(no subject)

[zen_monk]

 From "Improvise a Montage" 

Chapter 6: Jump High. 

Laguna's interested in all directions. Kain tries to keep up to that fact.

Laguna/Kain 

Don't judge me this happened during an RP.

Kain and Laguna decided for themselves to patrol the lands furthest from Cosmos. Laguna suggested the island that seemed impassable, mentioning that maybe by jumping over to it they would be able to find passage. 

"Or clues. Or treasure. Maybe even just a hideaway where we can get the jump on these Chaos munchkins!"

"The…?" 

"That was an intentional insult. Remove the scary bits from them and all you get is a pile of weirdos banding together for evil. And a witch. Don’t mess with witches, man, they take your children and screw up your mind.” 

And warlocks, as well. Though, Kain didn’t feel the need to voice that. He couldn’t even tell Cecil the nature of their relationship, not even that they were friends until he recalled the fact himself. It was…difficult. 

Lightning thought it a pipe dream, and so let them travel at their own devices. She also mentioned that if they’re going to do anything useful, it would be to locate any other warriors that Cosmos had summoned who have appeared somewhere beyond their reach. 

"It’s a sad way to go, to get summoned here and then get smoked just because the wrong people found them first.” 

That was what she said, and Laguna promised with all his heart that it won’t happen on his watch. 

It won’t happen on Kain’s watch, either. 

In truth, he was glad for the company. Especially Laguna’s company. The man may be wayward, but he’s got enough equipment on him to prepare himself for any mishap. Not unlike Bartz, who mimics his way through trouble, but the versatility that Laguna was able to bring to the table was surprising, in a breathtaking sort of way. 

The sense of wonder that Laguna exhibits was nothing short of a refreshing breath of fresh air, as well. The focus on the now, what Laguna liked to stressed to everyone he meets, was in stark contrast to many who came here. Their lost memories made many mulling over their past, over their bits and pieces of identity. The prospect of getting them back and moving ahead on the war propelled many towards a future, driven almost to myopic proportions. And some are stuck inbetween the prospect, which was the impression he got from Lightning and from Squall. 

…The lad looks so similar to Laguna, now that I look at them. Brothers? No, but maybe it's because they happen to be from the same world, judging by how they work together and interact. Related by vicinity, so to speak.

"Focusing on the here-and-now… it actually gives you focus, doesn’t it, Laguna?" Kain said aloud. 

"Hm? Well, I like to say that we’re ‘investigating’ but there’s no reason to not find something to appreciate while we’re doing that. Right? There’s very interesting people here that I’ll probably never have the chance to meet ever again. Different experiences, different magic, heh, even different life forms!" 

Kain gave a wry grin. 

"I suppose compared to a person such as Zidane, you might as well have nothing more to find as interesting as he is." 

Laguna gave a knowing glance. “Now now, Kain. Don’t think that I lost interest in you, either.” 

The glance lingered on him, and Kain was the first to turn away. 

"…No, I don’t think it’s wise to carry you in my arms while I jump as high as I can," he said with a smile. 

"Oh come on! Pretty please?" 

They found some ruins close to the island where Laguna desired to explore. Kain allowed Laguna to take reconnaissance first, and so he sat down upon a piece of ruin that looked suitable for a seat. He took off his helm and tousled compressed locks from his scalp. He sighed heavily, for the trek was wearisome and the lingering sense of a Cosmos-summoned warrior seemed to fade in and out. 

Wouldn’t be surprised if they happened to be underground, where some rushing water or some such entraps them.

"Losing steam, Dragon kid?" 

"I’m not a kid." 

"When you get to be my age, you’re all kids!"

"…you’re not that old, Laguna," said Kain slowly. 

"Trust me, once you hit twenty-one, suddenly everyone younger than you sounds like a smartass. Except children." 

"And women." 

"Kain…" warned Laguna. "…We don’t talk about that time." 

"And what are you to do about it, ‘tis no one here besides us." 

"You never know! You look over your shoulder and BOOM, Cosmos is right there. Judging you…” For dramatic effect, Laguna looked around this way and that, eyes shifty and a hand raised over his brow to look at a distance.

Kain must have been more tired than he thought, for he did move to look over his shoulder until he stopped himself suddenly, sheepishly. 

Laguna’s cackling only served to increase the ridiculousness of the situation. “Ha! Made you look!” 

And then Laguna was right there, in front of him. At eye level, Kain was looking at his stomach, white shirt and blue jacket in the fashion of the man’s people… or of his world. Whichever. He looked up from under his lashes, peering up at Laguna’s cheeky face that, really, can be changed to pure and unabashed embarassment with a kiss. 

It’d be clumsy work to try that now, from where Laguna’s standing. 

"Sometimes, I find it hard to tell when you are merely jesting and when you are flirting," admitted Kain. 

"You know me, I flirt with danger all the time," but there was encouragement there when Laguna then leaned forward to place a hand upon Kain’s shoulder. 

Kain responded by placing his hand on Laguna’s hip, to pull the man closer so he can chance a kiss where the shirt rode up a little to expose his stomach. 

"Hmph, if it’s danger you’re looking for, I might as well try jumping over to that isle with you." 

"Hot dang, you serious?!" 

And there was an exuberant fist pump in the air, and the sound of a hand palming their own face..