[Rean is Rean, after all. It's not too surprising that the Rean of the future would think the same way the Rean of right now is, at least when it comes to Elliot.]
Haha, no, it's fine. I think I can try. It'll probably still be corny, but you've emboldened me now. [He offers Elliot a wry smile.] So if I'm too sappy even for you, this time, just know you brought this on yourself.
[He looks back out, taking a breath before starting.]
...I guess... I should probably start off by saying, if it wasn't clear and obvious, that yes.
I love you.
I... don't even know how long that's been true, now. When I noticed, when I accepted it. It's just... kind of been a part of everything for so long that it almost feels like it always has.
[And maybe it has. Maybe it's been there since they shared that first smile in the auditorium. Maybe he knew, deep down, that Elliot was "the one" too.]
I owe so much of who I am now to you. ...The parts of myself I'm proud of, anyway. Without your support back in Thors and through the civil war, and after... without being able to look forward to being able to check in with you... I really don't know if I would have made it to where I am now.
[Elliot knew this whole walk that one of Rean's big speeches were coming. And that Rean's words always had a way to touch his heartstrings. And yet even knowing all this, he's caught off guard by the sincerity and power of it all.]
R-Rean...
[He has to pause, his eyes watering up because Elliot has always been a crier. For years, these are words he never thought he'd hear say. And yet, now they were a reality. Rean loved him, and possibly loved him as long as he loved him.
He sniffles, his arm reaching up to wipe his eyes]
Haha, I didn't even make the first part without tears. Man... I-I guess you did warn me. [So he has no one to blame but himself. He sniffs again, lowering his arm]
I love you too. Of course I do.
Really, I could say the same about you. I can't even imagine a life without you there. You mean the world to me, Rean.
[Rean's immediate reaction is to fret when he hears that shaking voice and those sniffles, but then Elliot's laughing, and Rean can't help but smile as well.
Yeah, all right. These kinds of tears, happy ones, those are something Rean can accept.]
Ha... yeah, I did. You've given me too much power, now!
[He has to joke about it to keep himself even remotely composed, here, but his own voice has a bit of a waver to it, too. How's he supposed to not get all glassy-eyed when Elliot is here crying and saying these things to him?
Things he'd long accepted he'd never hear, either? That even now, he doesn't think he deserves to hear, but can't possibly turn away?]
I could say the exact same about you, Elliot. Even if things never came to this between us... you've always been one of my very best friends.
You're just... you're so much better than you think you are, you know. You're so much stronger and more talented than you give yourself credit for, and I admire that in you. I truly do believe that your magic has the power to change the world someday... but even if that never comes to pass, I know it's changed me. I know you've changed me.
And... I'll be honest. I don't know that I deserve you. But if you want me? Then I'm going to give this my all. I want to make you as happy as I possibly can. Because I know you deserve that, and more.
[Yeah he gave him too much power, because boy was he laying it on THICK with the compliments. Elliot loves this man, but he wants to crawl under a rock for all the praise. It's a good time it's night time, because he's full on blushing over here.
But at least there's one part he can latch onto. He reaches over, taking his hand. ]
You do deserve me, Rean. I want you to know that. You're saying all these wonderful things about me, but honestly you've changed me just as much. You're so incredible, and I want one day for you to recognize that too.
[Maybe it won't be today, but someday he'd love Rean to love himself as much as Elliot loved him.]
And I'll give this my all too. I wanna be with you, and I wanna make you happy. You deserve it just as much as I do.
[You were a fool if you thought a love confession from Rean Schwarzer could end any other way, Elliot. This isn't even his final form.
But for once, he's not arguing the point about whether or not he deserves any of these compliments, instead just quietly accepting them. He can't see it the way Elliot does, and he doesn't know if Elliot's wish is one that he can ever grant.
But he knows he can start by just accepting this.]
Ha...
[He can't help but laugh a little, because he's a good 3/4 of the way to becoming a tomato himself over here.]
I'm glad we're on the same page, at least.
