mooglenet_backup | [action/video] - Portal at Matoya's Cave (Open to all)

[Locke's been acting a little different today in Figaro. It's nothing large enough that a stranger would notice, but he's a little quieter at breakfast, a tad more helpful than normal, and the like. He makes sure to spend a little time all his friends in Figaro before quietly heading off to his room.]

[He takes the opportunity to pick some fresh flowers, per Edgar's suggestion placing them outside Celes' door as well as leaving a friendship flower for Terra.]

[He methodically fills his pack with any thing he might need and check his daggers for any signs of wear.]

[Right before he leaves, in an effort to not scare his friends too much he takes off his trademark bandanna and leaves it in a prominent place for friends to find before heading off.]

[As much as he wants to protect his friends, he has yet to determine how to accomplish the feat. There are many thoughts to balance out in his head. One one hand, they need his help in defeating Garland and setting the world straight. On the other hand, he's concerned that his re-appearance might be causing them undue pain and be a distraction from the real issue at hand.]

((His phone is on and the GPS still enabled if anyone wants to contact him.))

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[He can hear the pain in her heart and it breaks his own. He's not trying to hurt her. He wants to fix everything so she won't be upset anymore.]

I needed to think it through and figure out what's best for everyone.

[And everyone didn't always mean him, but he doesn't know how to fix]

[She's clutching the phone so hard she's surprised it hasn't broken.]

I...

[Pause. Breathe.]

I hope you don't.

["Don't leave" is what she means.]

[His voice is still strong if flat, but its strength is wavering.]

I'm right here.

[He's just sitting on the ground with his hands under his chin staring at the portal.]

You can...

[He'd like her there, but he doesn't know how to ask or if he should.]

[He's right there... but he's so far. She's made her choice, but she was planning on waiting until their exploration together. It might be too late if she waits that long.]

Just... I'm coming.

[And so she is. She packs up in record time and heads on out.]

Don't worry. I'll wait here.

[Locke is still sitting on the ground when she gets there, but at least he's turned away from the portal. These last few weeks have taken their toll, and he's drained. He's done everything he could, but it's just not his decision to make.]

[Airships are never as fast when they need to be, so it takes Celes a lot longer than she'd like to actually make it to the cave. Once there, she stops for just a moment to take in the scene. At least he's turned his back on the portal. Still... it's now or never....

So she hurries forward, falls to her knees next to him, and throws her arms around him.]

Don't leave me again.

[She doesn't know what she'll do if he does.]

I couldn't leave you.

[After everything they'd been through together, the thought of never seeing her again held him back. And with that he leans into her and finally relaxes.]

You came.

[The statement, simple and clear held no question or surprise only the simple acknowledgment that he knew no matter what happened she would always be there for him.]

Of course I did.

[Her voice is slightly choked as she pulls back to look him in the eyes. Hers are swimming with tears she's holding back. The idea that he'd almost left her again is just about killing her.

It only takes a moment and then she places her hands on his cheeks and kisses him. Her decision has been made.]

[He greets her with an apologetic smile for causing so much worry, his own tears barely held back. He was entirely content and ready to accept whatever may come before being shocked with the unexpected kiss. The fatigue of the last couple weeks were suddenly overshadowed by the realization that his feelings needn't be hidden anymore.

His lips softened, returning her kiss as he wrapped his arms into her hug and pulled her in close to him.]

[She holds the embrace for a while, but eventually pulls back to look at him again. There's only one thing she needs to say to him now.]

Don't leave me. Please don't.

[Locke holds tight making it difficult for her to pull away. Listening to her, he shakes his head over and over. He could never ever leave her.]

I won't.

[He's too choked up right now to smile, refusing to let her eyes go until he's sure she knows that he's staying.]

I'm staying right here. [He promises.]

[Good. He's getting another kiss, then. And a crushing hug after that. Words will no longer do her emotions justice.]

[Locke joins in the kisses and hugs and when he finally gets a chance to say something, he has one little question.]

Can we go home now?

[She nods at that.]

Yeah. Let's go home.

[Totally taking his hand, though, when they walk out. She's not losing him again.]

[action/video] - Portal at Matoya's Cave (Open to all)

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