[open] catch-all, Full Moon, quests
Who: Reno and you!
When: first half of Septeril
Where: Aefenglom
What: Full Moon, Quests
Warnings: NSFW in one of the Full Moon threads (feat.dragon)
FULL MOON
QUEST #1 Heliofonic Hospital; the peddler
QUEST #2 Under New Management; just checking it out
WILDCARD
When: first half of Septeril
Where: Aefenglom
What: Full Moon, Quests
Warnings: NSFW in one of the Full Moon threads (feat.dragon)
FULL MOON
[ The last Full Moon at least happened during celebrations. Drinks, merriments, and brawls were all but a normal thing to happen. But it somehow made this whole Full Moons deal a little easier to bear. It's now the third time it happens and Reno hates it a little more with each passing month. Figures, it will pass into a routine eventually, unless they get out of this place first. This time the Moons provide him with even more feathers, not just tufts here and there, his arms are slowly turning into wings Thickly feathered tonight, even if still not enough to fly up into the sky. The rusty red only a few notches more desaturated than his hair.
And given that... potential revelations that might have happened in the month prior... he is less likely to stay at the quietness of his apartment, wallowing in the misery. He hits the town, Entertainment District mainly. The brightness of the lights there causes a bright and hot irritation in him at first. Unsteady anger, pre-battle jitters, that quickly turn into weird neediness. He craves company, and it doesn't really matter if it's a peaceful and pleasant or involves ripping someone's face off. ]
A )
[ So eventually giving into that, Reno nearly pounces someone; hand occupied with a bottle of beer, smile almost jovial but a bit too sharp. No glint of recognition in his eyes at first, if he should happen upon a familiar face. His eyesight is going to shit at night, but no way he is going to mention that. ]
Lost? [ He points at the building that hosts both a pleasure house and a pub, depending on if you go up or down the stairs ] Do you wanna go try that together? I'm kinda curious how it looks like.
——Alternatively
B )
[ When his mood crashes, and it's probably the last moment of the night that doubles as the earliest hour of the morning, Reno can be found sitting on the fence, somewhere in Haven. Sun is literally about to rise, but he's yet to see if it helps his eyes in any way. Are you going early to work/classes? Running for fitness? Whatever it is, the redhead soon-to-be harpy waves you, cigarette in feathered hand— ]
Got any fire? [ It's almost pretty please. The matches are gone, and he doesn't have the nifty Witchy powers to just make a flame out of nowhere. ]
QUEST #1 Heliofonic Hospital; the peddler
[ The potions, no doubt having its origin in dubious places are a real catch from a business standpoint. He gets a hefty cut on each potion he sells, basically. Surprisingly clean for the shady scheme that it probably is, but not that Reno is going to bother asking questions. He doesn't really concern how they're made, or whether they're a placebo or have some actual effects beneficial effects. It seems like a dumb, but an easy job. And who knows what you can learn along the way. ]
A )
[ —so should he see Mirrorbound seemingly suffering from a headache, insomnia, or even simple Monster growing pains, (or just simply being tired) he will approach them with few stock phrases about a miracle cure, and a good deal before it hits the market— He's clearly repeating a memorized phrase, not trying to hide he's here to sell shit ]
B )
[ But now that a certain hospital makes a focused effort to crack the operation down, a suspicion that it's all more than just a ruse rises. So if someone calls him out on this he will be both willing to listen and discuss the issue.
Yeah he's— ]
Listen, I got only two bottles left on me. Buy them and you'll get bonus info" [ He's not above ratting the alchemist to the guards (getting chummy with them is a better investment in the long run), but he wants to make a coin on this still. ]
QUEST #2 Under New Management; just checking it out
[ The job at the factory last month was, he'd want to say, uneventful. But that ain't true. So when the word goes around that the orphanage itself changed hands and is now under new management... Reno does go to take a peek.
From afar.
