Entry tags:
IC INBOX; AEF
TEXT đź—´ VIDEO đź—´ VOICE đź—´ ACTION
[The days were getting colder and Rude noticed he was getting slower. It irritated him some days, made him snap his teeth at people as if he were going to bite them but at the last second reigned it in. Other days it just made him feel tired and groggy, slow to think things through and slow to move about physically. He found himself wanting to either stay indoors more and warm himself with a fire or magical heater, or head out to the Wildes to enjoy the warmer weather out there. He was always warned how dangerous that was for a dragon though and he was getting tired of it.
One evening he came home just before sunset and all he wanted to do was take a warm shower and crawl under a set of blankets for the night. Except it turned out the sigil on the magitek water heater had faded and there was no hot water for the night. If it had been a normal heater he could have fixed it but no he was stuck in this world without magic and technology that only a witch could fix. He let out a soft growl of a sigh and headed to his room.
Only to find all his blankets missing. His fists clenched. And then relaxed quickly. He was too tired to care. At least he knew where to find them. It was his fault for letting it go on for so long that they had all disappeared over the week anyway. He usually went to gather his things back out of Reno's room more often, he'd just been too cold to care lately.
When he saw the warm, inviting nest created on Reno's bed the dragon was suddenly very interested in laying down. A faint part of him knew it was a bad idea (he would never want to get back up) but he did it anyway, slipping beneath the warm blankets and curling up in the middle of the nest. He nuzzled into it to claim it for his own. New lair acquired, he promptly hooked his wing claws into the blankets, wrapped himself up in them, and fell asleep on his hoard of warm blankets and discarded feathers.]
One evening he came home just before sunset and all he wanted to do was take a warm shower and crawl under a set of blankets for the night. Except it turned out the sigil on the magitek water heater had faded and there was no hot water for the night. If it had been a normal heater he could have fixed it but no he was stuck in this world without magic and technology that only a witch could fix. He let out a soft growl of a sigh and headed to his room.
Only to find all his blankets missing. His fists clenched. And then relaxed quickly. He was too tired to care. At least he knew where to find them. It was his fault for letting it go on for so long that they had all disappeared over the week anyway. He usually went to gather his things back out of Reno's room more often, he'd just been too cold to care lately.
When he saw the warm, inviting nest created on Reno's bed the dragon was suddenly very interested in laying down. A faint part of him knew it was a bad idea (he would never want to get back up) but he did it anyway, slipping beneath the warm blankets and curling up in the middle of the nest. He nuzzled into it to claim it for his own. New lair acquired, he promptly hooked his wing claws into the blankets, wrapped himself up in them, and fell asleep on his hoard of warm blankets and discarded feathers.]
[ Witch could help with a water heater, but that would involve getting one inside the safehouse. It's an old habit, but Reno always defaults to finding other ways than letting strangers near his den. Aefenglom is no different.
Instead of asking for a service of a Witch, why not just change the whole sigil. Buying one each time the heating goes out, sounds expensive so Reno pulls all the contacts he gathered so far, to figure out to whom he could pass the old sigil for charging later while acquiring the new one. Along with instructions on how to change it.
After coordinating a long chain of favours (and pulling few strings on debts) he ends with a halfway charged heater for free. And an address where he can drop the used one the next day. Given how cold it got in the apartment, installing it is the first thing he does upon returning. Enjoying a quick warm shower is the next thing. And then he finds out that lights have gone off in the rest of the apartment.
Fuck this shit.
Did he accidentally bork something when he was fixing the heater? Was the original sigil not enough to power the warmth, but has worked for lights— while the new one lacks enchantment for that? Or is this issue completely separate, and the lights went out in rooms just because? No matter how much he curses, nothing can be done about it until the next day, and fortunately, he knows the layout so well he can navigate it despite the darkness.
Leave today's Reno problem for tomorrow's Reno, basically. He sighs, defeated, and carefully returns to his own room. Ready to slide into the warmth offered by his bed. But as he nests himself under all the layers there is another surprise waiting for him.
There's another... form, underneath them. A certain weight on his bed where there was none before. ]
Huh—? [ To quote, Somebody is sleeping in my bed! Is the realization he has as his extended arm-wing finds and locks on a limb ]
Instead of asking for a service of a Witch, why not just change the whole sigil. Buying one each time the heating goes out, sounds expensive so Reno pulls all the contacts he gathered so far, to figure out to whom he could pass the old sigil for charging later while acquiring the new one. Along with instructions on how to change it.
After coordinating a long chain of favours (and pulling few strings on debts) he ends with a halfway charged heater for free. And an address where he can drop the used one the next day. Given how cold it got in the apartment, installing it is the first thing he does upon returning. Enjoying a quick warm shower is the next thing. And then he finds out that lights have gone off in the rest of the apartment.
Fuck this shit.
Did he accidentally bork something when he was fixing the heater? Was the original sigil not enough to power the warmth, but has worked for lights— while the new one lacks enchantment for that? Or is this issue completely separate, and the lights went out in rooms just because? No matter how much he curses, nothing can be done about it until the next day, and fortunately, he knows the layout so well he can navigate it despite the darkness.
Leave today's Reno problem for tomorrow's Reno, basically. He sighs, defeated, and carefully returns to his own room. Ready to slide into the warmth offered by his bed. But as he nests himself under all the layers there is another surprise waiting for him.
