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monolike posting in

[The first thing Sorey thinks as he falls is what Lailah said as they left Camlann; that without his domain, all of them would instantly be hellions. The ground collapses beneath his feet, the wind drake behind him snaps up his cloak in its jaws and he sees the terror on Mikleo's face just before Symonne's laughter shrieks out and he and the drake fall together.

If they're too far away from me-

He can still feel their connection. He can still feel them, even if they can't go to him, and Sorey prays that's enough.

Wind rushes past them and Sorey tries to wrench out of the drake's grip (It's gotta be a wind seraph, Zaveid had shouted as they were thrown into the thick of battle in the tight corridors of the fortress), twisting and turning, sword in his hand. They'd weakened the drake considerably as a team but he's not sure he's powerful enough on his own to purify it, not even with all the strength he's gathered. Not without the others.

Hopefully, because Rose is there, they'll be okay. Please, please, I can't lose anyone else-

They fall far but hit a collapsed spire at an angle; in the mess the drake releases Sorey (or maybe his cloak tears, he can't tell) and he tumbles, bumps against it and hits the ground hard enough to rattle his teeth in his head and jar his bones. He pushes himself up, ignoring the bruises and aches, the constant, thumping worry of his heart and puts his sword between he and the drake as it sways up to its feet.]

Don't worry, [he promises the poor thing, because thank god, thank god it's not a dragon yet. There's still hope.] I'm going to save you. Don't worry, it'll be over soon.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

From:

sylphystia

[Dezel is full to bursting. He's sure the wind is picking it up; he can feel his mirth leaking through the edges of his armor, surrounding them both and reminding Dezel that a part of him is not yet dead. He feels like the first time he flew, when he found the wind again after losing his sight and realized that the world was dark but no less colorful.

His half-gloved fingertips slip beneath Sorey's messy hair, callouses against his scalp, thumbs toying with his feathers. He isn't sure how he ended up so fortunate. He's bad luck incarnate, a cursed seraph. He's bad news. Yet, Sorey loves him unconditionally. Sorey saved his life and burned away all the darkness in his heart. Once he was thrust into the darkness, Dezel gave up hope of ever finding his way out.

But here, his view is full of light-- so much light. He doesn't feel worthy.

He loops his arms about Sorey's middle and holds him as close as he dares. The kiss gains a bit of pressure and insistence, at least until Dezel remembers that humans have to breathe. He breaks it with reluctance, his cheeks a dark red as a contrast to his silver-green eyes.]

I... [What can he even say?] I wouldn't mind doing that a little more.

From:

monolike

[Dezel's half-gloved thumb brushing against the shell of his ear makes Sorey shiver. He's so nervous, worried that he's going to mess this up but at the same time...it's easy to accept this kind of intimacy when they've literally shared a body more times than Sorey can remember.

This is different though.

But then Dezel's arms go around him and he tugs Sorey closer, almost into his lap and Sorey makes a noise of surprise at the strength with which Dezel kisses him again. This is just as nervewracking and wonderful as their soft kisses before but now, as Dezel's hat rolls to the side, something else enters in and Sorey notices how solid Dezel's shoulders are, how warm he is this close, how sharp his teeth are at that barest hint of them behind his lips. Dezel kisses him with a sureness that Sorey just doesn't have and it's both intoxicating and a little bit terrifying, wondering if the way he's threading his fingers through Dezel's hair and hanging on the right way to do it, wondering if he tastes okay, if Dezel wants him to move his legs-

And then Dezel pulls back and Sorey gasps, right, because he has to breathe. He pants, face blooming bright red as he shakes just a little, heat spreading from his gut to his limbs, making the collar of his shirt stick to his neck. Dezel doesn't look much better and Sorey chews on his lips, hoping to taste Dezel on them again.

He's- he's thought about this a couple times but there was never time for it, never opportunity. It wasn't really a subject of discussion in Elysia but it's not like Sorey hasn't squirreled away a few of his "trashy romance smut books" as Mikleo enjoyed calling them, for when he was...curious, and alone.

With Dezel? Is he- Is he allowed, can he even do that with him?]

M-me too, [Sorey stammers shyly, though still clutching Dezel's hair tight, gently scratching his fingers against his scalp.] Um. Slowly, if that's- I've never done this before, so I'm probably not any good...

From:

sylphystia

[It's hard to find words with Sorey still clutching at him, still acting like if he lets go of Dezel's hair, the wind seraph might fly away. It's nothing of the sort. Dezel said he would stay, and he intends to fulfill that promise. He's got all the time in the world, after all.]

It's not a contest or anything, [he says gently, as if he's teaching Sorey something mundane like how to chop a tomato rather than dealing with the mysteries of a new relationship.] Just go with what feels right. You find out what works and what doesn't.

[He runs his thumb across Sorey's cheeks again, marveling at the softness of his skin, the familiar angle of his jaw. Sorey has been asleep for a thousand years but he still maintains his youth. But even if he hadn't, Dezel would still find him handsome in his own right. Sorey's soul is beautiful, pristine and clear like the sky over the land he'd purified, and that's all Dezel knows.]