Look, it's not like he cares, okay? If he spots any face that he might have seen in Haven or identify from the network as a Mirrorbound he'll ask. ]
Hey, I heard there have been changes here. [ He starts and goes straight to the point ] Do ya know anything else about it? Word on the street says its owned by a Mirrobound
[ And that sounds like an incredibly curious thing, orphans aside. Because owning an orphange sounds like a big deal for a bunch of refugees. Also, are the kids still working oin the factory? ]
WILDCARD
「 ooc: Wildcard aka hit me with whatever. For plotting through plurkaetarna, PM, or discord 」
I don't know what's happening... /wanders in by "mistake"...cough
Normally was the operative word here though. Under normal circumstances Reno wouldn't be in a yet still mostly unfamiliar city in a completely different world, and under more normal circumstances he wouldn't be turning into a bird that couldn't see well at night. Having recently learned about Reno's poor night vision, Rude had some extra concerns about his partner still going out at night. He knew it would be hard for Reno to kick the habit though and didn't blame him for it. But it did concern him, still so fresh a revelation that the worry hadn't had time to fade.
Or maybe he was just getting possessive as a dragon. Who knew.But that was why Rude was following the redhead tonight. Being practiced in the art of stalking, he didn't have any problems following Reno around from afar and not being noticed. Especially with Reno's eyesight being so poor at night that Rude could easily hide from the poor bird.
Reno looked to be doing mostly fine tonight, simply prowling around town, looking for some fun. Typical stuff. Reno's eyesight may have been annoying him but not entirely ruining his style. Rude was about to walk away (really!) when Reno stopped in front of a particularly seedy place and took up residence. He figured he knew what Reno was up to--the ever so tantalizing debate of what kind of fun to have for the night--when he saw Reno's eye catch sight of prey. Only the prey was tall, red, and scaly. It was a dragon.
And they went up the stairs. Together.
He didn't care. It wasn't his business what Reno got himself into. He knew the redhead was feeling restless with the full moons out. Rude could feel their tug lightly, too. He just always had more control than his partner. He closed his eyes and told himself it was fine, Reno knew what he was doing, he didn't have to worry about the large dragon or what they were going to do in the private room together. He didn't want to know.
Before Rude could realize what he was doing and stop himself, the bald man had walked into the hotel and demanded where the last two patrons had gone. Rude soon found himself standing outside the doorway where Reno had accompanied the red dragon. He stood there quietly in the hallway without movement for some time, just staring at the door.
He didn't need to know what Reno was doing... but a part of him wanted to know. A part of him was curious. A part of him...wished Reno had stayed home and bothered him all night long.
There wasn't any thought in it at this point. If there had been he would have walked away immediately as soon as the idea popped into his head. Really, how could he hope to get away with barging in on Reno's activities behind a closed door? And yet there was his hand, pushing on the door and opening it to find out whether Reno was in trouble or not. That was the excuse he would use, probably.
What he walked in on wasn't altogether unexpected. But it still caught his breath in his throat. Reno pinned beneath the red dragon. He could barely even see his smaller partner from this angle, the dragon was so large compared. There was a spike of something inside him; anger and sadness both at once...it took him a moment to register it as jealously and he shut it down immediately.
With his emotions shoved to one side his logical mind had a moment to spare to register the red dragon's appearance. Something nagged at him until it clicked. He recognized the imposing man. A brief meeting. Neither pleasant nor unpleasant in his memory. Just a small conversation and a shared drink while resting after a day of unusual work.
His eyes narrowed at the scene but somehow Rude held onto his calm demeanor. Internally his mind was reeling, uncertain, torn. On the one hand, he wanted to make certain Reno really was okay for the night. He registered the weapon in Reno's hand and had to wonder if it was out for defense or not. Rude's hands turned into fists at his side.
On the other... he couldn't help but look at the two bodies posed together one over the other... intimately close... and not feel a draw. The idea of Reno like that, beneath someone much larger, held a certain appeal Rude couldn't help but admit to himself that he felt. His eyes slid over the red dragon quickly. It wasn't as if the man wasn't appealing either. He was torn between wanting to rip the dragon off Reno and rescue his partner from the perceived danger or stand there and watch to see where it was going, if it wasn't trouble at all but a good time... A pleasurable evening... Why did that bother him less than it should.
He closed his eyes, tried to remember how words worked, and what he could possibly say to keep Reno from hating him forever for this moment.]
