"To the letter"~ [Envy purrs from his splay on the blanket, stretching one set of arms up and out above him, the others flopping out at his sides, lounging like the lizard he is in the sun. So unbothered.]
I'm not a guppy. I see neither of us is going to budge at this rate. Can you just tell me what it would entail or is it just that you want to win and have not actually thought that far out?
[Grimaces like he's expecting a yank more than a tug, but relaxes when it doesn't actually... feel like much. So he allows it without biting Azul's delicate little hand off.
For now.]
I told you. I want you to grant my wishes. Multiple. I want to be able to come to you with a desire, and have you fulfill it.
[He places a pair of hands on Azul's thighs, his fingers idly tapping one claw after the other in sync. But there is no change in his expression, nothing to indicate that he has anything on his mind other than the business at hand.]
At no extra cost than whatever you decide you want from me. Like you said: "equivalent exchange." So, think about what I can do for you, and I'll do it.
[Slowly brushes his thumb back and forth over that ear, thinking over the pros and cons of that arrangement...what he stands to gain and what he stands to lose]
[Watching him quietly, having a feeling that if he rushes the witch, he may never come to a satisfactory conclusion. Plus maybe it's not so bad to get rubbed... he gets why dogs like it.
Well, let me think. [And he begins to count off on his fingers...] I was basically made to be a right hand man, I'm a great listener, I'm a problem solver, I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty, I'm- well, I used to be a master of espionage, but I'm taking a bit of an unwilling sabbatical from that at the present, but that's neither here nor there.
[Looks down at his hands, squints.]
Oh! Right. I'm a pacifist, but I'm not afraid to kill someone. I'm a pretty good driver, I'm not afraid to take certain risks, I'm adorable, I'm actually a decent cook- [Yeah, it sounds like he could go on forever. Maybe you should stop him.]
[Shifts a bit on his legs, eyebrows furrowing in thought]
In fact…is there even anything you can actually think of that you want? Or are you simply out here making deals because you enjoy arguing? Your talk a big game about having me at your disposal, but do you have any idea what you would even do with me?
[Sits up on his elbows with a groan and a roll of his eyes.]
What part of "have you at my disposal" are you not getting? It means "Have you around for the foreseeable future-" [...wait, no, clarify that.] "-until I have a good idea. And also after. For when another good idea arises."
Do you even know what my ability actually is? You keep saying I’m a master scam artist, so you do not actually even have proof I can do anything. You are offering me access to everything you know you have with no real proof of what I have to offer in return. Basically…you fell for it.
So did I "fall for it" or did I just get you to admit you're a scam artist? [Laaaying back on the blanket again, crossing his upper set of arms behind his head while the other taps along on Azul's knee.]
And on the off-chance that you do have legitimate power, I'd have you contractually obligated to be on my side~ Seems like a win-win to me...
[Moves forward, bracing an elbow on either side of Envy's head, before leaning in reaaaaally close, bumping his nose against Envy's]
You absolutely fell for it. And you did agree. You made an offer and all I have to do is accept. A verbal agreement is still an agreement, you know. Unless...you realized too late and are trying to do damage control?
[Lowers his lashes as the corners of his mouth turn up slowly, the smug grin obvious even in his voice if Envy cannot see it on his face from this close. The longer lock of hair falls forward to brush against Envy's cheek as Azul tilts his head to talk quietly right against Envy's ear, pushing closer and pressing them chest to chest.]
Either way, it will be me who wins. It's all right though, afterall....I am a master scam artist, right? So, try not to feel too bad.
[His eyes widen as Azul nears, pupils narrowing into cat-like slits, not entirely sure where the witch intends on stopping. He sucks in a breath through his teeth when their noses meet, his entire body freezing in preparation for... something.
When it doesn't arrive on the mouth, but instead the ear, he's able to take another (albeit shaking) breath, and mentally gnaw on Azul's words. There's no way he's lost. He didn't lose, he can't.]
A- [Hm, wow, his mouth is so dry, suddenly.] A verbal agreement means nothing. It's "He said," "She said," it's- it- it would barely hold up in court.
[Maybe he is trying to do damage control. The other option is to accept the reality that he's made the agreement to be someone's murder!boyfriend in exchange for the possibility of having his wishes granted, and-...
and that just can't be!]
I- I have to sign something. I'm not agreeing to anything without signing something.
