epidemiology | (no subject)

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(no subject)

CHARACTERS: Pearl

beyourrock & Gilgamesh

babbylon

DATE: Feb 5th, evening

WARNINGS: Slight gore imagery!

SUMMARY: Gilgamesh comes by to check in on his master after she's had some deadly encounters with demons and chimeras.

[Pearl found herself in the communial kitchen in the goblin portion of Chantes. She felt as tgough she should busy herself. Her hands especially. So what better way to do that than to bake? She had been at it for nearly the whole day. Goblins, both young and old came by to check in on the Gem, but they only left with a pie or two in hand, Pearl still working away inside. Other pies at the ready and fresh along the counter.

Baking was something she could focus on. Baking and all of this moving and packing madness in which ALASTAIR expected of them within a few days' time. She works on pouring out some filling for two pies in particular. Apple flavored this time around. The filling oozes out of the bowl and into one of the pie crust pans. Again, her mind wanders.

She had no choice. She had to act. She had to stain her hands with blood. Killing living creatures. Blood had stained her hands. Her gem. How the life from the creature's eyes just faded away. Choking gasps. Blood curdling cries as they fell to the ground. She stares blankly ahead of herself, and only when her vision became blurry did she realize that the apple filling was overflowing from her pie.

Pearl inhales sharply, furrowing her brow as the filling had gotten all over the counter. Softly cursing to herself, she blinks away tears from the corner of her eyes as she sets the bowl down. Hastily, she tries to clean up what she can, trying to even out the filling inside the pan.]

Dear stars, look at yourself...!

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[As Master and Servant, Gilgamesh sees what Pearl sees. Gilgamesh hears what Pearl hears and, to an extent, feels what Pearl feels. There's no hiding it from him; he knows she's very deeply troubled by what she's been forced to do recently. And while he's given her space to herself, at some point he realizes it's necessary to intervene. She will worry herself sick at this rate, fall prey to her own nightmares, and Gilgamesh will not allow it.

A familiar ball of light circles in the area, zooming past shelves and dishes until it settles right in front of Pearl's nose. It manifests not moments later, with Gilgamesh floating upside down, wearing a soft smile. It all looks a little silly, which was intended; he's trying to make her laugh, or at least lighten up a bit.]

So this is where you ran off to.

[Gilgamesh glances around at the pies, and offers with a chipper grin:]

For me, right? How thoughtful of you.

[Not that he really ate much these days. But pies? Gilgamesh didn't even know she could cook at all.]

[She stands up straight, having cleaned up what she could of the mess before that small ball of light comes into her view. It barely registers as to what, or in this case who, it is before Gilgamesh's face appears in front of her. With a small yelp of surprise, she takes a step back. Her face heating up with a small blush, she paws at him.]

Gilgamesh! Away from the pie filling! We don't need your hair in it, hanging upside down like that!

[It's more of a motherly scolding tone than anything else. She soon gestures to the pies over her shoulder, almost dismissively before she starts to fill up the second pie.]

Have one, or a few, if you'd like. I've been handing them out to anyone who comes by.

Edited 2016-02-06 04:47 (UTC)

[Rather than settle down like a normal person, Gilgamesh just seats himself on the edge of the counter instead. He looks at her intensely and doesn't seem to buy that casual brushing off. She's clearly bothered and clearly trying to hide it, but... was it really his place to point that out?

Well, he does need to say something. Pearl would never abandon him in this state, nor would he abandon her. It's a matter of equal exchange.]

How long have you been in here, exactly?

[Maybe he should start there. He suspects hours, of course. She would be the sort to throw herself into a mindless chore like this.]

[Once the filling is in, she starts to layer the flat crust on top of the pies. Pearl glances at him from the corner of her eye. Of course he'd act like this. Pearl shouldn't expect anything less from him. Plus she could feel that knowing stare of his, heavy on her shoulders.]

Since this morning.

[The Gem states rather casually, as if talking about the weather. And as she speaks she makes small vent holes in the pie tops before she moves to slip both pies into an open oven. The kitchen was already filled with the smell of peaches from her other currenly baking batch of pies.]

And how long have you been crying...?