[He leans forward again to press his forehead up against Elliot's. He doesn't know why this feels right to him, what's possessed him of this new little affectionate gesture, but he likes it and unless Elliot tells him to stop he's not going to.
He does pause there, though. It's not lost on him just how close the two of them are right now. And after all of what they've just said, there's still one thing missing to make this feel complete, isn't there?]
...May I?
[It's barely even a whisper, but he knows Elliot can hear him.]
[It's true, he was a fool for not recognizing that. God knows what exchanging wedding vows would be like.
And yeah, he's well aware that his point probably flew right over Rean's head. If there was one thing Rean was more oblivious about than love, it's the concept of any self-worth. It's fine...Elliot can just keep patiently working at it, the same way Rean helps him with his own nerves.
His heart starts racing again as Rean presses his forehead against his. He did it before the walk back, but it still feels just as new and intimate. It does feel right, an evolution of the touching they'd do before...just as the nature of their relationship was evolving now. ]
Ah...
[he means kissing doesn't he. In other words, the moment he's been day dreaming about for two years is going to happen. He needs a second, to inhale and brace himself. This is a big moment! ]
Y-Yeah, I'm ready.
[From one neurotic person to another, thank you for waiting Rean]
[Wedding vows might actually just kill Elliot on the spot. And Rean, too, from sheer nerves. But they'll burn that bridge when they get there.
For now, they still have to tackle the concept of a first kiss. This is Rean's first kiss ever, and really, he's just as nervous as Elliot, even if he's trying not to show it.
He needed that moment to brace himself, too.
But when he's given permission, he doesn't hesitate to lean forward, tilting his head to one side and closing the gap between them. It's a very gentle kiss — light, almost like he's nervous about going further. But he'll happily go along with wherever it goes from here.]
[it was also Elliot's first kiss, a fact made apparent by how gentle and light his own return kiss. Nervous energy is practically humming off these two.
But after a moment passes, Elliot starts to relax. He'll tilt his head for a better angle, pressing his lips with a little more pressure as he takes a moment to fully enjoy Rean kissing him. His hand also reaches up to cup the side of Rean's face, scooting closer as he does so]
[When Elliot relaxes, Rean does, too. He'll press in a little more, letting the softness and warmth build between them.
He can't help the slight noise he makes feeling Elliot's hand against his cheek, but he's certainly not objecting. His own hand, the one that Elliot isn't holding, slips behind Elliot's back to rest gently at the small of his back, pulling him in just that much closer.]
[That sound, even if it was slight, sounded as sweet as any instrument. The longer they go, the more at ease Elliot feels about this.
Finally, he does need air and he lacks the initial confidence to deepen their first kiss, so eventually he breaks the kiss. He stays close though, his forehead pressing against Rean's in that affectionate gesture]
Haha...that was worth waiting two years.
[he means that sincerely. It really was even nicer than he'd imagined]
[Elliot too is in no rush. Considering becoming a real couple wasn't something Elliot truly anticipated happening....yeah, he's more than happy to go slow with this.
For now, he keeps close to Rean as he weaves his fingers with Rean's. A proper handholding]
Me too. It's a little funny to realize both of us felt the same way but didn't act for so long. But...considering how anxious both of us can get, I guess it's to be expected.
[Rean, too. And on top of that... well, he's a hopeless romantic, when it comes down to it. He wants to take things slowly, relish in every step of the relationship.
And he is going to relish in it. There is absolutely no stopping the sap now.
Rest in pieces, Elliot.]
Haha... yeah. [Rean squeezes his hand a little.] I mean... you know how I am. I just... always figured there had to be someone else. Someone better.
And, well. You get it, right? Who wants to act on something they think is going to hurt?
Yeah, I do. You really are my best friend, so I didn't want to risk hurting that. And....with how many people like you, I figured there had to be someone else that was better.
[Oh sweet Aidios. there was part of Elliot that had suspected Rean was playing dumb amongst all the confessions and obvious pining but....
No. Turns out he really is that stupid]
Y-Yeah....
