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[Fern would be absolutely right, of course- Varian isn't happy about this. He's afraid this will mean Fern backsliding into wishing he was Finn all over again, all the steps he's made towards accepting himself as his own person wiped away. Worse still, he feels a surge of guilt for not being happy about this, for having trepidation for something that is clearly still important for Fern. What sort of person does it make him baulk at this? What sort of boyfriend does it make him? He shouldn't even be bringing his own feelings into this at all, he's sure. It makes him feel selfish, on top of all the guilt and worry churning in his stomach.
So Fern is dead on the money- he's working on something in his lab- it looks to be the beginnings of some kind of engine- trying desperately to focus on that instead of the growing worry screaming at the back of his skull. He's not sure how he's going to react to Fern's new body- he desperately wants to support his boyfriend, but he knows he's not especially good at faking emotions, either. He's doesn't want to lie to Fern, either- to convince him there's happiness here that's...not.
He's at least pleasantly surprised to see Fern's human body isn't just a Carbon Copy of Finn. It's what he was expecting, what he was dreading, just to see that same face that looked at him like he was a stranger in the mountain lab. He puts down his tools, walking over. He manages a smile that is at least real- even if worry tinges at the edges of it. ]
Hey. [He rubs the back of his neck, unsure of the right words to say, but knowing he needs to say something here. ] You look... [human, so very very human] g-good? Uh. How are you feeling?
[It's honestly a huge relief to see Varian again, even if he wasn't gone for very long. This whole thing has him feeling... itchy, weird, unsure of himself, and even if he doesn't like this, Varian is like a rock to him right now.
So much so that Fern immediately takes a few steps towards him, intending to go in for a very clingy hug, but after a split second he realizes that might be too weird, he probably isn't okay with an invasion of his personal space, and so Fern awkwardly stops there in the middle of the lab instead. Unsure of what to do with his hand, he just flexes his fingers anxiously.]
Um, okay, I think? Not about to go all Finn on you, so that's good....
[He awkwardly pauses, trying to find something else to say that'll reassure Varian, and waves at his missing right arm. There's a little crescent moon mark at the end of the stump.]
That's still gone, but I'm pretty sure I'd feel wrong if I was human and had it back.
[And then he drops his hand lamely. That probably isn't going to help Varian feel any better about all of this, why did he even bother bringing it up? Geez, he's really stupid. This was a bad idea, his breath keeps starting and stopping awkwardly, and he's sure his pulse is all wrong too, and Varian has feelings for someone made out of grass, not - this. Him. Why'd he even do this?
Yeah, he hasn't realized it, but his breath is coming short and shallow.]
[As Fern crossed the lab, Varian was fully expecting a hug- he'd even opened his arms out a little ready to receive it. But then Fern falters and starts babbling on about his arm. Varian's eyes drop to it, his brow furrowing softly, nodding at the explanation. At least having a full year of living without his leg has made dealing with seeing missing limbs a breeze. The moon shape is new- he expects that's something to do with Usagi. Makes sense.
He opens his mouth to reassure him that the arm is fine when Fern starts to hyperventilate. Varian shoves all his awkward thoughts aside to step forwards, closing the gap between them and resting his hands firmly on Fern's shoulders. They're solid and he and feel bone under there instead of grass but he keeps his hands there anyway, squeezing gently.]
Hey, hey. [He keeps his tone firm, careful. Like he always has done when Fern's going off the edge in other ways. ] It's okay. I told you, we're in this together. I love you and I'm not going anywhere.
[He realises now, more than ever, he needs to make that clear. He raises his head a little to look Fern in the eyes (still green, he notes, just not grassy now) trying to keep eye contact.]
Just...breathe with me, okay? Nice and deep- hold it a little before letting it go.
[The hands on his shoulders feels different, and for a few seconds Fern is expecting his grass to twitch and move underneath Varian's touch. But there's nothing, only a solid sensation. And cold - despite the gloves, he can't not notice just how big the difference now is between their body heat. Varian is cold, a lot colder than he is.
