![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
Entry tags:
But I'm not alone. I've got you and Vane, right?
[ Tacit acceptance of the offer; it makes sense, what Percival's saying, on a practical level. That's not why Cain's agreeing so easily, though. Cain could get by on his own. It might even be easier that way, not having anyone around to catch wind of his odd hours and propensity to slip off for long periods of time, coming back with a few suspicious bruises and scratches. If he were making this decision based only on pragmatism, he'd stay by himself.
But he is a bit lonely. And more than that, Percival seems lonely, missing his friends. It's that, more than Cain's own loneliness and homesickness that has him making up his mind and catching a lock of hair, giving it a little fond tug. ]
Aren't you going to tell me "welcome home?"
[ Tacit acceptance of the offer; it makes sense, what Percival's saying, on a practical level. That's not why Cain's agreeing so easily, though. Cain could get by on his own. It might even be easier that way, not having anyone around to catch wind of his odd hours and propensity to slip off for long periods of time, coming back with a few suspicious bruises and scratches. If he were making this decision based only on pragmatism, he'd stay by himself.
But he is a bit lonely. And more than that, Percival seems lonely, missing his friends. It's that, more than Cain's own loneliness and homesickness that has him making up his mind and catching a lock of hair, giving it a little fond tug. ]
Aren't you going to tell me "welcome home?"
I prefer being alone over Vane's company, but you two deserve each other.
[ That is only a half-truth, of course. Vane was only grating on his nerves 90% of the time. The other 10% of the time, he made not-bad food for the both of them.
He frowns, swatting away at Cain's hand and trying to ignore the side of him that is oddly happy of this surprise arrangement. He really needs to get out of the house more... ]
You've already made yourself welcome enough, haven't you?
[ That is only a half-truth, of course. Vane was only grating on his nerves 90% of the time. The other 10% of the time, he made not-bad food for the both of them.
He frowns, swatting away at Cain's hand and trying to ignore the side of him that is oddly happy of this surprise arrangement. He really needs to get out of the house more... ]
You've already made yourself welcome enough, haven't you?
It's not the same.
[ Laughingly, he draws his hand back to his chest, like that brush of fingers actually stung. But it didn't, of course; no, his hand just feels warm where Percival touched it, body heat lingering against his skin.
Even if he's made himself welcome, Percival doesn't object to it, not really. That's obvious from how Cain hasn't yet been dumped off Percival's lap. ]
And even if you don't like having Vane around, now you've got me.
[ Laughingly, he draws his hand back to his chest, like that brush of fingers actually stung. But it didn't, of course; no, his hand just feels warm where Percival touched it, body heat lingering against his skin.
Even if he's made himself welcome, Percival doesn't object to it, not really. That's obvious from how Cain hasn't yet been dumped off Percival's lap. ]
And even if you don't like having Vane around, now you've got me.
Is that supposed to be a good thing?
[ He laughs too much, Percival decides. He laughs too much, and it's both foolish and cute. ]
You can share a room with Vane.
[ Because he's definitely going to agree to that and not just invade his space whenever he feels like it, right? ]
[ He laughs too much, Percival decides. He laughs too much, and it's both foolish and cute. ]
You can share a room with Vane.
[ Because he's definitely going to agree to that and not just invade his space whenever he feels like it, right? ]
[ Considering where Cain ends up sleeping when he doesn't actually live here... Good luck with that, Percy! ]
But I'm already at home in your room.
[ On Percival's bed, where he naps on any given day, under Percival's nice warm quilt. And on Percival's lap, like he is right now, with Percival's natural warmth keeping away the chill.
That Percival still hasn't shoved him off is really only encouragement, Cain decides. ]
But I'm already at home in your room.
[ On Percival's bed, where he naps on any given day, under Percival's nice warm quilt. And on Percival's lap, like he is right now, with Percival's natural warmth keeping away the chill.
That Percival still hasn't shoved him off is really only encouragement, Cain decides. ]
I can exercise my right to evict you at any time.
[ Now he seems to be playing along, picking up his book again as he reads the same passage about birds of murkwell hollow for the fifth time. ]
Especially since I don't see any rent yet...
[ He's looking down, and hiding the tiniest smile. ]
[ Now he seems to be playing along, picking up his book again as he reads the same passage about birds of murkwell hollow for the fifth time. ]
Especially since I don't see any rent yet...
