Atticus' laughter continued for many monts. The sight of a smoldering Ozeroth, whose face had gone big like a ripe tomato as though it was about to explode, sohow only made him laugh even harder.
At so point, Atticus realized that he wasn't laughing because of Ozeroth anymore. The battle with rek had been a lot. The ascension gas since their start had been a lot. Atticus realized this was the only ti he'd felt genuinely happy. It was like releasing a heavy weight from his chest.
His joy was infectious. Even the little Noctis perched on top of his head had begun jumping up and down, tongue out, tail wagging while letting out sounds that would lt anyone's heart.
Ozeroth landed roughly a few ters away from him, still glaring at him.
"Alright, alright. It's getting old. You should stop now."
Atticus let out a deep breath, shaking his head before finally exhaling. "Ah, that was good." He glanced at Ozeroth, whose glare would burn a hole through steel. "Oh, don't be a big baby. It was you who decided to co late to the battle. Where the hell have you been since?"
Ozeroth appeared even more ridiculous than Whisker, as impossible as that sounded. He wore a golden robe, shirtless, revealing his ripped muscles, with only a golden pair of boxers.
Since the gas began, the things Atticus had experienced had left him in a state. Tattered robes, with unknown bloods mixing into different colors across it. He could be said to have been through hell. Why did it seem like his people were on vacation instead?
"I—"
"Atticus!"
Atticus turned to see a golden streak zipping towards him. He smiled.
"Anora—"
Anorah struck into him before he could speak, and he found himself knocked off his feet, landing on the ground with a thud.
'Damn.' A spike of pain fired through him. Though his healing speed was insane, the wounds he'd suffered had just been that grievous.
"I'm glad you're safe!" Anorah hugged him tight, muttering against his chest. The pain abruptly felt insignificant to him. He smiled, hugging her back.
"Let guess, you thought I ran?"
Anorah stiffened in his grasp and quickly shook her head. "…never crossed my mind."
"I find that hard to belie—"
A sharp ache suddenly jolted through him.
"W-why did you pinch ?"
Anorah lifted her head up, blinking her golden eyes at him.
'Beautiful.' He montarily forgot the pain.
"It never crossed my mind."
Atticus blinked, feeling a sudden surge of déjà vu. He was going to get pinched again unless he relented. He nodded. "Of course. I never doubted you."
"Good!" Anorah smiled brightly and buried her face in his chest.
Atticus was about to relax when a scoff echoed from above.
Ozeroth folded his arms. "Tsk. I leave for a bit and you downgrade from 'monster' to 'sniffling romantic.' Impressive fall from grace."
Atticus opened his mouth to retort, but Anorah was already rising to her feet. She stood, fixing her eyes on Ozeroth.
"You must be the great Ozeroth! It's truly an honor to officially et you." She stretched out her hand for a handshake.
Ozeroth was taken aback, receiving the handshake with narrowed eyes.
"You've t my greatness before, though."
"Yes. But now I'm officially eting you as his woman," she said confidently. "I've heard great things about your greatness! You're truly amazing."
Ozeroth's chin was basically pointing towards the sky.
"Hmph. I love it when people are smart enough to recognize the great." Ozeroth glanced at Atticus. "I accept bond. You have my permission. She passed the test."
"I never asked for your permission." Atticus dusted the dirt off his clothes as he spoke, but Ozeroth had already turned away from him, seeming more interested in Anorah.
"Of course," Ozeroth said, puffing his chest out. "If not for whipping this brat into shape, he'd still be diocre. I push him to want to be great. I'm his role model."
"I expected nothing less! Great n inspire greatness."
Ozeroth practically glowed. "Naturally. Your taste is impeccable."
"It's such a sha I didn't witness you fight with us."
Ozeroth cleared his throat. "There'll be more tis to co."
"I can't wait!"
"Stop poisoning her head, you fool."
Atticus turned to see Whisker slowly descending from the sky with Magnus in tow. He'd asked him to protect Magnus, and was glad to see no harm had co to him.
Whisker turned to Anorah the mont he landed. "Half of what he tells you is bullcrap. He's only about as useful as wet paper. He only ends up whining most of the ti."
"What did you say, you flea ridden furball?" Ozeroth snapped. "You're just jealous of my overwhelming charm."
"Charm? Please," Whisker snorted. "The only thing overwhelming about you is the stench of your ego."
"Say that again, whisker stick!"
"I'd rather not repeat myself to soone with air where their brains should be."
"Are you both besties?" Anorah asked.
They both snapped towards her before erupting.
"Who the hell will be besties with this pompous peacock?!" Ozeroth barked.
"Like I'd ever be friends with a shiny halfwit who thinks flexing is a character trait," Whisker retorted.
'Of course.' Atticus shook his head. The two had never known the word appropriate. Either they had no idea of their current situation or they simply didn't care and chose to banter. Atticus believed it was the latter. They didn't give a crap.
His eyes shifted towards Anorah approaching him and Magnus.
"Are those two always like this?"
"Yes."
Anorah fell silent for a mont, watching them banter.
"They love each other," she suddenly said.
"You think?" Atticus raised an eyebrow. "Looks to like they want to tear each other into pieces."
"Trust ." Anorah shook her head. "They enjoy each other's company and are happy to see each other. This is simply their way of saying 'it's good to see you.'"
"Hmm." Atticus fixed his eyes on Ozeroth and Whisker. They had gotten so close to each other's face that spittle was practically flying. "I don't know…"
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