[Stands up carefully, pausing for a moment...he's been kneeling for a while and even if his legs don't hurt here, old habits die hard. Once he's confident his legs won't give out he starts to brush off whatever sand has found its way onto his clothing]
[Folds his arms and levels a stare at the back of Envy's head, not that it can be seen what with Envy on his stomach, but he's got that energy right now]
I will ask for things within reason, alright? For instance, I won't ask you to, oh, I don't know. Make me God or bring me back to life or anything fantastical like that~
[He rolls over again and sits up, eyeing the mess he's made...
And doing nothing to fix it. He simply casts an expectant look Azul's way.]
But, that will require that you tell me what you are capable of. ...When the time comes, of course. I mean, we've got all the time in the world to find out what each other can do, don't we~?
[He sure is chill for someone who supposedly lost.]
[How many does he have, and where the hell is he keeping them?
Oh well, that can't be terribly important. He may as well bite the bullet and sign. He takes the pen and jots his name [Envy the Jealous] on the line in perfectly beautiful, perfectly legible cursive... like he's had a long time to improve that skill or something.]
[Once the contract is signed and back in his hands, his posture and expression smooth out completely. Carefully tucks the scroll away, not going to mention the fact Envy didn't even bother to read what he just signed. It's better for them both if Envy feels he got the better end of the deal, afterall.]
[Why would he read it when he's sure he wrote it? Psshhh. Unfortunately for poor Envy, he hasn't a clue what he's in for.
He has a wish in mind that he almost blurts right out, but then he reconsiders... Azul may not be the one he wants to grant that to him. So he will wait a little longer.
That does, however, mean that he doesn't have a clue what he wants right now.]
Great! So glad to hear it.
[Propping his elbow on his knee and smiling up at Azul most pleased with himself.]
Your "day off"? You already set up your "business," here?
[He stares at that hand for a long moment, not knowing what it's for. So after a beat or two, Envy places one hand in Azul's and flicks his gaze upwards to meet the other's.]
Of course. No rest for the wicked, even in death. I have something I wish to accomplish, so why wouldn't I already be setting up? Afterall, isn't that what I am bringing you in for?
[....well, he doesn't want to offend or embarrass him even if Envy can be a brat....so rather than pulling his hand away he'll hold out the other one]
[He can't pretend that he doesn't like Azul referring to himself as "wicked." But before he can even comment on that, he realizes he's being asked for that weird rectangle he got when he arrived.]
Oh, yeah! Right.
[Don't ask how he produces it from his bike shorts.]
Here you go. [The screen is somehow already cracked. Don't ask about that, either.]
Where's the chivalry anymore? I let you sit on top of me for hours and I still have to pay for my own drinks? Is that how you were taught treat your partners? You didn't even take me to dinner first. Unbelievable.
[He knows it wasn't hours and that he's still being a little shit, but he didn't see anything about that in the contract.]
[Looks a little uncomfortable, but. He's deciding he will be honest about his answer. For right now.]
I was "born" in a land-locked country. Never really traveled far outside of it, so I never got to see the ocean. Only ever saw it in books or on maps. Don't know why I'm surprised those never did it justice.
…its a hit hard to imagine. I’ve seen the ocean every single day for my entire life. Even after moving, I still see it every day, just from a new viewpoint.
That said. For all the ocean’s flaws….it is one of the most beautiful places you will ever go.
[He glances out towards the sea for a moment, and then back to Azul for what feels like a much longer moment before he returns his attention to the path ahead of them.]
The key is speaking with authority and not taking no for an answer.
[Proceeding to walk behind the bar like he owns it and giving instructions to the actual employee about how they need to be more on top of restocking the bar, especially with their annual performance review just around the corner.]
Ooh, careful, you don't want to spill all your secrets, do you?
[Envy waits patiently, more than happy to spend this time learning the way the being known as "Azul" moves; fluid and precise in a way he's never in nearly two centuries ever seen humans be. The smaller things, like the way he gestures and uses his hands, which hip he favors when he stands idle, the tilt of his chin when he speaks- no, commands others—
It's infuriating that someone could simply exist this way and Envy has to work for it. The world is so unfair. The afterlife even more so, even taking his ability to play pretend...
One or two secrets won't ruin me. You can have that one on the house. Consider it a welcoming gift of sorts. My generosity continues to know no bounds, I know.