[ He's looking down, and hiding the tiniest smile. ]
[ That tiny hint of a smile has Cain feeling mischievous, even a little wicked. He props himself up on one hand, using the other to push the book out of the way, sitting up just enough that he's nearly touching noses with Percival. Their mouths are only inches away.
Cain breathes out: ]
You still haven't told me how I should pay. With my body?
Cain breathes out: ]
You still haven't told me how I should pay. With my body?
[ It was a mistake not to push him off when he had the chance, and he's going to find that out right about now. Percival looks up, perhaps not as surprised that Cain is pulling another stunt like this, but nonetheless just as flustered. He makes a small sound of disapproval, too. ]
... Yes. With your body, as I will beat it to a bloody pulp!
[ Now, he makes a move to get up, but rather than shoving Cain off his lap, his book is strewn to the side, and he lifts the smaller man up and over his shoulder as he stands. ]
... Yes. With your body, as I will beat it to a bloody pulp!
[ Now, he makes a move to get up, but rather than shoving Cain off his lap, his book is strewn to the side, and he lifts the smaller man up and over his shoulder as he stands. ]
Edited 2018-01-10 04:49 (UTC)
[ Cain flails a little, but mostly he's too busy laughing to care or protest that he's being bodily lifted and carried off to... somewhere. Hopefully not out the front door of his new home, he doesn't particularly care to be an outdoors cat, but after what he's just said, he's half expecting it.
Cheerfully, taking a handful of Percival's shirt to steady himself with, he asks: ]
Really, that's what you're into?
Cheerfully, taking a handful of Percival's shirt to steady himself with, he asks: ]
Really, that's what you're into?
Do you have an "off" button, by any chance?
[ Percival doesn't actually have any plans with what he's going to do with Cain now.
So he heads in the first direction he can think of, which just happens to be the aforementioned Vane's room. Unceremoniously, he tosses the other man onto the bed, looming over him from where he stands near the door. ]
Stay here. You are grounded, until you learn to behave yourself in this household.
[ Percival doesn't actually have any plans with what he's going to do with Cain now.
So he heads in the first direction he can think of, which just happens to be the aforementioned Vane's room. Unceremoniously, he tosses the other man onto the bed, looming over him from where he stands near the door. ]
Stay here. You are grounded, until you learn to behave yourself in this household.
[ Okay, so it does make her feel a tiny bit better knowing that he was just as enthralled as she was, despite the fact that he's experienced the hornty waters before. It must be... unspeakably powerful, if that's the case—enough to override even the good sense of someone who knows precisely what is happening to them.
Yes, very alarming indeed—she must take extra care not to be trapped again. ]
Yes, of course. I believe it best to leave this in the past. [ She looks a little relieved. Not that she really expected him to hold this over her—he's far too honorable than that, which she can't help but... admire—but still. She wants nothing more than to put this behind them and move on, if only for her own sanity. ]
No, I will not hear it. [ She puts her hand up here, palm facing towards him, and shakes her head. ] I am now convinced that all the fault lies in this... phenomenon, so please do not blame yourself in the least—I insist. Why, I daresay it was a mere stroke of luck that jarred me to my senses.
[ To think that they could've just kept going and made a baby!!!! Disaster averted. Anyway, she gives Percival a reassuring smile. ]
Yes, very alarming indeed—she must take extra care not to be trapped again. ]
Yes, of course. I believe it best to leave this in the past. [ She looks a little relieved. Not that she really expected him to hold this over her—he's far too honorable than that, which she can't help but... admire—but still. She wants nothing more than to put this behind them and move on, if only for her own sanity. ]
No, I will not hear it. [ She puts her hand up here, palm facing towards him, and shakes her head. ] I am now convinced that all the fault lies in this... phenomenon, so please do not blame yourself in the least—I insist. Why, I daresay it was a mere stroke of luck that jarred me to my senses.
[ To think that they could've just kept going and made a baby!!!! Disaster averted. Anyway, she gives Percival a reassuring smile. ]
I don't think you get to order me around when it's my house now, too...
[ But Cain shrugs, stretching out on the bed. Even if it's Vane's, Cain's not above making himself at home and taking a nap. He has a feeling that Percival will be watching the door, so he can be agreeable for a bit.
Just long enough for Percival to go back to his book and let his guard down.
Which is when Cain sneaks out past Percival and into Percival's room to curl up on Percival's bed for aforementioned nap.
Snuggled into Percival's pillows is how Percival finds him an hour later, happily snoozing. ]
[ But Cain shrugs, stretching out on the bed. Even if it's Vane's, Cain's not above making himself at home and taking a nap. He has a feeling that Percival will be watching the door, so he can be agreeable for a bit.