Which hey, if there is someone else you want to be with...I-I don't mind sharing! Just so you know.
[He believes Rean was being sincere when expressing his love, so he won't offer to give up their relationship entirely. But you know, with how many people matter to him, he wouldn't be surprised if there's someone else he loves. ]
[He really is this blind to other people's affections. There's a reason it took literal divine intervention to get here.]
...Haha. You... really don't have to worry about that right now.
[The only other person he can think of... well, that's not really in the cards, so to speak.]
If things ever change, I'll be sure to tell you. And... I'll extend that offer to you, as well.
Just. Be open with me. I don't need you to love me above all else or anything like that, I'm happy just knowing you love me at all. But I at least want to know what's going on, and of course I'll do the same for you.
[Honesty and communication are important, right? That's always how things have been between them, so why should that change now that there's new elements to their relationship?]
[Yeah it...doesn't take a genius to piece together the person Rean could possibly be thinking of. He could say something, but that'd probably be a mood killer. And it could wait- it's not like Crow is going to pop up tomorrow.]
Of course! You'd be the first to know. And it's not exactly like I have anyone lined up either, you know.
[Gaius is in love with Jesus, Crow's his own flavor of oblivious, Jusis's got enough on his plate and Machias is...well, Machias. So that rules everyone else out!]
Right now, just knowing I get to be by your side... that's enough for me.
Elliot's words bring a smile back to Rean's face, though. Not that he's ever going to stop grieving a certain loss, but he's happy to focus on what he has in front of him right now.]
I'm happy to hear it. And I feel the same way.
[Rean pulls back a little from the way they've been pressed together, just to lean back in and press a soft kiss to Elliot's forehead.
...It feels like a pretty natural progression from the good old headpat.]
Think we ought to head back? As beautiful as the view is, [He says, staring straight at Elliot and making no effort to look at Liyue whatsoever,] it's getting pretty late.
[Talk about an evolution to the headpat. The forehead kiss catches him by surprise, but he makes a small little happy noise and is clearly smiling with joy, so looks like he likes it.
Though really, he's just riding on pure joy right now in general. The guy of his dreams returned his love, after all. ]
Haha, yeah...we probably should. [He'd forgotten the view too, too focused on Rean] Maybe we can get some takeout? Get some of the noodles you really like.
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Haha, no, it's fine. I think I can try. It'll probably still be corny, but you've emboldened me now. [He offers Elliot a wry smile.] So if I'm too sappy even for you, this time, just know you brought this on yourself.
[He looks back out, taking a breath before starting.]
...I guess... I should probably start off by saying, if it wasn't clear and obvious, that yes.
I love you.
I... don't even know how long that's been true, now. When I noticed, when I accepted it. It's just... kind of been a part of everything for so long that it almost feels like it always has.
[And maybe it has. Maybe it's been there since they shared that first smile in the auditorium. Maybe he knew, deep down, that Elliot was "the one" too.]
I owe so much of who I am now to you. ...The parts of myself I'm proud of, anyway. Without your support back in Thors and through the civil war, and after... without being able to look forward to being able to check in with you... I really don't know if I would have made it to where I am now.
Not in one piece, anyway.
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R-Rean...
[He has to pause, his eyes watering up because Elliot has always been a crier. For years, these are words he never thought he'd hear say. And yet, now they were a reality. Rean loved him, and possibly loved him as long as he loved him.
He sniffles, his arm reaching up to wipe his eyes]
Haha, I didn't even make the first part without tears. Man... I-I guess you did warn me. [So he has no one to blame but himself. He sniffs again, lowering his arm]
I love you too. Of course I do.
Really, I could say the same about you. I can't even imagine a life without you there. You mean the world to me, Rean.
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Yeah, all right. These kinds of tears, happy ones, those are something Rean can accept.]
Ha... yeah, I did. You've given me too much power, now!
[He has to joke about it to keep himself even remotely composed, here, but his own voice has a bit of a waver to it, too. How's he supposed to not get all glassy-eyed when Elliot is here crying and saying these things to him?