...heard the struggle. [May be lying. May be simply referring to Reno's body hitting the table with a small thud.] This friendly?
[Somehow, somehow, he managed to make his tone come out with a small warning tone directed at the dragon. Fuck the consequences, he made it sound like he didn't care what they thought but was only here to make sure things didn't get out of hand. Like it was his damned business.
Nailed it.]1/??? oh this is gonna be good
Quite on the contrary, you look like you're in serious need of some good old discipline— [ too early to rest his case! And at least it inspires the dragon to do something. Too busy with their little fun, Reno doesn't pay attention to anything that might be happening besides their little, private room.
Even when the door open, he halfway expects the staff to bring in more drinks or whatever, but instead— ]
2/??? (at least one more...)
That's Rude in the flesh, alright.
Where seconds before Reno was sure his pulse was speeding up; the unknown present in the tense, but also arousing situation causing the heartbeat rate to rise— Now it went to a total halt. Blood, frozen in his veins, and maybe for the best
because what the hell is wrong with him tonight?
This is literally that time when he shouldn't be impulsively leaping on making decisions.
But then, no one will manage these instincts for himself. No one will invent ways to cope with it. So.... what is this weight he feels?
The blood starts flowing again though as Rude strolls the room, finds a comfortable position, and asks a very level-headed question. Given how his partner is pinned on the table, by someone much larger and physically stronger; given how weapons are apparently part of the equation. That question, make Reno feel secure. It makes it all... fine, in a strange way. Like an invitation to define new possibilities.
Reno can't tell where Rude's gaze exactly travels, but he hopes it lingers on him. He hopes, that for what it's worth, his partner likes the view. Even if in the wake of the earlier confession it could easily double as something Rude might never want to see.
But he is here, and now it's turn for Reno's blood to ignite in his veins. ]
3/3
With a flick of the wrist, he swirls the mag-rod. Puts the tip against the table, holds the correct button, and presses down to collapse it. When shortened, he just attaches it back to his belt. A trained move takes no more than a few seconds, so now he has a hand free to pat Archer's cheek ]
Seems friendly enough. [ Right ] I'm getting some mixed signals, but I'm willing to work through it.
[ Head tilted on a side, Reno's gaze is locked on Rude. A bead of sweat rolls down his temple. A moment later he could feel it on his lips. The windows were covered, but despite that Reno could tell the Moons are shining brightly tonight and they— that light, frays what is left of his self-control. That's when he's at his worst, he remembers. That's why he decided to take care of everything on his own.
Rude is also a Monster, he must feel it too. But Rude, always so in control, always so collected— if anyone could shrug the Moons off that was Rude, the strongest of the Turks... right?
Damn, now he feels boneless. Or maybe it's the drink effect, who knows? A short chuckle transformed his expression into a cheeky grin. ]
Feeling safer with you around, partner.
1/2
Another oddity is the undercurrent of a few spoken words. It seems that both men communicate through gestures and body language. The way redhead suddenly changes from toothy predator to cute dork isn't lost on him either.]
2/2
mobstersMonsters. On the other hand he may be the appetizer before the main dish.Oh well, it's not like he's here to overthink others' life choices or kinks. Hopefully both of his companions are here to have a good time. That pat on the cheek earns a heavy stare, though. Right.]
Is he always like that?
1/2
He didn't actually completely relax just yet though. Only his tension concerning Reno's reaction to him faded away. He was happy but there was still the matter of the big red dragon. Reno's words didn't fully exonerate him though Rude knew the redhead enough to realize Reno wasn't exactly not enjoying himself--even if he was in danger--probably more so because of it, in fact. That love of the thrill was one of the factors that kept them together, made them such good partners. They both enjoyed it a little too much.
His eyes finally slid back off Reno to focus on Archer.]
2/2
[Simple answer to a simple question. Reno was Reno. It didn't even phase Rude anymore. He wouldn't be surprised if Reno had done something silly or stupid (or both) to annoy the red dragon into pushing them into their current position.
The easiness with which the dragon assessed and reacted to the situation impressed Rude. There was the barest hint of tension, just enough to imply that the red dragon was ready to act like a coiled spring if needed, but not enough to make the room thick with it. A healthy amount of caution in other words and Rude couldn't blame him for that. He would have been disappointed by a lack of it actually.