We can go as slow as you want. And if you want to stop, all you have to do is say so.

[His other hand rubs gently at the small of the former Shepherd's back. He hopes it's comforting.]

From:

monolike

[It's kiiinda ticklish actually, and Sorey squirms a little. He at least relaxes his hands so they slip down to rest on Dezel's shoulders instead of remaining buried in his hair like they're about to have some wild sex or something.

BUT OH BOY! His face is so hot. Oooooh boy. Sorey laughs nervously because Dezel sounds so knowledgeable about this and he knows seraphim are beings outside of time but he doesn't think this is weird right? It's not weird is it? Sorey's technically over a thousand also, even if he wasn't awake for it. And Dezel totally flounders sometimes but he's not with this and this is ssssooooo so embarrassing.] U-uh...maybe...we can just hold hands? And enjoy the view for a little while?

From:

sylphystia

[Dezel can tell even before Sorey says anything that he's getting flustered, so he eases up on the touches a bit. His smile is surprisingly tender as he shifts his hold to Sorey's hands, tugging them into a proper hold.]

Sounds good to me.

[He wasn't suggesting they go down below decks and start swabbing or anything. But it's true they probably shouldn't be learning each other's mouths when they are essentially in public. It's... kind of impolite, and people would certainly expect better from what they see as a Prime Lord and his Shepherd.]

Want to take a look around?

From:

monolike

Yeah! [Oh what a relief. Not that he doesn't like kissing Dezel, he actually kind of likes it too much, but this is much more comfortable.

He takes Dezel's hand in his as they climb to their feet, heart pounding but in a good way this time. He's been wanting a closer look at all the mechanisms on the ship anyway.

As they amble their way across the ship, Sorey bugging Dezel or some of the crew about the more complicated aspects of the ship's buoy system, it really starts to sink in that this is something different. This is how he'd wanted to travel the world before, he and Mikleo together, exploring cities and ruins, adventuring across land and sea until they were satisfied. The incident in the church, meeting Lailah, had changed all that. It's not as if Sorey regrets becoming a Shepherd...but having a second chance at this is definitely a blessing he didn't expect to receive.

When they finish out their day of work, Sorey manages to find a merchant who will trade him a sheaf of paper and this little stick he insists is a pen for some of the old gald he has on his person. Sorey sits himself down on the bunk he and Dezel will be sharing in the passengers' barracks with his purchase, fiddling with the pen until he figures out how to work it.] The ink is inside? Amazing.

From:

sylphystia

[Dezel quietly soaks in Sorey's happiness like a beam of sunshine. He's just so warm and curious and thankful for a second chance. Dezel had some reservations at first-- he always does-- but seeing Sorey like this, seeing him living and exploring like he wanted to do... It erases them all. Abandoning Sorey to Mikleo's responsibility or hell, even Lailah's, would've been terribly selfish.

He sits beside Sorey-- and look, he has a tray of food.]

Yeah, but you have to refill it now and then.

From:

monolike

[Yessss, sustenance.

Sorey beams and sets aside the pen, reaching out to squeeze Dezel's hand after he pulls the tray into his lap.] That's still amazing! You wouldn't believe how many ink pots I've broken while exploring. If I could just carry a bunch of these, I'd never have to worry about it!

From:

sylphystia

[He isn't really expecting the hand squeezing, but he squeezes back. All while avoiding eye contact, of course.]

I'd be careful if I were you. If you shake them around too much, they tend to leak. Violently.

From:

monolike

Are you speaking from personal experience? [Dezel covered in ink from a leaky pen...]

From:

sylphystia

[... and not realizing it because he's blind.]

I ran a package to Mikleo once.

[Oh no.]

He was furious.

From:

monolike

[That makes Sorey burst out laughing. He can imagine the look that was on Mikleo's face, shoulders hitched up, fist raised and everything.] Let me guess, lemme guess what he said! [Fist on his hip, scrunched up face,] "Dezel, you wind stepped the whole way here, didn't you? I swear, you wind seraphim! Always have to rush!"

From:

sylphystia

[Sorey's laugh is always a treat, especially the uncontrollable kind. He's prone to snickering or chuckling when it's warranted, but the joyful burst from inside is something to behold. As Sorey does that impression of Mikleo, Dezel can't help the look of pure fondness on his face. He doesn't even realize he's smiling.

Smack him. Please.]

Almost word for word. He gave me hell for a while after that...

From:

monolike

[Absolutely not, Dezel's genuine smile is beautiful.]

How long did it take for him to get over it? [He's just curious. Months? Years?]

From:

sylphystia

He didn't talk to me for about three months.

[He rubs at his chin, thinking.]

He still brings it up sometimes. Mostly as a reminder to be careful with things.

From:

monolike

Yeah, that sure sounds like Mikleo. [Sorey was banned from haircare for years. He's probably still banned.