There's another... form, underneath them. A certain weight on his bed where there was none before. ]
Huh—? [ To quote, Somebody is sleeping in my bed! Is the realization he has as his extended arm-wing finds and locks on a limb ]
[The limb happened to be one of the wings Rude had curled around himself with the blankets locked into them. It would be an interesting tug-of-war if Reno tried to pry them out of the dragon's grasp.
However, he probably wouldn't get the chance. Rude was cold and sleepy but the weight of movement on the bed woke his human side in an instant. Though his mind was still foggy, his Turk instincts clicked quickly to the fact that he wasn't in danger. This let him move slowly, unafraid of the harpy whose scent he was currently wrapped in.]
Reno...
[His voice was gruff and he swallowed to clear it. Managed to dig his head out of the blankets to peer up at his partner in the dark. Vaguely, he wondered why Reno hadn't noticed him before he turned off the lights... or had the lights ever been on in the first place? He wasn't sure.]
Stop stealing all the blankets. It's too cold for that shit.
[Grumpy dragon was a little grumpy.]
However, he probably wouldn't get the chance. Rude was cold and sleepy but the weight of movement on the bed woke his human side in an instant. Though his mind was still foggy, his Turk instincts clicked quickly to the fact that he wasn't in danger. This let him move slowly, unafraid of the harpy whose scent he was currently wrapped in.]
Reno...
[His voice was gruff and he swallowed to clear it. Managed to dig his head out of the blankets to peer up at his partner in the dark. Vaguely, he wondered why Reno hadn't noticed him before he turned off the lights... or had the lights ever been on in the first place? He wasn't sure.]
Stop stealing all the blankets. It's too cold for that shit.
[Grumpy dragon was a little grumpy.]
[ Oh. Of course, who else it could have been. Old habits die hard, but if someone is in his bed, in their shared apartment, it makes sense that it must be Rude. Reno chuckles, hearing the grumpiness in his partner's voice, something about the whole situation— about this new habit of stealing warm possessions and blankets— of stealing them mostly from Rude, and now being called out on it... something about it is just incredibly funny. ]
I don't steal, I borrow. [ He makes this useless distinction and buries himself even deeper under the blankets as the bed creaks underneath them. Rude surely warmed it up already, and with his own body temperature running higher than it's bound to get even warmer.
Problem is, that Reno's bed isn't a large one. So as he shifts and turns he's bound to find something. Rude's ribcage, shin, arm— who knows ]
I don't steal, I borrow. [ He makes this useless distinction and buries himself even deeper under the blankets as the bed creaks underneath them. Rude surely warmed it up already, and with his own body temperature running higher than it's bound to get even warmer.
Problem is, that Reno's bed isn't a large one. So as he shifts and turns he's bound to find something. Rude's ribcage, shin, arm— who knows ]
You never bring them back. That's stealing, you little brat.
[Rude growled softly as he watched Reno shuffle around on the bed next to him, trying to burrow under the blankets and get comfortable and--in Rude's opinion--making a general mess of it.
Ow. And there went an elbow in a place it didn't belong.
Rude snapped open a wing suddenly, gasping at the sudden exposure to the cooler temperature outside the blanket nest, and reached out with one hand to grab at Reno. He tugged the red feathered bird close and hugged him tight against his broad chest, wing closing back over the two of them.]
Quit squirming so much before I decide to eat you. [He whispered to Reno from very, very close proximity.]
[Rude growled softly as he watched Reno shuffle around on the bed next to him, trying to burrow under the blankets and get comfortable and--in Rude's opinion--making a general mess of it.
Ow. And there went an elbow in a place it didn't belong.
Rude snapped open a wing suddenly, gasping at the sudden exposure to the cooler temperature outside the blanket nest, and reached out with one hand to grab at Reno. He tugged the red feathered bird close and hugged him tight against his broad chest, wing closing back over the two of them.]
Quit squirming so much before I decide to eat you. [He whispered to Reno from very, very close proximity.]
[ That's true, there is no denying that he is a brat, and he often lets that run wild with Rude around. Rude is both capable of dealing with it like no one else (the holy saint of patience, or something, if there was ever one—), or put breaks on him, put him in a place like—
—well, right now.
The continued banter over semantics what is stealing and what is not, that made Reno cackle softly, but what followed. Sudden closeness intensifying the brief second of cold air on the skin as Rude's wing raised up disturbing the next of loaned blankets— which of it gave him the goosebumps? Which of it made him shiver?
(ah, he knows the answer, really— )
The pause in laugh turned into a belated snort, with his face right in Rude's chest. Reno fell against him easily, because now he was warmed up in a way that no mere blanket could give. ]
But aren't I too bony? [ He teases with his usual bravado, long leg sneakily trying way to hook itself around Rude's (with less bravado, more experimental curiosity... there is part of his brain being keenly away that Rude is now a predator sitting much higher than him in the food chain) ] Would that really be enough of a meal?
—well, right now.
The continued banter over semantics what is stealing and what is not, that made Reno cackle softly, but what followed. Sudden closeness intensifying the brief second of cold air on the skin as Rude's wing raised up disturbing the next of loaned blankets— which of it gave him the goosebumps? Which of it made him shiver?
(ah, he knows the answer, really— )
The pause in laugh turned into a belated snort, with his face right in Rude's chest. Reno fell against him easily, because now he was warmed up in a way that no mere blanket could give. ]
But aren't I too bony? [ He teases with his usual bravado, long leg sneakily trying way to hook itself around Rude's (with less bravado, more experimental curiosity... there is part of his brain being keenly away that Rude is now a predator sitting much higher than him in the food chain) ] Would that really be enough of a meal?