Instead, he felt himself drawn to it. He relaxed a little more to see the dragon so calm and Reno his usual playful self. It spoke well for the situation. It was odd but he wanted everything to be just fine--and he wanted to linger in the room. He didn't want to leave.
His eyes slid back to Reno and rested on him. He figured he knew what he actually wanted in that instance. But he also knew what he would do: whatever Reno wanted.
The door shut behind him and he leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. He was just here to make sure his partner was safe. Not interrupt. That's what he said silently with his demeanor.]
no subject
—natural progression, so to speak. Or at least felt like it to Reno. Another step, and he was the one to decide how far it goes. He was the one that could say "no"—
He doesn't say "no".
Something's tingling in his body as he knows that Rude focuses his gaze on him. Chess are set, the door remains closed, three pieces remain on the table— the thought of Rude staying in the room for everything that might transpire runs through his body like a violent wave. There are a few moments of silence that seem to stretch on forever. Both dragons are comfortable with silence, it's Reno who never shuts up after all. Then it all clicks in place and he turns to Archer—
A handsome face, impressive physique; the eyes can't compare, no, but there are still subtle signs. The steel covers something...warmer, than the man would let to be seen. Well, he's still not running away, and Reno runs his hand along the chiseled jaw, down the long neck— and lower, starting undoing from the third button casually. ]
Where were we— ah yes, expectations. [ Reno's own voice sounds foreign to him. Breathless and heavy, offsetting Archer's uncanny calm. ] Do I expect you to roll over...? If that's what you want I could make you.
[ One more button open. ]
The thing is— I don't know what you want, and you're not making it easy to figure out. So just tell me
[ At least now Reno knows very well what he wants. He wants to give the best show Rude could ever see. Putting himself on display to please his partner is a sudden and rather simple desire that reached him unexpectedly. Perhaps more of Rude's intention in staying here is to ensure he's kept safe— still, he wants to test this resolve ]
no subject
Mind giving me a hint? [he blatantly ignores Reno and turns his head to look at Rude.] What would you like to see?
no subject
In reality, he was a bit more interested than he would have admitted out loud.
The red dragon's question caught him completely off guard however. It was a good thing he was already standing still because he froze like a deer in headlights when it struck him. His eyebrows rose and a faint heat worked its way up his cheeks. It wasn't enough to be visible in the darkened setting of the room but the twitch of his jaw might have been. Small signs rather than anything obvious. That was just the type of person he was.]
That's not-- [He paused for a moment.] That's not what I'm here for.
no subject
Oh, he gets the idea behind it. It's about including Rude. Quite thoughtful, but knowing Rude better than the most he also notices that— maybe it was bad timing, maybe it was too fast, or maybe just wrong way.
Though the idea of giving Rude exactly the show he'd like to see, hearing what it is that he'd like to see and do, makes him dizzy. It's that primal part of the brain taking control again, but the truth is, it's his turn to make this work for all of them. It's his turn to take control, or at least nudge everything in the right direction.
Still, the thought is appreciated, so when he brattily demands attention, there isn't venom or frustration in his voice. ]
Hey, eyes down here. [ Reno commands, even if he himself is stealing glances at Rude. He hears his pulse pounding in his head as if something is trying to escape from his skull and he wonders if the two dragons can hear it too. His hand might be held down, but the other one is still free— that one he lifts up, slowly rakes his nails over the exposed throat and down the chest. ] You can do as you're told, or take the reins— Or do you want detailed options spelled out to you?
[ Some people— monsters like to talk. Sometimes that can be enough to get someone going way more than the actual act. And he's a wicked little thing, that feels the most alive with a thrill of danger. ]
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Very well. [he offers barely perceptible smile. Then Reno's nails catch on his scales, leaving bloodied scratches where skin shows.
Archer turns to him, his expression barely changing. There's grim amusement in his eyes as he firmly takes hold of Reno's wrist to pin it down. Yet again he addresses Rude.] Mind giving me a hand? Your bird seems to need someone to pin him down.
