soulreleaser | --- IC INBOX

Dora,

I'm sorry for the sudden notice, but something came up on my end. I won't be home for a few days.

Don't worry about me, I'll be fine.

If anything untoward happens in town, don't hesitate to protect yourself. Remember your safety is the most important thing, and we can repair any property damage later.

[ well, that's a worrying note to receive

and Veldora's going to immediately try to call Rose upon receiving it ]

[And she picks up! Surprisingly.]

[As much as she'd like to let it roll to voicemail, she understands that Veldora is probably worried. As someone who's been in his position before, she understands.]

I'm fine, there's no need to worry.

[ a small relief that she answers and honestly, better for her because he would continue to call until he either found her or heard from her

do you want a homing missile made of draconic anxiety enroute to your place
for right now Rose is getting Serious Dragon Voice. Veldora's low in his register--quiet and purposeful ]

Lady Rose, with all due respect; that is not even slightly congruous with the message you've just sent me.

What's going on? If you are in danger, I should be at your side to keep you safe--you are my friend.

[Rose is not used to seeing this side of Veldora--and that in and of itself is concerning.]

It's true, though. I'm fine. Really.

I got into a minor confrontation with a Black Order member at the Vogue today. It's probably nothing--I'm probably being too cautious, but I'm staying in the Spirit Realm for the time being.

[ it should always be concerning when the clown sits upright and stops cracking jokes tbh ]

I don't believe that you sound or feel fine.

[ Veldora's innate skill was Investigator man he's not stupid he just doesn't pay attention if things don't interest him which is unfortunate for Rose because she's got a spot on the radar ]

If someone calls themselves your enemy they are my enemy as well, Lady Rose. I've promised to protect you as well as your home and hearth--say the word and I will come to your side.

[ a pause. considering. an exhale as he keeps his voice very carefully neutral because this isn't about him even if it kind of feels like he's being left behind again. ]

Unless you believe it is better that I remain behind to protect the homestead.

[In another life, nothing in this would strike a chord with Rose at all.]

[In Eorzea, she was never the one left behind. She was the one who confronted danger on her own, leaving others to worry for her. It’s something she doesn’t think about often.]

[But when she hears the tone in Veldora’s voice, she feels guilty. Yes, he can protect the homestead. She trusts him to do so. But it feels cruel, almost, to leave him there alone.]

You’re right, you did promise.

[And then, after a beat:]

I’ll be home this evening.

[ well, that's an inelegant squawk noise. ]

Lady Rose, be serious! If someone has threatened you to such a degree that you felt compelled to take flight to another realm, you shouldn't be in the most obvious location for you to be!

[ it's fine! everybody leaves him behind all the time he's used to not getting to go on the grand adventures really truly honestly being the subprotagonist keeps you out of the limelight and that's okay! ]

I am not at my full strength as it stands--however, if someone comes to threaten your property or searching for clues of your whereabouts, I am more than enough to deter them and make them know regret. Be safe. Be careful. I don't know what I would do if you came to harm.

She didn’t threaten me in so many words. She just implied that Kaisou would be better off without my kind.

[And said that she’d take whatever measures possible to deal with the problem. And when Rose messaged Lapis, Lapis told her Teresa could be dangerous.]

[Okay, fine, Veldora has a point.]

…I’ll stay here, then. And I’ll take care of myself.

[Something is still eating her up inside.]

But this is the last time, okay? Next time, I’m not leaving you behind.

That's a threat, Lady Rose. I would not have responded kindly.

[ maybe Veldora does need disintegration in his lightning

he seems to breathe a little sigh of relief--and even laughs a little, gently, as the sting of being left behind ebbs as it is wont to do ]

Precisely. That's the most important thing. [ there are no thoughts in his beautiful head, and therefore, no malice or spite ] Fret not, Lady Rose. I am the Guardian of the Forest of Jura, Protector of Rimuru City. I am very used to standing shield and using the uncertainty of my presence to ward off trouble.

[ usually people don't want smoke with a Calamity. ]

Your safety is more important. Focus on your care and comfort--for your sake. For my sake. For everyone's sake--your wellbeing is so important to so many and I'm sure we'd all give our best to see you hale.

[On the other end of the line, Rose nods. Veldora can't see it, but her ears are down. She's embarrassed? That's probably a good word for it.]

[The only thing she is not regretting is her decision to not tell her Overprotective Dragon Friends (tm) earlier.]

Good. Just make sure to take care of yourself, too. If something happens, we can replace the house. We can't replace you.

[Not that it is even remotely likely to come to that but.]

[Still.]

I think you might be giving me too much credit there, but I understand the sentiment. I'll keep myself out of trouble. No more stupid heroics.

[ good cringe under his sheer earnest affections writhe and squirm ]

I will protect the sacred texts at all costs, I assure you!

[ jovial and bright, punching his voice up so that he's all smiles and sunshine and not worried about what's going on or might be coming ]

Well I think you're giving yourself too little credit. Perhaps if we meet in the middle, we'll find the truth of the sentiment--though I am rarely wrong about things~!

No stupid heroics. Only calculated, somewhat foolish heroics with appropriate backup and secondary plans. Promise me.

[no veldora please the sacred texts are much less important than you]

[although “you” are a dragon]

[it’s probably fine]

Perhaps. I appreciate your concern regardless.

[She can understand Veldora’s sentiment—-she set him up with somewhere to stay—-but there’s no way she’s important to that many people on the app.]

[Anyway.]

I promise.

--- IC INBOX - KAISOU

text | UN: Thorn | some point after Teresa shows up at the Vogue

[voice]

voice!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

ya girl is a mess I’m so sorry

it's okay baby walking sunshine dont cry

why is Veldora like this I love himb

thick of heart dumb of ass

thiccest of heart