[Rude felt Reno moving against him as they talked. The words had turned into their usual banter and despite Rude's grumpy responses he was feeling less and less bothered by the minute. This was familiar, it was good.]
I'd make do. Bird tastes pretty good when it's fixed just right.
[He shifted slowly, moving his leg up and over, inviting Reno's leg to slip between his own two. His hand itched to move to Reno's thigh and push it up but that would have defeated the purpose of a casual invitation.]
I'd make do. Bird tastes pretty good when it's fixed just right.
[He shifted slowly, moving his leg up and over, inviting Reno's leg to slip between his own two. His hand itched to move to Reno's thigh and push it up but that would have defeated the purpose of a casual invitation.]
[ Reno takes the invite— there are stray small feathers around his ankle, but he has forgotten about them. Though even if he didn't, it's doubtful he'd be careful enough to not accidentally tickle. It's more of the usual banter, but it's— it's also this new usual banter, more tactile, more— more of this new, expanding thing. ]
Seems that my fate is sealed. I'm trapped and entirely on your mercy— [ he reaches to press his hand lazily over Rude's chest, unhurriedly slide it up to his shoulder. ]
Seems that my fate is sealed. I'm trapped and entirely on your mercy— [ he reaches to press his hand lazily over Rude's chest, unhurriedly slide it up to his shoulder. ]
[Rude hadn't thought of that--those feathers on his skin, tantalizingly soft and tickling as Reno moved against him. There was no objection. He was happy with Reno's acceptance, the movement between his legs, the warmth... The feathers only added to the pleasant sensation. He couldn't help it if he was attracted to those damn pinions and their press against his skin.
And for a moment his attention was split between two points. The tickle between his legs and the slow caress against his chest.
He wasn't sleepy anymore, or cold. The warm harpy pressed against him made sure of that.]
Then you better find some way to placate me. Ease yourself into my good graces.
[From an outside perspective, the banter was probably getting corny as shit. But it didn't really matter during the moment. It was an accompaniment to what else was going on. Rude thought little of it. His concentration had gone elsewhere.
His wings pressed tighter against Reno, entrapping the smaller man against his larger partner. They were moving though, couldn't sit still, caressing Reno's back. His hand finally took that dive lower, down Reno's buttocks and beyond to the thigh, pushing the leg higher. He left it there, didn't press for more, kept their impromptu embrace safe until he was given the cue that it wasn't necessary. But it was obvious he was willing. He was already firm, pressed against Reno's thigh.
There were no moons to battle against tonight. It was just them, and whatever decision they made.]
And for a moment his attention was split between two points. The tickle between his legs and the slow caress against his chest.
He wasn't sleepy anymore, or cold. The warm harpy pressed against him made sure of that.]
Then you better find some way to placate me. Ease yourself into my good graces.
[From an outside perspective, the banter was probably getting corny as shit. But it didn't really matter during the moment. It was an accompaniment to what else was going on. Rude thought little of it. His concentration had gone elsewhere.
His wings pressed tighter against Reno, entrapping the smaller man against his larger partner. They were moving though, couldn't sit still, caressing Reno's back. His hand finally took that dive lower, down Reno's buttocks and beyond to the thigh, pushing the leg higher. He left it there, didn't press for more, kept their impromptu embrace safe until he was given the cue that it wasn't necessary. But it was obvious he was willing. He was already firm, pressed against Reno's thigh.
There were no moons to battle against tonight. It was just them, and whatever decision they made.]
[ Warmer, closer, a strong hand on his back, sliding down to the thigh, placing him the way his partner wants— That move earns Rude a gasp, and a delighted truly delighted little chuckle. Because his first, most immediate response is to press back, hips shifting so automatically, it's clear he's going to fit against Rude however he wants it.
The ball is in his park now, and he doesn't even realize it yet. Everything's moved past anything that could be played off as a prank, or a mindless flirt. Starting with the big confession that has metaphorically shaken his world, and followed by... many things. Ever since that night when Rude joined on his impulsive "night-out" Reno got to do little... maybe not "soul-seeking", but looking inwards, trying to figure shit out.
Why is he scared shitless of something that he would most likely once kill for to get a taste of? Because it was far more real than he could handle? Because when he was coming to terms with an attraction towards his partner, he never made a real move, because— potentially losing what they had (a nearly perfect thing) wasn't worth honest admission that maybe he wants more.
Like what the fuck is even that "more"? Why he's never gonna think about it, risk getting overwhelmed by his own emotions, because that's not what he is. He is loud, cocksure, insufferable, forward, never says no, gets shit done, and surely, surely he's not actually a person underneath all of that, that might... question, doubt, or feel any of those pesky vulnerable feelings. Ew.
But if he continues that way, there isn't a place for "more" is it?
Well, fuck it. Fuck it all. Time to concentrate on the one really important thing. ]
Uh-huh. Challenge accepted. I can do that. Show you some real appreciation you deserve.
[ Keeping his partner warm. And placated— good graces sounds like an excellent place to be. And it's his time to make a move. Actions speak louder than words, or something like that. He can feel how the skin warms under his touch and he curiously explores with pads of his fingers where skin ends and scales start. And, ah Rude had always packed a punch, each muscle and each valley between is perfectly sculpted. Tons of hard work, training and missions both. Reno dips his face into the crook of Rude's neck, lips mysteriously brushing the skin, but then his fingers find something on his partner's chest. A scar, one of the many, still when he speaks he exhales near Rude's ear ]
Ah— I remember that one.
