socialcapital | [ JACKSON HEART ]

[He lifts his head, enough so he can meet Umbra's eyes.]

You've always been soft.

"Well, I have."

He doesn't have any issue admitting this because he went from musician to accountant. He's a soft boy.

"But mister sugar cake toppings back there..."

Has also always been that way.

I knew that from the moment you started referring to yourself as a Solar purely using the derogatory phrases he uses to shield himself.

"... That fast?"

Yes.

You shared no small number of your memories with me. And given the parallels with my own situation, I was already primed to see them in a more positive light than you initially were.

"I kind of bought into the image he was cultivating, I guess... how embarrassing, I was the one who got all the memories..."

But you were also simultaneously attempting to reconcile the person you were experiencing with the person you were in Estoria.

I had no such conflict. My only challenge in those days was in how I was becoming increasingly attracted to both of you.

"Well. I am very cute."

Among other descriptors, yes.

"Handsome. Captivating. Sparkly. Winner of the Sexiest Man In Music informal poll three years running."

Radiant. Endearing. Intelligent. Thoughtful. Caring. Compassionate. Powerful. Practical. Sensible. Astute.

He laughs again.

"And a bit weak to compliments."

I have no difficulty providing them.

[He leans close again, capturing Umbra's lips briefly.]

I like the way you smell. And taste. I like the feel of your body against mine, and how I can feel the spark within you at the edge of my senses.

He gives a happy little kiss back.

"I didn't know you could feel it... what does it feel like?"

[He looks up to the garden sky, closing his eyes.]

Like this.

Warm. Full of life. There's strength in it, and power, but its expression right now is gentle. And it is... real. Neither flawless nor flawed, but alive and growing within you.

Jackson blushes a little.

"Ah... I asked, but I'm still flustered... I love you. Thank you for putting so much effort into bringing me back together."

Ms. Harmonious Song was correct. Even if I had known the exact particulars of what was required, I would not have left any of those paths untraveled.

There is enough Sun Sign within me still to cherish the journey. And to have been privileged to see this much of you, and to have been welcomed into doing so...

How else would I have learned what seeds to ask Ms. Nana for when I return?

"Seeds? -- Wait, do you think that's possible?"

I have absolute faith in Ms. Nana's abilities.

I do not expect the cost to be light. But I do believe it will be possible.

"They're extinct though, I'm pretty sure. A lot of the types of fruit and vegetable we grew in that greenhouse were the only ones in the world at that point."

Then perhaps I should request a broader collection. Particularly if any prove to be dioecious.

I wonder if she would be able to provide care instructions as well. Sunlight, watering, acidity, ambient magic...?

"Satin I'm going to get too emotional and start crying if I think about it too hard."

And yet, all of them remain alive, here in your heart.

Do you really think the magic to allow me to walk through this place would exist, but the one to bring something that exists here into the outside world would not? I've tasted the fruits of that greenhouse now too. They live within me as well, even if not to the level they do here.

He sticks his face into Satin's shoulder.

"I don't know. I guess theoretically anything is possible. ... A lot of produce I really liked... my favorite fruit, my favorite dessert... I know it's kind of silly to miss those especially, but."

And the part of you that became a Solar has been so wrapped up in other things that neither of you ever considered that you, yourself, will almost certainly have the power to bring these small things back to life.

[He strokes the back of Umbra's head, petting his hair.]

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