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The other dragon had different plans though. He still wanted to include Rude. The big Turk didn't understand why Archer wanted him to join in, what his angle was.
But his hands itched at the question and his mouth went dry. His eyes skipped over Reno, pinned, and he hesitated to answer again.
Why was he tempted? (He knew why.) He had meant what he said. He wasn't...he hadn't come here for that. He only wanted to make certain Reno was safe. He hadn't intended to interrupt much less join in. He promised Reno he would look after him no matter what happened. No matter what path they took. Whether they stayed work partners or reached for something more. That's what mattered to Rude. The rest he could live with.
...Reno hadn't objected to his presence in the room so far. His eyes had lingered on him more than once since he'd entered. Was this a natural progression of what they talked about or was it simply the moons pushing them past normal boundaries? In other words, would they accept this in the days to come or regret it?
Rude looked at Archer and wondered how much the other suspected, if anything at all, what it was that was going on here. Still wondered what it was the dragon really desired from asking a third party to join in. Was it just something he enjoyed or was willing to take advantage of. Or--
Or was Rude just thinking too much.
He suddenly stepped forward. None of his thoughts showed on his features, of course, and only lasted a span of seconds. His mouth remained a calm line even as he moved towards the pair. He stopped close to Archer, personal space invaded, and remained staring at the other dragon firmly.]
He makes a single objection and this ends immediately.
[And he didn't just mean his own involvement in the affair. It wasn't quite a threat, but it was absolutely a promise.
Rude moved around to the other side of the table and, gently, almost tentatively, he placed his hands over Reno's wrists and wrapped his fingers around them. Despite the initial care with which he placed his hands, his grip was as it ever was during one of their sparring sessions: firm, unrelenting, not quite painful but very noticeable. It wouldn't take much for him to snap the bone but as always he's careful, precise. Harder for him to accomplish these days but with Reno on the line there was no room to spare for a mistake.
He gazed down at Reno from this angle and felt his heart beat faster. But this wasn't for him. He torn his gaze from Reno's pinned form and looked up at Archer. Waited. And watched. Patient. Tolerant.]
no subject
Oh damn.
How so much can happen in so little time? Few steps, few words, followed a touch. How so much can be lived through in a span of few seconds? Oh, a lot. A lot can be lived in a span of just a few seconds, and so many can die at the same time— that's the paradox.
Surprise after, surprise, and a revelation too. No witty comment comes from him, Reno can't even formulate words anymore. When the familiar hand, closes on his wrist in the quite unfamiliar (new, and definitely not unwelcome) way, he just closes his eyes shut, gritting his teeth to stop a shuddery moan leaving his lungs. Enraptured.
Because it's as if it was everything he needed ever, and right now it's simultaneously defining and grounding him in the experience. Well, that's sure a jolt of electricity right there, and while he was aroused before, his pants definitely feel too tight now.
Here he was getting annoyed with Archer, but maybe he should thank him instead. (The worst is that, Rude would probably do it anywhere else, if he as much as asked, and was fucking honest. That's it, he knows the answer to a question he was once too much of a coward to ask— so why is he constantly stopping himself from allowing there to be "them").
Reno's eyes snap open, turquoise meeting the gaze behind the glasses (he knows it's gold), something still swelling up inside his throat, but it is not indecisiveness this time. He relaxes under the touch, pliant and uncharacteristically, almost trusting. Then, after he's sure the connection has been made he slides down his gaze to meet the steel eyes of the other dragon. The spark of a challenge returning to his gaze, but it's an invitation. He's flushed, chest rising with each deep breath he takes
Look, he's a brat, but turns out he can behave if he's put in place. At least for now. This weird spell will probably end the moment he opens his potty mouth ]
no subject
I won't expect anything less.
[Now that's a reaction. He's not prepared for how the redhead starts rubbing against him; Archer tenses with a louder breath, fingers tightening on a slender hip. That's going to leave bruises.]
Look how hard he got when you touched him. [he remarks idly as he starts taking off his shirt, uncovering intricate tattoo covering left side of his chest and a lot of scars.]
Dragons are protective, and sometimes even possessive of what's theirs. That includes anyone who's important for them.
