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[That silence is deeply concerning. For a few moments Fern is scared that his suggestion isn't going to be enough, that the air is going to keep on heating up as Varian descends into the turmoil that's roiling around in his head, that the utterly tormented look on his face isn't going to go away. What if that doesn't work, what if they don't work? On top of all of this, he's acutely aware of his pulse thundering in his ears, and his body temperature being so much warmer than Varian's, and it's all unwelcome distractions when he should be able to focus on hundred percent on his boyfriend.
It isn't until he hears a response that he realizes he's been holding his breath.]
Okay.
[His voice is soft, and he takes a few moments to just hold Varian close. From the other boy's tone this agreement doesn't mean anything is fixed, but it's a step in the right direction.
He looks up, realizing the Hunters are still watching them, a few looking rather smug. A violent urge rises up in him - he wants to go pick fights with those guys for thinking their relationship trouble is good entertainment - but he knows Varian is more important right now, so he does his best to push those feelings down and focus on his boyfriend.]
I'm... not sure I'm that hungry. You wanna head up? It'll be more private.
[Then they can keep talking and not get stared at.]
[Varian's definitely not feeling hungry anymore. He feels sick to his stomach. This isn't the only rough patch he and Fern have been through, and he's pretty certain they can weather this one, too. But right now it feels like so much. He feels like he's genuinely failed the other boy when he was needed the most. It's making him feel selfish in a way he hasn't for a long, long time.
He feels Fern tense against him and when his boyfriend mentions going somewhere private and he realises why. He turns his head to glower at the Hunters watching them, anger spiking in his own chest, too. He kind of wants to go off on them. Hell, it might help make him feel better- though it would absolutely end with him getting his ass kicked. He swallows it down. No. Deal with Fern. ]
...Yeah, okay. We should do that.
[He untangles his vice-grip on his boyfriend, pulling himself up to his feet. He grabs Fern's bag for him, slinging it over his own shoulder. That deep, unsettled worry is lingering in his eyes, but he still holds out a hand for Fern to take.]
[It might not be a good idea to do anything about those Hunters right now, but Fern is sure as heck memorizing those faces so he can make them regret this later. Sometime when they aren't actively trying to deal with more important relationship issues.
He nods softly, letting go of Varian with a great deal of reluctance. After standing he scoops up his sword, carefully tucking it under his arm so that he can hold Varian's hand. From there he'll lead the other boy through the rest of the Watchtower's main floor, over to the winding stairs and up, up, up until they reach as high as they can go without climbing the exterior.
He's right. The view is spectacular, looking out over the creepy, ominous lands that extend beyond Trench. Fern grips Varian's hand a bit tighter as he stares, taking it all in.]
[Varian's quiet, staring at the ground as they move up the stairs. Everything is just roiling around in his head. Intrusive, nasty thoughts that make him want to turn tail and go home. To lock himself up somewhere out of the way and be as alone as he deserves.
He keeps running the last month over and over in his head. What he missed- what he didn't see. How many times he failed the person he loves the most. He knows Fern's right. They need to be okay with being sorry, and he's trying to cement that in his mind. That concept is having one hell of a battle with his inner demons right now.
The feel of the breeze on his face makes him look up from the floor- eyebrows raising at the sight. ]
[It's funny, the view is impressive, but another thought is sneaking into his mind as he stares out at it.]
Yeah....
[The window in front of them is massive, offering plenty of whatever light is outside to filter in and a clear view of their surroundings. Fern tugs a bit on Varian's hand, stepping on over to it, and dropping down onto the large windowsill to sit. Thankfully, this area of the Watchtower appears to be empty right now, so they have the privacy they need.
Fern hopes this will help. There's still that thrum at the back of his mind, to go back downstairs and give those Hunters a piece of his mind (and demon blood sword), and he keeps on trying to ignore it. Their relationship is more important, Varian is more important than (what is very obviously petty though he'd never admit it) revenge.
