[IC] Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

[Hero]

Nadeline was in disbelief. How in the world could she have been so careless? Then again, it all happened so quickly, it was amazing that only she had gotten hurt. It bothered her, though. Savayna's words had gotten into her head as well. Perhaps she was right. She really was a spoiled princess. She grasped Wesley's hand, wishing he would just wake up already. She needed to apologize to him. She needed his forgiveness for her weakness. Grant watched the two of them for a moment, and then he placed his hand on her shoulder. "You should rest." He told her quietly. It was actually more of a plead than a suggestion. She looked at him, and then nodded.

At this point, Savyna requested that Grant go with her. He was slightly more concerned with Nadeline, but after looking at her one more time, she got the hint. Nonetheless, Grant followed Savayna out of the Medic Bay wordlessly, Nadeline behind him, though she went to her room. "What is it?" He asked, his composure mostly gone and only leaving a rather tired man in front of Savayna. He thought he would have a heart attack when he saw Nadeline dying before him, and it had certainly taken a toll on him.

[AlteredTundra]

When Savayna walked to her room, she saw Grant follow her. Nadeline had also went to her own and as she would, Savayna and Grant were in hers, door closed. Grant would then go on to ask what Savayna wanted. “Wow, straight to the punch huh?” Savayna said slightly chuckling, but she would stop as what she wanted to talk to him about was no laughing matter. “Okay, there’s no easy way to say this.” She began as she nervously scratched her head. “This is about earlier, what I said to Nadeline.” she continued, “You know, about how I said I was jealous of what she and Wesley have. I meant every word of that. “ She said sort of looking away. “I know it’s way too soon for whatever’s between us to get to that point, cause we’re still getting to know each other and all that.” She said slightly looking back to him, but obviously a flare of redness appeared on her face. “I guess what I’m trying to say is that I don’t want to always be the girl that fucks before getting to know a guy. I was like that during my marriage and look at where that got me?” She said as a certain feeling of shame traversed through her body.

[Hero]

Grant didn't mean to come off as rude, but the day was just shitty and he just wanted to sleep and end it before anything else happened. Savayna at first laughed at him wanting to get to the point, but she would then become nervous. He found that anytime this happened, it usually meant something. Still, she spoke, he listened, and...he was slightly confused. He understood that her and Nadeline's earlier conversation had been something serious. He found it rather odd, but he was slowly starting to find that all women were crazy and he just needed to accept that fact. And then she mentioned how she didn't want to get all physical because that was how it had been when she was married to Jaakuna. His name didn't even pop up and somehow or another Grant just found himself annoyed.

"Understandable." Was the response he offered, if only not to let her know that even hinting towards Jaakuna's existence was a touchy subject at the moment. "Just be yourself." He found himself saying, though this was much more genuine. He paused for a moment, though he did look at her. "I think I'd like to get to know you better, too."

[AlteredTundra]

Hearing him say that made her smile and happy. She did wonder if he was getting somewhat annoyed that she kept on mentioning Jaakuna here and there. Of course, maybe Savayna was just over thinking that. Still, she couldn’t help but wonder. Jaakuna seemed to be wrapped around everyone’s lives. He was her ex-husband, Emiri’s boyfriend/un-official fiancé, Wesley’s best friend, and well Savayna didn’t know where Nadeline and Grant fit into his life, but Nadeline was definitely his friend. Perhaps Grant’s an acquaintance of Jaakuna’s, at the very least, anyway.

When Savayna got wrapped up in her thoughts, a minute of silence passed by. She didn’t even notice, but she spoke regardless. “I’m glad you feel that way.” Her smile cracked through her words. “Though, we all had a tiring day, both physical and mental. Perhaps you should rest.” She suggested, “Unless you rather sleep here..” And there she was. The old Savayna still cracking through her new self. “Don’t say that!” She mused aloud to herself as she found herself lightly hitting her head.

