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Entry tags:
soft as chalk.
i will probably edit this at some point, especially if i think of more i want to add... i just really wanted to get these ideas out somewhere.
FANDOM star ocean: the last hope
PAIRING edge/faize + lymle
RATING pg-13
FANDOM star ocean: the last hope
PAIRING edge/faize + lymle
RATING pg-13
When Edge reunites with Faize on Lemuris, one of the first things out of his mouth is that he's not going to let him let go again. You promised to stay by my side, remember? And I'm sure as hell not going to leave yours. His grip on Faize's shoulders is tight, his actions mimicking his words; and all Faize can do is return the embrace, winding shaky arms around Edge's own and digging the pads of his fingers into his back, because as much as he doesn't deserve Edge's kindness after everything that's happened, he doesn't want to be apart from Edge any longer.
---
When Lymle sees Edge again, she bounds up to him with her arms spread wide and a delighted grin lighting up her childlike features, and Faize tries to seem irritated with her, but if anything, he only looks bemused. Edge learns that she and Faize help to take care of the children on Lemuris, and the two of them learn of Edge's new ship, his new crew and his new life, pristine like the white of his uniform. Reimi had only just recently moved on to become the captain of a crew of her own on a ship of a different name, and it had been Crowe and Arumat's idea for Edge to pay a visit Lemuris in search of Faize - Arumat had brought up the possibility, but Crowe encouraged him, not that Edge needed much encouragement. Edge is nowhere near ready to leave behind his dreams of space exploration, but Faize isn't quite ready to move on yet, either - and so, Edge figures, the great star ocean can wait for a little while.
---
The three of them end up staying together in a house that's far too small, but it's cozy, all the same. There are two little rooms with only one little bed in each, and after a stubborn exchange regarding who, between the two of them, will take the hardwood floor, Edge and Faize share. Edge tries to be modest at first, offering a sheepish little smile and scooting over to make as much room as possible, but not too long after slipping into a light slumber Faize wakes to find himself drawn close to a beating heart, one arm wrapped loosely around his shoulders, fingers grazing against the curve of his neck. Edge is fast asleep - resting better than he had in weeks, really, because Faize is safe - and Faize can't help the slight smile that tugs at his lips before he allows his eyes to drift shut once again.
They never get around to acquiring a third bed.
---
Sometimes, wracked with guilt and other nameless emotions, shameful emotions, Faize cries. He doesn't know how, but Lymle always seems to catch him, tiptoeing in unnoticed until she reaches to slip soft, warm hands into his, staring up at him with a placid expression. He starts, eyes widening before he pulls away from her grasp to furiously swipes at his eyes, as if it's not too late to hide the fact that he had been. She doesn't tear her gaze away, and it makes Faize feel constricted, because Lymle has always been able to see right through him.
"Edgie's here. Faize isn't alone anymore, 'kay?" is all she says. Her tone is light, light in a way that makes it sound like the simplest observation in the world, like it's nothing. Faize fainly recalls a time when he wished Edge could view things as simply as Lymle; the fact that the roles have been reversed does not escape his notice.
"I don't... I don't deserve... " he trails off, refusing to allow himself to finish. He can't discuss this with Lymle, of all people. She wouldn't understand.
"Dummy."
Lymle understands.
---
Most of Faize's conversations with Edge are trivial, just tremulous smiles and brittle laughs. Everything between them feels fragile, too much so - just one misspoken word and Edge will be one-thousand light-years away again, Faize is certain. It doesn't last; Edge has never been one to hold his tongue for long, and there are simply too many unspoken truths between them to stay quiet.
"I don't want to lose you again. I thought... I thought you were dead, and... Faize," Edge chokes out, holding him tightly, as tightly as he can. He is usually composed, but right now, he doesn't have to be composed for anyone - there is no crew, only Faize, so he crumples, a mess of insecurities. Faize crumples with him - confesses that all he wants is to be by his side, confesses everything he wishes he could be to Edge. When Faize states that he doesn't deserve to have Edge here, that his actions should never be forgiven, that Edge is much better off without him, Edge kisses him, the action attempting to convey something he can't in words.
Their first time is slow and unsure and imperfect. Neither of them have any experience to speak of, and so they stumble blindly in the dark, attempting to find what works - but in the end, the other's name spills from their lips in a strangled cry, and they're both sated, content.
---
Lutea visits often. Despite Lymle's long absence, their friendship had never faltered - it's only grown stronger. Lymle's promises to come back to Lemuris as a master symbologist did not go unfulfilled. Lutea remembers Edge and Faize right away from their previous visit to Lemuris, and she's always polite and sweet and kind, offering the two of them friendly smiles when she comes and goes.