[After sending off the employee off with a shopping list of supplies to restock as well as an order for new glasses (the ones the bar has are either too tacky or too plain), he'll turn his attention to gathering the ingredients he needs for Envy's drink. This may not be his lounge, but he moves around the little bar as though he owns it....perhaps the most comfortable he has seemed so far today, truly in his element. He talks as he works, hands moving as fast as his mouth.]
[Oh, Azul, if only you had any idea how Envy was planning to ruin you...
Really, he is impressed at how well he's taking over this bar. Those poor idiots don't even know they're being duped! Yeah, he could definitely get used to this.]
Oh-ho, your generosity~ I see. Well, well. I can't wait to see what else you'll be so willing to be generous with, oh benevolent one.
[Innuendo? Entendre? A Threat? Who knows with this guy.]
[Into the shaker it all goes after cracking a cube of ice with the back of barspoon. Azul carefully slaps the bottom onto it, shaking it over his shoulder with a bit of flair, of course. If he's going to play bartender of course he is going to make a show out of it.]
Glad to see you understand now. It will make working with each other that much smoother.
[He switches the shaker to one hand, leaning over to grab a glass.....and pausing to frown once more at the abysmal selection of drinkware....before selecting a simple tapered highball. He strains the contents into the glass before floating some mango liqueur into the glass with the help of the bar spoon for visual interest.]'
Afterall, we will be seeing quite a bit of each other. You and I. Try to contain your excitement.
[Garnishes with a sprig of mint and a slice of passionfruit before sliding the glass toward Envy. Folding his arms on the bar and leaning forward on them.]
[He really is very talented behind the bar. Definitely someone made for this job; entertaining, elegant, easy on the eyes. The epitome of showmanship.
I hate you.
His eyelid twitches and Envy shakes his head, centering himself before he finally moves to take a seat at the bar and a sip of this beautiful beverage Azul has prepared for him.
It is unfortunately very delicious.
So much.]
Wow, you're actually pretty good at this. S'good. [Sip sip.] Mmbut, the real test is if I can feel it.
It has dark and white rum. I quite seriously doubt you will not feel it at least a little.
[Leans forward on the bar more]
Well? That said, what do you think of the taste? Beyond ‘good’. Is it too sweet? Not sweet enough? The main liqueur is passion fruit. I made sure to add lime juice and orange bitters to help cut through the sweetness a little. There is also a splash of cardamom liqueur for depth.
[Well, he's following Azul's logic in building this "flavor profile" and recognizing the names of the flavors easily enough, but somehow feels like whether or not he actually knew what cardamom tasted like, he'd still be out of his depth.]
It's very... fresh. [Frown. Is that the right word?] It's sweet the way I like it, I don't know if others would agree, but... If I were a customer I'd be satisfied.
[Slurp]
But I think maybe... I'd need to spend a little time behind the bar with you to really know what you're talking about. I'm not exactly familiar with the modern options, you see.
[His entire demeanor brightens, eyes lighting up a bit at the review, seemingly enough to satisfy the fish's ego.]
Well, that can certainly be arranged.
[Pauses briefly to direct the employee in putting things away when they return, though he does move to take half their load, setting it on the other end of the bartop]
[Watching this from over the rim of this terribly delicious beverage while Azul slinks his way over to the other end of the bar to do... something?
He's not really too concerned about what that something is, since he's a little busy following the lines and softened angles of Azul's body while he dodges and curves the employees to get to his destination. He's more graceful than Envy is... it may take some practice to really get down, but surely he'll figure it out one day. In the meantime, he will merely watch this fascinating display of finesse.]
[Returns after a while longer, emerging from behind the bar and claiming the seat next to Envy, crossing his legs at the ankle. Without missing a beat he curls his fingers around Envy’s glass, lifting it to taste the drink himself after reaching up to tuck his hair behind his ear. Living in the ocean, one gets used to being on alert, so while Azul felt eyes on him, he feels no need to address it, least of all now. He is used to being watched, mostly for worse.]
[Of course he's helping himself to the drink he made... It makes sense. But it still ruffles Envy's nonexistent feathers to see him do just that. The audacity of this witch.
But he won't allow himself to get riled up again so soon. And not here at this cute little bar in Heaven.
Leaning in, he lowers his voice to keep their conversation from floating towards any would be eavesdroppers.]
[Reaches for the shaker, refilling the glass with the remainder with one hand, keeping the strainer in place as he pours and humming idly in question as he does]
Hmm?
