You Say I’m A Sunflower... || Flak & Emily
i-dont-give-a-flak:
Thankful, he was so so very thankful for Emily. Here she was, helping his weak body onto the couch instead and then curling up with him. He felt real bliss with her.
He was so vulnerable. So ready to spill it all for her, in a position where he could do nothing if she responded poorly. Yet that didn’t seem to deter him in anyway.
Was this the strength of his love for her?
or stupidity?
Flak huffed out a breath of derision as he sank into the couch cushion, turning to hook his fingers into Emily’s clothes and hold her closer. “Hn… no one else has my attention like you do… Certainly no one in the world I’d be with other than you…” He assured her sleepily, feelings and magic exertion taking their toll oh his body now.
Flak worked his jaw, buying himself a little more time. Goddess, he hoped she really truly meant that.
But what could he tell her? He had to get something out, something…
“I-…” ‘m a Sprite? No… I’m hundreds of years old? I’ll outlive you in the blink of an eye? Nothing sounded right! Every word felt wrong on his tongue, so he swallowed and closed his eyes tight.
Just let the pieces fall…
“I’m a pirate.” He whispered finally, eyes firmly shut. “I’ve fought… I’ve stolen, I’ve cheated people, I’ve-I’ve turned my back on humanity–I named my ship after my own Mother and used it to lead a life of crime! What kind of person does that make me?” Flak’s voice rose more and more as he went on, tone becoming harsh and desperate.
Oh how it’d be so easy if she just made him leave this moment. He would crawl back to his ship and sail away to inhabit the waters alone again, just him, his ship, and his sins and lies heavy on his back.
“What– what kind of person does that make me in your eyes?”
Despite her worry over what was bothering her partner, and her confidence that he hadn’t been unfaithful to her, it still put her at least somewhat at ease to hear him repeat that he had no interest in anyone else. For a moment, a hint of a smile crossed her lips, but it faded back into seriousness rather quickly. Whatever was bothering him was clearly weighing on him. She only hoped she could help him through whatever this was.
As soon as he started to talk, Emily let herself fall in contemplative silence as she took in everything he was saying to her. She could tell that this was all difficult for him to admit, and she bit down on her lower lip, her brows knitting together as she absorbed all of the information she was receiving. The more she listened, the more questions she found herself wanting to ask, but she remained silent. With how hard this was for him to talk about, she knew better than to interrupt, lest he decide to clam up again.
“Flak....”
When she was fairly certain he had said his piece, she lowered her hand until it rested gently against his cheek, an empathetic smile on her face as she stared down at him. He was clearly frightened of being rejected when he was so vulnerable and her heart went out to him in that moment.
“You are still the man that I love.” she whispered softly, shaking her head and giving a soft sigh as she once again let her arms hold onto him tightly. “I admit, I had wondered if you might be a pirate, considering you’re friends with Dan... I really couldn’t figure out how you two knew each other for a long time, I mean... You two are so totally different! I just didn’t think you were the type to get involved in that sort of thing.”
Not wanting him to take that as a criticism, she quickly made sure to keep talking after taking in another breath. “I’m not judging, by the way. I’ve known a lot of pirates over the years, from working the bar in Leuda. I know most people aren’t pirates for no reason.... So, if you were worried I’d love you less, I don’t. But - I do have a lot of questions.... You don’t have to answer them now, I can see you’re exhausted.”
Holding him close, she once again found herself lovingly kissing the top of his head, one of her hands gently rubbing up and down his back in what she hoped would be considered a calming gesture.
“To answer your question... In my eyes, that just makes you a man who has clearly been through a lot, and has a lot of pain in his heart... But is also the sweetest, most gentle person I have ever known. I love you so much, and I’m so happy you were finally able to tell me.”