That thought is lingering in his mind, amidst all the mounting anxiety, though he tries to focus on his boyfriend's voice as more reassurance. It's okay, they're in this together. His own eye contact wavers, and he looks away, but he does not. Those instructions are pretty simple, he can try to follow them.]
Right. Okay. Deep breaths.
[He does that, closing his eyes after a moment, and draws in a deep breath, holding it for several seconds, then exhaling. Repeating this several times helps, and he can feel himself calming down, the anxiety getting pushed away to a dull roar at the back of his mind.]
[Naturally, Varian isn't aware of the cold at all. That internal thermostat of his is broken for good, it seems. He doesn't move his hands from Fern's shoulders, not even when the other boy closes his eyes. He only relaxes when Fern's breathing starts to even out. ]
Okay. You were hyperventilating.
[He explains because even if he's definitely seen Varian go through it - he won't have experienced one himself for... well, quite some time. If at all.
He's not exactly comfortable with any of this, still. He can't say his concerns have gone away, he's so deeply worried that this will do more harm than good, so frightened this will do damage to Fern's already so very delicate psyche. But he can't let Fern believe he's being abandoned over this, either. He exhales softly, leaning forward to rest his forehead against Fern's in that old, familiar gesture. It doesn't feel the same, not at all, but he pushes past it. This isn't about him. ]
[Fern blinks at this, it only dawning on him what was happening when Varian says it out loud. He was? Wow, it's been a long, long time since he's done that. Of course, he doesn't like it, the feeling of not being able to breathe, the tightness in his chest, why he's so anxious in the first place. It's all awful.
Still trying to focus on his breathing, he starts when Varian leans forward to rest their foreheads against each other. It's definitely not the same kind of feeling, and it doesn't offer the same kind of comfort, but it's something, and with it Fern can feel any bits of resolve and confidence that remained within him crumbling away. He latches onto his boyfriend in a tight hug, needing this more than anything else right now.]
Thanks. [His breath hitches, and he tries to force it to even out.] I... was getting nervous, thinking about you being unhappy. Guess I'm not off to a very good start after all, huh?
[Varian catches the start and very almost pulls back. For a brief, awful second, he was afraid that this change had opened up a chasm between them that had not existed for a very long time. It's frightening and it makes his heart twist in a terrible way.
But then Fern latches onto him tightly and that worry is at least eased. It doesn't go completely, and Varian doesn't like that it doesn't at all. He hugs his boyfriend back, all the same, shifting to rest his face as he always does in the crook of Fern's neck. There's no comforting, solid smell of grass here. The thing he's relied upon to be a grounding effect for his own anxiety has been suddenly wrenched away. He squeezes his eyes shut, takes in a steady breath. This isn't about him. If he reminds himself about it enough, he might be able to push his discomfort down deep enough to focus on Fern. Because he's what's important here. ]
I'm not- [He bites back the lie. Even now, he can't lie, they promised each other they'd be honest with each other and he's not going back on a promise. Not ever. His fingers move up to brush through Fern's very human hair. ] I'm just worried about you. I- I understand why you're doing this and... why you feel you need to. I'm just scared of this hurting you more.
[And he's scared about what it means that he's struggling so much with this. Those feelings of self-loathing rising up to claw at this chest. Fern deserves better than this. He swallows thickly, trying to keep a hold of his emotions. ]
Sorry...sorry. I'm trying to be better about this. It's- it's not on you. Just worry about yourself, okay? How you feel is what matters here.
[This should be the exact kind of comfort that calms him down, like it has numerous times in the past, but this time it isn't working like that. It helps, sure, but Fern is in the same boat as Varian. His body feels too solid, too similar to Varian's. Too warm. His pulse is pounding in his ears and it's a huge distraction. Unsure of what to do about that, he closes his eyes, keeps his breathing deep and slow, and clings tighter.]