[He leans in with one eyebrow arched, also lowering his voice to match Envy’s tone, almost conspiratorial]
My abilities, as a homunculus. What I was created to do.
[Looking just, oh so forlorn.]
I could be whoever I wanted. Whatever I wanted. I guess I'd taken the whole thing for granted because I'd always been able to do it. Now that I can't...
[Or maybe Envy isn't actually being dramatic. He seems to be realizing something in real time.]
I might have some conditions, but I believe I can swing that one. It’s our day off though, so we can figure out the specifics tomorrow. Meet at my office nice and early?
[About a week after their first date Nanami finally gets enough courage up to do this.]
Azul,
I hope this is not to forward, but I would like to take you out again soon. I can free up any night this week, and I can make arrangements for any location you want.
[He's ready, and dressed in a dark blue suit with a white shirt and matching dark blue vest with a bright blue bow tie. It's a little nicer than what he usually wears, but not extremely fancy. He also has an overcoat with him to cover the whole 'dress warm' part.]
[It is perhaps the most casual Nanami has ever seen Azul aside from pajamas. He laughs, adjusting the light purple shawl around his shoulders, looking quite cozy in a cable knit sweater]
Do I? I feel as though I should change and come back.
I hope not for my sake. I can change if I'm overdressed, it's just that I have a date this evening with a rather spectacular merman who I would like to impress.
[There's a flash of a moment where Nanami wants to just grab Azul by the hand and pull him back into his hotel room. But that wouldn't do when he's planned something for them and Nanami very much wants to find out what it is. Hopefully there will be time for that sort of thing later.]
Very well. Where are we off to?
[He follows with confident steps and lets Azul press the button for the lobby.]
[He gives Azul a look up and down that is not at all subtle. He's not going to do more than look, they're officially in public now and he does have some standards.]
[Mumbles to himself watching as the floors count down, trying to make sure his face is a normal color as they step out of the elevator and towards the street so he can wave down a cab]
[And in a way that answers the question for him. But he's happy to sit in silence as they drive, no clue as to where they're going but enjoying the sights as they go by.]
[Hands Nanami a glass, pouring some wine before starting off with plating a charcuterie board near him with plenty of fruits, jams, honey, nuts, cheeses and crackers…of course he’s making sure it’s plated beautifully with fresh herbs for decor]
I wanted to do something a little bit different. Let me know if it gets too cold and I’ll make the fire bigger. I just thought the evening would be quieter so we could actually hear the waves. And…if it was private enough…there was something I wanted to show you too.
Apparently, yes. The idea that you would go to that much trouble for me. The thought you must have put into it. And I don't have a single doubt that you did plan everything that thoroughly.
[He takes one of the prosciutto and arugula ones and takes a bite. It's a bit before he can talk again as he has to take another bite immediately after.]
I did. There are a lot of nice restaurants people can take you to here... So the only unique thing I could really think of was to prepare something for you myself.
[Happy to eat in companionable silence for a while. Mostly because he doesn't trust his voice not to betray his emotions right now and he can't have that.]
That...but also it calls to you. The sea. If I close my eyes I can hear it calling me home sometimes.
[Lifts the bottle, refilling Nanami's glass before taking a sip from his own]
It's true that land is loud though. Back home, if you want quiet, there is so much room. You can swim far far away, or go up to the surface at night. We have far fewer merfolk than the land has humans. There are far less of us in a much larger space. Here, there is really nowhere to run.
[He listens, aware that he is part of that loudness here and not wanting to intrude on something so personal for Azul. The sound of the waves is soothing to him, and he reaches out to touch Azul's hand, holding it if he can.]
There's still ocean here to run to. If you need it.
Just because other people would mock you for being cold doesn't mean I will.
[It's hard not to feel lighter in his steps with someone swinging his hand, although it feels so unlike him that he's almost surprised to find it happening.]
I have, and I want them to be what I most remember of this moment.
[He puts a hand on Azul's face as he takes him in.
It's very sappy, but also Nanami is half expecting to see Azul's eyes with their ocean pupils as a response to the lower light. And he enjoys seeing those as well.]
[Leans into that hand, doing his best to not close his eyes, Nanami will be rewarded with a couple brief flickers of Azul's pupils fighting to return to their natural shape]
Oh? Should I save my other surprises for a different night then?
