paradisalost | [Thread - Keep a Smile on Your Face]

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Entry tags:

eliwood,
hector

[Thread - Keep a Smile on Your Face]

Who: Eliwood (

axe_marquess)
What: spending time away on Father's Day
When: the 17th
Where: city
Rating: PG13 for language~?

Hector honestly couldn't decide if it was a good thing or a bad thing that they, he and Eliwood, were stuck in a place like Paradisa for this day. It was true that, here, his friend couldn't very well honor his father like he might have back home, but it was also true that here at least, Hector would get to spend the day with him. Back in Lycia, with all the business to tend to, and time constraints, he would likely have only had a chance to send some message along. That wasn't right.

Neither, however, was it right to let Eliwood get caught up in the memory of his father's death. He'd just have to distract the other man then. Get him away from the journals, the other residents and their stories, and away from the castle altogether.

To the city it was.

They could simply spend the day wandering around, going wherever struck their fancy and not returning until late, if at all.

That was it was likely to be, anyway, considering the first shop that Hector was taking the Marquess Pherae to. It'd been a place he'd found on accident while out one day. It had both amused and somewhat surprised him when the first person he thought of who might like it was Eliwood and not Ed.

"You may not have been pouting, but I'm sure you were going to, and that's close enough."

The Ostian grinned, as he exited the room.

"...Blast. I forgot how high up your place was. That's six extra sets of stairs...Getting into town will be a relief."

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Eliwood simply rolled his eyes as he exited the room after his friend, shutting the door so that Pepper wouldn't get loose and into trouble while they were gone.

"I was not." The tone was childishly indignant, and was the word incarnation of a pout. But he laughed at Hector's words about the steps, shaking his head.

"There is the elevator, you know." While Eliwood still wasn't quite sure how the elevator worked-- he hadn't taken it yet, actually preferring the stairs himself-- he had figured out it was apparently a more convenient way to travel.

"And besides, who was the one who decided to live six floors higher?"

Honestly, since he'd caught wind of the holiday, it was hard for Eliwood to keep the painful memory of his father's death at the Dragon's Gate out of his mind. He'd almost forgotten, wrapped up in the events of the castle, but... there'd been such a big reminder as soon as he opened the journal.

But he was trying his best, not only for himself, but for Hector and for Lyn, and for all of his friends. He didn't want to see them upset because he was upset, and so did his best to remain upbeat. Or, seem it when he couldn't, anyway.

Though he'd always been a terrible liar, in both words and expressions. It was nearly impossible for him to deceive people.

"Come on now. I want to see the shop you were talking about," Eliwood urged, a slight smile on his face as he headed for the steps.

"The elevator? Nah. Walking's good for you anyway. Are you getting lazy on me, Eliwood? Marcus would not approve, I'm sure."

Hector wasn't entirely sure about that whole elevator business, and he didn't feel particularly inclined to figure it out either. A lot of the technology in this place was strange, but the Marquess Ostia didn't mind giving it a try. A cage that carried you up and down, though, was where he drew the line.

"It's not my fault that the entire sixth floor is insane! Really. If you lived there at all, you'd likely start hearing more things, like the other day with that 'rabbit'."

The axeman began his way down the stairs, not quite as bothered by them as he may of indicated with all of his complaining. All of the back and forth he did were really getting him used to it. And he shouldn't complain too much right now anyway. Above all things today, Hector was going to have to keep an eye on his companion.

"No need to rush! It's not going anywhere, after all. But I'm almost certain you'll like it."

"Well, I was only suggesting it because you seemed to be getting lazy." Eliwood laughed a bit, slowing to walk beside his friend.

Though, when Hector mentioned the part about Mokona, that was where Eliwood got a pout. Because the Pheraen was very convinced Mokona was purposely keeping quiet around Hector to make him look insane. He opened his mouth to argue, then simply shook his head, giving up with a sigh. "But honestly, with all the time we spend in each other's rooms? I'm surprised we just haven't permanently moved in with one another," he replied instead.

"And that's exactly why I want to get there quickly. Because I'm interested in seeing this shop you think I'd like!"