[Gilgamesh doesn't waste time. There's no point in doing so, and more than that, he knows that Pearl in her right mind would've expected to be treated this way—to be treated with the same scrutiny paid to anyone else. She was not immune from the King's judgment. He would not spare her what needed to be said on account of any hurt feelings, and he would not let her evade the issue forever simply because it was sensitive.

He stares, and continues to stare, with those unnerving and unflinching red eyes of his, and expects an answer.]

[Honestly, she's caught off guard by the question. She looks away stubbornly, wiping flour off on her apron. She avoids those red eyes for now.]

Why should that matter? It's all said and done. [She knows exactly what he's really asking about. He can probably gather what she went through. The choices she had to make. To act. To survive.]

All we can do is move on. [Pearl rubs at her eyes with the back of her wrist. She wants to forget. She wants to move on, but the images still haunt her. What would the other Crystal Gems think? What would she think? They were supposed to rally behind living creatures. Not... kill them.

But what was the point in recollecting thise experiences? She couldn't undo them. She couldn't go back in time and stop it. So, baking pies was the next answer. To keep her mind busy. Hands working.]

It matters because you are upset.

[That was it. Gilgamesh cuts to the quick of the matter, refuses to be led astray by meaningless phrases like it's said and done and move on. He recognizes they are old said in an effort to sweep everything aside. Pearl does that far too much. He's putting a stop to that now.

Gilgamesh slides off the counter and strides to her side. His touch is innocuous; just a touch on her sleeve, small, easy to ignore. But the expression on his face isn't. Lies won't avail her this time. Gilgamesh knows his Master and therefore knows when he's being denied the truth.]

It matters because, time after time, you disregard yourself in favor of looking after others. But you fail to look after yourself. You fail to show any consideration for your own well-being because you do not seem to think your feelings make any difference. "I'm fine," you say. "Who cares?"

[His grip tightens. So does his frown.]

I care, because I do not and will not serve a Master who so flippantly denies themselves the capacity to feel for themselves.

[That's what she did. She cared about others. She couldn't help it. Most of the time she didn't even discuss about herself. She'd speak passionately about Rose's efforts in the rebellion, or express how wonderful fusion is. About her culture, about her teammates...

Never really about herself. The Gem saw herself as support. Always was!

To be put in the spotlight like this, with just one person in the room... It wasn't like it was a new experience just. Rare. When she did get emotional, she knew she'd snap. That's why she'd seclude herself away with her own thoughts, lick her own wounds and the like. So no one else would have to bother with it.

Pearl glances down at his hand, furrowing her brow with a weak smile. She... finally answers his question, truthfully.]

It's been... on and off. [She sniffles a little with a shrug.] The crying and all. I just needed to get my mind off it. The room was cleaned as much as it could be back at the inn so. I decided to come in and... bake some pies.

[It all sounded rather silly when she says it like that.]

[It's specifically sentiments like so no one else would have to bother with it that grate on Gilgamesh. In the past he would've given no mind to the movements of his Master; they were separate entities with separate goals and ambitions. But it was Pearl herself who encouraged him to see the bond in a new light, who showed him it could be pleasant and inspiring and good.

And though Gilgamesh was far from a good man, he had begun to emulate some of those traits—because in the end, he admired Pearl, and he came to accept that it was better she was happy with him than otherwise. He could not be a good man, not ever, but he could be a better one, and that was because of Pearl.

Gilgamesh does not look at her. Her stares at that hand, at her fingers, and his frown deepens.]

You know you could come to me. And if it was your wish to weep, I would endure it, so the world would not have to see.

[It seemed to bring her shame, after all. Up he brings that hand, and he dips his forehead to it, uncharacteristically servile.]

If this is what you would prefer to do, that is fine. But at least let me do it with you.

[Baking pies, though... he didn't know a thing about it. She would have to show him that, as well.]

[She smiles sadly down at her Servant, her cheeks warm with a blue tint before she shakes her head.]

I wouldn't wish for you to endure it. [A small weak laugh escapes her, before her gaze falls down to him. How he presents himself now. Being mindful. Showing a level of chivalry towards her. It was endearing. She reaches her other hand down to place her fingers under his chin, to ease his head back from her other hand. A brighter smile takes center stage. Genuine.]

You'd like to bake with me? [Her gaze falls to some ingredients nearby.] Does a king like yourself know how to bake?

Edited 2016-02-07 03:48 (UTC)

I would also like to spend the evening with you...!