[Hero]

Grant shook his head politely. He didn't want to admit it yet, but he loved the way she was when she wasn't trying to be tough. No, she was tough. But he liked her softer side. "Not yet." He told her, as he didn't want her to think he was outright rejecting her. He bowed slightly. "Rest well." He told her, and with that he left her room. Gods he felt so tired. Normally he probably would have gone to check on both Emiri and Nadeline, but he knew that when Jaakuna and Wesley would awaken, only then would they be alright. For now, he would take care of himself. He found himself dragging his feet, and when he saw his bed, he had to use every ounce of willpower not to just fall asleep right then and there. Nope, first a shower, then his grooming, and once he was in his underwear, only then he simply fell onto his bed. He was asleep within seconds.

---

Morning came rather quickly. Too much so, Grant mused lightly. He let out a small groan and a shudder, though he forced himself to at least sit up. He let out a rather loud yawn, rubbing his eyes lightly. He dragged himself out of bed, though as he got dressed, he noticed the rest of the ship was quiet. He must have been the first to rise, or so he assumed. Once he stepped out of his room, he found that Nadeline had nearly walked into him. She let out a small gasp of surprise. He was slightly surprised, as he didn't even hear her get up. She looked better rested than she did yesterday, though her expression told him that it hadn't been an easy night for the princess.

"Good morning." He tried to greet her cheerfully.

"Morning." She replied quietly, and he noticed she left out the 'good'.

"Why don't we go and see how Wesley and Jaakuna are doing?" He asked, though he noted his attempt to cheer her up was...rather pathetic. He never was very good at these kinds of things.

The blonde shifted uncomfortably. "I..."

Grant took her hand, smiling gently at her. "Come along now, he will be happy to see you. You do owe him your life, after all, the least you can do for him is greet him." He lightly scolded her as he pulled her with him. She didn't resist, but she didn't seem very enthusiastic. As they walked, he noticed how quiet it was. It seemed Savayna and Emiri had yet to rise, though no doubt Savayna was probably about to wake at any second. The pair entered the Medic Bay, as they did, they noticed Wesley shifting slightly. Grant lightly pushed Nadeline forward, turning back to the door. "I'll go get started on breakfast." He excused himself and went to the kitchen. He then started Wesley's usual morning ritual of making food for everyone.

[AlteredTundra]

When morning rolled around, Savayna had to force herself to get up. The day before was brutal for everyone. It was especially so for Jaakuna and Wesley. She didn’t know exactly what had happened to Jaakuna, but she would be lying to herself if she believed Emiri for one second. Though she did put on a face that made it seem like she did, no way in Ivalice’s hell did she buy it for one second. However, the only thing right now she wanted to do was to get herself out of her bed and start the morning off right.

As she would get up, Savayna would head to the shower. She needed to wash up before she actually went anywhere. It would only take her about ten minutes to fully wash her body. She would do so by first doing her hair, which is always the most tedious task when showering. It took her the longest to do just cause there’s so much of it. However, after she washed her hair, twice over with the body wash on her body and she was good to go. As she would walk out from her shower, the steam was all over the mirror. Savayna wrapped her body with a white towel and used another to dry her hair to the point that it was damp. She then groomed herself, which included brushing her hair, and then brushing her teeth. After that was done, Savayna would then walk out.

As she finished, Savaynawould go over to her closet and she would look to see what she could put on. She saw blue satin pajamas and she would put it on. First she removed her panties, which wasn’t hard at all, and then she put on the short shorts and then the spaghetti -strap top. The outfit itself wasn’t all that decent. Actually, it was borderline slutty, but Savayna really didn’t care at the moment. One thing was for damn sure, her curves in everything that they were, showed brilliantly.

As she walked out of her room, Savayna made her way through the barracks and instantly into the kitchen, and she saw Grant and only Grant. He was cooking, which usually was Wesley’s job, but clearly that wasn’t going to happen since he was still out from his dangerous antics from last night. Savayna would yawn, and clearly would alarm Grant. “Morning sunshine!” She say stretching her arms as she would take a seat at the table, crossed her legs, and just watched Grant do his thing with the cooking. Boy she was so attracted to him right now.