[He also does a small scan to make sure no one is around. Not sure what to expect from this, but he trusts Azul completely and his guard is almost completely down.]
[Steps back a bit, reaching down to wriggle out of his pants before taking his socks off, dropping each article of clothing onto the sand as it's shed]
[Drops his shawl before heading into the water, back turned to Nanami, pulling his sweater off over his head and flinging it back to shore before disappearing under the waves. Just going to be quietly grateful for the cover that nighttime provides.]
[Most days he takes his time undressing to keep things as neat as possible, but he's just been given very good incentive to strip down faster than usual. So he gets out of his nice clothes, leaving them what he hopes is far enough up shore to stay dry. He heads stark naked into the surf until he's deep enough that his body changes shape and his legs and most of his torso are replaced with whale shark.]
[His body isn't nearly as flexible, so he ends up twisting himself around in a barrel roll trying to follow Azul's movements. The low light in the water makes it harder to see what this Azul looks like.]
[The fact that he's being held literally to that is not lost on him, and he's enjoying the hold even if he has no idea how his own altered biology is going to handle that right now.]
[He wraps his arm around the tentacle and draws it closer, twisting his wrist around to wrap them closer together and then giving the very end a lick.]
[Everything feels so different for him down here, the weights are different and everything seems to be in subtle motion even when he feels like he should be still. And yet all he can focus on is the kiss. And trying to run his hands over every part of Azul he can reach.]
[The hands are a nice distraction from the dark thoughts threatening to envelop him for a moment there.]
Now what would you like my handsome face to do for you? Because I have some ideas... but I've never tried to have sex under water. I'm not even sure what that part of my body looks like at the moment.
[He sighs a little and makes sure both of them are settled in a comfortable spot.]
I'm sure it is strange, but strange doesn't have to be bad. You don't have to tell me anything you're uncomfortable about, just know that seeing you like this has not diminished my interest in you at all. After all, the first time you showed me your other arms I was worried I may have been a little too interested in them. I didn't want to scare you, or make you think I was only interested in your body. I don't know a lot about octopus biology, and none about merman biology, but as long as it's attached to you I know it will be fine.
We can always just go for a swim and then finish our date on land, also. I do still have a present for you waiting up there.
[When Nanami answers it sounds like he's speaking as much to his own worries as to Azul's.]
Connecting to people who you will eventually lose... it is terrifying. But I've lived a life without connections as well, and I don't think I want to go back to that again either.
Apologies aren't needed. Regardless of the intent, this night has been about trust between us, something neither of us gives easily. But I've trusted you every step here, and you've trusted me with your honesty. It's a precious gift. And it doesn't spoil anything.
[....Nanami is perfect, your honor. Hesitantly takes one of the other man's hands and guides it down his front, sliding Nanami's fingers over a little slit in front where Azul's lap would typically be on land]
Mer biology isn't exactly like landfolk or fish either, just....so you know.
[Letting himself be guided, he doesn't know how delicate or sensitive anything is yet. He can't really gasp with gills but he is is breathing in quickly.]
[The twist of fingers get a quiet noise of approval. It would seem it is really sensitive....and is currently curling around those fingers, trying to pull them in deeper.]
[His fingers offer no resistance beyond trying to curl around whatever is pulling on him in return, but he is mostly curious how deep he's about to go and not about to stop before he finds out.]
[Shudders, arching closer to Nanami as those fingers dip deeper into the cool damp space beyond the slit as that appendage curls tighter around Nananmi's hand]
[It's not nearly as stimulating for him just winding Azul around his fingers... other than the fact that Nanami feels like he's puppeting the merman from the inside and that is feeding the beast inside of him that adores being in control of things quite nicely.]
[It takes longer to dress than it does to undress and so unless it takes Azul quite a bit of time to compose himself, Nanami will still be buttoning and dressing on the beach by the time he gets back.]
[Startles back to attention, hurrying to find his sweater and drying them both off with a quick charm… Not wanting to just stand there staring while dripping wet and naked]
That I would leave you once our contract is complete.
[His attention shifts from the blade in his hands back to Azul.]
We talked about possibly extending the contract, which I would be fine with. But we also talked about not putting a contract on our other interactions, and I most certainly want those to continue.
