[ it leaves him in a vaguely indignant huff as he loosens where his arm is slung around Dokja's shoulders; his hand ends up hovering at the middle of the other man's back, offering whatever stability and grounding he can. ]
...Maybe, but that's entirely beside the point. The reason I stayed was much simpler than that one, you know... and no, it wasn't because I felt like being serenaded by the sweet, sweet melody of your snoring either, before you ask.
[ lightly, gently-- he bumps Dokja's shoulder with his own. ]
It's because you're my friend, you fool.
[ ...there's the creep of some earnestness, something quietly hopeful in his voice. Abel means this for whatever they jest, whatever light they make of things. this-- he means every word. ]
So if... if what you said is true? [ what he said to Abel; what he said to that boy, ] If you're half a man, then... that's all the more reason for us to stick together. Even if we can't bring back pieces that got lost along the way 'til now, Dokja-- it isn't too late to pick up new ones from here and make yourself whole. It won't be today, or tomorrow, or even ten tomorrows from now. But if you want it-- if you truly want it, you absolutely can find your way-- and you won't be alone 'til you get there.
no subject
[ it leaves him in a vaguely indignant huff as he loosens where his arm is slung around Dokja's shoulders; his hand ends up hovering at the middle of the other man's back, offering whatever stability and grounding he can. ]
...Maybe, but that's entirely beside the point. The reason I stayed was much simpler than that one, you know... and no, it wasn't because I felt like being serenaded by the sweet, sweet melody of your snoring either, before you ask.
[ lightly, gently-- he bumps Dokja's shoulder with his own. ]
It's because you're my friend, you fool.
[ ...there's the creep of some earnestness, something quietly hopeful in his voice. Abel means this for whatever they jest, whatever light they make of things. this-- he means every word. ]
So if... if what you said is true? [ what he said to Abel; what he said to that boy, ] If you're half a man, then... that's all the more reason for us to stick together. Even if we can't bring back pieces that got lost along the way 'til now, Dokja-- it isn't too late to pick up new ones from here and make yourself whole. It won't be today, or tomorrow, or even ten tomorrows from now. But if you want it-- if you truly want it, you absolutely can find your way-- and you won't be alone 'til you get there.