☀️ Arselia and Akonia

- Hi! You're here early today. What's with that gloomy face? What happened?
- Hi... I brought your favorite pastries. Here, eat them. I'll tell you what happened later.
Beata didn't argue. While she was eating the pastries, Gion told her the latest gossip, shared his philosophical thoughts, and recounted the story of what happened to Keliandra and other adventures of the expedition members.
When the last piece of pastry disappeared in her mouth, Beata licked her lips contentedly and stared at Gion.
- So, what's with the gloomy face?
- Well, it's... In short... We have a new assignment, - he sighed resignedly. - And it's not in Margel. We're leaving the city, for a long time. At least a week. Maybe two, maybe three.
Beata's eyebrows rose, but she didn't interrupt. Gion continued:
- Well, they sent us... on "training exercises in Sigimor," - Gion subtly made air quotes, pointedly glancing at the guard standing nearby, - from what I heard, they're very interesting exercises, you would be very useful to us. But... Alas. As far as I know, the organizer of the exercises is aware of your difficulties, but... - he spread his hands.
- What "but"? "But" I'm stuck here against my will? "But" everyone is abandoning me? "But" you're all having fun, and you might need someone like me, but no one will bother to get me out of here?! - angry tears welled up in Beata's eyes. She barely restrained herself to maintain her composure.
- Hey... I... Well... Maybe they just can't get you out?
- No, it's not that they "can't," it's that they "don't want to," - Beata sobbed, - they've written me off as expendable!
She burst into tears again. Gion waited patiently. After a while, Beata stopped crying and just quietly wept.
- I... I'm sorry, - she sobbed, wiping her tears, - I just don't want to let you go alone. Anything could happen. I can't bear it.
- One word from you, and I won't go anywhere, - Gion whispered passionately, looking into her eyes, - I'll send "Carnelian" and V.ysokhestvo to hell, and I'll stay here, I'll come to you every day and sleep under your door. Do you think it's easy for me to leave you? I almost lost you twice since we arrived in this damn Margel! I don't want to lose you again!
Beata hesitated. Oh, it was so tempting! To keep with her the only person she trusts in this whole world, the only one who doesn't not care about her, and whom she doesn't not care about... But something was holding her back. Conscience? Strange... Usually, her conscience was on board and silent, but now... Beata felt that there was something more behind the guild's activities than just dirty work for mercenaries. That it would be wrong to somehow interfere with her plans. Did she want to leave Gion with her? Yes, absolutely! Would it be a good decision? Definitely! But... would it be the right thing to do?
- No, - she lowered her eyes, - I'm sorry. It's unfair to deprive you of this opportunity. You have to go. I don't want that, you don't want that, but we can't always get what we want, right? - she smiled through her tears.
- I was afraid you'd say that. I almost hoped you'd order me to stay.
- When was the last time I gave you an order? - Beata smiled warmly. - Usually, I just ask.
Gion smiled warmly in response.
- And now I'm going to ask you for something, - Beata said in a drier, more commanding tone. - While I'm not around, your commander is Ayko. Yes, she's a bitch, I already have a score to settle with her, but she at least tries to be on our side, and that's enough for me to take the risk and trust her integrity towards us. Listen to her like you listen to me. Do everything she says. But... use your head. You can refuse to do things that pose a direct and obvious danger to your or my life and health. You can ask for clarification if you are ordered to do something completely absurd - decide for yourself how absurd it should be. If the explanations don't seem too convincing, act according to your own judgment. In any situation, you can offer her your ideas, but the final word is hers. And also... I liked that trick you pulled with the painting, - she smirked, - it was very nice that you put my interests above my words. You can also try this trick with Ayko, although I hope it won't be necessary.
- Okay, I understand, - Gion nodded, - should I pass on your words to her?
- I don't think so. She doesn't know about the... true nature of our relationship. And there's no need for her to know. Just keep in mind that she is me, except for the situations I mentioned, and act accordingly. And otherwise - act according to your own judgment, I trust your good judgment. And... please be careful. Come back safe and sound, - she was on the verge of tears again.
- Is that an order? - Gion smiled.
- Yes, it's an order, - Beata sobbed. - If you disobey, I'll dig you up from the grave and kill you again, but painfully and through a slow-slow process, - she smiled weakly through her tears.
- Okay. Order received, - he said. - You take care of yourself too. Don't drop the soap in the shower, don't start fights, and all that. I need you alive. If you need anything, Astellia will come, bring you treats. Just ask her. Tell her that Ayko will pay for it later.
- Right, we'll blame everything on Ayko, - Beata chuckled, - thanks for not leaving me without pastries while you travel around the empire.
- Don't worry, I'll watch my figure. And I'll feed the girls, - she nodded towards the pastries set aside for her cellmates.
- So there's less competition, I get it, - Gion smiled.
He leaned in close to her - so close that she could feel his breath on her face. Their fingers touched.
- I love you, - Gion whispered, looking into Beata's eyes.
- And I... I love you too. Very, very much, - Beata replied.
An infinitely long moment passed, and Gion reluctantly straightened up.
- Well, I have to go. Everything will be alright. I promise.
Beata watched him walk away until he disappeared from sight. Tears streamed down her cheeks.
- Please come back, - she whispered.

Damn, I cried a couple of times while writing this