Locke Cole - Final Fantasy 3/6 (gavemyword) wrote in thedisplaced, @ 2017-10-12 21:00:00 |
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Entry tags: | !log/thread, celes chere, locke cole |
Who: Locke Cole & Celes Chere
What: Reunion
Where: Outside Quarintine/Inside the building
When: Right after they’re both released!
Warnings: None I think?
As soon as the door had opened Locke knew exactly what he had to do and where he had to go. Okay, so maybe not exactly where, but there was a person he needed to see immediately at the very least. Over the course of the last couple years he'd been sticking close to Celes, only venturing off if something was far too good to pass up. Locke had always let her know though. In fact, on many of the trips he'd taken that would cause an elongated absence he’d just invite her along. Because why not? Why not adventure off with the person who had nearly killed herself to save your iconic bandana? Celes had so much hate for herself that it made him just want to hug her so tight that it fit all her broken pieces back together. Right now was one of those moments. They'd known each other long enough that he knew just from the tone of her messages that she needed help being put back together again. That she was getting lost in her own head and letting the demons take control. He’d helped save her body from death, but he’d yet to save her mind from herself. That was why as soon as he was cleared the first question out of his mouth was “Where’s Celes?” And the direction that he was pointed in he took off running even against any advisement for him to take it slow, or calm down. In fact, mad dashes and quick turns wouldn't slow until he’d rounded the corner to where she was and only then would he finally slid to a stop. A few seconds would pass as he let eyes roll over the Woman before him and sucked in a few deep breaths. “Celes?” It was only when she seemed to confirm, to acknowledge his presence in her space, that he would swoop in, wrapping arms around her in huge, tight - almost crushing - hug before lifting her off the ground and spinning the woman in his arms around. Only then would he smile, and a laugh would escape his lips at the sheer joy of having her in his arms again. The hours spent in quarantine did little to help Celes’ own personal demons. How many years would she spend hating herself for her past mistakes? For so many things she couldn’t take back? Her regrets were miles wide and oceans deep. So whenever she was left to sit and think, her thoughts tended to drift off to a darker, more dangerous time. Celes was well aware that she was no saint, even if she had changed her path. She may be a better person now, but it didn’t change the fact that she sometimes hated herself. When the hours in quarantine were finally over she gratefully accepted her personal belongings. Her sword was missed almost as much as the pictures she found in her bag. Those made her miss the others terribly, particularly Terra, who was like a sister to her. And what was a fighter without her sword? She needed to be able to defend herself, or Locke, or both. She was relieved to find a change of clothes. At least she wouldn’t be stuck in the same outfit for too long. That was all she found in her bag. Clearly, Celes had little she felt was necessary. These were her bare necessities and the most important things she possessed. Upon exiting her room she asked which direction to take to find Locke, fully intent on finding him as soon as possible and getting out of there. She started in the direction given and realized how great it felt to walk in more than circles. It felt wonderful to stretch her legs. Now she couldn’t wait to breathe in some fresh air. It was horrible being cooped up in a small room, all alone. At least this time she hadn’t been chained up. Before she had barely started down the hall she saw Locke rounding the corner. She felt relieved to see he was okay. She offered a smile at her name, acknowledging him without hesitation. Before she knew it she found herself lifted up in a tight hug, being spun around. Her arms wrapped around his neck instinctively, but she knew he would never drop her. Only when they stopped spinning did she finally speak up. “I’m happy to see you, too,” she said with a laugh. It was so good to be able to see Celes. To hear her laugh, and feel her arms around his neck. It was not only good, it was a relief. It was a relief to realize she was okay, a relief to realize he hadn’t lost her, a relief to realize he could still make her laugh and smile even when she was fighting those demons he wished he could Banish away, a relief to know…. He hadn’t failed her too. A moment was taken where Locke would do nothing but stand still in place, arms locked tight around her body, breathing in her smell and relishing the feeling of the woman in his arms. “I’m glad you’re here.” The words were lowly murmured against Celes hair. He didn’t want to shift, to move away, to move back from being near her, next to her, touching her. “I don’t know what I would have done if you weren’t.” In reality he knew. He’d spend half his days worried senseless about her, and then attempt to reassure himself that the others of his former team could look after her… But none of them knew her as well as Locke did. A strong kiss was placed against the side of her head. It was a thoughtless action, one that was quickly repeated without putting any space between them as arms remained wrapped around her and lips came in contact with her hair again. Maybe