::

"Sometimes, I truly do not know why I put up with you." The viera could only laugh at his partner, the arm slung around her shoulders merely pulling her in closer. His cheeks surely were tinted from all of the spirits being passed around the room, but who could blame them?

It had been so long since any of them had gotten together like this, not since before the threat of the End of Worlds looming over their heads. Despite how much she loathed to admit it, even Komachi was enjoying herself. If only for the small amount of people around. Her trusted people.

"Oh, you wound me Machi my love!" Cejae merely chuckled in response at her as he filled up her glass once again. "You've dealt with me for so long, surely you don't mean it!" He mocked injury at her words before the smile inevitably returned. "Come now, you and I both know we need this."

She blinked at his change of tone. The sudden seriousness muddled with worry behind his words had her hiding behind her cup. She knew he was right. They'd been through so much in so little time; the dull tingling of the lingering scars a pitiful reminder of that. She sighed and begrudgingly leaned into his embrace.

"I suppose you are right. Loathe as I am to let you know that." She cut her eyes at him through another sip.

"Lest your head get any bigger." The laugh he let out finally caught the attention of the others and in moments the two Warriors were surrounded by the others. Scions and Alliance leaders alike. The sight of the miqo'te linking arms with her partner warmed her, and as she felt another arm cross her shoulders she believed finally they would be alright.