It's a bit of a struggle, but he's managing, and he looks over at Varian.]
It's really nice, but I keep thinking it'd be better if I was grass and looking at it with you. [He lets go of his boyfriend's hand so he can set his sword down, and then gesture out at the forest.] Which is scary, 'cause that's a heck of a lot of trees out there.
[And the whole nature communication thing is a lot to deal with.]
[Varian follows him, glad for the privacy. The view really is lovely, even if his emotions are still in turmoil. He sits down, trying to look less nervous than he actually is. With his hand released, he moves it to grip his other arm, worried, unsure- trying to comfort himself.
Still, he wasn't expecting Fern to say that and blinks up at him, surprised.]
Really? Even... even with all the problems you're having with... hearing them?
[Thankfully, he notices the nervousness in the other boy, so once he's sitting he reaches out to rest his hand over Varian's.]
It sounds stupid, I know.
[Fern sounds sheepish, any reasonable person would probably just do whatever they could to get rid of this stupid power. No one needs to know what plants are thinking.
But it's different for him. He's a plant, he's been one for years, and... as much as he dislikes it, he's starting to realize that's just a part of who Fern is. So he sighs, giving Varian's hand a squeeze, a blush starting to darken his cheeks.]
But... Luz helped me out last time. I know you can help me out if I get freaked out by them again. I can't handle this on my own, but I think I can do it with you.
[The hand is very much welcome, and Varian turns his own so it can grip Fern's tightly like this is a liferaft keeping him afloat. ]
It's not stupid. None of your feelings are stupid.
[It's important that Fern knows that. Varian doesn't want him to dismiss any of his feelings- they matter. They matter so much. He listens to Fern speak, and it does ease the guilt churning in his stomach a little. ]
Of course. I- [he almost apologises for missing it again, but swallows it down] I'll be there the whole way, okay? I'll- I'll be better next time. I won't let you handle it alone.
[Fern grips Varian's hand in return, feeling the same way. Varian is and always has been his support and stability, and right now is no exception. He gives him a soft smile, feeling a little reassured. If Varian thinks his feelings aren't stupid, then he's inclined to believe him over his own terrible mind.]
Th... thanks.
[This is all still terrifying to think about given what happened with the flowers, but... he can do this. He'll be okay.
He leans in, to pull Varian into a hug.]
I think that's all I want. I feel more sure about wanting this than just about everything else, at least.
[The hug is extremely welcoming. He'd been scared something had been shaken between them- it's been a while since things had been that worrisome. But the hug strengthens things. He knows they can deal with anything so long as they stick together. He just needs to watch Fern a little better- notice the signs that things aren't going so well before it's too late.
He absolutely won't let it get this bad ever again. He tightens his grip around Fern.]
I'm- I'm really glad to hear that. I don't...I don't want my feelings to impact any of your choices. I just...I just want you to feel happy, you know? That you're making the right choices for you.
[The hug feels weird thanks to the human thing, but it's also a nice reassurance. Fern lingers, though part of him doesn't want to because of that discomfort from being human, but he's forcing himself to. This discomfort, strangely enough, is helping make his emotions and indecision towards this a little clearer.
He's uncomfortable. He's still uncomfortable. He's doubting this uncomfortableness is going to go away.]
Dunno if this is the right choice, but... I know I'm happy when I'm with you. And I think I'm happier when I'm with you and made of grass, than this. I think we're both happier, that way, huh? Even this hug feels wrong, somehow.
[The hug feels really weird. He's used to there being...more give in Fern's hugs. Not that he's not solid, he absolutely is, but he's softer- deeply pleasant to hug. This feels...boney and sharp and wrong. ]
I'm definitely happy when I'm with you...and- and that wouldn't change if you ever chose differently. I mean- I'm not gonna lie and say it wouldn't be hard, but I'd do everything to work on that to get comfortable with it. Because you're worth that.
