As the four got ahead and prepare against the Monster, trying to set up traps as they'd weave around the now growing populace during its 'night', Harvard and Applin would be quick on gathering some supplies, both to help out Koina in her injuries and in providing support for the three acting as such bait. As they went across the clay structures, seeing the people give appreciation and small compliments, a rarity for the boy, a small sign that he was doing some level of change in the Circle after the time he spent here, Applin would be quick on tapping Harvard's shoulder. One turn, and he'd notice she was already trying to set up her Hammers, hitting it at the ground, letting it reverb and bounce her body upwards, letting her get a higher area to work with and look around, all without trying not to accidentally leak out the energy that was put in the construction. The Boy can't help but wonder how much has she grew accustomed to her style so quickly, as he'd set up his ribcage to be wings and fly up after her.
When they reached the top, the two would be caught stunted by the view. Fake as the 'sky' was, it provided a beautiful scenery with the trees parting, the mountainside peering over to its side, and the moon nestled behind it. Their eyes were left glued to the landscape, their minds wandering far from the objective at hand. The Vampiress noticed such aloofness and decided to take her shot, slowly inching her hand out, reaching towards Harvard's. When such fingers interacted, the Magician recoiled his hands back, startled, before noticing her intentions. Her eyes were easy to read, sweat pouring down from his head. "Hey. Hold on. Wait... we're still-" He'd try to start, but his hand was touched once again, her thumb caressing over his dorsum, slowly letting him relax.
"I know. It's just... we never really talked outside of the Hospital... when you saved me. I want to know my Darling a bit more~!" She'd confess, her gaze left in a trance, letting the cool winds blow over. She could see Harvard's nerves still live, his own eyes checking around and seeing if his friends are okay, seeing Zazel already taking the lead and preparing a sigil for everyone involved as they came back, noticing the 'sky' already placed, despite Tsukiya's words. They were safe, for now at least. "Well~? Aren't you going to tell me how you did that?"
"Did... what?" Harvard's attempts to play coy were quickly snuffed as soon as Applin poked his nose.
"Don't lie~! You spoke to him, didn't you? That big dragon thing? You were the closest one there and you babbled a bit to him!"
"YOU HEARD THAT!?"
"Not really, what with everyone trying to hurt each other, but your lips were moving a bit! Hehe~. I didn't know you can speak Monster." Such a response would make Harvard laugh nervously, as Applin nudged herself close and moved her hand to his back, caressing it, small pats to let him catch his breath, let him be calm, let him relax at such a moment.
"It's... weird, really. Ever since I started to have the Nuckelavee in me, I'm hearing things. Lots of things..." Applin's eyes widened in confusion, her face furrowed as Harvard elaborated further, clutching his chest to indicate where the beast resides, before looking back up to the 'sky' and wonder as to when he had this ability. "It somewhat started when I got here, too. I was able to... read you, in a way. Every Monster I've seen, mines or otherwise, was conveying an emotion I never thought I can see. I can hear their voice."
"You were reading me? What was I saying??"
"Well... you were hurt. You were scared. That was what I got out on the surface, and it was pretty obvious at that part. Inside, however... you feel lost, alone. You didn't really care about what happens... just that your 'Mommy' would be okay." His words stunted the Vampiress, seeing him be blunt in such recordings. He'd take notice and immediately panicked. "S-sorry! Too strong. I kno-"
"No. It's... It's okay. I never thought you actually got that out of me. Was it... was it that obvious?" She'd ask, seeing Harvard be stunned that she wasn't offended, merely surprised. "...When I was told about my condition and how Daddy went away... I was scared Mommy would do the same. I can always hear her crying and begging for me to get better, and I never wanted anything more than to give her what she wanted. I was... scared. Scared that if I broke Mommy's heart one more time... I wouldn't forgive myself." She'd look down at the large height, her mind wafting, her thoughts flowing as to how much time she spent with this broken heart, and how much she wanted to spend more, now that her heart's exponentially better.
"She would still love you, regardless. Isn't that what all Mom's do?"
"But that would mean I was spitting on that love if I failed-"
"That's ridiculous!" His answer froze and made Applin's head shoot up, looking towards the Card Magician in such astonishment. "Even if she wasn't granted her wish, that doesn't mean she won't love you. I've seen how worried she was, I can see how she wanted nothing more than to make sure you're happy. She'll give away anything and EVERYTHING if it means making you smile. The fact I was there doesn't change that. She will still love you, forgive you, cherish you. You're Applin! Why would anyone think you failed at being someone's daughter with what you're dealt?" In his words, he instinctively leaned forward, his hand quickly grabbing onto hers, a defiant voice to make sure she doesn't feel neglected in such thoughts.
Applin can't help but smile and have such small tears, pulling him close and hugging him, a small sob out of her voice. "Y-you're so nice, my Darling~. You didn't mean that... You didn't mean those words, meanie!" Such minor defiance, as she kept her smile proud, her mind fluttering at the kindness she was given when raised by her, her feelings validated even in such darkness. Harvard simply gave her an equal embrace, as they both accepted such thoughts under the pale 'moon.'
GRYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!
A screech. The sentimental moment shattered as soon as it was made, commotion and panic raising in the populace. The two were quick coming down from the rooftops to chase after the sound.