But I care about how you feel. I don't - I can't just... ignore that. You matter to me too much. [Even if he's doing this for his own identity, that still affects Varian, and everyone else in his life. His friends and family. He doesn't exist in isolation, after all, all those people and relationships are a part of him, too.]
I need to get used to this, but I want you to be comfortable, too. This - this isn't gonna work if you aren't.
[That isn't something that ever hit him as hard as it is right now, but it's becoming abundantly clear to him.]
[Fenrn talks about how Varian's feelings matter in this and it just makes his heart wrench harder in his chest. He doesn't feel all that deserving of that right now. He feels selfish and a liar. He knows Fern needs him to be a rock right now and here he is falling apart and thinking about how he feels about it instead of focusing on Fern. The other boy is wrong, his feelings don't matter, this isn't his body, this isn't his life. He doesn't get to have a say in it. ]
I know... I know. It's just-
[He pulls back to put a hand to Fern's cheek- it's fleshy and he can feel the edge of a bone as he brushes a thumb over his boyfriend's cheek. ]
I- I'm sorry. [He apologises again, he feels like he's making things so much worse for Fern because of his own stupid, weird hangups. ] I don't... I don't know why I'm struggling with this so much. I meant it when I said I'd support you with...with this, though. I'll figure it out.
[Even if he has to force himself through it. He needs to be there for Fern- now more than ever. He sucks in a breath, pushing a smile on his face that doesn't quite reach his eyes.]
L-look, you. You only get this for twenty-four hours, right? I... what do you want to do? I definitely owe you a date at this point. Whatever you want to try...now you have this opportunity.
[Sorry Varian, this is what you signed up for. On the upside, even as awful as they're currently feeling, those emotions are helping Fern sort out a few aspects of his identity. Namely who he is in relation to his friends and family, and that even though he's (trying to be) his own individual person, that doesn't mean he's alone. And that isn't something that's just left over from Finn - this is something specific to himself. Fern.
Not that that's something he's about to dwell on right now. Right now he just desperately wants Varian to be okay. His jawbone feels like it's - in the way, or something. Still too solid, and his heart sinks when he hears that his boyfriend is struggling.
... Maybe he's got the right idea, though. Maybe they just need to get out and do something fun for a little while. Get used to this.]
Oh - uh, yeah. Sure. I've been wanting to check out the Watchtower, out in Crenshaw? That might be fun?
[Varian would find some small comfort in knowing this mess is helping Fern- even if it's making him feel absolutely dreadful at the current moment. He feels like he's failing in supporting Fern when he needs him the most. It's not a comforting feeling at all.
He manages another smile, this one a little more natural- much more real. His hand moves down to find Fern's, taking it and squeezing it gently.]
Okay, sounds great. I want to check that out too- I hear the structure of the hoops in it are pretty neat to see.
[That's a smile he's incredibly relieved to see. Fern relaxes a little, squeezing Varian's hand back. Okay, this is a good step forward, they can do this.]
Cool. Let's go, then.
[Fern turns to head out of the lab and up to the main floor of the house. He isn't going to bother with shoes, because even with normal human feet that isn't occurring to him. He does, however, pause and decide to run up to their room to grab the family demon blood sword, just in case. He isn't totally sure he can still make grass swords, so this seems like a safe bet.
It won't even take them that long to get to the Watchtower, since it's connected via the lamp network. All they have to do it hope out to the front yard and then boom! They're arriving within a few seconds. With the gloomy weather the place looks ominous, which makes Fern more excited to check it out.]
[They can absolutely do this. They're getting pros at going on dates now- and some of them don't even end in disaster!!
Varian does notice the lack of shoes- but he knows better than to tell him to put any on. Between how Fern is normally, Luca and Rapunzel back home, footwear is always optional for his loved ones as far as he's concerned. He is kinda glad for the sword, though. He hopes they won't need it, but you can never be too careful.
The lamps are very convenient and a proper grin starts to cross Varian's face as they arrive. The place really does look very cool. He turns his hand a little in Fern's, so their fingers can lace together and it's close enough to normal that he can push everything else to the back of his mind for now. ]
Okay, we made it. What do you wanna do first? Climb up to the top? Check out what's inside? Your choice!