[Meeting the challenge in green - or are those blue? - eyes Archer leans forward to rest his hand on redhead's waist. Skin under his touch is much warmer than human's. Slowly he trails his fingers upwards. It's amusing to think another brat has aversion to wearing proper shirt. Somehow he doubts the feathers are to blame.]
Eyes down there. [he throws at the other dragon, pretty sure that what both of his companions need is a
shovepush in the right direction. Why not to help if he can?]The changes intensify what already is there. The only new urge being the desire to hoard specific objects.
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Funny, he thought, when the lecture on dragons turned to protectiveness and possessiveness to those they considered important. Ironic, perhaps. Rude already would give his life for Reno. What more could he possibly do to protect him?
Instead of following Archer's advice, however, Rude closed his eyes and refused to look at either of them. It was too much. Everything was suddenly overwhelming. He couldn't stand the sound of Archer's voice anymore, trying to coax him into accepting what he already knew he wanted but refused to take by force. He wanted the other dragon to shut up and get a move on. He wanted--
--well, it didn't matter what he wanted, he reminded himself. He was here for Reno and if his partner really was excited to have him here... and there were clear signs to say he was... then Rude was staying right where he was and doing whatever was wanted.
His hands relaxed again as he continued to easily hold Reno in place.]
no subject
Debating, debating— no, if he'd called it off right now, it would be taking a step too far. Rude chose to be here for him, just slapping it off could be like a lack of trust. Still, he squirms, eyes shooting open, pupils blown wide, wondering what now. He’s got it bad for Rude if there was any doubt— and the fear that maybe he's just throwing years of friendship down the drain with his erratic behavior is still somewhere there, buried under the Moons' song.
Fuck, how easier it would be if they were Bonded. The fine-tune of knowing whether his partner truly wants to be here (enjoys seeing him), or if it's the moment to pack up. ]
One doesn't need to be a dragon for all of that—
[ He breathes finally, with a chuckle at the end. Rude doesn't need scales and wings to be the wall and the shield that keeps his teammates safe. Who keeps him safe when the recklessness gets the better of him. Being a Turk is a dangerous job, and there really isn't that much of a long life expectancy— sometimes a mission just goes bad — but Reno knows he probably wouldn't be around, if not for Rude. And if Rude ever goes down, so does he. ]
You know nothing
[ Reno murmurs as if to drive the point home (you have no idea what's going on here) and yet, despite the annoyance, he still arches needily into the touch, wherever the hand follows his back raises from the surface trying to push the most skin into the contact. The tattoos covering the red dragon does not escape Reno, and he realizes they are the reason why the dragon smells of mana. Magic is etched directly into his skin, those are these spell-tattoos. ]
Slow, fast, I can adapt. You can mess me up, within reason.
[ It's the usual negotiation, but he feels dirty, exposed, and for the first time in years— flustered? Is that the right word? It's like Rude gets a side of him that he didn't get to witness yet— does it fulfill a darker desire for his partner? Or would he rather remain unaware? ]
Careful with claws, and no kissing tho— [ And that's where he puts on his best innocent face and provides a bullshit explanation on top of it. ] I'm particular about teeth brushing habits.
no subject
[Seems like it's been too much for the other Dragon. He should focus on the redhead for now. Besides he's sure it's what the other wants to hear— and to see.]
Some of the Dragons dislike seeing other's mark their partner. [Archer continues thoughtfully while he strokes and caresses lithe body, trying to find most sensitive spots. Keeps his touch light and teasing— then withdraws after a really intense reaction, moving to grab oil.]
no subject
Head still turned slightly away, Rude reluctantly opened his eyes and looked down at his partner. His grip shifted on Reno's wrists enough to let him rub his thumbs over the harpy's veins slowly in silent reply. Try as he might to keep his face stoic there were subtle signs that he was losing that battle for some reason. A softness to his features as he gazed at Reno. A slackness to his usually strong jaw. It wasn't quite sadness--something less perverted than pure lust but something along those lines of desire, of wanting something from the other.
It morphs into a fond smile at Reno's words about him. His partner knew him all too well. Of course Reno would agree that Rude was protective of his partner--there was nothing that Rude wouldn't put himself in front of to prevent harm reaching Reno. He'd taken more than one bullet for the redhead. Archer knew nothing, indeed, but Reno knew everything about him.