---

In the medic bay, Wesley was coming to, but as he would try to move his body, he still felt weak. He would do all he could to sit up at least. It wasn’t that he was physically injured or anything like that, but he knew that what he did was incredibly foolish and stupid, but people do stupid things when their in love and boy was he so far gone into it. When Wesley looked next to him, he saw Jaakuna, who was starting to wake up himself. Wesley did notice a new tattoo on Jaakuna’s left arm, as his jacket was off and his T-shirt showed his forearm.

Wesley chuckled slightly. “I guess we both wound up in the hospital.” Wesley slightly laughed.

Jaakuna looked around him. Yesterday sure did put a number on him, but the last thing he remembered was taking in his father’s soul and then nothing. “Yeah, I guess so. How long have we been out?” He asked holding his arm, as the pain still was there.

Wesley thought and looked to the clock to his upper right. “Based on the time, I would say at least twelve hours, maybe more.” Wesley informed Jaakuna.

Jaakuna looked at him a bit curious. “What stupid thing did you do to wind up here?” He asked chuckling, but the more he did, pain came to him.

Wesley looked at him smiling. “Oh just the usual stupid thing in the name of love.” He smiled.

Jaakuna knew all too well what that so-called ‘stupid’ thing was like. “Oh, tell me about it, but our ladies are our worlds, and as a result, we do those things.” Jaakuna said.

Right as the two of them were comparing notes, they heard one of the doors open and as they both peaked over behind the wall, they saw Nadeline. They looked at each other simultaneously, and Jaakuna spoke. “It seems you’re the first one to get the lecture of the stupid thing.” He laughed as did Wesley.

[Hero]

Of course the two would act as if everything was as right as rain. She couldn't help but shake her head and envy them, if only for a moment. Emiri had been quite distant lately, so she wasn't able to have those moments like Jaakuna and Wesley did. Nadeline walked over to Wesley, letting out a small huff and crossing her arms. "That would make the three of us." She mumbled, clearly displeased at her own mistake. "No lectures. The truth of the matter is, I owe you my life." She stated rather seriously, taking a seat beside Wesley. "How are you both feeling?" She asked the two.

---

"A good morning to you as well." Grant replied without looking at Savayna. He did figure she would have been the next to awaken, so it came as no surprise when she walked in. Though she did startle him. Not that he would ever admit it. Once all was done and ready, he turned back to look at her, and was met with quite the lovely view. For the first time in a long time, however, he managed to actually not get so startled by her...lack of clothing. He needed to get used to this. This is how she was, after all. "You look lovely as ever." He commented, and held up the coffee pot. "Coffee?"

[AlteredTundra]

When Nadeline sat by him, Wesley smiled. She would then ask the both of them how they were doing. Truth be told, Wesley wasn‘t fine. He felt very exhausted and could barely move. Jaakuna, on the other hand, was better off, but he had such a sharp pain in his left arm. It was no doubt from the soul-bonding of his father, but he couldn’t really say that much. Unless Emiri already told them. If she did, then why wouldn’t they ask him what was it like or something like that. Jaakuna didn’t really know what to make of anything right now.

Wesley looked at Nadeline, not noticing Jaakuna was staying silent. “I’m alright. I feel pretty exhausted, though.” He said sort of looking regretful. “I know what I did yesterday was stupid and foolish, but I just couldn’t stand around doing nothing..” He looked down at his hands and he punched the blanket.

Jaakuna saw that this was an intense moment between Nadeline and Wesley. He would slightly struggle to get himself off his bed, though he groaned as he did, holding his left arm. “I’ll see you two in a bit.” Jaakuna said as he walked out of the medic bay.

---

As Savayna had entered the kitchen and sat down, Grant would compliment on her clothing — or lack thereof it — and she would smile and speak. “Thanks, you look spiffy yourself, though what’s up with all the black?” She said snickering. Though, when he offered her coffee, Savayna’s mind went to the gutter. She walked — rather seductively mind you — to Grant as he was near where the coffee pot was. She hopped on the counter as she would turn, ass landing perfectly on the counter itself. She leaned forward with full-on cleavage, and legs crossed. “Yes, I do want it.” She said placing a hand on Grant’s free one. “I like it black and hot.”