[At least this date seems like it'll be slightly safer. Or at least, there'll be less fire involved. Fern being less flammable like this is the second positive he's noted so far, the first of course being that he can eat food like a regular person.
He's happy to keep his hold on Varian's hand as they travel to the windmill, his sword shoved safely through his backpack so it's out of the way. When they arrive he looks around, taking in the area. It isn't all that far away from the farms, but he's never actually seen the place in person before. It's appropriately creepy, and he lets out an impressed whistle.]
Let's go inside and check it out, and make our way to the top. [Not having stretchy limbs means they need to climb up there the old-fashioned way.] I bet the view up there is great.
[Things are starting to feel a little more...normal. There's still a little unsettled worry gnawing at the back of Varian's head, but he can ignore that in favour of having a good time with his boyfriend. The place is pretty creepy- but he wouldn't expect anything less of Trench at this point. ]
You could probably see the whole city from up there. [His smile grows a little.] Hey, they have food here, right? Probably something to drink too? You can try whatever you like and not have to worry about it as much as you normally would.
[Really, if it was a full-on dungeon Fern would be absolutely thrilled and probably forget about all that anxiety he just had. But this is still pretty good, and it's a good motivator for him to give this a try and see how it goes.]
It's probably too much to hope for that they'll have hamburgers. [But he's grinning all the same, the best thing about being human is not having to rely on photosynthesis.] Maybe they got coffee. Or beer!
[He's very curious to drink some beer and not worry about it being toxic, so he eagerly heads inside, tugging Varian along. The interior is dark but cozy, and there are a couple of other Hunters resting quietly. Fern looks around excitedly, still not letting go of his boyfriend's hand.]
[Eventually, they will find a full-on dungeon in this place and Varian will take him for the best date of his life. ]
You never know, we might luck out.
[It's nice to see the grin, though, and it's easing some of Varian's nervousness too. Now he's over the initial shock, he can see Fern shining through. This may not be the form he's used to, but it's still absolutely the boy he knows and loves inhabiting it.
He lets himself be tugged along, and admittedly, he likes the interior of this place, his smile brightening a little in the gloom.]
Oh wow, it's kinda like the Snuggly Duckling! It's got that "hey, I might get stabbed here at any moment!" vibe. [Because obviously, that's what you want in a drinking establishment. He smiles, heading towards the bar.] Well, if nothing else, I bet we can get you a beer here to try.
It's a bit easier for Fern to let the Watchtower distract him. It's run down, reminding him a little of Ooo. Varian has it summed up pretty well - cozy, in a way that makes you a little scared you might get stabbed. He laughs, happy to start with beers.]
Great! Don't worry, I got this!
[He grins as they approach the bar, briefly letting go of Varian's hand so he can hop onto a stool, spinning around before slamming his fist on the counter. And in his best attempt at a tough, growly voice (more ridiculous than anything), he says:]
[The sort of pubs you think you might get stabbed in are obviously the best kind. It's a very welcome reminder of home.
Varian watches as Fern...definitely does not got this, wincing at the tone of voice that would have absolutely gotten him laughed out of the Snuggly Duckling. The person tending the bar looks Fern up and down, before leaning on it heavily, gruffly retorting. What do you have to trade?
Varian, who definitely doesn't want to swoop in and ruin Fern's show of how much he's got this clears his throat, edging a little closer. ]
[Pshaw, he's totally got this! Fern looks totally confident despite not looking the least bit intimidating. With his grass body gone he can't even shapeshift into his Green Knight form, he's stuck being a skinny kid with long, gorgeous hair. One who blinks at the mention of trading because oh, yeah, that's a thing here.]
Uh. Right.
[He awkwardly shuffles his backpack off, careful to not let his sword clatter to the ground. It's a bit of a struggle, honestly, what with only having one hand, but he manages it, and digs around in it trying to find something he can trade. The bartender doesn't look especially impressed by this display. So much for being cool and tough.]