He closed his eyes again but kept his calm for now. He swallowed before working his tongue to answer.]
His show. I don't care.
[Not quite the truth; no, not at all. He cared more than he wanted to admit. But he wasn't going to ruin this night by denying either of them their fun simply because he didn't want to see Reno's flesh after biting and bruising from another's touch.
Rude shifted suddenly, as if to assert some sort of control over the situation, over himself really. It wasn't much though--he moved to lean down onto the table, placing him marginally closer to Reno as he leaned over his partner's upper half. He couldn't escape the thought of leaning down just a little further and claiming Reno's lips for his own, defying the redhead's proclamation that there was to be no kissing. He knew that rule wasn't meant, wasn't said for him but what would Reno actually do if he surprised his partner with a defiant kiss. How would Reno react to Rude trying to taste him.
He left well enough alone. He was afraid to break the rule. Afraid to overstep the boundaries still between them even after all the years together. Being here, this close, was pushing far enough for now. He wasn't ready to ruin a good thing while he had it.]
no subject
And then it hits him like a brick, or more like a cold shower. "His show." Rude was indulging him, at his worst, at his most selfish for this entire time— at his most rotten. And Reno truly was taking advantage of that. Of Rude wanting the best for him, even if he was the one bearing the cost.
They haven't got time to talk about it. Without an audience, without a mask. You know,
honestly.
Where they could set methods of communications in a setting like this. It's so like Reno to run forward and just drag Rude in— of course, Rude followed on his own choice, but he was also ridiculously selfless, and, fuck, in love. Isn't that the literal word he used?
Reno starts to laugh, a short breathless laugh, paused by a short hiccup when his head hits back the table. Part of him wants to continue, part of him wants to show Rude his feelings are misplaced— he knows what he is, and he knows what he deserves, and "love" isn't on the list. But that's just cowardice, an easy way out because it's not like he doesn't want that "more" that Rude is offering as a possibility. He doesn't know what to do with that "more", how to be worthy of it. And what to do if that "more" disappears one day. In a world where everyone can leave, die, or sell you out at every moment, opening your heart is a grave mistake, it's opening yourself for pain. So you close it, wrap it up in chains, put it in the box, throw away the key and forget about it — because you're just that damn scared of hurting and loss.
But then you give the box to someone for safe-keeping.
And that someone picks the lock—
And then— ah, where he is going with this dumb metaphor even? Either way, if he's essentially doing the equivalent of throwing that box out of the window, then it's a good time to stop. ]
Heey, that music plain' [ He starts with a grin, tone low, almost a whisper— bringing attention to the ambient sound of music somewhere, the floor below them. Probably on the bar floor. ] That's no good for a two-step, you think?
[ —for a thrilling fun they both could enjoy.
In the end, they have company in the form of a red dragon, and Reno keeps his game-face with the company. Smirking, little shit that he is. He can't just directly ask how Rude really feels about it, he can't ask if Rude is really being here because he wants himself to be, or just to protect Reno and indulge his desires.
But Reno can ask an approximation of it in a very roundabout way ]
no subject
He focuses on two small vials of oil he's holding, giving the two time to sort out whatever is between them. The wise thing is to shut up and let them think, but— ]
I used to think the same way, until my own brat returned one night with bite marks in several places. Had to mark him again until he's been grumbling something about being a dragon's chew toy.
[—look, he's the kind of guy that doesn't know when to shut up.]
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For a moment though the words sparked something in Rude. There was something about them that made the wheels in his mind turn, slowly recognizing the playful words for what they truly were. He recognized them... some of Reno's favorite phrasing... the last time he had heard them... what they could possibly mean in this situation here and now. He listened to the music but it held no answers and despite the fact that he knew that wasn't the point of the message he still tried to discern its meaning out of the silence between them.
Until it was shattered by the interruption. Rude didn't get to fully process the moment between him and his partner as the other dragon's words filtered over the faint music, caught his attention, and snapped him away from that important message--causing him to miss it entirely for what it was. He reacted almost instantly to Archer though, an appalled look on his face despite himself.]