Jaakuna was making his way to his room, but he did pass by the kitchen, and he saw Savayna putting the moves on Grant. He just shook his head and moved on his way to his room. In the five minutes that it took for him to get there, Jaakuna thought about this all, about his father being inside him(not in that way), from the revelation that his father told him about his grandfather, and just everything. It was just too much for him at the moment.

As he came to his room, Jaakuna saw Emiri still sleeping. She looked so peaceful sleeping there. He would carefully walk his way to his bed, laying right next to Emiri, staring at her as he faced the same direction she was. He just looked at her, and he traced his right hand along her face gently. He loved when she was like this, when they were like this, and just how right it felt. He could literally stay like this forever and not care what else went on outside the walls of his room. “I love you.” He said lowly. He would just continue touching her face with his hand in a gentle way.

[Hero]

"Papa, why did you become a soldier?" She remembered asking her father out of the blue. "It looks hard, and you're getting hurt a lot, and...you're always so far away." The day was somewhat cloudy, but they went outside anyway. A rabbit had gotten into the royal fields and was munching through the carrot patch. She didn't want to get close to it, but she did want to show it to her father. So the two of them stood a distance, watching the little thing eat to its heart's content. It was so little and white, but it looked happy enough. She enjoyed these moments with her father, though.

Andre chuckled at his daughter's question, and he took her hand in his, lightly patting it. "So that I will always be strong enough to protect you and your mother."

"What does it mean to be strong?" She asked him curiously. It looked like she was full of questions today. Not that he blamed her, Justine preferred that she either not ask or to study to find her answers.

"Simply put, when you are strong, you can do anything. You have the power to conquer foes, the strength to protect the ones you love, and the will to keep going every day." He explained to the best of his ability.

She contemplated his words carefully. To his relief, it seemed like she understood. "Can I be strong someday, too, Papa?"

"That's up to you. It's all willpower, little one." He told her, lightly pinching her cheek.

She smiled, though it quickly was replaced with a much more sorrowful look. "I wish I could be a soldier like you, Papa. Then we can be together."

How he wished it could be so. But just as he had his duty as a soldier, she had her own duty to her family to fulfill. "That's true. But what about your mother? She would be very lonely without you." He joked lightly, slightly nudging her.

To his surprise, however, she did not take it as a joke. She stared at her own knees, a guilty look on her little face. "I...I don't like being with Mama anymore."

"You mustn't say things like that, if she heard you, she would be very hurt. You wouldn't want to hurt your mother, right?" He gently scolded her, patting her head.

"No, but...it's hard to be a princess. I don't want to marry the prince. I just want to go back home with you." She looked up at him with pleading eyes. "Please, Papa, I don't want to do any of this anymore. I don't like it, it's hard. Nadeline is so mean and Grant is so bossy. The only good thing is when Karolina and Lorenzo play with me, but she gets sick a lot and Lorenzo has to take care of her."

He listened carefully to his daughter's worries and frusterations. He wondered if Justine knew about this. "Oh, Emelia, I know it isn't easy, but you need to preservere. Someday you will look back on all this and realize that all the difficult things in life were put in place so that you could become strong. Just hang in there. Do it for me, okay?" He asked her, lifting her chin up so she would look at him.

Her lower lip quivered, but she knew he was serious. "Yes, Papa. For you." She replied rather reluctantly.

"Now, tell me, what is Nadeline doing to you?"

"Oh Papa, she hit me with a sword and called me a crybaby!"

"...What...?"

"Yeah, but next time I'll show her! Because you're going to teach me!"

"Uh...but..."

"I want to be strong like you, Papa." Emiri lightly murmured in her sleep. A few seconds after making that statement, her eyes fluttered open. She felt something touching her face, and once her eyes were properly functioning, she saw Jaakuna across from her. Was this part of her dream, too? As if to confirm this, she lifted her hand, touching his. It felt real enough. She was awake now, it seemed. That memory was something she hadn't thought about in a very long time. After that she never did see her father as much, so maybe in a way she felt betrayed. She wished she had listened to him, though. She looked at Jaakuna, a still sleepy look on her face, though she subbed her eyes. She was almost afraid that he would disappear, but he was still there.