[ That bullet ]
The ball is in his park now, and he doesn't even realize it yet. Everything's moved past anything that could be played off as a prank, or a mindless flirt. Starting with the big confession that has metaphorically shaken his world, and followed by... many things. Ever since that night when Rude joined on his impulsive "night-out" Reno got to do little... maybe not "soul-seeking", but looking inwards, trying to figure shit out.
Why is he scared shitless of something that he would most likely once kill for to get a taste of? Because it was far more real than he could handle? Because when he was coming to terms with an attraction towards his partner, he never made a real move, because— potentially losing what they had (a nearly perfect thing) wasn't worth honest admission that maybe he wants more.
Like what the fuck is even that "more"? Why he's never gonna think about it, risk getting overwhelmed by his own emotions, because that's not what he is. He is loud, cocksure, insufferable, forward, never says no, gets shit done, and surely, surely he's not actually a person underneath all of that, that might... question, doubt, or feel any of those pesky vulnerable feelings. Ew.
But if he continues that way, there isn't a place for "more" is it?
Well, fuck it. Fuck it all. Time to concentrate on the one really important thing. ]
Uh-huh. Challenge accepted. I can do that. Show you some real appreciation you deserve.
[ Keeping his partner warm. And placated— good graces sounds like an excellent place to be. And it's his time to make a move. Actions speak louder than words, or something like that. He can feel how the skin warms under his touch and he curiously explores with pads of his fingers where skin ends and scales start. And, ah Rude had always packed a punch, each muscle and each valley between is perfectly sculpted. Tons of hard work, training and missions both. Reno dips his face into the crook of Rude's neck, lips mysteriously brushing the skin, but then his fingers find something on his partner's chest. A scar, one of the many, still when he speaks he exhales near Rude's ear ]
Ah— I remember that one.
[ That bullet ]
[No objection. Reno slid into place readily. Rude felt the shift against him so distinctly--he moved automatically in response, no thought between the two of them, just like any other time. They were seamless.
But this was new between them, at least in some ways, and there was plenty to explore. Lots of areas and tastes and preferences to be explored and shared and found together. That was a tantalizing thought.
Not that he had room for much thinking. Reno's exploration was warm and comforting, and enticing, and Rude pressed into it needily. He squeezed Reno's thigh gently to encourage.
The words in his ears were a distraction, but the feeling wasn't unpleasant. His mind took a moment to register where Reno's hand had stopped. That. Yeah, he remembered that one, too.]
You should.
But this was new between them, at least in some ways, and there was plenty to explore. Lots of areas and tastes and preferences to be explored and shared and found together. That was a tantalizing thought.
Not that he had room for much thinking. Reno's exploration was warm and comforting, and enticing, and Rude pressed into it needily. He squeezed Reno's thigh gently to encourage.
The words in his ears were a distraction, but the feeling wasn't unpleasant. His mind took a moment to register where Reno's hand had stopped. That. Yeah, he remembered that one, too.]
You should.
[ Shinra might offer top-notch medical service for their enforcers, but bodies are just that— bodies, pieces of meat. Wounds leave scars, the smaller the better patched up they are, sometimes barely visible. Still, it's a history
"Wasn't that one for me"? Is almost on the tip of Reno's tongue, but he stops himself from going there. It's time to be a warm blanket, no? Do the appeasing. So his fingers resume their slow mapping. ]
I remember every time you gave me a heart attack. [ Reno murmurs at the end of a huff. Not a chastising, just a joke, and acknowledgment of all the crazy shit they've been through together. ] But we're square on that, I bet.
[ Time to grow bolder. Those lips on Rude's neck before? Turns out not to be an accident. Deliberately, he slides his mouth down his partner's neck, shifting a bit to reach his collarbone, briefly tasting the skin and scales. That's when he bites and follows it with a kiss, not hard, just enough to be noticeable, hopefully pleasant. And should it leave a mark, it's gonna be hidden by the usual shirt's collar. See? Considerate! (Or just a little shit) ]
"Wasn't that one for me"? Is almost on the tip of Reno's tongue, but he stops himself from going there. It's time to be a warm blanket, no? Do the appeasing. So his fingers resume their slow mapping. ]
I remember every time you gave me a heart attack. [ Reno murmurs at the end of a huff. Not a chastising, just a joke, and acknowledgment of all the crazy shit they've been through together. ] But we're square on that, I bet.
[ Time to grow bolder. Those lips on Rude's neck before? Turns out not to be an accident. Deliberately, he slides his mouth down his partner's neck, shifting a bit to reach his collarbone, briefly tasting the skin and scales. That's when he bites and follows it with a kiss, not hard, just enough to be noticeable, hopefully pleasant. And should it leave a mark, it's gonna be hidden by the usual shirt's collar. See? Considerate! (Or just a little shit) ]
Damn straight. [Rude didn't soften the words. He knew Reno would just shrug or laugh them off. It was true though, Reno had given Rude quite a few scares over the years. And despite his stoic exterior Rude had one weakness and that was losing Reno permanently. He couldn't bare the thought.] You--
[He hadn't expected the sudden bite at his collarbone despite the teasing trail Reno's lips made as he was talking. The gasp of surprise was almost inaudible but the soft groan afterwards wasn't nearly so. Whatever else Rude had been going to say was lost to the pleasure he felt from that tantalizing action. Rude shifted, pressing bodies together, and back out; he tucked his head down and spoke softly in Reno's ear. Demanding:]
More.