she’d smack him for it later, but right now it’d be worth it. At first, the thought of being stuck in a cell yet again had been absolutely dreadful. It was her discovery of why people were put in there, in quarantine, that had made her relatively okay with it. It meant she wouldn’t make anyone sick if she stayed and allowed those in charge to follow through with their work. That was something she wholeheartedly understood. Celes couldn’t stand the thought of harming anyone else, not after all those years with the Empire’s military. Not after having been one of their deadliest General’s. It wasn’t something she wanted to relive, even if it was a different situation. If she left too soon it could mean more lives lost and she didn’t want that on her conscience. Not again. She also had Locke to talk with over whatever that technology was. That was the one thing that had made all of this bearable. Knowing that he was there, waiting to see her, made her heart swell. Her arms remained tightly around his neck, not wanting to let go for fear of being pulled apart by whomever was in charge. They probably wouldn’t have done that anyway, but Celes hadn’t been in the same vicinity as Locke for two whole days and that was strange to her. They had gotten closer over the years. They had spent a lot of time together. He knew how to make her laugh and exactly what to say to make her smile. She loved this man more than anything in the world. She wasn’t about to let anyone keep them apart. So for this moment she was okay with this very public display of affection. It was something she believed should be private, but she didn’t care right now. She had Locke back! He was so much more important than a silly little thing called privacy. For a moment she closed her eyes and allowed herself to simply lean into him, feeling more relaxed now that she could touch him again. She didn’t even seem to mind when he kissed her head. She just smiled with amusement. Yeah, she was absolutely okay with this. “I missed you,” she said quietly as they had their moment. Her hold on him never let up. In fact, it seemed to get tighter when she said that. She would never let go of him if she could. Locke couldn't help the way he leaned back into the hold - just a little - while still assuring his own firm footing in order to make certain they both wouldn't go toppling down. Her confession of missing him? That was it. That was a straw. Maybe it was the fact that they’d spent so much time together in the last handful of years, or perhaps because he’d always been so careful to be respectful of her boundaries and issues, or maybe… Finally, he'd shift, pulling back some and letting arms fall away so that his hands could rest on her respective shoulders. A moment would he be taken as he looked over her, searching for any problems before looking her in the eyes. “You're okay? Really okay?” A part of Celes didn’t want to let go, even though she knew that eventually she would have to. They couldn’t very well walk around like this. It would be impractical and difficult. She imagined they would easily trip over each other. She would allow them to stay there for as long as Locke wished. He brought her more comfort than anyone else. When he did finally loosen up and look her over, she made a face as though to say she was fine. She didn’t have any obvious signs of trauma. No bruises, no cuts or scrapes. Celes had stayed relatively sane and non combative while in quarantine. As sane as she could get, anyway. She had hated being locked up even if it was to protect others. At least this time it she wasn’t supposed to be executed upon her exit. And she didn’t need saving this time around. Her eyes focused on his and she nodded. “I’m okay,” she said firmly. Regardless of her answer his eyes kept searching, almost like he needed physical proof, some sort of actual real, tangible confirmation that nothing was wrong after the last two days of being stuck in a box. Knowing Celes, she likely wasn’t lying, but she likely was also only considering her physical state, and not her mental. How could you check someone’s brain? Finally his eyes rested on hers. “Are you sure? It’s okay not to be okay.” Celes wouldn't lie to Locke. Not unless it was to protect him. Even then she felt immense guilt because she hated ever deceiving him. She watched him quietly, her hands moving now to rest on his neck, her fingers gently teasing his hair. She understood his concern. It wouldn't be the first time she wasn't completely mentally okay. She hardly ever was. Her memories had a terrible habit of creeping up when everything seemed perfect, or else when she was left to her own devices. The last two days were such a time. All Celes had was time for those two days, and many of her demons resurfaced. If it hadn't been for Locke she would have come out much worse. He could reassure her in a way no one else could. She let out a little sigh, “I'm never completely okay,” she admitted. “But I'm close enough when I'm with you,” she said in a quiet voice “That’s okay.” Locke smiled, his eye softening and his features turning towards something tender. It really was only a look the adventurer got when looking at the blonde in front of him, and underneath his hands right now. They’d been through so much together. They both had tremendous regrets, stories that no one would likely believe if they hadn’t been there, and things they’d done and seen and…. This was not the time for these thoughts. He was here - wherever here was - with Celes, and they were both