[...well, that chivalry was nice while it lasted. Gilgamesh clears his throat and goes a little red in the face but otherwise stands his ground; it seems this is something Pearl herself would have to endure, as once Gilgamesh made a decision he never reversed it for any reason. He huffs and puffs and suddenly seems all of a few years old with how stubborn he's being.]

And I know a few things!

[No, he doesn't. He doesn't know one damn thing when it came to the kitchen.]

[And warmth returns to her smile once more before she perks up, looking over to one of the ovens. Oh, it was about time to take them out. However, something tells her he hasn't dealt with an oven. Best to leave him to a simplier task. As she moves to grab some hot pads, she gestures to a bowl nearby, and two eggs which sat next to it.]

Alright then, once you get your hands washed, could you crack those two eggs for me and mix them with the dry ingredients already in the bowl?

[She moves past him to kneel down and extract two pies from a nearby oven.]

And be careful, we don't want any shell pieces in it.

[Gilgamesh would argue his hands don't need to be washed, they're always clean, but goes over to the faucet grumbling to take care of it. Right, eggs, eggs... there they are. He takes them up and breaks them open with a decisive crack...!]

Err...

[...all over the counter. But those two definitely didn't count! He quickly fetches another pair to remedy his mistake.]

There! This time...!

[...

...

All over the counter. Again.]

[She sets the pies aside but flinches when she hears the cracking. Looking over her shoulder, she sees his second attempt and tries to stifle a giggle. Oh dear stars, he really didn't have a clue did he? She double checks the pies once more before she sets down the hot pads to go and assist Gilgamesh.

She stands beside him and wipes up the counter with a cloth. She takes up two more eggs, and hands one gently to Gilgamesh before she holds up the other.]

You have to be precise. [Pearl gestures to her egg before she gently taps it on the side of the bowl. After a few taps, it cracks along the center and she pulls it apart to let the egg seep out and slide into the bowl. No shell pieces either. She tosses the shell.]

Now you try.

[Look, Servant strength was not an easy thing to rein in. Gilgamesh at least has the courtesy to sort of look embarrassed when caught in the act and does pay more attention now, watching her slighter motions and then mimicking them himself. Thankfully, he manages a crack without a mess. Into the bowl it goes.]

I did say I knew a few things.

[Typical Gilgamesh. He had it all along.]

I never said you didn't.

[She grins though, nudging his side. She takes out a pan and starts mixing the ingredients in the bowl together. She mixes up the batter. But, maybe a little too fast as some batter flies out, latching itself to her cheek. She huffs, but shakes her head as she gets the dough for the crust mixed. She pulls apart the dough in half and places one into a pie tin.]

Next we'll need to cover the bottom of the pie tin with the crust. I'll let you handle that.

[And she yanks over the last bit of pie filling, just enough for this last pie of theirs. Pearl smiles, finding herself standing closer than usual to her Servant. After everything that's happened, she felt more at ease with his company. A little needy, maybe. This was more than she could ask for from him.]

[Are you truly alright? Gilgamesh means to ask her but can't find the right words. The more he watches the more he realizes this really must be her way of handling stress. Launching herself into something productive, and of course for someone else's sake—she couldn't rightly eat all those pies herself. If this was what she wanted...]

Right.

[...this was what he would do for her. With much greater finesse, he manages to spread out the dough as directed. It doesn't escape his notice that she's lingering nearer to him and while he doesn't quite take advantage he will use it as an excuse to stand closer, too. And maybe bumps hips a little, because he can.

Really, he just wants to take her into his arms and kiss her silly, but that will have to wait. Stupid pies.]

[Smiling shyly, she bumps his hip back with her own softly, in retaliation to his. She steals a knowing glance up at him before she pours the filling into the pan atop his crust work. With a nod of approval, she taps the pie tin to even the distrubution of the filling.

After flattening out the last of the dough, she covers the filling with it. Carefully she carves a small "P" into the pie, for venting, but hands Gilgamesh the small knife, gesturing to the pie.]

Now you leave your mark. [She says, grinning with a small chuckle. But she means it. Something which they made. Together. It was moments like this she missed from back home. Companionship. Being able to feel like she could do as she pleased. To have fun, and have someone to share that with.]

