[ Armada has the impression that this is exactly what Zack assumed after his conversation with Chidori. She is not offended. Zack is not the first to be confused by the idea of her harem. ]
They may tend to me, feed me, hunt with me, share my bed. They may do all of these things, or only one or two. I, in turn, would do the same for them.
[ She reaches out to lay her hand on Zack's knee, reestablishing the physical connection between them. Whatever embarrassment or awkwardness Zack is experiencing, Armada does not share. His confusion has not changed her feelings toward him. ]
[ If anything, he's embarrassed he made that sort of assumption at all.
Armada explains further, and it honestly does help him understand better. The idea that la'bha could do one or two or all of those things meshes well with what Armada has already stated. They are a branching of our tree... All are important, not just the one.
The other's hand rests on his knee once again, and it's a long, quiet moment before he returns the gesture.
He looks down at their hands, different from one another, but still warm. That much is the same, and he settles a little under the weight of it.
[ The assumption is not unfounded. Zack is not the first to make it, and Armada doubts he will be the last, but she does not elaborate. Should this aspect of their relationship change, it will come up again. For now, she is satisfied.
She tilts her head as he speaks. ]
That is a bold claim. You do not know what you have given me.
[ Zack blinks, and though he doesn't seem startled, exactly, by the light touch, he does look. Stares at that face that has no eyes as well as the terrible gash where Warriorhead tried to rip her brother apart.
He looks down, and his eyes start to burn. Companionship, trust -- these are things he doesn't give so easily anymore, but Armada has never given him any reason not to. She's only ever encouraged him to work hard, to do better, and he's sure he probably wouldn't have managed as well as he has without Armada's help. ]
...it was a rite, wasn't it? For the two of you.
[ He only makes the connection now, weeks after the fact. Maybe, he really is dumb as Chidori thought he was.
He wipes at his eyes. ]
...I wouldn't have made it this far if it wasn't for you.
[ They did not explain it. There had been no reason. Armada and Warriorhead both do not offer information easily and freely, especially to those who do not ask. Heat rises into Zack's face, and Armada can taste the salt in the air when he tears up. She lifts her hand from his knee and smooths it through his hair. ]
[ The hand in his hair makes him feel small - like the cocky, brash thing he was when he first joined SOLDIER. Angeal used to ruffle his hair all the time and laugh when he fussed about it.
Armada doesn't muss it now, but it brings back those memories -- memories of what it felt like to have a family and be part of something.
He's learned not to share much about himself -- a defense mechanism after watching so many of his fellows be thrown to the wolves and die at his own hand. He must be strong, he must not show weakness, he must not be anything but a good damn SOLDIER.
Every so often, though, things slip through the cracks. It's why his eyes are wet, why he cries softly for a minute with Armada's hand in his hair.
Finally, he collects himself enough to manage an answer: ]
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They may tend to me, feed me, hunt with me, share my bed. They may do all of these things, or only one or two. I, in turn, would do the same for them.
[ She reaches out to lay her hand on Zack's knee, reestablishing the physical connection between them. Whatever embarrassment or awkwardness Zack is experiencing, Armada does not share. His confusion has not changed her feelings toward him. ]
no subject
Armada explains further, and it honestly does help him understand better. The idea that la'bha could do one or two or all of those things meshes well with what Armada has already stated. They are a branching of our tree... All are important, not just the one.
The other's hand rests on his knee once again, and it's a long, quiet moment before he returns the gesture.
He looks down at their hands, different from one another, but still warm. That much is the same, and he settles a little under the weight of it.
His answer, when he gives it, is soft. ]
You've done more for me than I have for you.
no subject
She tilts her head as he speaks. ]
That is a bold claim. You do not know what you have given me.
no subject
He looks at Armada with surprise. ]
What have I given you?
no subject
[ Things that are not easily given. She leans close, and gently touches the hard, broken part of her forehead against his temple before withdrawing. ]
You hunted with me when it was most important.
no subject
He looks down, and his eyes start to burn. Companionship, trust -- these are things he doesn't give so easily anymore, but Armada has never given him any reason not to. She's only ever encouraged him to work hard, to do better, and he's sure he probably wouldn't have managed as well as he has without Armada's help. ]
...it was a rite, wasn't it? For the two of you.
[ He only makes the connection now, weeks after the fact. Maybe, he really is dumb as Chidori thought he was.
He wipes at his eyes. ]
...I wouldn't have made it this far if it wasn't for you.
no subject
[ They did not explain it. There had been no reason. Armada and Warriorhead both do not offer information easily and freely, especially to those who do not ask. Heat rises into Zack's face, and Armada can taste the salt in the air when he tears up. She lifts her hand from his knee and smooths it through his hair. ]
no subject
Armada doesn't muss it now, but it brings back those memories -- memories of what it felt like to have a family and be part of something.
He's learned not to share much about himself -- a defense mechanism after watching so many of his fellows be thrown to the wolves and die at his own hand. He must be strong, he must not show weakness, he must not be anything but a good damn SOLDIER.
Every so often, though, things slip through the cracks. It's why his eyes are wet, why he cries softly for a minute with Armada's hand in his hair.
Finally, he collects himself enough to manage an answer: ]
I am honored.