"Jaakuna..." Her voice came out softer and quieter than usual, as if confirming that he was in fact here with her.

---

"Coincidence, probably. Though I do like black as a color." Grant responded to Savayna's question. She then proceeded to sit on the counter, leaning forward and placing her hand on Grant's free one. She told him that she liked her coffee black and hot. He wasn't quite sure about the second thing, who actually liked cold coffee? Then again there was that whole ice coffee fad going on, so maybe she was just clarifying for him. Not that he even knew how to make iced coffee, but still. He nodded at her request, lightly kissing her hand and releasing it, and proceeded to pour her a cup. Once he finished, he offered it to her. "Here you go." He said with a small smile.

---

Nadeline uncrossed her arms, bearing a rather guilty look. She hated how he beat himself up over the situation. Not only that, but while Jaakuna was able to hop off and waltz right out, she could tell Wesley wasn't quite at full strength, either. She took his hand in both of her, looking at it. For some reason she just couldn't look him in the eyes. "It was my own foolishness that was to blame." She told him quietly, gently feeling his hand in hers. "I...I must ask for your forgiveness. I got careless, it shouldn't have happened, and because of it...you..." Her voice trembled against her own will as she spoke and she trailed off.

[AlteredTundra]

Jaakuna heard her mumble something before she woke up and looked at him while saying his name quietly. She still had a very sleepy face, so maybe she was still somewhat asleep. Jaakuna would smile as he took his hand away from her face. “Well of course. Who else would it be?” He said lightly pressing his nose against her, giving her a rabbit kiss. When he finished that, he looked deep into her eyes. “Sleep well darling?”

---

Did he not know what seduction was?” Savayna couldn’t believe how dense Grant was. She was obviously trying to imply that she liked her coffee ‘hot’, but he seemed to not even catch onto what she was implying. Truly, he was every bit that he appeared on the outside. Savayna would hop off the counter, not even realizing that he kissed her hand. She took her coffee, slightly moping cause Grant didn’t take the hint. She sat back down at the table and sighed as she started to drink her coffee. “So, where’s everyone else?” She asked simply.

---

Hearing Nadeline actually say that she needed to ask for his forgiveness, he looked puzzled and he looked up at her, taking her hands. The look in his own eyes would pretty much give her reassurance that she didn’t need to ask for his forgiveness because there wasn’t any forgiveness to be had. If anything, Wesley should be the one asking for her forgiveness. “You needn’t to do so, Nadeline. What I did, I knew what I was doing. Granted, it was incredibly stupid for me to actually use my own life force but I will do anything to keep you from harm.” He said assuring her. “I meant it when I said I would protect you from any harm, even it should mean my life as a result.” He said squeezing her hands just slightly. “You’re just too important to me for me not to try anything I possibly could to save you.” He said looking to her eyes.

[Hero]

Jaakuna looked normal. He acted normal. Why didn't she think he was back to normal? Emiri sat up, running a hand through her hair as she thought to herself. The blanket would rest on her lap, revealing his pillow that she had hung onto all night. "Your bed seems a lot bigger without you in it." She admitted to him and she lightly let out a small yawn. The truth of the matter was she took forever to actually sleep, she wasn't used to not having him to cling to. She thought she could settle with his pillow, but it only reminded her that he was not there with her. She looked at him a small frown on her face.

"Do you feel alright? Does it still hurt?" She asked him cautiously, though it did remind her of something. "I...I didn't...really tell anyone what happened with you and your father." She admitted rather sheepishly. "I thought...maybe it wasn't my place to tell them..."

---

Savayna seemed upset. What did he do wrong now? Feeling equally as mopey, Grant poured his own cup and sat down with some buttered toast on his plate and nothing more. He mimicked her somewhat, letting out a quieter sigh as he drank his own cup. She then asked where everyone else was. "Nadeline went to see Wesley. I am not sure if Jaakuna is awake, but I think Emiri should be up at any moment, no doubt she will go to see him." He replied, and then began to eat. "Yesterday was hard on everyone." He said, looking at his coffee.

