droptheious | Kaisou inbox

heyyy, did you see that guy who have that creepo vision about tentacles and drowning? it sounds pretty bad even though the guy didn't seem that concerned
i was gonna go patrol the beach
you know, just in case a giant squid decides to show up and attack the city
wanna come with?

I did. Do people genuinely see the future here because that feels suspect.

[Maybe they're in cahoots with Zodiac? Still, the idea of going to the beach with Fern is...pleasant. It makes a fluttering happen in his stomach. ]

Yeah that would be cool. I mean. Better to be prepared, right?

right!!
and hey maybe we'll run into a cool monster we can fight

I think that's more a you thing than a me thing, but sure. I guess I need to get a better practice with my powers anyway. Let's do it.

heck yeah!! don't worry by the time we're done you'll have gotten so much practice you'll practically be an expert at making rocks and flowers</font

I think that's a little hopeful. I have a feeling I'm gonna keep doing really badly at it for a while.

honestly dude it's hard to picture you being real bad at anything
except like
sports

The small experience I had with sports before school closed for the summer taught me I'm REALLY bad at sports.

Pretty sure I'm bad at magic too, though.

ha ha it's cool you can't be good at everything
and we can always practice!
both of them if you want
so you suck less

I don't know, sports seems to be a lot. I really hated that one where people just throw balls at you? Like, what's the point of that?

I don't want to be better at magic, that's more of a necessity thing. I need to be able to control my powers, like it or not.

dodgeball? hey c'mon that's a good way to improve your reflexes!
just pretend a big stone golem is flinging rocks at you instead of some donkus in gym shorts throwing balls

why not? magic is cool when it doesn't suck

Or it's a good way to get hit in the face by a fast-moving ball. I don't think the rock analogy really works considering the fact my reflexes aren't great.

[If he was the one THROWING the ball, he'd do a lot better- he's got one heck of an aim. But he has to win the game first to get there, so.]

It's dangerous and unpredictable. I prefer science. Science follows rules and patterns. You can make predictions with science. You can't with magic, magic just does what it wants.

all the more reason to practice!
we could practice, you know
together
not with dodgeballs but with something lighter
work your way up

[It would be fun! Extra fun, since it'd be helping Varian.]

can't science be dangerous and unpredictable sometimes too? that Zelos guy complains about those explosions all the time

[Varian would honestly rather drink acid than practice at sports, but the idea of practising with Fern feels...different. Almost like it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. ]

I guess that wouldn't be so bad. If we worked our way up.

I mean sometimes, but not as bad as magic. And that guy just doesn't like loud noises, he's just grumpy.

yeah! it'll be great, i promise

[Well, them getting to spend more time together will be great. Fern is sure of that.]

ha! ok i agree with you there
he's a big grumpus

Don't make promises unless you know you can keep them.

[Sorry, Fern, it's A Thing.]

He's SUCH a grumpus. I swear he's like the OLDEST old man.

[Huh, that's a strong reaction for just a promise.]

um, sure dude
i'm not gonna break a promise to you if i can help it

hah yeah he's gotta be ancient
even older than Ice King and that guy's oooooold

It's important not to break promises at all. I -

Just don't, okay? I'd rather you not make them at all if there's a chance you can't keep them.

[It sure is a WEIRD ASS reaction to a promise. ]

SO OLD.

Wait, who's the Ice King?

ok
it's just
this is really really important to you, huh? keeping promises?

[Hey friend let's maybe talk about that.]

an old dingus wizard from back home
he's a big loser

Yeah, it's really important to me. A broken promise nearly ruined my life.

[Just gonna kick that beehive over.]

A wizard? So he literally had ice powers?

oh
don't worry, i'll take any promises i wanna make to you really seriously
ok?

yeah ice was his whole thing
like the wizard that made me, his whole thing was grass

Thanks. That means a lot.

So you have like. Wizards of various elements back home? Does that mean there are ice people back in your world who were made by wizards? Are there other grass people?

no prob dude

sort of
wizards usually have some kind of specific magic they do
there are other grass people but they weren't made by wizards like me
they're just regular people
Ice King's made living stuff using his powers
like living snowmen and junk
and one time i used one of his ice bolts to help bring my younger brother to life

So you're the only one who was made by a wizard?

[And then he reads the rest of this and he can feel his brain slowly melting.]

Wait. I'm sorry. You used ice to bring your younger brother to life. And this was. The dog? Or is that an older brother?

[He's trying his gosh darn best here, Fern. But he only has a few of the jigsaw pieces and even those pieces are kinda soggy and chewed up.]

well sort of
the Grassy Wizard made other sentient grassy objects
mostly just furniture
but i killed them all and i'm not sure if he made more

no NEPTR is made out of a microwave
he's my younger brother and kind of my son i guess?

[It's fine, it's totally fine.]

You killed them? Did he send them to attacj you or something?

Like your brother. And your son.

And is a microwave.

And you're made of grass. And have a dog brother?

Just making sure I have this right so far.

yeah he did
it's complicated and a long story
and kind of crazy honestly

yeah you got it!
um sorry it's too bad i don't have a diagram huh?

I'd like to hear it sometime. If you don't mind.

[He knows Fern is...wary about talking about his past- something Varian can relate to a great deal. He won't push.]

That's okay, once I figure it out I can make a flowchart!

sure yeah
i don't think i mind

[He trusts Varian a lot, so maybe it'll be okay?]

a flowchart?
dog that sounds so boring

Okay, great. Soon as you're ready to talk about it, I'm ready to listen.

[After all, can it be as bad as trying to destroy the monarchy? (Yes, yes it can, but he doesn't know that yet).]

Wow, rude? Flowcharts are SUPER interesting! They're the coolest way to display information!

thanks man

[Who knows, maybe talking about it will help him.]

oh my Glob i think that's the lamest thing i've ever heard

Incorrect! It's not LAME at all. You just haven't experienced the right flowchart!

i didn't know there was a right flowchart

[He'd like to dunk on Varian a little more for being a giant nerd, but it's also pretty endearing.]

well i think that means you gotta show me what the right flowchart looks like sometime

Oh, there's TOTALLY the right flowchart!

[And he'll make it his mission to FIND IT!!]

I'll get a great one. It'll have swords on it and everything.

hmmm
well
it might be ok if it has swords

See? All science can be made cool if you have the right additions to it.

The right addition in your case being swords.

I know you might be busy right now but I wanted you to know that this isn't your fault. I don't care if it was your invention. Zodiac should be way more upfront with everyone about everything that's going on. If they were, you would never have felt the need to do what you did.

I know we don't know each other that well. But from what I've read, it seems to me like all you wanted to do was help people get back to their homes. Because Zodiac isn't doing a damn thing about that, or if they are they're not being transparent enough about it.

Anyway. I had to get that off my chest. Please don't beat yourself up too much. And if you need any help with what they're making you do, or anything at all, please feel free to ask me, or ask anyone? Just reach out. You deserve that.

[Oh wow. He definitely wasn't expecting this. He does read it, quietly. This is both a comfort and a stab of pain in his chest at the same time. He wonders if Five would be as kind as she is right now if she knew the truth about him. About what he'd done in the past. He chose to hide his past so he could try and live a life here without being known as the guy who brought so much pain and destruction to his Kingdom.

Now he wishes he hadn't. It makes the guilt of what's happened today a thousand times worse. People are giving him sympathy he doesn't deserve.]

Zodiac not helping or giving any answers was why I pushed forward with it, yeah.

[That much is very true.]

Thank you, but I really don't deserve that kindness. I'll deal with whatever punishment they've got planned for me. I messed up badly, and I need to pay for that. It's only fair to the people who've been hurt.

It kind of sounds to me like you're punishing yourself more than anyone else could?

And yeah, you should probably help rebuild, and help the people who have been hurt, I think that's true, but I think we all should? The mistake you made was while trying to help people, and I still think that counts for something!

And... I don't know if kindness needs to be deserved or not, or if maybe people deserve kindness just for being people? But I have known people who have done worse than this mistake, some even on purpose, but being shown kindness helped them be able to give kindness back. But...

Anyway, sorry, I don't know if that's here or there, really, but they're my family now and I miss them and they were driven to things they did by people like Zodiac. So I guess that's why I feel so strongly about it.

I hope, whatever else you do or think from here on out, you'll at least let me be your friend. I think you have some good ones here already, probably. But I'd be honored to be considered one of them.

I deserve it. It might have been zodiac's inaction that convinced me to make it, but what came out of that portal is all on me. I can't blame them for that. The mess I made is completely on me.

Maybe. But me doing it to help everyone else doesn't mean everyone else has to help fix it. No one asked me to do this.

[And then he reads the rest of it and something uncomfortable squirms in his stomach. He should have told people right away. He should have been honest. It has to feel better than people thinking he's something he's not.]

I've done terrible things on purpose, too. In my past. I was forgiven for it and given kindness and I had the chance to make up for what I did. But I don't know. The fact I've hurt people again, even by accident... maybe I'm not as changed as I thought I was.

[Maybe he's always just supposed to end up doing terrible things, even when he doesn't mean to. Maybe that's all he's good for, really. Which is why he's surprised at her next comment. He does have friends here, people who are willing to put up with him and he's still not really sure how to handle that.

But given what she's just told him, maybe who he is doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. It wouldn't affect her offer of friendship.]

Of course I consider you a friend. You don't share your sketchy magical socks with just anyone, right?

...But thank you. I appreciate that a lot.

I don't know if there's any way I can convince you that you still deserve kindness. But the fact that you are punishing yourself for this, that you're worried at all about being a bad person? That's enough to convince me at least that you're not one.

Seeing you punish yourself is bound to be hurting the people you care about, too, you know? I think... Letting them, us, help you fix it, help you through this, would be doing us a favor too. So... Maybe that's something to think about?

[She waits a moment, considering, and... She switches to voice to leave this message, and her voice is strained with emotion.]

I was the one who caused everyone on my ship to lose their memories. It was a mistake that I made. And I got all of my friends killed before I wound up on my ship, every single one of them, all because I stole something I shouldn't have. I haven't told anyone else that here. But I've made mistakes that have gotten people hurt, too. A lot of people have, a lot of the people I care about have. And it doesn't make them bad people! Because they're trying, and they don't give up trying. We don't give up on each other.

So... please don't give up on yourself either.

I don't know if a good person would keep messing up this much, this badly.

...I guess that's a point. I didn't realise how much people did care until just now, really. I never felt worth it. But I guess it's not on me to decide that.

[Rapunzel definitely never felt that way. That he didn't deserve it. Neither did any of his friends back home, but he thought that was...different. He was wrong.

He listens to what she has to say, lets it really sink in because wow, that's...so familiar. Not completely, of course, but there are enough beats in this story which are echoes of his own. He doesn't respond immediately. He just...mulls over it. When he does respond, he switches to voice, too. ]

I made people lose their memories, too. I did it on purpose, and I wanted to do it to everyone. I wanted people to forget some...very terrible things I did. Stealing, kidnapping, trying to kill people. I was angry for a long time and blamed the wrong person for it. I- a lot of my friends are like that back home. People who made mistakes. Who got second chances despite what they did.

...It's just hard to think about deserving it sometimes, I guess. When I keep making stupid mistakes.

[Another long pause.]

But it sounds like you know a lot about that, too. I- if it's any consolation, you don't seem like a bad person to me. At all.

Edited 2022-08-14 21:16 (UTC)

Thanks... And I... Actually have killed people, or helped do it, even if it was technically in self-defense...

My friends are like that too, people who've done bad things in the past on purpose and by accident, and... And even more recently some of us have made bad choices, slipped up? But maybe it's not really possible to be purely good all of the time anyway? I think you just have to try, and make up for your mistakes when they happen, because we're human and it's bound to happen. But I think we let people help us when we make mistakes because that's how we all be better, by helping each other.

Hah. [It's a sad, tired little hah if ever there was one.] At least you got that one over on me. I was stopped before I could...actually kill anyone. It definitely wasn't self-defence, though.

[This is...comforting to hear, too. It makes him feel a little less broken, a little less terrible. He knows a certain amount of weight will always be hung around his neck. He'll never shuck all of it and that's...fine. That's his penance for everything he's done.

But this does make him feel less alone.]

...Yeah. I- I was alone for a while. Things had been better though, back home. I've been helping the Kingdom, trying to make good from all the bad I did. And I had a lot of support back home to...help me do that. Things were getting better. I...was letting myself get better. But it sounds like you understand that a lot, huh?

[Maybe Five is worse, actually, since there's still a part of her that thinks "those people deserved to die" about the people she helped kill in self-defense. But... Weighing your past good or bad seems a little counterproductive, to her. It's about what you do in the future, here on out. Then again maybe that's just easier to say for someone whose memories of the past are all messed up anyway.]

Yeah. I think I maybe get what you're going through. And you can have support here too, you know? I'd be part of your support, and I'm betting your other friends want to help support you too. Especially right now. I think it would be best for all of us if we all went through it together, fixing everything back up, rather than anyone doing it all alone.

[Varian definitely knows he needs to move forward. He was doing that before he was pulled here. The portal was a mistake, he knows that now, and at least it was an unintentional one. But his past is never too far behind him, following him like a spectre. It just got a chance to be louder and more obvious than usual with this rather large error.

Having support here means letting people know who he was, what he did. It means lowering some pretty subtantial walls to let people in and he's still afraid people will revile him for his actions. But...]

I know you're right. That I...can get that support here. I've got friends here...and I do count you as one of them. [He clears his throat.] I guess I just need to um...talk to them about it. You and Fern are the only people who know.

...I mean, besides Rapunzel and Cass who were there.

Well... That's four whole people, though. That's definitely a good start, I think? I don't think you need to push yourself to share any part of your past you're not totally comfortable with sharing, but... It would probably bring you closer with the people you tell? And if it doesn't, then... you know you have us to fall back on, to be there for you still.

I kinda wish I was there so I could give you a hug, but I don't even know if you like hugs. Do you like hugs from friends?

I...guess it is. I don't know, it's weird. When I first got here I kinda grabbed hold of this idea that I wouldn't be known as the person who messed everything up so badly. And now a whole different mess-up has happened for me to be known for. So I guess that's...karma or something.

[Aww, that pulls a smile to his lips, a sad little chuckle escaping from him.]

Not a big touchy person, but I don't mind hugs from friends.

Edited 2022-08-21 22:32 (UTC)

If karma was a thing, I'm pretty sure big corporations wouldn't be getting away with using people in need for their own purposes. So... I don't know if that's karma. I think maybe it's just... An obstacle in life? And the only thing you can really do is work towards doing your best in the future.

I'd say not to dwell on it but... I understand that's a lot easier said than done, especially when there are gonna be asshole jerkfaces who will hold this against you. But feel free to point them out to me and I'll sneak in their houses and loosen all their lightbulbs and leave painful little circuits all over their floors for them to step on barefoot in the middle of the night.

[That's absolutely a threat. However, much sweeter:]

And... Please remind me I owe you a hug the next time you're not busy?

...Yeah, I'm not so good at avoiding the...dwelling. Been trying that for a couple years now and I kinda always default to it. The Dwelling. Most of it is self-inflicted honestly, but I appreciate the effort you're willing to make for me all the same.

[Friendship is sometimes breaking into people's houses and loosening their lightbulbs!!!]

Okay, okay. You have one hug on layaway.

Sometimes those thoughts are hard to fight against. I think I get that. Just remember that you have people in your corner, if you can.

Thanks, Five. I...really appreciate it. I'll do my best to remember it.

[What's this? It's time for Mean Girls o'clock]

Heeeey Varian! I'm sure you're busy cleaning up your whole dinosaur mess so I won't keep too much of your time.

I just thought I should point out that those coordinates you said you had for your world? Yeah, those are useless. Coordinates are completely relative to the place you designate as the point of origin. So the coordinates you had would only be useful on the world you got them from. In order to reach Corona from here, you'd need to recalculate everything based on this world being your point of origin. And of course, you'd have to consider things such as orbital rotation, spirit realm movements, weather conditions, time and day- and all sorts of other things!

Anyway, just thought you'd like to hear some constructive criticism now that everything's blown up in your face. I probably would've mentioned something before if you had only bothered to listen to me when I asked you to keep it down, but que sera sera!

Seeya! 💖

Edited 2022-08-10 20:59 (UTC)

[FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOOOOOOOOOOOU!]

Yeah, THANKS. I've realised that now, This was an extremely helpful comment. I don't know where I'd be without you.

[Fuck you fuck you fuck you.]

Got any more super helpful hints to pass on while you're at it?

Anytime!

[He says overly cheerfully, as if he's completely choosing to ignore any sarcasm that is blatant in that text]

Mmm, nah. Not today, don't feel like it! But if the mood strikes again, I'll let you know!

[The only reason this is text is that Varian does not trust his voice right now. Too bad he's getting his distaste through LOUD and clear.]

Great. I look forward to it.

[Then a pause, because as pissy as he is, he still feels pretty damn guilty about all of this.]

...

You didn't get hurt, did you?

[Oh he sure is, and Zelos is living for it.

But oh, what's this? Concern over him? He gives a "heh"]

Nah, don't you worry! There's not a scratch on my beautiful skin! The great Zelos is skilled enough to handle a few lizards!

[He's fine, in other words. Obnoxious but fine]

[God, he's the most obnoxious man alive.

Even if he has some Eugene traits.

Which Varian is ignoring because he wants to stay mad at him!!!]

Great. I'm so glad for you.

[He genuinely is, even if he's MAD. He doesn't want people being hurt. Even when that person is Zelos. ]

Why thank you! It warms my heart that you were concerned~! 💖

[He says, absolutely obnoxiously]

[Uuuuuugggggh.]

Of course I was. I said from the start, I didn't want anyone to be hurt by this. That wasn't my intention at any point.

Oh yeah, I know that.

But you didn't think much about the harm that it could do, did you? I mean, this world has a lot of smart people in it. Some smarter than you, and even more shocking - smarter than yours truly! And even though they've known about the Spirit Realm for years and years, no one's making portals. Not even Zodiac, who you know would jump at the chance to be able to reliably mine other worlds of their resources.

Did it ever occur to you that maybe there was a reason for that? Or were you too busy thinking about accomplishing something to have that thought occur to you?

[There's a long pause before Varian responds to this. He's just been quietly sitting there, listening to Zelos talk. Because of course the man makes a lot of sense, all of that makes perfect sense. He just...needed that outside insight to realise it.

When he responds, he's finally turned on the voice function. It's strained, but not angry- the anger has fizzled out of him.]

No, it didn't. I've been used to being the person that gets this sort of thing done. It's- it's my place back home it's my- [penance] duty. I guess I got wrapped up in that mindset and didn't think about why there wasn't a way out of here, just that there wasn't.

[There's another lengthy pause.]

I just wanted to do something good for the people trapped here and instead I just messed it up. Again.

[Zelos is quiet as Varian speaks, listening to each of his words and his tone and mulling it over in his mind. "Again", huh? "Duty", huh?

There's a beat before he responds]

Mm, duty and guilt are helluva drug.

Well, you're not the first person to make a colossal mistake because you didn't think your good intentions through, and you won't be the last. Least this is just some dinosaurs. [Could've been worse, so much worse]

Sounds like you already got step "try to fix this mistake" down, but once we're not to our eyeballs in lizards, I suggest taking some time to figure out what lessons you can take from all this. Doing more background research on previous attempts of whatever you're trying to do, for instance.

...Yeah, it could have been worse.

[He says in the tone of voice of someone who has definitely made things worse before now. At least the dinosaurs weren't intentional harm.

Still, Zelos is making a good point. He's not had much chance to stop and think before now. After his redemption back home he hit the ground running trying to help deal with the threat Zhan Tiri and Cass presented, and after that, he focussed on getting the hot water running.

He hasn't given himself time to stop and think before. ]

I'll see if I can get any information from Zodiac...assuming they want to talk to me after this. But yeah...I know I needed to have done this before now. Hindsight...and everything.

[That is an odd tone to Varian's voice, but he's not about to pry about it right now. Not really Zelos's business and no need to make the kid feel worse about himself.

Ok sure worst than Zelos already made him feel, but hey that at least was funny (to Zelos). ]

Eh, I'm sure they will. Wouldn't be surprised if you see a lot more of them even! [he can guess they're gonna want to keep an EYE on this potential threat]

[Varian is glad for the lack of prying. He hums softly, worried.]

...Yeah. They sent me a message to tell me they were gonna be monitoring me.

[This is probably a moment where one should be sympathetic. But instead he lets out a laugh at Varian's misery]

Haha, called it!

[Varian just lets out the huffiest teenaged sigh that was ever sighed.]

Yeah, thanks for that. You want a prize for it?

[Zelos snorts]

Nah, I'm good!

trienemybest is offline

[ VICTORY >3 ]

Greetings.

You are being contacted in regards to your involvement with the manmade portal constructed August 2022. Due to the damage done from the portal, in lieu of the ability to bring this matter to the courts, we've decided to assign you 150 hours of community service, to be completed by December 31st.

The nature of your community service work may be to your choosing from the list provided. Report your hours worked through the Libra app. Failure to comply will result in fines and stricter consequences. You may go to the Zodiac Office if you have any questions about your service.

Furthermore, Zodiac will be monitoring you for the time being, and may restrict you from certain activities should we decide it's in the best interest of public safety.

Thank you for using the Libra app.

[Attached to the message is a long list of different volunteer positions offered throughout the city (think the typical types of volunteer work available). You're free to decide what your character will do for volunteer work and can handwave it happening over the next few months or use it as a CR opportunity. Feel free to contact Yuff if you have any questions!]

There's a knock at Varian's door sometime in the evening, late in the month. Claude stands on the other side, a small stack of notebooks tucked under his arm, each noticeably thicker than their original widths with sheets of loose paper stuffed between the pages. Claude's own meticulously neat handwriting is visible on the covers and a few of the sheets threatening to fall out.

"Hey Varian," he calls, through the door. "You there? I've got something I think you might appreciate."

Varian is definitely at home, and he opens the door- recognising Claude's voice. He's had a rough few weeks- and there's still a ghost of that worry on his face. August was a bad time, after all. Still, he manages a smile when he sees Claude, especially with all those books!

"Hi Claude, oh wow, those- those sure are some notes. Come on in!"

He'll step aside to let Claude into an apartment that's definitely inhabited by two teenage boys who spend a lot of time pilfering the junkyard. It's probably safe to be in here- just ignore the weird beeping from the Tamagotchi ghost. It's fine.

Ah, a pair of kids after his own 'disorganized-looking but I swear I have a system' heart. Given, his apartment is much more occupied by books and plants and a bottled alchemical experiments he's not sure how to safely dispose of than scrap metal, but it's a similar thing. He smiles approvingly as he steps in, easy and casual even as he keeps a careful, concerned eye on Varian, knowing that launching straight into the whole are you okay routine right away isn't the best way to go with him.

"Thought you might be feeling a little left out, what with being banished from the spirit realm and all," he says, lending the words an over-dramatic sort of gravitas. "So I figured I'd bring you something to make up for it. Is there somewhere we can look through these?"

That's exactly it. They totally have some sort of system here. Even if the system is only known by them and literally no one else ever. Claude is also wise to not immediately launch into concern. Varian might be used to being bothered by Rapunzel but he's still a teenager and prone to needing to prove he can handle things. Even when he blatantly cannot.

"Man, thank you! It sucks so much! I really, really wanted to go and see the biggest library in the world."

He moves to sit on one of the...weird couches that's...probably safe to sit on, he gestures for Claude to take a seat as Ruddiger clambers over in case any food was brought. You just never know!

Happy Holiday from Zodiac!

Congratulations! You've been specially selected to take part in our first annual Secret Santa holiday gift exchange! 🎁

This year, you'll be giving a gift to Jun! Please try to find a nice gift for them by December 25th! And remember, Secret Santa always works best when it's a surprise!

We highly recommend you participate, as no one wants to suffer on the holidays!

Thank you, and enjoy the season! ☃️

[As usual, any replies will receive no response from Zodiac]

Well, gee. I really was thinking when I got up this morning that I needed a top-up of dread from ominously cheerful messages and here you guys are, like clockwork.

I'd ask what sort of suffering would be involved but honestly, November was a bad month and I'm not willing to test that. So fine, whatever. I'll get Jun a thing.

[Varian will receive a delivery in the form of a very heavy, wrapped box. It's got a cute bow and the wrapping paper is chemistry-themed. The only indication of who it might be from is a hand drawn sun next to 'Secret Santa.'

Inside the box is books! There's a book that covers the history of medical science in general, a college textbook on chemistry, a history of technology book, a book on the history and evolution of ethics in science, and a book titled "1000 Science Puns."]

[Will knows what Varian's about- he will love all of these and this will definitely result in more experiments. Potentially more ethical ones? Who knows!]

Hey. I know you're probably busy with everything. But there's something I kind of need to talk about. Not on the app.

[THAT'S concerning.]

Sure thing, Bud. Where do you wanna meet up?

The park?

[He'd almost said his house... but Danny wasn't sure if he could bear to talk about what he needed to, if it was in the place where this life's family lived.]

Okay, I'll be on my way now.

[His worry isn't abating as he heads to the park to wait for his friend. This had to be serious if Danny wanted to avoid the network. ]

[He'll find Danny in the park pacing restlessly back and forth in front of a park bench. It was a probably a sign of Danny's state of mind that he hadn't even noticed that his feet weren't touching the ground.

And well... this hadn't been an easy decision. But after the explosion... it felt like he couldn't think of anything else but how easily everything in this life could go wrong. Danny had barely slept at all since then, and he was looking a little rough. ]

[Danny float-pacing is definitely a bad sign. Varian folds his arms around himself in a gesture of self-comfort, to try and ease toe worry roiling about in his stomach. This was bad. This was obviously so bad.]

...Hey. You- you don't look so great.

[Danny lets out a sound of surprise and falls over backward onto the bench. He'd been so caught up in his thoughts that he'd completely missed Varian's approach.]

Oh, good. You're here. [He blows his breath out and shifts his shoulders nervously.]

And I'm doing great. Super great. [He was not at all convincing. ]

Just... Like I said there's something I need to talk about. And I didn't want to do it in the app.

[He hesitates, obviously struggling with how to start. And then he just blurts it out.]

Do you think destiny can be changed?

...You don't look super great.

[He's just gonna. Put that out there. State the obvious, because Danny looks really awful.

He wasn't expecting the question, and his brow furrows. Hm.]

I have a friend, back home. She was manipulated into believing she had a set destiny she had to take for herself by- by any means. It nearly destroyed our entire Kingdom.

[He got to watch Rapunzel's heartache from being betrayed from her side of the betrayal and he hated every living second of it.]

So I don't think there's such a thing as destiny. I think your life is what you make it to be. What-what you put into it and what you take away. Good or bad. It's what you do that matters. It's not some...pre-ordained thing. If you want things to change, you gotta make those changes happen for yourself, and because you want them to change...not just because you think they should.

Okay, so its kind of been a rough couple of days.[He could admit that much. Even apart from everything else, he'd been feeling a drag from the spirit realm lately. Much stronger than it had ever been before. But it was probably just because he hadn't been sleeping.]

I... [Danny shakes his head and wraps his arms around himself.] That's terrible. It must have been awful to live through. But I mean.... What if its a destiny you don't want? What if you're not strong enough to change it?

Edited 2023-01-25 22:40 (UTC)

I'm getting that impression, yeah.

[He frowns, worrying growing and growing as Danny speaks. This feels...bad.]

It's what it was. She's okay now, working on being better just about as much as I am.

[He and Cass were just both differently broken people trying to work out how to get the jagged pieces of themselves to fit again. He needed the people around him to start his healing (just as he does the people here) Cass...well, Cass needed something different. ]

In this alternate universe where I believed destinies existed... I'd say you can still change it. If you don't want it, you'll find a way to stop it. [He reaches out to put a hand on his friend's shoulder, squeezing gently.] Danny- you're- you're one of the strongest people I know, if anyone can change what they think is inevitable, it's you.

[A pause.]

But, again, I don't believe in destiny. I don't think you're locked into any one thing. ...What. Danny, what's happened? Have you had more memories?

[ Danny flinches away from him at the word. Inevitable.... That was the word he'd used. I still exist. I'm still here. That means you still turn into me. I'm inevitable.]

I... [Danny shakes his head.] I'm not as strong as you think I am. I have no idea what I'm doing. And I don't think its enough.

[ Danny shudders and shrinks in on himself. ]

Yeah I... not recently. It was a while ago. But I saw something really terrible. A future that could be mine. I don't know. I thought maybe I could change it, stop anything like that from happening. If I just tried hard enough.

But now I'm not so sure.

[As Danny flinches, Varian pulls his hand away, thinking that's what caused it. He crosses his arms, uncomfortable.]

If anyone does say they know what they're doing I- I think they're probably lying. No one does.

[He frowns softly.]

Well, like I said, I don't think anything is set in stone. We're responsible for our own choices. Do you know anything that would lead to this potential future? Some...warning signs?

[ Danny goes very silent and still for a moment.]

An explosion. That's where everything went wrong. Everyone died. His parents, his sister, his friends, even the only teacher who ever cared.

[Danny shudders again, remembering.]

After that... everything just got worse. The other me. He went forward in time and saw what happened. By ten years in the future there was nothing left.

Oh.

[Varian lets that quiet, worried little oh hang there for a minute. Varian knows what happens, first-hand, what can happen to a person if they feel like they've lost everything that ever mattered to them. He knows how deep and dark and dangerous a person's heart can sink when everything keeping it afloat is just...gone. And Danny knows he knows that, too. He can't bullshit a comforting answer out of this one. His friend deserves far more than that.

He still stays quiet for a moment, mulling over his response. He hates that this is something that Danny has to worry about. He already has so much existential crap to deal with- he shouldn't have to deal with being terrified he's going to turn into someone...dangerous, too.]

...Well, that explains why you've been so jumpy about my explosions lately.

[There's more than a little guilt in his tone. He doesn't want to add to Danny's stress. He takes a deep breath.]

Look, I'm not gonna lie to you and say that could never happen to you. You and I both know that I know better than...than to assume someone isn't capable of anything if they get pushed hard enough. Anyone can...snap if things get bad enough.

[It can happen shockingly quickly, he's found. ]

But just because it happened to him doesn't mean it's inevitable that it'll happen to you. You haven't had that happen to you- maybe-maybe it never will. Maybe you knowing this would...save you from tipping over some edge if it did happen. I know that if I knew what I do now back then...I wouldn't have done what I did.

[He's pretty sure one that one. He falters- he's not sure if he's helping or not here.]

But listen, no matter what happens, I'm not gonna leave you alone in this, okay? If I'm still standing, I'll stand by you and do everything I can to keep you away from that path- I promise.

[And at least Danny knows that if Varian makes a promise, he damn well means to keep it. ]

[Danny snorts a little.]

Yeah. Oh. Sorry about freaking out on you a bit after that last one. Just... It hit a little too close, you know? [He shrugs. Easy enough to fill in the reason.

He winces a little as Varian goes on. He knew that, he did. He remembered what Varian had told him about his past. And it had been a big reason for why he'd never said anything before. He didn't want to bring up bad memories. He didn't want his friends to worry about him, about something that might happen.

But if this last week had taught him anything, it was that he couldn't go on like he'd been. He was letting it get to him, and he just... he needed to hear it from someone else.]

Well, I can say that I'm not about to let anyone rip the humanity out of me. [Because yeah, that was a thing that happened in the future, apparently. And he was a little terrified to think about what that Danny's mental state must have been like to choose that as an option.

He wraps his arms around himself and leans back into the park bench.]

But.... that's kind of the problem. Because I... he... when he found out what happened in the future, he tried to stop it. So the future Danny locked him in the future and went back to make sure it still happened. He wanted it to happen. [And maybe that was the most terrifying thing about all of this. To know that he could become someone that would not regret what he'd become and what he'd done. That liked being a monster, to the point of making sure that his family died.]

I can't help but wonder if there is some future like that for me... What if the same thing happens?

[At Varian's promise, Danny looks up with surprise. He knew what that meant to him. That he was willing to do that... It meant a lot.]

I...[He looks down again.] Thanks, Varian. [His mouth twists into an attempt at a smile.]

But... If the worse happens and some future version of me does come back.I want you to run, okay? Run and get away until someone figures out how to take me down.

I mean...that's fair honestly. Sorry to have made things worse for you.

[He can't promise it'll never happen again- explosions are an unfortunate byproduct of his work. He can do his best to be safer with it, but an explosion or two will always slip through there.

As much as Varian's past actively hurts him, as much as he shies away from talking about it- there's an odd sort of comfort that comes from knowing his experiences, awful as they were, can somehow help someone else. Does it make it all worth it? No, absolutely not, but it does ease the sting a little. ]

Ah. Well...sometimes you surprise yourself with how far you'll go when you're pressed hard enough. After a certain point, you just...stop caring.

[He's not even going to say to Danny that it's not possible. That wouldn't be fair. He deserves some honesty. ]

If it does, we'll be ready for it, okay? Aaaand I can't promise I'll run away. If anything, I'll be there trying to figure out how to deal with you to save you from yourself. You know I'm way too stubborn to leave you hanging.

No its... okay, well its not fine. But its my issue. I don't want to make you feel guilty about it. Just... maybe try not to blow up your apartment again?

[ Because that was the part that had made him panic. The big explosion, and the run there not knowing if they had survived. It had been too much like that other run, when the other him had been too late. ]

...Right. I guess. [He appreciated the honesty, even if the idea that he could have stopped caring to such an extent horrified him. Danny cared. He cared so much, and it had hurt seeing what he could be he if he just.... stopped.]

Trust in your stubbornness?

[He lets out a laugh without much humor in it. Not even Danny could find much funny about any of this.]

Yeah... I guess. I'd rather if everyone ran. If everyone was safe first. But I think I can trust in that.

[And oddly, even if nothing had been really resolved, it made Danny feel better that he wasn't alone in this any more. That someone else knew and would try to help.]

I'm gonna look for a safer place for my experiments in the future. No more apartment explosions!

[He's gonna do the BARE MINIMUM :D

Varian's not one to ever tell anyone turning to the dark side is impossible. He's living proof of the contrary. But he can provide a safety net if it does happen and that...well, that's so much better than false hope, he feels. More tangible.

He offers a lopsided smile, it doesn't quite reach his eyes, there's too much worry behind it. ]

Of course! It's made of pretty tough stuff, you know. And how about I work on making sure other people stay out of the way while I also don't abandon you? Does that work?

[Because abandoning Danny is non-negotiable. ]

I just don't want anyone to get hurt. Not friends. Not anyone. [Danny said this quietly, but that was what it all came down to really. He just wanted to help people... but now he was having to face that he could be a worse threat than anything he had fought. And how did you handle knowing that?

He wanted to tell Varian that of course he should abandon him. If it came to that, and he was already a monster, it was probably too late for him. He'd seen what he could be, and it terrified him. Not just the state of a mind that could choose to do what he'd done. To be proud of it. But that future Danny was so strong, with so many different abilities. And he knew that he had barely touched the surface of his own abilities. If it came down to a fight, he would try and he would lose.

But he knew that the other boy would never agree to that.]

I... If you'll stay safe when you do that. If it gets too dangerous, please run.

I know you don't. That's what makes you a good person. No matter what you're worried about, it's- it's important that you remember that, Danny. You're a good person. It took a lot to turn that possible future of you into what he was. That makes a difference.

[He has to believe it does. That the reasons behind a person breaking need to be taken into account. But then, he wouldn't be even half as charitable to himself when talking about his own past. At Danny's request, his head shakes once- firm, unmoving.

There was that stubbornness.]

No. I'm not running. Danny, you're- you're like family to me. You're like a brother. I'm not gonna abandon you.

[...Oh.

Danny hadn't realized until this moment just how much he'd needed to hear that. He'd spent so much time thinking about all the worst parts of himself, wondering where the flaws and weaknesses were that would let that happen. Maybe along the way he'd forgotten a little of why he was trying so hard. He blinks to hold back tears, and when that doesn't work he rubs at his eyes with the back of his wrist.

But he loses any attempt at holding back his emotions when Varian continues. He'd known they were close friends... but family? Brothers? That just...

Danny had never complained, but he'd been terribly lonely at home all this time. His parents were gone so much, and he couldn't talk to them about any of what had been happening even when they were here. And he didn't have anyone else. The idea of being family, brothers... It was something he'd never known he wanted.]

...You really mean that?

[Varian notices Danny fighting his tears and reaches out to put a hand on Danny's shoulder. Part-way through, he changes his mind, instead pulling the other boy in for a hug. Varian's not exactly the huggiest person in the world- but he has a feeling Danny really needs one right now.

And maybe he does too, a little. ]

Of course I mean it.

[ In any kind of normal day, Danny would have protested. Hugs weren't cool, okay? (Ignoring that he had been known to tackle hug friends at emotional moments).

But Danny had been having a very bad day. A string of bad and stressful days, ending in an emotional breakdown. And right now, it was much appreciated. Danny hesitates a moment, and then hugs him back.]

Thank you. That... It just means a lot.

[The words are said quietly, but with sincerity and feeling.]

[Varian awkwardly pats Danny on the back for comfort. He's really not good at this part of things, he feels. It requires a level of social skill he's never quite got a grasp on, but he'll try his best for his loved ones! ]

Anytime. I'm- I'm glad it helped.

[Genuinely. As awkward as he is, he meant every damn word of it.]

[Danny pulls back and lets go. He wasn't quite smiling yet, but it was closer to a real smile than he'd been for quite a while. Right now Danny mostly just felt tired and wrung out. But it was better, and that was the important thing.]

It did. I think... Maybe I was just focusing on all the worst parts. It helps to be reminded that I'm not alone. [A moment of hesitation.] I can't really talk to my parents about any of this, you know? And it kind of felt like if I talked about it to anyone it would make it more real. And I'd just make people worry.

Sometimes that's too easy to do. Focusing on the worst parts, I mean. Those are the parts that usually scream the loudest. They're...harder to ignore.

[He has plenty of experience in that department. ]

And I get not wanting to...burden people with this kinda stuff. It feels like you just...deserve to bear it alone, huh? [So much experience.] I'll always listen, y'know? I don't mind. You've heard all my stuff, it's only fair.

Yeah... I'm starting to get that.

[Maybe trying to deal with everything himself hadn't been the best plan after all. Because after a while all he could think of was all the ways everything could go wrong.

He shrugs.]

I don't know about deserve. But it just felt like there wasn't anything else I could do. I mean, who gets this upset about an alternate future that an alternate self broke? I figured most people would just tell me that it wasn't me and that was enough.

[Never mind that maybe it wasn't his direct future, but that the possibility that something similar could happen was all too real. He still had the potential for that kind of power in him, and it scared him.

And now at least a hesitant smile.]

You're sure? It won't bother you?

I think that's still a pretty understandable thing to be upset about, Danny. He might not be you, but I can see why you'd be worried you'd end up making the same choices as he did. Especially given how little we know about how these...past live things work. A little worry is...expected, I'd think.

[As much as he doesn't believe in destiny, he feels it shows how good Danny is of a person that he HAS worried about it and not dismissed it out of hand. He smiles, nodding.]

Sure thing. If I can make the whole thing easier for you, then I'm happy to help. I promise there's not much you can dump on me that I haven't already turned inward at this point.

[ Self-loathing is great. Ha ha.]

[Danny wasn't sure if he'd believed in destiny before this. But the idea of some future version of yourself coming back to make your life follow the same path. Well, he'd had more than a few nightmares about that.

Also apparently there was a ghost who controlled time. Only marginally less terrifying, solely because it seemed like he'd taken a liking to his other self.]

Yeah, I.... Is it strange to say that that makes it worse in some ways? Even if was the exact same future I'd know what to watch for. But I have no idea what the trigger could be now.

[Apart from being left alone. But the reason for that, it could be anything. An accident, an attack. And maybe Danny had developed quite a lot of anxiety and an urge to constantly check up on his friends because of that. But it was probably fine. Maybe it was even useful paranoia, considering everything that had happened.]

....Thanks. But tell me if I'm bothering you, okay?

...Yeah I guess that's true. But again, I don't think it's your destiny. I think being in a different world, a different you changes that.

[He's going to steadfastly refuse to believe in destiny, so there!!!]

Of course, I will, but trust me, I can handle it. You don't have to worry, there. I want to help.

I just hope it changes it enough.

I'm absolutely sure it will. I'd bet on it.

[Danny only wished he could be that confident about this.]

I hope you're right.

[He draws himself back onto the bench. Normally at a time like this he would try to distract himself. Make a dumb joke. Go and play video games or stargaze or anything not to think about everything that was and could go wrong.

But right now he honest just didn't have the energy for it. He was just tired.]

[Varian watching Danny draw into himself, his brow furrowed. He hates seeing Danny like this. So withdrawn, so quiet. He wants to be able to pull his friend out of this funk, to give him some sort of assurance - but what can you do to make this any better? It's just gonna...dangle over his head, no matter how much Varian can assure him that he'll remain.

He can't make this better, but maybe he can make it bearable.

He reaches out to put a hand on Danny's shoulder, offering a small smile. ]

Hey. You look pretty beat, you wanna stay over at mine and Fern's tonight? We've still got that spare room. You can just...take some time for yourself.

[Danny contemplates going home for a long moment.

He could go home. He could. His parents tried, at least. That mattered. Even if they didn't really understand him any more. And it was beginning to feel less and less like home.

But as he thinks about it, he can't help but dread the idea of spending another night alone with this thoughts, while not being able to say a word about it.]

...I'd appreciate that. You sure I won't be a bother?

Of course, you won't be a bother. We've got more than enough space for you to come and lounge around if you need it.

In that case I'd really appreciate it.

[His smile is small, but sincere. He didn't really want to talk about his issues with his parents (and the issue with the memories he's had with his other parents. But... the chance to put it off for even a night. It helped.]

[Fern is well aware of how stress Varian has been lately.

Well. Not so much lately....

