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( Ja'far echoes the laughter, smiling as Aspen seems to cheer up a little. )

He's truly a menace. To be fair, besides wanting the power, he also wanted to prevent people from going to their deaths - dungeons are extremely dangerous places. It's a miracle he even survived his first one.

Hm.

[ He closes his eyes, peaceful - accepting this reasoning. He understands it; Belias did the same thing. ]

So he is very strong. Though he had you and Masrur, didn't he?

( He goes back to rubbing, keeping the soothing circles going. )

Yes, he does. And he's had many companions, and including the Eight Generals we have today. All of us, save Yamraiha, our magician, are members of his household. We help protect and defend Sindria.

Then... I am glad he was not alone, and is not, here or at home.

[ He misses his people so much. Even just Wisteria or Altim would be nice, too. He'd never dream of asking Belias to be here - but... someone safe from home would be good. But, no. He shouldn't want that. What if they became Submissives? He shakes his head to free himself of the thought, and one wing flutters underneath Ja'far's hand. ]

Thank you for comforting me. I... apologize for going to pieces on you.

It's really no problem. You are alone here from your world, and this is the least thing I can do - offer comfort for a friend.

[ Aspen falters, then looks away. ]

... am I so obvious to read? I suppose I should be transparent to you, yet...

You've spoken of no one else being from home, so I just assumed, honestly. I'm sorry if I overstepped.

Ah - no, you're quite alright... I simply try not to think or talk of them or I fear I'll become too sad.

[ He shakes his head almost idly before he leans in to give him a little kiss on the cheek for his trouble. ]

( Ja'far smiles, returning the affection with a kiss on Aspen's cheek. )

I am always here if you need to talk, be it about your home or anything else.

[ ?????????????????????? ]

Oh. That's. Not necessary. But thank you?

( ?????????? Oh Aspen. )

You're welcome?

[ That's what gets a pleasant smile out of him - ]

For offering. It's very sweet. But you've already heard about my home, a bit. I don't think you'd like to hear more.

I would, though. Especially if you'd like to talk about it.

[ There's a sharp, colder tinge to his voice, even if his gaze is calm. ] Really? You'd like to hear of the way a nobleman almost cracked my skull on my first day as lead courtesan?

[ Softer; ] I don't think you would, Ja'far.

( Ja'far is shocked, but hardens his gaze. ) Have I told you how my old master tore my arm off with one clean cut, because he was in the possession of a strong household vessel? How I only survived because I partially assimilated with mine?

My world is full of horrors, too. ( His face softens. ) But, I do not want to pressure you - far from it. I want you to tell me of your world if you are comfortable with it. I'm sorry if I overstepped.

[ Aspen holds Ja'far's gaze, clenching his jaw - trying not to be rattled by what he says. It's... confusing - this world, these people, worlds apart, but still somehow tolerating him. Something like that would usually get people to leave him alone... Siegfried stayed, and so did Ja'far. What's wrong with these people...?

He doesn't understand. ]

I...

[ Why doesn't he understand? He can, usually. What's missing? He lets out another shaky breath, bowing his head into the pillow on his lap again. Why is he in a world he doesn't understand, with people he doesn't understand? ]

I'm sorry. I am... scared. Thank you.

( Ja'far pauses, then places his hand on Aspen's back again, hoping to be comforting. )

It's alright. I'm sorry if I pushed too much. You are our friend, and I want to know more about you, but I want you to tell me when you are comfortable. Even if that never happens, that doesn't negate that you are important to us. We'll be here for you, if you ever need or want us.

It's... alright. I am just unused to being... this.

You - and the others, are all important to me as well. It scares me how important you all have become to me, in such a short time... so I do want to be there for all of you as well. Please don't take my refusal to say much about my world as anything but.

It is alright. ( Ja'far rubs his back, then after a pause, gives Aspen a gentle kiss on the top of his head. ) Thank you.

[ Aspen actually lets out a softer chuckle at the kiss. ] Look at me, falling to pieces on you twice. You're welcome. ... you'd best go before it's a third time.

I can stay if you need me. I... finished my work for the day, anyway. ( He sounds really disappointed about that. )

[ ... pfffffft. ]

Was it too little work or are you too efficient?

I'm used to the workload for an entire country, not just Sin and what I'm given at our new jobs.

Overachiever.

[ It's said with no shortness of fondness, though. ]

Is there not something you'd like to learn?

I actually had some rather intense schooling with my adoptive mother when I was young. She taught me most of what I know.

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