---

Despite the situation, Nadeline found herself smiling. Something about Wesley's words felt so bittersweet, but she knew they were genuine. She should have felt even more guilty, but maybe his admittance to wanting to uphold his promise made her happy. She didn't deserve him. "Then instead you have my thanks." She told him as she shook her head and let out a small sigh. "Oh Wesley...what am I to do with you, really?" She giggled lightly as she pulled him into a hug. "Thank you, truly."

[AlteredTundra]

After Jaakuna asked her if she slept good, she would respond by first sitting up, which caused Jaakuna to do the same, and saying that his bed was a lot bigger without him in it. He laughed a bit at that as it was a no-brainer that his bed was bigger without him in it. Though, she would then proceed to ask him how he was and how he really was, not the false kind. Jaakuna sighed and spoke. “The pain comes and goes. I think it’s going to take a while before I can fully go without feeling any pain.” Jaakuna said.

As he pondered about that very thought, Emiri would go further on to state that she didn’t tell the others as she felt that it probably wasn’t her place to do so. Jaakuna sighed, though he was glad that she didn’t say anything. “I’m going to tell them before we do anything today. I don’t like keeping this from them and if anything, maybe they can help us with our next course of action.” Jaakuna said stretching his arms upward, though he squinted as he felt a slight pain sensation through his left arm.

---

When Savayna drank her coffee, Grant would pour his own cup of coffee, get some toast, and sit down at the table with Savayna. He would then respond to her question and say that Nadeline went to go see Wesley and that Emiri was still asleep. She yawned and stretched and then returned to her cup of coffee and downed the rest of it. “Damn, I’m never the first one up.” She said whining. “I blame you.” She said jokingly. “But seriously, can’t believe we’re actually the first ones up.” She said slightly laughing.

---

As she giggled, she brought him into a hug. Wesley embraced her as they hugged. He smiled, though when she mentioned what she was to do with him, Wesley slightly laughed. He knew it was rhetorical and maybe Jaakuna was rubbing off of him. “You could marry me.” Once he said it, Wesley didn’t realize it until it was too late. He truly was throwing out his usual rational self through the window.

[Hero]

Nadeline's eyes widened at Wesley's words. Did he really just say that? Was it a joke? He couldn't possibly be serious...but then, why would he say it? She felt her heart racing. Oh gods, he was serious, wasn't he? She pulled back slightly looking at him. What should she say? Should she laugh? Ask him if it was a joke? But then if he was serious, she would offend him. But then if he was joking and she took it seriously, she would look like an idiot, right? She stared at him for moment, her expression blank. "Is...is that what you want?" She asked him slowly. "Truly? You want...to get married?"

---

Always was his fault, wasn't it? Savayna probably meant it as a joke, so Grant tried not to think much of it. "Nadeline was probably up all night so technically she would have been the first one up." He told her, though he let out a sigh. "This whole ordeal has probably affected her. I should have been more careful with those bastards." He huffed, putting down his cup. He then looked at Savayna. "Not to mention whatever actually happened with Jaakuna. Though I don't really understand why Emiri wouldn't tell us...let's see if Jaakuna will properly explain things."

---

Emiri felt somewhat guilty for not telling the rest of the events that had truly transpired. Still, Jaakuna would be able to set things straight, so she didn't feel too bad. It seemed that he was still in some pain, though. She looked at the new mark on his arm. It basically screamed that she had lied to Savayna, Nadeline, and Grant. "Wouldn't the next step be going to Archades?" She asked him curiously, though as she spoke, she couldn't help but think of Vincent. Going back to Archades seemed almost like a suicide mission, though.

[AlteredTundra]

Geez, he really didn’t know how to take a joke, did he? Or was it that he didn’t understand it as a joke? Whichever the case, Savayna would sigh and speak. “It was a joke. You’re more stiff than an old geezer’s stiffy after taking the ‘special pill’.” She said, somewhat poking fun at Grant’s inability to take a joke or at least understand jokes. “As for what happened with Jaakuna, if he tells us, then good for him; if he doesn’t, then no big deal. Sometimes things are best left unsaid.” She said suddenly looking into her cup, almost as if she was talking about herself. “In any case, get to cooking mister. I’m starving!” She said, almost ordering him.