[He hadn't expected the sudden bite at his collarbone despite the teasing trail Reno's lips made as he was talking. The gasp of surprise was almost inaudible but the soft groan afterwards wasn't nearly so. Whatever else Rude had been going to say was lost to the pleasure he felt from that tantalizing action. Rude shifted, pressing bodies together, and back out; he tucked his head down and spoke softly in Reno's ear. Demanding:]
More.
[ Hell, yes— the excitement Reno feels the moment he hears that gasp. It was a gamble, a surprise— because he likes being a little unpredictable, even with the one person who can predict his antics the most.
Then comes in the demand, warm breath on his ear sends a delectable shiver down his spine, and the way his partner moves against him, shifting his hips, makes him moan softly. It's not fair (but he never plays fair himself)- and it's what makes it so exciting. He's trapped completely and at Rude's mercy, and that's enough to make his heart beat faster. The entirety of his world, locked under the blankets consisting only of an infuriatingly hot dragon—
Beneath them, the stuffing of the mattress crackles, as he wantonly presses against his partner's larger frame. Literally, no one lives on this floor, and two floors beneath them. That's a lot of privacy to get comfortably settled in.
But there is a demand to give in to. The softness of Reno's lips traces the bite mark, before he follows it again, this time with the tip of his tongue. He traces up, as far as he can reach, to the mighty shoulder— leaving a trail of warmth, that cools down all too soon. The texture of scales tells him where to not attempt another bite— and there it is again, the taste of skin. Drives him a little bit crazy, really. Once again he lets his teeth sink in, savouring the half-second of resistance before the skin nearly yields under the pressure and sharpness.
—or maybe it did. He swears he can feel a bead of blood on his lips, but maybe it's just imagination? ]
Then comes in the demand, warm breath on his ear sends a delectable shiver down his spine, and the way his partner moves against him, shifting his hips, makes him moan softly. It's not fair (but he never plays fair himself)- and it's what makes it so exciting. He's trapped completely and at Rude's mercy, and that's enough to make his heart beat faster. The entirety of his world, locked under the blankets consisting only of an infuriatingly hot dragon—
Beneath them, the stuffing of the mattress crackles, as he wantonly presses against his partner's larger frame. Literally, no one lives on this floor, and two floors beneath them. That's a lot of privacy to get comfortably settled in.
But there is a demand to give in to. The softness of Reno's lips traces the bite mark, before he follows it again, this time with the tip of his tongue. He traces up, as far as he can reach, to the mighty shoulder— leaving a trail of warmth, that cools down all too soon. The texture of scales tells him where to not attempt another bite— and there it is again, the taste of skin. Drives him a little bit crazy, really. Once again he lets his teeth sink in, savouring the half-second of resistance before the skin nearly yields under the pressure and sharpness.
—or maybe it did. He swears he can feel a bead of blood on his lips, but maybe it's just imagination? ]
[On the day of the holiday, a plate of homemade cookies and a sample of herbal tea mysteriously appears on his doorstep. The wrapping is decorated with a fresh lily flower (actually a Fae magic product, designed to fade away from existence in a few hours) and a ribbon. The attached handwritten note reads as follows:]
Happy Modranicht! Let’s have another great year here in Aefenglom!
M⚜️
Happy Modranicht! Let’s have another great year here in Aefenglom!
M⚜️
after the Salvation of Geardagas: Part II event (latter half of February) 1/2
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grandspark
2021-02-14 06:19 pm (UTC)(link)
Rude was feeling a lot of emotions right now and he wasn't attempting to hide any of them from Reno these days. The week after the showdown with the Evergreen Circle saw Rude keeping a close eye on his partner. He insisted that Reno stay home until he was fully healed from the effects of the cwyld infection he had endured at the hands of the crazy cult. The boiling plethora of emotions were ever constant, keeping them company throughout the week.
Rude was outraged at the stupidity of his partner. He had been upset, rightly so, at Reno for getting so involved with that mess that he'd ended up brainwashed for crying out loud. More so, however, the large Turk had been angry at the people in the cult that had forced this onto his friend and had taken it out on them during the final confrontation as much as possible. But now that was over and all Rude has was his raw emotions to deal with. It was hard to hold back; he had so many and on top of that his dragon instincts were causing him to want to hoard protectively over his partner and keep him safe from every possible harm the damn world could throw at him.
All the rage and anger really led back to one thing though: he was concerned with Reno's well being. He just wanted to keep Reno safe and watch him heal. He loved the reckless redhead so much but it was hard to watch Reno be Reno and want to protect him at the same time sometimes. That worry and concern peaked every time Reno passed by the front door to the point that even Rude was beginning to feel exhausted by his own over-protectiveness for Reno. He felt guilt for that, too, but also relief every time Reno simply headed to another part of the apartment with not even a glance at the possible escape from his lockdown.
And then there was the doubt. Rude tried not to think about it, knew that it wasn't right, but he had been surprised to find that Reno had managed to keep the cwyld infection from him for so long. It made sense considering how Reno had done his best to keep his distance and never letting Rude touch him for long moments, always moving away with swift little sidesteps. Hiding it from him. It had...hurt.
