Dion's hand briefly, confidently. If Dion is this comfortable... perhaps today is the day that he can finally give in to asking his question. Perhaps. Not quite yet, though - they have flowers to plant. ]

I am honored to be the recipient of your first purchase, then, Dion. I know I could say that you didn't have to, but... It means a lot to me. It is a gift with so much thought put behind it.

[ So much thought. Dion is like him, a Dominant, broken free from the fate they had been bound to... But that helps Dion to see him as a person. Not as an Eikon. Even if he does refer to him and Clive as their Eikon names - that habit is charming in its own sort of way. But to not only appeal to something he would personally like, but go through the extra effort to find out...

Ah, but they're outside. Eager to get started and not dwell on the thoughts that he doesn't deserve to entertain yet, he tugs Dion along with some measure of excitement, headed toward the side yard of the inn. ]

Over here would work, I think. There should be a decent amount of sunlight over the course of the day. Oh, but we will need tools to plant, I suppose...

[The squeeze to his hand travels all the way to his heart. It skips once, then sends a wave of heat cascading up to Dion's cheeks. With one hand held within Joshua's, and with them so focused on their destination, he can't exactly turn away or cover it up. Instead, he bows his head, hoping the slight angle might help. It does little to obscure his smile, though.]

And not too far from the inn, either. No need for a terribly long walk to visit them, should your heart desire.

[When the reach the patch, Dion prepares to kneel in the dirt. He should have thought to bring a blanket, or a snack or - ]

Tools. [His heart falls. He had prepared everything so meticulously, only to forget the very things they needed to actually plant the seeds.] Ah, that... is an issue, isn't it?

[ Don't worry, Dion. Joshua is so focused on getting where he's going that he isn't taking the time to look back. It affords Dion some privacy, and... well. They are holding hands. It isn't like he has to be sure that Dion is following him. ]

Not far at all. In fact, if we do it right, I may be able to look out my window and see them.

[ Not an original part of the planting plan, but certainly beneficial!

Though, he can tell that Dion hadn't planned for this part. But that's all right. Joshua smiles anyway, letting his hand slip from Dion's in order to move to his hip, sliding the dagger there from it's sheath. ]

Not to worry. We can use this.

[ He kneels down, pressing the blade into the dirt and prying up a small hole. That's all they need, really. Nature will do the rest. ]

Like so. I could make the holes if you will plant the seeds?

[Dion's already in high spirits, but he seems to perk up all the more at the idea of Joshua peeking out every morning and seeing this gift. He feels a sense of pride swell up within his chest, never mind the continued gratitude he feels for Clive.]

Then here it shall be.

[He is damn near ready to trudge over to Heimr and ask him for a shovel but - no. Joshua is as smart as ever, and smartly begins digging in. Dion kneels down as he's told, gingerly sliding one seed in. The corner of his mouth twitches downward slightly as they work, though.]

These flowers are beloved to you, yes? Should you not be the one doing the planting? I do not mind taking on the more laborious task.

[ Hm? Joshua looks up at Dion, tipping his head. It's a curious look - it makes no real difference to him. They're being planted, and they will grow. But... ]

We are planting them together, are we not?

[ But, if it is important to Dion, he won't argue. He flips the dagger in his hand, handing it over by the blade with a smile. ]

After you, then.

We are. But I feel it should be your touch that guides the seeds.

[Maybe the sentiment is silly, but if they are so meaningful to Joshua, it feels only right that he be the one to lay them into the soil. Thankfully, he doesn't seem keen to argue, and Dion gladly takes the knife and sets to carefully cutting into the dirt.]

I've found that since arriving here, I have been doing my best to be deliberate in everything that I do. If words have intention and power, then so, to, do actions. It should be your love that goes into this soil, so that it is your love that makes it grow.

[ And as Dion carves out a hole, Joshua plants a seed inside of each one, patting the dirt back over it one by one with a gentle, caring touch.

Dion is right, though. If what they call the fallen god can give it power, perhaps the intention and love with which he plants these seeds can make them grow strong and bright. A softer, warmer smile touches his lips as he tucks them into the dirt. ]

You have the right of it, Dion. Then, these will surely grow to be beautiful flowers.

[ Both because he is planting them, and Dion is carving the earth for them. The love of two, because for Dion, he knows that this gift comes from a place of love, platonic or otherwise. ]

[Joshua, intentionally or no, seems to be on the right track. Dion hadn't meant to lead into this with his speech, only to express his intentions. But now that the words have been spoken into the air, he knows that this is the only moment in which he can act.

He glances down into a freshly filled hole, carefully spreads dirt back over it, and then looks back to Joshua's eyes.]

May I ask you something, then?

[The moment he starts, his heart leaps into his throat. It might have been better for both him and his nerves to launch into his speech now. Instead he waits. He'll get permission first, thank you.]

[ It's a rather mindless process, all told, with Dion digging a hole and Joshua filling it. He could do this mechanically without even really thinking about it, if he so chooses, but he won't let himself. He focuses his all on making sure each seed is placed carefully, lovingly, in the hopes that each one will be lucky enough to sprout.

And that concentration is why he doesn't notice, at first, that Dion is looking at him for a moment. He's busy pulling another seed from the sachet, but quickly realizes that Dion has not yet dug another hole. Those words bring his eyes up, and-- and he feels the shells of his ears flushing warm, suddenly quite aware of how close the two of them are in all of this. ]

Oh. Yes, of course. What is it?

[Greagor, they are close aren't they? He considers leaning back, but no. He shouldn't shy away in a moment like this. He meets Joshua's eyes, his own half-lidded and filled with a fondness he hasn't so boldly let himself entertain. He swallows once, trying to quell the pounding he feels in his very mouth, but fails miserably.]