There was the disaster with the gates and dinosaurs, then exploding their apartment and getting in deep with Zodiac. The weird fallout from getting peach guts all over them hasn't helped, and now all those Black Order jerks showing up have been making things worse. Fern can tell. Varian isn't exactly good at hiding his emotions when they're together.

Which is why, one day, he's sending this incredibly dumb text.]

hey i just realized something great
if those BO nerds turn out to be evil we'll be able to smell them coming!!

[Varian really has been very stressed lately. Working in what feels like the hornet's nest has been deeply unsettling- even more so because on his first day there he quickly realised the people working in Zodiac aren't monsters. Unless they're exceptionally good actors, they're just...people. And the Black Order folks are just people too. Weird people, people who have high connections, but still...people.

Everything's making him feel unsettled and he doesn't know how to handle any of it.

And then Fern's post comes. He stares at it for a moment, confused. Is this a werewolf joke? No, no he said we.]

...Is that a body odor joke?

[HE'S GOTTA CHECK, OKAY? His grasp on modern-day slang isn't the best.]

you got it in one!

[He will forever be supportive of Varian's futile attempts to keep up with nonsense slang.]

since y'know
Black Order
BO
body odor
they really should've given more thought to their super secret club name
the jokes write themselves

[Okay, that gets a laugh out of him then. Bless his boyfriend for trying.]

Hah, that's actually pretty funny. You're right, they really should have thought better before they settled on that name. Heck, even Black Order is weird. Like, if they don't wanna be seen as shady, maybe 'Black Order' isn't the way to go.

Thanks, that really brightened up my break here.

['Here' being Zodiac. ]

right? they should've named themselves something like the Fluffy Nonthreatening Cuties or something

no prob, i know you've been real stressed about
well
everything
i thought you could use a pick-me-up

It definitely sounds less cool, but probably more towards what they're going for. Except for that one that apparently eats people, I guess.

Yeah, it's been a lot. But it's only a month- and then they'll be off our backs.

[Except probably not. Because he's desperately trying to figure out how to stop them from using the peach and he knows they won't like that at all.]

yeah that one's weird
apparently that biz isn't cool here so who knows what her deal is

cool
that doesn't sound very long so i hope they don't got you doing anything real bad

I guess we'll just have to wait and see if she eats any of us.

I'm not allowed access to the really bad stuff. Almost like they don't trust me. Ha ha.

[He's playing it light. He doesn't trust Zodiac not to have this tracked. It's fine, just jokes. ]

if she even thinks about eating you i'm stabbing her

oh
ok yeah

[That's valid given... everything.]

so i guess you're stuck slogging through boring junk until they let you go

Thanks, Bärchen, I appreciate the sentiment.

Yup. Just a little science grunt, that's me. Honestly, I think they mostly want to keep me from doing more experiments OUT of their sight.

[God, he HATES lying to Fern, he makes a mental note to make it up to him later. ]

...Some of the people here are okay though.

you're welcome!

so they're a bunch of lameos
you're a great scientist, they shouldn't try to stop you

[He really has no clue.]

seriously? it sounds like they suck

I think they're more concerned about me blowing up THEIR labs.

No. I mean. The people at the top suck. They're just awful. But everyone else? They're just...people. Just doing what they have to do to get by.

oh
well
isn't that just a risk of doing good science?

seriously? they aren't like
evil minions
or something?

It is, but they are teaching me a thing or two. To make it a little safer. So I can still do good experiments but with less chance of killing everyone around me.

Most of them are just regular people trying to make a living. They know Zodiac isn't the best place to work for, but it's the best place to protect them from everything that happens here.

[One of those things being HIM, they made that very clear. Which...fair, honestly. ]

i guess that's a pretty good thing, then

geez
i never thought much about Zodiac but i know they're not popular on our phones
dunno if people would like hearing the guys they're making out to be their enemies are normal just like them

Probably not. I mean, Zodiac as a company hasn't exactly been great since we got here. But...I don't know.

It feels weird now. I don't really know how to deal with it now I'm putting names and faces to the people who work for them.

[They're not anonymous peons anymore. They're Real People and it's starting to hit different. ]

you're torn, huh?

hmmm
i wonder if they're like us
doing stuff because they got a lot of stuff going on

Yeah. I know it sounds weird but. I don't know.

I think we've been hating a whole bunch of people when it's only the ones at the top who are the real enemy here. And I think so, yeah. They've got homes and families to provide for. They're just trying to do that. It feels wrong to hate them for that.

thaaaat sounds like a big ol can of worms
just so many worms dude
people aren't going to want to hear 'hey guys it turns out those people you hate are totes normal and you shouldn't hate them'

I don't plan on saying anything just yet. I need to finish working here anyway first. Maybe afterwards and just...see what happens. I don't think I can say just...nothing after this.

[But equally, he doesn't want to kick the beehive while he's still INSIDE of it. ]

yeah, that might be the best plan
that gives you time to figure out what to say too
probs not a great idea to throw "hey you donks you're so wrong about Zodiac and i'm right here's why no questions" at people

Yeah that's-

They really wouldn't take it well if I did it that way. I'll figure something out. I hope.

you will
i know you will

Thanks, Fern. I really appreciate your faith in me.

hey varian

i don't know how to say this in a way that doesn't sound alarming so i'm just gonna come out and say it

zodiac is acting really strange and we're worried they might do something to the building people are living in. there's no evidence of that but they're just acting really off and i feel like the further away you are from their influence the better

do you... want to stay with me until we know what's going on?

i have an extra room as long as you don't mind sharing with fern. there's always the daybed too, you'll just have to work that out between you two

i have a couple house rules i'll lay down if you take me up on this but nothing too oppressive i promise

i think that's about it. let me know what you think

[Varian's been living in a state of heightened stress for the last few months- since he found out what Zodiac were planning and his subsequent plans in how to throw a spanner into the works. He very almost drops his phone when the text comes through.

He reads it a couple of times over and his uneasiness doesn't really abate. He's not sure if anything WOULD happen to the people in the apartments- especially after what he has planned. He can't discount them acting in retaliation against him for that. Getting Fern out of the building would be...something. He's still fully expecting to have to get the hell out of dodge, himself. But if he can do something to protect his loved ones then that will be SOMETHING.

He checks with Fern first, of course. Fern doesn't know what he's doing either, and that's for the best. Maybe between the both of them Amal and Fern can be SAFE. ]

Yeah. They're acting super weird lately.

[He knows why he knows why and he's lying to the people he loves about it. It's making him feel sick in his stomach. Up until now, he never understood why his father hid his knowledge of the Dark Kingdom from him, but now he gets it. Sometimes, it's the only thing you can do.

The further away you are from their influence the better - he's glad this is over text- so Amal can't hear the panicked noise that gurgles out of his throat. Oh dear father figure, you have NO idea. ]

Thanks, Amal. That'd actually be...a really good idea. I checked if Fern and he's okay with it, too. It's probably better than sleeping in a place they control completely, right?

[It's probably suspicious that he's not even asking about what house rules there are right off the bat. ]

[Amal has no fucking idea what's going on behind the scenes. He tends to be pretty hands off when it comes to supervising those he's chosen under his care, giving them the space they need and only swooping in when necessary. But this time, he feels it is necessary to stay close. Everyone is on high alert.]

that's right. if things get crazy, i want my friends to be close to me so i can protect you

[Maybe Varian and Fern will actually be able to sleep...? Amal doesn't have the best track record with protecting his friends, but in his defense, it's because his friends usually try to protect him. Less likely here, and now.

It's definitely a bit weird that Varian doesn't ask about the rules right away. To Amal, this reads as Varian being terrified. He's not sure what exactly would cause that but... maybe he's just super worked up about the apartment thing?]

hey. i won't let anything happen to you, all right? i promise. so don't worry too much right now and instead think about all the good food you're going to eat over here

[He can press later.]

right so house rules
1. no experiments in the house
2. no swinging weapons in the house either
3. the giant bird in the backyard is lady dansara. if she knocks on your window, open it and give her pets and an apple. she understands common so if you tell her no she'll leave
4. there's a small dragon in the barn too, ask raha before you play with him
5. knock and ask for permission before entering anyone's room
6. try to be quiet between 11pm and 6am (less of a rule and more of a reminder for me since i work nights)

does that all sound good?

Edited 2023-03-15 21:13 (UTC)

Thanks, Amal. I really appreciate that. The food really does sound good. Your cooking's amazing.

[He reads those rules, and honestly he has...so many questions.]

Got it. No danger in the house. Steer clear of the giant bird and the dragon. And don't worry, I think I could sleep on a whole pile of rocks, there won't be any trouble there- and we won't bother anyone else.

So yeah, that sounds good.

i'm really glad to hear that. you're always welcome to come over if you want food even if you're not staying with me.

the giant bird is friendly i promise, she just likes to be treated like a queen. there's another dragon too actually that's more like a snake? that one belongs to ghaleon, just don't bother that one if you can help it since it might get touchy.

if you need anything special let me know. i can make sure it's waiting for you when you get here.

I definitely couldn't pass up an offer like that! Your food is GREAT.

I guess I don't blame her. Maybe sometimes you just expect to be treated like royalty. And is the other like a...basilisk? Or...uh are they called wyverns? I'm not really great with dragon types, we only have one sort back home and they're SUPER rare. I've never seen one myself.

I'm okay. Fern just needs to be able to get his nutrients from the sun and earth- but so long as he can just go...stand in the garden for a little bit a day, he should be fine. I have to do the sun thing, too, earth abilities and...all that.

i'm so glad my curry didn't scare you off. i know how much spicy stuff can kill a man. not everyone seeks it out the way i do haha

there's a story behind that. for a long time it was just me and dansara on the road... we'd sleep in stables together because i couldn't afford a bed, or there wasn't one at all. but i was never cold because she always sheltered me with her wings like i was her baby. when i drank too much she'd keep me from getting in trouble. when i was despairing she'd nudge me to keep going

that's why i treat her like a queen

[He's never told anyone else this, wow.]

i'm not sure what it's called. it's cuter than the usual dragons. not that dragons aren't cute, but this one is like adorable-cute. it's got big beautiful eyes and a really round nose like a puppy or something

oh yes that shouldn't be a problem. i just don't want to attract undue attention you know? no running around screaming in the woods behind the house because the neighbors will definitely call somebody

No way! Your curry was delicious!!! I loved it a lot!

That's actually...kinda nice. I'm glad that you had someone with you. I always had Ruddiger with me. He even stuck with me when I went to prison. [Just gonna. Not linger on that.] I can see why you'd want to treat her like that. It's...I don't know, it's comforting to know you have someone like that who's always looking after you, regardless of if they're an animal or not.

[He gets it, Dadthing ;;]

I know baby dragons back home are cute, but they have MASSIVE growth spurts.

Trust me, no screaming. I don't want to attract attention to anyone right now.

[Because shit's about to get REAL bad.]

Are you busy? There's something I wanted to ask you.

[C O N C E R N.]

Well. That's not ominous at all.

Nope. Pretty much stuck inside doing nothing in case Zodiac decide to hunt me down and skin me like a pig. What's up?

[Wow rude!]

Haha, It's nothing bad for once.

My friend is staying in a place that doesn't have electricity. He insist he's fine but I'm still a little worried. So I was wondering if you could make him some kind of power generator.

[LOOK, he's going from experience!!]

Wow yeah. I mean, I come from a time before electricity, so I know how to survive without it- but you FOR SURE can't do it in this time period. Everything's built around having it.

[He's pretty sure no one has oil lamps here.]

But yeah, no problem. I can put something together for him. It'll give me something to do and stop be from wanting to crawl the walls.

[The inaction after so much hard work is killing him. He'll have to check with Amal if he can do this inside or out, but this, he can do!]

Probably take me a day or two, that okay?

Mm, exactly. If nothing else, I want to make sure he can have lights and the ability to charge his phone.

Thanks Varian. He lives next to a large garden full of sensitive plants, so please nothing that might damage those.

But are you sure you only need that long?

Right. Does he have any heating? It's still pretty chilly and without any power, it's gonna be cold at night.

I try to avoid anything that'd be too damaging to plants anyway these days. Between Fern and my own earth elemental powers, I try not to risk it.

Trust me, I might be done before then. I need something to keep my mind off everything else. I feel better when I can do something with my hands.

None. The cottage was built during the era of Ancient Greece. That's not an exaggeration.

[So uh, it's got absolutely nothing even by Corona standards]

I see, I'm glad I thought to come to you then.

Is there anything you'd like in payment?

Okay wow, that's not great. I'll see if I can get a little portable heater working too.

Giving me something to DO while I'm stuck here is payment enough, honestly.

You sure? Thanks Varian.

I know you're in hiding, so don't tell me where you are. Just find a way to deliver it to my place.

I'm sure, you're doing me a favour.

And sure thing. I'll let you know when it's done and we can arrange a way to get it to you.

Very well. Take whatever time you need.

[He'll be prepping a caramel pudding for Varian in the meantime. Because that's the rewards for good work]

[On the morning of Varian's birthday, there is a suspiciously staff-like shape wrapped in shiny gold and teal wrapping paper leaning against the dining table. Inside the wrap is a quarterstaff. There's also a card next to the cake on the table, and it reads in crude handwriting:]

Happy nameday to the best scientist I know!
I know you're not the fighting type, but as they say: speak softly, and carry a big stick.
The smith told me it's enchanted to help focus the power of earth. Also to never break it in half. Not sure what that's about.
I can give you some basic lessons outside whenever you feel up to it.
♥ Amal
P.S. Don't eat the cake all at once.

[Varian's birthday has never really been a Thing- big or otherwise. His dad always wished him a happy birthday and gave him a present of course, but then he was off in the fields, or managing the villagers or doing any other number of things his job required. His birthday is always such a non-event.

So he's surprised to find the gift and cake. He opens it up, and lets out a soft oooooh to himself as he tests the weight of the staff in his hand. He had one once before, but the guards took it away from him when he went into prison and he never got it back. He opens up the card and reads it over, and oh...that means a lot.

He's absolutely getting a huge slab of cake as he sits down to type a message to Amal's phone. ]

Hi Amal. Thank you so much for the present and the cake! That's really cool of you to get me something. I had a staff back home, a couple years ago but I could probably use a few lessons in using one properly.

Thanks again, this really means a lot. No promises on the cake.

[Amal is out running errands, but he makes time to text his sonthing back. He's relieved that Varian found it to be a good gift, since Amal knows he's not the best at selecting presents... The majority of things he gets for other people is stuff he thinks he'd appreciate himself. Weapons, nice wine, nice jewelry... that sort of thing. He's not much of a staff user though, so this one was a bit risky!]

i'm glad you like it. i had no idea you had a staff before. maybe it was meant to be!

everyone deserves to be spoiled once in a while. you've come really far

also there's stomach medicine in the bathroom cabinet if you need it

[He's been there, seriously.]

Edited 2023-03-25 00:29 (UTC)

[Varian would very much tell Amal he's EXCELLENT at giving gifts. He's missed having a staff. He always thought it make him look cool as hell. ]

Yeah! I used to hang a bunch of my alchemy on it, it was really cool.

...You really think I have?

[Because that's so important to him. He's felt like a colossal fuckup for a while, so hearing he's improved to someone, anyone, means EVERYTHING.]

Duly noted! I'll probably need it!

[Well. It does!]

hell yes! now you can do that again!!!

i mean it, varian. you've done SO well and i'm proud of you. i gushed to elliot for ten minutes. you can ask him if you don't believe me

[This boy...]

you know what matters and you're capable of doing the right thing even if it isn't easy

you've been honest with me for a long time now, so it keeps ME honest....

i want be a better person because i want you to be proud of me too

[Oh.

Oh. Wow. He's just...not going to answer immediately, just staring at the words Amal has written. It makes his chest feel tight and he can sense tears prickling at the corners of his eyes. All he's ever wanted is to make people proud of him. To feel like he deserves...what? Existence? Probably. To have Amal tell him that not only is he proud of him but he hopes that it goes the same way too is overwhelming.

It takes him a little while before he answers. He's got to deal with all the emotions.]

That means SO much. Thank you. And of course, I'm proud of you! You're amazing! You're one of the most supportive adults in my whole life. I know I can come to you for anything.

[And, well, if he's saying it-]

You're the closest thing I have to a parent in this whole place. I love you a lot and I feel REALLY lucky to have met you. So yeah, I'm very proud of you, Amal.

[Amal just assumes Varian is, in fact, asking Elliot. But then he gets a text a little while later that basically takes all the unintended crying he gave Varian and catapults it right back into Amal's face. He has to stop and re-read it a few times, because this is the first time he's seen that word used towards himself in a way that wasn't completely facetious...

Honestly, it's all so much. Too much. He hides in the back of the jeans department and tilts his head back, sniffling and trying to get a hold of himself.]

Damn...

[Okay. Okay. His eyeliner isn't running. He's good. But he is absolutely going to come home and give this kid the biggest hug.]

i'm not someone who gets told that a lot so... thank you

i love you too...

i grew up alone but you and raha are better than any family i could've been born with. ive learned so much from you specifically like um
scientific things
how to be optimistic even when it's hard
how to be sincere
long division

... the point is that im the one who's lucky to have met you

anyway i'm out here picking up more clothes for you and fern in your sizes so you're not stuck wearing the same four shirts over and over

you have exactly one hour to prepare for the hug of your LIFE

[Looks like they're just going to be passing the Crying Ball back and forth to each other this day, because Varian's poor attempts at keeping himself from crying crumble. ]

That's a shame, you deserve to hear it a lot. You're a great person.

[And he will fight anyone over that!!!

im the one who's lucky to have met you - well, now he really is crying, and he rubs his eye with the heel of his hand to try can calm the tears a little. ]

Wow, that's...that a big list. So glad to have been able to help you with the long division.

[Ha ha, jokes make all the emotion easier.]

Oh wow, really? Thanks, that's really great of you. I'm sure Fern'll be thankful too.

I consider myself well warned.

[LORD HE IS LOSING THIS BATTLE. Varian, do you want him to look like he got dumped? Because people are going to assume he got dumped with how hard he's crying in the back of the store right now.]

i don't know about that but .... if you think so i must be doing something right

[Their humor, or rather terrible way of coping, is pretty similar.]

everyone deserves clean clothes, a warm meal, and a place to sleep. if i can't give you THAT much then i'm failing at my job here

i've been on the run before, it's never fun. i hope we can solve all this sooner rather than later

if you wanted to stay a little longer after the danger's gone, though, i'm sure the others would be okay with it. you've been fine houseguests

Edited 2023-03-31 08:52 (UTC)

[That's just the risk you run when you get emotionally invested in a Disney Princess character, Amal. This is what you get. ]

I do think so. But I get it's hard to believe that kind of stuff for yourself, so I'll just have to believe it for you.

[Maybe between them they can even out their self-worth issues!]

I appreciate it all the same. And for Fern, too. I don't know what I would've done otherwise. Especially if they came and hurt him.

[Because of course he's putting Fern's wellbeing before his own, of course he is.]

That's really nice of you. I'll check how he feels about it. I don't know how safe the apartment will be. Even if the danger passes, people like Zodiac don't forget stuff like this.

[Because he's been on the run before this. He knows how this goes. ]

i can accept that

[TOGETHER THEY MAKE ONE FUNCTIONAL PERSON ISH...]

i know. if anything happened to either of you....... ugh, i'd be doing something stupid i'm sure. point is, the situation isn't that bad and we're not letting it get that bad.

i'm glad you guys got here before everything exploded

[Probably not safe ever again, honestly.]

yeah i don't think going back to the apartment is a good idea. there are plenty of other apartments, though..... i'm sure we can work something out. just hang in there

[One single functional person who's still a little bit fucked up actually.]

I appreciate the through. I mean, maybe DON'T do anything stupid? I don't want anything to happen to YOU either.

I'm really glad too, thanks for giving us a safe place to stay.

...Probably not. I haven't heard from them since I put that announcement out, but there's no way they're just gonna let that lie. They're probably watching the apartment.

no promises, doing stupid things is kind of what i'm known for

[JUST TRY TO ARGUE THAT POINT, YOU CAN'T.]

it's been really nice, honestly. i just wish it were under better circumstances.

oh i'm sure they're watching. we'll figure something out, don't you worry

I mean, I'm not gonna deny that one.

[He knows better than to argue that, Amal, he knows you too well!]

Yeah, it's been...pretty nice having a proper home. I liked the apartment and everything, but it's nice having a lot of people around, too.

Thanks, appreciate it.

[Whenever the first chance to safely hand over a package is, Varian will find a book and a small pouch.]

Edited 2023-03-24 16:36 (UTC)

[Oh well, that's a welcome gift indeed! Varian's going to send a message because this is honestly wild to him. He's not used to getting multiple birthday gifts.]

Hey Danny, thanks for the gifts! I'm gonna learn SO MUCH about tractors. Maybe I can even work on one in Stardew Valley? You know, when things are a little less crazy.

Hah! I thought you'd appreciate that.

Hopefully reading it gives you something to do until everything calms down.

It will! I've always been curious how far farming has gone since my time- maybe I can learn about new crop rotations, stuff like that! And I love the tools, this can fit right into my pocket so I never have to worry about being without tools again.

[He doesn't feel like he's EARNED gifts this time around, much less from Danny, but he appreciates it so much. It makes him hope that things might eventually be normal again. ]

[Birthday gifts and friendships didn't need to be earned. Some day Danny would figure out how to convince Varian of that too.]

I know for sure that a lot of the technology has changed.

[Danny had remembered when they'd talked about this before.]

Yeah, I'm getting one of these too soon as I can find one made of something other than steel. No harm in trying to be a little more prepared next time, right?

[Those two weeks had made an impression on Danny.]

[It's one of those hard lessons Varian really needs to get his head around still.]

Oh yeah, it'd have to in all this time.

[The pitfalls of being a good two centuries behind everyone else!]

Definitely. That was a bad time. Having something on us at all times is the way to go. I can see if I can help with the non-steel thing.

I wonder if coating it with something would help.

[Because Danny had been out of luck so far on finding tools made out of anything but steel.]

Maybe? You wouldn't want to compromise the integrity of the tool, but I'm sure something could work!

Maybe! I wouldn't need the actual blade or tool coated, I think. Just something to cover the handle.

Hmmm, that's true. That's a lot workable! Maybe some..latex? That might work? Though it might be too thin.

[He's THINKING about it. ]

Maybe a double or triple layer? I'm not sure how thick it would need to be.

Sounds like there's just more experiments to do once things are uh... quieter.

Something to look forward to then.

[Because Danny refused to believe that there would be any other outcome to this situation. They'd deal with Zodiac, and it would be safe for Varian to come out of hiding again. They'd be able to meet up again and do dumb science experiments.]

[Soooo there's been a whole heck of a lot going on for the last couple of weeks, but Fern isn't about to let that stop him from trying to do something nice for his boyfriend's birthday. Varian could really use it, even if it's a temporary distraction from Zodiac and all the guilt that's been weighing on him. He knows from personal experience how hard that is.

He's commandeered Amal's kitchen and has been doing his damnedest, and after a couple of hours he's knocking on his and Varian's bedroom door before poking his head in.]

Heyyyy V, you busy?

[There's been SO MUCH. Varian's still not feeling super, but the general support he had when he made his announcement has helped a little. He doesn't feel he deserves people standing by him, but it's what he's getting and he's slowly starting to accept that maybe he's not a complete and utter fuckup.

He looks up from whatever book he's been reading- largely avoiding his phone in case Zodiac try to track him. He flashes Fern a smile as he comes in. ]

Hey, you. Nope, not busy at all.

[Fern steps into the bedroom, happy to hear that.]

Great, then - [It means he can step right on over to Varian and scoop him up into his arms, then spin him around.] - happy birthday!

[Varian lets out a surprised (but happy) laugh at suddenly being scooped and spun. It always makes his heart flip-flop in his chest and now his no exception. He puts his arms around Fern's neck, smiling goofily.]

Hah- wow, thanks. I didn't think it was that exciting.

Well, you're super wrong. It's totally exciting.

[He has that kind of 'I will argue with you on this' look on his face, even as he sets Varian down on the ground. Grabbing his hand, he tugs him towards the door.]

And I'm not gonna let you think it'll go by without it getting celebrated. So c'mon.

[He opens his mouth to argue, but that look on Fern's face makes him stop. He knows better than to argue with his boyfriend when he has that level of determination going on.]

Hah, that almost sounded like a threat.

[His tone is playful as he lets himself be pulled along.]

Should I be worried?

[Fern snorts at that, and can't help his grin get just a tiiiny bit evil.]

Maybe a little.

[Naaahh it's all good. He leads Varian over to the kitchen, which is still a total mess, but sitting on the counter is a very science-y birthday cake and a gift wrapped in the nerdiest wrapping paper ever.]

Enjoy your very own nerd cake!

[Look, the present is great and nerdy, but the cake DEFINITELY gets his attention first. He lets out a soft ooooooh sound, peering over it. ]

Oh my god, Fern did you make this? It's SO cool!!! Is that cotton candy?!!

Yeah! I mean, I had to look it up on the internet how to do it, 'cause cakes like this are more complicated than what I'm use to. But yeah, I made it.

[He's a little sheepish.]

I had to buy the cotton candy. You need a machine to make that stuff.

[Varian, meanwhile, looks absolutely AMAZED by all of this!!]

Fern!!! This is incredible!! I can't believe you went through so much trouble for me!

[Fern is absolutely getting a kiss for his trouble before Varian finally turns to his present. He's really not used to being this spoiled and it shows. ]

Man, you got me a present too!

[The kiss makes Fern blush. Geez, he wasn't expecting this level of excitement over a cake.]

Um, yeah! 'Course I did. You can't have a birthday without a gift.

[The gift itself is a fancy new bag, with tons of pockets and zippers and an extremely steampunk theme.]

[He's very impressed byt the cake. It's a SCIENCE CAKE!! How could he not be?

He opens his bag and lets out another excited little ooooh.]

Oh man, this is SO cool! It's got little gears on it and everything. Thank you, I love it.

[Fern grins as he watches Varian, happy that he's happy with the gift.]

I saw it and thought of you. There's all kinds of compartments, y'know, for science stuff. [What kind of science stuff? He doesn't know, he isn't a scientist.]

[He's absolutely delighted by it, he's definitely opening up and turning it this way and that to look at the aforementioned compartments.]

Wow, I can keep my chemical and substrate samples all separate and everything! This is way better than the one from home. Everything there just ended up at the bottom of the bag and I was always afraid of flasks smashing. This is perfect.

[Aww, Fern rubs the back of his head.]

Cool, glad you like it. A good backpack's super important when it comes to adventuring and junk.

[Varian grins, reaching to take Fern's hand, interlacing their fingers.]

Yeah! It really is. Hopefully, before long we'll be able to get out of here properly and have some real adventures. Maybe we can go into one of the stable gates for a trip together or something?

[Oh, Fern is squeezing Varian's hand immediately.]

That'd be fun. Maybe the pokemon one? That weird flower-bug that followed me out might like to see it again.

[He's more than happy to return that little hand squeeze.]

Sounds great. I've never really gone into there properly yet. It'll be fun to check it out- see all the weird little creatures in there.

Cool! Yeah, they kinda remind me of stuff back in Ooo. Some of 'em are even pretty dangerous.

[Does Fern want to fight a pokemon? Maybe.]

Yeah, I've seen some around, they seem real uh...fighty.

[Like someone else he knows. Who may or may not be right next to him. Holding his hand. Maybe. ]

Sounds like it'd be an adventure.

Right? It's pretty great!

[He loves not being the only fighty one around here, even if they're basically talking about fighty animals.]

Great, then it's a date. A... date adventure. A dateventure? Is that a thing?

[Sometimes, you've just gotta have a fight! Varian lets out a little chuckle.]

You know what, if it isn't, we can make it a thing.

Awesome! Then it's officially a thing. Our thing.

[He pauses at that for a second, thinking, then adds:]

Unless other people wanna make it a thing. It's a pretty cool idea, after all.

[Aww, Fern, his smile softens.]

Okay, I like that. It being our thing. And I guess we can loan it out to people if they really want it.

Ha ha, yeah! I don't mind doing that.

[He grins back, then goes to grab a knife and a plate.]

Sooo you wanna dig into the cake? It's chocolate.

[He's gonna let Fern wield the knife- he knows what makes his boyfriend happy! He nods, excited to eat this delicious concoction. ]

Oh man, chocolate? You know how to get right to my heart!

Hah! Well, it's the best flavour.

[Fern looks absolutely thrilled to be cutting something, even if that something is just a slice of cake.

It's a great slice though, a perfect triangle that he dumps onto the plate and hands Varian, along with a fork.]

It sure is! They perfected it when they found the cocoa plant.

[He's so amused, he knew Fern would get a kick out of it. He'll take the plate. smiling at the perfectly sliced cake. ]

You're really good at the cutting thing.

[Look, he'll give his boyfriend a boost too! He takes a bite, making a soft mmmm sound.]

It's good!

[He nods vehemently in agreement, and at the compliment looks a little embarrassed.]

C'mon, it's just a cake.

[.................. He is also kind of proud of that cake slice though, so his argument is half-hearted at best.]

Yeah? Cool. I couldn't taste test or anything, so....

It's not just a cake. It's a delicious cake that looks super cool.

[He swallows his cake mostly so he can oh-so-maturely stick his tongue out at his boyfriend.]

It's really good! You never would have guessed you couldn't taste any of the ingredients.

[Fern blushes a little. He isn't used to his cooking being complimented.]

Yeah? Thank Glob for that. I dunno what I'd do if I couldn't even make a chocolate cake.

[He'd better get used to it, Varian will compliment him every time he tries it!]

Well, good for you, you're actually great at it. Something for you to know for the future!

[It's ok, after a moment of hesitation Fern will roll with it.]

Hah, yeah. If I ever tired of being the sword guy I can become the cake guy.

[Varian makes an amused sound, leaning in to kiss his cheek.]

You can always be the sword AND cake guy, you know.

[Pfft, he laughs a little at that.]

Wouldn't that be kinda weird? They're total opposites.

[He smiles softly.]

Why would it be weird? You're allowed to have other interests, you know, even when they're totally separate things.

I dunno. It just seems.... [He trails off, shrugging.]

My whole thing is 'emotionally volatile stabby grass boy.' [Thank you, Finn, for some of that.] Cake doesn't really fit.

[Varian reaches out to take Fern's hand in his own- gently rubbing a thumb over the grass there.]

Okay. So think about it this way. Do you think there's more to me than just "the science boy who keeps messing up'?

[Fern looks down at their hands, his own squeezing Varian, before glancing up at him.]

Thaaaat totally isn't fair, dude. You know I'm gonna say yes and that I'll argue with you forever about it.

[He returns the hand squeeze, flashing his boyfriend a very smug grin. ]

All's fair in love and war. Anyway, my point stands. I can be more than one thing. so can you.

[Pfft, he rolls his eyes exaggeratedly.]

Okay, maybe. [He can give him that much, at least.]

So... cakes and swords aside, what do you wanna do for your birthday?

Hmmm. [He rubs the back of his neck with this free hand.] I don't know. I can't really go very far so it's not like I can...go somewhere. Not while we don't know what's happening with Zodiac.

[He sounds guilty about that- he's got Fern stuck on the run with him and he didn't even get his boyfriend involved in the whole thing beforehand. It feels...unfair.]

Maybe we can watch some movies? I know I got a lot to catch up on.

[Varian is right, though it only causes Fern to make a mental note to make sure he takes his boyfriend on some kind of belated birthday outing when everything is settled. If it gets settled.

He nods at the suggestion.]

Then we'll have a whole marathon of whatever movies you wanna watch! We can even see if they got some microwave popcorn in one of the cupboards.

[He waves a hand, pretty sure no one in the house would object to the two of them stealing popcorn for birthday purposes.]

[He will really appreciate a nice treat after all this madness is over. He's so tired of being cooped up. It's still not as bad as being in literal prison for his birthday, but it's not like he can go about freely right now, either. It's just for...different reasons this time. ]

Sounds like a great time, I'm sure there's plenty of snacks for us to rifle through.

[He's pretty sure it'll be fine too. After all, Amal invited two teenage boys in here, he had to know that ran risks of having food devoured. Or...you know, one of them devouring, anyway.]

[Fern nods and starts going through the cupboards, not taking long to find a few bags of microwaveable popcorn. Grabbing one, he tosses it in the microwave.]

Sick! This'll be the best movie marathon ever!

[He might not be able to eat the popcorn, but the smell is still amazing, so once it's done and he's retrieved a bowl they can head to the living room.]

[The smell IS pretty dang amazing and Varian is more than happy to let Fern bask in the delicious popcorn-y smell as long as he wants. Once they get into the living room, he sits down, pulling his feet up so he can cuddle up close to Fern. Because his boyfriend is comfy and he feels maybe he can be allowed to give him a cuddle on his birthday. As a treat. He coils an arm around Fern's middle.]

So. What should we watch first?

[It's pretty awesome, as is the cuddling. Fern is happy to snuggle right in next to Varian, holding the popcorn bowl between them. A couple flowers are even springing up in his hair.]

It's your birthday, you get to pick.

[He'll grab the remote and hand it over.]

[The cuddling is very awesome, and the flowers make Varian's heart flutter a little as a chuckle bubbles out of him.]

Okay, okay. My pick. But you can't blame me if I pick something weird. [He starts flicking through the channels.] Ooh what about The Shining? That sounds like it could be fun.

[He has NO idea.]

[Sadly, Fern doesn't either. He has no clue what the movie could be about - the title sounds like something for kids, but it looks like it's for adults? Weird, but whatever. It seems interesting enough!]

Sure, sounds good.

[You know, for a while, everything seemed pretty okay with the movie. In fact, it seemed pretty dull. Just...some family spending time in a hotel and looking after it. It's not exactly the thrilling adventure he'd been hoping for. Even the talk about magical powers isn't really that exciting.

He's about to tell Fern that maybe this was a bad choice in movies when suddenly creepy fucking ghost twins show up and then there's a lot of blood and bodies and Varian clings a little tighter to Fern. God, why did it have to be blood? ]

Uhhhh. This- this took a turn.

[Fern thinks this is the best movie ever.

He kind of loses the plot part of the way through - something about some magic kid, maybe the hotel is haunted? But it's spooky and there's a whole BLOOD ELEVATOR and that is so totally sick. Marceline would think it's awesome and write a song about it, or something. It's so punk.

Also, he is acutely aware that Varian starts clinging, which is a very nice bonus.]

Hah, right?? Dang, wouldn't wanna see what the pool there is filled with!

[It's so punk and Varian is genuinely terrified. He makes a soft, concerned noise at Fern's comment about the pool.]

Oh, yeuch, knowing this place probably bodies. Or ghosts? Maybe both. [And hey, now he's clinging a little tighter.] OH GOD WHAT IS HE DOING WITH THE AXE?

[Fern's attention is gradually getting pulled away from the movie and shifted to Varian. Not because his boyfriend is obviously having a bad time, but because of the clinging. The clinging is very cute, and he's kind of amazed he never thought of the two of them watching a horror movie together before because this is great.]

Huh? Oh - something cool, I hope. Axes are great.

[The clinging it adorable and it's definitely not going away. Largely because they quickly realise what Jack Torrance is actually gonna do with that axe and as soon as the swinging starts, Varian's half in Fern's lap, hiding his face in the crook of Fern's neck.]

Tell me when he stops swinging it and definitely don't tell me if he hits her with it!!

[This movie already gone way past the acceptable levels of gore for him, he doesn't want to see the wife get axed!!! ]

[Best. Movie. Ever.

Fern makes sure the bowl of popcorn gets shifted out of the way, because no one wants to be cleaning that up, and loops his arms around Varian.]

Sure, sure, if you're okay with missing cool axe action.

[It also means he's going to miss one very iconic axe scene!!]

[Good think Fern is having a good time, because Varian sure isn't. He's keeping his eyes screwed tight shut.]

If that cool aze action is going into the lady's head, I don't want to see it.

Pfft, fine.

[He gives him a shoulder pat, watching the scene play out. Lucky for Varian, axe doesn't meet head!]

... I think you're good, V. Lotta chasing, not a whole lot of chopping people.

[Varian is very glad for the lack of decapitation!! At Fern's reassurance, he finally comes out of his grassy hiding place to peer at the screen.]

They got out alive?

Um, well.

[The movie isn't over, and Jack Nicholson seemed reeeeeaaally murderous.]

For now?

[Varian's still clinging onto Fern as he watches, hrmmmmmm this was such a bad movie choice. ]

Okay so let's just make a mental note to never go to an abandoned hotel in the middle of nowhere no matter how much they pay us because that's haunted.

Whaaat? [Fern has to do his best to not start laughing at that.] Why not?? Between your brains and my swords we'd be killer in a haunted hotel!

I'm not convinced the swords would actually work against the ghosts, Bärchen. And as the axe just proved, bringing weapons into this might end up bad.

[What if them gets SUPER HAUNTED and tries to murder the other D:]

I dunno, my sword cut through some ghosty jerk one time, I think we'd be okay.

[He'll just casually drop that. Thanks for being weird, Ooo.]

[Okay, so that makes him turn to give Fern a confused look.]

You've managed to stab a ghost?

[Fern just shrugs.]

He might've been some kinda... fear manifestation? All metaphorical like? I dunno, I was Finn at the time and the Grass Sword sliced the guy in half and he died.

A...fear manifestation? So like...were you awake? Or was this like... a haunted house scenario?

[Fern what was your LIFE?]

Nope, I was in the ocean. Long story, used to be terrified of it, and I was trying to get over my fear when that donkus showed up. The Grass Sword cut 'em in half.

[Super helpful he knows, Ooo is just weird sometimes.]

[Again. Fern. What was your LIFE?]

So- so he attacked you...in the ocean? That's. Well, I guess that's good you defeated him? Does that mean you're not afraid of the ocean anymore?

Yeah and yeah! I mean, I got over my fear 'cause I faced it, not because I beat that guy. I went for a swim and didn't die, that helped a lot.

[Aww, that gets a little smile out of him.]

Good! I'm glad. I'm really proud of you for facing your fears.

Hah, well, Finn did. [Since he was Finn at the time. He shrugs.] But yeah - important thing is, I can maybe kill ghosts with my swords.

Those are your memories too so I am counting them as a win for you too. So there. [Suck it, boyfriend!!] You know, that IS something that's probably gonna come in handy in this crazy place one day in the future.

[He pouts a little at that. Rude.

And he sighs.]

Yeahhhh. Probs a good chance of some evil ghosts showing up sometime. Maybe through one of the gates or something.

See? You'll be super useful then! Not that you already aren't super useful, of course! I think you are.

[He blushes.]

Uhm. Su-super useful. I mean.

[Varian being his adorably awkward self makes Fern laugh a little.]

Thanks, V. Glad I'm useful to someone.

Hey now, [he wags a gentle warning finger] you're useful to plenty of people.

[He snorts.]

Sure, yeah. Birds love me.

[Gently, chiding:]

Not. just birds. Lots of people. You help the kids when you do the crossing guard stuff, right?

Edited 2023-05-03 06:54 (UTC)

Um, I guess. [Got him there.] But that's just crossing the street, it's no biggie.

Yeah, but they're little kids. That's crossing the street is pretty daunting when you're that young. Heck, it was daunting for me when I first got here because if you don't understand cars, they're pretty terrifying! You make it less scary for them and that's a big deal.

[Oh, it's insanely cute that Varian was intimidated by cars. They weren't exactly normal back in Ooo, but he didn't have too bad a time adjusting to them here. He can't help smiling at tiny bit at this.]

Making it less scary for them is... okay, I guess. That's what matters, right?

[They are horseless carriages, sir!!!]

Of course it matters, it matters a lot! SO don't forget that!

[He snorts a little and nods.]

I'll try not to.

[Amal knocks on Varian's door once again. It's late afternoon, and there's some time before dinner needs to be arranged, so...]

Varian~ [Don't mind the singsong voice, he's a little nervous and trying to hide it.] You busy? I need your help with something outside.

[Really he needs a convenient excuse to get Varian and himself some privacy for an important discussion, but Varian doesn't need to know that.]

[Varian doesn't immediately clock Amal's tone of voice as something to be suspicious of. If anything, he just chalks it up to Amal being Amal. So he is completely oblivious when he comes to the door with a smile. ]

I'm not busy. What do you need help with?

[Perfect.]

There's a... a thing in the shed that I don't know the name of.

[FUCK. HE CAN'T LIE so he has to... skirt around it like this.]

You're better with the science-y things, so I thought I'd get you to take a look at it.

[He gestures for Varian to follow him out the back door.]

[...Well, okay this is a little more sus. Varian squints a little.]

Uhhhhhhh. Sure? I guess I can do that.

[He'll step out, closing the door behind him to follow Varian outside.]

I uh- if it's some modern piece of technology I can't promise I'll know what it is right away, y'know? But I might be able to figure it out if I can take a look at it.

[Or take it apart. Either or. ]

[Don't worry, your dadthing hasn't been body snatched.]

Great!

[Once they're outside and in front of the shed, Amal conjures a key from somewhere and opens it up. It's a very big shed, prime to be converted into a workshop, and it's already been insulated. There's just nothing in there except a fresh coat of paint.

Amal turns the lights on.]

So...

[He turns back to Varian.]

I've been thinking. What if—and this is entirely no pressure—what if we converted this into a new workshop for you? Raha said he could put some wards on it so that it won't go the way of your old apartment. I know it's not big enough to live in, but it's big enough for a couple cars, a couple projects. You'd be safe, and you won't bother your neighbors with a sound ward on.

[He rubs at the back of his head as he tries to think about how to phrase all this.]

I realized... I want you to stay close. If I told you to just go off on your own after this Zodiac thing gets resolved, I'd never forgive myself. The Zodiac-sponsored apartments just aren't safe, not for you or for anyone.

[He places his hands on Varian's shoulders.]

If you want your own space outside of here, that's fine. I can put my name on the paperwork for an apartment in Jun's complex if you want and you can live there. But if it's okay with you, I'd still like to apply to be your guardian and make it official.

I want to look after you. Not as a favor from a friend, but as your... whatever.

