[He can't help knitting his eyebrows a little while after her sneeze. She's been always like this, putting up a brave act even in a situation like this...
For a longer while, Sigma remains seated, his eyes fixed on her. It's difficult to tell what he's thinking about from his gaze, though. Immersed in his thoughts, the man even forgets to actually reply or appreciate Diana's sense of humor.]
Just close your eyes and try to count sheep or something, maybe that'll help. I won't disturb you anymore.
[It may have been the worst piece of advice he has given and he's painfully aware of that.]
Sigma, you know that doesn't actually work, right? ...Besides, I don't care about being disturbed. Talking to you is better than sitting here in silence. And I'd rather not be by myself late at night.
[ It reminds her of how alone they are, stuck down here. She'd pet Gab, but, the poor old dog is out cold in his corner... ]
...Why don't you come to bed?
[ Sigma can be so stoic sometimes...she can't help but worry about him. ]
[He knows, he knows it so well. How many times did the try that himself only to end up being more frustrated because he couldn't fall asleep at all? The answer is countless times.
As long as they're going to talk, she's not going to doze off, however.]
I'm not going to leave you, don't you worry.
[His voice is rather dry, but at least Sigma finally stands up on his feet and slowly starts walking towards the couch, being bombarded by a thousand thoughts. It wouldn't be a lie if he said that all of them are about Diana. How brave and she is, how beautiful she is, even with a runny nose.
He sits just next to her and places his hand on top of her shoulder to slowly pull her into an embrace.]
[ It's because the only reason people even try it is because sheep rhymes with sleep. Not a very good method to actually, well, sleeping.
Still, she can't help but be surprised that, well, that actually worked? Score one for Diana, she thinks to herself. Now, if only she can get him to--
Oh. That, actually... ]
Y-yeah. It's...
[ She doesn't even realize it, but she's leaning into his chest, almost automatically, like it's an instinctive reaction. And he certainly is warm, far warmer than she is...she nuzzles her head into his shoulder, red hair turning a bit more frizzy as she makes herself comfortable. ]
This is nice, Sigma...I feel like...
[ Like she's resting on a cloud. Or nestled perfectly in the crescent of the moon, a perfect fit. A dream come true. Or better yet, like she's home. Like somewhere, in another time, this was her spot, a place where she would rest all night long without a worry in the world.
That's just silly, though. And if a time like that ever existed, it certainly wasn't in a future like her's. ]
[Well, he's not as stoic as Diana considers him to be, that's for sure. Years of having his emotions kept at bay couldn't dull his affection for her. There was something for him to do here, in Dcom, though and he couldn't simply just neglect many years of work because of a selfish desire.
As much as he wanted to, he just couldn't. There's too much at stake.
Now, however, they're trapped in this facility and nothing can be done unless they get out of here. So maybe, just this once...he could...]
Like this is where you belong?
[Maybe he has just said too much, but he couldn't care less.]
Or...like you're on a cloud?
[Diana told him that only once, long time ago, but he still can see her embarrassed face. Actually...he has high hopes to see it once again.]
[ Looks like he's getting what he wished for. She's so pale that her entire face lights up, almost like a tree on Christmas morning, as red as the sweater on her back. She bites her lip and can't bring herself to meet his gaze; did she whisper that or something and she didn't realize? Oh, gosh, how embarrassing... ]
I-I didn't mean to...I'm so sorry! That was too much, wasn't it? Oh, no...
[ She sniffles, but...still, she's not quite making a move away from his arms, though she certainly seems far more sheepish than before! ]
[Maybe he shouldn't be so delighted to see her blushing face, but to think of it, that might be a good method to warm her up even more.]
Don't be.
[His voice is calm as ever, and he slowly tightens the grip, making sure not to hurt her but at the same time to press her closer. ]
It's...a pretty nice thing to hear.
[Even though he technically hasn't heard, it still brings a soft smile on his lips.
After all these years...it's on the tip of his tongue, but he remains quiet about it. Giving her too much information would be useless at this point, anyway.]
Sigma...God, you say the weirdest things sometimes.