---

When Emiri had pretty much said that Archades was their next move, but she did it in question form. Jaakuna nodded at that. “I won’t force anyone to go. It’ll be a group vote.” Jaakuna said smiling to Emiri. He would get up from his bed and held his arm out to Emiri. “Shall we depart, my love? I believe coffee and breakfast awaits us~” He said in complete change of moods. Jaakuna just wanted to enjoy breakfast before anything serious was dropped upon them.

---

Nadeline looked at him completely serious. Wesley half-regretted saying it, but he definitely meant it. He just didn’t mean to say it so casually and so out of the blue like that. Still, as she would ask him if he was sure, Wesley returned her look. He was positive. “Yes, it’s truly what I want. I love you with all of my heart and soul, Nadeline, and I want you forever and ever.”[/b] He said standing up as much as he could. It wasn’t as hard as it was earlier, but Wesley still grunted as he stood up,

Wesley found the strength to stand up and as he gently went down to one knee, he took Nadeline’s hands, gripping them in a gentle, yet firm, grip. He looked up to her, starting deeply into her eyes. “Nadeline Lenore Roselia, will you make me the happiest man in all of Ivalice and be my beautiful, perfect bride?” He said asking her to marry him.

[Hero]

Emiri nodded, pushing the blanket off of her and standing up. She stretched her arms above her head, her back aching slightly. Carrying Jaakuna had been quite the workout yesterday. She pulled of her nightgown, deciding to go down in something more comfortable. She put on a red polka dotted dress on, as well as her pink tights and boots. Once she pulled her hair up into her usual ponytail, she gladly took his arm, letting him lead her out of the room and to the kitchen. As they rode the elevator, she did feel the need to tell him something. "Just...if the pain becomes too much, just tell me, okay?" She told him.

---

Wesley was serious. He was serious. So serious, in fact, that despite his pain he got up, got down on one knee, and proposed. Nadeline was in shock. She just couldn't believe it, she had thought it really was a joke. And yet, she was overcome with an unexplainable joy. She found herself actually crying, she had no idea why. "Yes--yes!" She almost shouted, and before she could control herself, she practically tackled him as she hugged him tightly, knocking them both down. She knew she wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of her life with him.

[AlteredTundra]

While on the elevator, Emiri told Jaakuna that if the pain got to be too much, that all he had to do was to tell her. Jaakuna looked at her nodding. He would definitely do that. Though, he was pretty sure that he could handle the pain for the time being. Soon, after a half of a minute, the elevator came down to the floor level.

Jaakuna and Emiri found themselves walking hand-in-hand to the kitchen as they would both come to the sight of Savayna in her rather revealing outfit sipping more coffee and Grant cooking. That was a refreshing change that’s for sure. Usually Wesley was the one that did the cooking. However, when Jaakuna last saw Wesley, he wasn’t in any condition to cook. Jaakuna would lead Emiri to the table as they sat and right when they were about to say hello to Savayna(well they waved to her and Grant, but still), everyone would hear a scream come from the medic bay.

“What was that!?” Jaakuna said propping up to his feet.

“Sounded like it came from the medic bay.” Savayna said.

Not even waiting for anyone to respond further, Jaakuna and Savayna rushed their way to the Medic Bay.

---

Right as she shouted out yes, she tackled him to the group in such joy. Wesley, though slightly shocked at how fast they were on the ground and slightly letting out a groan, he was truly happy that she said yes to his proposal. True, the circumstance that he originally brought it up wasn’t exactly romantic, the fact of the matter was that he did it properly and she said yes. That was the only thing that Wesley cared about right now. The two of them hugged, they kissed, and they pretty much did everything that newly-engaged couples would do. Well, at least after the initial moment. The only thing there was left to do was to tell their friends. However, for this moment, Wesley just wanted to hold onto it. He was going to spend the rest of his life with her, but this moment was his forever, at least for the time being.

---

In the minutes that he had went to the medic bay, Jaakuna ran through the door and he saw that Nadeline and Wesley were on the ground hugging and kissing. The question as to why they were doing that was going to be asked later, but Jaakuna wanted to know what that scream was.