[You never know okay, these are weird times. Varian's peering around the..blatantly empty of anything including any possible scientific devices shed and is about to open his mouth to ask Amal if he needs help identifying fresh air when he realsies what's being offered.]

A workshop? For me? Seriously? You-you guys don't need it for anything?

[Because this is a big space to give away. But this is something Varian has desperately needed since he came here just a few months shy of a year ago. He's never had a space of his own to work in, just in his cramped apartment and sometimes the chemistry labs in the high school or university if he was lucky. Nothing conducive to any decent work. Even better, this space will be protected, so there will be fewer likely instances of explosions getting out of hand or noise complaints -the latter of which he usually ignored anyway (RIP Zelos) but still- this is a BIG thing to give him.

He's already feeling pretty emotional about all of this- about being given a space to work, being given a safe space to stay when he knows he and Fern definitely don't have that in the Zodiac apartments anymore. It's already a massive amount of generosity he really wasn't expecting after Amal has given him so much already. He definitely wasn't expecting Amal to say that. He turns to stare at him like a deer in headlights, running through that last part of the conversation again in his head to make sure he heard it right. His mouth opens and closes like a goldfish as he struggled to find his voice again, and when he does, the words just tumble out with no thought process filtering them at all. ]

...You actually want me?

[Because he's fully aware he's not easy. He made his own father's life hard for most of his life, he knows that- he saw how much his... everything wore that man down, and every exhausted "not again, Varian" was just a reminder that he was a difficult child to parent. Quirin loves him, he knows that- and the reminder of that does cause a sliver of guilt in him for having this conversation now- but he's pretty sure if his dad could have had Varian be any other way than how he actually was, he probably would have taken it. At least...up until recently. Things had started to get better before he was pulled into this world. But he's not back home where things are healing now, and he's caused nothing but trouble here.

Varian had told Amal that he was the closest thing to having a parent- but there's a big difference between saying that and having someone actively offer to be that for you. Especially when you're an unmitigated disaster that'll cause nothing but headaches and property damage bills. ]

We've had it for as long as we've had this place, which is about... a year? And we haven't used it for anything. All the storage goes in the basement. [He rubs at the back of his head.] ... The truth is, I bought a house bigger than what I needed, because I planned on something like this all along—the group I travel with is anywhere from six to ten people depending on the situation, like a big family. I... missed that, a little.

[Amal is kind of expecting this reaction, and he meets Varian with a soft smile. Even as he hears that question, though, his heart aches. It's the same ache he felt when he heard—Varian needs your unconditional love.

That's what it is, isn't it? That's the key. It's always been.

Though he's revealed his past to his friends, Amal was met with unconditional love. In his time, before and after he was sent to Kaisou—he was met with love by those he loves most. Love begetting love. And at the very beginning of his journey, that one kind-hearted Arkasodara who gave him a spot aboard the boat... That was the act of kindness that started him on this path.

Varian only needs stability and patience to prove himself, but to Amal, he needs no proving at all.

The older man tugs Varian into a warm sandalwood-scented hug, as tight as the ones they shared when Varian came clean about his own story. Amal had supported him then, and he supports him now.]

Varian... [His throat feels tight despite the dozen times or so that he's rehearsed what he should say. In the end, as always, he simply speaks from his heart.] You will always be wanted. You will always have someone who cares for you, who looks out for you.

We might not share blood, we might not look even remotely alike... hells, we're not even from the same world. But that doesn't matter. None of that matters. Because... home is the people you love. Home is the people you miss when you're away.

[He closes his eyes.]

Home is here... if you want it.

Edited 2023-04-02 10:57 (UTC)

Oh. Well, I can kind of understand that. We had a pretty big gang back home. Though uh...I usually just locked myself away in my lab. Royal Engineer stuff, y'know?

[He's always ended up getting a little too...involved with his work, it turns out. But having a place close to home. Having family who would probably check in and make sure he didn't work himself to death or at the very least remember to eat and sleep was...nice. This wouldn't be miles away from his bed like the catacombs back home are.

The hug is very welcome, because that's what Varian has always needed. Just people who will patiently let him do his thing and give him the support and encouragement he needs to feel like he doesn't have to go above and beyond every single time to just prove his right to be a part of their lives.

He buries his face against Amal, breathing in the sandalwood smell- trying to calm himself down and doing a bad job of it. He'd rather not cry AGAIN this month, he feels like he's already reached an acceptable quota for that. But the tears come anyway- at least these ones are happy tears. ]

I- I'd really like that. To have a home here with- with you. And a family.

No locking yourself away anymore. Not while I can pick locks, anyway.

[HA HA BAD JOKE. But seriously, please don't hide yourself away, Varian. He likes you and needs you and wants you in his life. ... Which is exactly why Amal wants to keep him close. The shed is about as close as he can think of, and having Varian take over that third bedroom is a bonus.

He hears and feels Varian struggling to hold back tears, a familiar sensation, as Amal also tries to hold his own in. But once he hears Varian's breathing he can feel his own happiness welling up.

And with it comes elation.]

Yes! Yes, yes—hells yes! [He spins Varian around and then sets him down, but doesn't let go of the hug just yet (unless Varian squirms).] I was so worried that you wouldn't... [But the thought is so ridiculous now that he can't help a teary little laugh.

He collects himself, and now he lets Varian go so he can drop to his knees and take the boy's hands in his own.]

Listen... I can't promise I won't disappoint you now and then, but I promise I'll do my best to learn. I promise I'll protect you, and guide you, and provide for you to the best of my ability... for you, my chingari. My brilliant little spark.

Until I figure out how to make an unbreakable lock, anyway.

[Is that something he can do? Is he just bluffing? It can be something Amal can ponder on. Fun times. Still, he really is just joking. He likes being around Amal, too and having an actual home attached to a workplace, family and all is such a comforting thought.

He wasn't expecting the little spin, and a surprised laugh bubbles out of him. He's definitely not letting go of that hug yet.]

Why wouldn't I? You've- you've always had my back, even when I was super in the wrong.

[Which has been a LOT, admittedly!

And wow, those are a lot of promises all at once- and while it does give Varian a slightly nervous twinge, this time he knows he can put full faith that Amal will keep them. It's a big step for him, trusting a promise without a warning to keep it or without huge reservations. It speaks volumes about how much Varian really trusts the man. ]

I know you will. I trust you. And I'll...uh try to listen to that guidance and make you proud. Y'know try to...not make you regret this. [His tone is a little joking but he also means it because obviously this is an equal exchange thing and he needs to prove Amal's not making a mistake. He does give a little smile at the nickname. That makes him feel all kinds of fuzzy. ] ...Chingari [he absolutely is not pronouncing that right] hah that's...I like that.

[Amal still can't seem to win against electronic locks, so Varian has that on him, at least. But it is a very credible threat regardless.]

Of course I... [He smiles halfway.] I'm not easy to drive away. I hope you've figured that out, and if you haven't, you will soon! It's kind of my thing—I don't give up on people. Not ever.

[Amal knows he'll let Varian down at some point or another because he isn't perfect, but that's not the same as abandoning someone utterly. He's never done this parenting thing before. He's never even really had a proper parent. But when it comes to being stubborn, saving people despite all odds, and loving with his whole heart... there are few who can match him in that.

'I trust you.' That's all he needs to hear. That's what seals the promise.]

If I regret anything, it's not taking you in sooner. [And just to prove it he goes in for another hug.] I was just... so afraid of messing everything up. I still am. But we—we can figure it out together. That's what family does.

[He rubs at Varian's back.]

That's a relief. I couldn't come up with a flower that fit you. [LMAO] But it's more than that. I think... you're a light in the dark for more than just me. And you'll continue to do that as you grow and learn and invent all sorts of things that make our lives better.

[That pulls a wry little chuckle out of the teen.]

Trust me, I've noticed that. You're almost as bad as Rapunzel with that one. But I'm...glad. I probably need it.

[He definitely needs it. If Rapunzel hadn't been the sort who never gave up on people, he'd still be rotting in Corona's dungeons now. And if Amal hadn't been the sort, well..he doesn't know where he'd be here. Nowhere good.

At least he's prepared for that- people are fallible. That's a hard lesson he had to learn, but at least he can trust Amal will never leave him alone to pick up the pieces and that? That is more than he could ever ask for. More than he still feels he deserves, if he's being honest with himself. But he's trying to be better at that. Letting him deserve good things, and Amal is definitely that.

That's what family does. He gives Amal another tight squeeze. ]

I mean...stuff's been on fire for a while, it's okay. [He's not exactly been easy, and he definitely hasn't had much downtime for talks like this lately.] I believe in you, I don't think you can mess this up as bad as you think you can.

[So there. And wow, Amal, that's a whole lot there. You're gonna kill this kid with all the good feelings you're throwing his way. He's gonna be dead. At the very least, his face hurts from all the smiling he's doing.]

Oh...wow. That's. A lot. [He wants to heavily disagree, but he knows he should be working don't the whole self-loathing thing, so:] Th-thanks? I mean, I hope I can do that, anyway.

Everyone needs someone in their corner.

[He's always liked the stories he heard about Rapunzel. Maybe one day he'll be able to talk to the girl who saved his little buddy.]

Hahah... that's true. Things were on fire even before we got the network, so it's not all your fault either. [Hugging Varian is good, so he'll hug right back. Hooray ✨]

I know you will. But no pressure, okay? You've still got a lot of growing to do. [This whole thing has been no pressure, at least on Amal's part. If Varian wants his own apartment instead of a room in the house, fine. If Varian wants Fern to have his own apartment, that's fine too. And if Varian doesn't feel up to the task of being a hero, he doesn't have to be. He just has to be Varian at the end of the day. That's good enough for Amal.]

Fern's welcome to stay here too, by the way. I don't know him as well as I know you, but as long as you want him here, we'll make it work. In my homeland, it's normal for two or three generations to share a house.

As far as I'm concerned, we're all in the same boat.

...Yeah, they do. No one should be left alone.

[If there's one thing he's brought with him through his (short) life experiences, it's that. The second you leave someone alone...well, they'll lose their way.

He considers this- he's not used to being able to just...be him. Even back in Corona, he has to be the royal alchemist. Just kicking back and being a teenager isn't something he's all that experienced in. His smile softens.]

I think I can manage that. And I'd... I'd like that. I'll ask him what he wants to do- but I appreciate you thinking about him, too. He uh...he means a lot to me.

[Gradually, Amal feels Varian ease, and he's happy for that.

He can give this kid a childhood. He's not a normal dad and Varian's not a normal kid and this isn't a normal city, but god damn it, he is going to give Varian a childhood.]

I know he does. That's why I'd never throw him out.

Space is important too, though... Raha and I have been together a while, and living together even longer, but we still have our own rooms.

We're not doing anything with the basement, so I'm sure we could convert part of it if we needed to. Or I can pay for an apartment nearby so he's close but not constantly in your business. We have enough money for that. It's all up to you guys and what you feel comfortable with.

Nothing needs to happen right away, and I want you guys close to me until everything settles down anyway, so... there's time to figure out what you want to do.

[Giving Varian a childhood is more than he could have asked for. He might be seventeen now, at the last few years before adulthood digs its claws into him and drags him off, but being able to have one at all is more than what he got back home. ]

I really appreciate that, too.

[Because he understands Fern is not always the easiest person to talk to, but he means a lot to the alchemist. They've been through a lot together.]

...Yeah, that's something to think about. We had separate rooms in the apartment. It's been...nice having him close. But you're right, it's... we can think about it later. I wouldn't want him to really...leave. And I'm sure he wouldn't want that either. Honestly? I think he could use a safe, stable home just as much as I do.

[It's certainly not too late to steer him away from the life of crime Amal led until his twenties.]

Separate rooms can definitely be arranged. You two are teenagers. At some point you'll need some space so you don't chew on each other for no reason, and you'll be grateful for that then.

[He ruffles Varian's hair harmlessly (and not too rough, of course).]

Anyway, I'll let Raha know we can get everything started. Wards and paperwork... I'm going to have to do something nice for him when I get the chance...

Yeah, I can see the logic in that one.

[The hair ruffle is nice, and it pulls a little chuckle out of him.]

Is he gonna be okay with this? I mean, adopting a kid is a pretty big thing. I know it's you doing it and not him, but still. It's gonna affect him, too.

[Amal's smile softens once again at Varian's very considerate question.]

I asked him the moment I decided I wanted to do it. He's the one who volunteered to help me with everything, including renovating the shed. He's a very good man.

And... [He glances around, as if Raha might be eavesdropping around the corner.] I'll tell you a secret.

In his past life he did the same thing. He found a little girl who had been orphaned, raised her like his own blood, and trained her up to be an amazing battle dancer. Just like me!

[That's comforting to know. He should have guessed Amal would have asked him first- but he still worries. He doesn't want to be a nuisance to anyone here!]

Really? That's- that's great. I- I guess I'm gonna have to get to know him better. That was really good of him.

[Because getting a surprise teenager, especially one that has actively blown up parts of the city multiple times is a big ask for anyone. But as Amal explains it more, it becomes clearer.]

Wow, that's...hah. I can see why you guys are together. That's one heck of a thing to have in common. [A beat.] Please don't ask me to be a battle dancer, I'm so bad at dancing.

You should. You both have a love of knowledge that's pretty rare. He's just more of a magic expert than an alchemy expert.

[G'raha also was the one who helped Amal jump worlds in the past, but he's not sure that's information he should divulge right now, especially since it's not something they can replicate.]

I never thought about it that way, but it kind of makes sense to hear you say it.

[He cracks up at Varian's request though.] Don't worry, I wouldn't teach you unless you really wanted to learn. Besides, you'd have to practice your throwing before I could even consider it. How good are you with a bow and arrow?

I guess I can hear him out on magic, too. After all, that's all over this world.

[He has accepted that magic is something he has to deal with even if he'd rather not. It's unavoidable! So might as well learn about it. ]

It's good. Having something to bind you together, y'know? It...helps. Having someone who understands where you've come from.

[It's what brought him and Fern together, after all.]

Never used one! I've got a pretty good throwing arm, I can throw my alchemy bombs- but never got to use a bow and arrow before.

Right. It's in everything.

[The more Varian comes to understand it, the less he'll hate it, maybe????]

... Yeah. I still can't believe he chose me. But that's neither here nor there, haha.

[Life is weird when you share the recent trajectory of your life with five other people.]

Reason I asked is because you'll need that aiming arm if you want to be a good dancer. But it's okay if bladed chakrams aren't in your future—I can teach you how to throw daggers, if you want.

Literally everything!!

[One day! At least he's a lot better with his OWN magic these days, he's getting there!]

I can! You're a better person than you think you are.

[But they BOTH know what that's like.]

Really? You use your arms to dance? [Forgive him father, he knows nothing. ] Oh man, yes!! I've love to learn that!!

Yep, even you and me.

[Aether/mana: it's delicious life force.]

H-hey... [That's so sweet.] I could say the same about you!

[They are both on the Self Confidence Struggle Bus, it's true.]

You use your whole body actually! But I'd love to teach you how to throw daggers. I'll see about getting you a good set to start with. Sound good?

[Wow, hey, that's rude!! You can't just reverse Uno him like this!!!]

...I guess. That's rude.

[This is where they live and it's fine. They're fine!!! Varian grins at this.]

Yeah! OKay, that sounds really good, thanks!

[A new dad AND some daggers! It's a good day to be Varian! ]

[Rose, of course, knew of Varian’s existence. But she’d never actually met the boy. Something about introducing herself to Amal’s son felt like it would be crossing a line—-she wasn’t sure what line, but still.]

[Of course, things change and now she’s crashing on their couch. She doesn’t know when she’s going to be able to go home, or even if she’s going to be comfortable living on her own again. With her presence on the couch being extremely obvious, she figures it’s time to bite the bullet.]

[After all, considering that she is occupying their living room, the very least she could do is say hello, right? She finds Varian, and gives him a smile. This is what she can manage right now.]

You’re Varian, right? I thought I’d come introduce myself.

[For the first part of the month, Varian had done what was asked of him and he stayed put. He'd done it once before when Zodiac was on his back, but it didn't mean he liked it any. Now the threat is gone, he's glad to have his freedom back without having to worry about the threat of another shady group.

He's been giving Rose some space. He's glad their houseguest has somewhere to recuperate, but he's never been so good at the people thing and doesn't know the first way to comfort her after going through something so horrific. He's been on both sides of a kidnapping in his life, but it pales to what Krusnik did. He's a little lost how to help her.

But she finds him anyway, and he smiles, raising his hand awkwardly in greeting. ]

Hi. Yep- yep, that's me. Varian. Hi...again. You're Rose, right?

[Any kidnapping is a bad kidnapping! And any interaction Rose has right now is bound to be awkward, especially considering that Varian has probably seen her crying multiple times already.]

[But still, she'll try her best. She matches his awkward hand raise.]

That would be correct. I'm sure your father told you some of why I was here.

[Because she doesn't want to have that conversation again, and she imagines that Amal is the type of person to not keep information secret from his children. The type to teach them to pick locks, maybe.]

I wanted to thank you. For opening your home to me.

[Varian at least, doesn't judge her for the crying. He had some pretty emotional people in his old world and it's not all that different here. You gotta have that emotional health! ]

...Yeah. I already knew about Krusnik. I'm friends with Jun, I found out about them from him. They were...pretty awful. I'm sorry about what happened to you.

[But at least he had a place to BE safe. He's fairly certain Amal would tear the world apart to keep him safe. Also lockpicking. ]

I mean, it would've been wrong not to. [He gives a shrug like it's not a big deal.] You needed help, and we've got to look out for each other here. I'm glad we were able to-to give you a safe place to stay.

Thank you. You're a very kind-hearted child.

[The smile she gives him is genuine. She certainly wasn't so aware at his age. Of course, it's no wonder, considering who his father is. Amal may pretend otherwise, but he does have a kind heart. One that's been hurt, time and time again, but one that is kind nonetheless.]

[Not that she'd ever, ever say that to him.]

You seem very happy here. I'm glad.

[Ah. He frowns lightly, shifting from foot to foot, hugging an arm around himself in an attempt of self-comfort.]

I'm...not. But thanks. I'm. Working on that. Being a better person.

[Turns out there's a lot of reasons he and Amal clicked as a family. They have a certain...understanding of each other there.

Still, he does smile.]

Yeah! I really am! I've got a great home here. No complaints! [He offers her a smile.] I uh- I hope you've been happy here, too? Like. Got everything you need?

Sometimes that's all it takes. The will to work to be better.

[She's not actually sure who it is that she's saying those words to, but she has a hunch that it might not be Varian.]

It has been truly wonderful. When I arrived here, I had nothing but a small apartment. There are certain luxuries that I'd missed.

Hah...yeah. I keep hearing that. I'm working on learning to believe that too.

[He's working on it! Therapy is helping a lot in that respect. Baby steps!]

The Zodiac ones? That's where I was before all the uh...peach stuff. [You know. Just. The peach stuff.] It's a nice place here, after there. Lots of room. I um... I hope it's helping you a little? Having some space to decompress.

[What's up, it's the most That Fucking Guy ever to exist. At least he's not out of his mind right now.

... Blade has no idea how to speak to children so he's just going to pretend Varian's an adult, that's easier.]

This is Blade. Jusis told me to find you for certain... upgrades.

I have a project for you, if you have the time. You'd be compensated.

[At least Varian's much more used to speaking to adults than people his own age. He does tend to have a 'hello fellow kids' vibe to him when he tries. That's what happens when you don't have any actual peers until you are 16.]

Oh, hi. Cool name. And sure! I love projects. What do you have in mind?

[A plight he'd be familiar with if he fucking remembered anything.]

I'm working with the Black Order as their weaponsmith, so I had a forge built out in Hyrule. There's an abundance of space and materials and it's outside of city limits.

Here is the problem. Though I can work traditionally, I prefer crafting with a gas forge for consistency and efficiency. I also need electricity for other tools if I want to finish anything this century. I intend to learn how to forge and repair magical weapons and it will be much faster if the forge is modernized.

You'll be tasked with installing gas and electricity. In return, I'll let you have access to everything in my forge, and I can show you how to use various equipment if you aren't familiar with them already.

You'll be paid well.

[Holy shit?!! This is SO COOL?!! What an exciting project!!!]

Oh wow!! Sure I can help with that. I've helped get electricity to a friend's cottage out in the sticks. I can definitely build a generator for the electricity and figure out how to get some gas to you- it might mean adapting to the spirit realm itself, seen as it's inside rather than outside of it. But it's a challenge I'm happy to take on!

And thanks! That sounds like a fair trade. Do you have a time I can come out and scope out the area? See what I'm working with.

[It says a lot for this kid's personal development that he's accepting payment instead of insisting on doing it for free out of some mad desire to deserve existing. Growth!]

[Wow, he accepted just like that.

Sweet.]

Great. I wasn't looking forward to doing everything by myself, even if that's how it's always been.

Anytime after 5 would be best unless it's the weekend. I have a day job that I unfortunately can't quit just to chase after my medieval aspirations.

[It's a project!! A project for Varian!!!!]

Nah, we're all in this together, right? Makes sense to help each other out when we can.

That's fine, I can drop by then. I've got school starting again anyway so the evenings work better for me.

[A project only Varian can do!]

... I suppose we are.

[He's... ... reminded of something. Someone...

(Maybe himself?)]

If you need to, you can bring your homework. I don't mind helping you through it so you can work. I have an engineering degree, not that they're worth much these days.

[Hell??? YES?!!! He gets to speak to a for realises engineer? ]

Oh man, yes please!!! That'd be really helpful thanks!!

...

Wait, why isn't it worth much? Isn't that what people want? Degrees?

[YES INDEED though he doesn't build rocket ships or anything.]

Sure.

Something to do with privatized college and how stupid the hiring process is. I managed an entry level position, but who knows how long it will take me to make what I'm worth.

...That's really stupid? You'd want someone qualified to do the job SURELY. God, so few people get to go into schooling as it is in my time, I can't believe they're picky over what sort of schooling you get, too.

They want you to have experience despite having just earned your degree. But if you have a degree, you're overqualified for an entrance level job.

It is stupid.

If engineers weren't in high demand right now, I would be unemployed, I'm sure.

Edited 2023-09-10 19:59 (UTC)

But- but that's a catch 22?! There's literally NO winning. That's SO dumb!!!

Sometimes I really, really don't understand the future. I was the Royal Engineer back home. Like, literally working for the whole kingdom and if someone else could do what I could, I'd take their help in a second. It's so much work!!

Being an adult nowadays is just like this.

[AJSKJFJLSJDLFJSLDJFLSDJG]

Royal Engineer? I can't say my job is all that prestigious... I design infrastructure for my day job. It sounds like you got a lot of hands on experience where you're from.

My real passion is crafting, but there isn't much demand for blacksmiths in the twenty first century.

Great, I already hate it and I'm not even there yet.

[He's still got a few months left! Maybe he can just avoid it forever, he doesn't want this.]

Yeah! I built a running hot water system for the whole Kingdom. I'd just finished up on that before I got dragged into this world. But yeah! I had plenty of hands-on experience. It was pretty much just me and anyone I could get to help...lift stuff.

GOD RIGHT!! [No this is IMPORTANT to him!!] What happened? In my time you couldn't go to a single town without there being a blacksmith or a baker or a cobbler or anything. And they could make you what you wanted, exactly how you wanted it. Now that's all gone and it's like the world gave up artistry and quality for convenience.

[... Okay yeah he can see how Varian is the best choice for adding something like electricity or gas to something. Damn.]

You built a running water system-- with heat-- for an entire kingdom? [Ambitious doesn't even begin to cover it.] Wow. You really ought to consider the construction side of engineering if you decide to go to school. It has long hours, but it's way more hands-on than just design.

[Being an adult sucks, but he knows talent when he sees it.]

What happened? Guns and more powerful explosives happened. War became something fought by people in offices behind screens. You're not wrong when you say it's about convenience. Everything is mass-produced and no one wants to wait for anything.

All the more reason to keep doing what we do. Art can't be allowed to die.

[He sure is a lad with a lot of things under his belt. Not all of them good, but that's the gambit Balde has to roll.]

Sure. I'd started it when I was fourteen. But I finally figured it out when I was sixteen. [Such a LONG period of time, between 14 and 16, wow. ] Oh wow, I didn't realise there were specialisations! I'd definitely prefer something more hands-on!!

Oh. I guess that makes sense. It still sucks, though.

I agree. I think that when people are trying to destroy it, that's when it's needed most.

Hello. This is Zhongli, of the Black Order. Are you accepting commissions at the moment?

Oh hi! Sure thing, always open.

What do you need?

Would you be able to fit a sailing ship with some kind of electricity and access to the internet?

Modern sailing ships have these accommodations, but this is a nineteenth century warship. I imagine it would entail a generator of some kind and... perhaps a satellite?

The voyage could take up to six weeks if the weather is uncooperative.

[Well. That's a new one. His little inventive brain is already sparking with ideas. ]

I think I could manage that. Normally my generators need to be plugged in to charge, or at least have some sort of fuel system. But THOSE sorts of ships are way more familiar to me than the modern ones. Perhaps if I hooked up a wind propellor to it, it would be enough to charge the generator to keep it and a satellite going? Yeah. Yeah. I think I could do that.

It's definitely feasible.

Marvelous. I can guarantee a wind spirit will be along as well, so a breeze will be with us the whole way.

[Blessings of the Anemo God and whatnot.]

Could you have this completed by the sixteenth of this month? I know it is something of a short deadline... The Order's blacksmith might be able to help you if you need extra hands.

Oh! Well, that definitely makes a difference! A wind propeller would be perfect then.

Yeah, I can manage that. It'll be pretty tight, but if I have Blade around to at least put together some of the outer casings, that'd save me a lot of time. I can absolutely manage it.

Good. I'll inform Jusis about our arrangement. If the blacksmith gives you any trouble, let me or Jusis know.

[Zhongli trusts the guy about as far as he can throw him.]

Aww he shouldn't! I've worked with him before, he's fine. He's just a little prickly is all, I can handle that.

[Blade hasn't actively drugged him and kidnapped him so he's still above Cass in the "things I'll forgive people for" ranking. ]

A little bird told me that there was going to be a big fight next month. I've been working overtime making weapons that people can use for this if they need them, but seeing as it's supposedly a dragon, we might need even more than that.

And this is unrelated to whatever the prophecy is talking about.

I think we'll need something that's more durable. Tanky. But I haven't built one in this life and I'm not sure I can do it myself.

So I'm asking you. How good are you with mechanical armor?

That's concerning. Dragons are pretty big.

[He's always mad he never got to see the one that showed up in the palace. And then Blade says that and !!! SIR??? SIR?!!!!!]

Oh my god, yes?!!! Absolutely!!! I've done that before! Built mechanical armor, I mean. It was a piloted automaton, it was pretty big and almost indestructible! [Also he tried to kill a bunch of people with it but he's just not gonna...mention that one. Just yet.] I don't have access to what I need to make it THAT durable as that only existed back in my old world and it's gone from there now, too. But I can make it pretty dang strong. It should be able to take a hit from a dragon.

Ooooooh! We can attach SWORDS to it! I didn't have time to attach swords to my first one.

This one is definitely going to be big.

[He knows how big dragons can get, too. The memories are hazy but... yeah he's not taking any chances.]

A piloted automaton? Perfect. That's exactly what I want to make. Artificial intelligence isn't adequate yet, and we don't have the time to write a program of that complexity. It'll be easier just to have one of us in it. Probably me, since most things won't kill me.

[BLADE PLEASE]

You really know your stuff. I don't need to test you, you've delivered every time.

The dragon is earth elemental. I have the ability to imbue wind into things. I'm thinking I could help imbue the weapons, not just the sword but a shield too.

How big should we make this thing? I've got access to a lot of potential steel. We can make an alloy with iridium, I've made smaller pieces of armor with that. But we only have four weeks at most and I already have my hands full with the weapons, so I might need you to do more work on this. Consider it payback for the boat if you want. We could probably dip into funds for the weapons too if necessary, seeing as it's a weapon... just a piloted one.

[Oh god here they go.]

Then we'll have to make sure to build something very big to deal with it.

I'm not great with computers. I managed simplistic automatons once, but they weren't really intelligent. Just smashed up a lot, really. They weren't big, either. It'd be much smarter to have something piloted. It'd take out a lot of variables in a fight. And yeah...most things can kill me and I'd rather not.

[His dad would KILL him if he died!! He'd be grounded forever. ]

Oh that's cool! I'm an earth elemental, too, but I can't really embue anything. Wind is a good one though! I've been studying the fluctuations in our elemental powers and whenever earth elementals are weakened, wind are strengthened. That suggests earth would be weak against any extra wind abilities you can put into something.

[Why yes he IS prepped for what element might actually hurt him, thanks for asking!]

Hmmmm well, four weeks does make it a big tight. I probably couldn't make it as big as I wanted in that time. I could probably only hit about twenty feet with short notice- especially because we'd need time to test it and make sure it works. [ONLY twenty feet.] But yeah, that makes a lot of sense! We can work with this, absolutely. And agreed, it IS a weapon, and it's one that we're using to defend the city with- it TOTALLY counts.

[Here they fucking go!!!]

That was the plan.

I'm good with computers. It's not my main focus, so what I can do is fairly specialized. I made a bot that can scout out resources, for example. It has preprogrammed responses to various stimuli, though it still needs to be manually driven like any drone.

You're not a little kid, but you are a bit young to be throwing your life around recklessly. If you get hurt, I don't want someone to drop in out of nowhere to kick my ass. I have regenerative powers, so don't worry about me.

[If Blade knew his dad was the santa guy he'd double down on this even more than he is because that guy is NUTS.]

Good to know I wasn't mistaken. That's what the books said, or close to it.

Twenty feet, then. It will be difficult, but not impossible for us. I'll see about the invoice I need to send.

Can you start tomorrow?

Oh wow, that's clever! I'd like to try more of that in the future. You know, assuming we don't all get horribly murdered by the dragon or whatever else is coming next month, anyway!

[OMPTIMISM!!]

Oh, I've thrown my life around recklessly more times than just now. I nearly died, like SO MANY times back home. But yeah, my dad would be pretty mad so I probably...shouldn't.

[He is so nuts. Varian loves him but he is so fucking nuts. ]

Yeah! It's totally doable! Man, I'm kinda excited. I haven't built one for so long. I'd like to see the perfections I can make on the last one.

Sure! I can drop by after school.

[The world might be in horrific danger but there's still SCHOOL!!!]

We'll be fine.

[The optimism is blinding.

... Maybe this kid really is old enough to watch Iron Blooded Orphans, holy shit.]

Dads hit harder than dragons. No thanks.

I look forward to working with you. Don't forget to bring your homework. I'll help you with it.

[There's a thin line between optimism and stupidity and these two camp there all the damn time.

He would so watch it. He would watch the whole damn thing. ]

They really do, and my dad fought Santa.

[Just. Casually putting that there.]

Me too! And thanks! I really appreciate that.

[Oh shit. His dad is the santa guy. Yeah, okay, even Blade has heard how crazy this guy is. He doesn't want any of that.]

Oh. That guy. Let's not get on his bad side.

[FJKDLSFKDJSLFJKLSDG]

No problem.

... I feel a little bad for complaining about how hard it is to get a job. Education is important. A strong understanding of the rules is needed to break them.

Do you have... college plans? You could get a scholarship with that brain of yours.

[His dad is the Santa guy. Don't go near that, Blade, love yourself. ]

Aww, he's great, I don't think you have to worry about him.

[Yes. Yes you do.]

Yeah, I want to go to college, I've sat in a few college lectures already. The science programmes at high school don't really cut it, you know? It's just stuff like...history where I struggle.

[Because it's not really "history" when most of the things you learn there happen AFTER your time. ]

I've got POKEGO, too! That's exciting.

[Blade knows he's insane and he's just now realizing that Varian tolerates him so well because his dad is worse.]

I'll take your word for it.

[HE AIN'T]

History isn't half as important as people say it is. You only need to take a couple semesters for an engineering degree. If you can get one that specifically ties into design, though, it's better.

POKEGO, huh. Dan Heng has told me about some of the things he's seen while with them. It's a good place for you.

[Blade is... too broken, and he would never want to intrude on what he feels is Dan Heng's safe place. But maybe in another life, a less cursed life, he'd pursue knowledge for its own sake again.]

Anyway, if you need help with getting into classes or scholarship applications, ask him. I don't remember the process but I can read over any essays they make you write.

[Blade doesn't even hit Varian's radar. It's that bad. ]

That's really helpful to know, thank you. Having pointers means I might be able to actually figure this out by the time I need to apply.

[Which is looming EVER CLOSER. ]

I think so too! It's really given me a lot of opportunity to study. I think it'd be a good career, too. I like the idea of helping people out.

[Blade, please, don't be like this. ]

That'd be amazing. I really appreciate the both of you for helping me out. I have Elliot too, of course. But honestly, I need ALL the help I can get.

The first thing to know is the odds are stacked against you from the start. Every advantage you can get, seize it-- no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.

[HOW IS VARIAN ALMOST COLLEGE BOUND???]

Good.

[Too late, he's Like This.]

You aren't the first person from outside the US to attend college here, and you won't be the last. Ultimately, what matters is your attitude. ... And money, I guess. That's what scholarships are for.

That makes a lot of sense. You can't let anything slip you by, right?

[Time is fake, that's how.]

Hah, I have a feeling I might be one of the first ones to attend when I'm from 1820 though. Also a completely different world, I guess. But yeah! I can totally work on a scholarship. That's...definitely the better option.

[It's a lot of money and he doesn't want his dad to have to try and figure out THAT :(]

hey, it's noctis. from the park? the guy with the short-range teleport?

found out i can make healing potions recently, and the tower's clear, so.

wanna do some testing?

Oh hey, Noctis! I remember you.

Really? That's fascinating! Sure, I'd love to test those out! How do you make them? Is it a certain chemical compound you use? Is it Salicylic Acid?

i hold a gatorade in my hand and i turn it into a magic healing potion by wanting to feel better.

yeah i was a little underwhelmed.

[...What.]

...

Wait. Seriously? It's not done with chemistry? You just make.

Magic healing potions. By thinking about it?

[Why is this world like this? He's been doing SO WELL in accepting magic and he doesn't get grouchy about it half as much as he used to but sometimes this place really pushes his limits.]

Okay, you know what, sure. Whatever. Makes about much sense as anything else here. We can still test it!

yeah. it was kind of a letdown after years of figuring out how to make crafting in games engaging.

but yeah that’s what i was texting for. i have no idea what the limits to this are and i don’t want to get in a fight just to test it out, so.

meet me at the tower?

I can imagine. It's a letdown for me, as someone who actually...does craft chemical compounds and...I guess for a lack of a better word "potions". Like in your games.

That's fair! I can set up some handy parameters- make sure we get a good idea of the limits in a secure, safe environment.

Sure thing! I'll make my way there!

[And as promised, he'll be waiting at the base of the tower, a backpack full of all kinds of scientific devices- just in case!]

[The first sign of Noctis is the Engine Blade he's been carrying around thunking, point first, into the ground. The second is a flash of blue light, before the energy resolves into Noctis's form, a hand curled around the sword's hilt, a bag full of various different types of drinks hanging off one shoulder. Clearly he's been practicing lately.

A couple seconds later, a very unimpressed Oshawott waddles up behind him.]

Hey, Varian—this is Fluvius. Fluvius, this is Varian.

'Oshawott!' [The little otter waddles forward to stick a paw out for Varian to shake.]

So, uh, you're not expecting me to go all the way up to the top, right?

[Okay, that is cool as HELL and Varian looks pretty impressed! More so than Fluvius anyway. ]

That's really neat! You've been practising!!

[With all the confidence of someone who lived around a Disney Princess, Varian doesn't miss a beat, stooping down to shake the little otter's paw. ]

It's nice to meet you, Fluvius. This is Ruddiger.

[He points to the fat-ass raccoon sitting on top of his shoulders. Ruddiger just watches with squinty, judgemental eyes as Varian straightens up.]

Aww, nah, it's not that high! We don't need to go all the way up.

Yeah, it’s been useful. I’ve been figuring out how to get from my apartment to the nearest ramen bar in less than five minutes, and once I get more of a hang of this I can cut it all the way down to two.

[Leave it to Noctis to have figured out how to speedrun a 5AM ramen run.]

‘Oshawott, sha-wott.’ [Fluvius looks very pleased with both himself and Varian, and gives Ruddiger a formal, regal bow. Noctis chuckles, sliding the Engine Blade into its makeshift scabbard.]

He says it’s good to meet you too. [Then he scoops Fluvius up into his arms.] Oh, good, I wasn’t looking forward to doing all that climbing again.

So which room are we in?

You've been using it to get... fast food.

[HIs tone might be a teeny tiny bit judgemental. Just a smidgen. Like, sir?? Please???]

So you can talk to him? That's pretty impressive! I've got a Zigazoon and a Pachirisu, too. But they're in their POKEBALLS- I'll let them out if we need them. They cause chaos if they're all out together.

[Ruddiger pushes them into CRIMES. All the time. ]

Me either- I figured we could try the one just before the puzzle room- there was a good space there- and it had windows for... y'know, ventilation.

[LET'S BE SAFE!!!]

Not like I can find a monster to fight around here on a regular day.

[Nor would he want to.]

Sorta. He's an expressive guy, so I can make a guess what he wants off gestures and tone. Helps he's a lot smarter than the average dog. [Fluvius, in response, gives the tiniest little grin. You hear that? He's smart.] I think I saw a Zigzagoon before I caught Fluvius. They're the little raccoon-like things, right? Like Ruddiger except spikier.

[Pachirisu he hasn't seen.]

Yeah, that works for me. [He pauses, before frowning.] Those crystals aren't still there, are they?

[Because he's always felt just a little bit uncomfortable around them, for all that they came in useful while he was trekking through the tower.]

...I mean, you could probably find some in Hyrule but that's fair, yeah.

[No one wants to fight monsters on the daily!]

Yeah, Pokemon are definitely much more intelligent than people give them credit for, and that's correct! They're very much like raccoons.

[He shakes his head.]

Nah I think they're gone now. They got grabbed really quickly. [He casts Noctis a worried glance.] Why, are they a...uh problem?

Might be more than I could handle right now.

[An Engine Blade and an affinity for warping and making healing potions are just about the only things Noctis has going for him right now, combat-wise. He’s not stupid enough to try going up against monsters right out of the video games he helps develop with only that.

Well. Again, anyway.]

Yeah, for something that can really only say one word, Fluvius sure knows how to trick people into giving him extra treats.

[You have never seen an Oshawott so smug ever.]

No, they’re not. [It comes out too quick, and Noctis lets out a breath.] It’s…hard to explain. It’s not that I think they’re a problem, it’s just that—something about them stirs up, mm, complicated feelings, let’s say.

Yeaaaaah, maybe don't push it. Baby steps, y'know?

[They don;t have to do everything immediately, after all. One thing Varian has learned is that they have a LOT of time here.]

That sounds about right, ha ha. Ruddiger normally just... uh steals treats- but I don't think he counts anyway, given he's just. Just a raccoon.

[Ruddiger chitters angrily from his shoulder at being called "JUST" anything, and Varian reaches out to pat his head in apology. Varian considers this.]

...Okay, I think I get it. [If the amber were here, he'd be very freaked out after all.] I'll keep my eyes open and if we come across any, I'll give you a heads-up, okay? We should be okay though. Hopefully.

[And inside they go, climbing the long stairway towards the room they need.]

We have all the time in the world, yeah.

[He says this while, in the back of his head, he finds himself wondering about that Teresa on the network. He doesn't think he's a target, she'd been very dismissive of him, but he did himself no favors talking to her.]

Raccoons tend to do that. We used to have raccoons stealing shit right out of our cupboards when I was in college.

[Noctis's college days were a wild fuckin' time.]

...thanks. Appreciate it. [Noctis follows in Varian's footsteps, doing his best not to think about crystals, and what infinity lies inside them.]

[Varian's certainly worried about her too- though more what it can mean for his mentor than anything else. She's viciously targeted Mikleo and while he has no doubt the guy can defend himself, but it's still a worry. ]

Hah, no kidding? Ruddiger does, at least, usually bring helpful trash I can use for my inventions. So I don't mind it so much. So long as he doesn't steal something actually important from someone, y'know?

[Varian doesn't wanna go to prison again!!!]

No problem. [As they get into the room, with plenty of space for them to work, Varian looks around.] Okay, I think we are super clear of gemstones. Pretty sure we're safe!

Not at all. They're pretty smart, but boy was it a shock for me and my roommate. [His hand twitches toward Ruddiger as if to pet him, before he thinks better of it and lets it drop.]

Has that happened before?

[He would not be surprised.]

All right. [And he sets his bag and Fluvius down and starts taking out a variety of drinks from the bag: energy drinks, sodas, bottled waters, iced coffees, juice boxes, the works. There's even a single lonely beer can in there.] Just a sip should work. A lot of these are pretty caffeinated.

Hah, yeah, I can bet. They're a shock if you don't expect them.

[No one expects the Raccoon Inquisition. Ruddiger definitely looks up as a Hand Of Potential Pets is offered and then cruelly taken away. He chitters annoyed, sliding off Varian;s shoulder to sit as close to Noctis as he can- planning to get as underfoot as possible until he gets the scratches so cruelly denied him. ]

I mean... back in Corona he stole some important stuff, but the person who held it was like. An actual threat to us so I think that's fair.

[That's totally fair game, right? He thinks so! He peers at the drinks as Noctis starts to pull them out. He pulls out a notepad and pen of his own. He is prepped for SO many notes!!]

Fantastic. I'll rank them from least caffeinated to most and then see which are most effective, how's that sound? We should get some solid data from that!

[to Ruddiger, dryly:] You hear that? You're a shock. And a thief, but it's okay, if you thought the person you were stealing from would've been a threat. [He glances at Varian to ask:] He's fine with pets, right? Don't wanna get bitten by accident, that's, uh, happened before.

