“I got out fine. It’s you lot I’ve been worried about. How are your friends?”

Noctis looked fine, at least. Stressed, tired. But better than he had been back then. It probably helped the lot of them were sober this go around. Bed hair? Might as well be his default because Caius didn’t notice. And, looked better, he said? “Guess I would. I took my first day off since the first time I picked up a sword, at Lumina’s behest. So I guess that counts as sleep” Caius admitted with a slight smile. It wasn’t exactly peaceful, not all of it anyway. But he had been able to confess to Lumina successfully, so he supposed it would look like he had a spring in his step in comparison.

“I had a few messes to clean up when I returned. Talking to Yuna about Alex’s… Possibly murderous issue when it comes to summons and the Astrals. And apparently some psychopath attacked Torensten’s crystal while I was gone. Celes stopped him, but holding him has been a lot of headache and paperwork” Caius at least elaborated to give Noctis an idea of what had been going on. So, essentially, he had been busy as always. Being a mercenary guild that doubled as a peacekeeping force was never going to be easy, but there were days that were incredibly hectic for them. These last few weeks had been some of the more hectic ones, that’s for sure.

Of course, Noctis was curious about Lumina. Caius chewed the inside of his cheek awkwardly at that. “I’m glad you’re looking well, Your Highness. I wish I could say this was purely a social call, but truthfully, I don’t know how many more times I can fight back against the parasite on my own before it becomes too strong for that to work. I was able to do so long enough to give her a few days of peace, but… It’s already showing signs of returning” Caius admitted softly. “It’s time. We have to act soon.”

Caius wiped his face with his sleeve, fighting hard to keep his emotions in check after having to admit that, especially in front of Noctis of all people. He had to stay strong, for her sake. Both because of the power of kings, and a veil against darkness protecting him, he had been able to delay its advance and allow Lumina to live a normal life at times, without a risk of becoming infected himself. But while Caius was wearing protection, so to speak, that didn’t mean they could keep this up forever. Eventually, the parasite would win out.

“I’ve been thinking hard about what we should do. And I think our best bet is to do what I’ve been doing so far, but with the intention of driving it out entirely” Caius brought up, then. The kingsglaive paced back and forth a bit, as he let his thoughts turn like cogs on a wheel. “Because of it being scourge-blighted, I’ve been able to project part of my magic, light magic in essence, into Lumina to force the parasite to retreat further down, for a time. The Power of Kings is able to move from body to body, fluidly, which is how Kingsglaive are created and linked to their King. That’s how I am able to do so. Your magic, as well as a strange power I gained after defeating the Lich that protects me a bit from dark magic, has kept me able to do this for some time. My thought is… If we work together, and I can show you how to do it, we may be able to make her body temporarily inhospitable for the parasite. So long as we don’t overwhelm Lumina with it…”

Alex was an idiot, but Caius wasn’t taking any chances either. They had to do this carefully.

“This would theoretically force it to leave her body. Then, when it takes form, we can engage it in battle. Your magic makes us possibly the only people on Zephon who can take it out.”

Even now, for all he had learned to do with it. Caius could not look Noctis in the eyes and call that magic his own. In his view, no matter what version of Noctis it came from, and no matter how far away… It was still power borrowed from Noctis. It was not his own.

“That brings me to why I’m here a little bit early, without Lumina. To make sure you’re physically able. And… Because something keeps bothering me,” the Kingsglaive admitted then. The second biggest thing besides Lumina’s fate itself. “The parasite has been in hold of Lumina for some time, gaining strength. And had another victim before her as well, likely making it even stronger. With how much magic it could take, the last thing we need is for us to both be in, or near Stasis when the fight starts. It could kill us, and Lumina, if we aren’t at our best.”

That was what had been bothering him for some time. Being responsible for Noctis’ death and preventing him from growing up to be the one that brought light back to their world. On his honor as a Kingaglaive, and… As a friend. That was unacceptable. And that was why Caius had long been agonizing over possible ways to prevent this.

“I thought back on my studies back at the Citadel, and… There’s something I wanted to run by, and maybe test with you” Caius brought up, as his gaze moved to Noctis’ ring hand.

To the Ring of the Lucii.

“The Ring of the Lucii is a wellspring of magic power, gathered by souls of the Kings and Queens of Lucis’ past. While it can wield powerful offensive magic, and heal great wounds. I was wondering if it was possible to tap into that wellspring of magic to top up one’s own reserves? It might not work in combat, but this procedure should leave enough leeway for you to top up if possible. At the least, I would be more comfortable if I know that in the worst case scenario, you will be able to fight” came his broach. The reason he had come. Was to ensure Noctis had a fighting chance if it came to it.

His next remark, as flippant as ever over himself in comparison, came with a shrug. “If it can restore my own stamina as well, all the better. We would stane a better chance; then. If not, at least I know you will be fine.”

And that was the part he was even less sure about. The Kings of Yore had never allowed another to utilize the Ring, not without a horrific price being paid. But when commanded by the True King, what then? Would the Kings refuse, even if he was a Kingsglaive? While not a Lucian King himself, it had to count for something, right?

