[ It would be a disservice to them both to ignore or pretend how their decisions led to them to be where they are now—a king and a Servant. When they both have disregarded themselves as individuals and instead chose to be instruments to better their countries, when they have both chosen to move forward without looking back—
Maybe it's all right if they can just be themselves and not what they chose to be.
Maybe he can be someone else who can walk alongside her, for a time.
She curls her fingers, tightening her hold briefly. ]
That's fair.
[ It's her ruling as Jeanne and not as Ruler. She smiles up at him before she lets their foreheads touch. ]
Sometimes, we will simply be two.
[ Without all their countless titles and responsibilities, there is still love for the people. ]
it's interesting, he thinks. this is an inarguably terrible situation, one that is difficult to navigate through the horrible aspects. but at the same time -
he did not think that he would meet another who understands the way that he thinks, the way that he chooses to move forward in life. while he would not quite yet say that it is 'worth it', given the way that it inflicts pain on others in this situation
he cannot deny this one moment of appreciation, of selfish 'I am glad I got to meet you'.]
Is that something you need to thank me for?
I'm afraid it's one of the easiest tasks I've encountered since coming to this place.
[ It is because they are in such a terrible situation that meeting someone like him stands out so much more. It is because he's from another world that she can't help but be a little selfish even if she shouldn't.
There is a small fledgling hope that he won't ever see her as something that so many others do.
Her mind flashes to someone who reminded her of herself not too long ago, and she pulls away from Soo-won a little although her grip on his hand is still firm. ]
That in itself makes you wonderful. It is so easy to be expected to be a certain way, but you have listened and tried to see without any bias.
It's a little...
[ Freeing, as if she will ever be free from her history. She shakes her head. ]
I am glad you are who you are.
[ It pains her that this place could change that. ]
yet there is something in his heart that rejects it at first - he knows that jeanne means it sincerely, but some part of him wonders when it may change. to see the world without bias is something that he considers a strength, something that he admires in her as well -
but to see a world without bias means compartmentalizing. it means that loyalty is compromised when difficult decisions have to be made. it means that affection is put into question, no matter its sincerity.
even his mother eventually had qualms with the person he was - who he's always been.
but that does not reflect on his face as he only offers a soft smile]
... I wish that you did not feel this way - I wish that it was more common for you to be met for the person that you are, rather than who you're expected to be.
[he wishes that this wasn't an anomaly for her, when others get to have it as a norm]
But if this is some solace I can offer you, then I'm glad for it. Thank you for allowing me to share with you as well.
[ His wish is sweet, but the likelihood that she'd be here without those expectations, without the myriad of belief and faith heaped upon her is close to nil.
She has accepted what others believed her to be whether or not she agreed. Even if everyone betrays her in this, the only one she doesn't want to betray her is herself. ]
I am here to help people, first and foremost. However that manifests, I am willing to take it on, and I am happy you were willing to share with me.
[ He lifted a veil shrouding himself, and how meaningful that is isn't lost on her.
She shifts, moving to rise to her feet. ]
I am thankful for what we both shared, but I should look into the morale of the others.
[ She smiles her appreciation. As much as she'd like to stay and take comfort in his company, in the comfort that someone like him exists, it feels a little too selfish, a little too indulgent.
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no subject
Maybe it's all right if they can just be themselves and not what they chose to be.
Maybe he can be someone else who can walk alongside her, for a time.
She curls her fingers, tightening her hold briefly. ]
That's fair.
[ It's her ruling as Jeanne and not as Ruler. She smiles up at him before she lets their foreheads touch. ]
Sometimes, we will simply be two.
[ Without all their countless titles and responsibilities, there is still love for the people. ]
Thank you, Soo-Won, for accepting me as I am.
no subject
it's interesting, he thinks. this is an inarguably terrible situation, one that is difficult to navigate through the horrible aspects. but at the same time -
he did not think that he would meet another who understands the way that he thinks, the way that he chooses to move forward in life. while he would not quite yet say that it is 'worth it', given the way that it inflicts pain on others in this situation
he cannot deny this one moment of appreciation, of selfish 'I am glad I got to meet you'.]
Is that something you need to thank me for?
I'm afraid it's one of the easiest tasks I've encountered since coming to this place.
[something that he feels almost lucky for]
no subject
There is a small fledgling hope that he won't ever see her as something that so many others do.
Her mind flashes to someone who reminded her of herself not too long ago, and she pulls away from Soo-won a little although her grip on his hand is still firm. ]
That in itself makes you wonderful. It is so easy to be expected to be a certain way, but you have listened and tried to see without any bias.
It's a little...
[ Freeing, as if she will ever be free from her history. She shakes her head. ]
I am glad you are who you are.
[ It pains her that this place could change that. ]
no subject
yet there is something in his heart that rejects it at first - he knows that jeanne means it sincerely, but some part of him wonders when it may change. to see the world without bias is something that he considers a strength, something that he admires in her as well -
but to see a world without bias means compartmentalizing. it means that loyalty is compromised when difficult decisions have to be made. it means that affection is put into question, no matter its sincerity.
even his mother eventually had qualms with the person he was - who he's always been.
but that does not reflect on his face as he only offers a soft smile]
... I wish that you did not feel this way - I wish that it was more common for you to be met for the person that you are, rather than who you're expected to be.
[he wishes that this wasn't an anomaly for her, when others get to have it as a norm]
But if this is some solace I can offer you, then I'm glad for it. Thank you for allowing me to share with you as well.
no subject
She has accepted what others believed her to be whether or not she agreed. Even if everyone betrays her in this, the only one she doesn't want to betray her is herself. ]
I am here to help people, first and foremost. However that manifests, I am willing to take it on, and I am happy you were willing to share with me.
[ He lifted a veil shrouding himself, and how meaningful that is isn't lost on her.
She shifts, moving to rise to her feet. ]
I am thankful for what we both shared, but I should look into the morale of the others.
[ She smiles her appreciation. As much as she'd like to stay and take comfort in his company, in the comfort that someone like him exists, it feels a little too selfish, a little too indulgent.
She can't allow for any more. ]