When she leaves one late afternoon, Faize can't refrain from making a comment. "Why can't Lymle be as charming as that girl? I'm not sure why she's so attached to Lymle in the first place."
They both know he's teasing - Faize realized a long time ago that in actuality, there are few people kinder than Lymle. Edge just laughs and replies, "Well, that's what makes them such great friends - their differences. They bring out the best in each other. Right, Lymle?"
Lymle grins playfully, ambling over between the two of them and lacing her fingers together behind her back. "Yeah. Reminds me of two other people I know." She can't fight off a wicked smile, leaning closer.
Edge and Faize exchange a confused look. "Really?" Edge questions, tilting his head to the side. "Uh, who would that be?"
Lymle stares, unblinking. It takes her a moment to realize that yes, they really are that dense (she should have known) - and when she does, she can't help but sigh and shake her head, turning on one foot and stomping down the hallway with all the energy and theatrics that only a young girl could achieve.
"Hopeless."
---
When the scent of something burning fills the air, both Faize and Lymle go running to the stove, only to be greeted by the sight of one smiling Edge pulling what appears to be burnt lumps of something possibly resembling cookies out of the oven. He's even wearing an apron. When did they get an apron?
Upon noticing their presence, his smile seems to grow impossibly larger, green eyes lighting up. "Just the people I wanted to see! I remembered that cookies are your favorite food, so I thought I'd surprise you." When both Faize and Lymle are too stunned to reply, he continues, smile taking a sheepish lilt to it. "I've never really baked anything before, but it seemed easy enough for Reimi, and I really wanted to do something for the two of you, so... " He trails off, reaching to rub the back of his neck in a familiar, awkward gesture.
It's a little difficult, but Faize attempts to match Edge's enthusiasm. "That was quite considerate of you, Edge. I must say, I'm very eager to taste them." He walks over to Edge's side and eyes the suspicious-looking food - if it could even be called that - and Lymle pads after him, a thoughtful expression on her face. Edge looks at them both expectantly.
Faize is the first to take a bite, and it tastes as awful as it looks, but he can't let Edge know that - not after he worked so hard, and not when he looks so eager. So he attempts to hide a grimace, smiling weakly and devouring two more bites. He almost forgets to swallow before speaking. There's no water, why is there no water -
"These are wonderful, Edge. I've never tasted something so delicious. You really are incredible at everything you do, aren't you?"
Edge laughs, looking sheepish again. "It's no big deal, Faize, really... but I'm glad you like them." The look on Edge's face makes the taste almost worth it, so Faize begins on the second one, stomach churning in anticipation. That's when Lymle takes a bite.
"Yuck. These aren't cookies, 'kay?" She immediately spits it out into a napkin and crumples it up, making a disgusted face and crossing her arms. Faize shoots her a desperate look that goes completely ignored, and Edge just looks surprised.
"You really think so, Lymle? Faize seems to like them... I guess I'll be the tiebreaker, then." He reaches a hand out to snatch one of Faize's cookies, paying no mind to the worried look that Faize is sending his way, and takes a big bite. The look that appears on his face says more than words ever could.
He spits it out. "F-Faize, why didn't you tell me-- this is the worst thing I've ever tasted... these are nothing like Reimi's!" Faize looks distraught, at a complete loss for words. Lymle is still making a sour face.
"N-No... they're delicious. I really don't see what the problem is," Faize protests, and attempts to go for a third, but Edge reaches out a hand to stop him and shakes his head, a helpless smile playing at his lips.
"Faize... you're seriously too much, sometimes." Edge starts laughing, hand still covering Faize's, and it's not long before Lymle joins in with delighted giggling of her own.
From then on, Lymle does the cooking.
---
The three of them don't have a name for what they are - they just are. Faize's smiles become less and less rare, and Lymle often worms her way in between the two of them, clinging to one leg each. Sometimes Edge and Faize end up dozing midday, fingers carelessly laced together and Faize's head resting against Edge's shoulder, and they wake up to Lymle having nestled her way comfortably in the middle, sprawled out over both of their laps. Faize and Lymle still aren't immune to petty arguments, and Edge is the one who pulls them apart, only to laugh and ruffle their hair affectionately before pointing out that their quarrels only mean they care for each other more than most. Once, she makes them both laugh so hard that they're crying, keeled over and clutching their stomachs and gasping for breath, and the sight is so peculiar to see (from Faize, especially) that she ends up doubled over, too.
The time comes when Edge wants to go back into space, and Faize wants to go with him - not that Edge would have it any other way. Lymle chooses to stay with Lutea and with Lemuris, but that doesn't stop her from hugging the life out of both of them before they board Edge's ship.
"I'm not lonely anymore, 'kay? I have Faize and Edgie. I'm really... happy, 'kay?" She sniffles, fighting back tears, and the two of them kneel down to her level and pull her into a tight hug.