Just long enough for Percival to go back to his book and let his guard down.
Which is when Cain sneaks out past Percival and into Percival's room to curl up on Percival's bed for aforementioned nap.
Snuggled into Percival's pillows is how Percival finds him an hour later, happily snoozing. ]
[ Torn is definitely one way to put it ( though hearing it from a third party, admittedly, doesn't feel very good ). Her gaze shifts from Percival to — the rest of the scenery, briefly, because while his well wishes may be well received, she has her right to not acknowledge it. Not yet, anyway — maybe some other time, when there isn't a party happening a floor away from them.
She's fine, anyhow. ]
You were the one who called them your closest friends. [ Not her. But despite the sharpness in her words, her expression is anything but ( easily shifting the conversation away from her and into better territory, in theory ). ]
She's fine, anyhow. ]
You were the one who called them your closest friends. [ Not her. But despite the sharpness in her words, her expression is anything but ( easily shifting the conversation away from her and into better territory, in theory ). ]
[ He wasn't actually going to stop Cain from leaving, because as usual, Percival is much more bark than bite. But since Cain seems to be staying put, Percival leaves him be and heads back towards the living room.
It's quiet again, but knowing that he's nearby is oddly comforting.
Eventually, he grows tired from reading (and his guard shifts haven't been forgiving), and so he wanders into his room.
... Only to find an unwelcome invader. AGAIN...
Does he care about disturbing that restful sleep? Of course not. He smacks Cain's side roughly with one of the spare pillows. ]
You! Didn't I tell you this bed is already taken?!
It's quiet again, but knowing that he's nearby is oddly comforting.
Eventually, he grows tired from reading (and his guard shifts haven't been forgiving), and so he wanders into his room.
... Only to find an unwelcome invader. AGAIN...
Does he care about disturbing that restful sleep? Of course not. He smacks Cain's side roughly with one of the spare pillows. ]
You! Didn't I tell you this bed is already taken?!
[ Cain blinks awake, peering out from his nest of pillows and blankets at whatever it is disturbing his sleep. Oh, it's just Percival. Not a threat at all, not even to Cain's continued snoozing. He's tempted to ignore Percival and close his eyes to go right back to sleep, but... probably that'd just infuriate Percival too much and the yelling wouldn't be conducive to his rest.
With a sleepy mumble, Cain tilts his head to look at Percival. And yawns. Widely. ]
So is— ahhh. [ He snuggles a little more into the pillows. ] So's the other one. 'sides, you always let me sleep here anyway.
With a sleepy mumble, Cain tilts his head to look at Percival. And yawns. Widely. ]
So is— ahhh. [ He snuggles a little more into the pillows. ] So's the other one. 'sides, you always let me sleep here anyway.
[ It is torture, plain and simple, but it is a brand of torture she has long since come to terms with. Now, though, she has many more places to go, as opposed to simply sitting in one place and being taken to the action by the blackwagon... And so many more people that seem willing to carry her along. She can read his unspoken pity, easily, though that he would leave it unspoken is more than enough for her. She has had plenty of centuries' worth of vacuous pity. Oh how awful, now back on the shelf you go. At least bypass the worthless words. ]
[ And so his offer is a welcome one, even if it catches her off guard at first, as she tilts her head to quietly regard him. So many more people that seem willing to carry her along, give her the time of day... treat her like a person. ]
If you wish to gallivant around the hall with a gaudy centerpiece in your arms, then by all means. [ She grins, faintly, and offers a hand palm-up. Even though that isn't what he ought to reach for. ] I must warn you though, I am quite rusty in this regard.
[ (She's never danced properly in her life. Save for the lively little two-step one Richie Tozier taught her at some point, but it doesn't feel quite appropriate for the direction the music has drifted. Or for her slightly more dignified partner.) ]
[ And so his offer is a welcome one, even if it catches her off guard at first, as she tilts her head to quietly regard him. So many more people that seem willing to carry her along, give her the time of day... treat her like a person. ]
If you wish to gallivant around the hall with a gaudy centerpiece in your arms, then by all means. [ She grins, faintly, and offers a hand palm-up. Even though that isn't what he ought to reach for. ] I must warn you though, I am quite rusty in this regard.