[Noctis starts scanning through the backs of the cans and bottles he's brought with them, arranging them in order from most caffeinated on the left to least caffeinated on the right.]

Yeah, that sounds fine to me. I know for a fact that it works on Coke and Pepsi and Gatorade.

[Ruddiger tilts his head up at Notcis, chittering away as if he understands every word said to him. The question pulls a little chuckle out of Varian. ]

Honestly, he'd probably be more insulted if you uh... didn't pet him. He doesn't bite, you're safe.

[He nods, looking at the arranged drinks.]

Great! So, how do we wanna test it? I'm assuming someone's gonna have to get injured for this one.

[He sounds excited by the science of it all because there's something fundamentally wrong with this kid. ]

Edited 2024-02-13 21:01 (UTC)

[With permission granted, Noctis starts petting Ruddiger, scritching behind the ears like he would to Fluvius, who's taken the scallop off his chest and is tossing it up in the air and catching it.]

If someone's going to get injured it ought to be me. I can handle some pain. [He's been managing pain for most of his life, a little bit of bruising in the pursuit of science won't be too bad.] Anyway, someone needs to record it, and I'll leave that to the experienced scientist.

'Sides, [he adds, glancing to Fluvius,] the little guy here needs to practice his aim with that shell, anyway.

[Ruddiger very clearly enjoys the attention, leaning into the petting and chittering softly. ]

I mean, I'm not gonna say no- not that I want you to get injured or anything, but I'm- hah- I'm trying to be a little safer these days. My dad'd kill me if I got hurt. But yeah! It's- it's probably better I'm conscious to record what's going on.

[That gets a little laugh out of him.]

I'm sure he's gonna have a blast with it.

Yeah, we don’t want your dad killing you and then me for letting you get yourself hurt.

[Sadly Noctis must take away the hand so he can fully concentrate on infusing these drinks with healing energy, sorry, Ruddiger. It’s a subtle little light show, a brief glow of soft blue light as Noctis holds a drink in his hand before the energy dissipates. He does this for each drink he’s put out.

You’d think it’d be more obvious which is a working healing potion and which isn’t, but when he’s all done it all looks…pretty much the same as it did before.]

I did say it’s a little underwhelming.

Hah, we do not want that. No one wants that.

[Amal would probably dance battle him or...something. Varian starts scribbling notes furiously as Noctis does his thing- poor Ruddiger well and truly forgotten. He skulks off to sit with Fluvius, plotting their doom. ]

I don't know, there was definitely a reaction when you activated your magic. A small reaction is still a reaction, after all.

The little glowy thing? You've seen me warp, I think that's just how it manifests.

[It feels strange to wield this magic. It's unfamiliar to him, right now, as he is, a guy whose only contact with magic before the New Year was chiefly through video games. It's also familiar, in a way Noctis can't entirely fathom—like it's only been sleeping inside him, waiting for him to wake it back up, greeting him like an old friend when he did.]

Hey, uh. Feel free to tell me if I'm prying, but when did the app download itself into your phone?

That makes sense. Pretty neat anyway.

[He scribbles down some more notes, glancing up at the question. He offers an awkward smile.]

Oh... well, I'm not originally from this world. I uh- I came from somewhere else- a place called Corona. I never even had a phone before coming here. They didn't exist yet, I'm from like... way, way in the past. Zodiac gave me my phone, so it was already there. That was uh... nearly two years ago now, yeah.

—oh. [Two years. Two whole years, god. It took Noctis a long time to adjust to having moved when he was younger, and he’d gone sullen and sulky for a while there. He can’t imagine being away from your whole world for two whole years.]

…how’s the future treating you?

[Two long years- worse, Varian knows it will be many, many more yet. Centuries, possibly. He knows his own stupid actions have trapped him in this realm forever- the only comfort is that the homesickness for Corona has ebbed. Though he'd give absolutely anything to see his father again. Even for a second.

At the question, he waggles his hand in a so-so motion. ]

Eh, fifty-fifty. There's stuff I really enjoy- like wow you guys have legitimate healthcare now and that's pretty awesome. Electricity is amazing and I've learned about so much technology that's happened in the two hundred years between where I come from and now. But there's a lot of stuff I don't get either. Like memes. And...uh... pretty-pretty much all pop culture, honestly.

[Doesn’t Noctis know that feeling a little too well.]

Electricity’s pretty good, yeah. Don’t think I can live without it. [If he couldn’t play Candy Crush every so often to turn his brain off he’d probably start clawing at the walls.] If it helps, though, I don’t get memes these days either. Little too old for that, I guess.

[Kids these days with their deep-fried jpegs and their postmodern memes on the nature of memes. Back in his day, you posted a picture of I Can Haz Cheezburger and you did numbers on MySpace.]

I don't think I could now I've gotten used to it. It's far too useful. I can see why it changed the world when it came around.

[Had he been able to go back, he knows he would have been an old-ass man by the time it turned up. Rude.]

That DOES help! Jun's always getting on my case for not being [fingerquotes time] "up to the times" with like, memes and those stupid emojis and stuff. It's not my fault they don't make sense!

[He's grumbling like an old man and not someone on the edge of his 18th birthday but there you go. He is what he is in his soul.]

Right? Makes a lot of things easier—if you need a light, you can just turn on a switch and there it is.

[Noctis leans back on his palms and chuckles a little. Aw. This kid acts so old, it’s like he’s talking to someone’s granddad bitching about the good old days.]

Emojis are fine. I like a good emoji. It’s the memes that give me trouble. They fall out of popularity so fast it’s hard for me to keep up.

Exactly! No need to use candles or a match!

[He is the oldest old man in his soul. ]

I just don't get why there are so MANY of them- emojis, I mean. But yeah! The meme thing is so weird! I don't get the humour at all. It's just text on an unrelated picture!

Less of a fire risk, too.

[Noctis hums, then stands up, stretching his back a little because oof, sitting hunched over like that for a while does not help his old wound any.]

People like having a little picture that sums up how they're feeling, I guess. Although the meanings aren't always obvious. [God knows he has accidentally come off as passive-aggressive in texts with his usage of the wrong emoji.] Memes, though—yeah, I think I can answer this. A friend of mine once told me it's something about the ironic tension of the text over the picture. 'Specially if it's a picture of a movie scene—if you know the context of the scene the irony intensifies.

Trouble is, there's so many these days that it gets hard to keep up. And, y'know, I'm thirty. I'm old and decrepit by Internet standards.

[Linking his hands together behind the back of his neck.]

All right. Hit me with something, let's see how good these potions are.

I mean, that's always a risk with me, I can acknowledge that- but yeah! Generally, it is!!

[He grimaces a little at the explanation. It's pretty much how Jun put it to him. But less obnoxiously because, unlike Jun, he doesn't think Noctis is trying to get a rise out of him. ]

Ugh, yeah I guess that makes sense. The problem for me is that I've seen so few movies most of them go past my head. But hey, if it makes you feel any better, I'm seventeen and don't get it, so there's hope for you yet!

[He should be living the teenage dream out there online and he does not. BUT HEY, now it's time for more important things! He grins, pulling out a small glass ball, in it is a glowing green liquid.]

Is an explosion okay? Or would you prefer like, a blunt object thrown at you instead?

[Just. Right to offering explosions. ]

The hell do you do that you risk setting things on fire all the time?

[Varian, buddy. But yeah, Noctis has no real interest in trying to get a rise out of the kid. In fact it's in his best interests not to piss him off at the moment because Noctis already volunteered to get hurt for this experiment.]

You're from the distant past. [Which is a less offensive thing to point out, he thinks, than yeah but you act so much like a grandpa I'm surprised you're seventeen.] I've accepted it, anyway, there's no hope for me.

[A pause.]

...let's hold off on the explosions for now. [Maybe forever please god Noctis is not quite willing to go that far.] But a blunt object should be fine. Maybe a hardcover book.

Oh, I work with dangerous chemicals a lot. Dad has a lot of fire extinguishers everywhere. Just in case!!!

[He sounds so delighted about the FIRES. Why would anyone not be delighted about the FIRES?!!

Noctis remains the smartest man alive, and instead of being offended, Varian just nods in commiseration. He gets it. He is also, you know, the oldest teenager alive. That too.]

At least you won't be alone! [He looks a little disappointed he can't immediately start hurling explosives about. But relents and pulls out a pretty solid looking book form his bag. ]

Okaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay, I guess this'll do. Heads up!

[Which is all the warning Noctis gets before Varian just LOBS it at his HEAD. The kid's got freakishly good aim. ]

...I probably should've figured that, yeah, you're the closest to a real-life artificer I've ever met.

[Even knowing it was coming, Noctis is still surprised when the book slams right into his head. He yelps in shock and staggers back and yeowch that hurt. His fingers flex briefly around—nothing, instinctively, and for a moment he's surprised to find that nothing comes when he calls for it, who's blocking my magic—

Then he shakes his head, and his hand drops.]

You have a hell of a throwing arm. D'you need to check the bruise or can I get a potion now?

I'm gonna take that as a high compliment!

[Sometimes, it sure does suck to be Noctis.]

Thanks, I got it from years of building robots and throwing bombs. [Ah yes, the bombs. He wanders over to look at the bruise, tilting his head this way and that, before writing down some notes.] Okay, go for it!

[It sure fuckin does.]

Oh, good. [And he's going to pick up a soda can, pop it open, and just chug it with the look of someone who is fully aware he's going to hate himself for putting so much shit into his body later. But whatever! This is for science.

Right before Varian's eyes, the bruise heals in seconds until it's like it was never there at all.]

[Varian watches as Noctis opens his soda can, drinking it down - and then how quickly the bruise heals. He scribbles down notes, grinning.]

Fascinating!!! It's an instantaneous result! [He's just gonna..reach out with his pencil to poke at the area he got hit. He doesn't even ask first. ] Does it hurt when I do this?

[On Varian's birthday, there will be a delivery left at his door. The delivery contains a carefully decorated raccoon themed cake, portioned out bags of treats for Varian's raccoon and his pokemon, and an extremely durable coffee travel mug.

There is no name attached to the gift, per usual, but Varian can probably guess who it was.]

[Varian can absolutely guess who it is from, and he appreciates the gifts very much. Ruddiger and the pokemon are doubly so, as they to steal every potioned bag, thus negating the whole point of potioning. THAT was a fun half-hour of chasing them around.

As is their custom, Varian does not directly say thank you for this gift. He does, however, send Ruddiger to stare creepily through Jun's window for a spell. Thanks, Pal!!! ]

[Varian why are you like this.

It was late when Jun was about to relax with a few episodes of anime before going to bed, when he senses a presence watching him. He pulls back the blinders to see Ruddiger. Staring at him creepily. He immediately knows who it is, he'd recognize that asshole raccoon anywhere.

....

Well then. Anime will have to wait bit.

After he manages to wrangle Ruddiger with some luck, he'll deal with him as he sees fit. Which means, keeping him Yoichi's cage until it's an hour when he knows even Varian would turn in for the night.

And when that hour approaches? Above Varian's head, a small portal of light will open up.

Right before Jun tosses the raccoon straight into the portal and shuts it behind him]

[His therapist is probably writing an entire thesis on Why Varian Is Like This.

Varian wasn't too concerned when Ruddiger was late home. The raccoon usually goes around scavenging the trash around the city or romancing the various lady raccoons he can find. Varian doesn't like to think about it, honestly. He leaves the horrible creature do his horrible deeds.

Which is to say he was not expecting this assault on him as he was settling down to sleep. As the portal closes, Jun gets the satisfaction of hearing Varian SCREAM as a pissy raccoon drops on his face.

Happy birthday, Varian! ]

[Just according to Keikaku*

*Translator's notes: Keikaku means plan]

hey, you’re an engineer.

could you, hypothetically speaking, make a small bomb? how long would that take?

[He’s staring at the prophecy post right now and thinking about how his magic ice bombs might not be enough for whatever’s coming.]

[!!! YES!!! His time has come!!! Be cool about this, Varian. Be cool.]

YES!!

I mean, sure. I could for sure build a bomb. How long it takes depends on how potent you need it to be. Also, do you want it to just explode or do something else?

i don't need it to be incredibly potent or to do anything really fancy, i just need it to explode when i throw it. i also need it to be something i can store and carry safely—if i get into a fight i don't want the bombs to explode because i got thrown against a wall too hard.

That's totally workable! I can only make one a day for...some reason I've never quite understood, but I can totally put something like that together. I can add it so it has a specific trigger on it so you don't have to worry about accidental detonation.

One one wants to accidentally lose a hand! Ha Ha.

three of them should be fine. i don't think i'm gonna need to use them for a while. [He's going to regret typing this in a few days.] i'd appreciate the trigger, thanks. i'm a little attached to both hands.

how much do you want for it? i know it'll take a while so i want to compensate you fairly.

Most people are- that what wrists are for. Ha ha, science joke. Anyway, that's not a problem, I can totally pull that off for you.

[A year ago, he would have insisted on doing it for free, desperate to validate the multitude of second chances he's been given- feeling he owes the world what he can do for nothing in return. He's finally moved past that- long as it's taken him to do. ]

I'll get to the drawing board and send you an invoice once I have an idea of what it'll cost. I can get them done in a pretty short length of time at least. I don't have anything major going on now finals are over.

take as long as you need, i don't mind. probably better to meet up in person to hand it off when you're done, though, or we'd both have some explaining to do.

oh? how'd finals go?

Yeah that's probably smart. I didn't long get out of my apprenticeship with POKEGO. I don't wanna get into too much trouble.

Pretty good! I'm waiting for my results and then I'm hoping to take a few classes in college along with my POKEGO work.

yeah, i think your dad might kill me if i did get you in trouble over something like this.

hey, if you ever need any extra credits, you can come work for my gaming studio. we've got a lot of programmers but we wouldn't say no to an engineer. i'll compensate you also with actual money—i've been an unpaid intern before and it sucked.

Oh yeah, he really, really would.

Oh thanks! I admit the... coding and general electronics parts are where I struggle a little, so I'd appreciate the leg-up on that one.

[And he wouldn’t even fight Amal if that happened!]

i’ll help get you up to speed on those. honestly, sometimes i forget people struggle with modern-day tech, i’m so used to it that it seems intuitive to me. it’ll be good to have the reminder.

btw if i do start spouting off about technology and you get lost in all the jargon, stop me any time. [He very carefully does not say anything about spouting off about fishing.]

Edited (icon change) 2024-05-03 05:51 (UTC)

[Wise move, honestly!]

Great! Thank you. It's something that's always been kinda tricky for me. I mean, I've been in this world for nearly two years now so I'm way better than I used to be, but it's something I for sure need to work on.

Hah. I'll hold you to that one. Don't worry, I'll let you know if you lost me- you could probably tell by the staring into the middle distance I'd be doing.

[He has accepted all fishing talk is just gonna be what it'll be. ]

it took my dad a while to get the hang of his smartphone too, if that helps. he used to say that the blackberry era should've lasted longer.

"blackberry" is a phone brand btw. they were smartphones with keyboards like you'd see on a computer. used to be popular, then other smartphone brands started getting better and better and blackberry just never managed to keep up.

you know, it's funny, i'm more than familiar with people staring into the middle distance while i talk.

Thank you for the clarification, I was about to ask. Actually, that sounds really clever? I like the idea of having a keyboard attached - it makes typing so much easier!!

[Varian remains the youngest boomer to ever be.]

Is it from all the fish talk?

you'd have gotten along well with my old man. he said that too.

if they still worked i'd tell you where to get one, but they went defunct two years ago. all their software doesn't work anymore, you'd just have a fancy brick on your hands. sorry.

yes.

That probably doesn't help defend myself from the old man allegations I've have been pointed at me.

I wish I could say I'm surprised- technology seems to go defunct so quickly in this time period. It's so weird. People move on fast.

Thought so. That'd about go it for most people.

not at all.

call it a shortened attention span. people like new things, but something will be new for only so long.

fishing is fun though.

Oh wow, I HAVE noticed that. I guess that works with a lot of future stuff- people want everything right away and then once they get it they get bored and it's over.

Sure. I never really did much of it. But it looks relaxing?

Varian. How are you doing?

I will need your help a little more from now on. If you want nothing to do with my 'projects', this is your last chance to back out.

I'm good. I mostly stayed clear of the dungeons. How about you?

Are you kidding me? No way am I backing out. If you need my help, you've got it! All the way. Does that mean we're making more of a headway?

I got to fight for real for the first time. It was... messy. I heal fast, though, so I'm fine. My other friends are safe and... avenged.

That's good to hear. I knew I could depend on you.

Now that the threat is clear and open we can move. It's time to finalize the designs and go into mass production. We don't have a lot of time, but I'm confident we can do this. I will handle the personalized weapon enhancements I have planned, but I may need to pass some others on to you if it has to do with your element.

Gald to hear you healed up. Even gladder your friends got out. I remember last year, that whole thing was awful.

[He missed out on a lot of it, hiding from Zodiac as he was. But still.]

Of course! I'm in this for the long haul.

That's absolutely fine! You're only one person and I'm pretty sure Dan Heng will come after you if you overdo it, trust me, I know how it goes. You're better off making sure you give yourself a fair workload. I'm more than happy to pick up some slack. We can get this done in time.

It was. If that never happens again, it'd be too soon.

[He is so thankful for Varian, damn.]

Haha, that's a sure bet. He takes good care of me. [This isn't the time to get soft, Blade.] Thanks. I can split the pay with you. Granted, I'm not sure how much it will be, but I still have my day job so I can make sure you're compensated for the extra work.

The Black Order's stopped paying us so I assume any commission for this project is going to come... later. I'll keep track of it and make sure you get your fair share.

They're still not paying you POKEGO people enough.

Edited 2024-05-29 02:51 (UTC)

I hear that. Really hope the Order don't pull that on us all again.

[Blade, that's adorable, he can feel the simping from all the way over here.]

I'm glad you have each other.

Wait what? They stopped paying you? Then jeez, don't worry about paying me yet, you gotta be able to live and eat. And this is vital work, it's not like a little fun side project, it's protecting people's lives when it's needed more than ever. I mean, everything is gonna come crashing down sooner rather than later after everything this month. So don't worry about that, we can put a pin in it for now.

[He's got a lot better in accepting his worth and charging people for his work- but this is different and he honestly doesn't want to see Blade doing himself down while trying to protect the people of the city from a massively looming threat. Priorities, and all that.]

Tell me about it- but it gets a little better as our rep is restored. I knew what it'd be going into it, it's fine. It's more important to me to get the work we need to do done.

[He is a bit of a simp. Incurably so.]

Me, too.

... They did. I'm on probation, so I didn't expect to be paid while I had my powers Sealed regardless. But to forgo paying Jusis and the other long-time members? They are sending a message. As for me... I still have my job as a civil engineer, even if I can't expect a raise this year due to all the time I took off.

Ideally, I'd like to take a sabbatical until all of this is over so I can focus purely on the upcoming battle. But... I need to be able to eat. [Such is life.]

I'll owe you after this is over, then. Maybe you can build the next mech suit and I'll supervise.

[VARIAN IS SUCH A GOOD KID AUGH]

I'm not usually in the business of saving the world. I had a bounty on my head in my past life.

Feels weird.

So they stopped paying ALL the Order members? Because, like, it's not like they sent an actual sociopath into your midst who IMMEDIATELY started attacking everyone? Like... I don't know what they expected to happen? That's insanity.

Of COURSE you still need to be able to eat. You all do. Seriously, don't worry about it for now. Focus what money you can get on being able to put food on the table, If you need help with that let me know.

I won't say no to building the next mech suit, though.

[It's the culmination of a lot of hard work in becoming a better person!]

Hah. I know how that feels. Back in my old world, I was one of Corona's most wanted felons once. Then suddenly you're helping save everyone from world-ending chaos. It's a super weird shift.

No one's getting paid. At this point, their doubling down is just begging for the inevitable to happen. They were the ones who sent a snake into a mongoose nest to rile us up and now they're mad that the snake got its head bit off.

[Seriously, this is the dumbest end goal.]

All right. I'll remember that. Thanks, Varian.

I've been the one captaining all the projects so far, so I think it's time I let you helm the ship for once.

[This is the funniest and worst thing to have in common.]

You're a little young for a grizzled felon, but I get it. I know how easy it is to get in over your head when you're smarter than everyone else.

Even in this life I find it hard not to look over my shoulder sometimes, but maybe I'll get over it in another five years or so...

Exactly! I don't know what they expect after all this. Just starving you guys out won't do anything but make you more likely for everything to happen. They dug their own graves.

[ Literally. ]

Thanks! I'll be really careful! You won't regret it.

I was fourteen when I was a felon so even younger. It was... a bad time. I made mistakes, I wasn't completely innocent, but I wasn't completely without a reason too. It was complicated. But I've learned from it.

I think it's important to not forget what's happened in the past- we need to learn from things that've happened. So long as you don't make it something that controls everything you do, I think it's okay.

Yeah.

I'm confident you'll do a good job.

[He knows how Varian works by now.]

Fourteen? Fourteen???? You were a child. No child should ever be called a felon. A child literally cannot grasp the consequences of their actions the way an adult can, their brain isn't developed. Even I know this, and I got knocked in the head so hard I forgot almost everything.

[He rubs his face invisibly.]

... Anyway. You're right. In my past life, I let my guilt and my vengeance control me until I was nothing but a shell of my former self. I won't let that happen again.

My cooperation with the Black Order has an endpoint.

Thank you, I appreciate that.

[Bless you, Blade, for boosting his confidence every time. ]

I mean. I literally tried to murder the royal family with a giant automaton. I definitely knew it was the wrong thing to do. I was stopped and arrested for it, and spent a year in prison before I broke out. So it's less about being called a felon and more. You know. Legally being one.

I got pardoned after I saved the city.

[It's super fine. He's SUPER fine. ]

Yeah, that's a road where nothing good comes from it. But at least you know better now.

Good. They don't deserve you.

If a kid walks up to another kid and smacks them, they'll probably get smacked back just as hard, right? You were functioning on survival logic because it was all you knew. They could have helped you learn to be better, but they didn't. I bet you were justified, just not to the point of murder.

Still... I'm glad you got pardoned.

[Neither of them are ok, jesus christ.]

One of these days you're going to invent something that will change the world in a really good way. I can feel it.

The King covered up a magical anomaly that was literally killing the livelihoods of the poorer people in the kingdom. I tried to fix it myself when I knew we wouldn't get any help at the palace. My dad got... hurt real bad. He got stuck in the experiment I was doing to try and fix it. The Princess couldn't help me when that happened and didn't come to me for months after I asked her for help. They kind of just... forgot about me. So yeah. I guess to a point I was justified, but I took it too far too. I've accepted my fault in what happened just as much as theirs. It's... well, it's not fine, but it is what it is.

[He's made as much peace with it as he can. There's no changing the past and he can't go back to Corona anymore, regardless. It's always going to be an unfinished mess in his life and he knows he has to live with that or let it consume him. Therapy has done him wonders in that, at least. ]

Me too. Prison sucked.

[ Neither of them are even slightly okay in the tiniest bit. ]

That's the hope! Before I got pulled into this world, I managed to create a running hot water system for my homeland, so that was... good. But really hoping I can do something here, too. One day.

[After talking with Varian, the rest of the day was a matter of finding ways to fill his day so he wouldn't think too much about the upcoming dinner. He helped out in the fortress's kitchen, worked on homework, tended to the plants, and after all his chores were done- he occupies himself with a video game.

Was he nervous? A little bit. He certainly paused his game a lot more than usual to tidy up his place, and waffle over what he should order for dinner.

Eventually, he settles on burgers. Once he finally gets a text from Varian that he was finishing up with studying, he puts in an order for burgers, fries, drinks, and some custard. It's easy to pick it up, thanks to his teleportation power. Now the custard sits in his mini-fridge while the burgers sit on his dining table.

... Boy, he hopes this goes well. He sits there, fiddling with his phone as he waits for Varian]

[Varian definitely felt nerves of his own, there's some quiet jitters in the back of his mind around going on a date with Jun. It's a simple, easy one at least, something he's glad for, but it has been a while since he's gone on one. Worse than those jitters is that it's been a long time since he sat down and told anyone about his past, too. He doesn't know how Jun will take it- it might very well end things before they've even begun, and that is terrifying.

So he focuses himself on continuing his work in the basement - and once he's finished up with that, he heads into this room to do his studying for the day. It's... not easy to concentrate on it, and he knows he's certainly further behind than he wanted to be when he finishes and sends Jun a text. But that's a problem for future Varian to deal with.

So all there is to do now is put on a clean, not-grimed-up shirt and make some sort of attempt to tame his hair. He knows he doesn't have to fancy it up for this, but he makes a little effort at least- Jun deserves more than him showing up like he's been crawling under robots all day. He heads off out of his room, walking the short way to Jun's room, knocking on the door. ]

[Jun can sense presences of others, so he's already halfway to do the door when Varian knocks. He stops himself from opening too fast, taking a moment to take a breath, before opening]

Hey Varian! Come on in.

[It looks like Jun's also cleaned himself up, wearing something simple but nice. He'll step aside the doorway to allow Varian into his room]

Get caught up on your studies?

[ Varian taps down on his leftover nerves as Jun opens the door - smiling and stepping inside. He needs to remind himself not to overthink it. Ultimately, they were still just... them, after all. It's just that the parameters of what made them them have widened. And no matter what they were actually doing, he still genuinely treasured spending time with Jun - that part hasn't changed at all.

There's still some butterflies in his stomach, but he finds the panicked nerves at the back of his head have eased as soon as he steps in.]

Hey. And for the most part? Kinda. [He laughs awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck.] I was admittedly kinda distracted.

[He'll close the door behind Varian, his eyebrows raised as he looks at him]

You? The guy who'll forget to eat, sleep, or have human interaction when he's got a project going on? You were distracted?

[He remembered their apprentice days, okay. Even he struggled to keep up with Varian's work pace. Teasingly, he'll reach over to put his hand on his forehead to check his temperature]

I know dates are a big deal, but are you feeling okay?

[Varian laughs, letting Jun do just that, while waving his hand in the air dramatically. Wow!]

Look, I'm out of practise with this, okay? And you happen to be very distracting!

[So there?!]

Give me a couple more tries and it'll be back to you having to literally find me amongst the machinery again.

[ He knows what he is, Jun. He knows.]

[He chuckles as he drops his own hand ]

Yeah, here's hoping. I'd hate to be the fault for your very-first B.

[Jun also knows. He has to haul him back from where he passed out in the machinery every weekend. Not that he'll broadcast that. oh no]

Alright, so how do you want to do this? Food's here, but I put it in an insulated bag so it should stay warm for awhile if you rather talk first.

[He knows Varian wants to talk about his past, and it's no doubt weighing a lot on his mind. So. He'll go at Varian's speed]

I don't think I'd ever recover from that, honestly.

[A fucking B, can you imagine the horror. Can you imagine the life of the poor professor who gave him that B? It's nary worth thinking about!

Varian remains blissfully unaware of these acts of kindness. He's still wondering if it's Cotton but how do you approach a woman in her sixties and ask her if she lifts? He doesn't know, so he will let it be a mystery forever.

He lets out a breath he doesn't realise he was holding when Jun asks that. Because it has been worrying him, and he'd rather let the ominous black cloud be dealt with first. Then whatever happens with it... happens. At least he won't have to worry about it anymore.]

I uh... I think talking would be better. I can get it out of the way- I probably wouldn't be able to each much until I'd done it anyway. ...Thanks.

Yeaaaah, I don't think you would either.

[That is truly the darkest timeline.

But Jun will give a nod at Varian's decision. He had expected something like that.]

Alright, let's go to the couch then.

[He'll lead him over to the side of the room with the couch. It's pretty comfortable, with some throw pillows, a blanket, and a couple anime mascot plushies. Sitting on one end, he'll keep his eyes on Varian]

Take the time you need. And remember, I'm not a talkative person... so if I don't say much while you're talking, that's just me being me, okay?

[He knows Varian knows that. But he also knows what it's like to have to confess, where you assume the worst in everyone's reaction.]

Oh, and would you prefer if I look at you or away while you talk? During confession at church, you can't normally see the priest while you're talking, which I like - but I know others feel differently about that, so...

[Definitely seems like Jun's given a lot of thought about this. ]

[ No one would survive that timeline. No one.

He heads to the couch, grateful for to chance to do this. Even more so for how patient and honest Jun is being already. That honestly does ease a few of the worries. Aside from his therapist, he hasn't really spoken much of this for a long time. It means he understands what led him to what he did, he had clarity for it all - but the worry of how it would affect his interpersonal relationships has always been there. ]

No, no, I get that. Thanks. Don't worry, you don't uh... have to feel pressured to say anything if you're just. Thinking about it. It's okay.

[Jun can do his silent thing and neither of them have to feel weird about it! His eyebrows raise a little- wow, Jun really did get himself ready for this, that, again, is somewhat comforting. It makes him feel like he's not going into this so hapzardly.

Oh um... I don't mind? Whichever's easiest for you? It won't really make too much of a difference on my end? It's... a lot, so if you need to look away for a bit, or... walk or something, that's okay.

[Okay. Okay. He can do this. He takes in a deep, centering breath.]

So. Just to... explain some stuff first. In my world, there were two magical forces - the Sundrop and the Moonstone. The Sundrop was once held in a flower, which was used to save our queen when she was pregnant and dying. The resulting magic went into the princess, Rapunzel. I don't know if you remember her? She was here for a really short time- lots of hair. Like. Freakishly lots of hair. The sundrop gave that hair magical abilities.

The Moonstone became an opal in another kingdom. One my dad used to protect as a knight. It created big, unbreakable black rocks. The Sundrop and the Moonstone were once one force, and once they were seperated, the Moonstone's rocks travelled across our world, trying to find the Sundrop.

[ He waves his hands a little. ]

It's not really much to do with me, that part - but you kinda need to know that for anything else to make sense. Magic weird stuff, basically.

[Jun will give a nod of confirmation, before choosing to look away then and instead look straight ahead. It's easier on Jun this way. He knows full well he has... well a rather stern-looking resting facial expression, one people often mistake for anger. He'd feel self-conscious about trying to police that right now, while he's listening to Varian's confession.

And like he said, he's quiet as Varian talks. He puts a hand to his chin as Varian explains the sundrop and the moonstone. They're foreign concepts to him, but if Jun is intelligent about one topic, it's magical bullshit. So after some thought, he gives a nod. ]

Sundrop and Moonstone, got it.

[Varian notices Jun looking ahead, but as promised, he doesn't read anything into it. Jun has a million hang-ups of his own to deal with, too, and Varian figures this entire thing will be made a lot easier if they allow one another to navigate through them with zero judgement. At least they're both used to that at this point.]

I lived in a farming village, about half a day's ride from the island that made up Corona's capital. The rocks seeking out the Sundrop... seeking out Rapunzel got to there first. They were devastating our homes, our crops, our roads, everything. I was fourteen at the time. I was experimenting on them to see if I could do anything about them, but nothing worked, and when Dad found out, he flipped out about it.

[He frowns softly. ]

Of course, in hindsight, I know now it was because he'd experienced them first-hand and knew how dangerous they were- but he never told me that. Eventually, he agreed to go to have an audience with the King to get things fixed, but then he pretended there wasn't a problem at all. Rapunzel promised me that she'd help me with it, seen as no-one else would, but things were getting desperate. People were suffering, and it felt like everyone who could do something were just-just standing with their hands in their pockets, letting it happen.

... So I decided to do something about it. I created a chemical compound that reacted to the rocks and thought maybe it would... I don't know, break them down or do literally anything to stop them growing and destroying everything. [ He shifts an arm hugging it around his midsection in an old comfort tactic he's always had. ] It didn't though. Instead it grew an amber rock that swallowed anything in its path. It nearly got me, but Dad pushed me out of the way in time and got stuck in it himself. It was slowly just enveloping him and I didn't know how to reverse it- but I knew Rapunzel had a connection to the rocks, so I ran to the capital to get her. She was the only chance I had left of saving him.

[Jun continues listening, in silence as he said he would. He can easily visualize the situation. Magic rocks that were wrecking their village, and every authority figure was being completely unhelpful. Of course Varian tried to find a solution on his own- anyone would. The fact that it backfired and his father got stuck in the rocks.... that's just an accident. Were it all there was, Jun would immediately point that wasn't his fault.

But... he knows that can't be all it is. Varian wouldn't be so worried to tell him if it was just that. And POKEGO wouldn't have had all those conditions slapped onto Varian's enrollment. Jun hadn't been privy to all the details, but he did live with Sorey. He knows there was a lot Sorey had to go through to get that approval clear.

So he nods, and says in a neutral tone.]

Go on.

Edited 2024-09-14 23:36 (UTC)

[Varian wishes it had stopped at that. He wishes he'd had the common sense to understand where the line between an accident and... what he ended doing lay. But he didn't. And it got worse.]

There was this... blizzard. It was demonic, it turns out, but no one knew that at the time. It was just more powerful than anything Corona had experienced before. It was a struggle to get to the castle and by the time I did, Rapunzel was trying to deal with evacuating the island. I told her what was happening, that I was desperate for her help, but she couldn't help me. Not with that. And her guards decided I was attacking her and threw me out into the snow.

[He lets out a long, slow breath.]

I know now that it wasn't her fault. That she had to pick the lives of the many over one man. But at the time, it felt like a betrayal. She was my friend and the only person who could save him and she... didn't. By the time I got home, the amber had swallowed Dad alive- he was just stuck inside it, and nothing I tried could get him out.

[And oh, he tried. So many exhausting nights spent doing everything in his power to save the only person he had for nothing. ]

No one came to check up on me. I felt abandoned. But I knew that Rapunzel got her abilities from that flower. I concocted a truth serum and baked it into cookies - passing it out to the citizens of the capital to see if I could find out where it was. I found it was hidden in a vault deep in the catacombs of the Kingdom [THOSE catacombs, the ones he lived in before he came to Kaisou] and I convinced Rapunzel to help me. I lied and told her I wanted to use it to stop the black rocks completely, but that that point I just wanted to save my Dad. We both knew it was treason to break in and mess with it, but she did it for me anyway. We found the dried up remains of the flower and I just... took it. Left her to take the fall.

[He scoffs lightly.]

Not that it mattered. It didn't work. And I realised Rapunzel really was the sole power of the Sundrop now, and I'd just made sure she'd never help me willingly again.

[As Jun continues to listen, an expression of deep empathy crosses his face. It's easy enough to put himself in Varian's shoes. Had it been his father in danger.... he probably would've made many of the similar choices, felt similar.

The "needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one" is all well and good until you're the one that's being sacrificed - especially when you didn't get a choice in the matter. ]

What happened after that?

[ It certainly isn't a pleasant place to be- the one being sacrificed. Having to see how quickly a life can be discarded. Quirin was a respect man, a leader of the village, an old friend of the King. And he was just left to die. And Varian couldn't understand why. Not then.]

I knew I'd have to force Rapunzel into helping me if I had any chance. So I... I used this serum I'd created on Ruddiger to turn him huge and set him on the capital. With the guards busy dealing with him, I broke into the castle and I kidnapped the queen. I figured if she wouldn't do anything to save my parent, maybe she'd do something to save hers. I set a bunch of automatons outside my home to keep any remaining guards who came with her busy.

[The disgust in his voice is clear. He's learned to deal with a lot of his self-loathing, he's learned to understand what drove him to do what he did. They were reasons, not excuses. But they didn't make him beyond worth as a person, either- that was something that took him a long, long time to learn. But he still feels guilt for it. He did something wrong and he can't bypass it.

She came for her and I used the amber potion next to the queen to hurry Rapunzel along. Either she saved my dad or her mom would share his fate. It was... awful. I was awful. But she agreed, and her hair still didn't do it. She- that was my last hope to save him and knowing I'd done all that for- for nothing? Something snapped in me.

[He still remembers the BLIND rage he went into. He just wanted the world to burn at that point. Everything and everyone had either been taken from him or turned away from him and he was left with nothing.]

I piloted a giant robot, I grabbed her mom and her best friend and started to crush them to death. I was angry out of control and I just wanted to make her hurt.

[Despite the heaviness of the story he's being told, he does manage one snort at the mention of Ruddiger in this plan. ]

That raccoon wrecks enough havoc when he's normal size, so no wonder all the guards were busy....

[The rest of the story is heavier, and Jun doesn't really offer any change in his expression, or any words to indicate how he feels about. He needs to mull it over, honestly. Ethically he could see where it was wrong, sure. But as a Seal Knight? There's a part of him that understands the pragmatism. ]

And then?

[ Varian manages a tired, trained little laugh. ]

I think he had the time of his life doing that, honestly.

[ Ruddiger ENJOYED being a kaiju for a spell!

Varian heaves out a sigh. ]

She finally figured out how to control the rocks. She used them against me and saved her people. The guards pried me out of my robot and arrested me. [Varian makes a soft, sad little noise in the back of his throat.] Even after everything I'd just put her through, she asked them to have leniency with me. I... that probably saved me from the hangman's noose. Royals really don't look kindly on attempted regicide. That's high treason and there's usually only one punishment for that.

[ But he got away with his life and he knows he has Rapunzel to thank for that. A kindness she never had to pass to him, but she did anyway.]

So, instead, I got thrown into a cell in the deepest, darkest part of the dungeon and left to rot for the rest of my life. I was in there for a year before Andrew. He was the leader of a terrorist sect and at some point got thrown in with me to be my cellmate. I don't really remember at what point. We didn't really get a lot of sunlight down there, it was hard to judge the days.

[ Varian hugs his arms around himself again. Andrew was a deeply unpleasant memory.]

At that point I was just so tired. I'd had the time to realise what a mess I'd made, and I just... I just wanted all the hurt to stop. Andrew was charming - no, he was manipulative- and he convinced me to help him break out and help his group take over the Kingdom. And I did. We found a magical way to remove a person's memories. I did it to the king and queen and then puppetered them, telling them I was their royal advisor. I didn't want to hurt them at that point- but Andrew was... I thought he was helping me. He said together we could make a means to make everyone forget what I did and I could get a clean slate. So I used the king and queen to force the residents of the kingdom to work in the mines, gathering the minerals I needed to make a city-wide memory wipe.

[Even though he doesn't speak, if Varian listens, there's a sharp intake of breath from Jun as Varian describes what the leniency sentence was. Locking someone away in the darkest dungeon for the rest of his days is far from what he described as merciful.

And then Varian gets to the part about Andrew. Ah, memory magic. He knows that one well]

... I'm guessing it didn't work in the way you thought it would.

Edited 2024-09-15 01:04 (UTC)

[Varian catches the intake of breath from Jun, he can't really figure out what it's for, he's too busy trying to fight the self-loathing monster starting to rear up in the back of his mind. He's better than he was. He understands what he did doesn't make him a monster... but it's still hard to remember that, sometimes.]

No. It didn't. Instead, it created a bomb. A big one. Level a city big. Rapunzel had been away all that time, trying to learn more about the rocks. Her coming home made Andrew change track. He decided instead of the memory thing, he'd just kill everyone with the bomb. He'd just raze the city to the ground and that would be that. [ And Varian's invention would do it. He squeezes his eyes shut for a moment.] I didn't want everyone to die. That's not what I signed up for. So I tried to fight against him and his group. I got tossed in a cell with Rapunzel for my troubles and left to die with everyone else when they dropped the bomb.

Me and Rapunzel talked. I... I decided to help her stop it. I had a means to neutralise the chemical used in the bombs. She and I got onto the airship they were planning to drop it off, but we were caught. Andrew nearly threw me over the side in the process, but we managed to overpower them and he and his people got off the ship... but not before destroying one of the balloons keeping it up. The whole thing was losing altitude way too fast, and I didn't have time to neutralise all the barrels with the chemical in before it hit the ground and took everything and everyone with it.

[ He fiddles with his hands, nervously.]

I... I knew that if I used the chemical under the remaining balloon's burner, it would give the ship enough lift that I could get it clear of the island. But I also knew it would explode with that level of heat. I... I asked Rapunzel to let me stay on the ship. To get that done. I wanted to fix the mess I made and between the two of us it wasn't like I had anything left to live for.

[Jun raises his eyebrow and will actually look at Varian for the last part. ]

Please tell me she said no to that plan.

[BECAUSE IF SHE DIDN'T---]

[ The look does catch Varian by surprise - he shakes his head.]

Of course she said no. She was really mad at me for even suggesting it, actually. She used her hair to drop me safely off the side of the ship and then used it to protect herself when it exploded. Everyone was saved, Andrew and his group were arrested again and no one died.

[Which was a miracle in of itself.]

While she was away, she learned a magical ability to free my dad. She did that and... let me stay out of prison. I spent the rest of my time doing everything I could to help her and the Kingdom. I just... I don't know, I wanted to balance things out again. Put good into the world after putting in so much bad. I got to save the Kingdom a couple of times and eventually the people of Corona stopped outright hating me.

[ He frowns, looking at his hands. ]

I hated myself for a really, really long time after that. Honestly, there are times when I still do. But it's better than it used to be. Yay, therapy.

[He sucks in a deep breath, holds it, lets it out. At least it was done now. Jun knew, for better or worse. He feels better for having told it.]

So that's that, and now you know. It was only fair you knew what you were getting into. And if you wanna cut and run after that, I understand. No hard feelings. I'm not the person I was back then any more, but that doesn't... undo what I did. So I get it if it's a dealbreaker.

[When Varian explains that no Rapunzel had saved him, he breathes out the smallest size of relief. Good. He was going to have words if that girl had really been okay to leave him to die. He can't say he agreed with all of her actions but.... well, it's really not his place to judge that either. This wasn't a courthouse.

Jun doesn't respond right away when the story is at last finished. He needs a moment to assemble what he wants to say. But... he will use his telepathy to pull a glass of water from the table over to them, grabbing it with his own hand before offering it to Varian.]

Here. I'm sure your throat must be parch after talking so long.

[Because that really was a long story. Jun's not sure he's ever spoken that much in his life time. And... it couldn't have been easy for Varian to share all that.

