Being forced to slave away as usual, Aleph saw something that piqued his interest.
("Askyros and Ryse?") [Aleph]
It appeared that they were having a secretive meeting. Aleph had come to the back of the fort to slack off, but found Askyros and Ryse speaking.
"What is it?" [Askyros]
Ryse scratched the back of his head as he tried to find words.
"Uh… Do you remember when we first entered battle?" [Ryse]
Askyros nodded.
"We defeated a giant." [Askyros]
"Sounds about right." [Ryse]
Askyros crossed his arms.
"Is there something you wish to tell me? It must relate to that day." [Askyros]
"Uh…" [Ryse]
He shifted nervously.
"D… Do you remember what I said when we were marching?" [Ryse]
"Hm…" [Askyros]
Askyros closed his eyes as he searched his memory.
"Was it your promise to profess your love to Tida?" [Askyros]
("WHAT?!") [Aleph]
Ryse quickly clamped a hand over Askyros' mouth.
"Shh!" [Ryse]
Glancing around nervously, Ryse let out a sigh of relief when he thought the coast was clear. Askyros then gently removed Ryse' hand from his mouth.
"I assume I was correct." [Askyros]
"Y-Yeah… You were." [Ryse]
"Then what point is there to talk to me? You survived the battle. Go to Tida and deliver on your promise." [Askyros]
Ryse made a conflicted face.
"I… I know, but… I just…!" [Ryse]
"Ryse. You are where you want to be. Will you not take the first step?" [Askyros]
Ryse's hands began to tremble.
"It's just… the thought of being turned down. It paralyzes me…! I… I'm scared, Askyros." [Ryse]
Askyros folded his arms.
"Do you know what it takes to overcome fear?" [Askyros]
"...Courage?" [Ryse]
"Indeed. As you say, it is courage." [Askyros]
He then placed a finger on Ryse's chest.
"My friend. You are the most courageous person I have ever known. I believe in you." [Askyros]
"You… You do?" [Ryse]
"Have I ever lied?" [Askyros]
A smile broke Ryse's tension.
"Y… You're right. I can't stop here. Askyros. I'm going to profess my love tonight. Will you watch over me?" [Ryse]
Askyros shook his head.
"Is your love a spectacle to be viewed? I think not. Besides, I have something to deal with." [Askyros]
"Oh… Is that so?" [Ryse]
Askyros placed a hand on Ryse's shoulder.
"Do not be disheartened. I wish you the best of luck." [Askyros]
Ryse nodded with resolve.
"I won't let you down." [Ryse]
After that exchange, the two parted ways.
("Oh crap, Askyros is coming this way!") [Aleph]
Fast as the wind, Aleph snuck away.
("Looks like I know what I'm going to do later. If only I didn't lose my camera.") [Aleph]
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Later that night, Aleph tailed Ryse without his knowledge.
("Damn, when is this guy going to make his move?") [Aleph]
From what he's seen, Ryse has only been going around doing mundane tasks. Taking inventory, writing reports, and feeding messenger pigeons. It wasn't until near midnight that Ryse went around looking for Tida. He went to Tida's office and knocked on her door.
"Tida? Are you in there?" [Ryse]
"Come in." [Tida]
Ryse opened the door and entered, closing it behind him.
("Oh come on.") [Aleph]
Moving closer, Aleph quietly turned the knob and peered into the room. It was worth learning stealth techniques during his mercenary days. Not that he's retired.
"So? More work is it?" [Tida]
Ryse smiled anxiously.
"Haha… No. I just have something to tell you." [Ryse]
"Oh? You know you probably could've had someone else tell me. I know you're busy." [Tida]
Aleph could see Tida sitting at a large wooden desk, scribbling away with a feathered quill against a mountain of scrolls.
"Ah… That's the thing. It's not… business related." [Ryse]
"Hm?" [Tida]
Tida's hand stopped writing and she looked up at Ryse.
("Oh… Here it comes!") [Aleph]
He could see beads of sweat form at the back of Ryse's neck.
"Tida. I…" [Ryse]
He inhaled deeply and continued.
"I… I like you." [Ryse]
Tida smiled before looking down and continuing her work.
"Aw… Are we playing like we used to? That's touching. I like you too." [Tida]
("...Did he just get friendzoned?") [Aleph]
Though Aleph could not see Ryse's expression from behind, he could surmise that Ryse wasn't feeling too good.
"Tida. I didn't mean it like that." [Ryse]
"...What do you mean? Do you not like me?" [Tida]
"N-No! It's not…!" [Ryse]
He cut himself off to calm down.
"Tida. Let me rephrase. I love you. Not like family, but romantically." [Ryse]
Tida froze.
"...Huh." [Tida]
She then placed down her quill and stood up.
"You. Like me?" [Tida]
Ryse nodded.
"With all my heart. I knew I loved you the moment we met eyes." [Ryse]
Tida giggled.
"So from… what, sixteen years ago?" [Tida]
"...You could say that." [Ryse]
He scratched the back of his head whilst turning his gaze away from embarrassment.
"So… Your answer?" [Ryse]
Upon hearing that, a mischievous grin appeared on Tida's face.
"You must be dying to know." [Tida]
She walked around her desk and placed her arms around Ryse's neck.
"How's this for an answer?" [Tida]
As she leaned in for a kiss, Aleph felt himself get pulled away from the door.
"What the-?! It was just getting good!" [Aleph]
He turned to see who pulled him away, only to feel fear the moment he locked eyes with Askyros.
"O-Oh shit… Um… Didn't you have something else to deal with tonight?" [Aleph]
"I believe I gave enough warnings. That something was you." [Askyros]