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[ he gets up at that, and offers him his hand ]

Then I'd like to take one for a while, while we talk. I'm keeping the blanket, it's cold.

[He tucks the blanket securely across Five's shoulders before he takes his hand squeezing the fingers.]

Finally I am getting you to enjoy nature. Perhaps we'll have Vergil calling you a tree hugger as well one day.

No, you're going to have to work a bit harder for that.

But admittedly enjoying nature while in your company does have its charm.

[ and he'll squeeze his hand right back ]

Enjoying any time with me has charm. Just as I can say the same for you.

[Being extremely cheeky.]

It seems we will be getting a new member soon, and you as well. So there are new faces to look forward to. But we can also reminisce about our joint custody if you desire. I wonder if you actually ever played the sport with him.

And you will never know, I'm bringing this secret to the grave.

[ a pause, then he adds ]

I do worry a bit. About the new members of Taisho. We were a disaster before but at least I could just chalk it up to other people being just as stubborn as I am, and a significant part of the Unit being too soft.

Even if I know I'm technically not responsible for the Unit it's hard not to feel like I am.

[He just laughs at that and continues to hold his hand.]

I thought the dinner went well and was nice overall. At least I can see what you mean about Cypher wanting unity.

I think Kaguya finally did get what she wanted. You do think of them as an estranged family. Not equal to your own of course, but you wouldn't care otherwise.

I really don't like it being put in those terms, though I can't deny it. But at least it's been on my own terms, and not because I was told to.

That said, regarding dinner. It was nice, but Klaus and I did have something of a confrontation. It's been on my mind and I was actually going to ask your advice on it.

It always had to be on your own terms. You were not incorrect when you said just being put on the unit made you important to each other in a supporting way.

Did it? What happened?

I haven't exactly told him what I understood from his memory. He's unfortunately perceptive and was able to understand that.

And he's tired of me cutting him off from matters that involve us. His words. More or less.

[He does not respond immediately.]

I will ask you the same question I asked him though I already know the answer. Do you love your brother?

That's not the issue, you know that.

Then what is keeping you from being honest with him?

I don't have enough information yet, so why share what is purely speculation? He's barely getting an idea of who he is now and this would disrupt it.

Besides. I don't want him to obsess over it and end up taking too many memories at once just in hopes of figuring it out. I'm worried.

Because it concerns him primarily, and you felt comfortable enough to share it with me. He has more a right to it than I.

[He still holds his hand as he steps in front of him. His free hand finds his chin and tilts it up.]

You know more than others the power that time gives. How temperamental it and fate can be. There is no better moment than now for your leap of faith. Trust him, Five Hargreeves, to do his best. Perhaps he will falter, perhaps he will do just as you say. But he loves you, and loves you dearly and does not know how to express it. And I admit it seems you are the same when it comes to him. Falter and stumble, but do it together.

I don't think you will be disappointed.

[ he's quiet for a few moments at that, looking up at Emet and carefully considering each word.

And eventually he sighs ]

If it goes badly I am holding you responsible and stealing you away for at least a day.

If it goes badly, you will invite me to be the mediator between you two. And then you can steal me for a day.

[He lets his thumb brush over his cheek before he stand side to side with him again.]

Though it doesn't have to be soon. It has been a upending last couple of days. Take time for yourself to breathe.

[ squeezing his hand at that ]

A few days then, just enough to get used to all these changes. Then I'll tell him.

Good. Then a path has been set forward for you. I imagine that eases your mind.

A little. Admittedly part of me is still worried about him potentially rejecting me, but I'm at least aware that's not an entirely rational fear.

I did ask him if he loved you at that party. I do believe his reply was "Do I not make it obvious enough?"

Thus I would bet in your favor that he will not reject you. I do not believe any of you use the word 'love' lightly.

[ there's a small smile at that ]

We're not even married yet and you're already fixing my family messes for me. What would I do without you?

We've discussed this, Five. It is our unfortunate disposition to want the other be happy.

Without me you would fumble along but still make progress. Success within your grasp. I'm simply here to make it easier.

I was trying to make fun of you and maybe make you blush, but I see I have to be more ruthless if I want to do that.

Let's try with this, then.

[ it's his turn to stop walking so he can move in front of Emet, holding his hand and once again bringing it to his lips to kiss his knuckles, and reaching to brush his cheek with the other and yes, he is totally standing on his tip-toes and barely reaching for that ]

Thank you for all that you do for me. I can't understate how lucky I am to have you by my side, and how much it makes my heart feel full. There never goes a day in which I'm not grateful for all that you give me.

And to see you making such an effort not to help just me, but my family too, really means the world to me. One more reason to love you — among way too many to count.

[It is very successful at getting him to look away and color to dust his cheeks not only by the actions but by the words.]

The lion's share is yours already. Your family seems quite small to the all the inhabitants of my star for which you do labor. But I do this without hesitation for them and primarily for you.

[He kneels pulling him into a tight embrace.]

'Tis only what you deserve for being so insufferably charming and considerate.

[ he seems quite satisfied with the victory, and he can't help but smile at the look on Emet's face. Of course he returns the embrace the moment he's pulling him in, and takes the chance to kiss his cheek ]

You realize I can say the same about you. Everything I do for you, my love, cooperation and protection, you've more than earned it. And it's nothing less than what you deserve.

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