[He has his hands on his hips, chest out. He hasn't grown any since they last saw each other, but there's a certain shine of very adult pride in his tone and in his eyes. Not the ego posturing he usually did, but the joy of a craftsman.
Of a parent, even though he was still well too young to think of such things]
Though they can wear you out! Killia said he'd come down and teach them a few things soon but at this rate I might run out of training for them before he even gets here!
[He snickers, bouncing back and forth on his feet. She sure knew how to flame his ego. He might be more mature now, but he was and always would still be Zeroken. And in that way he was very simple.]
[He laughs a little- humans were so squeamish, but after everything they went through he had learned long ago not to question it. Instead he sets to work]
It's not gonna be anything fancy. That okay?
[He wasn't an amazing cook- his food was simple, but hearty.]
I'd be happy with anything if it was from you. Even zombie broth.
[The very idea of that sounds really, really gross, but just him making it for her would be enough to make it palatable. He really is the most dazzling person in her eyes.
...Maybe she should ask that question sooner rather than later.]
Well... I did have something I wanted to ask you, before you get too distracted by cooking. If that's alright, I mean...
[God, how does she go about this. She's never asked anyone anything like this before - even just asking people for simple things, like to hang out with her, is something that she's not used to and sometimes still has trouble with. This is much more difficult.
She looks down at her feet.]
I understand if the answer is no, and you won't hurt my feelings if it is. But... would it... be alright if I stayed in this world?
[It takes her a second to figure out what implications she's accidentally made here, but when she does figure it out she's quick to reassure him.]
Nothing's happened to my world, everything's fine there. [As fine as it ever is, which is better than a fair number of other murdergame participants' worlds.] If you say no I'll just go back to where I was, so don't feel like you have to say yes.
You sure? I mean, this Netherworld is pretty peaceful, but... it's not really made for humans.
[His cheeks puff out a bit, like he's annoyed by his own need to be reasonable. He WANTS to jump on her and kiss her and celebrate. But... he doesn't want Alice to regret it either]
[She hadn't even thought of becoming a Prinny - but, well, she doe have plenty of sins to work off. It's not unlikely.
But such idle thoughts are for times when Zeroken isn't hugging her. She squeezes him back, resting her chin on the top of his head.]
...I don't know how I can possibly thank you.
[For accepting her, even with everything she's done and everything she did to him. She told every lie with a straight face and without hesitation, condemned him to what she thought would be real death, and somehow he still wants her around.
ZEROKEN also pls forgive lack of icons I need to renew her paid
'Visit' might not be the right word, but she hasn't told Zeroken yet that she's considering staying, if he'll have her. It'll be a surprise.
First thing was seeing his students, of course, who were curious about this weird human in their midst but friendly.]
You were right, Zeroken, they're cute as a button.
[...but children are also a little bit exhausting, so she's glad it's just her and Zeroken now.]
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[He has his hands on his hips, chest out. He hasn't grown any since they last saw each other, but there's a certain shine of very adult pride in his tone and in his eyes. Not the ego posturing he usually did, but the joy of a craftsman.
Of a parent, even though he was still well too young to think of such things]
Though they can wear you out! Killia said he'd come down and teach them a few things soon but at this rate I might run out of training for them before he even gets here!
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[Even a demon child.]
...Anyway, I'm an assassin, not a fighter. None of my skills would be very helpful - they'll learn better from you.
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I dunno, you could probably teach me a few things.
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[Hey, did Zeroken want a quick smooch on the lips? Because he's getting one.]
-romance.
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Heh, well I guess it's good I have the best teacher, right?
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Someday the student will surpass the master. I have confidence in you.
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So, you ready for dinner?
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[What girl doesn't like being spoiled by her boyfriend?]
I promise I'll eat everything on my plate even if I don't recognize the ingredients.
[...Netherworld cuisine can be something.]
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It's not gonna be anything fancy. That okay?
[He wasn't an amazing cook- his food was simple, but hearty.]
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[The very idea of that sounds really, really gross, but just him making it for her would be enough to make it palatable. He really is the most dazzling person in her eyes.
...Maybe she should ask that question sooner rather than later.]
Well... I did have something I wanted to ask you, before you get too distracted by cooking. If that's alright, I mean...
[Her expression is uncharacteristically nervous.]
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[A curl of worry rolls in his belly.]
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[God, how does she go about this. She's never asked anyone anything like this before - even just asking people for simple things, like to hang out with her, is something that she's not used to and sometimes still has trouble with. This is much more difficult.
She looks down at her feet.]
I understand if the answer is no, and you won't hurt my feelings if it is. But... would it... be alright if I stayed in this world?
Permanently, I mean.
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D-did something happen?! Is everything okay!?
[His first thought is that Alice CAN'T go home]
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[It takes her a second to figure out what implications she's accidentally made here, but when she does figure it out she's quick to reassure him.]
Nothing's happened to my world, everything's fine there. [As fine as it ever is, which is better than a fair number of other murdergame participants' worlds.] If you say no I'll just go back to where I was, so don't feel like you have to say yes.
...I just would rather be with you.
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[Oh that's a relief, and his whole body slumps.
At least until he realizes what she means. His ears flick, turning pink, and he pulls his massive ponytail over and hides his face in it]
H-here, with me? You mean it?
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[She's still visibly nervous, but she at least manages a smile.]
Who else would I possibly mean?
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I dunno...
[He peeks out, and any worries she has likely can't maintain under how HAPPY his yellow eyes look]
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Alice looks a bit like she might cry, but she's smiling so, so wide.]
I love you so much. Nothing would make me happier than staying with you, if you'll let me.
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[His cheeks puff out a bit, like he's annoyed by his own need to be reasonable. He WANTS to jump on her and kiss her and celebrate. But... he doesn't want Alice to regret it either]
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[She doesn't want the person she loves the most to think of her as a bother. As a ball and chain, or someone he has to constantly support.]
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[He had been trembling like a dog with a treat on his nose, but his will is only so strong- he is on Alice in a flash, squeezing her]
If you wanna stay here you can! And even if you die some day and turn into a Prinnie then she can live here too!
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But such idle thoughts are for times when Zeroken isn't hugging her. She squeezes him back, resting her chin on the top of his head.]
...I don't know how I can possibly thank you.
[For accepting her, even with everything she's done and everything she did to him. She told every lie with a straight face and without hesitation, condemned him to what she thought would be real death, and somehow he still wants her around.
She doesn't deserve someone as wonderful as him.]
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A-aw... you don't gotta do that. It's... kinda lonely here when the kids go home so...
[His voice cracks- he might be crying a little cuz wow ]
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I'll be here until you get sick of me. I swear you won't ever have to be lonely again.
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