"We'll be back soon," Edge reassures her, running a hand through one of her pigtails. "Our home is on Lemuris now."
She nods, and turns to face Faize, who smiles softly, genuinely. "Thank you, Lymle. If it weren't for you, I'd... " he trails off, because Lymle understands - he knows it. She just nods.
"Go."
---
When Lymle sees Edge again, she bounds up to him with her arms spread wide and a delighted grin lighting up her childlike features, and Faize tries to seem irritated with her, but if anything, he only looks bemused. Edge learns that she and Faize help to take care of the children on Lemuris, and the two of them learn of Edge's new ship, his new crew and his new life, pristine like the white of his uniform. Reimi had only just recently moved on to become the captain of a crew of her own on a ship of a different name, and it had been Crowe and Arumat's idea for Edge to pay a visit Lemuris in search of Faize - Arumat had brought up the possibility, but Crowe encouraged him, not that Edge needed much encouragement. Edge is nowhere near ready to leave behind his dreams of space exploration, but Faize isn't quite ready to move on yet, either - and so, Edge figures, the great star ocean can wait for a little while.
---
The three of them end up staying together in a house that's far too small, but it's cozy, all the same. There are two little rooms with only one little bed in each, and after a stubborn exchange regarding who, between the two of them, will take the hardwood floor, Edge and Faize share. Edge tries to be modest at first, offering a sheepish little smile and scooting over to make as much room as possible, but not too long after slipping into a light slumber Faize wakes to find himself drawn close to a beating heart, one arm wrapped loosely around his shoulders, fingers grazing against the curve of his neck. Edge is fast asleep - resting better than he had in weeks, really, because Faize is safe - and Faize can't help the slight smile that tugs at his lips before he allows his eyes to drift shut once again.
They never get around to acquiring a third bed.
---
Sometimes, wracked with guilt and other nameless emotions, shameful emotions, Faize cries. He doesn't know how, but Lymle always seems to catch him, tiptoeing in unnoticed until she reaches to slip soft, warm hands into his, staring up at him with a placid expression. He starts, eyes widening before he pulls away from her grasp to furiously swipes at his eyes, as if it's not too late to hide the fact that he had been. She doesn't tear her gaze away, and it makes Faize feel constricted, because Lymle has always been able to see right through him.
"Edgie's here. Faize isn't alone anymore, 'kay?" is all she says. Her tone is light, light in a way that makes it sound like the simplest observation in the world, like it's nothing. Faize fainly recalls a time when he wished Edge could view things as simply as Lymle; the fact that the roles have been reversed does not escape his notice.
"I don't... I don't deserve... " he trails off, refusing to allow himself to finish. He can't discuss this with Lymle, of all people. She wouldn't understand.
"Dummy."
Lymle understands.
---
Most of Faize's conversations with Edge are trivial, just tremulous smiles and brittle laughs. Everything between them feels fragile, too much so - just one misspoken word and Edge will be one-thousand light-years away again, Faize is certain. It doesn't last; Edge has never been one to hold his tongue for long, and there are simply too many unspoken truths between them to stay quiet.
"I don't want to lose you again. I thought... I thought you were dead, and... Faize," Edge chokes out, holding him tightly, as tightly as he can. He is usually composed, but right now, he doesn't have to be composed for anyone - there is no crew, only Faize, so he crumples, a mess of insecurities. Faize crumples with him - confesses that all he wants is to be by his side, confesses everything he wishes he could be to Edge. When Faize states that he doesn't deserve to have Edge here, that his actions should never be forgiven, that Edge is much better off without him, Edge kisses him, the action attempting to convey something he can't in words.
Their first time is slow and unsure and imperfect. Neither of them have any experience to speak of, and so they stumble blindly in the dark, attempting to find what works - but in the end, the other's name spills from their lips in a strangled cry, and they're both sated, content.
---
Lutea visits often. Despite Lymle's long absence, their friendship had never faltered - it's only grown stronger. Lymle's promises to come back to Lemuris as a master symbologist did not go unfulfilled. Lutea remembers Edge and Faize right away from their previous visit to Lemuris, and she's always polite and sweet and kind, offering the two of them friendly smiles when she comes and goes.
When she leaves one late afternoon, Faize can't refrain from making a comment. "Why can't Lymle be as charming as that girl? I'm not sure why she's so attached to Lymle in the first place."
They both know he's teasing - Faize realized a long time ago that in actuality, there are few people kinder than Lymle. Edge just laughs and replies, "Well, that's what makes them such great friends - their differences. They bring out the best in each other. Right, Lymle?"