Things he'd long accepted he'd never hear, either? That even now, he doesn't think he deserves to hear, but can't possibly turn away?]
I could say the exact same about you, Elliot. Even if things never came to this between us... you've always been one of my very best friends.
You're just... you're so much better than you think you are, you know. You're so much stronger and more talented than you give yourself credit for, and I admire that in you. I truly do believe that your magic has the power to change the world someday... but even if that never comes to pass, I know it's changed me. I know you've changed me.
And... I'll be honest. I don't know that I deserve you. But if you want me? Then I'm going to give this my all. I want to make you as happy as I possibly can. Because I know you deserve that, and more.
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[Yeah he gave him too much power, because boy was he laying it on THICK with the compliments. Elliot loves this man, but he wants to crawl under a rock for all the praise. It's a good time it's night time, because he's full on blushing over here.
But at least there's one part he can latch onto. He reaches over, taking his hand. ]
You do deserve me, Rean. I want you to know that. You're saying all these wonderful things about me, but honestly you've changed me just as much. You're so incredible, and I want one day for you to recognize that too.
[Maybe it won't be today, but someday he'd love Rean to love himself as much as Elliot loved him.]
And I'll give this my all too. I wanna be with you, and I wanna make you happy. You deserve it just as much as I do.
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But for once, he's not arguing the point about whether or not he deserves any of these compliments, instead just quietly accepting them. He can't see it the way Elliot does, and he doesn't know if Elliot's wish is one that he can ever grant.
But he knows he can start by just accepting this.]
Ha...
[He can't help but laugh a little, because he's a good 3/4 of the way to becoming a tomato himself over here.]
I'm glad we're on the same page, at least.
[He leans forward again to press his forehead up against Elliot's. He doesn't know why this feels right to him, what's possessed him of this new little affectionate gesture, but he likes it and unless Elliot tells him to stop he's not going to.
He does pause there, though. It's not lost on him just how close the two of them are right now. And after all of what they've just said, there's still one thing missing to make this feel complete, isn't there?]
...May I?
[It's barely even a whisper, but he knows Elliot can hear him.]
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And yeah, he's well aware that his point probably flew right over Rean's head. If there was one thing Rean was more oblivious about than love, it's the concept of any self-worth. It's fine...Elliot can just keep patiently working at it, the same way Rean helps him with his own nerves.
His heart starts racing again as Rean presses his forehead against his. He did it before the walk back, but it still feels just as new and intimate. It does feel right, an evolution of the touching they'd do before...just as the nature of their relationship was evolving now. ]
Ah...
[he means kissing doesn't he. In other words, the moment he's been day dreaming about for two years is going to happen. He needs a second, to inhale and brace himself. This is a big moment! ]
Y-Yeah, I'm ready.
[From one neurotic person to another, thank you for waiting Rean]
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For now, they still have to tackle the concept of a first kiss. This is Rean's first kiss ever, and really, he's just as nervous as Elliot, even if he's trying not to show it.
He needed that moment to brace himself, too.
But when he's given permission, he doesn't hesitate to lean forward, tilting his head to one side and closing the gap between them. It's a very gentle kiss — light, almost like he's nervous about going further. But he'll happily go along with wherever it goes from here.]
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But after a moment passes, Elliot starts to relax. He'll tilt his head for a better angle, pressing his lips with a little more pressure as he takes a moment to fully enjoy Rean kissing him. His hand also reaches up to cup the side of Rean's face, scooting closer as he does so]
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He can't help the slight noise he makes feeling Elliot's hand against his cheek, but he's certainly not objecting. His own hand, the one that Elliot isn't holding, slips behind Elliot's back to rest gently at the small of his back, pulling him in just that much closer.]
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Finally, he does need air and he lacks the initial confidence to deepen their first kiss, so eventually he breaks the kiss. He stays close though, his forehead pressing against Rean's in that affectionate gesture]
Haha...that was worth waiting two years.