Half a month spent away from his partner. Their Bond closed off almost completely, a secret being kept by Reno, and no touch between them for so long. Rude couldn't help but wonder what was wrong. (What had he done wrong? Why had Reno separated from him? Had it fallen apart so quickly between them? Were they...done already?)
He kept it to himself then. Now he let all his emotions ping straight across their Bond openly. Anger, frustration, worry and concern, guilt...the lingering pain of doubt. He was angry at Reno, certainly, but more so himself for letting his partner down. Frustrated that he couldn't do more, even now as he took care of Reno. Worry and concern that had gnawed away at him while he watched Reno grow more and more distant to keep his secret, concern now over the smaller man's health because he had let the infection fester so long. Guilt for not seeing it sooner, not helping Reno keep his head on straight. The doubt...the lingering feelings of how it had hurt to be kept away. He was still wary to touch Reno and ask for that comfort. That feeling of closeness. To be assured they were--
His mixed feelings changed by the hour. He wasn't sure if he wanted to stew in them himself or was more keen to force Reno to experience them now that he was cornered in the apartment with him. He couldn't focus on just one either way. He'd feel guilt for them as he cycled through the bad ones, and in a sense sort of relieved when he settled into the more warm bits like concern and happiness that Reno was all right. He wanted to caress Reno and hold him and tell him it'd be okay, like a stupid worrywart or something; but held off, forcefully keeping an eye on Reno and pretending that he was fine playing hard-ass enforcer. That he could keep Reno locked in this apartment for who knew how long as if it were the right thing to do.
He knew better. He just didn't want to think about it yet.
Rude was outraged at the stupidity of his partner. He had been upset, rightly so, at Reno for getting so involved with that mess that he'd ended up brainwashed for crying out loud. More so, however, the large Turk had been angry at the people in the cult that had forced this onto his friend and had taken it out on them during the final confrontation as much as possible. But now that was over and all Rude has was his raw emotions to deal with. It was hard to hold back; he had so many and on top of that his dragon instincts were causing him to want to hoard protectively over his partner and keep him safe from every possible harm the damn world could throw at him.
All the rage and anger really led back to one thing though: he was concerned with Reno's well being. He just wanted to keep Reno safe and watch him heal. He loved the reckless redhead so much but it was hard to watch Reno be Reno and want to protect him at the same time sometimes. That worry and concern peaked every time Reno passed by the front door to the point that even Rude was beginning to feel exhausted by his own over-protectiveness for Reno. He felt guilt for that, too, but also relief every time Reno simply headed to another part of the apartment with not even a glance at the possible escape from his lockdown.
And then there was the doubt. Rude tried not to think about it, knew that it wasn't right, but he had been surprised to find that Reno had managed to keep the cwyld infection from him for so long. It made sense considering how Reno had done his best to keep his distance and never letting Rude touch him for long moments, always moving away with swift little sidesteps. Hiding it from him. It had...hurt.
Half a month spent away from his partner. Their Bond closed off almost completely, a secret being kept by Reno, and no touch between them for so long. Rude couldn't help but wonder what was wrong. (What had he done wrong? Why had Reno separated from him? Had it fallen apart so quickly between them? Were they...done already?)
He kept it to himself then. Now he let all his emotions ping straight across their Bond openly. Anger, frustration, worry and concern, guilt...the lingering pain of doubt. He was angry at Reno, certainly, but more so himself for letting his partner down. Frustrated that he couldn't do more, even now as he took care of Reno. Worry and concern that had gnawed away at him while he watched Reno grow more and more distant to keep his secret, concern now over the smaller man's health because he had let the infection fester so long. Guilt for not seeing it sooner, not helping Reno keep his head on straight. The doubt...the lingering feelings of how it had hurt to be kept away. He was still wary to touch Reno and ask for that comfort. That feeling of closeness. To be assured they were--
His mixed feelings changed by the hour. He wasn't sure if he wanted to stew in them himself or was more keen to force Reno to experience them now that he was cornered in the apartment with him. He couldn't focus on just one either way. He'd feel guilt for them as he cycled through the bad ones, and in a sense sort of relieved when he settled into the more warm bits like concern and happiness that Reno was all right. He wanted to caress Reno and hold him and tell him it'd be okay, like a stupid worrywart or something; but held off, forcefully keeping an eye on Reno and pretending that he was fine playing hard-ass enforcer. That he could keep Reno locked in this apartment for who knew how long as if it were the right thing to do.
He knew better. He just didn't want to think about it yet.
So it came--
One evening as Reno tried to sneak out the door while Rude was seemingly preoccupied elsewhere, the redheaded Turk would very suddenly hear a deep voice asking sharply, "Where the hell do you think you're going?"
There was a hard edge to it. Like Rude would absolutely go over there and manhandle Reno into staying inside whether he liked it or not if the redhead even attempted to open the door. At the same time there was a flippant off-handed inflection that made it sound like Rude didn't actually care, that he expected Reno to give him some bullshit answer anyway.
Which was it? That was for Reno to decide. Quickly. Rude was waiting.
One evening as Reno tried to sneak out the door while Rude was seemingly preoccupied elsewhere, the redheaded Turk would very suddenly hear a deep voice asking sharply, "Where the hell do you think you're going?"
There was a hard edge to it. Like Rude would absolutely go over there and manhandle Reno into staying inside whether he liked it or not if the redhead even attempted to open the door. At the same time there was a flippant off-handed inflection that made it sound like Rude didn't actually care, that he expected Reno to give him some bullshit answer anyway.