[ But there's no denying that this is nice. Her body is cold to the touch, her slender and tiny hands freezing on Sigma's warm muscles. But she's enjoying this, there's no doubt. ]
Can we...stay like this, just for a little while? I don't want to bother you, but...
[ She's still blushing, but at least now there's a smile on her face. ]
I like being in your arms.
[ Tender arms. It's been a while since she's actually felt a man's embrace. Not since...well, it's been a long time. ]
The pot can call the kettle black and still have a point...
[ Though, she can't help but feel like that's something Phi would probably say. ]
Well, then I might just stay here until morning, unless you try and stop me.
[ She smiles up at him, from her place on his chest...and she's surprised, by how genuine his expression is. ]
Can I ask you something? When we're talking normally, it's like... almost like you don't want to get close with me. But when you hold me like this...you look like you're over the moon. So, why are you playing hot and cold with me? For someone who claims to be almost 67, you sure do play a lot of games. ...Women prefer it when you're up front with them, you know.
[They're agreeing on that one, at least. He has no reason for stopping her, so his response is just a shrug. And since she goes ahead and asks him the question, Sigma really has no choice but to answer.]
You're...rather observant.
[These words are spoken with a tone of someone who knew that way earlier, but that's not all.]
Also, you're right. It's like almost I don't want to get close with you. Almost. The truth is...
[He takes a deep sigh. How should he put it, which words should he use? Something tells him that it should be easy, but it isn't. Finally, he lowers his voice to a whisper, and leans in closer to say the words right into her ear, warming it up with his breath as well.]
[ She stays quiet and pensive as she listens to Sigma's words; the mention of Phi's name alone was enough to make her silent, as she runs her thumb over the brooch she's been wearing on her sweater.
She's still shivering, of course. But it's his breath in her ear that makes her cheeks hot, and her body shake in his grasp. She's not stupid: she's been through a marriage, for crying out loud. So she gets what Sigma is saying...but she doesn't quite get what he's saying. And not one to let it go, of course, even when she's feeling so crummy, Diana presses more. Leans in a little closer to her home. Her cloud, her moon.
I love you so much, Diana.
Holds him a little tighter and shakes her head, as if trying to get a bad thought right out. ]
So, why don't you? It's just been you and me for the past month, Sigma. You don't have any reason to push me away. I'm not... you shouldn't be afraid to get closer to me. There's no reason to keep so much to yourself...
[He knows well, maybe a bit too well that'll she understand. Knowing what Diana has been through and more feels like cheating, but it can't be helped.
However, maybe it's high time to stop keeping all the answers to himself and share them with not just with anyone, but with his beloved? She has the right to know the truth, after all.]
You're right.
[If Diana was ready for a long battle on this field, Sigma's answer could come off as almost disappointing.]
I doubt I could push you away after this, though.
[That said, he smiles briefly just before pressing a gentle kiss against her lips.]
[ She's definitely surprised by that answer; not disappointed, but, surprised, most certainly. After all, Sigma's been so quiet lately...and all of a sudden, his lips brush against hers.
If Sigma liked seeing Diana's embarrassed face, he's in for a treat, because the moment that happens, she's flustered as can be. And it isn't as though she didn't enjoy the kiss, either; she can't deny that she's been thinking about him that way for weeks, now. He's so handsome, after all, and compassionate, even if he can be a bit serious when they're not talking about cats...
That came out of left field, though, so, give her a moment to collect herself, because her breathing just got way heavier, just short of his face... ]
[Maybe too sudden, perhaps? Sigma looks away immediately (and doesn't get a chance to look at her flustered face, sadly), embarrassed with himself. He should have remained calm instead of letting his emotions take over him. What's done is done, though.]
I—
[He's about to apologize, but stops there. Should he really be sorry for what he has done? It doesn't seem right.]
It was, but at the same time...it wasn't.
[It's been something he had been wanting to do all this time.]
[Her answer, or more accurately, her attempt at answering is quite amusing, but Sigma tries not to smile too much. Instead, he places his hand on the nape of her neck and offers his shoulder, in case she'd like to hide her face there.]