How long had it been since he had seen Mu?

A question Caius wondered when said ninja, and his spirit partner, showed up at their doorstep. Because the very worker at the desk was, in fact, Caius himself. Easy not to recognize him in civilian’s garb and with his head buried in paperwork, granted. Today happened to be a day off for both members of their administrative staff. Chance for both of them to study for a test at the magic university that was coming up, and maybe spend some time together. Caius and Celes had offered it together, as a thanks for dealing with all the mounting bullshit that had come up during Celes’ time away, and then again during Caius’ time away. Including dealing with the Rest holding a criminal in house arrest.

So it was that Caius had taken the morning shift, while Celes would take the afternoon. Fortunately they didn’t really need administrative staff at night, since jobs and paperwork could wait until morning. So the both of them were free to go by the evening. For now though, Caius had found himself rubbing at his eyes as he steadily went through processing jobs both incoming and finished. Their job activity hadn’t really decreased much since slaying the Kraken about two years ago, so it was still as busy as ever.

They really did need more staff.

Either way, he really didn’t expect to look up and see a familiar face (or the closest thing to their face considering he wore a mask) and emna bowing to him, asking if either Caius or Celes were in. Had he met Celes at some point? That was a story he had to hear. Caius pushed back the chair and rose to his full height, in order to tell Mu right away who he was. The mercenary stretched out a bit, releasing the strain on his stiff joints. He really didn't like doing this.

"Celes is probably off to lunch right now, but I can see if Caius is in if you want" the mercenary would lightly jest with a small smile as he stepped out from a desk far too small for him. "You and Enma are looking well."

While Caius wasn’t one for relaxing, especially without Vordun around to make him feel at ease. He was one thing, and that? Was tired. So he was at least able to close his eyes as he listened to the gentle eb and flow of the ocean waves. If he fired his flare, would Vordun be able to fly here? Would Vordun be able to detect its energy from all the way back in Torensten? They were still technically within the Torensten region, so it was possible, but… No. Vordun deserved a break. And not one spent cooped up in Sonora. A break that entailed being able to fly free in its own habitat. As much as Caius missed Vordun’s company and felt vulnerable without them, he knew he should be able to handle himself.

How strange to think that once, he was a lone survivor. Trusting nobody and looking out solely for himself. Now he was like a pack wolf, unable to even close his eyes and feel safe without a pack mate watching over him. Then again, back on Eos. When had he ever felt safe? Everytime he closed his eyes, was a risk that he would never open them again. That just as they had preyed on his family before, brigands - or maybe even daemons, would strike while he was most vulnerable. It had happened a handful of times, having his rest interrupted. And each time he had just gotten out by the skin of his teeth.

Truth was, the only change was that he now had the means to feel safe when closing his eyes — just not today. Even now, as the sloshing tides threatened to rock his tired body to sleep, he couldn’t help but listen for everything else. He remained still, the only sound that came from him was his own breathing. His inability to truly relax proved fruitful however, in that he could hear footsteps rustling against the sand, growing ever closer. He didn’t open his eyes at first, choosing to give his would-be pursuer a chance to turn away.

But they kept coming. His heart began to pulse at rapidly quickening beats. Whoever was coming for him did not speak. Did not announce their presence. Caius chose to feign ignorance to the approaching predator, to seemingly lie unconscious with his back to the skulking behemoth. He slowed his breath…

In-out-in-out… At a calm pace that obscured his intensely pounding heartbeat. Tailoring his body language while he still could from a distance, he pretended he was merely moving in his sleep as he slowly brought his preferred arm to his chest. It would only take two seconds to materialize a weapon if he had to. Two seconds and he would be armed. “Safe” wasn’t quite the word for it, but he could defend himself if he had to, and that was what mattered.

The steps stopped in front of him and he could instead hear rustling as they sat down on the beach lounge chair next to him. Did he dare sneak a peak? Why weren’t they attacking-

What if they were a magic user and planning to attack from point blank? An eye crooked open and quickly scanned the landscape, his hands clenching as he prepared his magic. That rock would be perfect for warping to and gaining the high ground. Caius decided immediately it was best he acted first, so he started to-

"Well call me a rats uncle, fancy seein' you here. Didn't really peg this your kind of scene."

That familiar southern speech shot Caius upright as he immediately found himself sitting up straight and jerking his head to look at Cindy. It was just Cindy. Not an attacker. Not an enemy. Cindy. It was ok, he had to tell himself over and over again, and Caius found himself choking and pounding his chest as saliva caught in his throat from suddenly unloading the breath he didn’t even realize he had started holding in.

Caius cleared his throat as he tried to formulate words, remember what she had just said and make it look like nothing was wrong.

“Lumey wanted to come. But I gave her some space to be with her family” Caius responded in kind. “She being the one I mentioned back in Sonora. The one in trouble.”

It took a few seconds more for him to get a few proper in-and-out breaths to regulate his breathing again. His heart was still beating at a mile a minute and he didn’t know when the adrenaline would start to calm down. So he thought it best to use a subject that would let her talk, and give him some time.

“I could say the same of you. What brings you out here?”