[Such simple things to keep her happy. It all seemed like a waste of a time to a great King who indulged in every sin and luxury imaginable, who owned every treasure in existence, but Pearl has softened him more than he'd care to admit. He takes the knife and, without a second thought, carves a + G beside the P.

Pearl and Gilgamesh. Actually, he was pretty proud of that much.]

Now it is perfect.

[He smiles at her, for her sake. If she was laughing and beaming like that, maybe it would be alright after all.]

[She notes the plus sign. It's a small thing but it reads volumes to the Gem. Tension eases out from her shoulders and even leans against his side playfully as she reaches for the pie. She even steals a small peck to his cheek.]

Thank you. [She says barelyabove a whisper before she turns to kneel down and place it into the oven. She's rather pucky, making sure this one is in the middle if the rack and. Just perfect. Once satisfied, she closes the oven and dusts her hands off.]

Good work, if I do say so myself!

[Gilgmesh reacts like a dog that's been stroked in just the right place, at once peppy and attentive. Anything that earned such a reaction from Pearl was surely a step in the right direction, and anything that garnered words of thanks was to be savored. Although still, he must ask...]

You've truly been at this all day? If you wished for pie, I have plenty.

[And cake, and candy, and plenty of other sweets, too. He puffs up, quite proud of this fact.]

If you cannot enjoy it for yourself, it's a bit useless. Even generosity has its limits.

[Ah, right. Gilgamesh and his Gate. It had nearly everything within it's 'walls'. However, she looks across at the pies she's made with a bashful shrug, untying the apron behind her lower back.]

Actually, I don't eat or drink. I like the process of creating pies, and I used to make them back home every once in a while.

[She pulls her head through the loop of the apron and slips it onto a nearby rack on the wall.]

There's plenty of people here who would love to eat the pies! The process of pie making seems to calm me down but, ah... [Pearl faces him, smiling with her hands folded behind her back. Shifting her weight on her feet.]

It's nice to have a cooking partner every once in a while.

Edited 2016-02-07 17:43 (UTC)

I am beginning to get the impression you simply enjoy busying yourself with chores.

[Spot on, Gilgamesh. He slips around her on graceful feet—surprisingly so, given his bumbling with even the most basic of kitchen work—and embraces her from behind, arms encircling her waist. His head falls to her shoulder, where he leaves a gentle kiss. Only ever chaste, for his Master's sake.]

But a partner, am I? Hm... I wonder what other sorts of things we could do together.

[...though maybe that was slightly less chaste. He's probably just teasing again.]

I do love doing chores. It's enjoyable.

[Pearl perks up, looking fown to see the arms looping around her middle. Her pale hands lift upward, resting over his, feeling the grooves of his knuckles, light and feathery touches. She leans back in his hold and rests the side of her head against his with a small chuckle.]

Getting a little bold, aren't we? [A finger lightly prods his nose out of playfully and a grin accompanying it, despite the blush on her cheeks.] You've been acting different as of late. Laid back, casual... It's endearing.

[It certainly calms her down.]

You are a rather odd duck.

[Spoken with the greatest fondness, of course. The bond hums pleasantly as he's touched, and he leans into her in turn. His eyes could be terribly unsettling, terribly wicked, but for now they warm and calm like a candlelight in the dark. Soothing and soft. They will not hurt her, would not even think to.

He's no master chef by far, but he excels at this much. In this much, he can look after her.]

It is because I am comfortable with you. Because you are a Master worthy of envy.

[He unfurls from her, though only for something ostensibly closer: an impromptu dance, right there in the kitchen. He spins her by the hand only to draw her close again; he weaves across the floor, around the counters, humming a tune to nothing in particular. He is elegant, and regal, and fair, a reflection of his Master and of his feelings.]

Because you are loved, by all who see you, such is the decree of this great King.

Speak for yourself!

[She swats at his hands in retaliation, but is taken aback as she's pulled into an impromptu dance. her body is quick to react, flowing her movements with his own as if it were second nature. He knew how to lead. Well, of course he does. Pearl spins with a surprised look, before it melts into a pleased smile, her sash flourishing behind her as she's spun and drawn back in close again.

Her strides match him in each timed step. She rests her hand on his shoulder as they glide across the room. A small roll of her eyes pass. They were really dancing, in the kitchen. But she couldn't say no to a dance.]