[ Well, it's a good thing he offered it, because that's exactly where she's going. At the very least, she doesn't seem nearly as cold anymore, her buried face flushed with heat on Sigma's shoulder. She's just kind of keeping herself hidden there, and her response is muffled in his shirt, a little too quiet to hear... ]
[In order not to hurt her, Sigma must hold back his laughter. A date here sounds just too ridiculous. On the other hand...if Diana wants it, then he has to work with what they have and do his best.
Well, maybe he doesn't have to...the thing is, he'd like to do all that.]
I can take you to the bar, or we can watch the sky...and the clouds.
[ Just slightly, she peeks out from past his shoulder; the sight must be fairly silly, but, she's still a bit shy about it? ]
That...sounds really nice, Sigma. Even if it's just, well, talking over dinner or something...I'd love to get to know you more. You keep so much to yourself...
[When he speaks again, his voice is surprisingly soft compared to his usual firm tone.]
Diana...
[She's so brave, even now. But maybe, just maybe...he's mistaking it for something else, different than bravery? They don't know whether they'll get out of here or not, but it sure feels nice to imagine going on a real date someday.]
All I can offer are biscuits, but we can eat them together for dinner.
[ if only they knew there was a pantry just a couple of doors down ]
So, then, why don't you start from the beginning? I want to know everything. Your whole life story. Start to finish.
[ She definitely looks a little more comfortable now, coming out from her hiding place and instead opting to look straight into his eyes. Her face is still flush from the kiss, but, if she's still cold, she's certainly not focused on that anymore. She finally gets to learn more about Sigma! No time to be shivering, this is Important Stuff. ]
No secrets, okay? It's not like I'll be able to tell them to anyone other than Gab while we're here, anyway.
let's hope i'm less busy and faster in another timeline...smh
[pantry what pantry what are you talking about, life is simply unfair]
I wish my whole life story would make a great bedtime story...I truly doubt so, but I promised.
[After that, there's a pause, just like he needed some time to gather all the information. It may seem weird, given it's going to be about his own life, though.]
I was born in 2006, my childhood was pretty normal except for one thing. [Sigma goes quiet for a short while, visibly bracing himself for something...] Cat Meowsion. I mean...man-sion. Long story short, one day I realized I can talk to cats and understand them. But I wasn't supawssed to tell anyone about it, but I told a girl on accident and I was cursed. Meow, every time someone mentions cats I talk in cat puns.
[Look at his straight, serious face as he tells her the story, just look at it.]
I DIDN'T EVEN SEE THIS UNTIL NOW SO YOU'RE GOOD MY FRIEND
[ Poor Diana hears that story and can't help but burst out into giggles! And to think he said it wouldn't make a good bedtime story; the whole thing sounds like it's straight out of a children's book! And to think he told it so sincerely... ]
Did you just come up with all of that right on the spot? Sigma, you're too funny...
[Even though she's chuckling so much, Sigma still manages to keep up his straight face. Didn't he promise that he'd tell her only the truth? Of course he did, and yet she's laughing at this unbelievable, but definitely real story.]
That...that actually happened, you know.
[Proving it may be difficult unless the cat puns may be considered a proof.]
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For a longer while, Sigma remains seated, his eyes fixed on her. It's difficult to tell what he's thinking about from his gaze, though. Immersed in his thoughts, the man even forgets to actually reply or appreciate Diana's sense of humor.]
Just close your eyes and try to count sheep or something, maybe that'll help. I won't disturb you anymore.
[It may have been the worst piece of advice he has given and he's painfully aware of that.]
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[ It reminds her of how alone they are, stuck down here. She'd pet Gab, but, the poor old dog is out cold in his corner... ]
...Why don't you come to bed?
[ Sigma can be so stoic sometimes...she can't help but worry about him. ]
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As long as they're going to talk, she's not going to doze off, however.]
I'm not going to leave you, don't you worry.
[His voice is rather dry, but at least Sigma finally stands up on his feet and slowly starts walking towards the couch, being bombarded by a thousand thoughts. It wouldn't be a lie if he said that all of them are about Diana. How brave and she is, how beautiful she is, even with a runny nose.
He sits just next to her and places his hand on top of her shoulder to slowly pull her into an embrace.]
Any better?