[Fern isn't even marginally intimidating, no one around here looks intimidated. Varians swiftly realise they are two kids in a very rough bar with exactly three arms and three legs between them and that's probably the only thing keeping them from being kicked out right now.
The barkeep doesn't look impressed with the rocks, not the whole struggle Fern is having to get the rocks. He doesn't really want to lessen Fern's...whatever this is turning into, so he's just gonna double down.]
Oh wow! Those are the BEST rocks you've got too! Definitely worth at least two beers, right?
[Meanwhile, Fern is being a little more obtuse about all of this. It hasn't occurred to him that maybe, maybe trying to pretend to be some tough rowdy Hunter when the two of them are clearly twigs who aren't prepared to barter wasn't the best idea in the world. Nope, he's just looking disheartened his coolness isn't working, though when Varian speaks up to support him he....
He decides to double down. Grabbing a handful of shiny rocks, along with a few random flowers that had been growing in his backpack, Fern slams them all on the bar.]
Yeah! I went through so many giant crabs to get these rocks, and you're not gonna find flowers like these growing anywhere in the city at this time of the year!
[It isn't great but it's something. The barkeep rolls his eyes at the display, but will reluctantly scoop everything up and go to pour them two beers.]
[Varian really wasn't sure what would happen with Fern's doubling down. Maybe it's the crab story, maybe it's the extra flowers, but whatever it is, it seems to work because they get beers out of it! Varian grins, clapping Fern on the back because that seems the best course of action here. He reaches over to pick up Fern's backpack- slinging it over his shoulders, before reaching over to pick up the hard won-beers as soon as they're placed in front of them. ]
A pleasure doing business with you, good sir!
[He takes a step back, towards one of the tables that's out of the way and NOT in everyone's direct line of vision.]
C'mon, I think there's some good seats over there.
[It might have been some form of misplaced pity for a sad-looking kid trying to pawn off a bunch of rocks and flowers as valuable, but oh well. It works, Fern looks thrilled, especially when Varian seems pleased too, and he gives the other boy an appreciative grin for grabbing everything as he picks up his sword.]
Sure, dude.
[He'll head over to the table, taking a seat. With that nonsense all solved the other Hunters go back to whatever they were doing, though a few of them look amused. Fern doesn't really notice, he's too distracted by the fact that that worked and they now have beers to drink.]
This place is so cool, we gotta come back sometime.
[It's definitely misplaced pity for these scrawny twig boys who definitely don't belong here. Still, for now, they have got what they needed, and Varian is more than happy to carry stuff for his (currently) one-armed boyfriend. Fern helped him plenty while he was without his prosthetic in the early days of losing his leg- he can finally repay that.
Varian slides into the seat across from the other boy, putting the drinks on the table, looking around appreciatively. ]
Yeah, we should. I kinda like it. It's got a...rustic feel. Now! You can try a beer with...you know, actual taste buds.
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droptheious) wrote2021-06-20 12:39 am
 "un/finished")
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cawaii
aww yee
So Fern is dead on the money- he's working on something in his lab- it looks to be the beginnings of some kind of engine- trying desperately to focus on that instead of the growing worry screaming at the back of his skull. He's not sure how he's going to react to Fern's new body- he desperately wants to support his boyfriend, but he knows he's not especially good at faking emotions, either. He's doesn't want to lie to Fern, either- to convince him there's happiness here that's...not.
He's at least pleasantly surprised to see Fern's human body isn't just a Carbon Copy of Finn. It's what he was expecting, what he was dreading, just to see that same face that looked at him like he was a stranger in the mountain lab. He puts down his tools, walking over. He manages a smile that is at least real- even if worry tinges at the edges of it. ]
Hey. [He rubs the back of his neck, unsure of the right words to say, but knowing he needs to say something here. ] You look... [human, so very very human] g-good? Uh. How are you feeling?
no subject
So much so that Fern immediately takes a few steps towards him, intending to go in for a very clingy hug, but after a split second he realizes that might be too weird, he probably isn't okay with an invasion of his personal space, and so Fern awkwardly stops there in the middle of the lab instead. Unsure of what to do with his hand, he just flexes his fingers anxiously.]