[ (She's never danced properly in her life. Save for the lively little two-step one Richie Tozier taught her at some point, but it doesn't feel quite appropriate for the direction the music has drifted. Or for her slightly more dignified partner.) ]
[ It is nearly painful to pull away, and that fact alone is rather alarming when Percival allows himself to grasp a bit at his senses. Even now, he can't help but drag his tongue along his own lips. This time, he craves not the taste of the candy, but that of his companion. The warmth on his skin has yet to die down, perhaps even intensifying when Keaton speaks again. Even his voice is beginning to send a shiver down the knight's spine. ]
No. That's not it.
[ Percival has been unfortunate (or perhaps fortunate, so they at least have an idea of what is happening?) enough to recognize this uncontrollable desire now. He knows that the food and beverage of this world can be tampered with. Even the water isn't guaranteed to be safe. He grimaces at the idea of what they've fallen into. Especially Keaton, who seems completely caught off-guard. ]
Whatever we ate, it's been tampered with. You're aware of the sort of things this society can't get enough of, aren't you?
[ Even while he sounds absolutely judgmental about the concept, the only way he can think of to hide his humiliation is to bury his face in the depths of Keaton's face, along his ears. ]
But... that's not a terribly bad idea. Some fresh air might help us come to our senses.
[ He grabs ahold of Keaton's hand, leading them away from the area and into a hallway. ]
No. That's not it.
[ Percival has been unfortunate (or perhaps fortunate, so they at least have an idea of what is happening?) enough to recognize this uncontrollable desire now. He knows that the food and beverage of this world can be tampered with. Even the water isn't guaranteed to be safe. He grimaces at the idea of what they've fallen into. Especially Keaton, who seems completely caught off-guard. ]
Whatever we ate, it's been tampered with. You're aware of the sort of things this society can't get enough of, aren't you?
[ Even while he sounds absolutely judgmental about the concept, the only way he can think of to hide his humiliation is to bury his face in the depths of Keaton's face, along his ears. ]
But... that's not a terribly bad idea. Some fresh air might help us come to our senses.
[ He grabs ahold of Keaton's hand, leading them away from the area and into a hallway. ]
Tampered... so we're poisoned?!
[ but he doesn't seem that bothered by it. despite his heart pounding in his chest, the blood rushing up to his cheeks and down to... other places, the warmth that Percival exudes is palpable. when Keaton feels the human's face near his ear, it twitches against his cheek before he turns to once again lick, tongue sliding across where the fluff had just been moments ago. the slight sheen of saliva, gleaming off his skin, where he stares idly.
what are these things? and this society? what exactly do they want from him. surely they're not poachers, but... ]
Yes. Let's get out of here.
[ though, as they turn around a corner and down that hallway, he can't help it anymore. he has to stop. and when he does, he's already pinning Percival against a wall. the sounds of the party are dull and far away, the stillness of the air begging for something to happen.
the desire is suffocating him. it's overwhelming. what he wants, he's not entirely sure--- but familiar feelings start to come to mind. the times where he walked in on other men in the army's bathhouse, days where he's slyly stolen glances...
his hands grip Percival's waist, so that Keaton could grind up against him. ]
[ but he doesn't seem that bothered by it. despite his heart pounding in his chest, the blood rushing up to his cheeks and down to... other places, the warmth that Percival exudes is palpable. when Keaton feels the human's face near his ear, it twitches against his cheek before he turns to once again lick, tongue sliding across where the fluff had just been moments ago. the slight sheen of saliva, gleaming off his skin, where he stares idly.
what are these things? and this society? what exactly do they want from him. surely they're not poachers, but... ]
Yes. Let's get out of here.
[ though, as they turn around a corner and down that hallway, he can't help it anymore. he has to stop. and when he does, he's already pinning Percival against a wall. the sounds of the party are dull and far away, the stillness of the air begging for something to happen.
the desire is suffocating him. it's overwhelming. what he wants, he's not entirely sure--- but familiar feelings start to come to mind. the times where he walked in on other men in the army's bathhouse, days where he's slyly stolen glances...
his hands grip Percival's waist, so that Keaton could grind up against him. ]
[ He's been caught. Also, in that moment, Percival isn't perceptive enough to catch that she might be avoiding a subject. ]
I stand by what I said. Friends are often a burden.
[ The song changes to something a little more upbeat. It makes him want to think about his lost friends even less. Instead, he turns back to her and offers Red his hand. ]
Let's try to enjoy ourselves a bit. May I have a dance?
I stand by what I said. Friends are often a burden.