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Still, she can't help but be surprised that, well, that actually worked? Score one for Diana, she thinks to herself. Now, if only she can get him to--
Oh. That, actually... ]
Y-yeah. It's...
[ She doesn't even realize it, but she's leaning into his chest, almost automatically, like it's an instinctive reaction. And he certainly is warm, far warmer than she is...she nuzzles her head into his shoulder, red hair turning a bit more frizzy as she makes herself comfortable. ]
This is nice, Sigma...I feel like...
[ Like she's resting on a cloud. Or nestled perfectly in the crescent of the moon, a perfect fit. A dream come true. Or better yet, like she's home. Like somewhere, in another time, this was her spot, a place where she would rest all night long without a worry in the world.
That's just silly, though. And if a time like that ever existed, it certainly wasn't in a future like her's. ]
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As much as he wanted to, he just couldn't. There's too much at stake.
Now, however, they're trapped in this facility and nothing can be done unless they get out of here. So maybe, just this once...he could...]
Like this is where you belong?
[Maybe he has just said too much, but he couldn't care less.]
Or...like you're on a cloud?
[Diana told him that only once, long time ago, but he still can see her embarrassed face. Actually...he has high hopes to see it once again.]
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[ Looks like he's getting what he wished for. She's so pale that her entire face lights up, almost like a tree on Christmas morning, as red as the sweater on her back. She bites her lip and can't bring herself to meet his gaze; did she whisper that or something and she didn't realize? Oh, gosh, how embarrassing... ]
I-I didn't mean to...I'm so sorry! That was too much, wasn't it? Oh, no...
[ She sniffles, but...still, she's not quite making a move away from his arms, though she certainly seems far more sheepish than before! ]
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Don't be.
[His voice is calm as ever, and he slowly tightens the grip, making sure not to hurt her but at the same time to press her closer. ]
It's...a pretty nice thing to hear.
[Even though he technically hasn't heard, it still brings a soft smile on his lips.
After all these years...it's on the tip of his tongue, but he remains quiet about it. Giving her too much information would be useless at this point, anyway.]
I'm really glad.
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[ But there's no denying that this is nice. Her body is cold to the touch, her slender and tiny hands freezing on Sigma's warm muscles. But she's enjoying this, there's no doubt. ]
Can we...stay like this, just for a little while? I don't want to bother you, but...
[ She's still blushing, but at least now there's a smile on her face. ]
I like being in your arms.
[ Tender arms. It's been a while since she's actually felt a man's embrace. Not since...well, it's been a long time. ]
I feel safe, here.
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[Which doesn't exactly mean he doesn't enjoy listening to her, quite the opposite even.]
Just a little while, hm?
[Does he sound somewhat...disappointed? Actually, even if she tried pulling away from him, Sigma's not sure if he would let her go at this point.]
We can stay like this as long as you want, Diana.
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[ Though, she can't help but feel like that's something Phi would probably say. ]
Well, then I might just stay here until morning, unless you try and stop me.
[ She smiles up at him, from her place on his chest...and she's surprised, by how genuine his expression is. ]
Can I ask you something? When we're talking normally, it's like... almost like you don't want to get close with me. But when you hold me like this...you look like you're over the moon. So, why are you playing hot and cold with me? For someone who claims to be almost 67, you sure do play a lot of games. ...Women prefer it when you're up front with them, you know.
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[They're agreeing on that one, at least. He has no reason for stopping her, so his response is just a shrug. And since she goes ahead and asks him the question, Sigma really has no choice but to answer.]
You're...rather observant.
[These words are spoken with a tone of someone who knew that way earlier, but that's not all.]
Also, you're right. It's like almost I don't want to get close with you. Almost. The truth is...
[He takes a deep sigh. How should he put it, which words should he use? Something tells him that it should be easy, but it isn't. Finally, he lowers his voice to a whisper, and leans in closer to say the words right into her ear, warming it up with his breath as well.]
I'd like to be over the moon all the time.
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She's still shivering, of course. But it's his breath in her ear that makes her cheeks hot, and her body shake in his grasp. She's not stupid: she's been through a marriage, for crying out loud. So she gets what Sigma is saying...but she doesn't quite get what he's saying. And not one to let it go, of course, even when she's feeling so crummy, Diana presses more. Leans in a little closer to her home. Her cloud, her moon.