Um, okay, I think? Not about to go all Finn on you, so that's good....
[He awkwardly pauses, trying to find something else to say that'll reassure Varian, and waves at his missing right arm. There's a little crescent moon mark at the end of the stump.]
That's still gone, but I'm pretty sure I'd feel wrong if I was human and had it back.
[And then he drops his hand lamely. That probably isn't going to help Varian feel any better about all of this, why did he even bother bringing it up? Geez, he's really stupid. This was a bad idea, his breath keeps starting and stopping awkwardly, and he's sure his pulse is all wrong too, and Varian has feelings for someone made out of grass, not - this. Him. Why'd he even do this?
Yeah, he hasn't realized it, but his breath is coming short and shallow.]
no subject
He opens his mouth to reassure him that the arm is fine when Fern starts to hyperventilate. Varian shoves all his awkward thoughts aside to step forwards, closing the gap between them and resting his hands firmly on Fern's shoulders. They're solid and he and feel bone under there instead of grass but he keeps his hands there anyway, squeezing gently.]
Hey, hey. [He keeps his tone firm, careful. Like he always has done when Fern's going off the edge in other ways. ] It's okay. I told you, we're in this together. I love you and I'm not going anywhere.
[He realises now, more than ever, he needs to make that clear. He raises his head a little to look Fern in the eyes (still green, he notes, just not grassy now) trying to keep eye contact.]
Just...breathe with me, okay? Nice and deep- hold it a little before letting it go.
no subject
That thought is lingering in his mind, amidst all the mounting anxiety, though he tries to focus on his boyfriend's voice as more reassurance. It's okay, they're in this together. His own eye contact wavers, and he looks away, but he does not. Those instructions are pretty simple, he can try to follow them.]
Right. Okay. Deep breaths.
[He does that, closing his eyes after a moment, and draws in a deep breath, holding it for several seconds, then exhaling. Repeating this several times helps, and he can feel himself calming down, the anxiety getting pushed away to a dull roar at the back of his mind.]
Okay... okay, I think I'm okay.
no subject
Okay. You were hyperventilating.
[He explains because even if he's definitely seen Varian go through it - he won't have experienced one himself for... well, quite some time. If at all.
He's not exactly comfortable with any of this, still. He can't say his concerns have gone away, he's so deeply worried that this will do more harm than good, so frightened this will do damage to Fern's already so very delicate psyche. But he can't let Fern believe he's being abandoned over this, either. He exhales softly, leaning forward to rest his forehead against Fern's in that old, familiar gesture. It doesn't feel the same, not at all, but he pushes past it. This isn't about him. ]
You'll be okay.
no subject
Still trying to focus on his breathing, he starts when Varian leans forward to rest their foreheads against each other. It's definitely not the same kind of feeling, and it doesn't offer the same kind of comfort, but it's something, and with it Fern can feel any bits of resolve and confidence that remained within him crumbling away. He latches onto his boyfriend in a tight hug, needing this more than anything else right now.]
Thanks. [His breath hitches, and he tries to force it to even out.] I... was getting nervous, thinking about you being unhappy. Guess I'm not off to a very good start after all, huh?
no subject
But then Fern latches onto him tightly and that worry is at least eased. It doesn't go completely, and Varian doesn't like that it doesn't at all. He hugs his boyfriend back, all the same, shifting to rest his face as he always does in the crook of Fern's neck. There's no comforting, solid smell of grass here. The thing he's relied upon to be a grounding effect for his own anxiety has been suddenly wrenched away. He squeezes his eyes shut, takes in a steady breath. This isn't about him. If he reminds himself about it enough, he might be able to push his discomfort down deep enough to focus on Fern. Because he's what's important here. ]
I'm not- [He bites back the lie. Even now, he can't lie, they promised each other they'd be honest with each other and he's not going back on a promise. Not ever. His fingers move up to brush through Fern's very human hair. ] I'm just worried about you. I- I understand why you're doing this and... why you feel you need to. I'm just scared of this hurting you more.