[he means that sincerely. It really was even nicer than he'd imagined]
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They'll have time to get there. Time for more kisses, time to explore things further, time to just... be happy together.
Rean smiles at the forehead touch, nudging him back lovingly.]
Yeah. Yeah, it was.
[And Rean means that sincerely, too. His heart feels like it has wings right now. What more could he possibly ask for?
Slipping his one hand out from under Elliot's, he moves to properly take his hand so that their palms are facing, their fingers lacing together.]
I'm sure everything from now on will be more than worth the wait. I'm just happy we don't have to wait anymore.
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For now, he keeps close to Rean as he weaves his fingers with Rean's. A proper handholding]
Me too. It's a little funny to realize both of us felt the same way but didn't act for so long. But...considering how anxious both of us can get, I guess it's to be expected.
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And he is going to relish in it. There is absolutely no stopping the sap now.
Rest in pieces, Elliot.]
Haha... yeah. [Rean squeezes his hand a little.] I mean... you know how I am. I just... always figured there had to be someone else. Someone better.
And, well. You get it, right? Who wants to act on something they think is going to hurt?
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He gives a small chuckle]
Yeah, I do. You really are my best friend, so I didn't want to risk hurting that. And....with how many people like you, I figured there had to be someone else that was better.
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People like me?
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Yes, Rean. Lots of people like you.
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...Huh.
[This has genuinely never occurred to him. By the utterly blank stare on his face, it is still not occurring to him.
Apologies to everyone who loves this man, for he is, ah. Not bright. Not in the slightest.]
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No. Turns out he really is that stupid]
Y-Yeah....
Which hey, if there is someone else you want to be with...I-I don't mind sharing! Just so you know.
[He believes Rean was being sincere when expressing his love, so he won't offer to give up their relationship entirely. But you know, with how many people matter to him, he wouldn't be surprised if there's someone else he loves. ]
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...Haha. You... really don't have to worry about that right now.
[The only other person he can think of... well, that's not really in the cards, so to speak.]
If things ever change, I'll be sure to tell you. And... I'll extend that offer to you, as well.
Just. Be open with me. I don't need you to love me above all else or anything like that, I'm happy just knowing you love me at all. But I at least want to know what's going on, and of course I'll do the same for you.
[Honesty and communication are important, right? That's always how things have been between them, so why should that change now that there's new elements to their relationship?]
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Of course! You'd be the first to know. And it's not exactly like I have anyone lined up either, you know.
[Gaius is in love with Jesus, Crow's his own flavor of oblivious, Jusis's got enough on his plate and Machias is...well, Machias. So that rules everyone else out!]
Right now, just knowing I get to be by your side... that's enough for me.
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Elliot's words bring a smile back to Rean's face, though. Not that he's ever going to stop grieving a certain loss, but he's happy to focus on what he has in front of him right now.]
I'm happy to hear it. And I feel the same way.
[Rean pulls back a little from the way they've been pressed together, just to lean back in and press a soft kiss to Elliot's forehead.
...It feels like a pretty natural progression from the good old headpat.]
Think we ought to head back? As beautiful as the view is, [He says, staring straight at Elliot and making no effort to look at Liyue whatsoever,] it's getting pretty late.
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Though really, he's just riding on pure joy right now in general. The guy of his dreams returned his love, after all. ]
Haha, yeah...we probably should. [He'd forgotten the view too, too focused on Rean] Maybe we can get some takeout? Get some of the noodles you really like.
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The suggestion brings a grin to his face, alongside a delighted little laugh.]
This is already the best night ever, you know. You don't have to try any harder.
That said, I'd love that.
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Of course I do! You know me, I always gotta try to do the absolute best I can.
[A perfectionist, through and through! Whether it be writing music, cooking, or making his boyfriend happy]
Besides, you're really cute when you're excited about something.
[It's nice, being able to voice that thought]
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A-am not...
[He's not actually going to stop Elliot from saying things like that in the future, it's just. Wow, he's not used to this.]
C-c'mon. Let's get going. Now that you've brought that up, my stomach's already starting to get antsy.
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