Sorey eats with a little more gusto than before buoyed by the idea that Mikleo maybe hasn't changed that much after all.] So don't shake the pens, got it. Thanks Dezel.

From:

sylphystia

If this one doesn't last, don't worry about it. We can get nicer things in the next town.

[He kicks off his boots, then strips off his jacket and hangs it up beside the door. He's fairly sure Sorey won't tolerate him just not sleeping, even if they hadn't kissed a little.]

From:

monolike

The merchant who sold me this told me there was this thing called a typewriter? I wanna check it out. [There's unfortunately not enough room on the bunks for more than one person to a bed but Sorey will get his affection somehow!!!

Before Dezel can swing himself up into the top bunk Sorey sets aside his tray and grabs for his sleeve, cheeks pink.] Hey, could I...kiss you goodnight?

Edited Date: 2017-02-28 12:52 am (UTC)

From:

sylphystia

A typewriter? Oh, right. The clacky thing. You'd probably love to take it apart.

[Dezel's not going just yet, but as he moves to fuss over the bed anyway, Sorey grabs him. He pauses immediately and glances down at him, a little bit surprised-- but then that faint smile returns.]

Sorey, [he says patiently as he removes his hat,] you don't have to ask.

[As far as he's concerned, Sorey has free rein to kiss him as much as he wants. Sorey's the one who hasn't lived for a thousand years; he's the one who needs to learn how to navigate personal relationships, how to kiss and hold someone in the right way. How to ask for things when he wants them. How to take them when they're offered.

He reaches around Sorey to set the hat on the nightstand, then continues leaning in. His fingers are warm and surprisingly gentle as he cups his savior's face and guides him into a tender kiss. This one is more practiced, with less chapped lips and cool air harassing them from all sides, though Dezel finds it in him to play a little with the feather earrings.]

From:

monolike

[It's really hard not to get wrapped up in Dezel; for every part of him that's straightforward and down to earth, there's another that shrouds him in mystery and sucks Sorey in, eager to solve a riddle of which he has no comprehension of the scope. Dezel slides in close and cups his face and Sorey tilts up automatically, heart in his throat as Dezel leans in to kiss him sure and soft. His earrings flick gently and Sorey can't tell if it's from Dezel's fingers or a breeze, but in the end it doesn't matter.

He's swept up for all of a moment before he reaches up to slide a hand around the back of Dezel's neck, face burning. He pulls back far enough to give him a playful scowl, flicking his forehead.]

I said I wanted to kiss you, [he points out before this time pulling Dezel to meet him instead, a little uncoordinated but all the more eager for it, tongue flitting against Dezel's lip in a fit of boldness before Sorey backs off to grin cheekily, face flushed but happy, so happy.]

Edited Date: 2017-02-28 03:57 am (UTC)

From:

sylphystia

[Sorey is so damn cute when he pouts like that. Dezel hears it, he sees it like only he can. He might just overflow with all this ridiculous joy. It really is ridiculous. He's like a kid again. He's found an old part of himself that he never, ever wants to bury again.]

Sorry, [he mumbles against Sorey's lips, but the smile proves that he isn't really sorry at all. The other man's shy bravery is refreshingly honest, albeit brief. It leaves the wind seraph just as blissfully scarlet.]

Wanna try that again? Or should we stop?

[He doesn't want to stop, but Sorey also looks like he might spontaneously burst into flames. Maybe he really does want to sleep. Dezel can't really fault him if he can't.]

From:

monolike

Can- [Sorey hesitates, a little shocked at his own nerve, but he rubs his thumb against Dezel's neck and plows bravely onward.] Can I...see your teeth really quick?

From:

sylphystia

[... Oh.

Well, now he is definitely scarlet.]

They look worse than they are. You won't get hurt if you touch them.

[A real shark would have teeth like needles and probably lose them all the time. Still, Sorey is curious, so he pulls his lips back in his usual not-quite-scowl. After a moment, he gets an idea.

He takes Sorey's other hand, warms it in his palms, and then flashes a brief grin before he nibbles on the other man's fingers.

See? It's not so bad.]

From:

monolike

[SC
REAM

DON'T MIND SOREY JUST DYING RIGHT HERE]

I-I see. It's- I mean- [He probably shouldn't say aloud that it feels like that one time a puppy had chewed on his hand, mostly because that and this gave him VASTLY DIFFERENT FEELINGS.] Dezel, you- What're you gonna do if somebody comes in here?! Geez-

From:

sylphystia

[Something about the way Sorey freaks out is just so satisfying. Dezel is pretty sure this is why people get him riled up instead. Welp. Time to pay it forward.]

The room's ours and it's nighttime.

[The chances of someone bursting in on them are pretty low as is, and even if they tried, Dezel could slam the door shut. But that wasn't quite a no he heard, so he just... continues... he's probably going to keep nibbling and sucking on those two fingers until Sorey gives up.]