vatheon | //Here's to something much better and brighter//

Entry tags:

//Here's to something much better and brighter//

Who: Guy

zelda_hylia
When: February 14th
Where: Yutopil 1-5
What: A Valentine's dinner and a couple awkward surprises.
Status: Closed.

[With Zelos practically banning him from the host club premises for the evening, Guy has this peculiar holiday all for special purposes. It's not as though he needs a special day to do something for Zelda, really, but he doesn't mind. The head of Golden Victory had invited them to partake in the festivities, but as much as the both of them could handle it on a normal basis, Guy was pretty sure a social call wouldn't exactly make for a completely comfortable evening. Besides, he has something a little more special planned.

It had been on his mind for a little while, even more so with the events that had occurred only a week ago. It would be a lie to say thinking about things didn't still rattle him, but that was besides the point. Holiday or otherwise, someone here deserved a special bit of thanks... and hey, the markings of the day just gave even more of an excuse for the man to make an effort.

An effort it is indeed. In fact, he's not around much of the morning, other than getting up fairly early to slip a note into the apartment door.]

Zelda:

Happy Valentine's Day, and good morning! I know I've been hard to catch lately, but don't worry. There's a reason for that.

Anyways, I've got something to show you! I'll be stopping by this evening, around 6. Let me know if that won't work.

Feel free to wear something you love!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

For something like this? ...I'm sorry, but I'd rather play it safe...

[Plus he would die if anyone approached him about it. He doubts it would happen, but for Zelda's sake, he would just like to avoid that in its entirety. She deserves some respect.]

...If you're really set on this, Zelda, you should have your privacy. [Another nod as he steps over to the bedroom door. Yes, that means he isn't going to watch her undress.]

[It does seem a little less dirty somehow if he isn't watching her undress. She smiles gratefully, stepping into his bedroom.]

Would you mind if I borrowed a sheet?

[She can at least cover her back and shoulders, it'll make her feel far more secure.]

Not at all. [He takes a hold of the door handle, gesturing to the dresser against the far wall.] Use either of the blankets from the bed, if you want, or there's an extra sheet in the bottom-right drawer of the bureau...

[There's an awkward pause. Guy shifts a bit, scratching against the back of his neck before moving to shut the door.]

Knock when you're done, okay?

[It only takes her a brief period of time to undress. After all, she had chosen her clothing with that in mind, just in case. She'd been hoping that seeing her chest would be enough, but she didn't count on it. She looks down at herself for a moment, altering the shape slightly so she doesn't have to feel quite so much like Guy is actually seeing her naked for the first time - a blockier waist, straighter hips, and thinner thighs that more resemble those of a teenage boy than a woman.

There. Now she's still covered up, just in a different way, right? Right. She retrieves the sheet from the bottom-right drawer, wrapping it around her shoulders and arms before moving to knock gently on the door once she has her back covered. She would call out, but she's a little afraid her voice might tremble.]

[And there's the knock.

Guy had stood the few minutes with his back pressed to the door, fighting the urge that this wasn't the right thing to do. Zelda was such a ridiculously modest creature; this wasn't something she should have to do. That guilt was alleviated a bit by the fact that it was, indeed, her choice, her project.

All for the touch of a hand. Heh. It wasn't the first time he felt a bit pathetic at the work it took for this.

At the knock, Guy leans his head back against the door, closing his eyes and taking in a deep breath. Keep yourself calm. Don't stare. Don't make it any more of a scene than it has to be. When he feels he's steeled himself enough, he turns around, keeping his eyes down as he unlatches the door and opens it.

The sight of bare feet and legs is all he needs for his eyes to travel upwards, following up to her hips, the line of her waist, her flattened chest. He keeps incredibly silent, the slight tension only present in how tightly he still holds onto the doorknob. It's... odd. To see her face on a body that could belong to a boy only a few years younger than her... save for the utter lack of anything that looked male or female outside the gentle slopes of her face.

It's still a very exposing and vulnerable moment, and he can see it a bit in the way she holds herself. Despite the changes, he can still feel his face reddening, but he keeps his expression as gentle as possible. All he can do is attempt not to stare, not to make her feel uncomfortable... and wait to see what she wants him to do.]

[She's learned so much since coming to Vatheon, both about herself, and about other people. To get someone to open themselves, you have to make yourself open first. Zelda stays still, giving Guy a few moments to look and making no effort to cover the body she now is inside. It's featureless, lacking even a navel - nothing but a smooth expanse of skin.]

...it is a little strange to look at, isn't it? For me, I find this body less frightening than my real one in some ways. Have I told you that before? I think my female body is frightening as well...

[Guy doesn't answer her comments, having to let her words roll over him and get the initial reactions in and out of his head. It doesn't mean he wasn't listening. Far from it.

His first step is slow and deliberate, knuckles prying off the doorknob hesitantly. It's taking an enormous amount of effort at first, and he's not sure how close he can approach her. Even his gaze keeps flickering, not quite sure where to stay on her or elsewhere. But finally, it catches at the grip her hands have against the sheet.