He'll let Varian get a proper drink of water before he finally speaks his own piece. Partly to explain where he's coming from.... and partly because honestly? He thinks Varian could stand to hear it]

There's something you should know about gods. [That sounds out of left field, but stick with him] Every god, without exception, embodies a principle. It could be something physical like thunder... or an abstract concept, like contracts or freedom.

The Lord is the god of salvation. Mercy, forgiveness... redemption- all are tenets He believes in more than anyone. And it's those tenets that made me choose to follow Him over the other gods.

[He'll look over at Varian]

... Your past was never going to be a "dealbreaker", Varian. I felt that way before, and I still feel that way now. Because you're right. You're not the same person you were before. The Varian now is someone who has sought redemption, and now always tries to do the right thing.

That's the Varian that matters to me. You are so much more than your sins of your past.

[He gives a small smile]

Still... thank you, for trusting me enough to share it.

Edited 2024-09-15 02:41 (UTC)

[ Varian is glad for the water, taking it with a quiet "thanks". It's a long story, and Varian doesn't normally talk himself so much in one sitting. But it was one that had to be told, and now all he can do is sip his water and wait while Jun digests all that. He tries to push his nerves down as best he can - he doesn't feel like Jun is the sort of person who would take all of that badly, but it's still a lot.

Turns out, he didn't need to be worried at all. He should have known it would be fine, but it still takes him a little by surprise. He's come a long way from how deep his self-loading used to be, these days he can accept that he's allowed to be happy. But considering himself undamaged enough to be happy with someone else - to be someone that someone else could be happy with in turn? That had settled uneasy on his shoulders since Fern left.]

...That's- that's a way to look at it I've never thought before. [ Jun was right, he really could stand to hear it.] Thank you. That- that means more than I can say. [ He rubs the back of his head.] Honestly, for a while I kinda just thought I was a lost cause. So that makes me feel a little... less like that. [He offers Jun a little smile.] I didn't realise how much I needed to hear that.

[ It's a huge weight off. Maybe a year ago, he wouldn't have believed Jun. Fought against this idea that he was worth... anything. That he was a better person than who he used to be. But at least now he can accept the sentiment for what it is, and be comforted by it.]

Of course. I wanted you to know. It felt... fair. [He didn't want to spring this on Jun further down the line. Not with feelings getting involved. That could have ended up... messy.] Uh- not to say I expect you to share like... everything, too. I know there's things you can't talk about, and that's okay. I get that. Because the Jun you are now matters to me, too.

[For a moment, Jun felt relief. Relief that he could bring solace to someone he cared so much about. Varian was a good person. He's seen that time and time again through the past few years. Sure, he's made some mistakes... but the work he's done to make up for those mistakes completely outweighed that. And really, so many of those mistakes were caused out of circumstances rather than a wicked heart.

But then, Varian keeps talking, and something heavier starts to settle in his heart. Guilt. Here was Varian, regretting so many his past actions and trying so hard to be a better man. Talking like Jun was the pious one. Meanwhile, here he was...

"Because the Jun you are now matters to me"

He looks away from Varian again, the guilt getting too hard to overlook. He can't keep up this charade. Varian was trying so hard to be a better person, he can't... not tell him anything. ]

... You're right, there's stuff I can't tell anyone. There's secrets I must take with me to the grave. But... [He clasps his hands together, shaking his head] If we're speaking of fairness, then it's only fair I warn you.

[He swallows]

Seal Knights... we're not heroes. I mean, I want to protect this city just like everyone else, but... my pact is to "do what needs to be done". Which... what needs to be done isn't always good.

Like... the mission's over now, so remember when Teresa stabbed me? [...] Truth is, I wasn't so much an innocent bystander as I made myself out to be. Teresa wasn't listening to reason. I knew it was a matter of time before things turned violent. And I also knew there was an assassin who had their eyes on her, waiting for a moral justification to strike. An assassin with a soft spot for me.

So. I decided to give them the justification they needed. I provoked Teresa on purpose, telling her things I knew would make her snap and attack me. Then, I made sure the assassin knew of the attack, saying things that I knew would drive them to act. They still have no idea I got hurt on purpose.

[....]

That's the Jun I am now.

[ Varian's learned not to beat himself up too much for the mistakes he's made here now. Not like he used to, anyway. He's learned to accept that mistakes are part of the process of learning and so long as he doesn't create them with any real malice, then that would make all the difference.

He'd meant it when he said he didn't expect Jun to share anything in return. He knows between Krusnik and his past life and everything in-between, there were things Jun could never voice aloud. He understood that and would never push for anything.

But here he is, sharing anyway. Varian remembers Teresa. He's pretty sure the whole app will remember her forever. She was a poison that absolutely had to be removed, and here's Jun saying how he orchestrated just that. He's quiet for a moment, before having out a soft sigh.]

You're right. Sometimes what needs to be done isn't good. But you've still got to do it anyway.

When I was doing all that work I talked about? Getting back into Corona's good graces? A friend of ours took the Moonstone for herself, she was manipulated by a demon into waging war against everyone. I knew the weakneses in our Kingdom's defenses [ because he'd taken advatange of them himself ] and I knew she had to be stopped before she could get through them. I created a weapon using that amber to stop her if it came to it. Permently. Rapunzel could never hurt her friend, never... get her hands dirty that way. But I could.

[Because he'd already gone there. It's less of a strain on a person's soul when they've already been willing to kill to do it again, it turns out. He moves one hand to take Jun's, carefully interlacing their fingers, giving the other's hand a firm squeeze. Solid. He wasn't going anywhere. ]

Teresa would have escalated. Who knows how many people she would have hurt or even killed if you hadn't done that. You did what you had to do to make sure a monster didn't get a harder foothold against a city of people. None of us could've predicted what a mess that would've ended up being. You did what you thought needed to be done, even if that wasn't the morally squeaky clean thing to do. Sometimes... sometimes it can't be the cleanest, gentlest thing when you're facing against something like that. You have to get your hands dirty or push other people into doing it to make sure something worse doesn't happen.

There's a big difference between doing bad things for bad reasons and doing them for good reasons. Not a lot of people see that line, and I get that, but it is there. [ He offers a gentle, reasuring smile.] So, far as I'm concerned, the Jun you are now is still the same one to me, too. I'm not gonna make you feel guilty for doing what you had to do to save people's lives. You can do that enough for yourself, you won't hear that from me.

[He wasn't sure how Varian as going to react to his confession. The self-hatred in him was already bracing for the worst, expecting Varian to get mad at the deception, the manipulation.

...He wasn't expecting for Varian to take his hand, to say words of reassurance. Acceptance. Understanding. He was clearly talking out of experience too. It wasn't just rose-colored goggles born of infatuation.

Jun lets out a sigh, relenting. ]

Quite the pair we make.

[He'll slowly give a squeeze back of that hand. ]

... Alright, as long as you're sure you're fine with what I do. With all your talk of wanting to be a better person, I was getting a little worried I'd only be dragging you back down to the shadows with me.

[Varian certainly understood. Much like he could understand why it was bothering Jun so much. But here he stayed. Things couldn't always be perfect, nothing could always be squeaky clean. That was just the reality they lived in. Other people had the luxury of not getting their hands dirty- but not them.]

I'm fine with it, honestly. I can still be a better person while knowing that doesn't always mean everything is gonna be perfect and safe. And I wouldn't expect that of you, either- I still think you're a good person. The fact you're willing to do what you have to in order to keep this city safe only makes you more so, in my opinion.

[He smiles. So fucking there, Nightroad.]

Last time I checked, you've never been able to drag me anywhere I didn't wanna go, so good luck with that.

[While he is happy that he doesn't seem to be scaring Varian away... He makes a face at being described as a good person, especially with the "more so" part attached to it.]

Uuuugh, aren't you laying it on a little thick? I impaled a guy, Varian. Like, last month.

[ Varian waves a hand in the air, a smirk playing on his lips. ]

Last I checked, last month a lot of people impaled guys.

[ #@$%

Grumbles:] Damn so many people being willing to kill here and normalizing it...

[He clears his throat, unwilling to throw in the towel]

Alright, you Victorian, how about this?

I'm not a virgin and it was furry wolf sex.

Edited 2024-09-15 20:17 (UTC)

[ Jun is clearly so mad about it and Varian is living his best life.]

It's this city, I don't know what you were expecting.

[ And then Jun says that and Varian just stares for a moment, before bursting out laughing. Holy shit.]

...Did you just use Victorian as an insult? And I mean, if that's your trump card, I gotta remind you what my dad does for a living. Horny people are what got me a Nintendo Switch for my last birthday. That's really not gonna fluster me as much as you think it will.

[Not even if it was furry WOLF sex, Jun. He examines the fingernails on his free hand.]

You're gonna have to do better than that.

[There are some muttered words in other languages as he gets red in the cheeks. They are definitely profane words. He forgot about Amal's job. Dammit. ]

... Fine. I didn't want to resort to this now, but-

[He'll hold out his hand and activate his telekinesis. A freshly bought bottle of ranch flies over to his hand. Without a word, he slams it down on the coffee table in front of them]

[ He was enjoying watching Jun suffer. That was a pretty heavy conversation, and getting back to the bickering was pretty cathartic.

And then Jun brings out The Ranch. Varian lets out a gasp, pointing at it like Jun had just put a person's head on the table.]

No. Absolutely NOT. We're not DOING this again! Why do you even HAVE that?

[There we go, we're back to an even playing field now. Jun will now smile so sweetly. ]

Well you're the first white boy I've dated, so I thought you'd appreciate having it available if you need it!

[He says like he didn't just get them burgers and fries]

[Varian does not smile sweetly back. He looks like he's been gravely insulted.]

If this place had windows I would throw it OUT of one. I don't want to eat your basic dressing! I HAVE taste buds!

[ The rudeness!!! ]

[He fakes a thoughtful expression]

Huh, is that so.

[...]

I did see some "spicy ranch" at the grocery store. Do you want me to call Caleb and see if he can run some for you?

[ Varian stares.

And then stares some more.

And then with his free hand, he reaches behind him to pick up one of the couch cushions.]

Sorry, Jun. This was a nice like, two hours, but I'm gonna have to smother you now. We had a good run. I know you understand.

[And Jun is staring right back. With a smile on his face]

You're cute when you have murderous intent.

[That one definitely brought a blush to Varian's face as he huck the pillow at Jun- there's no real venom in it, he's not really aiming to hit him with it.]

AUGH, you're the worst.

[He laughs a little as he catches the pillow... or rather tries to, but it bounces off his fingertips and flies askew, hitting the ranch bottle and knocking it over (1)]

Oops.

[ Varian watches as ranch slowly oozes out onto Jun's coffee table. A lopsided, buck-toothed grin slowly crosses his features, as he slooooooowly turns his head to face Jun. He raises his eyebrows.]

And that, mein schatz, is what we call karma. You brought it onto yourself and I am not cleaning that up.

[He sighs]

Yeah, yeah. That's fair.

[He gets up from the couch to go grab some paper towels and cleaner]

Feel free to grab your dinner if you're hungry. It's on the dining table.

[What with the heavy conversation done and everything]

[ This is what he gets for having the audacity to bring ranch into an argument. This is the universe punishing him for it.]

Sure thing!

[And even if he's not willing to help Jun tidy up the ranch mishap, he will get Jun's food out too, setting the dinner out for the both of them- he'll even be good enough to sit and wait for Jun to finish before unwrapping his burger.]

At least I know I can't be assaulted by the ranch now.

[At least Jun is taking the karma in stride. He'll quickly clean it up and cap up the ranch]

Don't worry, only some of it spilled out.

[He'll walk over to the kitchenette area, throwing away the towels and putting the ranch dressing in the mini-fridge. It'll probably be left in the cafeteria later. Maybe]

I hope burgers are alright. I thought to try to keep it to something simple.

[ Varian grimaces. He just knows that fucking stuff is gonna show up around the fortress. He just knows it. ]

Great, so happy to hear it lives another day.

[ He offers a smile and a little shrug.]

They're fine, Jun. Don't worry about it. I wasn't kidding when I said I wasn't fussy. Trust me, once you've had a year of prison gruel anything is a feast. [A beat.] Except ranch. Never ranch. Making that clear.

[It sure will. Jun's not going to eat it, but he's not about to waste food either]

Okay, okay no ranch.

[He'll sit down across from Varian and grab his own burger, fries, and can of soda. ]

I get that though. Krusnik didn't serve high quality food either. So as long as there's no pork, I'll probably eat it.

[It is going to haunt the fortress like a ghost. Moved from place to place by these two in some weird ranch-based mind game.

He digs into his food, making happy little noises as he eats. He will NEVER get used to how good 21st century food is. He could never go back even if a door opened up for him tomorrow. He can't abandon fries.]

I think that's fair. We can avoid pork-based anything. That's an easy compromise.

[He'll smile at Varian's happiness as he takes a few bites of his own. ]

Thanks. Though feel free to have pork yourself if you want it! I can be in the same room as it, it's not like it offends me.

[He considers this, before nodding, taking a few more bites.]

Duly noted- just make sure not to feed any of it to you, huh?

That's right.

[He nods. He'll take another few bites of his burger, eating in silence... before finally speaking up]

So.... ground rules. To... this. We should probably start figuring those out, since neither of us succeeded in scaring the other away.

[Varian pauses in his eating for a moment to focus on Jun- because that's... yeah, that's important.]

Okay. That's for sure something we need to do- the last thing I wanna do is misstep or hurt you or... well, anything like that.

[It sure is]

Well, the same goes for you too. I don't want to hurt you either.

[a pauses as he considers]

First up.... this isn't an open relationship. If you find someone you want to date, we go back to being just friends.

[ At least that one's an easy one. Varian nods. ]

That's really fair. I mean... I can't see that happening [because he's HIM and kind of a constant disaster of a person] but we're both stuck with... geez, I don't even know how long lives. Neither of us can predict the future. That makes sense, and the same goes to you, too.

[He nods, relieved that one went over well]

Of course! My dating prospects are... pretty terrible, but you're right. Anything can happen in the future.

Your turn?

[He doesn't want to be the one setting all the rules ok]

[Varian had honestly given himself up for centuries of solitude at this point, but he hadn't seen Jun coming and here he is.

He sits back, considering for a moment.]

Okay, please don't worry that I'm like... abandoning you or anything if I vanish for a couple days. You've known me long enough to know how I get when I really get into a project. If I do that, it's not like... a reflection on how I feel about you or anything. I just get into my head sometimes. But if you message me, I will respond- I'll set a special alert noise just for you.

[He shrugs a little.]

I just don't want you to feel like you're doing anything wrong or... something if I do that. It'll never be a you thing.

[He'll smile a little. Oh, that's an easy one]

Haha, alright. I already know how you are with projects, so I was thinking I'd just check in once a week to make sure you're still alive.

Is that reasonable?

That's more than reasonable. Honestly, you can tack on that you're allowed to actually take me out when you do that because otherwise I might not see the sun for a month again and that's... probably not super healthy. I'll try and go along with minimal complaining.

[He is at least aware that he really does need to try to exist as a human being outside of his work- baby steps!]

Okay, so that's that one. Your turn, if there's anything else?

Okay! So I'll try to aim for a date once a week, unless I'm busy too. Then it'll just be a phone call.

[A real phone call! Not just texting!

He makes a thoughtful noise as he sips on his drink]

You already know I have to keep secrets and not to take it personally. So... don't tell anyone about my tattoo.

I think that's more than fair. Actually, it'd be something to look forward to.

[Finally, a means to make him have human interaction while he works. If it's something he can enjoy maybe he'll finally get better at it! Stranger things have happened.

He blinks.]

You have... a secret tattoo? I mean, no problem there, I won't tell anyone. Just uh. Curious?

Good!

[He rather not have to drag him out of a place kicking and screaming.

He'll swallow his next bite before moving to touch his upper arm. A glowing cross appears.]

Mm, it's proof of what I am, essentially. Except I'm not really meant to go around showing it off to just anyone.

[That would make an easier life for all of them.

Varian sips his drink, his eyebrows raising as the cross appears.]

Huh. That's pretty cool. Um... thanks for showing me. [ Because it's important to acknowledge that Jun choosing to share this is important.] Does... does it hurt, or... anything? If questions are okay.

[He'll pull his hand away so he can get back to eating, and the glowing will fade ]

Questions are fine. But no, it doesn't hurt. Most of the time I don't even think about it.

[Varian takes a few more thoughtful bites of his burger.]

Okay, that's good. Is it... safe for me to touch? Or- not? Just so if I know to avoid it.

[ Will it vaporise him like your sword, Jun? Important facts to know! ]

[He makes a thoughtful noise]

Hm.... It's proooooooobably safe?

Edited 2024-09-16 23:06 (UTC)

Hm. That's fair. I mean, if it's something you generally hide from people, you might not know...

[ You know, a sensible person would take that as a sign to maybe not take a chance, but Varian is a motherfuckin' scientist and the concept of blowing a limb off will not deter him from testing anything out.]

Well! Only one way to find out!

[He's just gonna reach over with one index finger and poke Jun's arm where the tattoo is. BOOP!]

[ - ! ]

V-Varian!

[He sounds startled because SIR. SIR. WHAT ARE YOU DOING?? But luckily - no death will come to Varian today. It'll light up briefly, but it won't fry him.

Jun's quickly scooting away though, out of reach of the poke.]

Christ- At least ask first!

[Being an idiot, that's what he's doing. Varian doesn't seem bothered by what could have been a near-death experience, instead he nods, like he's making a mental note of how it reacted. It glows when touched- duly noted! He does at least drop the poking finger.]

What? Better to find out now than later.

[You chose this, Jun. You actively chose this. But he will at least, y'know, check in. After doing the stupid thing.]

Is it okay? Didn't hurt or anything, right?

[Jun meanwhile is trying to shake off the feeling of embarrassment. He's gotten so used to hiding that mark from the world, much less not letting anyone touch it. So to just have Varian poke it...!

Breathe. This is just how Varian is. Ever fucking curious when it comes to science stuff.]

Y-Yeah, it's fine. It doesn't hurt, it was just awkward.

.... Don't you dare take any scientific notes about it.

[HE KNOWS HOW YOU GET WITH SCIENCE STUFF VARIAN. HE KNOWS]

[The fact Varian has survived to adulthood with his "just fucking touch it!" approach is, quite frankly, a minor miracle. He had at least developed enough social skills to realise that PROBABLY crossed a line and looks a little abashed clearing his throat and rubbing the back of his head.]

Sorry. Didn't mean to make you feel awkward. Yeah, prob-probably should've asked first. Mental note for next time!

[At being denied scientific notes, he looks like a kicked puppy. Noooo his science ideas :( :( :(]

Not even in my head?

It's fine-

[At the puppy eyes, he narrows his eyes and stares back for a long pause. Sir. ]

... I can't control your thoughts, so it's not like I can stop those. But nothing written down, okay?

[Varian puts one hand on his chest, raising the other palm up.]

I promise I won't write a single thing down about it. And I don't make promises unless I can keep them.

[Which has always been the case for him, but now Jun has the context as to why. Promises are not something Varian messes around with - he can count on one hand the number of them he's made since coming to Kaisou.]

Don't worry, I mean it when I say no one's gonna find anything about that from me. It's a pretty important secret and I really do appreciate you sharing it.

[As Varian promises, the stern expression will quickly go away. Because that's right, Jun knows how seriously Varian takes promises. And they're something Jun took seriously as well... though now knowing the details of Varian's backstory, it's clear to see Varian's reason comes from a place from hurt.]

Alright.

[He feels a little bad, wondering if he overreacted. But well, considering the damage done by Weissman getting Tsuchigomori's notes...]

... I really do trust you. It's why I was willing to share anything in the first place. [Even just SHOWING the Seal mark was a huge show of trust] But still, I know how much promises mean to you, so I truly appreciate it.

[He's never planning to ask Varian to promise him something again, he knows it means that much. ]

Is there anything else you want to ask of me?

[Varian knows what it feels like to have someone go back on their word, even if it couldn't have been helped. He wouldn't put anyone else through that for anything. He doesn't even blame Jun for it- not for a second. That's a hell of a power, and after their conversation on the mountain, keeping him and his power from those who might try to weaponise it... weaponise him- it's very much better safe than sorry.

A smile tugs at his lips. If Jun can trust him after hearing an entire story about how he backstabbed an entire kingdom (twice) then he can take great comfort in that.]

Of course, it- you're worth protecting.

[He would appreciate that, they are carefully given, and he'd really rather not collect more. At Jun's question, he considers.]

I don't think it's so much... asking something of you, more... an assurance, I guess. I know that there's a lot you can't talk about, and that's not a problem at all. And I know you deal a lot of your stuff alone. But if you ever want company if you're, like, dealing with it? You can always come to me. Even if I'm working. [Which is generally how Varian deals with his own stuff, admittedly, neither of them are super great at the... talking out their problems thing.] I'll always ask if you wanna talk about it, but unless it's something that's really worrying, like the stuff with the Order, I won't press if you say 'no'.

[He shrugs his shoulders.]

But if you need someone to give you a distraction or talk to or just... sit quietly with, I can do that. I wanna be here for you, if you need me to.

[Jun had been sitting here, preparing to hear another request. A ground rule he can keep in mind and adhere to. It was only fair, considering the requests he was making of Varian.

Instead... Varian hits him with that. The full charm and reassurances. Being told that he's worth protecting. He stares at Varian like a deer in the headlights, stunned, and there's a definite blush on his face. He is charmed.]

Oh. You bastard.

[JUN. JUN PLEASE]

[Varian was expecting maybe some sort of line about Jun being fine about dealing with stuff on his own while he brooded on some high ledge like an angsty cat. Instead, he gets that. He does notice the blush, but his hands still go up in a what the fuck??? gesture.]

Excuse me???

[Wow!! WOW?? This is what he gets for sincerity?! W O W!]

[His hands will also go up in a similar gesture at Varian's response]

What?! Do you not realize just how charming that sounded right now?! "You're worth protecting", "I wanna be here for you"--

[Yeah that blush is very clear]

Y-You're supposed to be making a perimeter for me to follow, not sweeping me off my feet!

No???? [He... genuinely did not realise that. Like an idiot.] I was being sincere?! I care about you, so of course I'd say that!

[But now he's bushing too, seen as Jun has pointed out something that could have been seen from space, but they've started yelling about it now, so they might as well carry on!]

Well, sooooorry!! I ran out of perimeters and felt that was important to say!

Gah-

[He makes a noise of frustration, as if he realizes how much they are yelling. It's not like he wanted to start a fight, he was just caught off guard and reacted.

So he'll fall silently, biting on his burger and chewing on it as if that's to help work the feelings off.

Finally he'll swallow, speaking in a lower volume.]

... It was very sweet.

[Varian watches Jun angry chewing his food, before deflating himself with a sigh. He sips his drink, prodding one of his fries moodily as Jun works on chewing his feelings down.

When he speaks again, Varian relents, sitting back a little on his chair.]

...Oh. Well, good. Because I really did mean it. [ There's a pause.] Um. Did you have any more? ...Parimters, I mean.

Edited 2024-09-17 23:55 (UTC)

I know. And I care about you too.

[He shakes his head, reaching for his own drink.]

Nothing I can think of. I'm pretty sure I covered everything I thought about.

[Varian nods his head, finally finishing off his food.]

Okay, that's good. I mean, if either of us ever think of something else, it's not like we can't bring it to the table again, right?

[Healthy communication and all that. Even if it sometimes involves yelling, but that's just a side effect of being them really. He takes another sip of his drink.]

So. What's the plan for the rest of the evening now we've got our soul-crushing agonies and solid relationship agreements out of the way?

[He nods]

That's true. No need to take care of everything at once.

[He'll finish off his own fries now, putting the carton back in the bag so it's easier to throw it away later]

Hmm... that's a good question. I was thinking maybe some video game? Er- a co-op one, not versus.

Okay, that sounds fun. Co-op huh?

[A teasing smirk crosses his face as he gets up, wandering off towards the couch.]

Are you still sore about that time I beat you at Mario Kart?

[He snorts as he gets up as well, heading to the couch]

Nah, I don't care about that.

Just figured it'd ruin the mood of the date if you lost your cool over losing.

[Varian faux gasps, putting his hand to his chest as he sits down.]

Wow. Wow. I happen to be a gracious loser, thank you.

[He's not. He knows it. Jun knows it. They both know it. It's clear Varian isn't taking his "gracious loser" statement seriously at all- a grin crossing his face.]

Honestly, you throw a controller one time, and you're marred for life.

Uh huh.

[He'll plop down next to him, grabbing the joycons and handing Varian one]

That's because controllers are expensive! Speaking of, make sure you play with the wrist strap on.

[So it's much harder to throw]

I'm sure I could fix it if I broke it, in fact, I could probably improve it.

[Never let him do this. Never. That's how you end up with a joycon that shoots actual lasers, and no one needs that in their lives. Varian makes a pointed display of raising his arm up, and then slowly attaching the wrist strap. For good measure, he waves his hand a little, now joycon attached.

He glances over at Jun, swallowing down a trickle of nerves before shifting to sit a little closer to him, enjoying the flutter in his chest as he does so.]

So, what's the game?

I'll... think about it.

[That means no. No he does not want lasers shooting out of his joycons.

Jun loads up the game. He'll glance over at Varian to make sure the joycon is on safely. He does notice Varian shifting closer, and gives a little smile at it]

Snipperclips. Basically we work together to solve puzzles.

[Jun has made a very wise move this day, saving not only his joycon, but probably most of the fortress from Sudden Lasers.

He makes a soft noise of amusement as the little animated joycons and their weird fucking faces.]

Okay, that's both adorable and weirdly creepy at the same time.

[And you know, it IS pretty adorable. And tricksy. There will definitely be a point where Varian's got his head tilted at a fifty-degree angle, squinting at the screen.]

Okay, so I think we need to make a little hook to pull the lever out?

Haha, isn't it? I'm a fan of the creepy cute.

[At least the gaming is going better than the first time they tried playing together. He makes a thoughtful noise at his assessment]

Yeah... that might work. Hold still, I'll cut you up into one.

Oh? Is that why you like me?

[He... definitely didn't mean that to just come out like that, and a faint blush crosses his cheeks as soon as he realises that slipped out. He clears this throat, focusing on the game.]

I mean. Yup. Holding still. Go for it.

[He gives a snort]

I wouldn't call you creepy.

[With Varian holding still, he'll cut his character into a hook-like shape that he thinks might work. It's not perfect, but it'll do.

As soon as he's done with that though-]

Cute though, yes.

Oh, good, glad I managed to skip the creepy check.

[He's trying to manoeuvrer the now little hook character up towards the aforementioned lever when Jun drops that little nugget on him. He at least manages to keep it together this time, though he's blushing up a storm.]

Well... thanks. That's- thanks.

[He's dealt with his self-loathing enough that he will allow a compliment - progress!

Jun may recall on the mountain that Varian had told him that if Varian meant to be charming, it would be awkward and science-pun based. Jun was pre-warned about this. A grin crosses Varian's face as he turns to face Jun, raising his eyebrows slowly

He never did figure out how to do Eugene's smoulder properly, but he'll always give it a good college try.]

Likewise. I mean, are you made of copper and tellurium? Because you're CuTe

Edited 2024-09-19 20:33 (UTC)

[When Varian turns to look at him, he'll make sure to look at him back. It's not like he's that focused on the game. He grabbed it from the eshop to give them something to do.

Then Varian drops that. There's a long pause, as if Jun has to process what the fuck just happened.

And then, he bursts into laughter]

[At least Varian is very aware of how terrible his flirting is to not take offence at the laughing. He understands, he understands a lot.

He laughs himself, rubbing the back of his head.]

To be fair, you were warned about that.

[And the laughter isn't meant to be mean, at least. It's genuine surprise and amusement. But he's trying his best to get it under control]

I know, I'm sorry! It's just- [A few more laughs] There's a difference between being warned about it, and experiencing it firsthand!

[No amount of warnings could've prepared him for that]

Just how long were you sitting on that one?

[Varian chuckles, sitting back on the couch so he can open his arms to show the wide, expansive nonsense that is is god-awful flirting style.]

I get it, I do. You have to go through it yourself to truly appreciate the experience. I have so many more. They will never get any better.

[And they will be dropped with zero warning. As god intended.

Varian looks a little embarrassed because the answer is, of course, a while.]

Ha-ha. Probably around the time you got math wrong when Zodiac were trying to foist their ads off on us. You know. When you forgot January existed? About then.

[ He's been trying to pinpoint when things started to change for him and while he's still not utterly sure of when it happened or even if there was a specific point at all, he's pretty sure that's when the thought first occurred to him. To be pushed to the back of his mind, of course, but still. ]

[There's a bit of a snicker from him]

Seriously? Well, something to look forward to I guess.

[Just try not to drop them all at once Varian. He is still a mortal man, he can only take so much.

That said, that answer surprises him. He was expecting maybe "ten minutes" or "a few hours", but since that day? He remembers it, it was a pretty dumb blunder on his part. ]

... That long, huh? [It's really sweet, honestly] Well... I'm not really good at coming up with puns, and I'm not sure you want me quoting anime, so...

[He'll lean over and give Varian a kiss on the cheek. ]

It'll be a treat you'll never see coming!

[He will do his best to eek them out, probably with terrible timing. Jun will know only suffering with these.

It was a pretty dumb blunder, but it was also pretty adorable. Who even forgets a whole month? Jun, apparently! A math gay he is not. But that's fine, Varian has plenty of math in his head for both of them.

He wasn't expecting the kiss on his cheek. He was prepping for a bad joke or gentle teasing or something. He feels his stomach flip-flop a little as a soft little heh escapes him. He tucks some hair behind his ear, he can't remember the last time he smiled this much. ]

Well~ Much as I would probably find the anime thing pretty charming if not extremely confusing, I am very okay with this.

[He steels some of his nerves to lean in and press a kiss of his own to the corner of Jun's mouth.]

Y'know, just so we're clear.

[Listen, Jun knows what he's signing up for. Will they be bad? Yes. Will they delight him? Also yes. ]

Haha, maybe I'll have to try that sometime then. Or make some of our date nights anime nights.

[Because sorry Varian, you aren't the only nerd in this relationship. You're going to have to deal with Jun's own nerdy quirks.

His own heart skips a beat as Varian gives him a kiss in return, one on the corner of his mouth this time. There's no way that wasn't intentional, and he'll be getting that message loud and clear. He'll hit pause on the game before setting down the controller]

Haha, very clear.

[His hand will reach up to gently cup Varian's cheek, giving him a smile, before he leans close and gives him another gentle kiss. This time, it's on the lips, as well as much more lingering]

[Varian considers this and honestly? That's fair. If he's to inflict terrible science puns on Jun, it's only fair Jun gets to inflict anime on him.]

You know, I think I'll be okay with that. You never know, you might convert me yet if you get a really good one.

[Varian knows he's tends to be a little obtuse when it comes to figuring out social cues. Romantic ones doubly so. He figures it wouldn't hurt this time to put a stronger signal out there.

His cheek heat up as Jun's hand cups it, and he's only too happy to lean in to return the kiss. The game well and truly abandoned for this much more welcome activity instead. His chest feels tight and fluttery in the best of ways as he focuses on that lingering kiss, his hand moving to rest on Jun's shoulder - notably NOT the one with the tattoo on it- the boy CAN learn, it turns out.

When the kiss breaks, Varian doesn't move far, resting his forehead against Jun's. A breathy little laugh escapes him as a lopsided smile crosses his face.]

I've wanted to do that all night.

[Oh, his eyes practically sparkle at that. That Varian's actually willing to give it a chance. He was expecting him to groan or something- but this is so much better]

Hehe, alright! I'll make sure to find a perfect one for you.

[Time to dig through the mecha genre, oh yes. That's how he'll hook Varian.

There's a rush of excitement as Varian returns the kiss, happiness bubbling up in his chest. This is all so exciting and new, different from how it was with Ryouta. And yet... it felt completely natural. It didn't feel strange to kiss Varian, despite their years of friendship. Aside from the new relationship jitters... he felt entirely safe.

He keeps close as well, resting against his forehead too. He lets out his small laugh]

For me, it's been since that night on the mountain. [A couple of his fingers will start to gently play with one of the locks of Varian's hair] You wouldn't leave my mind.

I'm looking forward to it.

[And he's genuine about that. Anime matters a lot to Jun, and so he'd like to give it a half-decent chance to matter to him, too. Or, at the very least, understand it well enough to enjoy it with him.

The mechs are absolutely what'll get him, though. No doubt of that at all.

The kiss is an absolute joy- it's very, very different from kissing Fern, and not only because Jun is made of flesh and blood. There's an eagerness, a happiness to it that's contagious. It's electric, and Varian wants more of it. And even with the rush of bliss that comes with the kiss, it really does feel safe too - and right. Like things are as they are supposed to be. His thumb moves to brush along the line of Jun's jaw. His hands are rough and calloused- a life of farming, engineering and alchemy do not soft hands make, but his touch is extremely gentle despite that as he smiles a dopey, happy smile as Jun plays with his hair.

And then Jun just drops you wouldn't leave my mind like it was nothing. He blinks in surprise, his breath catching for a moment. No one's ever said anything like that to him before.]

...Wait, really?

[Varian is aware he is awkward and kinda weird... very weird. Not exactly the image of someone's desire here. Not in his opinion, anyway. But here's Jun just flat out saying it, and it's Varian's turn to be extremely charmed. A blush crosses his cheeks, as does a slow smile.]

Now who's sweeping people off their feet?

[He's going to lean in to capture Jun's lips in another kiss- because he's definitely not had enough of that just yet. Odds are unlikely he ever will be.]

[While Varian's hands are rough from a lifetime of hard work, Jun's own skin is smooth and soft to the touch in contrast. Regeneration has a way of doing that, erasing any marks his past would've left. It's a nice feeling though, Varian's hands were warm and so gentle. ]

Yes, really! [There's an amusement to his voice, but it's out of endearment. ] You're a handsome guy, Varian.

And duh, I'm trying to sweep you off your feet.

[It's INTENTIONAL, unlike all the times you did it without thinking Varian! But he's smiling as Varian pulls him into another kiss, eagerly kissing him back. This time he'll take it slower, letting them both enjoy it as they explore each other's lips.]

[The softness of Jun's touch is very welcome, and Varian leans into it every time, taking a great amount of comfort from it.

He's never been called handsome before. Jun saying it out loud like that makes his heart stutter, he doesn't know if he's capable of blushing any more than he actually is, but his face sure is giving it a good college-try. What do you even say to that? He's so unprepared for this.]

O-oh. Thank you? [Winning. He's winning at this.] And you're gorgeous, but...uh, you probably already know that.

[The term was a carefully placed one, purposefully nonbinary. That, Varian felt, was important. He laughs into the kiss- well, at least one of them can do this on purpose. His fingers, shift to tangle gently in the hair at the back of Jun's neck. He mumbles against Jun's lips as he enjoys the warm press of them against his own.]

Well. You're doing a really good job of it.

[The blushing? Is honestly cute, especially now that Jun has a better sense of what it means. And really, Jun has his own blush going at Varian's compliment. He caught the gender neutral word choice, and really, it's appreciated. He does laugh gently though]

Haha, I thiiiink you're underestimating how much attention I get in that area. The Jesus thing tends to be a real turn-off in the gay clubs. [He's joking, the only gay club he's ever hung around was the Vogue... and well, half the staff of that place is convinced he's 10 years old.

Those fingers in his hair feel nice, and he makes a soft sound through his nose to indicate that. He'll shift to be closer to Varian, moving to kiss the corner of his mouth before breaking the kiss and speaking again.]

I'm glad you approve. Let me know what pace you're comfortable with, okay? Don't want to sweep you off your feet too hard.

Edited 2024-09-20 21:55 (UTC)

[Okay, that pulls a little laugh out of him.]

No kidding. Maybe you have the uncanny ability to summon their catholic guilt. Terrible superpower, but you live with what you get.

[Certain people in the Vogue absolutely hold the impression that Jun is ten and will remain so for the rest of his days.

The noise Jun makes is pretty encouraging, and Varian makes a mental note of that for the future. But he is glad for the break and the question- it gives him a moment to actually gather his thoughts.]

Thanks, I'm more than okay so far, I'll let you know if it's too much. [He rubs the back of his neck, clearing his throat.] Uh- unlike you with your furry wolf sex [no, he's not letting that go anytime soon, Jun said it that way and now he has to suffer for it forever] I have not slept with anyone yet so maybe uh... not that just yet.

[ Quickly, before he opens himself up for Victorian comments again.]

Unlike the period dramas you've really gotta stop watching because oh my god, no- I don't need you to like, fight a duel for my honour or anything. Just give me a couple extra dates to get my head around it. Because I want to [he blushes again] oh boy, do I want to, but I wanna be sure I'm ready for it.

[Because as much as his teenage hormones are screaming otherwise, he's trying his best to be sensible about this. This matters- Jun matters. He wants it to be a good experience, when it happens.

There's a significant pause - then he raises a finger to add.]

Also, aforementioned furry wolf sex probably won't happen. I'm so freaking stupid on a full moon, Jun. It won't go the way you want it to, and I won't even remember it, so it'd just be a horribly disappointing experience for both of us. Let's not do that to ourselves.

[Truth be told, that was a more thorough and wordy answer than he was expecting. It's enough that makes him snort a little, especially considering the joke that Varian had just made]

Ha, maybe you're onto something with the guilt power. Seems it got summoned just now.

[Okay, he's joking. He will be shifting into a more comfortable position for talking though]

It's okay, Varian. I wasn't going to call you a Victorian over this. I'm Catholic, remember? Withholding on sex is kinda our thing. [But since Varian KEEPS bringing up, he'll make an awkward clearing of his throat] The "furry wolf sex" was... not exactly planned.

[He does pauses though, biting his lip to hold back the obvious snarky remark about Varian's intelligence ALL the time.]

... Haha, so that's how you are on a full moon. Don't worry, that's fine with me. Considering how it went the last time I tried that, I rather not repeat it anyway.

[ He's a winner at this, clearly.]

Oh. Oops. Sorry, didn't mean to summon the terrifying catholic guilt.

[But still, he'll sit up a little better, a rueful chuckle escaping him.]

Okay that's fair. I do think you've got me trumped on that one. Hah, but that does make me feel better. Like- [ he pinches his thumb and forefinger near to each other] a tiny bit.

[ Oh. No. He sees that lip bite. He can feel the snarky remark Jun is holding back. He can sense it coming off him in waves. ]

Don't. [A quick warning. Don't EVEN.] Oh. Yikes, that bad, huh? Well, that's okay, we can just veto that. It's fine.

[He'll chuckle and wave his hand in a "don't worry about it" motion. Guilt, it happens. ]

I'm not saying anything! [Damn, Varian does know him too well.

But ah yeah. He'll scratch his jaw, his telltale sign of embarrassment]

Y-Yeah it's.... [Oh boy, he doesn't want to say it, but his partner does kinda need to know] We kinda got so into it I forgot to hold back my strength, and uh.... Ryouta had to see a healer after.

[So. Yeah. That bad]

You don't have to say it, I know you're thinking it.

[He KNOWS, Jun. He knows. He does note the jaw scratch, brow furrowing in worry.

A worry that doesn't really ease once Jun actually explains what the issue was, though it does make space for some awkward embarrassment too. ]

O...oh. [ He clears his throat. ] Yeah, yep. That'd about do it. Were you both like... okay, after? Or is this like... a psychologically not okay kind of thing?

[He only asks because he knows Jun is good at compressing his hurt in a way to hide it from others but ultimately only hurts him more. He's noticed that and this feels like one of those... compressing sort of things. The Catholic Guilt again.]

Hey. Just like I can't control your science thoughts, you can't control my internal quips.

[So there!!

He does raise an eyebrow at Varian's reaction. He wasn't really expecting that kind of reaction. To care more about the psychological rather than the... well calling a healer part. Varian really was a sweet person. ]

Oh, Ryouta was fine. He found the whole thing hot, somehow. [TRULY, A STUPID MAN]

I freaked out. Nearly took a vow of celibacy, had Ryouta not talked me down from it. [He sighs. In other words, this would've been a compression thing, had Ryouta not been there] I just don't want to have a repeat of the incident. Especially when you're...

[He trails off, trying to find a polite way to put "you're a scrawny nerd unlike Ryouta"]

... Well, you and Ryouta are different people.

Ugh, fine. I guess that's fair.

[He will concede to this. He supposes.

Varian's learned that healers are great and all but they sure as hell can't fix what goes on in your noggin after something potentially traumatic happens. That's where the real kicker is. He makes a soft 'eh' sound about Ryouta finding it hot, making a little scale motion with his hands. Varian would not have had a puppy crush on a terrifying sword lesbian if he didn't at least vaguely entertain the idea he'd like to be stepped on sometimes.

But as Jun continues to speak, it's clear to Varian his worries were founded correctly. Ah, there it is. The compression.]

I mean... you know it wasn't really your fault, right? It just happened. Things happen.

[And wow, wow. Varian lets out a faux gasp, putting a hand on his chest.]

What are you trying to say. [At least the offence is only a jest, as he lets out a snort of laughter.] I mean, I'd prefer if you didn't snap me like a twig in all honestly. [He lets out a thoughtful hum.] Well, I've never been afraid of pushing back at you so far. I can at least guarantee that if it gets too much, I'll tell you. Does that help?

[He notices that scaling of his hand and once again quirks his eyebrow a little more. What's that supposed to mean Varian???]

I mean, it's not like I'm beating myself up every night about it. [That's... something? But he frowns a little, because he knows what Varian's saying is hitting a deeper thread than just one little incident. There's a long pause as he tries to figure out how to word it all.] ... It's complicated. The first half of my life I was raised to be a weapon, and then the second half of my life my dad taught me to be a pacifist and try to blend in with human society. So even if logically I know something's a accident... getting my feelings to believe that is another matter.

[God he hopes that makes sense, since he's not that good at understanding his feelings, much less vocalizing them. He's worked on it in therapy, but he knows he's a long way off from nailing it.