okay. Well, more or less okay at least, and this forced separation had…. It had given him time to think, time to mull things over and roll stuff around in his head more than he normally would. A hand shifted off her shoulder, coming up so that one could cup her cheek and a thumb could stroke over her face if so allowed. “I adore you, okay or not.” Locke couldn’t help the soft, affectionate smile the rose with the words. There was still so much to their story that lay ahead of them. So much of the unknown and undecided. Celes tried not to think of the past, the time before Locke and their friends. Those were her darkest days, her greatest regrets. She still had nightmares on occasion, but she never spoke of them. She didn't want to worry Locke because of something she had no control over. She hated that some things still haunted her, that she could still see them so clearly. But right now the one thing she wanted to focus on was standing right in front of her. Locke was the only thing in the world that truly mattered to her in this place. She should tell him how much he meant to her, how much she wanted… There was a little smile at those words. Maybe there was some sadness behind it. Maybe she wanted to question him for adoring a woman like her. But she didn't. She trusted him completely. She believed him when he said that. She sighed and leaned her forehead against his, closing her eyes. There was really only one thing she wanted to say, but even with his reassurances she still didn't believe she deserved him. If they’d made it through the end of the world, if they’d fought the evil trying to destroy it, if they’d managed to come out on top of everything in the end why did something so little still make him so nervous? Though as Celes leaned into him, her forehead resting against his…. It was a simple shift, an adjustment of his hand on her face, an easy slight lowering of his stance and his mouth to meet hers. Something soft, and gentle, and sweet present in the kiss even if there was the slightest amount of hesitance lingering behind it too. Celes might hit him for this, but in this moment, all he could think? Why hadn’t he done this before? All those years as a soldier, Celes had never once thought what it would be like to love someone. To be with someone. She had been content to be alone, like she had her entire childhood. She had been a child of the Empire since she was an infant. She hadn't known real love then. Only power. She would have never dreamed of giving up her position. But then she found out the truth. She couldn't follow them any longer. That was when she truly started to change, and she had been willing to accept her fate. Locke. He changed her. He became her world, even if she was too frightened to admit it. She shouldn't, because he was so willing to accept her. She wondered briefly if he would believe her if she told him she hadn't actually been kissed before. That thought shifted quickly away. Maybe he thought she would hit him, but that idea didn't even cross her mind. Celes would never raise a hand to Locke. She couldn't help thinking how wonderful it felt, his lips against hers. Admittedly, at first she was surprised. That too passed quickly. Her fingers tangled into his hair, relishing in the fact that this wonderful man cared so deeply for her. The worry, the neres, the insecurity, the unsureness of it all? That would shift, it would slip by, it would pass, and he’d lean into the kiss more, pressing it further but not being forceful as his free arm shifted. It would wrap around Celes waist. This exchange? It wouldn’t go much further here. They’d need air, they’d need to move along. Yet…. He couldn’t help but want it to. To go further, to……… Finally, Locke would allow for the kiss to break, the pad of his thumb caressing over her cheek, as eyes opened and he pulled back. A bright smile spread across his lips as eyes settled back over Celes again. “Wanna get out of here?” ’Maybe do that some more?’ Was not added to his words, even if it was thought. It felt so natural. Like she should have been doing this long ago and she did question herself for not having done this sooner. So much time wasted because she was scared. She would have allowed this to continue if they weren't in the middle of the base, but that had been temporarily forgotten. It was amazing how his touch alone brought her so much comfort When he finally broke away she caught her breath. Her hands moved to gently grab onto his shirt. A little smile appeared as she leaned in against him again, a little chuckle as she realized there were others coming and going who had probably witnessed them. She nodded, “Yeah. I think that's a good idea.” Her cheeks were a light shade of red, burning after that exchange. The smile felt glued to his face. There was no way in the world that he was going to be able to shake that look, this feeling at all. Maybe he’d done something right after all was the only thought to slowly meader through his mind with the way Celes grasped at his shirt. He really should have done this sooner. Reaching up he’d grasp one of her hands gently, encouraging it to let go so that he could bring it up and place a kiss along the back of her knuckles. Locke couldn’t help it as that smile turned into a bit of a smirk while looking at her. God was she beautiful. Letting their mutually clasped hands fall down between them the treasure hunter shifted, stepping aside in such a manner to create an ease of movement for them both as he continued to hold her hand. “Then let’s go.” |