“What was that scream!?” Jaakuna asked.

When Wesley was about to answer, he turned to look to Jaakuna, and by the time he did, he saw that the others were there, not just Jaakuna. “Oh boy.” Wesley said as he broke a kiss from Nadeline. “I guess we should tell them now, wouldn’t ya say?” Wesley said as he would at least get up to his feet, no doubt that Nadeline would as well.

[Hero]

As Jaakuna and Savayna rushed to the Medic Bay, Grant watched them. He looked at Emiri, who shrugged. Once everything was ready and off the stove, the two went over and wandered to the Medic Bay. The two stuck their heads in just in time to see Wesley and Nadeline get up off the floor. Why were they on the floor in the first place? Grant was obviously displeased at the fact that yet again Wesley and Nadeline were caught in the middle of a make out session. He crossed his arms as he and Emiri entered, obviously awaiting an explanation. Emiri was just curious than anything. Nothing seemed wrong, so why was there a scream?

Nadeline smiled, though she bit her lip as she squeezed Wesley's hand. She looked absolutely elated, a clear opposite from yesterday and this morning. She sniffled lightly, almost dancing in place. Grant had the strangest feeling he was not going to like what she was about to say. "He asked...no, that is to say..." She giggled feverishly, as if she had a big secret to tell--which she did. She took in a deep breath and held Wesley's arm, pulling him to her. "We--We're engaged!" She squealed with clear delight, happily jumping up and down.

Grant visibly blanched, torn between wanting to congratulate the two and wanting to strangle Wesley. Emiri gasped, clearly surprised, but she too let out a shrill squeal. "Congratulations!" She cried, and Nadeline released Wesley long enough to recieve Emiri's hug.

[AlteredTundra]

As Nadeline broke the news, there was some obvious mixed reactions. Emiri, of course, was elated by this sudden news. That would be plainly obvious as Nadeline had broke the grip she had on Wesley to return Emiri's hug and they were jumping up and down as they hugged. Jaakuna and Savayna looked shocked, but a smile came over both of them. Actually, Jaakuna would walk over to Wesley and punch his shoulder with a dumb, idiotic, but very heartwarming smile. "Oh you romantic you." Jaakuna said having Wesley in a headlock, but that soon stopped as Wesley broke free. His attention was definitely going to be on his bride-to-be, and his future Uncle-in-Law.

Wesley would walk over to Grant, though he would lightly tug Nadeline with him. The two of them needed to do this together. Wesley dared not speak first. Surely just yesterday, he walked in on them getting intimate, but now hearing that the two of them were engaged must send very mixed feelings through his body. Wesley didn't even know what to say now. So he just gripped Nadeline's hand and he looked at Grant, hoping that he would be the one to speak first.

[Hero]

Grant was still in a state of shock so to speak, so much that it took him a moment to notice that both Wesley and Nadeline stood before him. He was in disbelief, so to speak. Nadeline was like a little sister to him, gods knew how this made him feel so conflicted. It wasn't that he didn't like Wesley, the guy was a good man when he didn't have his hands all over her. And to be fair, he did walk in on them, so it was his fault as well. Little Nadeline was a grown woman now, and if she didn't want him, she would not have said yes. Simple as that. After a moment of what seemed like a very tense silence, Grant raised one hand in defeat.

"Congratulations." He told the two, holding out his hand to Wesley.

[AlteredTundra]

WEsley couldn't believe it nor could Savayna or Jaakuna. However, WEsely was happy that Grant did that. He didn't know what to expect, especially what had happened yesterday. Whichever the case, Wesley shook Grant's hand as a man and his future nephew. It was a firm, tight handshake that only lasted about a half of a minute, but boy was it the longest thirty seconds of Wesley's life. "Thank you, Grant. It means a lot."

When everyone saw the awkwardness take over the room, Savayna the Moment Ruiner would step in. "Okay, so hate to break this lovefest, but the food is getting cold. Unless you three want to stare at each other awkwardly." Savayna said sort of laughing a bit.

Jaakuna chuckled. "I agree. Let's go eat, we surely have lots to celebrate!" Jaakuna said as he let out a loud 'woo' yell..