42;

[cruxified]

[Kratos isn't doing anything particularly interesting as usual, just sitting in the field under the stars with a fuzzy green and mint puppy in his arms. Occasionally, the pup gets a little tired... then perks back up and licks lazily at Kratos' face.]

... four thousand ninety-six... four thousand ninety-seven...

[ooc: Open post!]

Comments

[cruxified]

His kind evolve to a different form every few thousand years and continue to live.

[ofthefaintsmile.livejournal.com]

A fitting companion for you, then.

room filter;

[cloakand_danger]

This place...has only taken my mind from me in such fashion once before, and that time, I didn't harm anyone. It's...not easy to come to terms with.

[cruxified]

Indeed. Now Noishe guards Lloyd... or he did, until Lloyd arrived here.

room filter;

[cruxified]

I know, but seeing you half-dead like this... [a slight sigh] It isn't healthy.

[ofthefaintsmile.livejournal.com]

Nice that he had a guardian of sorts.

room filter;

[cloakand_danger]

...I know. I...Kratos, it's not just this. It's...everything. It's this entire place. I'm just so tired.

[cruxified]

... Yes. [Iota looks half-asleep by now.]

room filter;

[cruxified]

[Kratos hates that word. He's tired, Yuan is tired, Lelouch is tired. It never bodes well. He rubs Yuan's back.]

I know... I know. I've seen how it's worn you down, but not everything you've experienced here is bad.

room filter;

[cloakand_danger]

No. Not everything.

...It all ends, though. Maybe I'm just feeling my age a bit.

room filter;

[cruxified]

Perhaps. I'd be lying if I said I didn't have the same thoughts or the same fears... but the bad things never outweigh the good unless you let them.

how do i shot w-- tag

[cruxified]

... It is better that she did not have to experience the horrors of last week. Still... perhaps you'll see her again soon, during a peaceful time.

[simpledoes.livejournal.com]

[... man, it's times like this that he wishes it was possible to sneak up on Kratos. Even though he'd probably still try if he didn't care about scaring Iota.]

Hey!

[save-the-souls.livejournal.com]

[Oh he does, Allen is just completely unaware of it.] Oh.

I'm Allen Walker. [He holds up his hand not petting the puppy to shake] It's nice to meet you, Mr. Aurion.

[apologeticangel.livejournal.com]

Ah- [she looks down, and starts to pet the puppy's head] yes... She's so sad, and I wish there was something I could do to help.

[cruxified]

[Oh Lloyd, never change.

Kratos can't help the tiny smile that comes to his face. It's automatic.]

Lloyd.

[Iota, on the other hand, is absolutely ecstatic and now proceeds to tackle Lloyd's leg in an affectionate and wobbly puppy way.]

[cruxified]

[Kratos pauses, then takes it. The handshake is brief; usually it's a gesture he ignores entirely, but Allen has yet to peeve him.]

Likewise.

[cruxified]

... Just be yourself. [Iota pants obliviously and watches Colette.] Sooner or later, she'll realize that no one blames her for what happened. She must acknowledge that under her own power.

[apologeticangel.livejournal.com]

You're right. [she smiles a bit, good advice Kratos]

Um, is Yuan feeling better?

[simpledoes.livejournal.com]

[He crouches down to puppy-level and gives Iota some nice hearty ear-scritches.] Hey, buddy, how's it going? Are you taking good care of Dad?

[cruxified]

[No one can stay sad when Colette is around. NO ONE. Not even Kratos.]

... A bit.

[A little white lie never hurt anyone.]

[cruxified]

[Iota's floppy ears appreciate it. He's all tongue now. Kratos watches them, amused.] ... I was under the impression it was the other way around.

[simpledoes.livejournal.com]

[djfklafjs doggy kisses] Nah, nah. I mean, look at him! You're big and strong enough to protect Dad, right, Iota?

[apologeticangel.livejournal.com]

I'm glad. [yes, that was probably a good lie Kratos]

Have you been busy?

[save-the-souls.livejournal.com]

[Yay! He pulls away after the quick shake]

I'm sorry, should I leave you to your thinking?