[Even if Fern might not believe it himself. ]
...But yeah. I'm happier with you as you are...were. I've never made that a secret, Fern. [He hugs him a little closer and yeah, it's just not right. ] I've always thought you were perfect without needing to change.
...And yeah this hug feels super weird. You having bones feels super weird, no offence.
[The boniness is weird and wrong to Fern too, and he's never, ever going to like being reminded of how much colder Varian is than him now. At least when he was grass his body temperature was closer to Varian's.
What Varian says means a lot to him, too. That he has someone who will stick by him no matter what he chooses, and no matter what happens. It... means the world, actually, knowing that he won't have to deal with any of this alone. He sniffs a little.]
Th - thanks, V. I don't feel worth it, but... but I love you and I trust you.
[He nods softly. Right, Varian has always been that weirdo who he is into someone made of literal grass. Fern is so, so grateful for that quirk of his right now. He lets out a soft, awkward laugh, sniffing again.]
Hah, yeah. I think I prefer 'em being up on the wall than in my body.
[Varian hasn't noticed the temperature change, of course- but all the tactile stuff is extremely discomforting, as guilty as it makes him feel to admit that. He prefers Fern for how he is. How he's been since the moment they met. ]
Yea, well, you are worth it so you're gonna have to deal with that. [It's said lightly, at least. Lots of love in those words.] I love you too, and I trust you more than I trust anyone else ever.
[He presses a kiss to the top of Fern's head, chuckling softly- his tone a little teasing:]
Well, maybe don't do that with your bones right now.
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It isn't until he hears a response that he realizes he's been holding his breath.]
Okay.
[His voice is soft, and he takes a few moments to just hold Varian close. From the other boy's tone this agreement doesn't mean anything is fixed, but it's a step in the right direction.
He looks up, realizing the Hunters are still watching them, a few looking rather smug. A violent urge rises up in him - he wants to go pick fights with those guys for thinking their relationship trouble is good entertainment - but he knows Varian is more important right now, so he does his best to push those feelings down and focus on his boyfriend.]
I'm... not sure I'm that hungry. You wanna head up? It'll be more private.
[Then they can keep talking and not get stared at.]
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He feels Fern tense against him and when his boyfriend mentions going somewhere private and he realises why. He turns his head to glower at the Hunters watching them, anger spiking in his own chest, too. He kind of wants to go off on them. Hell, it might help make him feel better- though it would absolutely end with him getting his ass kicked. He swallows it down. No. Deal with Fern. ]
...Yeah, okay. We should do that.
[He untangles his vice-grip on his boyfriend, pulling himself up to his feet. He grabs Fern's bag for him, slinging it over his own shoulder. That deep, unsettled worry is lingering in his eyes, but he still holds out a hand for Fern to take.]
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He nods softly, letting go of Varian with a great deal of reluctance. After standing he scoops up his sword, carefully tucking it under his arm so that he can hold Varian's hand. From there he'll lead the other boy through the rest of the Watchtower's main floor, over to the winding stairs and up, up, up until they reach as high as they can go without climbing the exterior.
He's right. The view is spectacular, looking out over the creepy, ominous lands that extend beyond Trench. Fern grips Varian's hand a bit tighter as he stares, taking it all in.]
Wow....
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He keeps running the last month over and over in his head. What he missed- what he didn't see. How many times he failed the person he loves the most. He knows Fern's right. They need to be okay with being sorry, and he's trying to cement that in his mind. That concept is having one hell of a battle with his inner demons right now.
The feel of the breeze on his face makes him look up from the floor- eyebrows raising at the sight. ]
Wow. That's... one heck of a view.
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Yeah....
[The window in front of them is massive, offering plenty of whatever light is outside to filter in and a clear view of their surroundings. Fern tugs a bit on Varian's hand, stepping on over to it, and dropping down onto the large windowsill to sit. Thankfully, this area of the Watchtower appears to be empty right now, so they have the privacy they need.