The line of his brow softens, a firm resolution coming over him quite suddenly. He clears the distance between the two, hesitating with only the flickers of a grimace before reaching out to her shoulder. Fingers grasp against the fabric, first with one hand and then the other, pulling the sheet farther in until it easily wraps across her entirely.

Not too long afterwards? Zelda's being pulled into a very shaky embrace, Guy's arms wrapping around her tight. He exhales sharply before speaking, trying to push as much of the tremble out of his voice as he can.]

...You don't have to be scared.

[He's holding her. He took the sheet and covered her up, and now he's holding her. She doesn't return the embrace beyond leaning her head against his chest, smiling broadly. This was even more than she'd expected. He's still nervous, she's still unsure, but this actually really, truly feels like progress.]

I know that logically, but that knowledge alone does not always help.

[The anxiety still present in her voice is more that of excitement than the worried sort. She'd love to be able to hold him too, but for now this is enough.]

[He knows he can't do this for very long. Just her speaking gets him to tense up considerably, his grip on her tightening, the glance of blonde hair enough to make him have to keep his eyes shut good and tight.]

I know... I-I know... [His throat already feels thick and dry, but he swallows it down, trying to keep his voice from turning too hoarse too quickly.] You... you're not strange. I know it must be hard to see with your own eyes, but... you're beautiful, just as you are, alright...? S-smoke and mirrors aside...

[She notices that the sound of her voice makes it harder on him (he's started stammering again), and so she chooses to whisper instead.]

You don't think I look to strange like this, then? I am glad to hear it. I was a little worried you would think I was strange for wanting to try this in the first place.

[He tries to answer, but it seems it's become a bit too much. Guy's arms quickly withdraw and he stumbles a few steps to the side, the simple frame of his bed his new support. It's not as drastic a reaction as normal - more a retreat from something incredibly uncomfortable than the violent ripping away - but he's still reached his limit for the moment. So it's to the bed he now goes, lowering himself to a seat as he attempts to calm himself down.]

N-no. No, it's... it's not "strange". Different, maybe. And I mean... you had reasons for it. You explained yourself. But it's still not completely "you"... y-you know?

[His smile grows rueful. Just like Sheik wasn't her, although this was a much milder idea. This body... well, in some ways, yeah, it was serving the purpose it needed. But he didn't want her to feel that that was the only way she could be around him.]

I guess that's why this body must feel a little more comfortable, huh.

But regardless... maybe it's easier to wrap my mind around touching you when you're like this. Maybe not. I... I don't really know; I'm not sure what to tell you. [It was part of the reason that his fear being an utter mystery was so difficult right now. He couldn't tell her why he was scared of certain things, like the sound of her voice or the uncomfortable feeling in the pit of his stomach just seeing, of all things, a glimpse of her hair as she leaned against him. He couldn't explain why, not even to himself. He just was.]

But don't feel you have to change yourself around for either of us to think that you're lovely. Because you don't need to. [He shrugs gently.] To hell with the fear. The fact that you're built the way you are is part of what attracts me to you. Regardless of whether I can touch that "you" or not, that thought isn't going to change for me. It doesn't have to for you, either.

Okay, Zelda?

[The withdrawal is a marked improvement from the other times he's had to pull back. She doesn't consider this a failure in the least. She shifts, holding the sheet up properly and listening to him speak.]

...thank you, Guy.

[She lifts her head, smiling. It's a bit bittersweet, but it's still there.]

I feel that I could be satisfied with how things are if you were, honestly. But I have not forgotten how upset you were after we changed back to your own bodies. If you want to be able to be close, then I want it too, and I will find a way to make it happen. This body may not be the same as the one you are used to seeing, but it is still mine. It doesn't belong to anyone else, it is not like it is with Sheik. I'm still Zelda.

[So that's why there was a change. It doesn't explain everything, but... maybe that shift in personality during Sheik was on purpose after all?

He doesn't dwell on that thought too long - it's not important for right now. If Zelda says she wants to make something happen, Guy knows by now that she'll stick by that. Even with his hesitancy about her physical change, he still believes her efforts are genuine in their motive. The concern on his part is just the same as it had always been - how much could he fool himself before the reality of this fear just came back to smack him in the face? Dedication could only bring one so far, and while he is touched that Zelda would do something like this on his behalf... he still has to bite his tongue to not voice the doubts.

Let her keep her confidence. She was only trying to help, after all, and it wouldn't do anything to make her any more upset about something neither of them had control over. He draws out a long sigh, a small hint of his more casual lilt wandering back into his voice.]

Well, if the lady is all for it, I guess I can't complain.

[He pauses, his tone softening.

...]

Don't go wanting all that just for me, alright? Not saying it wouldn't be flattering, but I'd feel like a pretty big jerk for pushing you into that. Besides, you've got your own pride to look out for.

Edited 2013-03-07 18:07 (UTC)

It is not just for you. I was simply saying that if you were satisfied as is, then I could be too.

[She doesn't want to pressure him, but she does genuinely want to be able to be close. If it wasn't something Guy wanted, she'd learn to handle it - but knowing that he does want it, she doesn't want to give up on it.

Saying that she wants it for her own sake is embarrassing though. Don't make a lady say something like that Guy, that's rude!]

