[ Often, Shez can't say he understands the inner workings of Byleth's musings underneath his silent staring, like their minds run on entirely different wavelengths; whereas Byleth overthinks, Shez's simplicity of thought is close to null, both a strength and weakness that only their teamwork can balance out.
But right now, he thinks he does. Right now, he understands the promise of tomorrow is less certain than ever: their survival isn't guaranteed, Meridian's victory isn't guaranteed, the very truth of this world isn't guaranteed. Despite being Harmonized, he doubts the possibility has never crossed that ever so analytical mind, that Zenith had never tempted, that the heavy sense of dread he was subjected to upon revival hadn't dulled his resolve and his urge to fight-- a feeling so visceral that Shez had to put physical distance between them, lest he couldn't tell where his own heart ended and their Advocate connection began. Even now, Shez can't blame him for it, not even for taking his time to answer.
(He may later complain that he was made to wait with his hands hovering over Byleth's head, though. It's a bit awkward, no matter how meaningful the gesture.) ]
Are you trying to get me to admit I'd be lost without you?
[ No matter how wobbly, Shez appreciates the attempt, his own return quip natural like his giggling. Perhaps it will still take some time until they can fall back into a comfortable routine between them, but this is as good a start as any.
With an answer properly dispensed, Shez seals the deal by lowering that makeshift halo past Byleth's head, twine resting around his neck and a newly carved whistle dangling from it. It's not enough to assuage Byleth's concerns, he knows, not enough to dispel whatever darkness has been chasing him since rebirth or have him feel all that confident in this future they're aiming for together, but it's all he can offer right now. Although, maybe... ]
I totally can find my way around without you, I'll have you know.
[ Despite his huffy bravado, his smile turns softer when he leans in, forehead bumping on Byleth's temples. ]
But that doesn't mean I want to. So you'd better keep your word when the time comes, okay?
[ Maybe like this, with not a gap between them, he can share some of that unflagging confidence, a moment of relief from his heart to Byleth's until his faith in their future is restored again. ]
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But right now, he thinks he does. Right now, he understands the promise of tomorrow is less certain than ever: their survival isn't guaranteed, Meridian's victory isn't guaranteed, the very truth of this world isn't guaranteed. Despite being Harmonized, he doubts the possibility has never crossed that ever so analytical mind, that Zenith had never tempted, that the heavy sense of dread he was subjected to upon revival hadn't dulled his resolve and his urge to fight-- a feeling so visceral that Shez had to put physical distance between them, lest he couldn't tell where his own heart ended and their Advocate connection began. Even now, Shez can't blame him for it, not even for taking his time to answer.
(He may later complain that he was made to wait with his hands hovering over Byleth's head, though. It's a bit awkward, no matter how meaningful the gesture.) ]
Are you trying to get me to admit I'd be lost without you?
[ No matter how wobbly, Shez appreciates the attempt, his own return quip natural like his giggling. Perhaps it will still take some time until they can fall back into a comfortable routine between them, but this is as good a start as any.
With an answer properly dispensed, Shez seals the deal by lowering that makeshift halo past Byleth's head, twine resting around his neck and a newly carved whistle dangling from it. It's not enough to assuage Byleth's concerns, he knows, not enough to dispel whatever darkness has been chasing him since rebirth or have him feel all that confident in this future they're aiming for together, but it's all he can offer right now. Although, maybe... ]
I totally can find my way around without you, I'll have you know.
[ Despite his huffy bravado, his smile turns softer when he leans in, forehead bumping on Byleth's temples. ]
But that doesn't mean I want to. So you'd better keep your word when the time comes, okay?
[ Maybe like this, with not a gap between them, he can share some of that unflagging confidence, a moment of relief from his heart to Byleth's until his faith in their future is restored again. ]