But... he considers that, before nodding. Thats true. Varian's never backed down from an argument in his entire life. Of course he'd share his opinion. His shoulders relax a little, he hadn't realized how tense they are]

...Yeah, it does help. [He nods] Maybe some phrase so I don't confuse it with our normal banter?

[It's fine, Jun, don't worry about it. That's a fun thing you can find out later.

He waits patiently for Jun to work thought his feelings, and even more so when he tries to voice them. He knows Jun well enough to know the guy would much rather bury everything away and not talk about it at all, so the fact he's trying is a big deal.

He's never been in a position where he's felt like a weapon himself (most of his actions came from a place of anger and hurt, no one had to mould him that way - bar Andrew) but he remembers what Jun has said about Krusnik in the part. It breaks his heart to think of anyone being treated that way, but even more so when it's someone who matters so very much to him.

He smiles gently, reaching out to rest a hand over one of Jun's, giving it a reassuring squeeze and keeping it there.]

So it's like what you've known in the past is at war with what you know now? I mean, that's understandable- they couldn't be more contradictory. It makes sense that it'd worry you, like... struggling which side of you to lean into when... I mean, honestly, it's probably more down the middle than anything, yeah?

[He gives Jun's hand another squeeze.]

That's okay. Thank you for telling me. [Because he WILL encourage Jun choosing to speak about what's going on in his head every time.] I think that's... more than fair to struggle with.

[He notices the tension easing and is glad of it.]

Okay, we can do that. That's totally doable.

[Burying them away, or just not dealing with them at all, was his usual mode of operation, that's true. It was only little by little did he learn to recognize his feelings and open up about them, and even then it was difficult.

But he did want to try. Especially after Varian opened up so much about himself. Jun never would asked him about his past, but Varian volunteered it. Forced himself to share. How could he not make an effort in return?

He listens to Varian's assignment about it, giving a small nod]

... Mm, it's something like that. [He didn't want to be just a weapon like Krusnik wanted, but he never really fit into normal life like his father hoped he would. Somewhere down the middle was a good way to describe it.... though Jun can't help but scrunch his nose in a self-deprecating matter as he jokes] Pretty cliche of me to struggle with yet another binary huh?

[Because get it? Get it? Okay, not his best. He does give a bit of a smile as he squeezes Varian's hand]

... Thank you for listening. [And understanding. He'll let that smile come, not wanting to linger on such a heavy topic]

Aha, sorry. I didn't mean to kill the mood with some heavy talk, I really was just trying to assess which base we were reaching tonight.

[Varian definitely gets it. His feelings tended to fester until they exploded, and that always ended... badly. But with baby steps, he's getting better, and he's more than willing to help Jun deal with that too. It takes help to figure out how to better yourself, after all. No one can do it alone. And lucky for him, Jun isn't alone.

He snorts a little at the scrunched up nose - reaching out with his free hand to boop if gently with his finger.]

Why stop at what you're good at, huh?

[It's fine, he gets the joke. It landed.]

Literally any time. I meant it when I said I was always here to listen.

[He shakes his head, gently pulling up Jun's hand to his lips, pressing a little kiss on the knuckles, before glancing up at him.]

You didn't kill the mood. It's okay. [He is 18 years old, the building being on fire would not kill the mood for him. He might trying to be sensibly not letting his hormones take the wheel the whole time, but they're still leaning on the horn. His lips turn into a little smirk.] Two? Two feels like a good number.

[He wasn't expecting a nose boop. It catches him off guard for a second, before he breaks into a giggle at both the action and Varian's joke]

Hehe, good point. I do like being an enigma.

[... He looks completely charmed as Varian kisses his hand. He'll lean over to kiss Varian's forehead in return]

And I'm always here to listen to you too.

[Whether it be about Varian's past, his present, or just whatever topics are on Varian's mind. He wanted to be there for that.

But thank God. The mood wasn't killed. He wanted to be careful about this, avoid any past mistakes but... boy, being here with Varian sure is reminding him that it's been awhile ]

Two? As in second base? Well... okay! That's...uh... [... Excuse him as he pulls out his phone from his pocket with his free hand and does the world's FASTEST google search.] Hold on- I'm sure it's pretty safe though. 2 isn't very high-

[The search comes up. His eyebrows raise at the results]

.... Heavy petting and touching over clothes. Huh. For second base?

[A laugh bubbles out of him at Jun's giggle - that was adorable.]

I never would have guessed!

[It's a gentle tease and his smile softens at Jun's reassurance- and the little kiss on his forehead, that was nice.]

Thank you, I know. I really appreciate that.

[Because good lord, if he didn't need it sometimes, too. Being able to unload his past onto Jun and not having it ruin everything has been significantly comforting. It's given him a safety net he sorely needed.

He sits back while Jun googles that, absently playing with the other boy's fingers in his captured hand. He considers the results.]

To be fair, I existed before baseball did, I'm mostly guessing. [Varian will use that as an excuse as many times as he can get away with, regardless of the fact he's lived in the modern world for over two years at this point. Still, he gives a thoughtful hum.] I'm okay with that, I think. I mean, probably a lot for two people on a first date who barely know each other. But we've known each other for a long time now.

[He smiles, leaning in to press a kiss at the crook of Jun's jaw.]

So, yeah. I'm okay with that... uh, if you are. I mean, I trust you, so-

Varian. Don't lie. Even if baseball existed in Corona, you never would've learned the rules.

[He knows you, nerd. A sport and a team one at that? The only way Varian is playing that is if it's by force.

When he's done reading on the phone, he'll set it on the coffee table. No need to keep holding onto that. He gives a little shrug as he turns his attention back to Varian. With the hand being held, he'll move his thumb to trace along Varian's skin.]

Oh, I'm okay with it. I guess I just always thought the bases escalated slower...like first base was hand-holding or something. [But he gives as coy little smile] But that's alright. How about I take lead and go until you say stop?

[.... That is the smile of a guy that totally plans to be a tease throughout this]

...Yeah, okay, that's fair. I definitely would not. They tried to make me participate in the Gopher Grab once and I just hid in my lab until they went away.

[Because Varian really will avoid all sports - especially team ones. God, no. Just let him die instead.

There's a tingle of excitement as Jun's thumb brushes over his hand- especially added with that smile. Varian is vaguely aware that he's setting himself up for something here, but he has no intention of pulling away yet.]

Hah, guess I never thought about it before. [His smile turns a little more lopsided, his heart beating a little faster in anticipation.] Yeah, okay. I'm very okay with that.

Edited 2024-09-22 01:15 (UTC)

Ah right, the time honored Gopher Grab. Still sounds as bizarre as the first time you told it.

[Also vaguely unethical treatment of the gopher, but now that they're getting back into it, the last thing Jun wants to do is derail things with a discussion of rodent handling ethics.

So instead he gives a wink with his coy smile ]

Alright, leave it to me then.

[He'll draw close to him again, pulling him into another proper kiss. This time, he'll take lead, guiding the kiss into being deeper than the ones before. His free hand meanwhile will move to the side of Varian's head, fingers moving into his hair and the thumb tracing along his ear lobe]

[Varian does not want to get into the Gopher Nonsense right now. That would be too big a derailment, and he'd really rather not. Especially after Jun gives one of those fucking winks again. He's certainly not interested in any other topic of conversation after that.

Nope. There's only one thing he's interested in right now.

He happily follows Jun's lead into the deeper kiss, the butterflies in his stomach working overtime as he makes a soft noise into it, savouring the taste of Jun's lips. He shifts closer, very much enjoying the feel of Jun's fingers in his hair, of his thumb playing along his ear. He gives Jun's hand a little squeeze of encouragement to keep going on whatever track he's headed down here. It's extremely welcome.]

[Varian's reaction is very much a motivator for Jun. He feels a rush of excitement at the noise and the clear enjoyment of the other.

So he'll keep it up. His tongue slips out of his mouth, poking at Varian's lips to try to get into his mouth as the kiss continues. All while he's doing that, he'll get up and carefully climbs onto Varian's lap. His knees will move to rest on the couch on either side of Varian, so he's not actually putting any weight on him- but it certainly makes it a whole lot easier to close the distance between them. ]

[ Varian feels Jun's tongue at his lips, and it's like a spark of electric up his spine. He readily parts his own lips to allow Jun inside. He has to try and navigate past those buck teeth first, but should he manage it, he'll find Varian's own tongue greedily welcoming his as a reward for that hard work.

He shifts a little as Jun climbs onto his lap, so he can settle easily between Jun's thighs- he releases Jun's hand so one can settle, palm down, at the small of Jun's back, the other moving up to the back of his head to tangle in the green hair at his neck. ]

[Considering his previous partner was Ryouta "will never stop talking" Ibuki, he's learned how to navigate worse than buck teeth when it comes to kissing. They're actually pretty cute. He makes a please sound through his nose as he explores his mouth and plays with Varian's tongue.

Eventually he has to break for air, ending the kiss. But he then moves to start kissing the corner of Varian's mouth, speaking between kisses.]

Taste any of that copper and tellurium you were asking about, Professor Larch~?

[He says that in a lightly teasing tone, because of course he's not letting go of that bad science pun from earlier. He makes a hum of approval at the feeling of Varian's hands, tilting his head so Varian can easily reach his hair. Meanwhile own now free hand will slide onto Varian's chest, fingers brushing over the fabric of his shirt. ]

Edited 2024-09-22 18:09 (UTC)

[Varian would be very charmed by Jun finding the teeth cute. He's certainly very charmed with all the kissing, and when Jun breaks for air a soft whine escapes his throat even if they both need to breathe to, y'know, live. He shifts to chase those little kisses with his own lips, a breathy laugh escaping his as Jun asks him that.]

Maybe~ But you know what they say in science, Professor Olive, you really do have to test things out multiple times to be sure.

[He deserves the teasing, it was a terrible flirting attempt, and he knows it, but if he can turn that to his advantage he sure as hell will. Varian takes advantage of Jun's tilted head to thread his fingers through his hair, he's pretty sure Jun can feel his heart absolutely thundering in his chest with his hand where it is- but it's a feeling Varian wants to keep chasing.]

[He gives a warm chuckle, both at Varian's remark and his little whine. He'll let him chase a couple of those kisses, giving a quick kiss in return. But then, teasingly, he'll move his head away and instead start kissing a trail on Varian's jaw, and then his neck]

Mm, don't worry. You'll get many opportunities to test that out. [on the next kiss, he'll gently scrape his teeth against Varian just to see the reaction] But right now, I'm the one running the experiment.

[Well, Varian said he liked being stepped on.

He can feel that thundering heart, and honestly? It's a rush, enough that he finds himself resting his palm there for a moment to feel it. He knows that his own heart must be beating just as fast]

[Varian has only a moment of disappointment as Jun's lips move from his own- but it's soon replaced by delight as those kisses move down his jaw and neck. He hums in appreciation, tilting his head back to give Jun better access. ]

H-hah is that the case? Good to know, I'd hate to miss out on more of that.

[As Jun's teeth scrape against his neck, Varian's breath catches, his synapses on fire. Oh. Well, he's sure learning new and interesting things about himself today, he liked that a lot. He mutters something in German that is absolutely not a nice word as his fingers tangle a little tighter in Jun's hair.]

Okay. Good- good experimenting. Carry on.

[Ohhh, he caught that reaction. And while he wasn't fluent, he knew enough German to know that was definitely a curse word. If Varian's hums gave him a rush, than this was like striking gold. ]

Oh~? Did you like that?

[He'll do it again, this time taking his time as he slowly scrapes his teeth over Varian's skin, before following it up by soothing the spots with his tongue. ]

[Oh, he's in danger. He realises that as soon as he hears the tone in Jun's voice. He has unlocked a door somehow, and Jun has just stepped the right on through it. The hand at the small of Jun's back moves to his hip, if only so he has something to grip when Jun takes his fucking time on his neck. It feels like his skin is on fire, and he absolutely wants more of it.

It takes him a minute to find words again, his Adams apple bobbing as he catches his breath.]

Uh huh, yup. M-more of that, please.

[Oh like a shameless cat, he saw an opening and stepped right through. He's practically purring out his words, feeling real pleased at this development]

Haha, as you wish ~

[He'll go in for it again, kissing at Varian's neck. Though this time, instead of just a tooth scrape, he'll start to carefully fully nip at his skin, biting it in a way that'll probably leave a mark later.

All the while, his hand starts to move down his chest. This time he's using his nails against the fabric, as he lightly scratches down his chest. ]

[Jun really does sound pleased with himself and were Varian not so very distracted right now, that would rankle him. He'll have to save some of that for later.

For now, he focuses on the feel of Jun biting his neck, gasping out his name breathlessly. Oh, he knows that's gonna leave a mark, but he's perfectly okay with that if it means Jun keeps doing that.

He arches a little, pressing into those nails against his shirt- he's starting to realise he probably signed himself for a lot of teasing tonight, and that is absolutely on him.]

[Oh he is grinning ear to ear. He finishes with the bite, giving the spot a kiss]

Now that was a reaction. You sounded really hot just now.

[He'll glance up at him, with a coy look on his eye]

Do you wanna keep going?

[Varian flushes at the comment, not expecting it. He lets out a breathy laugh.]

Don't know what you expected, doing that to me.

[ That grin and the coy look are enough for Varian to reach out to grab the front of Jun's shirt, pulling him in for a fierce kiss, he pulls a little at Jun's lower lip when he breaks it, lowering a sharp gaze on him.]

Don't you dare stop.

[He wasn't expecting Varian to grab him like that, but he's delighted by it. He gives a very pleased little squeal sound as he kisses him back. ]

Alright alright! I was hoping you'd say that.

[He'll grin before pulling Varian back into another kiss, making it passionate and deepens it to try to take control of it. He'll scoot in closer as well, so his body is pressed up against Varian's ]

[Varian is extremely happy to hear that little squeal come out of Jun, and a pleased hum of his own thrums in his throat as he kisses him.]

Glad to not disappoint.

[He meets Jun's kiss eagerly, matching the passion quickly. Much like most of their relationship over the last two years, Varian does not concede victory to Jun easily - even though he knows it's largely inevitable - the push and pull of their relationship often has Jun emerge the victor, but Varian will make him work for it nearly every time. So he pushes back for control in the kiss, with slips of his tongue against Jun's, and little nips to his lips when he breaks it enough for air, before delving back into it again. Oh, no, he won't make this an easy victory for Jun, he never will.

But Jun shifting closer does make him hitch his breath. After all, Jun's ministrations so far are having very much the desired effect, and the extra friction from Jun pressing up against him pulls a low groan out of him into the kiss. ]

[Varian's gotten over his new experience jitters quick, it seems. Which... Jun is really happy for. For two years, they've had this dancing duel. Jun wasn't a competitive man normally, but Varian always had a way of bringing it out of him. Maybe it was because he never gave it up, even in times he was clearly outmatched.

So having that same spirit show up now? It's a big turn on. He's battling to have control, but he's moaning a lot more as the kiss continues- especially whenever Varian gives a little nip. Not that he's going to not give it back, pushing his tongue straight back against Varian's and tugging at the other's lip whenever he's able to catch it.

He's enough into the little battle that his body starts grinding against Varian's in response, causing him to moan more. Which if Varian couldn't tell Jun was into this... well, it was pretty obvious now]

[Turns out pushing someone's buttons enough can do wonders with it comes to nerves, and Jun is an expert in pushing Varian's buttons at this point. Even if, if he HAD to admit it, Varian really enjoys it. It's something he only really has with Jun, it's a cornerstone of their relationship, and he wouldn't be without it for anything. It's just... shifted direction a little now.

He certainly isn't up for giving up any ground as they kiss - fiercely giving back everything Jun has to offer, all tongues and teeth, his fingers tightening in the hair at the back of Jun's head. His moans swallowing up into Jun's, encouraging and challenging at the same time.

He gasps into the kiss as Jun grinds down against him, his own hips moving up in response. Every time his growing arousal meets Jun's, it's like seeing stars, a sharp spark down the length of his spine that he wants to keep chasing. He whines a little in the back of his throat as he tries to get more friction between them, shifting up as close as he can get.]

[This was certainly ramping up quicker than Jun had anticipated. Varian's fierceness in fighting for dominance was proving to be a serious turn on. One that Jun was fully caught up in for a moment as he fought back to keep control.

Then they start grinding against each other and Jun receives the same jolts of pleasure. Christ, and it wasn't nearly enough. Maybe if he slide his hand down there --

Wait. Fuck. Varian stated second base. He had to at least check.

So with intense willpower, he breaks the kiss and even still the grinding. His hand has made it's way to Varian's waist, where it was resting for now. His cheeks were flushed and he sounded a little breathless as he spoke]

V-Var, wait. [Too worked up to deal with a 3 syllable name right now.] We can keep going, but it's going to start being really hard to say stop soon. Are you fine with that?

[A frustrated noise escapes Varian as soon as Jun stops, his hips rising still for a moment, trying to get the friction back. But then Jun starts talking to him, and he tries to swim through the fog of hormones and lust to pay attention to what is being said.

He doesn't seem to mind the shortening of his name at all, he likes it in all honestly. But... ah, right. They're really on the precipice of something here. He takes a few moments to catch his breath, to work out what he actually wanted. Before they started this, he'd been more than a little nervous about it- he and Fern never got anywhere beyond the most chaste of kisses and this had been a great, terrifying unknown. He didn't know how it would feel or if he'd be a mess at it, or if Jun would even like what his inexperienced hand could bring to the table.

But the hard cock pressed against his leg has certainly put paid to that particular worry. Turns out, he's not as terrible at this as he made up in his own head. And honestly? This is far, far less terrifying than he anticipated. Quite the opposite, in fact. Jun's made the whole experience so far wonderful - it feels as natural and right as anything, and if he thinks about it, he really does want more of it. The nerves that had been prickling at the back of his head have been dissipated. When he speaks, his voice is a little deeper, he's managed to fight the desire enough to have cognisant thought, but the desire is still very much there.]

I- I wanna carry on. I'm more than fine with that. I want this... I want you. [If that wasn't obvious already. He leans in to press a gentle kiss at the corner of Jun's mouth.] I trust you.

[No. That's not enough. Jun was considerate enough to ask, and Varian appreciates that so much. Jun was already so very high in Varian's estimations, but this has put him even higher. He knows that's not all Jun is worrying about, though, and knows he needs to put his mind at ease.]

If anything's too much for me, I will let you know, okay? You don't have to worry about that.

[He'll wait as Varian collects his thoughts enough to respond. When he does, Jun can't help but have his eyes light up, and a smile come on his face. ]

Ha ... I was really hoping you'd say something like that.

[Jun had had his own share of worries going into this. Even if he was more experienced than Varian, he wasn't that much more experienced. Ryouta was his only partner, and they'd only done it a couple times. So he had worries that he'd do it in a way that Varian wouldn't enjoy. Or worse, that they'd turn out not to have actual chemistry and this crush had been the result of misplaced hormones.

Both of these worries... had been proven to be categorically false. Fooling around like this had only amplified his desire for Varian. It felt natural, but it was also exciting, having their usual dynamic manifest into this. And clearly, with how much Varian wanted to continue, he felt the same. ]

Alright, I'll stop checking in and leave it to you to speak up then. [In other words, he trusts him too. He'll let Varian worry about what he can handle.

Then, with a glint in his eye, he'll move his hand from Varian's waist to his front and starts undoing Varian's belt buckle as he talks, keeping eye contact with Varian]

You can stay here tonight and I'll teleport you back to your room in the morning. [So no worrying about any walks of shame] We're going to take our time with this. Explore each other's bodies, get used to all this...

[His smile will get that bit of a smirk, the look Jun gets right whenever he tries to spur Varian's more competitive streak]

Whoever seduces the other more thoroughly gets to top later on. Though from the looks of things... [He'll make a pointed look at the bite mark on Varian's neck, before pulling out Varian's belt in one fluid motion] I'm in the lead on that.

[Varian certainly feels the same way- a part of him had worried that their dynamic would work against them in any kind of romance. That their habit of sniping and pushing at each other would be a detriment. It didn't occur to him until now that it... likely meant something else, and he's just been extremely stupid this entire time. Because this? Oh, this was a feeling he didn't want to stop chasing. He wanted his and more. He wanted Jun with every damn fibre of his being. ]

Aye aye, can do.

[Because he really does appreciate Jun trusting him on this. He wants Jun to enjoy himself, and he can't do that if he's stressing about hurting Varian the entire time. He watches with lidded eyes as Jun moves to undo his belt, fighting to keep his hips still, to not push up and try and get any sort of friction from his hands as they get to work. A smirk crosses his lips as the other man talks.]

Sounds good to me. I'm sure not in any hurry. I'm all for this going all night.

[He wants to take his time with this, the thought of doing so is exciting, to know every damn inch of the man currently in his lap.

And then Jun gets that LOOK in his eyes and Varian knows exactly what it means. It's a look that never, ever fails to get his blood up. It's a look that makes him want to grab Jun and slam him against a wall and-

...Yeah, definitely in hindsight, he was really stupid to have missed this pretty clear sign for the last two years. His eyes flicker as Jun lays down a very clear challenge and then has to be a smug asshole about it, acting like he's ahead.]

Oh, you fucker.

[It's rare to get Varian to swear at all, even less so in English, but this is where Jun has got him. But Jun has got what he wanted, Varian's competitive streak has been well and truly ignited. His hands side down past Jun's back to cup his ass, he pulls him close again with a groan, before getting to his feet in one fluid motion. Jun isn't the only one who can tap into a little extra strength when needed. Varian's is usually a lot more powerful on the full moon or when he slips into wolf form, but he certainly has enough for this- it's not like there's that much difference in his and Jun's builds after all.

One hand does shift to Jun's back again so he has some extra support as Varian dips his head in to nip and kiss at the crook of Jun's neck.]

Bed.

[It's practically growled against Jun's neck as he manoeuvres them around the couch and stumbles across the room towards Jun's bedroom area. As soon as he gets to the bed, he lowers Jun down onto it, clambering onto his lap to continue where he was worrying at his neck, biting and licking at the skin. Oh, he wants to be seduced, does he? Can do. Once he's done with Jun's neck, he dips his hips against Jun's in one, slow motion, flashing a smirk in the other's direction.

Your move, Nightroad.]

[He knew what he said would rile Varian up. Honestly, that had been the point. This whole thing would be easier and more fun that way. Much better than either of them overthinking and getting anxious

And his grin only grows when he hears Varian swears. While Jun certainly is no stranger to vulgar language, he rarely hears it out of Varian. So to get it out of him? Hot.]

Well, yes. That's what I'm going to be tonig--

[-- His words are cut off with a surprised yelp as Varian grabs his ass and picks him up. He was not expecting this at ALL, and the surprise look on his face shows that. The surprised face that is also turning very red at Varian's growl and show of force. Oh. Oh he is discovering things about himself tonight.]

Y-You didn't tell me you could do this!

[He tries to protest like Varian cheated, but it's clear as day he's aroused by it. He lets out an audible moan as Varian starts biting at his neck, turning his head to expose more skin to him. His hips will also greedily roll back into Varian's.

Fuck. So much for his clear lead. He really UNO reversed him.

But he wasn't going to concede defeat that fast. Rather he's reaching up to start to unbutton Varian's shirt, all while yanking that smirking guy down into another heated kiss, immediately deepening it.]

[Oh. Well, Varian is extremely pleased with the sound Jun makes as he's picked up- he likes that a lot and grins from ear to ear, in a sing-song voice:]

You didn't ask~

[Jun's moans are like music to his ears, and he revels in every single clear sign of how aroused the other is by his work here. He groans as their hips meet again, and that delicious friction is found once more, only too happy to delve into that kiss again. His tongue slips in against Jun's, the battle once more resumed as he braces himself on one hand, the other working deftly at Jun's own shirt - one of the perks of working with his hands so much is that he is pretty good with them, and he plans to use that to his advantage.

Should Jun get past Varian's shirt, he'll find him about as skinny and lithe as he looks with it on. Despite the show of strength here, he's not exactly got defined musculature. He really is a skinny little nerd. The freckles that cross his nose and cheeks can be found in their multitude here, though, with clusters on his shoulders and back, trailing a little less collected along his sides and chest. ]

[Oh that sing-song tone. He knows he uses it all the time on Varian, but it's not fair to have the tables turned on him.

Except where it is. And the fact the whole thing is awakening a whole new side of him.

As soon as he finishes the buttons he's shoving the shirt off Varian's shoulder and moving his hands to fondle his chest. His mouth is occupied, but that won't stop from oogling him with his eyes.]

Fuck you're hot.

[He says it telepathically in Varian's mind. Normally he tries to restrain that, but his mouth is busy and if Varian is going to whip out surprise powers it's only fair

Jun himself is a also lean, but there's clearly a lot of muscle there. His skin is mostly unblemished, aside from the mark on his arm he mentioned earlier that's gently glowing gold.]

[Varian would be absolutely delighted to know he's awakening things in his partner. After all, Jun's done that so much for him lately, it's only fair he should get a shot at doing the same to him. Turnabout is fair play in all things, it turns out.

He shifts a little to shrug his shirt off, letting it drop to a crumpled, forgotten heap on the floor by the bed. He moans into Jun's mouth as his hands move up and over his chest, making it feel like his skin is on fire, desperate for more of it.

And then the sneaky bastard just throws his telepathy about like it's nothing. He makes a surprised noise in the back of his throat, pulling back from the kiss for a moment, face flushed.]

H-ah, thanks?

[No one's ever told him that before in his whole life, he doesn't really know how to handle it, so instead he's gonna turn his attention to Jun- a smile crossing his face.]

I'm sure enjoying my view, too.

[He dips his head down to kiss Jun's collarbone, then slowly starts to make his way downwards. He is nothing if not a man of his word and he does avoid the Seal, as much as his scientific curiosity wants otherwise. Instead, he settles for slow, lazy kisses down Jun's chest, savouring every part of it. He murmurs between kisses against Jun's skin:]

In case I wasn't clear before, you're gorgeous.

[The telepathy had the surprise effect he had intended. He'll shift his body down a little, his leg, moving between Varian's and bending his knee so it presses up against Varian's crotch, giving him more pressure than he had before.

He was hoping to do more, but Varian recovers fast, and Jun finds himself getting kissed all over. He makes soft sounds at that, his hands moving to Varian's back where it starts tracing between the freckles with his fingernails. ]

Ha... thank you.

[He's heard compliments to his looks before, but he never thought much about them. Hearing it from Varian though, with that sheer desire wafting off him- well, it was impossible to brush it off. ]

So... you're stronger than you look. Any other neat abilities you've neglected to mention, Var?

[He didn't seem to mind the name before, so he's going to use it again. ]

[Once the knee makes contact, Varian has to still for a moment, leaning against that extra pressure, a low groan pulled out of him. It takes him a couple of seconds to recover from it, and he's still pretty sure he can see stars after it, as he relishes the feeling of Jun's fingernails on his back.

He means every single word of it. Were he a man of poetry, he would happily write a soliloquy about the perfection of Jun's abs. But he is not, his skills lie elsewhere. A grin crosses his face, clearly pretty happy with the name.]

If I told you about them all, then it wouldn't be a surprise would it? [He goes back to kissing Jun's chest.] Buuuuuut honestly, probably not much that could help us here. But, I do know a thing or two that's neat. For instance.

[His eyes still locked onto Jun's, he leans in to press his mouth against one of Jun's nipples. He rolls it over his tongue and lips for a moment, pulling away just for a moment. Speaking of his other skills...]

Did you know that the nipple has hundreds of nerve endings making it one of the most sensitive spots in the body? [He takes the nipple between his lips again, adding just a tiny bit of pressure with his teeth- when he pulls back, he blows a little air on it.] Incidentally the epidermis is also very sensitive to changes in temperature and moisture.

[He carefully repeats the action on the other nipple, looking extremely smug about it.]

Hmmmm, I think I might be in the lead now, by the way.

[He'll grin at Varian's reaction, only encouraging him to do it again, lifting his knee up to grind it against Varian.

Not that it'll do much good, because Varian is playing to win. He feels those lips on his nipple. That alone causes his breath to hitch, the sensitivity of his nipple surprising him. He's trying to focus on Varian's words to distract him, but... that only makes it worse. When the teeth get added, Jun straight up cries out from the shocking feeling it all. His back arches with it, failing to hold it in.

He's breathless when Varian pulls away. He looks up at Varian's smug look with an attempt to seem annoyed, but he's way too horny right now to pull it off.]

.... Yeah, I think you are too.

[He can admit it. Varian has taken him by force.]

You're making it really hard not to want to submit.

[The repeated action sure pulls another deep-throated groan out of Varian. Maybe if he wasn't such a competitive lunatic, absolutely playing to win, that would have been enough to be his undoing. Unfortunately for Jun (or maybe fortunately, he seems to be having a good time) Varian is not one to give up if he has even half a chance of winning anything, so here they are.

He watches Jun's reactions with unrestrained delight, his grin widening at the sounds coming from him. The problem with dating a scientist is that they tend to do a lot of research into things and Varian certainly had some biology textbooks to hand. He's pretty pleased that paid off. He's making a mental note of these reactions. Y'know. For the future.

His eyebrows DO rise as Jun admits that he's in the lead, though. He almost never wins their verbal spars so this is a rare experience and he was not expecting it.]

Really?

[He grins again, leaning in to kiss along Jun's jawline.]

Never thought I'd hear you admit I've won at anything. Not gonna lie, it's pretty nice~ I could get used to this.

Mhmm.

[He'll make a small exhale at Varian kissing his jawline, tilting his head to both give him more access and more so it's easier to look up at him]

Well, you really surprised me this time. I can admit defeat.

[He then gives that smile and a little wink, his fingers tracing up his chest]

... But it'd be a shame to rush to the finale, so how about I try sucking you off first?

[Even if he can admit defeat, that doesn't mean he isn't going to do his best to drive Varian wild.]

[Varian will take full advantage of Jun's head tilt, kissing and nipping over the newly exposed skin, taking his time to be sure to leave a mark there as he goes. He lets out a low hmm-hmm at Jun admitting defeat, relishing in his victory for a moment.

And then Jun does the goddamn wink and says that and he pulls back, flushing a little. Oh. Well.]

Yes please. I'd like that very much.

[He stopped thinking with his brain there for a second, so that's about as eloquent as Jun is gonna get out of him. He definitely doesn't see the danger he's putting himself in, but that's a future Varian problem.]

[Ohhh that sure seemed to do the trick. You're not the only one who can short circuit braincells.

He gives a happy little hum, before he takes Varian by the hips and rolls them over, so he's on top again.]

As you wish, Var~

[He'll give a quick kiss on Varian's gaping mouth before he scoots down, focusing on unbuttoning and pulling down Varian's pants.]

So, which way do you want me to do this? Sixty-nine, or should I get on my knees?

[Jun can still win some things, it seems. Varian makes a soft oof sound as they're rolled over, and he has just enough cognisant thought to return the kiss.

But that's about where that brilliant brain of his gives up on him. He lets out a soft whine as Jun works on his pants- he's certainly more than ready for it, straining under boxers already a little damp with pre-cum. His hips rise at Jun's touch- partly to help him get the pants off, partly to get any sort of contact from him.]

H-hah. I think it's dealers choice on this one.

[His grin only widens at Varian's response]

On my knees then. ♥

[Less chance of Varian interrupting him that way. He'll pull away now, using his strength to tug Varian to the edge of the bed, making sure he's sitting up. He then gets off the bed, moving to stand in front of Varian as he very much makes a show of unbuttoning his own pants and pulling them down. Underneath, he's wearing what looks like a lacy thong made for men, one that's straining from his bulge and also slightly damp from precum.]

To be clear, I wore these for my own confidence boost on the date tonight. [Just so Varian wouldn't think this was all some grand scheme to just get in his pants. No, he had not anticipated anything beyond some making out. It was definitely Varian that got them this far.

But now that Varian's had a chance to get an eyeful, he'll lower himself to the floor, sitting on his knees. His fingers reach up and start to stroke Varian's cock through the fabric of the boxer]

Just so you know? This will be my first time giving oral. So it's going to be new for both of us.

[He can sense the fucking heart in the air, he can SENSE it. He doesn't even fight Jun tugging him to the edge of the bed, instead he's far too busy watching Jun undress. His eyes widen as they very clearly check Jun and that lacy thong out. Well, he sure likes that a whole lot. He belatedly realises that he's openly staring and flushes, clearing his throat. Damn.]

Uh... s-sure. Totally get that. Good looks- [no] looks good on you. Yup.

[Luckily for Varian, he is saved from any more needing to think how words work when Jun's fingers reach his cock. Words very much stop for a moment there as he grips the edge of the bed, a ragged gasp coming out. He's struggling to keep his hips still, desperate to shift into that touch and find more friction.]

H-haaaaa. That's- that's a-ok with me. Yay, new experiences.

[Sorry, Jun, his brain is currently checked out, please check again later.]

[This was the reaction he was hoping for. The open staring as Varian's brain fully short circuits, Jun loved to see it. Two of us can play at this game, he thinks proudly to himself. He isn't even trying to hide the smug look on his face.]

Haha, glad you approve.

[With another wink, he'll reach for the waistband of the boxers and pull them off, discarding them with the rest of their clothes. He does take a moment to check out Varian's own now naked form, before his fingers reach over to start directly stroking Varian's cock]

You look incredible.

[ Jun absolutely got what he wanted there. If he wanted the upper hand, he well and truly took it. Varian's far too distracted to even get annoyed at the smug face and that wink. He manages a soft, uh huh in response, before Jun's fingers are on his cock again- pulling a ragged gasp out of Varian instead. He's already hard by now, raring to go and twitching under Jun's clever fingers.

He vaguely realises he's been complimented and flushes. Unfortunately, most of his brain power is being used for revelling in Jun's touch and forming a coherent response really isn't in the cards currently. ]

No, you. [He... tried. Probably. He whines, giving in to instinct, his hips shifting up with Jun's hand, desperate for more. If Jun wanted to drive him to distraction, he's passed with flying colours.] Jun, please.

[Please what, he's not sure- please keep going, please do more, please don't stop, all of the above? His fingers tangle in the bedsheet as he tries his best not to come undone here.]

[Varian pleading was like music to his ears. There was a thrill in knowing he can make Varian get this worked up, this unraveled.

But he'll be good, and actually get down to business. Wrapping his fingers across Varian's cock to make sure he has a good hold of it, he'll lean his head forward. Both to test it out and tease, he'll lick the tip first to watch Varian's reaction. The taste is well... it's what you'd expect, but Jun isn't put off by it.

At least, it won't stop him from next wrapping his lips around the head of the cock, moaning as he takes it into his mouth. Half-lidded eyes will glance up at Varian, fully interested to see how he'll react. ]

[Varian really didn't know what to expect from this. It's a million miles from whenever he's experimented himself with his hand. As Jun's tongue touches the tip, it's like feeling fireworks go off in the back of his head, his breath catching as he arches into the touch.

And just as he feels like it can't get any better, Jun parts his lips and takes the tip of his cock inside. His moan joins Jun's as his eyes close, tilting his head back as he gets lost in the feeling of being inside his partner's mouth. His thighs tremble from a concentrated effort not to start bucking into him immediately, to greedily take more of warm, wet feeling surrounding his cockhead. ]

[Varian's clearly losing it, and Jun was reveling in every second of it. Once he gets used to the feeling of cock in his mouth, he'll start experimenting with it- licking various parts and sucking on him as he can. Then, little by little he starts taking more in the mouth. He's never had much of a gag reflex, so it'll probably be fine.

And really, Jun could take this clear victory in stride. He could. But.

He won't. And so, Varian will hear a telepathic voice in his head as Jun continues to work him]

Are you holding yourself back? Because it looks like you're REALLY losing the lead now~

[This little shit.]

[Varian is absolutely unravelling piece by piece. As Jun starts licking and sucking, his toes curl, his breath catching sharp and ragged. He can feel his heart thundering in his chest, every nerve ending on fire and as Jun starting taking more of him in his mouth, he feels he could probably got lost in this moment forever.

And then Jun's smug little asshole voice pipes up inside his head. It catches him slightly less off guard than the first time (largely because he's extremely distracted currently) but it does pull a groan out of him that's just bordering on a growl. He can't respond back with telepathy, so he knows he's going to have to say actual words, so he tries to push through the lust overtaking his brain to speak:]

Du hinterhältiger kleiner Scheißer

[Unfortunately, the words he grasps aren't English ones. English has gone away for a little while. He makes a frustrated noise in the back of his throat, vaguely aware that probably isn't helping, so he shifts a leg so he can press his heel- gently but still pointedly on Jun's back- to try and get the message across.]

Das werde ich dir heimzahlen.

[Holy shit, he knew he'd get a reaction out of Varian, but he wasn't expecting the guy to start spewing full-on German. His own German wasn't up to par, so he can't tell EXACTLY what he said- but boy it sounded angry. And in response? He laughs. Which is a little awkward with a dick in his mouth, but it does cause more puffs of hot air to blow against the skin.

That is followed up with a moan as he feels that heel pressed against his back, which arches along with it. That's the spirit Varian! ]

Oh~? Plan to bring me under your heel? Go ahead and try~

[He'll tease him telepathically, right as he picks up the pace and intensity of his work on Varian's dick. He's really getting the hang of this]

[It was very angry indeed, and the laughter does not help with that in the least- much less with the hot air on his skin from the action. He gulps down air, trying to find some semblance of control here, but it's becoming increasingly difficult.

Jun continues to be a smug little shit in his head, but before he can yell at him in German again for it, Jun speeds up and no words come out of his mouth, German or otherwise. Instead, a tight, desperate gasp scrapes its way out of his throat. He curls in a little, sitting more forward, so one hand can grasp blindly at Jun's shoulders, nails dig at his skin, though they grow sharper as they move. Varian is trying his damned best to keep the wolf in his head at bay, he's usually pretty good at it these days, when it's not a full moon, but Jun is pushing a lot of buttons all at once and instinct is starting to take over.

The heel at Jun's back presses in a little harder too, as Varian's hips start to move with Jun's mouth- loving every second of this despite also wanting to push Jun down a flight of stairs currently. It's an even fifty fifty right now. ]

[He makes an audible gasp as he feels those nails dig into his skin, taking hold of him. Jun can tell that he managed to switch some flip, but he doesn't regret it in the slightest. The nail marks will heal by tomorrow, and in this moment? It feels thrilling.

Even though he has to adjust his head a little to keep himself from choking on Varian's moving cock? He quickly finds the spot and is eagerly moving along with the the hip movements, moaning and making other pleasured sounds along the way.

In fact he's getting heated enough that it's getting harder to ignore his own groin. His hand absently finds its way down there to start to touch himself over the lacy fabric, just to try to work out some of the burning feeling that was going on down there.]

[Varian might feel a teeny, tiny bit bad about the nails once he's come to his senses. Maybe. Right now, he's trying to keep a tamper on just fully shifting, trying to ignore the snarling thing in the back of his mind that would really like to be set free.

More to the point, he can feel Jun dragging him to the precipice of release, he's so goddamn close to it and the temptation to let himself tumble over the edge of it is all too strong. But he knows that would mean Jun winning... something - his lust addled brain can't quite remember what currently, but he really doesn't want Jun winning.

His eyes drop to where Jun is fondling himself as a groan that's got a little too much growl peppered inside there rumbles out of his chest. A hand grips Jun's shoulder tightly to get his attention- and Varian has to struggle hard to find not only human words, but English ones.]

Jun. [Oh good, a name, even if it's gasped out, hoarse and needy. Words are working. His other hand pats the spot next to him on the bed.] Your turn.

[Truth be told, Jun was getting so into the moment that for a bit there, all he was focused on was on what he was doing to Varian. He'd wondered if Varian was going to actually climax, and what he would do when that happened---

He hears his name and feels his hand gripping him tightly, snapping him to attention. Oh- Oh right. That's where he was.

He'll comply though. He'll give one last suck of Varian's cock before he takes it out of his mouth. His legs are the slightest bit shaky, but he'll manage to pull himself onto the bed as Varian wanted, eager to find out what the other had planned for him.

Though... it's at this time he notices the claws on Varian's hand. That explains the nails on his shoulders. ]

Your hands-

[Instead of shying away, he's taking that hand gently into his own and kisses the knuckles affectionately. It's okay]

Part of me thought this wouldn't be a thing until we got closer to the full moon, but guess not.

[He says in a casual tone, without any worry. So he's triggering his boyfriend's wolf side sooner than expected- that's fine]

[Maybe if they hadn't egged each other into making this some sort of insane sex challenge, Varian absolutely would have tipped over the edge there. He's certainly close already, his cock hard and aching in a way it never does with his hands. He needs a minute to bring some semblance of sense in his head, and luckily Jun's comment about his hands does just that.

He takes a few calming breaths, notices Jun's shoulder and winces. Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck. Jun is kissing the knuckles and talking about it like it's no big deal, but guilt still bites at the back of his head.]

S-sorry. I'm trying to keep it tapped down. [A nervous little laugh bubbles out of him.] Guess I got more worked up than I realised.

[Ah, there was that anxiety again, even though both of them were already so worked up. Jun gives an affectionate laugh and a headshake at Varian's apology. ]

You're fine, Var. The wolf is part of you, and I knew that from the start.

[He'll kiss his knuckles again, while his other hand moves to hold onto his hand as well]

Would you like me to change as well? Might feel less self-conscious that way.

[Turns out the anxiety can strike at any time, Varian's not a fan. He's spent since he became a werewolf doing his best to push it as far down as he possibly could, and here's Jun, just offering encouragement and acceptance like it's nothing. Just picking up all his anxiety about it and hucking it out of the way like it's the easiest thing in the world.

He squeezes Jun's hand, carefully, mindful of the claws. He had stipulated no wolf sex, but it's clear that's a lot harder to keep a hold of than he thought- it seems it'll come out no matter what he wants otherwise. But Jun has offered a simple answer to that and the wolf in the back of his head pushing forward again, because yes. Absolutely. His eyes darken a little- desire tugging him back to the task at hand- pushing past the anxiety and the shame to make itself known.]