Eliwood never was one who was good with surprises. It'd been proven time and time again, and had been proven twice in this castle- the first time Hector had rescued him from the woods after training himself sick, and now this. It really wasn't fair to keep him in suspense like this!

He was going to tease Eliwood again about pouting, and how making a face like that shouldn't suit someone his age so well, but his friend's idea was an interesting one. Interesting enough to tie off the teasing and make Hector give the thought some actual consideration.

Why didn't one of them just permanently move in with the other? The Ostian had never been one for really talking about these sort of things, but he'd been very quietly concerned that he was getting in his friend's way. After all, even back home, when they'd visited each other as children, they had several rooms that could separate them while still keeping the other around.

But if Eliwood had mentioned it, than maybe there wasn't a problem after all.

"If that's not an invitation, than I don't know what is." Hector grinned, and clapped his friend on the back. "But we're going to have to figure out something for that damn dog of yours. I'm not leaving my axes, and your swords, out of the room."

Coming to the bottom of the stairs, Hector realized he was really going to have to stop bringing up animals. What good would it be if he spoiled the surprise before hand, after all?

"The shop's not very far into the city. It's just a couple of streets in and over."

Stick to being vague; that was a good plan.

Eliwood stumbled a bit when Hector smacked his back, looking at the Ostian in surprise. Truthfully he hadn't even been quite serious when he said it, but well... he didn't think he really would mind sharing the room with Hector after all.

"Well, I suppose we'll just have to take the time to train Pepper to stay away from them, right? I'm sure it won't be that difficult."

The redhead nodded as he went to exit the castle, thoughtful for a moment.

"You're really willing to live with me?" He tilted his head, gazing at Hector in curiosity.

It... really was kind of surprising. They were close, but he thought that Hector valued the space he could get away. Elimine knew Eliwood could get a bit aggravating sometimes, and they spent enough time together as it was. And it wasn't as if, even with Hector's complaining, that many floors seperated them originally anyway.

Perhaps he was just afraid that too much time spent together would make them sick of each other's company, and he shook his head at the thought. If they hadn't already, it was unlikely that, at this point, much could change that fact.

"No, probably not. It doesn't look like a mutt, so she should be smart enough to catch on quickly." Hector paused. "If you're even willing to discipline her. Something tells me I'll have to watch and see that you don't spoil it."

He'd been about to say something about asking Kent if he knew anything at all about training dogs, as the other man had been around soldiers and their dogs before, but Eliwood caught him off again.

There was, surely, a witty retort lodged somewhere in the back of Hector's mind. If he had given it even half a thought, it would have fitted into the conversation well enough. Possibly even change the subject.

"Why wouldn't I?" Was what Eliwood got instead, as Hector pointed, indicating that they would take the first going into town.

Eliwood shot the Ostian a mock glare at the comment about spoiling Pepper. "I can train a dog, Hector," he muttered, shaking his head. Despite not admitting it, though, he half-knew Hector might be right about that.

Eliwood followed Hector's direction, fingers locked behind his back. "Well, just... you are always complaining how much of a hassle I am, and how I'm out to torment you." As he said this, there was quite the obvious hint of amusement in his voice. "And you also do point out how we're not children anymore, and if I recall, rooming together was something we were quite fond of as children when we had the chance to do such."

The Pheraen paused, catching his train of thought again before he started rambling any more. "I suppose I just didn't think you would accept, at this point in time. That you would still like a room to call your own." If I got too annoying, he had been about to add, but decided to leave that off.

"That's because you are a hassle, and I'm more than certain that you are to be an absolute torment to me." Hector grinned over at his friend before continuing. "You're, or rather, I'm, right - we're not kids anymore." Marquess Ostia's face, while not looking entirely foreboding, or unpleasant, took on a more set expression than the moment before. "I just...don't like this place, Eliwood. The weather's beautiful, it gives you everything you could want or need, but it just doesn't feel right."

He paused in his speech momentarily to point in the left direction of the fork in the road they were approaching.

"I'm grateful for the time I get to see you, and Lyn, and the others, of course. It's amazing to be able to see Roy at his age, and to meet the ones like Ed, but...If I think on it too long, it leaves me feeling concerned."