[ The song changes to something a little more upbeat. It makes him want to think about his lost friends even less. Instead, he turns back to her and offers Red his hand. ]
Let's try to enjoy ourselves a bit. May I have a dance?
[ He'd take offense to that question if it wasn't for the sheer fact that he's a nervous wreck--or perhaps not nervous wreck, just slightly anxious. It's not exactly every day that he's dancing with random strangers? ]
Do I appear that uncultured?
[ Maybe he wants to cuddle first you rude ass???????????????? ]
Well, admittedly, it is the first time I have ever danced with another man.
Do I appear that uncultured?
[ Maybe he wants to cuddle first you rude ass???????????????? ]
Well, admittedly, it is the first time I have ever danced with another man.
[ Percival stays silent for a long moment. She's said everything eloquently enough, much more eloquently than he could have, so he doesn't know what to follow with.
This is awkward.
She's also much too understanding of the circumstances, which is both relieving and worrying.
He takes a long sip of his tea, finding that it doesn't taste like very much at all, and gives her a very small smile. ]
We should be very careful in the future. There's no telling what the limits of such magic are, and it's very possible anything we consume or are exposed to could prove problematic.
Thank you for understanding, Lady Clair.
This is awkward.
She's also much too understanding of the circumstances, which is both relieving and worrying.
He takes a long sip of his tea, finding that it doesn't taste like very much at all, and gives her a very small smile. ]
We should be very careful in the future. There's no telling what the limits of such magic are, and it's very possible anything we consume or are exposed to could prove problematic.
Thank you for understanding, Lady Clair.
[ Just once, Percival had anticipated that he might be able to get a decent night's rest that didn't involve Cain attempting to leech his body warmth.
Even if he'd grown used to Cain's presence, and his absence made his bed feel rather bare, this is apparently one man's last stand in the fight for his space.
It is, unfortunately, a weak offensive force. ]
Has anyone ever told you that you're more stubborn than a child? Not nearly as charming as one, either.
[ He's now attempting to pull the blankets away with the intention of leaving Cain bare. Rude. ]
Even if he'd grown used to Cain's presence, and his absence made his bed feel rather bare, this is apparently one man's last stand in the fight for his space.
It is, unfortunately, a weak offensive force. ]
Has anyone ever told you that you're more stubborn than a child? Not nearly as charming as one, either.
[ He's now attempting to pull the blankets away with the intention of leaving Cain bare. Rude. ]
[ EXTREMELY RUDE? Cain doesn't let Leona steal his blankets when she comes to wake him up in the mornings, he's not about to let Percival. Like the child Percival's accusing him of being worse than, he grabs a fistful of blankets and rolls over, and then over again, until he's bundled up in a burrito, fully enveloped. There are no blankets left for Percival. So there.
From his cocoon, Cain mumbles, muffled: ]
It's a good thing I'm not one, then, isn't it?
[ He's sure he doesn't need to add the rest: considering what we've done together. ]
From his cocoon, Cain mumbles, muffled: ]
It's a good thing I'm not one, then, isn't it?
[ He's sure he doesn't need to add the rest: considering what we've done together. ]
[ Percival has to give him credit, he is nothing if not clever. That technique is probably the smartest way of hoarding said blankets, even if it coupled with that sassy remark makes Percival's blood pressure rise even further. ]
What are you implying?
[ He grits his teeth, then turns on his heel to walk back out of the room. He will come back a few seconds later with an armful of blankets. ]
You're impossible. Move.
[ Move over, at least. Apparently, even if Cain doesn't leave the bed, he's not above just going and stealing Vane's blankets for himself. Poor Vane. He will suffer because of Cain. ]
What are you implying?
[ He grits his teeth, then turns on his heel to walk back out of the room. He will come back a few seconds later with an armful of blankets. ]
You're impossible. Move.
[ Move over, at least. Apparently, even if Cain doesn't leave the bed, he's not above just going and stealing Vane's blankets for himself. Poor Vane. He will suffer because of Cain. ]
[ It's fine, Vane will just be glad to see the two of them bonding. He's a friendly sort like that!
Though Cain does poke his head out of the blankets to eye that suspiciously familiar armful of bedding. Sadly, he has a conscience. He doesn't move out of the way at all. ]
Did you steal those from Vane?
Though Cain does poke his head out of the blankets to eye that suspiciously familiar armful of bedding. Sadly, he has a conscience. He doesn't move out of the way at all. ]
Did you steal those from Vane?
Page 3 of 5