Alright, alright. So, it's more just a mutual flexibility. That doesn't sound bad at all.

[It's all hiding another smile. That's the closest he's ever heard her say that she wanted something for herself, and if she was that determined for the both of them, then he didn't have any reason to talk her down. Maybe just a poke or two to bring them both back to reality (or the inevitable shrieks that would come from him - he suppresses a shudder at the thought) would be needed, but she was already cautious and rather patient.]

I'm kind of grounded to what I can or cannot do, honestly. If we can change that somehow, with some work, then... yeah, I guess I'd be okay with that. I just can't set my bar too high. Not unless something changes.

That's just me, though. What about you? What would you be satisfied with?

I know that. That is why I decided to try changing something to see if it helped at all.

[She knows his limitations, and she knows that he might never get any better. Since she's blessed with magical ability, she just has more options available to try and alleviate the problem.]

What would I...? Ah... I suppose, ah, it would be nice to be able to sit next to each other closely, or hold hands while taking a walk, or... well, it would just be nice.

[Kissing again would be nice too, but she's not going to even mention that while she's undressed in his bedroom.]

Hahah... yeah, substitutes aren't exactly the same, are they?

[Holding scarves instead of holding hands, judging out the distance between their seats... It really was pretty ridiculous, wasn't it? Wouldn't it be nice to not have to worry about things like that? Or, well, not worry as much. She'd have the connection, he'd have a little bit of pride back...

Plus there was the not-so-subtle thought of another kiss... that would be kind of nice. But there's no chance he'd have the freedom of mind like the last time they kissed - not now, not for ages. And besides, there's no way he's going to mention something like that when she's standing naked in the middle of his room.

...

He stiffly rises back to his feet, clearing his throat.]

Anyways. Relax in here for right now, alright? I'll take care of your dress.

Truly, I do not mind them. I just thought that this might be a bit easier.

[It's terrible, but on some level she's relieved that Guy has the limitations he does. The idea of any sort of sexual contact is rather frightening to her, and most men would expect something after this long, wouldn't they? This incredibly slow pace ensures that she'll be ready by the time he is.]

Are you certain? If I transform into Sheik I will have clothing again, so I could help.

[As much as it might cross his mind for being a young and healthy man, sex = heart attack. Don't worry, Zelda. Whether you wanted it or not, you're in no danger. Her clothes are scooped up quickly, Guy talking without a moment's pause from his work.]

If you want to? But if you don't mind, could you stay there for just a little longer? There's something else I'd like to try.

Very well, then.

[She settles on the very edge of his bed to wait, just barely taking up the corner. Anything more would be inappropriate!]

[He casts her a thankful grin before slipping out the door. Raising a kid meant Guy had dealt with his fair share of wrestling stains out of laundry - wash the stain, a little bit of bleach, and into the laundry it goes for a quick tumble. It meant she was without clothes for a little bit longer, but--

He's slipping back in the room within a few minutes, the door quietly closing behind him with a barely-veiled nervousness.]

Close your eyes for a minute.

[It feels like those few minutes stretch into eternity. Zelda is not accustomed to sitting around without clothing on. She should have at least asked for him to leave her bloomers -

Wait oh goddesses he had those too. He totally saw them!

Thankfully, by the time he re-enters the room she's recovered from her flailing over that at the most part. Close her eyes? It's a difficult thing to ask when she feels so exposed, but she's asked him to do some hard things tonight.]

All right.

[She takes a deep breath, then closes her eyes.]

[His footfalls across the carpet are quiet, and it won't take long for Zelda to feel the weight of another body on the bed. Not just taking a seat, but rolling onto the mattress and... slowly - very, very slowly - moving to kneel right behind where she sat. To inch close enough was still excruciatingly hard, and for a minute he just figures he should give up the idea, give them both space that was comfortable and call it a night.

...

A trembling hand rests against the crook of her neck, the touch just as hesitant as it had been against her own hand at the dinner table.]

...Do you trust me...?

[She does trust him. She's revealed a great deal more to Guy than she has to just about anyone else. Even so, it's impossible to keep the muscles in her neck from tensing slightly when he initially touches her. Only the fact that his hand is trembling calms her enough that she stays still and keeps her breathing even. Zelda shifts to hug the sheet to her chest.]

Of course I do. I would not be here like this if I didn't trust you.

[In her mind, nothing shows trust quite someone making themselves vulnerable. It's part of the reason she gets so upset when Guy tries to downplay any vulnerabilities of his own, it feels like a lack of trust.]

[Guy gives a quiet sound of recognition before the weight against the bed shifts, the blonde straightening up with both hands now slipping hesitantly against the princess's shoulders and collarbone and forehead tipping forward to rest against the back of her head. Don't open your eyes. Don't you dare open your eyes...

There's the cold touch of metal in his left palm, fine chain loosening with the tilt of a wrist to put a gentle weight of a pendant against her breastbone. He fumbles a bit fastening the necklace against the back of her neck, tensely laughing under his breath as he almost drops one end more than once. But he manages, palms moving back to her shoulders as almost a mental reset before leaning down just enough to talk into her ear--]

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lol pretend that's totally not luke

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