thenearshore | 008

[Sheryl pauses to close her eyes and exhale.]

Upset enough to fight the idiot responsible and protect as many people as they can.

[If the people of SMS find out the perpetrator, that is. Sheryl knows that Alto is reckless enough to actually try to confront them, which actually worries her.

But regardless, her belief in that group is absolute.]

[So the kind of person Lightning would readily fight beside if they had a common enemy. There always was too few of those in the world.]

They'd have my support. If it's another god they're facing, I could give them some pointers on how to take those down.

You fought gods before? Oh my, I had no idea.

[Something new learned everyday for Sheryl. It's enough for her to perk up a little, at least, that she chuckles under her breath, giving Lightning a wink.]

If Alto were here, you'll give him plenty of ideas.

It's not something I'd advertise in a place with other gods. So keep it between you and me, alright?

[People back home knew of her exploits, but this place is vastly different. These aren't the kind of gods that have subjugated your species into being like pets and sacrifices to them.]

I take it this Alto is a god friend of yours?

I'm a woman of my word. Your secret will be safe with me.

[Sheryl makes a lip-zipping gesture with her index finger and thumb moving across one corner of her lip to the next. One mention of Alto prompts a soft puff of breath, knitting her brows as she pouts.]

He's a very irritating flyboy. Such a pain whenever he's so stubborn, really stupid when it comes to special feelings! ... But he's a very good man.

[Her facial expression softens up just a bit at her last sentence. Alto is far more than just a friend to her.]

[That makes Lightning crack a smile. This woman was really earnest and honest on top of that. That's always a good thing. Though if this information ever leaked, at least Light would know it's not from Hope. She has another source to check if it does happen.

She nods to herself mostly. This sounds a lot like Snow. To a degree. Snow wasn't stupid about feelings seeing as he was the more affectionate and loud one in his relationship with Lightning's sister. It could be rather annoying.]

Sounds like you're in love with him.

[One of the problems of being that earnest: something that's meant to be hidden can be slipped through the cracks without meaning to. Like say, actually alluding to her feelings for Alto.

In other words, Sheryl accidentally revealed too much.

Her expression shifts into one of shock, quickly following that up with sheer embarrassment as her eyes open wide and her cheeks turn bright pink.]

Edited 2016-09-29 23:40 (UTC)

I-I didn't say that! I mean—

[She stammers. Her mouth gapes at first, closing it shut before she opens it again, her hands cupping her cheeks in an attempt to hide the intensifying blush. It's not like she'll really deny it, but...]

Stupid Alto! I can't believe I'm thinking of that moron again!

[Sheryl groans, scowling at herself before she shoots Lightning an expectant look. Though how effective is it when she's like this? Well...]

This is classified information! Don't forget!

[It's hard not to at least have a bit of a laugh at that reaction. Lightning can't say she's felt the same about anyone, but seeing someone else in love was still nice. It's like its own light in the darkness. Even if Sheryl is embarrassed about being found out, she's made Light feel a bit better about this place.

She has one last chuckle before she nods.]

My lips are sealed. It's not my place to tell him. That's all on you.

G-Good. I'll hold you to that.

[Lightning is at least receptive, to which Sheryl finds herself to feel grateful, her own embarrassment dying off just enough for her cheeks to turn less pink. Absence makes the heart grow fonder as she's learned the hard way, really. Almost a month of being separated from the man she loves can make her heart tug a lot harder than she expects.

She takes a deep breath, patting her cheeks a little until her composure is back.]

What's your name, by the way? I'm Sheryl. Sheryl Nome.

[Good luck to you, Sheryl. If Alto shows up, then hopefully it's as a god and not a shinki. Just as Lightning hopes that none of her loved ones show up as a shinki either. Especially Serah.]

Lightning Farron.

[As if to add to it since it is one of her names now.]

I'm the god Osiris.

[Sheryl is hoping and dreading Alto's arrival for the exact same thought process. Either way, she arches her eyebrow a bit with an owlish glance.]

Quite an interesting name.

["Lightning"... it's actually quite fitting from the way the other goddess had swiftly leapt around the trees earlier.]

Isn't that some god of death? I'm known as Euterpe!

I get that a lot. I think it suits me a lot better than my actual name.

[Don't bother asking for her real name. Only her dearest friends know it.]

I've been told he's the god of death and rebirth, among other things. I don't know anything about the religions in this world.

Heeeh, I wonder.

[But she won't pry despite the teasing lilt to her voice, an amused smirk tugging at her lips.]

That's so weird, isn't it? Being assigned to be someone else by some low-brow group. A different name, a different role, a different life.

[Claire doesn't sounds as intimidating as Lightning.]

I'm used to it. It was like this in the last world I was in, but at least here I can choose whether I want to carry out my duties or not.

I think I can guess what your choice will be, Lightning.

[The other goddess strikes Sheryl as the honorable knight of sorts.]

[Seeing as she was a knight for a dying goddess at one point, the choice is the only one she knows.]

It's not babysitting, I can tell you that.

[That manages a small laugh to pop out of her.]

But you get to boss any annoying brats around if you do!

Then they'll get the soldier treatment. They'll be calling me 'mam' before I send them back home.

[It's a joke, seeing as she's smiling about it. Light is actually good with kids now.]

[There's a smirk right on Sheryl's face, a twinkle of mischief in her eyes. Even in times like these, it's good to joke around.]

Forty sit-ups, fifteen push-ups, and twenty laps around the room?

More like twenty-five push-ups, fifty sit-ups, and fifty squats. We can leave cardio for another day.

[May as well make the kids work hard for it. Exhaust them before sending them home.]

[... And suddenly, Sheryl finds a potential new assistant.]

I like the way you think! You should definitely help me out for fitness class.

[What.]

A fitness class?

That's right. I used to teach them every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at Miss Elsa's temple.

[Thick amounts of pride embed in her tone as she speaks, smiling brightly until she falters with a knit of her brows.]

But ever since she and her temple disappeared, I haven't found a suitable place to teach them...

[So Sheryl tries to keep herself busy here.]

Don't look at my place. I've been there. It's not very friendly looking.

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