There you go, yet again, with your flattery. You think too highly of me. [She glances to the hand on his shoulder, seeing the red brand contrasting against her pale skin.]

I'm comfortable with you as well, Gilgamesh. I feel like I can say anything to you, and you'll respond accordingly. Not just to please me but... you speak of what you truly feel. I feel like I can really rely on you. I apologize for not coming to see you after the events that transpired with the demons.

[A pause.]

I do like this alternative.

[Around and around they go—Pearl may even be pleased to see that Gilgamesh appears to have picked up a few moves from her along the way—until he daringly pins her by one of the counters, hands poised on either side. His expression speaks to mischief even if his words are indeed flatteringly soft. He can't really cause too much trouble in her presence. She cannot make a good man out of him, but she makes a better man, for whatever that means.]

I am glad.

[That they've come so far. That she understands, if not entirely then more than most. She did not buckle before Ea. Not once, but twice did she face it. She held her head high as befit a Crystal Gem and commanded him as befit a true leader. As befit a Master who had shown him they could be kind after all.

Gilgamesh leans in for a kiss to that spot on her cheek where the pretty blue blush always appeared.]

You do her proud, Pearl.

[It is the highest compliment he can think to give her.]

[Again, Gilgamesh keeps her on her toes like no one else can. Once she's pinned, she stares up at those crimson eyes, blinking owlishly, her chest rises with anticipation, her heart almost in her throat. Her fingers twitch with hesitation as they reside on his shoulders, running lightly down his arms and along the material of his sleeves, resting on the insides of his elbows.

And when he leans in, she almost braces herself. There it was. A soft kiss to her already warm blue cheek. The compliment that follows causes her to pause.

You do her proud.

Her lips tremble, brows knitted together. Would she be? Gilgamesh sounded so sure but... Her hands reach up, under his arms, hands clutching his back, to pull him into an embrace. Her head buries almost childishly into the nape of his neck, cheeks warm against it as she mumbles.]

Thank you. And.. you do me proud as well, Gilgamesh. We've come a long ways since we met.

[Sometimes Gilgamesh forgets Pearl was every bit as strong as a Servant herself. It makes him proud, too, knowing he had a powerful Master, knowing she wouldn't fall easily to enemy attack. Even if she doubted herself, even if she would always worry simply because it would always be in her nature, she rose time after time with sword in hand. She faced tomorrow bearing those regrets on her back. He could ask for no more from his Master.

And how strange, too, given that once upon a time he asked for chaos, and discord, and an end to the world, alongside the man who held his reins. He discards that memory, holds Pearl close and thinks nothing more of it.]

You did nothing wrong, you know.

[Perhaps those were the words she needed to hear most of all. The reassurance that she had acted appropriately, no matter her own fears.]

Pearl, you did nothing wrong.

[He just repeats himself, out loud, as well as in her thoughts. Lets it sink in as far as it will go, as far as he can reach.]

[Fingers curl into his jacket, almost clinging to him now. Pressing her face insistently against his neck to hide her own face. Tears sting the corners of her eyes.

She did nothing wrong. He was right. She did it out of self defense. It was nescessary! But guilt still eased it's way into her mind. She was a guardian of Earth. Someone who cherished all life. That's what Rose did. And thus, that was what Pearl did as well. And yet, she still found blood under her fingernails after trying do hard to wash it out.

Meekly, she nods, letting her shoulders slump, leaning into his hold.]

I know... And I know it may happen again. [She pulls back just enough to look him in the eye.]

To protect myself. To protect others. My friends and you.

[This was what she needed. This was what she was hiding. Gilgamesh was no comforter; he can't know if he's done much good here or only made it worse. His hands were for hurting, for breaking, not for helping. Even so, he doesn't hesitate in holding her. She had strength enough to rival any man, rival ten of them, but her heart was soft. Too soft. It does not bring him shame so much as cause for worry that someday it will be the death of her.]

You cannot help how you were made. You are compassionate and you are kind. If I told you a thousand times, "look after yourself", I know you would be chasing after another's back instead. It is not a bad thing, to watch out for your comrades, to dedicate yourself in such a way.

[But it could be dangerous and downright fatal when applied to an extreme. He nudges their faces together, forehead to gem, and sighs.]