Yes. I'd- I'd like that. That'd help.

[He can push past it, because he gets it. The worries that come with being a monster, or with being a weapon. That you feel like you have to be in constant control, that you can't do anything that might risk scaring people off. It's a lot to deal with.

But Varian made it clear he wasn't afraid of him. Even after Jun made it clear he'd injured his last partner, that he was a weapon, Varian didn't shy away. How could he possibly turn Varian away after that?

Besides, even if something happened and Varian did scratch or bite him too hard... he'd just heal anyway.

So Jun will respond to Varian by giving him one more kiss on the knuckles before closing his mind, focusing on transforming into a carbuncle about halfway, so he didn't become too inhuman. His fingernails will grow to small claws in Varian's hands, his toenails following suit. His ears will become longer and much more fox-like, covered in green fur that matches his hair. Finally, his tail will appear, appearing like a green, fox-like tail.]

How do I look? I don't usually show this to others.

[Nor does he sit around nearly naked except a thong around others, but that goes without saying]

[It was a terrifying thought, unfounded really- Varian has never actually hurt anyone as a wolf. Largely because as soon as it happened he got himself the hell out of dodge to never let it become a problem. He didn't have any control of himself during the full moon- what if someone was hurt? He can't risk it.

But hypocritical as he can be, he never thought the same for Jun. He would never brand Jun as a weapon or a monster or anything of the sort. Never in a million years would he do that.

...It's just a little harder extending that same kindness to himself.

Jun transforms and Varian watches, wide-eyed, taking in every part of him. He scoots a little closer, clawed hands tracing the edge of one of those ears, just brushing the fur with a feather-light touch. At the question, he leans in to press a kiss at the curve of Jun's jaw, just under one of those ears, murmuring softly over his skin.]

Like you could ever be anything but completely beautiful.

[He makes an audible gasp and his ears twitch at the attention. He forgot how sensitive those things were, and it was even worse with how worked up both of them are. The tail will wrap around Varian, lightly brushing over his skin with its fur. ]

Haha... the same goes for you, you know.

[He'll move his head to nuzzle those ears against him a little. It's hard not to fall into animal mannerisms like this]

If it's too much, I'll tell you. [Throwing his words back at Varian, that's right] And even if you manage to hurt me by accident, I'd just heal.

So...don't be afraid, okay?

[Varian makes a mental note of how Jun reacts when his ears are touched, storing that at the back of his mind for the future. Duly noted. When Jun's tail brushes against his naked skin, he lets out a soft gasp of his own, a flush crossing his face at the returned compliment.]

Th-thanks. That... means a lot.

[He lets out a soft whine at the nuzzling, feeling the press of the wolf in the back of his mind- more insistent now. Things might have been put on pause while Varian had a little freak out about the claws, but the mood was far from gone.]

Okay. I trust you.

[Words well flung, Jun. He nods, sucking in a deep breath, before concentrating- trying to keep at least a small life on the transformation. He doesn't want to go fully inhuman either, after all. His own ears lengthen, covering in dark fur. A tail of his own appears, a faint teal stripe on it to match his hair. He can feel the sharp teeth wanting to push through, but for now he fights them back. He has other uses for his mouth right now and he doesn't want fangs to get in the way.

He puts another kiss to Jun's neck, and while his nose stays human, the sense of smell rises, and he lets out a soft growl at the scents wafting off his partner. His cock shifts too, not that he notices right away, he's too busy focusing on Jun. He slides off the bed, couching on the ground. ]

Anyway. Like I said, your turn.

[ He presses a tiny kiss to Jun's inner thigh, trying his best to not go crazy at the smell of him as he slowly pulls that thong off of him. ]

[He'll simply smile at the thanks, not really knowing how to respond to it. He doesn't think it's anything worth thanking, it was simply the truth.

But he won't have to fret about it now, as his attention is fully caught by Varian's own transformation. He's seen some of Varian's wolf features before, when they were younger, but.... boy, do they take on a whole new context here. ]

...Christ, you're hot.

[And unlike Varian, he does notice that shift in his cock. His tail wags without meaning to. Part of him is extra glad he conceded earlier, fuck.

But oh, right. Varian wants payback first. He snaps to attention, scooting closer so his legs are properly off the bed and spread. It hadn't really sunk in that Varian had meant to give him oral, until now]

I-It might have changed with the other- mm!

[He's cut off with a squeak as Varian kisses the inside of his thigh. Damn that's sensitive. And sure enough, as Varian pulls off his thong, he'll see that Jun's cock has shifted with his own monster transformation. Though just as before, it's just as hard and aching, and Jun can't help but shiver as it's exposed to the air]

[Maybe if it had been anyone other than Jun saying that, Varian would have dismissed it out of hand. But he can have faith in Jun's estimations of him, so he lets out a soft little hum.]

Very much the same to you.

[Varian catches the tail wag, misinterpreting it as just general excitement for what's going on. His own tail thuds against the floor in a wag as he gets Jun good and naked. He eyes the cock, a small smirk crossing his face.]

So I see.

[He doesn't really know what he's doing here- but neither did Jun, and he set a pretty good example- besides, instinct is starting to pull at him now he's let the wolf out a little more. He leans in, trying to be sure to use the pad of his hand around Jun's cock- keeping the claws clear. He shifts his lips over the cockhead experimentally, trying to get a feel for how much he needs to open his jaw. Then, tip of Jun's cock in his mouth, he presses his tongue against the bottom of his partners cock, so the member rolls over it as he pulls his head back again. Varian's eyes flick up to Jun, watching his reaction- as he blows air slowly over the now wet- a repeat of the nipple trick.]

[If a reaction is what Varian wants, then he'll get it. Jun's never been touched in this way before, so he doesn't know what to expect. And what he receives? Is intense. He immediately makes moaning sounds and moves his hips slightly forward before he stops himself.

Instead his fingers will reach out to grab the hair around Varian's wolf ears, the fingers brushing up against them. ]

[Well, that was a delight to see. Varian lets out a pleased little noise in the back of his throat, the pad of his thumb pressing on the bottom of the base of Jun's cock. He moves in again, taking more of Jun's cock into his mouth, slowly shifting in and out, occasionally pressing his mouth against the lower part of the member again.

Jun's hands in his hair, so close to the ears makes him whine, vibrating around the cock in his mouth as he continues to move.]

[Christ it's getting even more intense.

Jun starts going between whimpering and panting as Varian starts taking in more of his cock. Between all the stuff they've done to each other so far? Jun was already extremely worked up. So Varian taking him like this and being so thorough with his work was overwhelming.

So he can't resist as he starts shifting his hips again, nor can he stop the trembling as he feels the energy ready to burst out of him. He's really trying to hold it in, but from the way he'd clinging to Varian's hair and is shaking is a sign that it's a struggle.]

Ah- V-Varian-! I'm-

[ITS BORDERING ON NONSENSICAL, but at least he's TRYING to give warning. ]

[The sounds coming from Jun are an absolute delight, and Varian's tail wags at the sound of them despite himself. He shifts his head a little, to accommodate Jun's moving hips, so he can continue to suck him of as he starts to come undone.

He can tell from the desperate movements, the fingers tightening in his hair, and Jun's voice cutting through it all that his partner is on the edge. He has a moment to decide what he's going to do about that, and settles on pulling Jun's cock further into his mouth, much as he can without gagging. Experimentally, he reaches with one hand to brush the pad of his thumb across Jun's balls. Gentle but insistent.]

[If Jun was trying to hold on from going off the edge, then Varian basically walked up and pushed him off. The combination of feeling his cock being pushed further in, and his balls getting attention would've gotten a strong reaction on it own- but when paired up with everything Varian's doing and has been doing to him?

His entire body tenses, with one more thrust of his hips before it lets loose. One of his hands will remain in Varian's hair, while the other quickly reaches out and digs into his shoulder to brace himself. A wave of pleasure crashes through his body, and he lets out a cry of pleasure as cum spills out of his cock and into Varian's mouth.

Victory goes to Varian in... whatever this competition is meant to be.]

[Sometimes, there needs to be no mercy, and this is one of those times. Varian can feel Jun tense, and is ready for when he finally tumbles into the abyss. One of his hands moves to Jun's lower back palm-flat, to support him as he braces himself.

The cry of pleasure is a reward in of itself, knowing he's managed to make Jun so very much undone. He's still very new to this, after all- he might be taking no small amount of smugness about this. He swallows down Jun's release- it's not exactly the most pleasant thing he's swallowed, but it's also not the worst thing either. Thanks, alchemy.

He'll enjoy the victory in... whatever, humming softly, giving Jun's cock one last suck before finally releasing him, pressing another wet, sticky kiss on his inner thigh.]

You good?

[He's breathless as the climax slowly subsides, his body feeling slightly drained from the rush of it all. It felt amazing as hell, and perhaps he was going to say that as he collects his mental faculties and catches his breath...

At least, he was until he saw the smug look on Varian's face, and it sinks in what just happened.

Fuck. He's never going to hear the end of this, is he.]

... Yeah, I'm good. You're a quick learner.

[He is never going to live this down for the rest of their days. And they have a lot of days ahead of them. Varian chuckles, moving up from his crouch, shifting closer. The back of his hand moves to brush against Jun's ear, that smug grin growing.]

Well~ I am a genius.

[ He slides one knee onto the bed, his other hand moving to Jun's chest, claws scraping over it in featherlight touches. He'd happily revel in his victory forever, but his own cock is hard and insistent, and watching Jun fall to pieces has only made his desire for the other so much more.]

Pretty sure we had a deal.

[He will get you back one day, Varian. At the ear brush, Jun can't help but make a soft sound and tilt his head to nuzzle again that hand. Yep, he definitely doesn't mind that. ]

...Yeah, I know. [He shivers at Varian's touches, leaning up to kiss the corner of his mouth gently]

You won, fair and square. So for the rest of the night, you can have me any which way you want. [Which judging by how his tail is wagging behind him, this hardly seems like a bad thing to Jun.]

[Varian will very much look forward to Jun's revenge. He smiles a little at the nuzzling, leaning his hand into it. He returns the little kiss, nuzzling a little against Jun's cheek himself.]

Yeah, you seem so broken up about that.

[He's teasing, he sees that wagging tail! He kisses just under Jun's jawline again, and then glances down and... oh. ]

Oh. Uh. That's new.

[The "genius" has just noticed the change in his cock. Well. That was not what he was expecting. He flushes a little, but goes back to kissing and nipping at Jun's jawline. It's easier to tap into the strength this time, shifting his hands around Jun's side to scoop him up and push him back onto the bed. He settles his legs on either side of his partner, straddling him, then pauses.]

Okay, new as I am to this you probably need to uh... prep, right? [He's read fanfics! He glances down at his claws.] Which... admittedly might be a problem right at this second.

[He'll giggle a little at the teasing. Yeah, he knows it's pointless to even try to hide it. ]

Oh yeah, I'm devastated. Poor me, having to live out the ABO fics I've stayed up late reading.

[What, this far in, there's no point in denying that he's read that kind of stuff before. And that giggle turns into a snort when he realizes oh... Varian only noticed the change in his cock right now. While they are kissing, he'll reach down and gently run his fingers down the shaft of his cock]

It suits you.

[He lets himself be moved, making himself comfortable on the bed underneath Varian. He's not hard quite yet so soon after his orgasm, but honestly in the state they're in, it probably won't take long

It's only talk of prep that brings Jun back to focus. Right]

Ah- yeah. Should be some lube in the drawer of the nightstand. [As for the claws] Yeah... maybe a little. [What to do] I'm not as worked up at the moment- so I could put my claws away and prep myself?

[That pulls a snort of laughter of his own out of him.]

Iiiiii might have stumbled upon some of those myself. Y'know. For research. Werewolf research. [Or rather. It started as research, and then he went down a very kinky rabbit hole. He nips gently at Jun's neck.] I'll do my best to not disappoint.

[Oh and then Jun's fingers are on his cock and a whine bubbles out of his throat. He doesn't haves words again for a moment, managing a soft 'uh huh' instead in response. He knows he won't be able to last much longer himself as is.

Luckily, they get a moment to focus on something else, and Varian uses the time to trails kisses along Jun's neck to his collarbone.]

Sounds like an idea to me. I definitely plan to work you up a little more yet- so probably a good idea to get that done soon.

"Research", huh? Sure. [You can practically hear the air quotes in his words, but his breath hitches some as Varian starts to nip him.

He can tell that Varian really is worked up, so he'll be good and focus, pulling that hand away. ]

Alright, I'll get on that then. [Using his telekinesis, he'll open that drawer and summon that bottle of lube over to him. Catching it in his hand, he'll quickly will away his claws, before nudging Varian with his leg for him to move- it's hard to reach when you're straddling him, babe]

...Talk about an eventful first date, huh?

Edited 2024-09-27 21:07 (UTC)

You do stumble on it pretty quickly when you're trying to understand how werewolves work. [There is one, single, solitary werewolf in his world after all- and that's a veeeerry different scenario. But he has other things to focus on right now. He'd rather deal with his own werewolf issue.] I might've gotten...hah, sidetracked.

[Funny way to say horny, Var.

Still, he does as he's asked, shifting backwards so he's not directly on top of Jun to let him work. He flushes a little at the comment.]

Hah- tell me about it. I uh- I definitely didn't expect it to go this way.

Haha, oh I can imagine. [It IS a popular genre, after all] Nothing wrong with that. I've read plenty too.

[Varian's already in this deep, no point in trying to hide the depths of his nerdiness.

With Varian moved, Jun will spread his legs to be a bit more open. Squirting some of the lube gel onto his fingers, he'll reach down to his entrance and start to work, making a soft sigh at it. Good thing he's flexible. ]

Neither did I... But, I'm really glad it did.

That makes me feel a little better.

[There is no hiding it, they both know. It's far too late.

Varian sits back on his heels, watching Jun work himself- partly to learn what's being done for the future, and partly because it's a delight to watch.]

Yeah. Me too. Hah- I mean, it's not like us to ever take half-measures anyway. Kinds tracks for us.

[He knows that Varian is watching him, and he sure doesn't mind. He'll try to make a bit of a show, slowly slipping his finger in with a little moan]

Haha true, and I feel a lot less nervous knowing that "us" actually works. [Instead of them just being misplaced hormones]

... Full moon might be troublesome though.

[Varian chews his bottom lip as he watches Jun work, he can't stop his tail from wagging slowly, anticipation building.]

I'd say "us" works pretty well. Hah- kinda feel like I've been stupidly not realising just how important you are to me for this long.

[He can and WILL be sappy, even when Jun's preparing himself with lube, there's no stopping him. At the mention of the full moon, he clears his throat.]

UH... probably yeah. I um... I'm not in my right mind then. That's why I stay in the state park, out of the way of everyone.

Ha, me too. But... I think we both had our own things to work on, so maybe it's not bad that it took awhile.

[He knows both of them have their fair share of baggage they had to work on, their own journeys. Sometimes things happen for a reason, and they still managed to find each other in the end.

He'll continue prepping, now slipping two fingers in and scissoring himself.]

The state park huh? [He makes a mental note of that to remember later] ... Good to know.

That's true. I... probably needed time to get my head together to appreciate you.

[But it has come around right- just at the right time. And Varian feels all the better for it.

He lets out a soft whine, because Jun is absolutely stunning right now and he can't help stroking his own cock to give a hand something to do while he watches. He's a little too distracted to realise what Jun is saying here.]

Uh huh. I can get pretty far out before I can't go any further- no one around.

Me too. We're both pretty different people from when we first met.

[Both of them were immature back then, thinking back on it.

He does notice Varian touching himself. As hot and appealing as it is, he is concerned it'll send Varian over the edge before he's ready. So he'll nudge him with his foot.]

Weren't you going to work me up again?

[He says it lightly, as if he's just reminding him to give him something to do. ]

Huh... that sounds like a good idea. Would you mind company this time?

Yeah. We've come a long way, I'm pretty proud of us.

[Sometimes, you grow up in a crazy city that actively messes with your head and become a better person for it.

He yelps in surprise as Jun nudges him with his foot- brought out of the excitement he was building for himself. Oh, right. A slow grin crosses his features.]

I think I can do that for you, seen as you asked so nicely and all.

[As Jun continues to work himself, Varian reaches over, taking Jun's cocktip in his hand. He starts to brush the tip with the pad of his thumb, working in time to the scissoring Jun is doing to himself.]

If you want? I mean... I'm not exactly talkative. And I don't really remember everything when I turn back- it's kinda hazy.

[He makes a noise of agreement. Jun's not the best at being proud of himself, but... he can acknowledge he's made some progress.]

Ha, do you like it when I ask for it~?

[He says in a bit of a flirty tone, but he's grinning as Varian reaches over. As the thumb brushes his tip, he makes a sharp breath and his cock will twitch in response to the stimuli, starting to get aroused.

But boy, despite them laying here naked in bed preparing to fuck, Varian is missing what he's getting at]

... Don't worry, I'm fine with not a lot of conversation.

[Varian laughs, low and deep in his throat, and he responds in a flirty tone back:]

I really do.

[It's just another layer to their weird rivalry nonsense. It makes him feel like he's won... something. His thumb brushes over the tip of Jun's cock again, before he adds the pads of his fingers too- avoiding the claws as he slowly strokes Jun's cock in smooth movements.]

Oh? Then why would you-

[He pauses. He blinks.

You can hear the lightblub switch on.]

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. [He got there. Finally.] Yeah. Um- I'd- I'd be okay with that.

[Because if they've learned anything tonight, they've learned they can trust each other- and he's fairly certain Jun can handle himself if things go... wrong. ]

[He makes more noises, soft moans and gasps, as Varian strokes him. His cock responds in turn, becoming harder with his touch. He likes the asking huh? Well, that's something he'll remember. But first-

Thank god, he connected the dots. He grins a little]

Great, it'll be a date then.

[A totally normal date with a werewolf in the middle of the woods at the full moon. Yep.

But he'll finally finish prepping himself, pulling his fingers away. Bringing his claws back, he'll reach up and gently scratch along Varian's jawline. He'll say in a flirty low tone]

Alright, I'm ready. So.... would you please fuck me?

Well, it'll sure be something.

[He's not sure what he'd call his mentality on a full moon date worthy, but he's not gonna ruin Jun's furry little dreams. He makes pleased little noises as Jun's cock reacts- but it's nothing on the pleased noise he makes as those claws scratch along his jawline.

The request pulls a soft growl out of his throat. He grabs the lube to slick up his cock shifting himself between Jun's legs.]

I'd love to.

[He's careful, at least, at first. Taking hold of his cock and lining it up with Jun's entrance. He presses a light kiss to the crook of Jun's neck as he slides the tip of his cock inside- letting out a low groan at the brand new sensation. ]

[Look Varian, tonight has only embolden those furry dream of his, okay.

Just like that growl, he could really get used to that. He'll give Varian a quick kiss on the cheek before moving to brace himself, clawed hand gripping Varian's shoulder.

This is the first time he's been on this end of it, so the sensation of Varian entering him is certainly new. It's not exactly comfortable, but it's not a bad feeling either. Jun's pain tolerance is high enough where he barely reacts to that uncomfortable part, allowing him to focus more on the arousal that comes from his lover being inside him. He rolls his hips to help push Varian in, lifting his legs to wrap around Varian's waist to help with angle.]

How's it feel?

[He has made this furry bed and now he has to lie in it.

Varian's breath catches as he sinks further into Jun, revelling in the feeling of him surrounding his member. He uses the new angle to dip his hips down more, pushing himself more in- steady and slow. He lets out a low groan, dipping his face into the crook of Jun's neck as he adjusts, every nerve ending on fire. ]

Incredible. You're incredible.

[He presses a kiss to the corner of Jun's mouth. He knows Jun is made of stronger stuff than him and has regeneration besides- but he meant it when he said Jun deserved protecting, no matter how capable he was, so he is going to check in before moving any further.]

You okay?

[Of course Varian would check. Even if it's a normal thing for a good partner to do, it still gives Jun a sense of warmth and fondness, making him reach up to brush the front lock of Varian's hair in affection. He was weak to someone wanting to protect him, even if he didn't necessary need it.

He was about to say some blanket reassurance that he was fine, he could handle this, when Varian pushes in far enough to hit that bundle of nerves. It makes him moan involuntarily, as charges of pleasure shoots through him, making his nerves feel on fire. It was a lot more intense than he was expecting, and takes him a moment to remember how to use words.

Or at least, fail to try to remember how to use words. Except much like Varian defaulting back to German earlier, Jun finds himself defaulting back to telepathy...and with the languages he knows scrambling ]

Fuck - Sì! 元気です!

[HELP]

[Varian will always want to protect Jun, as much as he knows that Jun really does not need it, that's besides the point. He deserved it, and so he would get it. Every time. He smiles gently at the fingers in his hair, leaning in to press a little kiss on Jun's lips.

And then Jun reacts like that and he pauses for a moment- well, he doesn't know any Japanese but he at least knows what sì means. He chuckles deep in his chest, pressing another kiss by Jun's ear, so he can murmur into it.]

I'm guessing you like that, then?

[He pulls himself back, then slowly drives in again- a low groan breaking out of him at the sensation as he tries to aim that sweet spot once more- he'll very much enjoy watching Jun unravel again. He starts to find a steady rhythm, a hand carefully wrapping around Jun's cock to stroke it in time with his thrusts. He's got to work hard to not lose himself into it- the feeling of Jun tight around him is pulling him in, as he tries to keep it steady.

He kisses and nips gently at Jun's neck, feeling his teeth sharpen, not breaking this skin, but sure sharp enough to feel- he can only keep a lid on so much, and if the teeth are the ones to go, so be it.]

[Were Jun not already flushed, he'd probably blush in embarrassment as he realized what he just did. At least Varian takes it in stride, even if that murmuring in his ear makes his face heat up more. He's really thankful though, as he knows a lot of people don't like telepathy.

This time, he'll try to focus on actually speaking, and in English]

Y-Yeah. Your cock feels incredible.

[Which was the honest truth, and god he wanted more of it. Eagerly, he'll roll his hips up and try to match the rhythm of Varian's movement. He's not quiet, especially when Varian does double duty on him and starts stroking his now very needy cock. There's moans that border on sounding animal like, with occasionally breathing out Varian's name.

He doesn't want to just lie there though. Inspired by the teeth he feels on his neck (which earns their own whimper), he'll tilt his head so he can nip at Varian's neck with his own teeth. His hand will also move down to Varian's ass, which he'll fondle and give a squeeze. The other hand will reach up and start massaging Varian's wolf ears, seeing how sensitive they are.]

[At least this telepathy was a genuine slip and not Jun being a little troll. Varian can roll with that a lot easier. Regardless, the sounds Jun is making is a goddamn delight, and he flushes at the compliment. He never thought hearing his own name could feel like this, but here he is.

A gasp of his own catches in his breath at the feel of Jun's teeth at his neck- at the squeezes of his ass. He was already feeling overstimulated when Jun starts to play with his ears- that feels like electric and he whines softly, leaning into the touch as he continues to drive into him.

Jun's ministrations are having their desired effect- as Varian moves into him, the base of his cock starts to swell. Varian lets out a soft groan at the feel of it, driving a little harder into Jun, the instinct to get the knot inside him almost overwhelming.]

[He can feel the swell of the cock as Varian struggles against the instincts. While there's some discomfort due to how tight he is, but pleasure completely outweighs it. It makes him moan and gasp all the more, and his hips thrust with even more need as his own monster instinct drives him.

His bites will move up closer to Varian's jaw and near his ear, all while he continues to feel up his ass. He'll murmur to him, egging him on between his hot and heavy panting]

I can handle it, you don't have to hold back.

[The absolute last thing Varian ever wants to do is hurt Jun. But that soft murmur of consent is what he needs to know that it's okay to drive forward into this. To give in to his instincts that are screaming to be heeded. Probably for the best, the hands on his ass are driving him to distraction.

He braces one hand on the bed beside Jun's shoulder, the other still busy working his lover's cock, as he pushes his hips forward in a solid, firm thrust in. He cries out against the crook of Jun's neck as his knot finally drives home- feeling it tighten in the muscle of Jun's entrance, keeping him inside. He keeps rocking into him, the movements becoming more erratic as he gets close to the edge- with everything they've done to each other all night, it's a miracle he's held on as long as he has (there's something to be said about bloody minded stubbornness) but he's finally racing towards climax.]

[He knew what was coming, since he'd been on the other side of it with Ryouta. But knowing what was coming and actually going through it was two different things.

When Varian does that firm thrust and knots into him, he has to stop nipping at Varian's neck, as his head falls back against the pillow and he howls out. The feeling of Varian fully inside him and the way he keeps rocking faster into that spot- the sheer pleasure of it is overwhelming to the point he can practically see stars.

He'll keep meeting his thrusts, now urgent and as frantic as Varian's are becoming. He's clinging harder now, with claws scratching the skin just so. He's too far gone to even try to keep the monster instincts at bay.]

Edited 2024-09-29 01:07 (UTC)

[The sound of Jun howling pulls a howl of his own out of Varian, as he falls deeper into the sheer pleasure of it all. It's making everyone around them turn into a pinprick- the only thing that matters in Jun and the feeling of being deep and tight inside him.

The claws in his skin are the last straw for him. He feels the release building up in him and all he can do is cry against Jun's neck as a warning before he pushes himself in and cries out his release into him. His hips jerk a couple more times, as he rides it out, sucking in heaving breaths as he comes back to earth.]

[ It's probably a good thing Jun picked a more secluded part of the fortress to make his room, because neither of these two are taking any measure to keep themselves quiet. Jun was also completely focused on Varian, with nothing else really mattering right now but what was going on between them.

As he feels the rush of Varian releasing into him, he's not long after. His hips will buckle and his back will arch as his own cock once again spills cum out, all while he cries out Varian's name.

When the intense ride starts to even out, he falls back onto the bed panting and worn. Arms will wrap around Varian to pull him close, as he nuzzles into the crook of his neck. There's a sound that similar to purring coming from his throat.]

How was it?

[He...has a pretty good idea how he feels, but this was varian's first time. He wants to make sure he's okay, after everything]

[If not, well the neighbours are sure gonna have a time working out where the wild animal noises are coming from. Varian certainly feels a rush of pleasure on hearing Jun cry out his name like that, it makes him feel some kinda way.

He releases Jun's cock, not caring for the mess on his hand or their stomachs, curling bonelessly into his lover as he feels his heart rate return back to normal. He returns the nuzzle, loving the feel of the purring vibrating out of Jun.

It takes a moment for the knot to go down as his cock finally softens enough to pull carefully out of him- then return to the cuddling. ]

That was amazing. I didn't realise it'd feel that good. [He presses a kiss to just under one of Jun's ears.] What about you? Are you okay? [There's a pause, because he really was winging the vast majority of this:] Was I okay?

[Both of them were a mess, but Jun wasn't too concerned about that at the moment. He had a shower, they can wash up later. For now, he was just basking in the afterglow. When Varian pulls out of him, he'll feel himself relax even further. He feels like basically jelly right now, blissfully so.

He can't help but smile and will turn his head so he can kiss Varian's cheek before he nuzzles him some more, the purring continuing.]

You were more than okay. [Especially considering it was Varian's first time] I loved every minute of it.

[Varian does relax a little at the reassurance. He's been working hard on himself for the time he's been in Kaisou, he understands the cores of his issues and what he needs to do to not let them consume him as they used to. But every now and again, the worries of not being good enough creep into the back of his mind.

But he's improved enough (and frankly, trusts Jun enough) to accept his word for it. He nuzzles Jun back, his fingers moving to thread gently through his partner's hair, comforted by the purring.]

Oh. Good. Glad to hear it. [Definitely not how he expected his first time to go, but even he can be surprised sometimes, it turns out.] I did, too.

[Fortunately, Jun doesn't mind giving the reassurance. It's pretty understandable he'd feel it right now, and what Jun said was true.

He makes a pleased noise as what Varian says, before falling silent besides the soft purring. Partly its out of exhaustion, and partly out of enjoying the moment. Jun was never uncomfortable with a little silence.

It's a couple minutes before he speaks up again, feeling emboldened by the warmth of this moment.]

... Honestly, I've never been a big believer in the idea of soul mates. The whole idea that someone's born with a soul that's a perfect match with yours and you're destined to be together... it always felt too much like fate for my liking.

[Which, he tended to be a skeptic when it came to fate stuff too- fate didn't leave much room for free will]

But... I've been thinking, what if soul mates aren't born, but made? Our life experiences, our actions, our choices... each of those things, tempers and forges the shape of our souls over time. And if you're lucky, you can find a soul that's been forged in a way that matches yours.

[He'll move his head to look at Varian more properly]

At least, maybe that's what happened with us. Because tonight we've bared our souls... first through words, and then through the carnal flesh. And even though we broke nearly every first date rule ... it felt so right, every step of the way.

Edited 2024-09-29 03:02 (UTC)

[Varian is happy for the quiet, really- he never feels the need to fill the silence- content to let it linger. The purring is nice anyway, and he can just close his eyes, snuggled up to Jun, listening to it. This is more comfortable than he's been since... hell, he can't even remember.

He does open his eyes when Jun starts talking, shifting his head to look back, a small smile crossing his face.]

Yeah. I've never been a big fan of [oh woop, here come the fingerquotes] "destiny" either. I've seen it used way too many times to push people into something they don't wanna do or used as an excuse for them hurting people. Destiny's just a lazy way to avoid accountability for everyone involved.

[He absolutely does not believe in destiny one bit- he's seen how that bullshit ripped Rapunzel and Cassandra apart, how it nearly killed all of them. Destiny can go fuck itself, quite frankly.

But Jun makes a very different point. Varian hums softly as he considers this, resting his chin on his boyfriend's chest, feeling it ride and fall with his breathing as he mulls that over.]

...You know, that's a really nice way to look at it. I like that idea a lot better. It's less... foretold and more about the choices that led you to this point. Yeah- I can get behind something like that.

[He draws lazy circles with his finger on Jun's chest.]

Because you're right. I mean- I was pretty worried coming here tonight. I've got, like, so few friends. As in... people I actually trust. [Because once you've had your trust so thoroughly betrayed as Varian has, you don't make it a habit to let people get that close again. Earning Varian's trust is no small feat, he doesn't hand it over easily.] I was scared that at some point I was just gonna lose you and that'd be... pretty unbearable, actually. [Jun annoys the everloving fuck out of him on a regular basis, but he'd never want to lose that for anything, it's a regular part of his existence and he couldn't bear to be without it. Without him.] But it... really wasn't hard at all, once I got here. It really did feel right. Like... like, I dunno. A jigsaw piece falling into place, or something.

[He listens to Varian, a smile on his lips and his tail wagging tiredly. Varian and him had never discussed destiny before, so God it was a relief to hear they were on the same page in that regard. ]

You're right about that. Destiny's bullshit, as far as I'm concerned. Just how are stars trillions of light years away supposed to predict your future? Honestly.

[He could get into it further than that if he wanted, but he'll just leave that sentiment where it is. He rather not accidentally spill a divine secret

He meanwhile will start tracing patterns into Varian's back ]

...I was worried about too. I was scared I was going to lose a person who sees me so clearly over some dumb hormones. [Because what if they had tried, and there was nothing between them? No way it wouldn't make their relationship incredibly awkward.] But it's clear our worries were for nothing. Neither of us are going anywhere.

[He pauses, really debating saying something but.]

... Am I allowed to make wolf puns? [Look, he knows being a wolf a touchy subject, so he'll at least ask]

Don't get me started on the stars thing. I will start to bring math into this and I don't think you deserve to be tortured with math this late in the evening.

[He is aware at least when to put the math away and he's pretty sure basking in the afterglow is not a time for math. He hums softly, tail wagging lazily at the attention paid on his back.]

Yeah. That would've sucked. I never would have forgiven them. The hormones, I mean. [He nuzzles into the crook of Jun's neck, pressing a little kiss there.] Nope. Sorry. You're stuck with me now. You may live to regret this.

[ The last one is a joke, given the little smirk on his lips. And then Jun says that and he squints, suspicious.]

...I am equal parts dreading what you say but I am too intrigued to know what you're gonna say to say no. So... sure?

[He gives a snort] Appreciate the thoughtfulness, Var. Math's not a strong subject for me, and my brain definitely couldn't handle it right now.

[So yeah please no post-sex math lessons, thank you.

But oh...he can tell that last bit is a joke. And he simply gives one of his grins, especially when Varian gives him the green light on his joke]

Haha... Not if I make you regret it first. [Here it comes, here comes the shitty joke. Jun will even lift his head to make sure he's shit eating grin is fully visible to Varian as he says it.]

Would you say tonight was about.... tying the knot?

May it be noted I gave you mercy on this day. I need this to be remembered.

[He sees Jun's shit eating grin and prepares for the worst. He knows there's always nonsense when that grin appears.]

[Tying.

The.

Knot. ]

[He's grabbing a pillow. He is grabbing a pillow and he is gently whacking Jun with it. Just once. Then he puts his face down on Jun's chest with a gargling sound.]

Oh my god, you're the worst

[He's giggling as he gets whacked by the pillow, only lazily trying to shield himself from it.]

You gave me permission to say it!

[Consent was given!!

As Varian faceplants on his chest, he'll reach over and start scratching one of Varian's wolf ears.]

I really did like that part.

I regret giving you the pun permission. I should know better, but I didn't. Lesson learned.

[The lesson is not learned, he'll fall for it again. He whines softly as his ear is scratched, his tail wagging for the attention. He snorts in amusement.]

Yeah, I kinda got that impression. I didn't know you could make sounds like that.

Please, like you'll be able to resist.

[He knows. He knows Varian will fall for it again. Jun will keep scratching his ear, smiling at the reaction]

Neither did I, actually. But it was the first time I've been on that end of things.

I will neither confirm nor deny these allegations against my character.

[He will absolutely fall for it again. He nuzzles a little into the scratching.]

No kidding? Well, I guess this was a learning experience for both of us, huh? Was that why you weren't all that heartbroken to lose, because usually you don't like that.

Mmm... I guess it's something like that?

[He shrugs a little, trying to think how to put it]

It was just.... really hot, the way you asserted your own dominance, despite being both less strong and less experienced than me. I wanted to see how far it'd go.

Edited 2024-09-29 22:58 (UTC)

Oh. Ohhhhh.

[The penny. It has dropped! Varian chuckles, leaning in to kiss one of the bite marks he'd left on Jun's neck.]

Well, now you know. Not gonna lie, I really enjoyed that part too. So I guess we're evenly matched in that regard.

[Seems Jun really was onto something with that forged soul mate talk.]

I'm never gonna let you win easy, so it's good you enjoy that. Probably gonna be more of it.

[He shivers a little at the kiss. His healing factor was starting the healing process, but the skin there was still tender. ]

Keep fighting all you want. I wouldn't have it any other way.

[Playfully, he'll gently nip at Varian's ear and tug it, before letting go and kissing the spot he tug it]

Besides, it'll make the day I do best you and get to hear you begging to get fucked all the better.

[He smiles as Jun shivers, settling back comfortably with his chin on Jun's chest.]

Duly noted! I'll keep on that, then.

[Varian lets out a surprised laugh at that ear nip, raising his eyebrows.]

I like the confidence! You'll for sure feel like you've earned it.

[Jun will snicker lightly, shifting himself to make more comfortable. This? This is really nice. He rather enjoy the time.]

Oh, I will. Just you wait, Var. You may have won today, but it's only the beginning.

[Coming to rest in Hyrule had been a fantastic idea, truth be told. Varian knew it was a long way to recovery - he's been in therapy long enough now to know there's no such thing as an immediate cure. This will take time, and even then, the scars will likely remain for good. But being here with Jun and being able to just switch off for a bit has done wonders. He doesn't feel like he's going to fall apart at a moment's notice anymore, and that has to mean something.

The full moon day comes, as it always will. Varian knew it would, and he knew he and Jun would just have to deal with it. He's been a werewolf for a long time now, he's got a patter to the whole process. When he's in the city, he just takes himself off to the state park to be clear of people, let his wolfy self do whatever it wants during the night (he never remembers everything with crystal clarity) and then come home once the sun is up and he's back to himself. He figures he can just do the same here- they're already in the wilderness, they can just make sure they're clear of the village and it'll be fine.

But this isn't like normal. Not even slightly. Because he's felt hot and heavy all day long. The wolf doesn't normally make itself so known until dusk hits. But all day he's been... distracted. Whenever he's sat to try and work on the classwork Jun thoughtfully brought him, his mind has wandered, trying to locate his boyfriend. Wanting to be near him, to breathe in his scent and be close. He figured this was probably just more clinginess after the Event Horizon at first, seeking out comfort from a legitimate trauma.

But the day pulled on and on, and the distractions stayed around for longer and longer. As the day gets closer to night, he's given up his classwork completely, instead starting to pace around the room they've got themselves in the inn. He's never felt the wolf pull so much before. Is it because he's in the spirit realm? He doesn't know, but he's feeling more and more desperate to do something with the energy coiling around inside him. To focus on something other than breathing in his partner's smell all day long.

He glances at the window, then over at Jun- feeling something tug at the back of his head, wanting to be nearer to him than this.]

We- we should probably get moving soon. I wanna be clear of the village before nightfall. I don't think I'd actually hurt anyone, but I don't wanna take my chances, you know? [He takes another deep breath, smelling Jun on the air, his senses getting stronger- always a sign the change is coming closer.] I'm feeling... kinda antsy.

[Jun would agree that coming to Hyrule was a good idea. After completing their mission on the first day... the rest of the trip had been relaxing, healing. He could tell Varian was doing better, getting a chance to get away and decompress. And honestly, the same could be said for himself. As much as he enjoyed the modern world, his upbringing had made him rather comfortable going without technology. It was nice having so few distractions out here, being able to just focus on spending time with Var.

Var... his mate, he found himself thinking for the not the first time today, his face heating up at the thought.

Today had been different from the other days. Despite the cool autumn weather, Jun found himself feeling hot all day. It wasn't a normal kind of hotness either, with certain parts of his body feeling more sensitive and tender all day.

And his mind... it kept wandering back to Varian. Up until now, Jun had taken care to be a gentlemen on this trip. They slept in the same bed, but it never went past cuddling. Varian was processing enough as it is without throwing sex in the mix. And honestly, it had been fine. As attracted as he was to him, Jun didn't need sex to enjoy Varian's company. But today, as the day wore on? It's scarcely all he could think about.

He doesn't realize that scent he was giving off now included pheromones. Nor could ha fully explain why every time he let his guard down, he found some excuse to touch Var: brushing of his fingertips on his arm, the rubbing his shoulders, kissing the top of his earlobe.

His brain was in the middle of another fantasy, when Varian speaks up- quickly snapping him back to reality]

O-Oh, yeah. Good idea. [He swallows. The full moon, it was almost upon them.] Do... do you want me to teleport us? I can think of a few spots that'd work...

[Much as Varian has adapted to the modern world and all the conveniences it holds, sometimes it's just nice to come back to basics, to what he was raised in. The simplicity of Hyrule is... nice. Quiet. It's exactly what he's needed to be able to put himself back together again and figure out how to be a functional person once more. Jun had made an excellent call, as far as he's concerned.

He's also appreciated Jun being a gentleman about it. As much as he enjoys the sex (and oh, he really enjoys it_ in their relationship, the early days of recovery would have muddied it up with all the trauma he was trying to deal with. He didn't want that for anything - so being able to just heal and not think about it has been very welcome indeed.

Except now he can't stop thinking about it. Every time Jun's touched him today, he's felt a jolt of desire, even for the most innocent of touches. He's had to tap down on himself a lot, as the growing wolf instincts press him to seek out more contact. To follow that pheromone-laden scent to his partner (his mate the wolf growls in the back of his skull) and do all manner of things to him. It's been increasingly difficult to control that as the day wore on. At one point, Jun kissed the top of his ear and he had to excuse himself to go stand outside without a coat on for a bit, hoping the chilly fall air would cool the heat burning through him after that. It had worked, right up until he returned to their room and Jun's scent hit his nostrils again and all that work was undone.

He's tried to keep a distance since that, but the need to be close keeps pulling at him. He's not sure what's happening to him, but he's pretty certain he's starting to lose to it. So he's very glad when Jun offers to teleport them away. The sooner they get out of the village, the better. He notices Jun is as flustered as he is- maybe it really is some earth element nonsense, brought to the surface by being within the spirit realm. That makes sense.]

I think that'd be best. We don't have to walk, then. Get us out there... quicker.

[He gives a little nod, glad that Varian approves of his plan. He's been through heat before with Ryouta, but he doesn't recall the onset coming this early. Was it the earth element? Or being in the Spirit Realm? Or was it because they've already been intimate?

He suppose it doesn't matter. He just knows he should probably get some things done before he fully loses his mind to lust. ]

... Alright, I just need to get changed then. You should probably remove anything you rather not get ripped. Not like anyone's going to see us.

[He'll grab the red riding hood dress he bought from his luggage, before beginning to remove his shirt. He doesn't seem to care he's doing it right in front of Varian. And if there was any question if he was worked up, both of his nipples being hard and erect, enough to make him shudder when the cold air of the cabin hits them- is probably a tip off. ]

[Varian's never gone through this before, and while he is absolutely and categorically attracted to Jun, he's usually got a better control of himself than this. Varian's never been a fan of losing control, which is why he's struggled with being a werewolf in the first place, for so long. Jun's been helping him find some peace with the changes, he's done wonders already for him in that area. But this is still new and he's not sure what to make of it.

He nods, moving over to where he keeps his usual outfit for the full moon, just a flannel shirt and some slacks. They've got enough give in them to not completely shred when he changes fully. He'd been working on his own shirt, fingers trembling a little when he glances over at Jun and stops. His eyes drop to his partner's chest, to those pert nipples, and a rumble escapes from his chest. The wolf presses firmer into the back of his skull - desire rolling off him as he openly ogles his partner (his mate, his mate, his mate) getting undressed.

