Multiamory March drabbles (16-20)

[wallwalker]

I've posted thirty-six out of a hundred on tumblr, and I'm going to keep going even if it means posting into April (which it probably will, unless I somehow get really inspired and write ten in one day somehow.)


#16: Loss
(Dragon Quest 8, Eight/Jessica/Angelo)

Angelo had wanted to be alone, but they wouldn’t allow it. Jessica and the mute soldier had stayed by hisside after his brother walked away, even when he tried to leave them behind.

“Why are you doing this?” he kept asking. “Marcello’s left me - why are you still here?”

They didn’t answer except by staying next to him, or watching his back when he had to turn away.

It wasn’t until later, when the loss had faded and he’d had time to think, that he’d thanked them both. He’d been hurting too much to realize that he’d needed them.

#17: Presentation
(FFVI, Kefka/Terra/Celes. Unhealthy relationships, power imbalances.)

“My Terra.” Kefka’s voice is almost singing as she emerges,and his grip tightens on Celes’s arm. “My little firebug, how lovely you are.”

Terra doesn’t look the least bit embarrassed, wearing nothing but red ribbons and lace. She’s smiling as she kneels before them, and her eyes flicker to Celes only briefly before looking at Kefka. “Thank you,” she whispers, utterly sincere, as if his compliment is the greatest gift she has ever received.

It might’ve been a sweet moment if Kefka hadn’t clasped Celes so tightly the second they’d entered, or if Celes hadn’t heard accusations of cruelty and manipulation whispered among the troops, or if Terra had even raised a question when Kefka had invited Celes there that afternoon.

But this room is far from her chambers and her loyal guards. Kefka holds seniority, along with Gestahl’s public favor. If there’d been a moment she could’ve refused this with little consequence, it had passed.

“Take what you wish now, General,” he says in her ear, giggling. “Why else were we born, after all?”

Celes simultaneously hopes to see and dreads seeing anxiety in Terra’s face, but sees only her trusting smile, so very eager to please him.

#18: Letters
(FFVII/AC, Cloud/Tifa/Barret.)

Cloud and Barret had sent Tifa a lot of letters.

Barret had been sending them letters and pictures for them from the start. It seemed he’d find something he thought one of them would like every few days, every time he went out on the road. Cloud hadn’t, at first; maybe he was ashamed of running away. But after battling the Remnants and coming to terms with the past, he’d started doing the same.

Tifa always wrote back, but didn’t mail anything; they would’ve already left. She left them on the table instead, waiting for them to come back home.

#19: Calling
(FFVII, Cloud/Aeris/Tifa.)

Aeris had spent her life listening, trying to understand theCetra’s calling. They’d talked about never resting, always wandering, going where the Planet had needed them most. Some of them sang of a schism many years ago, and mourned the ones who’d abandoned the journey.

It made her think about Cloud and Tifa, how lost they were. They didn’t have a home anymore either, right? If the ones who’d stopped journeying had lost their powers, did that mean they could find it again?

She hoped so. She loved them both so much, and couldn’t wait to help Planet teach them.

#20: Compromise
(FFVII, Cloud/Tifa/Barret.)

Tifa and Barret still can’t agree.

You can see both sides. Getting to the upper levels quietly would make things easier; the fewer alarms you raise, the better. But bursting in through the front would throw everyone off, and you’re sure you three could manage it. Most of the troops are patrolling the slums now; it’d take a while for them to respond.

After more arguing, they turn to you. “What should we do, Cloud?” Tifa asks.

You can’t resist. “Let’s compromise. You’re okay with more wall-climbing, right?”

They both glare at you. The looks on their faces are priceless.