Fern hopes this will help. There's still that thrum at the back of his mind, to go back downstairs and give those Hunters a piece of his mind (and demon blood sword), and he keeps on trying to ignore it. Their relationship is more important, Varian is more important than (what is very obviously petty though he'd never admit it) revenge.
It's a bit of a struggle, but he's managing, and he looks over at Varian.]
It's really nice, but I keep thinking it'd be better if I was grass and looking at it with you. [He lets go of his boyfriend's hand so he can set his sword down, and then gesture out at the forest.] Which is scary, 'cause that's a heck of a lot of trees out there.
[And the whole nature communication thing is a lot to deal with.]
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Still, he wasn't expecting Fern to say that and blinks up at him, surprised.]
Really? Even... even with all the problems you're having with... hearing them?
[Because Fern made that sound really bad.]
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It sounds stupid, I know.
[Fern sounds sheepish, any reasonable person would probably just do whatever they could to get rid of this stupid power. No one needs to know what plants are thinking.
But it's different for him. He's a plant, he's been one for years, and... as much as he dislikes it, he's starting to realize that's just a part of who Fern is. So he sighs, giving Varian's hand a squeeze, a blush starting to darken his cheeks.]
But... Luz helped me out last time. I know you can help me out if I get freaked out by them again. I can't handle this on my own, but I think I can do it with you.
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It's not stupid. None of your feelings are stupid.
[It's important that Fern knows that. Varian doesn't want him to dismiss any of his feelings- they matter. They matter so much. He listens to Fern speak, and it does ease the guilt churning in his stomach a little. ]
Of course. I- [he almost apologises for missing it again, but swallows it down] I'll be there the whole way, okay? I'll- I'll be better next time. I won't let you handle it alone.
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Th... thanks.
[This is all still terrifying to think about given what happened with the flowers, but... he can do this. He'll be okay.
He leans in, to pull Varian into a hug.]
I think that's all I want. I feel more sure about wanting this than just about everything else, at least.
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He absolutely won't let it get this bad ever again. He tightens his grip around Fern.]
I'm- I'm really glad to hear that. I don't...I don't want my feelings to impact any of your choices. I just...I just want you to feel happy, you know? That you're making the right choices for you.
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He's uncomfortable. He's still uncomfortable. He's doubting this uncomfortableness is going to go away.]
Dunno if this is the right choice, but... I know I'm happy when I'm with you. And I think I'm happier when I'm with you and made of grass, than this. I think we're both happier, that way, huh? Even this hug feels wrong, somehow.
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I'm definitely happy when I'm with you...and- and that wouldn't change if you ever chose differently. I mean- I'm not gonna lie and say it wouldn't be hard, but I'd do everything to work on that to get comfortable with it. Because you're worth that.
[Even if Fern might not believe it himself. ]
...But yeah. I'm happier with you as you are...were. I've never made that a secret, Fern. [He hugs him a little closer and yeah, it's just not right. ] I've always thought you were perfect without needing to change.
...And yeah this hug feels super weird. You having bones feels super weird, no offence.
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What Varian says means a lot to him, too. That he has someone who will stick by him no matter what he chooses, and no matter what happens. It... means the world, actually, knowing that he won't have to deal with any of this alone. He sniffs a little.]
Th - thanks, V. I don't feel worth it, but... but I love you and I trust you.
[He nods softly. Right, Varian has always been that weirdo who he is into someone made of literal grass. Fern is so, so grateful for that quirk of his right now. He lets out a soft, awkward laugh, sniffing again.]
Hah, yeah. I think I prefer 'em being up on the wall than in my body.
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Yea, well, you are worth it so you're gonna have to deal with that. [It's said lightly, at least. Lots of love in those words.] I love you too, and I trust you more than I trust anyone else ever.
[He presses a kiss to the top of Fern's head, chuckling softly- his tone a little teasing:]
Well, maybe don't do that with your bones right now.