So she did want to search for seashells. In private, where people wouldn’t judge her. Caius shrugged at that. “I don’t see anything wrong with looking for shells. It’s been some time since I have done it, but I don’t mind taking you sometime” he did offer, but remembering his objective, did add “Though I do recommend getting some time with your sisters. I’m not going anywhere.”

So there you have it. Stated bluntly he wanted her to get quality time with her family while they still had time. Caius had absolutely no idea what he would do here without Lumina, but that was for Caius to figure out.

Did... Lumina not know what he meant? Was he not direct enough, or was she messing with him? Caius didn't know. She even brought up the girlfriend word, which seemed more like she was messing with him, but who knows? But as nervous as he was, he knew that it was best to just come out and say it. He had already done the setup, after all. He just had to find his confidence, and...

“You, actually,” Caius stated, taking a deep breath as he would swim back to the pool’s entrance so he could sit down while still being submerged. “I…”

By the Astrals, was he really about to do this? Right here and now? He had never done this. With anyone. He’d never even considered doing this when he had his crushes before. He had been too afraid to even try, knowing that he wouldn’t like the answer if he did. But this was the right time… And the right person. And if he waited, he might not have another opportunity. But while he wanted to speak from his heart… All that came to mind didn’t sound right. It didn’t do this, or her, proper justice. That got a sigh out of him,

“We both know I’m not good at this,” he admitted softly, at first casting his eyes downward at his reflection before forcing himself to look at her, scratching and clawing to manage what little scraps of confidence that he could. This was the time. He had to do this. She deserved to know. “I am… Happy, when I’m around you. Happy in a way that I haven’t been in a very, very long time. I wake up in the morning and I look forward to the part of the day when I can see you. My work days feel slower than they ever did, because as much as I enjoy my work, I’ve grown impatient at times because I know at the end of the work day, you're waiting for me, and-"

His tongue caught in his throat. He didn’t know what he was doing, or if he was conveying how he felt very well. He suddenly felt really silly, and his nerves around failing and ruining everything they had built together began to run rampant. But he had to remind himself that Lumina was different from others, she understood his flaws and was patient with them. He needed to trust her, and understand that with her, he was safe. He could be himself, warts and all.

“I cherish you in a way that goes outside of family or friend. I find myself craving to be with you, even if we were only just together, then chastise myself for wanting so much of your time when you’re so busy and have your sisters to care for, and your businesses, and obviously you would want your own personal space that I know I would be disrespectful to impede on and-“

He stopped himself. This time, it hit him he was rambling. He needed to focus, needed to center. Caius took a deep breath and settled himself.

“… Sorry. I guess what I’m trying to say is, over a year ago, a friend and close confidante told me that love is…”

Another deep breath. This time because it just washed over him he wasn’t talking about familial or love for a friend. This time, it was exactly as Yuna meant it, and now Caius was more aware of it than ever before. And that fact? Was terrifying.

“Love is how you feel when you are confident you want to spend the rest of your life with someone. Back then, I took that literally. There were people that I couldn’t see my life without, people I was close to, people I cherished. I… Couldn’t properly comprehend how romantic love worked, when I had never had the opportunity to learn. The feeling was there, but I couldn’t understand it. I tried, sure. But for the longest time, it never panned out. And I had resigned myself to the likelihood I never would understand. But being with you… I think I have finally come to understand.”

Had he rambled a bit? Probably, and even he was aware because he looked away a moment anxiously before trying again. He had almost forgotten how cold he had been feeling, but in all this, the cold had started to fade. Was that just normal, where they were, or was it from the quickening of his heartbeat with every sentence?

“I can’t imagine my life without you at my side. Regardless of what name you take, I feel… Like I’m at my best when I’m with you. When we’re apart for long periods, I don’t feel like myself. And I think that’s what Yuna meant.”

Caius managed a small sheepish smile. “She knew immediately when I told her about you. Even if I only told her you were special to me at first, she knew how I felt, subtlety is not my strong suit. And I didn’t have it in me to correct her. Because I knew how I felt. I have for awhile, I just didn’t know how to bring it to words.”

Here, it hit him. Here he was. Almost entirely exposed, no armor, no dragon, no hardened mercenary exterior. No walls, nothing keeping her at arm's length… As vulnerable as can be. Spilling his heart for her. Perhaps whilst being submerged was amongst the strangest places to say this, for someone who had been guarded his entire life? Symbolically, it was perfect.

“I understand now that there is one person in this world whose very presence brings you joy more than all else. Someone whose smile alone can brighten up your day. Someone you can close your eyes and envision yourself growing old together with as a partner. For me… That person is you. Whether you walk into the future as Lumina, or Claire, or both, I want to walk on that path with you for the rest of the way. Until we find that last carve of cobble at the end of the road.”

Lucis, that sounded cheesy didn’t it? But it was too late to take it back now. He laughed a hitch, nervously, as he thought back on it all. But Caius steeled himself, willing himself to look Lumina—-Claire, in the eyes.

“You decided what you wanted a long time ago. And I apologize for making you wait all this time for me to make up my mind. But I have… If you’ll still have me.”