It takes an incredible force of will to not leap at him across the room, his legs had already started to crouch, ready to do just that. He tries to take a deep, calming breath, but the air is heady with Jun's scent and that made things worse. His fingernails turn to claws and he swears softly under his breath. So much for actually getting changed, then. He tries to focus on his clothes, managing to shrug the rest of his shirt off. The trousers are a little trickier, and he's struggling to unclasp his belt now his claws are in play. He whines, partly out of frustration, partly out of need.

He knows better than to ask Jun for help, though- he's pretty sure if Jun touched him right now it would be game over. He tears the belt- there's no saving that right now, and he's not especially attached to it, he can get another belt. He manages to shimmy his trousers off with no small feat, leaving him in just his underwear. He's very clearly worked up himself, nipples pert and half-hard in his boxers. ]

Please hurry. I- I don't know how much longer I can keep- keep a tap on this.

[He was in the middle of getting the dress on, when he looks back over at Varian, feeling that he was being openly oogled. It's pretty clear that he's struggling. And more than that, trying to his best to resist it. Though... Jun still can't resist openly oogling Varian's aroused body. ]

Almost done.

[He'll get the dress on and kick off his pants and shoes. A red corset goes on next, but he's skilled enough at those to get them latched on fairly quickly.

He'll then grab his bag and pull out two potions- something he got from Undertown that'll help make the night easier. He'll down one of the potions, then walk over to Varian, offering it]

Here, drink this and then you can touch me all you want.

[Jun's corset skills are both impressive and very much appreciated. When he's more in his own mind, Varian may comment on that. But for now, he's just openly staring at Jun in his outfit. Yeah, that definitely did it for him.]

You're stunning.

[ It's murmured, low and deep, almost reverential. Jun is the most beautiful person alive and for some insane reason, he chose him. Varian takes the potion, looking at it in confusion. Normally, he'd be all about experimenting on it, seeing the chemical makeup of it - or at least asking about it. But Jun drank it and he trusts Jun. Plus it's probably telling how worked up he is that he just downs the thing.

The permission given, he starts to reach out to touch Jun- but stops himself, hand trembling. He hasn't got a lot of sense remaining in his head, the wolf is growing ever louder and he needs to get this out before it's too late.]

J-Just remember, if things get dangerous, I- I want you to teleport out of there, okay? Please. I'm- I'm not all the way there when the full moon's up. I don't want to hurt you.

[It is really telling that Varian drinks down the potion with no questions ask. It's nothing harmful, just a simple potion to keep lube from being a continuing issue for... however long this heat cycle lasts.

But oh... he can see that worry. He'll swallow, deciding it's probably important to reassure him.]

I'll be okay, don't worry. [He reassures him, gently] What you're feeling right now is a heat cycle. It can happen when you have a partner nearby during a full moon. But it's perfectly normal.

If you'd prefer to be alone tonight, I can leave but... [He'll blush a little, feeling heated] If you're willing, I really want to mate with you.

[A potion that's very much needed, given how worked up they both already are.

He listens to what Jun has to tell him, putting all he has into listening to what his partner has to say to him. He nods - a heat cycle that makes sense. That would explain why he's felt like this all day. Logic comes in and soothes his panic, and he welcomes it. This, he can work with. Now he understands.]

I don't want to be alone tonight, I just... wanted to know you knew to run... in case.

[In case something goes wrong. But Jun's reassurances have helped, and when he utters that, Varian closes the gap, his hand going around his waist, pulling him in close. A low growl rumbles out of his chest, his eyes shifting to become more wolflike.]

Yes. I'm very willing.

[And, pressing Jun close to him, he pulls him in for a heated kiss. There's no gentleness to it, to soft teasing. It's fierce - all tongues and teeth immediately. He's been burning up for this man all damn day, he can't keep a lid on it any longer.]

[He can tell that Varian is doing his darnedest to try to listen. Which is good! The logic seems to help reassure him, which will in turn maybe help him from freaking out. It's when someone panics that it can cause the real danger when it came to the full moon, Jun knows that full well.]

I appreciate that, but it'll be alright. [He'll reassure him gently] I trust you, all of you. Whether you're a wolf or a man, I'm still all yours.

[They were mates, after all. And Jun knows that Varian wouldn't do anything to intentionally endanger him.

His breath hitches when Varian pulls him close. He'll eagerly kiss him back, showing the hunger he's been having well as he pulls his body against him. As much as he's tempted to have it out right here and right now- he knows how much Varian wants to make sure they're away from the village.

So using what willpower he has left, he teleports them both away. They'll reappear in a deep wooded area in Hyrule. There's a cave nearby if the weather requires it, but it's clear they're a long way out from any place a person would wander. He'll enjoy the kiss a few moments more before he makes a break in it]

Alright... we're safe now. Now remember, the less you fight it, the easier it is to keep control. You are the wolf, Var, it's not a possession.

Edited 2024-10-24 19:27 (UTC)

...Okay. Okay. I trust you. Even if... even if I don't trust myself all that much.

[Because if nothing else, he knows he can always put his faith in Jun. But Jun is right, Varian would never intentionally endanger Jun, not for anything. Because Jun was his everything. He'd die (again) himself first.

He's delighted when Jun returns the kiss, delving his tongue into his partner's mouth with a hungry growl. His hand moves to Jun's ass, pressing him in close, whining at the electricity of them being so close together, making his arousal all the more obvious. He very nearly does go at it right here - but luckily Jun has enough senses to drag them out into the woods. Varian really does feel safer out of the way. He should be cold, standing here in just his underwear, but he isn't, he's too hot and heavy for that.

He whines as Jun breaks the kiss, his breath coming out a lot heavier now. He can feel the pull towards his partner, his mate and it's maddening. He has to really focus hard to understand what Jun is saying to him. To not get swallowed up by lust and desire again.

Varian's been a werewolf for just shy of two years and he's never fully embraced it. Jun's helped- this past month. His complete acceptance (and, let's face it, downlight enjoyment) of it has eased some of the nerves he's had about the whole ordeal. He expects it's because he's terrified of losing control (of HURTING people) and so he fights against it, making it harder to keep control in turn. It's a vicious cycle he's not been able to pull himself out of for a long time.

So hearing "you are the wolf sure feels like.. something. Fo so long he has seen it as a possession, a thing he cannot control. An awful, animal part of him he is terrified of causing damage to innocent people. But here is Jun, just putting that out there like it's the easiest thing in the world.

You are the wolf.]

Thank you. [It's whispered softly, truly thankful as he leans in to kiss at Jun's neck- he can't help himself, the drive to be touching him is too much to hold back anymore.] I know I need to... to work on that. But I think I can manage that with you.

[And at least the affects of the heat are helping a lot there. It's taking the edge of his anxiety, as a more primal desire is taking hold. He nips at Jun's neck again, his teeth sharpening as he does so- steering his lover back against a tree, pressing him against it.]

Only you.

[Jun knows what it's like, to be scared of yourself. When you're a weapon that's also a person, it's inevitable to be faced with fears like that. That one day, your nature will hurt the people you didn't want to hurt. Constantly, you have to be on guard, making sure you're holding back with your powers at all times.

So becoming a wolf, a being that didn't respond well to the constant control- that refused to be domesticated? Jun remembered being terrified the first few times it happened - which only made the entire situation worse. It took a bit to get him to fear it less, to learn to enjoy it for what it was: unbridled freedom.

And now, even if he's lost the ability to be a wolf, he can share that freedom with the person that matters most. ]

Mm... I'm here for you.

[He moans as he gets pressed against the tree and his neck nipped into, his head craning to immediately give Varian more space to work. Being pressed so close, it's easy to feel the other's arousal - and Varian will be able to feel his in turn. His inhibitions rapidly degrading as they get into it, and so he'll move to wrap his arms around Varian's neck as his legs wrap around his waist, so his entrance is very much near Varian's cock]

You've been such a good boy today, why do we get to what you really want~?

Edited 2024-10-24 22:29 (UTC)

[ Of course, Jun would know this better than anyone. Hell, he knows it twofold by now. Being a weapon. Being a monster. All the fear and loathing that gets tangled up into that. He knows better than anyone. And because of that, he truly is the best person to help Varian with this. And Varian appreciates him so much for it.

No. Varian loves him for it.

Jun's moan pulls one of his own out him, especially feeling Jun's arousal so close to his own. It's maddening, and Jun and his scent is so close, invading every part of him. He nips lightly at the crook of Jun's neck, and as Jun's legs wrap around him he rips off his underwear, discarding them on the ground to be forgotten.

Something about being called a good boy tips him over the edge. Normally, he tried to fight the change so hard, to cling onto his last vestiges of humanity before the werewolf form takes over completely. But Jun is driving him beyond distraction and he can't hold back. So for once, he just lets it happen- you are the wolf.

It happens quickly, easier than usual - his body shifting as he keeps Jun pinned to the tree, his human form giving way to his full werewolf form. His tail wags, because Jun is here, and he's ready and he can't ignore the heat in his gut that's become a raging fire anymore. He nuzzles at Jun's neck with his muzzle, before shifting his hands to his ass, to better support him.

Then, nipping and licking at Jun's neck, he pushes his cock into his entrance, pushing him up against the bark of the tree as he does so. A few small remainders of sense in him is glad for the potions Jun bought - they have made this easier, trying to lube him up the traditional way absolutely would not have worked - not with how worked up they are, not with how many claws are involved now. He keeps pushing in, driving deep and as slow as he can, his teeth at his mate's neck. He rumbles a low growl of approval as he feels Jun tight around him. Words don't come as easy to him like this, but he can certainly manage one:]

Mine.

Edited 2024-10-24 23:48 (UTC)

[Jun had never seen Varian's full werewolf form before. Sure, he'd seen him with wolf parts - both in the bedroom and in the spirit realm, but Varian's always been very secretive about the full form. Because of that, Jun can't help but be mesmerized as he witnesses the transformation from human to wolf. He looks so different, and yet? Jun could still easily tell its him. The blue streak in his hair, the light in his eyes, the lighter patches of fur where his freckles were... it was definitely his Var.

While one hand gripes onto the fur on his back, the other hand will reach up to pet the streak of blue.]

You're stunning, Var.

[It's said with full sincerity, with awe. He'll make soft pleased noises at Varian's nipping and licking his neck, turning his own head to nuzzle against the side of Varian's face.

Though, such gentle moments are quickly put aside as he feels the cock push into his entrance. His head falls back against the bark of the tree, and he lets out a long moan. He's not sure if it was from lack of prep done, or if it grew with the transformation, but the cock felt bigger than he remembered from last time. Not that he minded at all, and in fact he's eagerly shifting his hips downward to take in as much of he can of Varian. The heat burning inside him needed to feel his mate inside him.

His own human form was starting to peel away, with his ears shifting first. He was hoping to maintain human form during this first round since the sun hadn't quite set, but it's really hard to focus in this situation. Especially when Varian says that, which makes his face burn and have a small purr roll out of his throat.

But since he is in the red riding hood dress and trying to make sure they both maintain sanity, he might as well commit ...even if he's having to take deep breaths to even talk anything beyond moans ]

A-Ah... Is that so, Big Bad Wolf~? Grandma said I should stay on the path, but... I got so curious.

[Aside from one unfortunately trip on one of his earliest full moons with Danny keeping notes on him, Jun is the first person Varian's allowed to see his full werewolf form. He doesn't like people to see it... largely because he doesn't like it himself, all that much.

So he stills, when Jun calls him stunning, his ears perking forward at the touch, at how honest Jun is in his words. He nuzzles at Jun's jaw gently- taking a moment to sort through the wolf-thoughts to form words.]

Thank you.

[ He doesn't even try to deflect it with compliments to Jun this time. This once. Words are a lot harder for him like this and that works in their favour.

The sounds Jun makes as he enters him make his fur on his neck stand on end. He growls low, slowly bucking his hips to meet Jun's as he moves them down. He pulls back, and then pushes in further, angling himself deep, aiming for that spot he know will make his partner fall apart. When the ears appear, Varian leans up to nuzzle at them, front teeth nipping lightly at the fur at the ear's base. He's certainly not making Jun's quest to maintain a human form any easier.

When Jun starts with the roleplay, he shifts one of the hands on his rear under the seam of the dress. Claws lightly scrape at Jun's thighs, before his hand moves to take hold of Jun's cock- carefully, at the paw-pads. He starts to stroke him, slowly, pointedly, in time with his upwards thrusts.]

You know... what they say... about curiosity.

[He's glad for the lack of deflection, because he really does mean it. There's no fear or aversion in Jun's body language. Rather his fingers are eagerly moving down through his fur on his back, petting and exploring all the muscles he can find while still holding on. The other hand moves down to the chest, attempting to find one of Varian's nipples amongst the fur. When he does, he'll start massaging it, spurring his mate on.

But boy Varian is definitely not making his quest to maintain human form easier. Those teeth on his ears feel good, making them flick forward and nuzzle his head against Varian's right back as he makes pleased breathing sounds.

And then there was the thrusting. When Varian thrusts in and hits that spot, Jun sees stars. His body arches in response and he lets out a loud cry of pleasure- not caring at all about the volume. His claws come in as it happens, now scratching at the spots he was feeling before.

His brain only short-circuits again when Varian scrapes at his thigh and finds his cock. He's hard, his cock twitching in response to the feeling of getting stroked by paw pads. It's a different feeling than human fingers, but it's a feeling he clearly likes by his gasps.]

What... are you going to do to me~?

[Even if this is a roleplay, he doesn't even try to sound frightful. Instead his voice is dripping with desire, with excitement.]

[Jun's treatment of his wolf features has done more for Varian in one month than dealing with it alone in the near two years he's had lycanthropy foisted upon him. Finally, bit by bit, he's seeing it as a good thing, not something to hate about himself. As Jun finds a nipple, he makes a soft creening sound, leaning into the touch, a sound that only gets louder when Jun's claws come into play, nuzzling Jun in return, breathing in his pheromone-laden scent, heady with it.

At his mate's cry, he growls, a pleased rumble in the back of his throat. He angles his hips, continuing to fuck his partner in strong, firm thrusts, unrelenting, determined to hear more sounds like that coming out of him, thrilling at the feel of being inside him. At Jun's question, a laugh rumbles out of him, nipping at his lover's neck and collarbone.]

Gonna mate you... all night long. [He's trying his best to remember words but it's a lot harder the more he lets his wolf part take over. The paw pad of his thumb shifts to the head of Jun's shaft, moving on top of it in rough, circular motions as the rest of his hand continues to pump him.] Wanna hear... how loud you can get.

[He can feel the base of his own cock expanding, so he uses the hand that's on Jun's ass to angle him just so, before giving a rough, solid thrust in- trying to get as deep as he can as the knot seals him inside. Once he's knotted in, he keeps pushing in, aiming for that sweet spot each time, playing with his partner's member as he does so, determined to see Jun come undone.]

[Varian really has come a long way in a month. He had remembered Varian's initial panic, when the wolf features had manifested during their first time together. So to see him more confident about it.... to see him enjoying himself, it was a delight for Jun. Full moon nights like this felt so freeing, in a way. No responsibilities, no burdens, just ... pure, simple animal impulses. There was fun to it, especially now that he had a mate to share it with.

A mate who right now was doing his very best at driving him further into the impulses. The strong thrusts were rocking him to his very core, causing him to cry out- each one sounding less human and more animal-like in voice as Jun continued to unravel. His body continued to change, with his hands and hands becoming more paw-like, paw-pads forming on the base and fur beginning to grow in.

And that answer... it sent a thrill down his spine, his heated fox mind excited by it. Padded hands and claws run down Varian's back, towards his rear, while he continues playing with his nipples]

Ha... I'd like that. I'm all yours for the taking.

[He then feels that knot expand out, locking Varian's cock in him. In this state, it feels even more intense than before. He howls out, his head falling back. Claws grip on tight to Varian as he gets thrusted into, his body shaking and becoming more undone with each hard thrust as he rolls his hips into it with an overwhelming need. Precum is dribbling from his cock, and as the cries get more erratic- it's clear Jun's pretty close to climaxing at this rate]

[Varian, control freak as he is, is starting to learn there is a certain exhilaration in just letting go. That he doesn't have to keep control of every single aspect of himself - he is the wolf - he can let that freedom exist in him just as much as the rest. It won't be the end of the world to let go once in a while. It was okay to just have fun.

He's revelling in watching Jun's changes trickle in, bit by bit, and he's adoring the sounds coming out of his mate. Feeling Jun so tight around him is driving him to absolute distraction, especially now his knot is keeping him feely inside, he keeps breathing in huge lungfuls of his lover's scent, feeling it envelop him, driving him onwards. Jun's hand at his ass pulls a pleased rumble out of him as he continues to thrust upwards.

He can feel himself teetering close to the edge himself, but he wants Jun to go first. He wants to watch it happen. The hand around Jun's cock shifts, so the pads of his fingers can press against his balls as he strokes his shaft in time with his thrusts - though he's having to put more effort in keeping that controlled, his hips shaking with the effort to not fall out of tempo. He gives Jun's ass a squeeze, as he leans in to nip gently at one of those foxy ears, murmuring low into it. ]

Come on, Geliebte. Let go. I want... to see you.

[He was already so close to the edge, that it doesn't take much more to push it off it. The fingers on his balls certainly helped, him giving some fox-like whimpers as he does it- but it's the murmuring on top of everything else that does it. He doesn't need to know German to guess what that pet name could possibly mean.

So, he'll give Varian what he wants. Jun'll fall over the edge, claws gripping tightly as he thrust his hips as far as they'd go onto Varian's cock. He lets out a loud howl, that sounds much like Var's name, as cum spills out of his cock and onto Varian's hand and the hem of his dress. The waves of pleasure hit him hard, making his head fall back.

And when he finishes riding through it, it's... different from their previous times. Sure, he definitely feels that feeling of euphoria that comes with release, and he's panting rather hard - needing a moment to catch his breath. But underneath that? He still feels the heat, that persistent instinct inside him driving him to mate. Varian can even still feel it with Jun's cock, which is harder than it normally would be at this point.

This night really was only just beginning.]

[Varian focuses on Jun as he reaches climax, drinking in every noise, every change in expression, adoring every miniscule part of it. He keeps his hand pumping Jun though his climax, and at first he doesn't notice Jun's still hard, he's focused on his own climax raging up to the surface.

He howls himself, pushing in as deep as he can as he releases into his mate. It takes a few more thrusts of his hips to ride out the climax before he stills, nuzzling and licking at Jun's neck, at his jaw. It's only then that he realises that Jun's still hard- and that the heat coiling in his own stomach has not gone away. Nothing has been sated in him, it's still as demanding and loud as it was at the start of the night.

He shifts his feet with a soft, needy whine- his knot still thick and tight inside Jun's entrance. The friction from trying to pull out pulls a gasp out of him, sending another shock of pleasure up his spine- his cock firming up from what little hardness it had lost in climax. He pants against Jun's neck, his hips rising to rut against him once again, out of instinct if nothing else.]

It's... not going down. [He wines again, teeth scraping against Jun's neck.] Jun, I- I still need you.

[It's a elating feeling when he feels Varian release into him, he keeps thrusting his hips as Varian climaxes, helping him ride it out and eagerly taking it all.

He doesn't have it in his mind to question why Varian is still knotted in him until Varian tries to pull out. He makes a whine sound as the shock goes through him too, flaring up that heat even more - almost like it was trying to discourage them from stopping.]

Y-Yeah, me too. [He sucks in a breath, finding it a little more difficult to breath in this outfit. Blinking away from Varian in the first time in a bit, he notices that the lighting is well at the last lights ] I-I need out of this outfit, I can't hold human form much longer.

[The heat pushes into the back of his mind, insistent and demanding, desperate to sate a need that he's only scratched the surface for. He has to really focus on what Jun is telling him, to stop himself from going at it again against the tree right there and then. But listen he does, nodding, understanding what's needed. He nuzzles his mate gently again, before shifting his hands under his rear. ]

Hold on.

[He pulls them away from the tree, whining at every movement as he's still deep inside his lover, sparks of pleasure and need blossoming as he feels Jun's body shift around him. He carefully steps back, one hand manoeuvring to support Jun's back, as he moves to sit down, keeping Jun firmly in his lap as he does so. Now safely on the ground, his legs stretched out in front of him and Jun safely sitting on him, he can free his hands for a more important task.

He nips gently at Jun's neck again, unable to resist a roll of his hips upwards as his clawed hands dig into the corset, careful not to snag Jun in the process.]

You wanted a bodice ripper.

[ It's said in a teasing, growling tone, before he pulls back with his hands, ripping at the corset, tearing it sideways off his mate, gladly freeing him of it.]

[Jun will give a little nod, before clinging tightly to Varian. He's whining at each moment too, as Varian's cock shifts inside him. Each second he felt like he was warring between feeling increasingly uncomfortable in his clothes, and the absolute awareness he had about having his lover's cock in him. What couldn't be more than a few seconds feel much more than that.

By the time he's on Varian's lap, he's been hit with enough heat that he's already moving his hips with Varian's and kissing at his muzzle. It's only when Varian speaks up does his attention get caught.

Ah- right, the bodice. The thing he really wanted off him. He'll only nod in eagerness, before giving a yelp as Varian frees him of it, followed by a moan at the relief. Wanting this stuff off him as soon as possible, his own hands will let go of Varian momentarily to pull the dress off over his head and discard it.

As he does so, the rest of his body will begin to shift. Fur will cover his chest and stomach, and his tail will grow out and start wagging. And with his back expose, his white feathery wings will appear out of his shoulder blades, spreading and flapping.

He makes a little bit of a huff sound, the red carbuncle crystal appearing on his forehead. ]

...That's about as far as I can transform without risking getting smaller. Hopefully it'll be enough for the moon. This was easier when I was a wolf.

[Jun shifting his hips against his own feels like electric, and a low, desperate whine rumbles out of Varian's throat as he reciprocates the movement, his body screaming for more contact, to obey the pull of the heat in the pit of his stomach.

The bodice discarded, Varian watches with unabashed awe as Jun transforms more, his own tail wagging in delight at the sight of him. His hands slide up Jun's chest, fingers splaying to play through the fur there are they move upwards. When he speaks, his voice is quiet, awed.]

You're beautiful.

[The hands move up to Jun's back, the pads of his fingers brushing over the base of his partner's wings, before moving up to stroke across the wings as much as he can reach- the touch extremely gentle. He leans in to nuzzle Jun's jawline, kissing best as he can with the muzzle. His hips rise again to meet Jun's, obeying the pressing instance to mate. He murmurs softly against Jun's skin as he does so. ]

You're so beautiful.

[Jun feels his cheeks heat up at Varian's compliments, feeling a flutter in his chest. No one's seen him like this before, so there was part of him feeling self-conscious. But to have his mate find him beautiful....

His wings stretch at the touch, making him shiver at touch of such sensitive appendages. His body will move to press against Varian, returning the nuzzles from Varian's muzzle with kisses to the side of the muzzle. ]

And you're incredible.

[The urge to mate is ever present, so he'll start roll his hips down, picking up the rhythm- moaning each time Varian's cock moves deeper into him. His hand will move up to scratch and pull at Varian's ear. ]

You probably didn't even noticed, but it's after sundown and you've managed to stay entirely yourself.

[Varian means every word of it, no matter what form Jun takes, he finds him absolutely stunning. And he's pretty certain he always will.

He makes note of Jun's reaction to his wings being touched. He brushes his hands over them again, before dipping down to the wing base again, pressing in a little firmer here, clawtips moving through the tighter-knit feathers there.

He growls in delight as Jun's hips meet his, finding a steady rhythm easily, fireworks going off in the back of his head with each thrust, from the joy of instinct being indulged in. He leans into the touch, closing his eyes for a moment, before they open in realisation.

Because no. No, he hadn't even noticed. He turns his head away from Jun and yes, the sun has indeed gone down, and for once, he's fully conscious, fully in control of his thoughts and actions. It doesn't feel like he's passed out and let something else take control. He's still just...him. ]

Oh. [ It's murmured softly. ] I... I didn't realise. [He nuzzles against Jun's hand.] That's- that's never happened before.

[The wings are sensitive, so the attention to them will definitely get a reaction. He makes some soft pleased sounds, his back arching as the wings spread.

He'll keep scratching as his ear and kissing his muzzle as Varian has his realization. All while he continues to rock his hips into that rhythm that the instinct so badly craves.]

Mm, I had a feeling if you were distracted, it'd go easier. [So the roleplaying, the immediate escalation to penetration. All stuff to help keep Varian's mind off his fear.]

... Granted, I didn't plan for the heat cycle to be this intense, but... well, we're both having a good time aren't we?

[ Varian keeps at that for a moment more, before this hands slide back down Jun's back to fondle his ass a little. He moans softly as his hips rock up, his body craving the continued friction.

And then what Jun is saying to him sinks in. He blinks up at him.]

You- you did that for me? [All of that to help get his mind off it, to fight off the panic that would have set in otherwise. Varian makes a soft noise in the back of his throat, nuzzling against his partner's cheek.] ...That means so much to me.

[The comment does make him chuckle heatedly, though.]

Thaaaaaat was a surprise, yes.[He rises his hips again, his hand sliding down between them to grasp Jun's member, slowly starting to pump him.] And yes. I'm having a very good time.

Mm, I didn't like seeing you afraid, especially of yourself. [So, he did what he could to fight those fears. The tactics might've been a little underhanded, but he knew Varian was a person who functioned on logic. If he couldn't logic himself out of his fear by now, nothing Jun would've said alone would've worked.

His words pause as he lets out another moan and gets distracted by that cock that's very much pushing into him, sending off more fireworks in his body. Fuck. ]

...T-There was a speech, but it's hard to focus with your cock in me. [Not that he minds in the slightest, and is in fact rolling his hips into again as he says it- clenching up on purpose to tighten the feeling for Varian.

And then that hand finds his member again. He lets out a whine, but his cock reacts and pushes into that pump, already dribbling with precum. Not wanting the only one getting extra attention there, Jun's tail will flick back and start brushing against Varian's balls]

[Oh. Wow.

Varian's just kind of staring for a moment, they're kind of in the middle of something here and it's probably not the time for such a deeply heartfelt moment, but god, if he doesn't feel his heart overflowing for a moment there. The thought that Jun would do that for him, to make this easier, to know him so damn well that he understood exactly what he needed to do in order to make it easy? He's feeling more seen than he has for a long, long time. His free hand shifts to brush through Jun's hair tenderly. ]

...Jun.

[And then Jun clenches down on his cock and a low groan rumbles out of him, his hips ride to meet it the hand that was in Jun's hair moving to grip his shoulder to brace himself.]

Aaaaayeaaaah, that's- pin- put a pin in the-the speech.

[He whines at the tail on his balls, his hips starting to lose some of the rhythm as, he's losing himself in this. He knows he's not going to last much longer, his pumping of Jun's member becoming more erratic and desperate too as he teeters closer to the edge, panting heavily. He starts whimpering Jun's name, a warning he's coming close.]

[He catches that moment of tenderness, and honestly in a moment like this? It conveys Varian's feelings better than any attempts of words. Jun smiles back at him, moving his head to kiss that hand as he does so.

He moves into that moment into sliding back into the heat. He can pick up that his mate is starting to reach that limit, and he's more than eager to help him in that. He'll keep rolling his hips down in the rhythm, clenching sometimes as he does so. The tail will also keep moving against him. Doing all this is starting to make him worked up too, panting and making whining moans.

He'll lean in close, pleading in Varian's ear as he nips on them]

Cum in me, please.

[Varian will likely have words for him later, when the instant press of heat has finally abated, because Varian's always got words. But for now, the moment of tenderness - of how much he appreciates and truly loves Jun - will have to do.

His mate's actions -his pleading- finally drive him over the edge, the heat pooling in his stomach as he finally howls his release, his hips pushing upwards, cuming deep inside his parter, one hand still gripping tightly onto his shoulder to brace himself. His other hand still works on Jun's cock, trying to bring him over the edge with him, whining out his name breathlessly. ]

[If he's trying to bring him over the edge with him, he'll succeed. Between that hand working on his cock, and feeling his mate hit climax within him - it's enough to send Jun off. He'll whine out Var's name, clinging to him and burying his face in his neck to take in his scent as cum spills out of his cock and onto Varian's hand.

When he's finished, he slumps against Varian's body, messy and breathing heavily. He needs a moment to collect himself. Normally about two rounds is what they go before they need a rest, so he wonders if that'll be enough to satisfy things.

But... as the immediate exhaustion starts to fade, he'll feel it: that pool of heat still boiling away within him, wanting more. He lets out a whine sound as he nuzzles against Varian. ]

C-Christ, I still horny.

Edited (I forgot the second half) 2024-10-29 05:14 (UTC)

[Varian's tail wags lazily as Jun tumbles over the edge, nuzzling at him lovingly as he catches his breath. Two rounds usually is their maximum, and when his knot finally receded in that brief moment of exhaustion to pull out of his partner with a low groan, Varian assumed that was about it. He flops back into the grass, pulling Jun along with him and lays these with his eyes closed- just for a moment.

Then he feels the heat start to gnaw at him again, insistent as it always was, demanding and hungry, as if they'd done nothing at all about it. He whines in return, nipping gently at Jun's jawline, nuzzling against his ears. Varian runs a hand down along Jun's back, following the length of his spine, the curve of his hip, resting on his ass.]

Y-yeah, me too. [He gives that ass a gentle squeeze.] Doesn't look like it's letting up any time soon. [He'll nip at one of those ears playfully.] Prob-probably wanna do something about that.

[He makes a small sound as Varian pulls out of him, feeling the sudden lack of cock in him. He immediately goes along with Varian pulling close, cuddling up next to him- as if his body demanded to have constant physical contact with his mate.

Just like he's eagerly nuzzling back. Returning soft noises as Varian fondles his ass and nips at his ear. ]

Probably, huh... [With Varian laying on his back, he can't reach his ass. Instead, his hand will making its way to Varian's front, where his claws will start scratching teasingly on his thighs, coming extremely close to Varian's groin]

Tell me what you'd like. I think we're evenly scored now on who came first, but since this is your first heat, I'm happy to go along with any of your desires.

Edited 2024-10-30 21:06 (UTC)

[Varian's more than content to have Jun settling in close, while it doesn't relieve the burning heat in him, it does ease it somewhat, far better than not having him touching all the time. A low, needy groan rumbles out of his throat as Jun's claws scratch along his thighs, his hips raising slightly to meet them, trying to get more contact than that from him.]

Nuhiuh, we just did a lot of what I want. [He gestures in the vague direction of where the red riding hood outfit has been left, ripped and discarded, before his hand goes back to Jun's ass, giving it a pointed squeeze.] It's your turn, fair's fair.

[He leans in to nip at Jun's neck again, the drive to keep at this too powerful to stop for long.]

I'm curious to see what you want~

[He loves watching Varian so openly needy, groaning and raising his hips like that. He'll reward it, just a little, by running the pad of his finger along Varian's length in a teasing manner.

But ah.... what he wants. Someone like Jun, it can be so easy for him to get caught up in pleasing others. Pleasuring Varian was part of the appeal. But he supposes he should at least try to think of what he wants...

The answer comes when Varian nips him. He gives a soft little moan and tilts his head to expose his neck further. The heat keeps whispering just what he needs right now.]

... Bite me. Enough to leave a mark.

[The pad of Jun's finger on his member sends bursts of energy down Varian's spine - it's not enough, it's nowhere near enough - and he whines out his partner's name desperately, his cock twitching, hardening in need as if they were just starting the night out and weren't two rounds in.

Varian knows Jun only too well. He knows his boyfriend will consistently put everyone else before himself if he has half a chance. He needs to be reminded sometimes that what he wants matters just as much. And Varian is only to happy to provide for him.

So while he's a little surprised at the request, he's certainly not going to baulk at it. He shifts to sit up a little, one hand moving to Jun's back, fingers playing with the wings there as he leans in close to his mate's neck. He lets his canines scrape the skin there at first, a slow, teasing motion, before going over the area with his tongue- a clear lead up to the main event, aiming to drive Jun to distraction first.]

Yeah? That's what you want?

[He grins when he sees Varian react so strongly to that stroke, giving a purr as well. As if to reward him, he'll add his thumb to the stroking, his finger and his thumb running along his shaft]

... You know, it always gives me a bit of a thrill, seeing how horny I make you.

[Words were always appreciated, but the way Varian was always so quick to touch him when they were in private? Or just stare at him like he does? There was a raw honesty to it, an honesty that made Jun truly feel desired.

Not that he could say much different about himself, as Varian's own touches were making his own cock harden pretty quickly as well. He shivers at those the fingers on his wings, a shiver that only continues as he feels those canines scrape against his skin. He lets out a full heated gasp with that tongue, the distraction ploy fully working]

M-Mm... it is. You don't have to be delicate with me, I can take it.

[A breathy laugh escapes him at the comment, his hips rising up to meet the touch, openly wanton.]

Did-did notice that. You can't be surprised, the-the way you look. [He whines slightly, his free hand bracing itself around his thigh, so his thumb can brush up against Jun's cock as he does so. ] I burn for you.

[Which is to say that yes, he very much finds Jun extremely desirable. All the time. He grins against Jun's skin, his fingers purposefully ruffling through those wing feathers, before he shifts a little closer.]

Duly noted.

[And, because Jun clearly wants it, and because his instincts are screaming out that this is the right thing to do, he bites down at the crook of his mate's neck. He's careful to avoid where he knows any major blood vessels are, and doesn't bite hard enough to get to bone, but it's certainly hard enough to break the skin, given the coppery tang that drips on his tongue as he bites down.]

[He wasn't expecting the thumb brushing up on his own cock, so he makes his own surprised little moan. But he's also smiling at Varian's words, moving to take wrap his fingers around Varian's cock]

Ha... I burn for you too. I crave you like I've never craved anyone else.

[Whether he was a man or wolf, he found Varian desirable. He wanted to be near him as much as he could.

He closes his eyes as the fangs go in. There's pain, certainly- but that hardly bothers Jun. Instead he found himself feeling a swell of pleasure amidst all the pain, making him cry out as he feels pleasure running through his veins. His free hand clings to Varian, keeping him close.]

F-Fuck Var...

[ Varian moves into Jun's touch, breath catching in his throat at the fingers around his shaft. ]

H-ha. Glad we're on... the same page there.

[Because Varian absolutely did mean every word of it. Jun might have been his first in having sexual relations with anyone, but he absolutely didn't need or want anyone else. He'd lucked out first time, found someone perfect for him and he was very content with this for the rest of his days. He wanted to explore this with Jun and only Jun, forever.

He growls against Jun's neck, vibrating the bite as he does so. The pads of his hands start working on Jun's cock in sure, solid strokes as he leans into the bite a little, keeping his teeth in, just for a little while more. The wolf in him growls in satisfaction at it, at the marking of his mate- his his his. ]

[As Varian starts to stroke him, he'll moan and shift his hips into it. In return, he'll do much the same, using his own hand to stroke Varian in return. He makes sure he's thorough, touching all the spots he's learned that Varian likes, while occasionally pausing to massage Varian's balls.

All the while, he's enjoying feeling his mate's fangs in him. He can't really describe why, but it felt good. Better than good, really. It felt right, as he leaned more of an ear to his instincts.]

Mm... I'm yours, I'm yours...

[Jun knows exactly the right places to touch and tease to drive him to madness, and Varian adores him for that. He wines and moans, his cock dribbling with precum as he ruts into his partner's hand. He keeps his own ministrations on Jun's shaft, running the pad of his thumb along the tip of the cock, encouraging and insistent.

He shifts the grip of his jaw a little, biting down again as Jun says that, growling in victory - it did feel exactly right, what his instincts are screaming at him to do. His free hand shifts between them, playing across Jun's chest, finding a nipple- the pads of his hands playing along it, occasionally inducing a gentle scrape of a claw with each brush. ]

[It's the reaction that he was hoping for, Varian moaning as he continues to rut in his hand, precum dribbling onto his fingers. Jun is come into a similar state, as precum trickles onto that passing thumb.

Wanting more, he'll shift his position just a little, bringing them closer together. His hand will reach to take hold of both cocks, so they shift against each other on the following thrust.

Though, he gets rather distracted by not only the biting, but by Varian playing with his chest. He gives a strong moan as Varian starts playing with his hardened nipples- louder than usual as they're unusual sensitive at the moment. in return, he'll turn his head to try to nip at Varian's ears- tugging them gently with his teeth]

[ Varian wasn't expecting Jun to take both their cocks in hand, and a delighted rumble comes out of his chest as he shifts into it. His hand now freed, he shifts it below them, so the pads of his fingers can gently press against Jun's balls, determined to drive him to even more distraction, as his other still plays with his nipples.

He knows he's done for though, the noises Jun is making combined with the ear nipping and everything Jun is doing with his hands, he finally succumbs to the pressure building up in him. After a few final thrusts up into Jun's hand, against his own shaft, he releases against them, finally letting go of the bite to howl out his mate's name into the night.

His hips continue to shift as he rides it out, nuzzling at licking at the mark he's left on his mate's neck, heart still racing as his fingers press a little more insistently on Jun's balls. Nudging him over the edge wiht him.]

[Varian won't have to do much nudging to make Jun fall with him. Between watching his own mate release, and Varian's own fingers and biting him. It quickly becomes too much. Seconds after Varian climaxes, Jun follows suit- howling with him. He'll make sure to keep up his own thrusting and feeling up Varian as they both ride through it together.

When it's over, he basically collapses against his partner, nuzzling him in return as Varian nuzzles the spot that he bit him. He can feel the pain from the injury, but it's muted compared to the exhaustion and pleasure he feels in the afterglow.

He's panting as he speaks, but of course his first concern is on his mate.]

You okay...?

[Varian's panting himself as they both come down from the heights they'd brought each other. He wraps his arms around Jun, pulling him close as he collapses against him, his hand rubbing lazy circles on his back between his wings. Basking in the warm, comforting feeling of having his mate so close.

He has to chuff out a fond laugh when Jun asks after his wellbeing. He nuzzles at Jun's jawline, the action gentle, loving. ]

I'm fine. I'm not the one that got bitten. Are you okay?

[As Varian wraps his arms around him, Jun will move to make himself comfortable, nuzzling against the soft fur of Varian's chest. His arm will wrap around his waist to pull him close]

Mm... I'm more than okay. The bite actually felt really nice.

[Varian's tail wags happily as Jun nuzzles in close, happy to snuggle in himself. Finally having some peace from the persistent press of heat, being able to relax like this and enjoy the afterglow is... very pleasant. ]

Oh, good.

[His hand moves up to brush through Jun's hair, leaning in to nuzzle at the spot.]

It uh... felt right. Did something to the wolf brain chemistry.

[The peace was nice, getting to catch their breath. There was every chance it could come back, they were still early into the full moon cycle, but for now... there was contentment. A chance of rest]

It did? [Huh....

He glances down at the two of them, both covered mess, but still entangled with one each other. ]

Well... if I had to guess, we've probably triggered some kind of mating instinct between us.

You know, if the last three rounds wasn't a tip off.

[Varian is fully expecting the heat to come back with a vengeance later. That had been a powerful driving force, and if it's as linked to the full moon as Jun's experience tells him? Well, they've probably got more of a ride to come. But the peace was nice for now, they can catch their breath and check in on aftercare.

They're an absolute mess, but Varian doesn't mind. He's more than happy to snuggle in, breathing in Jun's scent, letting it envelop his senses, leaving him comfortable and happy. There's nowhere else he'd rather be right now. A little chuckle comes out of him.]

Yeeeaaaaah, I kinda got that impression. It definitely pushed on a lot of instincts I've never dealt with before, and I've been a werewolf for a while. I'd notice. [ He nuzzles Jun's jaw again.] Not that I'm complaining mind. That was... nice. A lot and uh... pretty intense. But still nice.

[Jun too was feeling comfortable right where he was. It didn't matter they were out in the middle of the wilderness of hyrule. Everything felt perfectly fine, curled up with his mate. One of his wings will bend down to cover both of them, like a feathery blanket. ]

Intense is a good word for it. [He lets out a content little exhale] If this is how we're meant to spend the full moon, I'm not going to complain either.

[Eventually, the full moon will end and they'll go back to their lives -their responsibilities. Both of them had a lot on their plate. So getting an excuse to spend a few days a month to spend alone with Var? To have the instincts override everything so they just focus on each other? Sounds wonderful to Jun.]

[The wing covering them is extremely comforting, and Varian makes a soft, happy sound in the back of his throat, snuggling in close. This was nice.]

Yeah, I don't mind this at all. This is miles better than spending the full moon by myself. It's... nice having you all to myself.

[Because they do have extremely busy lives they need to attend to when the full moon isn't happening. There's always so much to juggle, so much to think about. Here? They don't need to think about anything but each other, and that's deeply pleasant. Especially now he knows he can keep his mind while it's happening. It means they can just have a little monthly break from everything. ]

...I think I can finally look forward to these.

[Jun meanwhile gives a bit of a purr as he continues to nuzzle Varian]

Mm, it's much better than doing it alone. [He starts planting a few lazy kisses on Varian's jawline

He does open his eyes to look up at Varian when he says that last bit. He knows what that means. Lovingly, he'll reach up to brush against the tips of Varian ear.]

That makes me really happy to hear. [He didn't want Varian to feel scared every month, to fear himself] Enjoy your freedom, Var. I think you'll find there's quite a lot to like.

Being by myself was... pretty miserable. I didn't really have anything to anchor myself too, and I guess that make the whole process a lot worse.

[And so he never got to remain himself. This is the first time he's really spent the full moon with someone properly, and it's made the world of difference. Though he's sure the heat and being with Jun definitely had no small part in that.

A contented noise rumbles out of his chest as he tilts his head, giving Jun better access to his jaw. His own hands idly play with the hair on the back of Jun's head, occasionally sliding up to stroke those ears gently. ]

Yeah... Yeah I really think there is. Thank you for being here for this... I definitely wouldn't have got here on my own.

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Voicemail; After the Gate Incident

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UN: Zodiac; 8/14; text

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UN: Zodiac; 12/1

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