[And he's scared about what it means that he's struggling so much with this. Those feelings of self-loathing rising up to claw at this chest. Fern deserves better than this. He swallows thickly, trying to keep a hold of his emotions. ]
Sorry...sorry. I'm trying to be better about this. It's- it's not on you. Just worry about yourself, okay? How you feel is what matters here.
no subject
But I care about how you feel. I don't - I can't just... ignore that. You matter to me too much. [Even if he's doing this for his own identity, that still affects Varian, and everyone else in his life. His friends and family. He doesn't exist in isolation, after all, all those people and relationships are a part of him, too.]
I need to get used to this, but I want you to be comfortable, too. This - this isn't gonna work if you aren't.
[That isn't something that ever hit him as hard as it is right now, but it's becoming abundantly clear to him.]
no subject
I know... I know. It's just-
[He pulls back to put a hand to Fern's cheek- it's fleshy and he can feel the edge of a bone as he brushes a thumb over his boyfriend's cheek. ]
I- I'm sorry. [He apologises again, he feels like he's making things so much worse for Fern because of his own stupid, weird hangups. ] I don't... I don't know why I'm struggling with this so much. I meant it when I said I'd support you with...with this, though. I'll figure it out.
[Even if he has to force himself through it. He needs to be there for Fern- now more than ever. He sucks in a breath, pushing a smile on his face that doesn't quite reach his eyes.]
L-look, you. You only get this for twenty-four hours, right? I... what do you want to do? I definitely owe you a date at this point. Whatever you want to try...now you have this opportunity.
no subject
Not that that's something he's about to dwell on right now. Right now he just desperately wants Varian to be okay. His jawbone feels like it's - in the way, or something. Still too solid, and his heart sinks when he hears that his boyfriend is struggling.
... Maybe he's got the right idea, though. Maybe they just need to get out and do something fun for a little while. Get used to this.]
Oh - uh, yeah. Sure. I've been wanting to check out the Watchtower, out in Crenshaw? That might be fun?
no subject
He manages another smile, this one a little more natural- much more real. His hand moves down to find Fern's, taking it and squeezing it gently.]
Okay, sounds great. I want to check that out too- I hear the structure of the hoops in it are pretty neat to see.
no subject
Cool. Let's go, then.
[Fern turns to head out of the lab and up to the main floor of the house. He isn't going to bother with shoes, because even with normal human feet that isn't occurring to him. He does, however, pause and decide to run up to their room to grab the family demon blood sword, just in case. He isn't totally sure he can still make grass swords, so this seems like a safe bet.
It won't even take them that long to get to the Watchtower, since it's connected via the lamp network. All they have to do it hope out to the front yard and then boom! They're arriving within a few seconds. With the gloomy weather the place looks ominous, which makes Fern more excited to check it out.]
no subject
Varian does notice the lack of shoes- but he knows better than to tell him to put any on. Between how Fern is normally, Luca and Rapunzel back home, footwear is always optional for his loved ones as far as he's concerned. He is kinda glad for the sword, though. He hopes they won't need it, but you can never be too careful.
The lamps are very convenient and a proper grin starts to cross Varian's face as they arrive. The place really does look very cool. He turns his hand a little in Fern's, so their fingers can lace together and it's close enough to normal that he can push everything else to the back of his mind for now. ]
Okay, we made it. What do you wanna do first? Climb up to the top? Check out what's inside? Your choice!
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He's happy to keep his hold on Varian's hand as they travel to the windmill, his sword shoved safely through his backpack so it's out of the way. When they arrive he looks around, taking in the area. It isn't all that far away from the farms, but he's never actually seen the place in person before. It's appropriately creepy, and he lets out an impressed whistle.]