Yet assuming the blame for what's inevitable and unavoidable... that I cannot allow. You are a Gem, Pearl. Be proud and be confident in what you do.

[With that deeper understanding he exposed to few, he tells her:]

You must remember that death comes for everything in the end. That too is part of the balance we protect, as those who guard humanity.

[She purses her lips, as if she had been caught with her hand in the cookie jar. It was true. She did look after others so much. Looking after Steven, Amethyst, and even Garnet every once in a while. Pearl was always concerned about those close to her.

There was no telling when they could disappear from her life forever.

The Gem opens her mouth to speak, but looks up to see those red eyes so close to her own, her cool gem against his warm forehead. The unexpected. It was something she tried to prepare for, but this recent turn of events took her by surprise entirely. Actions she took even surprised her. But like Gilgamesh had said before they parted ways. She had to act. And she did, in split second decisions. Usually ending with blood on her hands.

She offers him a small smile though, through all the hardship that fell over her. He knew what to say. He knew what to do, to make her feel at ease. Her fingers loosen in his jacket's fabric.]

You're not so bad yourself, you know. You've been supportive this whole time and... [She laughs, leaning her head even closer as she bumps her trademark nose against his.] Everyone is so surprised.

[Lifting her branded hand into view, she emphasizes what she means. Pearl. The Master of Gilgamesh. A bizarre combination. But that hand comes to rest on the side of his face, blue eyes searching, fingers lingering on his jawline.]

You have helped me in so many ways, Gilgamesh. I can never repay you for all you've done. I mean, yes we've had a few road bumps but. I mean-- Look at us! How far we've come in just a few months...

[She trails off, looking down at the two of them. How close they were. Comfortable. At ease. At least, that's how the Gem felt anyways.]

You know the truth. You know what I am.

[Good, bad. Those sorts of phrases didn't apply to Gilgamesh. He was beyond that. He was, in his own way, very much like a Crystal Gem, made with a set purpose and driven to fulfill that purpose at any cost. He'd also betrayed the clockwork order, just as Pearl had, to follow his own dreams and pursue his own destiny at the side of his beloved.

So Gilgamesh does not speak of those things. Doesn't try to argue that he's supportive or why it's so surprising that he would serve her. They didn't matter. He cherished his bond with his Master and would fight by her side. He would remain himself, spurn the gods, and make his own choices.

He would be as he's always been. Just plus one Gem.]

But... as for you...

[Gilgamesh takes up the hand beside his face, draws each finger to his lips—kiss, kiss, kiss to every knuckle. An intimate display for something so chastely simple.]

I will be here for you, so long as you bear those Seals; and so I will remain, long after you are gone. I will watch over them until the end of time, until humanity moves beyond the stars and no longer has need for such a guardian. That is the true nature of the King of Heroes, as few would ever know.

[Pearl feels a small twang of fear constrict her chest as she looks at those seals. The seals, of course. That's the only reason why he was here, wasn't it? Her source of magic. Half of the time, she even forgot about the seals. Just the two of them. That's all she thought about when they were together. Their teamwork. And maybe...

No. She only had two Seals left. I will be here for you as you bear those Seals... After that? Well.

Brows furrow, framing her gem as it glows gently. Dim and soft. Unease seeps into their bond from Pearl's end. But she tries her best to brush it off, smiling up at him again.]

O-Of course, I would expect no less from the King of Heroes! [Her smile brightens, the blush on her cheeks growing faint now, her fingers curling around his, with a it of a desperate edge to her soft hold.]

And when the Seals do give way... I do hope you'll find someone to keep you stable in turn.

[Gilgamesh questions that sudden spark of hesitation, but at once understands what has her so anxious. It was less the intent to push her away and more the presumption that he would no longer be wanted and needed, but in the end... it seems that's how she felt herself. Then it was true, that she stopped seeing him as a mistake and started seeing him as a partner. They'd finally bridged that gap, made it over that barrier.

There's warmth enough within him to sate the both of them. A pair of fingers on his free hand slips beneath her chin and tips it back, just a little, just enough. He slides comfortably nose-to-nose with her and restates:]

When the Seals do give way, I hope you'll allow me to chase after you still, because I am quite taken with you.

[As if I'd let go so easily, his thoughts chide her. As if you could escape me.]