I love you so much, Diana.
Holds him a little tighter and shakes her head, as if trying to get a bad thought right out. ]
So, why don't you? It's just been you and me for the past month, Sigma. You don't have any reason to push me away. I'm not... you shouldn't be afraid to get closer to me. There's no reason to keep so much to yourself...
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However, maybe it's high time to stop keeping all the answers to himself and share them with not just with anyone, but with his beloved? She has the right to know the truth, after all.]
You're right.
[If Diana was ready for a long battle on this field, Sigma's answer could come off as almost disappointing.]
I doubt I could push you away after this, though.
[That said, he smiles briefly just before pressing a gentle kiss against her lips.]
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If Sigma liked seeing Diana's embarrassed face, he's in for a treat, because the moment that happens, she's flustered as can be. And it isn't as though she didn't enjoy the kiss, either; she can't deny that she's been thinking about him that way for weeks, now. He's so handsome, after all, and compassionate, even if he can be a bit serious when they're not talking about cats...
That came out of left field, though, so, give her a moment to collect herself, because her breathing just got way heavier, just short of his face... ]
S-Sigma...That was...sudden...
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I—
[He's about to apologize, but stops there. Should he really be sorry for what he has done? It doesn't seem right.]
It was, but at the same time...it wasn't.
[It's been something he had been wanting to do all this time.]
Didn't you see that one coming?
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[ She almost shrinks, not quite sure where to hide, but she's still red as a beet... ]
I just, well...I mean...u-usually you take a girl out to dinner first...
[ Her joke is pretty bad, but, it's all she can think of to say... ]
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I'm afraid I have to skip that step.
[It's so bad, but so endearing at the same time.]
What should the next one be, though?
[Playing it safe now...]
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I-I mean...we can still have a date...
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Well, maybe he doesn't have to...the thing is, he'd like to do all that.]
I can take you to the bar, or we can watch the sky...and the clouds.
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That...sounds really nice, Sigma. Even if it's just, well, talking over dinner or something...I'd love to get to know you more. You keep so much to yourself...
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Diana...
[She's so brave, even now. But maybe, just maybe...he's mistaking it for something else, different than bravery? They don't know whether they'll get out of here or not, but it sure feels nice to imagine going on a real date someday.]
All I can offer are biscuits, but we can eat them together for dinner.
[He smiles bitterly to himself.]
I'll tell you whatever you'd like to know.
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if only they knew there was a pantry just a couple of doors down]So, then, why don't you start from the beginning? I want to know everything. Your whole life story. Start to finish.
[ She definitely looks a little more comfortable now, coming out from her hiding place and instead opting to look straight into his eyes. Her face is still flush from the kiss, but, if she's still cold, she's certainly not focused on that anymore. She finally gets to learn more about Sigma! No time to be shivering, this is Important Stuff. ]
No secrets, okay? It's not like I'll be able to tell them to anyone other than Gab while we're here, anyway.
let's hope i'm less busy and faster in another timeline...smh
pantry what pantry what are you talking about, life is simply unfair]I wish my whole life story would make a great bedtime story...I truly doubt so, but I promised.
[After that, there's a pause, just like he needed some time to gather all the information. It may seem weird, given it's going to be about his own life, though.]
I was born in 2006, my childhood was pretty normal except for one thing. [Sigma goes quiet for a short while, visibly bracing himself for something...] Cat Meowsion. I mean...man-sion. Long story short, one day I realized I can talk to cats and understand them. But I wasn't supawssed to tell anyone about it, but I told a girl on accident and I was cursed. Meow, every time someone mentions cats I talk in cat puns.
[Look at his straight, serious face as he tells her the story, just look at it.]
I DIDN'T EVEN SEE THIS UNTIL NOW SO YOU'RE GOOD MY FRIEND
Did you just come up with all of that right on the spot? Sigma, you're too funny...
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That...that actually happened, you know.
[Proving it may be difficult unless the cat puns may be considered a proof.]
Should I move on or...
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