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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.

You have successfully won me over more than a hundredfold times over. I imagine you are going for a higher score with such sweet words. More often than not I marvel at your ability for compassion and empathy.

[He keeps the hold enjoying the return embrace and the affection.]

And don't think I'm not aware that bullying me does lift your spirits for the reverse is true.

[ There's a little laugh at that, and he hums ]

I will neither confirm nor deny but I will say that my spirits are considerably lifted right now. Whether it's because of the adorable look you gave me or just because you're embracing me, I won't say.

Then allow this old man to guess.

[He picks up him as he stands ensuring the blanket is draped over him.]

And where would we be if we did not ruffle each other's feathers. Is that not half the enjoyment of our relationship both friendly and romantic?

[ By now he's not even complaining about being picked up anymore, he's just going to bring an arm around his neck and stay right there ]

I don't imagine either of us would have held the others' interest for long otherwise, no. Though you've definitely displayed more of a passion for getting under my skin than the other way around.

I'm innocent, really. If anything I've just followed your terrible, terrible role model.

I have to find my entertainment somewhere to pass the eons, don't I? And it is not just me, I did watch Lahabrea enjoy himself immensely at the party. He is quite skilled at maniuplation.

[He kisses the top of his head as he continues walking. Though really this is so he could go at his own ridiculously slow pace.]

No one is perfect. A fact that we can both agree is a good thing. But you could have picked another as your role model. Shu perhaps? And where would you be then?

Probably still in the middle of a monologue that no one cares to hear. He is quite long-winded.

As for Lahabrea he is a terrible friend and I'm never speaking to him again, ever. Such betrayal.

Then I suppose I simply must do.

Oh, you enjoyed it. Of that I have no doubt.

[When he arrives at a nicely landscaped area he will kneel and let him down.]

It was fun to play games like an idiot with no other worries. I was a little ridiculous and I said ... a significant number of embarrassing things ... but you're right, it was fun.

[ he pauses as he's let down, and once again, he reaches for his hand to take ]

And you better agree that I am the better kisser.

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