I will eagerly await the day you stop and let me catch you, so that I might shower you with all the affections of a King.

[Pearl's chest inflates with anxiousness. Not of the bad variety. Far from it, in fact. She melts into that warmth, her head tilting back at his fingers. No resistance. Her eyes grow fond as he hand fall from his, both of her hands now resting on the lapels of his jacket, smoothing over the fabric there. She nudges her nose against his in turn, cheeks burning up despite the half lidded look she gave him, the small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.]

I didn't think I was running from you. [She says softly, her pale blue eyes scanning his face.] Besides, it looks like you have me where you want me.

Then again, the chase is always better than the catch, is it not?

[Oh, dear. This appears to be escalating. Gilgamesh was never all that adept when it came to restraint, and so the words it looks like you have me where you want me send his imagination flying about a thousand different directions, very few of which are appropriate for a kitchen.

However, Pearl was a noble creature, much like Saber herself. She wouldn't respond to any undue roughness, would slip away if he pushed too far, too fast, so Gilgamesh bites the sharpness back in his tongue before it can get away from him and simply says:]

I would be inclined to agree.

[And he kisses at the corner of her mouth, though his eyes remain very open and very vivid. They dare her to protest.]

[She's taken aback by the kiss. It wasn't quite what she expected. Humans usually did that directly on the lips, did they not? Pearl furrows her brow and frowns a little up at him. As if something wasn't quite right. She had very little experience when it came to kissing, but she had seen it on TV, and even in person once.

She meets his daring red eyes with her own before she wraps an arm around his waist. Mindful of the counters around them, she dips him back and leans in for a small kiss. Similar to what she had seen with Greg and Rose in the past. Sans the step stool thankfully. This was much easier.

The kiss is chaste and fond as the Gem holds the King of Heroes, her eyes closed.]

[How cute that she'd take it upon herself to "correct" him. Gilgamesh grins into it before he can stop himself, and while he's no easily embarrassed damsel a bit of color appears on his cheeks now, too. He kisses back, of course, lets himself be maneuvered about; not only that, he kisses deeper, as befits a King of Heroes. It is not at all chaste. That's why it only lasts a few moments, before she can go skittering away. He knows his Master too well.

Gilgamesh pulls back looking pleased as could be. His fingers frame her face like it is the prettiest thing he's even seen.]

Shall I wait back in your quarters, Master...?

[If she was going throw herself back into this piemaking business, he means. It was obvious they'd have a great deal more to discuss once she's done, but he'll only get in the way here. And the more time he spends in this sort of embrace the more he's tempted towards the sort of distraction another party would not want to walk in on.

He's not quite sure why, but Gilgamesh feels he's achieved some great victory. It's a good feeling.]

[Her face is burning hot by this point. How he kisses back like that... and when he pulls away, she's a little breathless. The adrenaline in her chest. She looks ahead of herself, in a bit of a daze but the fingers on her face pull er back into reality. Her eyes redirect themselves down to Gilgamesh, and she carefully stands them both up, clearing her throat.

She corrects the lapels of his jacket, dusting off non-exsistant dirt from his shoulders before straightening up herself. She smooths her hair back, her cheeks still a bright blue. A smile cracks its way into view on her face, folding her hands behind her back with a small shrug of her shoulders. She looks back at the ovens.]

I have a few more pies to wait for. I should be by in about twenty minutes or so, if you don't mind.

[Her spirit seems to be rejuvenated as she looks back at him, verging on a grin.]

We can exchange more stories if you'd like.

[Always fastidious, always just so. Gilgamesh smiles to see the precise behavior, even in this much, and lets Pearl act as he pleases. She's had enough excitement for one evening; Gilgamesh wants more than she's given, as he would always want more, but she would need time to acclimate to this next stage of their relationship. As before, he will wait patiently. He knows she will come to him soon enough.]

I will see you there.

[Gilgamesh can feel it over their bond. She is well again. She is herself again. And to think this is what it took... well, he'd tease for for it later. For now, he'll grant her that reprieve. He idly brushes a few strands of pretty pink hair into place and leaves Pearl with an enchanting grin of his own thrown over his shoulder.]

And I promise, tonight, I will have plenty to tell.

[He leaves as he came, as that bright sphere of golden light.]

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