It'd been awhile since he'd been thinking thoughts like those, but why was he bringing it up now? He was supposed to be cheering Eliwood up! Damn. The store wasn't far now, was it? No, it wasn't. In fact..

"Ha!" Hector exclaimed and clamped his hands over Eliwood's eyes. "Cover your eyes, so I won't have to do it for you!"

Eliwood's expression became somber as well, as he nodded in agreement. It was hard to remember sometimes, but this place in its entirety was unnatural. What exactly was in store for the residents...? If anything? Did this place have a point, or was it simply a large cage? A place where no one truly died, and where the dead could...

Too close. Eliwood quickly cut that train of thought off before the memory could come up again, though his heart still hurt. His somber expression flashed to sadness for a brief second...

But that was right before Hector decided to suddenly strike him blind.

Marquess Pherae gave a yelp of surprise, hands shooting up to tug at Hector's own, covering his eyes. "Ah-! Hector, what in St. Elimine's name are you doing?" He really was intent on keeping this a surprise to the end, wasn't he? Eliwood was half-amused, half-weary of the act, and he just wanted to see what Hector was so intent on keeping him in suspense for.

Besides, the Ostian hadn't even really gotten to the point of what he was rambling about before.

"Quite your fussing, Marquess Pherae! Honestly, you have even less patience than I do."

Only, of course, when it came to something like surprises. Otherwise, there was little or no chance that Hector would ever win a contest of patience against the other man. Thankfully then, for both, the shop was all but right in front of them.

"Just walk in, then open your eyes."

Hector moved away from Eliwood, taking his hands away slowest to ensure that the Pheraen would actually close them. He then moved forward, and held open the door to what he had been guaranteed was the largest pet shop in all of the 'City Royal'. Someone like Hector might have nodded at the place, or taken a quick look around at all the animals present, but Eliwood was bound to be stuck in the place for hours.

"How about it?"

Eliwood simply sighed, shaking his friend as he allowed himself to trust his friend's judgment and keep his eyes closed. He stepped inside the store, curiosity peeking at the chorus of noises that greeted him, and he oepened his eyes.

And for a long moment he simply paused, face blank as he glanced at all the variety of animals that was kept inside the store. Cats, dogs, mice, snakes, birds- all making a great variety of noises.

And then Eliwood grinned. A look of excitement quickly appeared on his face, like a child who'd just stepped into a candy store where everything was free.

"It's fantastic," he answered honestly. "All these animals- and it's so big!"

Hector couldn't help but laugh a little at Eliwood's reaction. It was what he'd been hoping for, back when he first suggested they get away for awhile. And he was also glad to see a smile on his friends face. It would be worth spending however long among all the animals and, grudgingly, getting used to how the shop smelled.

"You know..." the Ostian finally said, coming up to drape an arm around Eliwood's shoulders. "If you promise that whatever you get won't be a 'talking' rabbit lookalike, maybe I'll even put up with you taking one back with us."

He was personally sure that the swordsman needed another pet like he needed a hole in the head - which was to say, not at all - but Hector was coming to realize something during his stay at Paradisa.

It was very, very hard to tell Eliwood 'No'.

"Just do me a favor." Hector added, amending his offer to decrease his potential suffering later. "No snakes either."

Eliwood blinked in curiosity as Hector wrapped an arm around his shoulders, glancing at his friend. He smiled brightly at his words, though, then laughed at his later change.

"No snakes, no rabbit lookalikes," he promised, chuckling softly. "I was thinking something more of the avian type, anyway." As he said this he nodded his head towards the bird section of the shop, raising one hand to grasp and keep Hector's arm about his shoulders as he moved to look at the various birds.

The slight embrace was a comfort that Eliwood enjoyed, and not one that Hector did too often- the Ostian, he'd known for a long time, was not one to display signs of what he would classify as 'being soft'. Not willingly, anyway.

As they reached the bird section Eliwood paused, turning his head to look at Hector again. "Hector?" Perhaps it wasn't needed, but... "Thank you."

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[Thread - Keep a Smile on Your Face]

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