Which was it? That was for Reno to decide. Quickly. Rude was waiting.
Reno had frozen in place at the rumbling sound of Rude's voice; tense, on edge. Until with a stretch of his neck, he forced his posture to relax, shoulders to slouch, and roll with what was supposed to be a casual shrug. This followed by a calm answer and a lack of any attempt to turn around and face his partner.
"I just want to get some cigarettes, man."
Reno doesn't bullshit Rude when it matters, or rather that's how it used to be before the cult turned everything on its head. But while the spoken intention is genuine, there's obviously, more to that. The walls of the apartment start to feel suffocating, and for the first time in — how long exactly?? — he feels recovered enough to take a walk.
And maybe forget, escape, for just a few minutes.
It never was supposed to end this way, but it did, and he has no idea... what's next. This whole investigation turned out to be a major fiasco, he got played like a fucking idiot. Confident that few bought trinkets and runes can buy him immunity to whatever gets flung at him, and then turns out it to be wrong. No need to say "you couldn't anticipate they will use mind control magic", because hell, he's a Turk. He should have anticipated every damn thing they threw at them.
It was insidious, really. Seeping slowly like venom, so every step taken seemed logical, natural, safe. Even keeping Rude out of the loop he perfectly explained to himself, which should have been the first red flag but went entirely unnoticed. Then he started to believe in their bullshit, believe in their vision. Like a fucking child.
Reno's rage was more internal than external — as to his knowledge, the whole failure of a Circle has been dealt with. What hasn't been dealt with, was his own failure. He was angry at himself, for failing Rude, for failing everything he was and aspired to be. Hell, he knows that dragons are more susceptible to Cwyld than others, that they should be careful— and yet he still put Rude at risk. At least he still had enough of the brain to keep his distance, but if that didn't work out...
"I just want to get some cigarettes, man."
Reno doesn't bullshit Rude when it matters, or rather that's how it used to be before the cult turned everything on its head. But while the spoken intention is genuine, there's obviously, more to that. The walls of the apartment start to feel suffocating, and for the first time in — how long exactly?? — he feels recovered enough to take a walk.
And maybe forget, escape, for just a few minutes.
It never was supposed to end this way, but it did, and he has no idea... what's next. This whole investigation turned out to be a major fiasco, he got played like a fucking idiot. Confident that few bought trinkets and runes can buy him immunity to whatever gets flung at him, and then turns out it to be wrong. No need to say "you couldn't anticipate they will use mind control magic", because hell, he's a Turk. He should have anticipated every damn thing they threw at them.
It was insidious, really. Seeping slowly like venom, so every step taken seemed logical, natural, safe. Even keeping Rude out of the loop he perfectly explained to himself, which should have been the first red flag but went entirely unnoticed. Then he started to believe in their bullshit, believe in their vision. Like a fucking child.
Reno's rage was more internal than external — as to his knowledge, the whole failure of a Circle has been dealt with. What hasn't been dealt with, was his own failure. He was angry at himself, for failing Rude, for failing everything he was and aspired to be. Hell, he knows that dragons are more susceptible to Cwyld than others, that they should be careful— and yet he still put Rude at risk. At least he still had enough of the brain to keep his distance, but if that didn't work out...
"Now?"
It came out as a deep growl, one that lingered in the dragon's throat long past the actual word. He didn't necessarily mean for it to happen but his dragon instincts were flared up high and it felt oddly good to voice his irritation at the situation. Like a wolf showing its displeasure at another pack member that was annoying it with stupid antics.
"You really think that's a good idea?"
A creak of leather sounded. The clench of Rude's fists had caused it.
It came out as a deep growl, one that lingered in the dragon's throat long past the actual word. He didn't necessarily mean for it to happen but his dragon instincts were flared up high and it felt oddly good to voice his irritation at the situation. Like a wolf showing its displeasure at another pack member that was annoying it with stupid antics.
"You really think that's a good idea?"
A creak of leather sounded. The clench of Rude's fists had caused it.
It's not like Reno's ideas were any good lately. Like that... investigations for example. Or keeping distance too. Despite their closeness, the thrumming of emotions over the Bond dulled by the walls, and lack of touch. Nothing alike to when it initially settled.
Reno's constantly going between wanting to bridge the gap, and figuring it's a very bad idea at least right now.
"I just have a need. Nothing more, nothing less" That's curt, but since it's Rude... he tries to make some effort, giving it a thought of what else he could add to it. "I take you don't want me to go"
Reno's constantly going between wanting to bridge the gap, and figuring it's a very bad idea at least right now.
"I just have a need. Nothing more, nothing less" That's curt, but since it's Rude... he tries to make some effort, giving it a thought of what else he could add to it. "I take you don't want me to go"
That plaintive sentence at the end gave Rude pause. It was blunt and as well it should have been. He was being unreasonable about this, wasn't he? But he wanted--he needed to keep his partner safe. Even if it was from himself.
"Go outside where there's danger while you're still recovering from the mess you got into last?" He huffed a large puff of air from his nostrils as if he were some great beast of a dragon. "Why would you think that?"
"Go outside where there's danger while you're still recovering from the mess you got into last?" He huffed a large puff of air from his nostrils as if he were some great beast of a dragon. "Why would you think that?"
Well damn, he had to look up at his partner— he always had to look up, but with their changes, the difference became just... more noticeable. Sometimes imposing, usually in a good way.