Let's go inside and check it out, and make our way to the top. [Not having stretchy limbs means they need to climb up there the old-fashioned way.] I bet the view up there is great.
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You could probably see the whole city from up there. [His smile grows a little.] Hey, they have food here, right? Probably something to drink too? You can try whatever you like and not have to worry about it as much as you normally would.
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It's probably too much to hope for that they'll have hamburgers. [But he's grinning all the same, the best thing about being human is not having to rely on photosynthesis.] Maybe they got coffee. Or beer!
[He's very curious to drink some beer and not worry about it being toxic, so he eagerly heads inside, tugging Varian along. The interior is dark but cozy, and there are a couple of other Hunters resting quietly. Fern looks around excitedly, still not letting go of his boyfriend's hand.]
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You never know, we might luck out.
[It's nice to see the grin, though, and it's easing some of Varian's nervousness too. Now he's over the initial shock, he can see Fern shining through. This may not be the form he's used to, but it's still absolutely the boy he knows and loves inhabiting it.
He lets himself be tugged along, and admittedly, he likes the interior of this place, his smile brightening a little in the gloom.]
Oh wow, it's kinda like the Snuggly Duckling! It's got that "hey, I might get stabbed here at any moment!" vibe. [Because obviously, that's what you want in a drinking establishment. He smiles, heading towards the bar.] Well, if nothing else, I bet we can get you a beer here to try.
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It's a bit easier for Fern to let the Watchtower distract him. It's run down, reminding him a little of Ooo. Varian has it summed up pretty well - cozy, in a way that makes you a little scared you might get stabbed. He laughs, happy to start with beers.]
Great! Don't worry, I got this!
[He grins as they approach the bar, briefly letting go of Varian's hand so he can hop onto a stool, spinning around before slamming his fist on the counter. And in his best attempt at a tough, growly voice (more ridiculous than anything), he says:]
Two beers.
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Varian watches as Fern...definitely does not got this, wincing at the tone of voice that would have absolutely gotten him laughed out of the Snuggly Duckling. The person tending the bar looks Fern up and down, before leaning on it heavily, gruffly retorting. What do you have to trade?
Varian, who definitely doesn't want to swoop in and ruin Fern's show of how much he's got this clears his throat, edging a little closer. ]
I think he wants to trade?
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Uh. Right.
[He awkwardly shuffles his backpack off, careful to not let his sword clatter to the ground. It's a bit of a struggle, honestly, what with only having one hand, but he manages it, and digs around in it trying to find something he can trade. The bartender doesn't look especially impressed by this display. So much for being cool and tough.]
I... got some rocks?
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The barkeep doesn't look impressed with the rocks, not the whole struggle Fern is having to get the rocks. He doesn't really want to lessen Fern's...whatever this is turning into, so he's just gonna double down.]
Oh wow! Those are the BEST rocks you've got too! Definitely worth at least two beers, right?
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He decides to double down. Grabbing a handful of shiny rocks, along with a few random flowers that had been growing in his backpack, Fern slams them all on the bar.]
Yeah! I went through so many giant crabs to get these rocks, and you're not gonna find flowers like these growing anywhere in the city at this time of the year!
[It isn't great but it's something. The barkeep rolls his eyes at the display, but will reluctantly scoop everything up and go to pour them two beers.]
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A pleasure doing business with you, good sir!
[He takes a step back, towards one of the tables that's out of the way and NOT in everyone's direct line of vision.]
C'mon, I think there's some good seats over there.
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Sure, dude.
[He'll head over to the table, taking a seat. With that nonsense all solved the other Hunters go back to whatever they were doing, though a few of them look amused. Fern doesn't really notice, he's too distracted by the fact that that worked and they now have beers to drink.]
This place is so cool, we gotta come back sometime.
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Varian slides into the seat across from the other boy, putting the drinks on the table, looking around appreciatively. ]
Yeah, we should. I kinda like it. It's got a...rustic feel. Now! You can try a beer with...you know, actual taste buds.
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