Lymle grins playfully, ambling over between the two of them and lacing her fingers together behind her back. "Yeah. Reminds me of two other people I know." She can't fight off a wicked smile, leaning closer.
Edge and Faize exchange a confused look. "Really?" Edge questions, tilting his head to the side. "Uh, who would that be?"
Lymle stares, unblinking. It takes her a moment to realize that yes, they really are that dense (she should have known) - and when she does, she can't help but sigh and shake her head, turning on one foot and stomping down the hallway with all the energy and theatrics that only a young girl could achieve.
"Hopeless."
---
When the scent of something burning fills the air, both Faize and Lymle go running to the stove, only to be greeted by the sight of one smiling Edge pulling what appears to be burnt lumps of something possibly resembling cookies out of the oven. He's even wearing an apron. When did they get an apron?
Upon noticing their presence, his smile seems to grow impossibly larger, green eyes lighting up. "Just the people I wanted to see! I remembered that cookies are your favorite food, so I thought I'd surprise you." When both Faize and Lymle are too stunned to reply, he continues, smile taking a sheepish lilt to it. "I've never really baked anything before, but it seemed easy enough for Reimi, and I really wanted to do something for the two of you, so... " He trails off, reaching to rub the back of his neck in a familiar, awkward gesture.
It's a little difficult, but Faize attempts to match Edge's enthusiasm. "That was quite considerate of you, Edge. I must say, I'm very eager to taste them." He walks over to Edge's side and eyes the suspicious-looking food - if it could even be called that - and Lymle pads after him, a thoughtful expression on her face. Edge looks at them both expectantly.
Faize is the first to take a bite, and it tastes as awful as it looks, but he can't let Edge know that - not after he worked so hard, and not when he looks so eager. So he attempts to hide a grimace, smiling weakly and devouring two more bites. He almost forgets to swallow before speaking. There's no water, why is there no water -
"These are wonderful, Edge. I've never tasted something so delicious. You really are incredible at everything you do, aren't you?"
Edge laughs, looking sheepish again. "It's no big deal, Faize, really... but I'm glad you like them." The look on Edge's face makes the taste almost worth it, so Faize begins on the second one, stomach churning in anticipation. That's when Lymle takes a bite.
"Yuck. These aren't cookies, 'kay?" She immediately spits it out into a napkin and crumples it up, making a disgusted face and crossing her arms. Faize shoots her a desperate look that goes completely ignored, and Edge just looks surprised.
"You really think so, Lymle? Faize seems to like them... I guess I'll be the tiebreaker, then." He reaches a hand out to snatch one of Faize's cookies, paying no mind to the worried look that Faize is sending his way, and takes a big bite. The look that appears on his face says more than words ever could.
He spits it out. "F-Faize, why didn't you tell me-- this is the worst thing I've ever tasted... these are nothing like Reimi's!" Faize looks distraught, at a complete loss for words. Lymle is still making a sour face.
"N-No... they're delicious. I really don't see what the problem is," Faize protests, and attempts to go for a third, but Edge reaches out a hand to stop him and shakes his head, a helpless smile playing at his lips.
"Faize... you're seriously too much, sometimes." Edge starts laughing, hand still covering Faize's, and it's not long before Lymle joins in with delighted giggling of her own.
From then on, Lymle does the cooking.
---
The three of them don't have a name for what they are - they just are. Faize's smiles become less and less rare, and Lymle often worms her way in between the two of them, clinging to one leg each. Sometimes Edge and Faize end up dozing midday, fingers carelessly laced together and Faize's head resting against Edge's shoulder, and they wake up to Lymle having nestled her way comfortably in the middle, sprawled out over both of their laps. Faize and Lymle still aren't immune to petty arguments, and Edge is the one who pulls them apart, only to laugh and ruffle their hair affectionately before pointing out that their quarrels only mean they care for each other more than most. Once, she makes them both laugh so hard that they're crying, keeled over and clutching their stomachs and gasping for breath, and the sight is so peculiar to see (from Faize, especially) that she ends up doubled over, too.
The time comes when Edge wants to go back into space, and Faize wants to go with him - not that Edge would have it any other way. Lymle chooses to stay with Lutea and with Lemuris, but that doesn't stop her from hugging the life out of both of them before they board Edge's ship.
"I'm not lonely anymore, 'kay? I have Faize and Edgie. I'm really... happy, 'kay?" She sniffles, fighting back tears, and the two of them kneel down to her level and pull her into a tight hug.
"We'll be back soon," Edge reassures her, running a hand through one of her pigtails. "Our home is on Lemuris now."
She nods, and turns to face Faize, who smiles softly, genuinely. "Thank you, Lymle. If it weren't for you, I'd... " he trails off, because Lymle understands - he knows it. She just nods.
"Go."
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