Compared to a big, strong dragon, he was just a lanky harpy, with ruffled feathers. He wouldn't trust himself with flying right now, and Rude must have been aware of it. Since he never tried to shoo Reno away from the windows. He is, certainly, not a picture of health.
But he also stubbornly wants a little bit of ability to self determine again.
His lips go into a thin, flat line and spats out without thinking.
"Since when there's something wrong with danger?"
Compared to a big, strong dragon, he was just a lanky harpy, with ruffled feathers. He wouldn't trust himself with flying right now, and Rude must have been aware of it. Since he never tried to shoo Reno away from the windows. He is, certainly, not a picture of health.
But he also stubbornly wants a little bit of ability to self determine again.
His lips go into a thin, flat line and spats out without thinking.
"Since when there's something wrong with danger?"
"Since you keep fucking up!"
It's rare that Rude raises his voice, that he yells, especially at Reno. It was so rare he didn't even really do it whenever there were loud noises to talk over. He just projected his voice more. Hardly ever yelled. But this? This was an exception. There was a sharp bite to his words. More than that--
The large frame had rushed forward quickly. A hand pushed into Reno's chest and pinned him against the wall. His other hand splayed across the wall behind Reno's head, and the large dragon-man leaned forwards down over the smaller harpy. Without his sunglasses in place, it was impossible to miss the fire in his bright golden eyes. Wild, frustrated, burning emotion raw in his eyes.
"And the time before this I had to carry you out of harm's way. If I have to do that again-- if it's ever worse--" His voice cracked and he didn't finish that sentence. The thought was unbearable.
You can't leave him, Reno. Don't leave him behind.
It's rare that Rude raises his voice, that he yells, especially at Reno. It was so rare he didn't even really do it whenever there were loud noises to talk over. He just projected his voice more. Hardly ever yelled. But this? This was an exception. There was a sharp bite to his words. More than that--
The large frame had rushed forward quickly. A hand pushed into Reno's chest and pinned him against the wall. His other hand splayed across the wall behind Reno's head, and the large dragon-man leaned forwards down over the smaller harpy. Without his sunglasses in place, it was impossible to miss the fire in his bright golden eyes. Wild, frustrated, burning emotion raw in his eyes.
"And the time before this I had to carry you out of harm's way. If I have to do that again-- if it's ever worse--" His voice cracked and he didn't finish that sentence. The thought was unbearable.
You can't leave him, Reno. Don't leave him behind.
Reno's face twists as if Rude's words caused him physical pain— Fuck up once, it happens. Fuck up twice, it's a coincidence. Fuck up three times and it's a pattern.
When his back hits the wall, and the imposing strength of his dragon Bonded keeps him locked in place, Reno groans and bends a little. Suddenly, suddenly he can feel Rude with the full intensity he allows. The frustration, the worry, the heartbreak.
The last time that was a close one, was the opposite of what happened with the Circle. It was a mission that has gone right, terribly right. And yet it ended exactly the same, with Rude carrying his nearly lifeless body.
"You think I wanted to fall for their bullshit?"
Holy shit, maybe he did. The enticement of someone being right, and being strong enough to follow their plan— no. That's definitely what the charm exploited, but he never chose to be under the influence. So he looks Rude in the eyes, voice strange and shaky. A small harpy challenging a large dragon... challenging or confessing? There's emotion there Rude's never heard before - shame.
"I keep wondering if they sit in my head still. If my thoughts are really my own— yeah, I fucked up. But they fucked with me first"
When his back hits the wall, and the imposing strength of his dragon Bonded keeps him locked in place, Reno groans and bends a little. Suddenly, suddenly he can feel Rude with the full intensity he allows. The frustration, the worry, the heartbreak.
The last time that was a close one, was the opposite of what happened with the Circle. It was a mission that has gone right, terribly right. And yet it ended exactly the same, with Rude carrying his nearly lifeless body.
"You think I wanted to fall for their bullshit?"
Holy shit, maybe he did. The enticement of someone being right, and being strong enough to follow their plan— no. That's definitely what the charm exploited, but he never chose to be under the influence. So he looks Rude in the eyes, voice strange and shaky. A small harpy challenging a large dragon... challenging or confessing? There's emotion there Rude's never heard before - shame.
"I keep wondering if they sit in my head still. If my thoughts are really my own— yeah, I fucked up. But they fucked with me first"
"I don't know. Did you?"
It was unfair. Rude knew it and still he let those words fall out of his mouth. There was regret immediately. Yet there was also no apology, not verbally nor in the form of their Bond emotionally, he let it stand as if he meant them with full conviction. It was harsh, and unfair.
His fingers curled into Reno's chest, talons dangerously close to piercing flesh when they shouldn't. He leaned in closer, his head next to Reno's as he spoke next to the redhead's ear.
"How can I let you go when you tell me yourself that you're not certain you're better? How can I trust you to be safe without me? Why should I let you go, Reno? So I can lose you again?"
It was unfair. Rude knew it and still he let those words fall out of his mouth. There was regret immediately. Yet there was also no apology, not verbally nor in the form of their Bond emotionally, he let it stand as if he meant them with full conviction. It was harsh, and unfair.
His fingers curled into Reno's chest, talons dangerously close to piercing flesh when they shouldn't. He leaned in closer, his head next to Reno's as he spoke next to the redhead's ear.
"How can I let you go when you tell me yourself that you're not certain you're better? How can I trust you to be safe without me? Why should I let you go, Reno? So I can lose you again?"
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