Reno isn't mine to chew on.
[It came out too quickly, clearly indignant and feeling offended--too late he realized it was a telling response to his true feelings. He growled at the air between himself and the other dragon while trying not to make eye contact with him. He thought he might lose it if he did. Why-- no, he didn't really need to ask why. They'd already talked about it and now it was stuck in his head. He was suddenly feeling an overwhelming heat in all his limbs, a slow dangerous burn that threatened to consume him. A possessiveness like he had never felt before. No matter how many times he'd come to Reno's aid in battle because he couldn't stand the sight of Reno coming to harm; no matter how many times he'd flew into a violent whirlwind because someone thought they could try and get the drop on him by using his partner against him. He'd never felt so suddenly vindictive of such casually said words in his life before now. In the past, despite his extreme physical reaction to danger to his partner, he had always remained calm on the inside. Now, he was having the opposite happen. While he was deathly still on the outside it was only because he was fighting the unfamiliar rage on the inside.
He didn't care how playful the words were spoken or how casually informative the other dragon was simply attempting to be for their supposed benefit--Rude felt provoked by them for some stupid reason he couldn't handle. His frame bent forward further over Reno's body--whether to shield or claim possession was up for debate--as he met the eyes of his partner for a quick moment and felt the usual calm flood rush over him almost instantly in that one swift glance.
He glared at Archer and, surprisingly, managed to keep from going for the other's throat.]
I don't care what Reno does, what happens to him-- [wait for it] --because no matter his choices I'm not going to mark him like some possession that gets thrown in a closet and forgotten.
[A low growl, and the crack of the table beneath Rude's hands as they pressed around Reno's wrists without too much pressure, for it was all carefully placed on the table beneath his fingertips instead.]
I'll be too busy pummeling the vitals out of who- or whatever idiotic thing that had the audacity to touch him.
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As he bends forward for a moment the indomitable presence that is Rude covers the entirety of Reno's vision. The first few words of the next sentence could be enough to run someone else's blood cold, but as they echoes in the room, Reno does wait— and his trust confirmed with the rest of the sentence.
Really, there is just no one else. There is no one else like Rude, and—
He might be floored, and a kind of a mess, but he can read what's going on. All this overthinking, overloading simply put aside for a second. His entire fear based on the fact that they already had a perfect thing going on, and he doesn't want to be the factor that breaks it, suddenly seems... childish. Pointless. Irrational. Because that's right, they always had this perfect thing, this perfect symmetry, trust, and understanding, as well as willingness to work their shit out.
If Rude is losing it, it is simply his time to step in, it's just that easy, that's the symmetry. They got each other's back. Though no lie, the darker part of him thinks that the image of Rude beating the shit out of someone for his sake is, quite hot ]
Piss off— So that's all you've got. [ He raises his leg, which up till now rested easily down the table— knee almost up to his chest, so he can put his heel on Archer's hip and then put enough pressure to separate their bodies. His voice growing louder, consistently firm and dismissive ] No one fucking asked you for a shitty lecture or life story, you either play by our rules, or you get the hell out of here.
[ Archer just wanted to help, but unfortunately struck a nerve (though funnily - unfunnily, enough his little stunt did give the foul-mouthed redhead a realization he needed. And while Rude has the ability to take that into consideration, Reno is— Reno just isn't that generous. He allows all the earlier small annoyances to swell right back into spite. ]
You better do the latter.
[ Maybe later, he'll rewind what happened here, and realize that, against all odds, that little stunt Archer pulled actually worked exactly as the main intended. Maybe not. Right now he's entirely focused on Rude. ]
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Of course Archer's aware there's always a possibility of Monster going feral. Dragons are possessive; one not fully turned has their emotions and instincts go wild. With the Full Moons shining bright—
Archer closes his eyes and stills. Being so close to another, feral Dragon almost makes him lose his temper. Almost. He focuses on his Bond, letting the presence of his Witches anchor him, not allowing him to get lost within his emotions. It takes him a long moment to get himself under control and not growl at the other or spread his wings menacingly. Dumb reptile brain.]
My apologies.
[A breath.]
You two have a very strong bond.
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