Ah, well... I suppose it isn't much of a question, but a declaration. Or perhaps an offer? I know not the words to describe it, only how I feel.

[He tries to calm himself by drawing in a breath, but his words slip out quickly all the same.]

You are so bright, and warm. You are beautiful, and kind. You have listened to my greatest needs and pleas and met them with such grace. Anyone would be lucky to stand at your side as a friend, and yet I find myself greedy enough to ask for more. To be not your shield, but your lance. The one you may turn to in your darkest moments and find support.

I - [Another inhale, as he reaches into a pocket. He pulls out the silvery ear cuff, its color and luster a match to Dion's armor. It's tucked away in his inn at the moment, but the next time Dion chooses to wear it, Joshua will find some of its more elaborate ornamentation has been plucked away.] - Wish to ask you to be mine, selfish though it may be. Swift though my actions are. I know we have not had but a few weeks, perhaps a month in the grand scheme of it all, but I know my heart. And I know it yet yearns for you.

[ ... oh.

Whatever Joshua expected out of this day, it certainly wasn't this. While he was vaguely aware - thanks to Clive pointing it out to him - that Dion felt some sort of way about him, he couldn't have been certain that it was anything other than just the love of friends, really. Dion had mentioned someone important back at home, after all, and he had committed himself to waiting to ask even just for clarification, let alone any selfish reasons. Dion was fresh from their encounter with Ultima, and Founder knows it had taken him a good month or more to come to terms with everything that had happened.

And yet, here is Dion, offering him his hand. Freely, willingly, without Joshua even having a chance to ask whether he had someone at home or not. ]

Dion...

[ He feels, for a moment, as though he's been struck in the head. He feels vaguely dizzy with it all, despite being firmly on the ground, on his knees in the dirt. His eyes focus on the ear cuff, the metal looking so oddly familiar in a way he can't quite place, and his lips part just slightly. He's planned this. Planned all of this, right down to the flowers, the seeds, things that Joshua holds so dearly and hasn't seen since his childhood. This has taken no small amount of effort.

Oh, his ears burn and his cheeks feel warm, but his heart soars as the pieces click into place. The sachet of seeds drops from his fingers as they lose their grip, and he lifts one hand, dirt-streaked and only very slightly trembling, to touch the cuff in Dion's hand. Gently, barely, as though if he touches it too firmly it will crumble. ]

I-- Yes, Dion, of course. Founder, I thought that you had someone, I-- I wasn't about to assume--

[ Oh, Flames take him. He's always so good with words, and yet now, his tongue fails him. ]

[The stillness of the moment makes Dion begin to worry. To Doubt. He was so certain he had read the signs right, but now he can't say for certain if he has. He counts each heartbeat, willing himself to keep breathing. He thinks to pull his hand back, to bluster his way into an excuse or write his feelings off as a joke.

But he doesn't, and it pays off in the end. He sees the way those cheeks begin to warm. The seeds are dropped, and before Dion can worry, that hand is extended to him. It's okay. Joshua seems to feel the same and -

then he speaks. Dion's heart doesn't quite fall, because it's not a no. Still, he's left something critical out before his offer, and the guilt immediately comes flooding in. Not for his feelings, he's come to terms with that, but for not ensuring that Joshua knew his heart and his decisions.]

I - [He breathes in, trying to steady himself.] I will not pretend that I did not and do not love Terence. But he and I said our goodbyes, knowing that I would likely not return from the battle. Even still...

[He glances off into the distance, toward the bar.]

I spoke with a young man, Ezell. He told me that for him, love is not so easily divisible. That one can love two people with equal amount of ferocity. While I do not know if what I feel for you yet treads upon love, I know that my passion for you does not diminish when I think of him.

But, Ezell was quick to warn that it is not for everyone. And if you are not comfortable in the knowledge that my heart does have room for two, I understand.

[ Ah. Ezell. Joshua wasn't aware of Ezell's situation, but... If that's what Ezell feels, that love can be spread equally and you can love more than one person without dividing it...

Dion still loves Terence, despite having said goodbye. He cares about Jote, albeit not in the same manner, but... Is it really all that different from loving many different people platonically? He doesn't feel like it is. You can love many like family, and many like friends, so why not this way?

He pulls in a breath, keeping his hand resting on Dion's, loath to pull it away. ]

I care for you a great deal, Dion. That you have come to me today with this offer means more than I can put into words. But I do believe that the heart is capable of a great many things, and loving more than one does not seem so strange.

[ He has feelings for Dion. That much, he knows. And though Dion says he doesn't yet know if it is love, there are feelings there, too. Perhaps they are the same.

There's only one way to find out. ]

I would be glad to follow this road with you, to see where it may lead.

[The longer Joshua speaks, the more Dion begins to hope. He closes his hand carefully around the other man, tentative though the grip is. Should he decide, Joshua could easily pull back. He could deny Dion, and he would accept it with as much grace as he could muster.

But he doesn't have to. Joshua accepts his offer, and Dion swears he feels his heart sing. It feels as if Greagor herself has reached down and blessed him. Scarcely as he believes it, Dion finds himself blinking a few times just to ensure that his vision has not played tricks on him.

Joshua is still there, hand in his own. It is all so very real and

Dion has no idea what to say. His mouth, which he only just realizes has spread into a near grin, opens and closes. He feels helpless, but it isn't an altogether unpleasant feeling.]

I - should I thank you? [He lets out a timid laugh.] I have never done this properly. I know not what to do next.

A week? after Dion wakes up

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