[Well, if it's enough time... Deepens the kiss, tangling his hands in Nanami's hair once more as he throws a leg around the other man to keep him close]
[He's going to get quite a few considering this isn't something Azul has experienced before. Everything from breathy gasps to low moans escape his lips and are swallowed down by Nanami the longer he plays with Azul's chest. The grip Azul has on Nanami turns almost painfully tight as he tries to ground himself]
[Nanami is making a few pleased sounds himself at that, he feels like he's discovered something wonderful and he's going to make the most of it. The only thing better would be...]
[Takes a moment to catch his breath when Nanami breaks the kiss, he is more than a little petulant when he responds, body relaxing back against the blanket]
[He sits back so he has some room and smiles down at Azul. His fingers tease at the bottom of his sweater, along the top of his pants and then further up, pushing the fabric with them. He stops about half way up to kiss the skin he's just revealed a few times.]
[He pushes the sweater further up, being gentle with getting Azul's head loose and then pulling the body section up over his arms and leaving it there. If the sweater isn't too oversized on him, it should trap his arms like that, at least for a little while.]
[Gasps loudly, his back arching off the blanket and eyes shooting open. His hips wriggle a bit underneath Nanami as Azul’s arms try to work their way out of the sweater]
[Tries to resist moving his chest towards the attention Nanami's mouth is giving....and fails miserably. He brings his legs up, flexing his knees to try and abate the feeling. He has to look away, chewing on his bottom lip to try and stop a particularly lewd moan when when feels Nanami's hand against his pants]
[He is thoroughly enjoying having Azul at his mercy like this, and not going to waste time getting his pants entirely open so he can cup Azul's cock through his underwear.]
[It takes a moment because he likes this sweater and doesn’t want to stretch it out so Nanami is looking up just in time as Azul’s arms come free and go to immediately loop around the other man’s neck]
[At least he's still getting what he wants, which is to touch and taste and wreck his date as much as possible while they're still partially clothed and in semi-public.]
[Moans, breathing picking up as he grinds down against Nanami’s thigh when he can feel it move against him. He manages to work Nanami’s button and fly open with one hand before sliding in to palm him more directly]
[O-oh....Nanami's moan is enough to rack him with another full body shudder. How is even his voice this attractive? No one's voice should be this powerful.]
[Speeds up the motions of his own hand to hopefully indicate how close he is. He would say something, but his mouth is occupied. And, even if it wasn't, he wouldn't be able to get out anything other than a series of wrecked little gasps and moans. That or perhaps a quiet string of desperate 'please please please'. Please what? Yes]
[Matching Azul's pace, also getting closer and appreciating the change in pace. His hips are thrusting of their own accord, helping things speed up and rubbing his cock along side Azul's in his hand.]
[Shudders, rocking his hips in return, keeping close so he can share the same breath with the other man in between kisses. His hand tightens around him, thumb brushing over the tip.]
[If Azul's name is slipping into those little breaths between kisses, who could blame him, really? He's leaking quite a bit at this point, far more of a mess than he anticipated. But then, he's been a bit on edge since they were in the water and he got to feel ALL of Azul.]
[Shivers, tilting into each kiss and trying to keep his hand from faltering even as his hearts almost beat out of his chest each time Nanami says his name]
[One of the nice things about still being mostly dressed is that he has a handkerchief close at hand, folded nicely in his pocket. It's worth the sacrifice.]
[Now that he's done being belle of the ball, he does one final twirl in his fancy dress and transforms back into his normal self- albeit this time he's only being allotted cutesy looking clothes to lounge in. A mint-colored oversized sweater is required over his shorts, apparently.]
What the hell kind of magic is this place running on, do you think? Because uh. I can't even control what I want to wear right now and I've got a bone to pick with the guy upstairs about it.
Hmmm? I think you look rather charming. I wouldn't have picked mint as your color, but the oversized look really sells it.
[Is he joking? Is he serious? Who knows, either way, Azul is stepping out of his shoes and shrugging out of the extravagant jacket he's been forced into these days before having a seat on the couch]
[Oh... that's not what he was expecting at all. It throws him for such a loop that he just simply blinks at him for a few beats.]
I, ah. [Shrugs! He opens his mouth several times like he's going to answer him, but something is stopping him every time. He isn't sure what it is, or why his myriad of ready-made lies won't leave his lips.]
...I. [He cannot believe he's saying this.] Didn't want you to think I'd pick her over you.
[This is a dangerous precedent to set, he realizes. He's played enough emotional chess with humans to know what saying things like this will do. What's worse than the prospect of Envy lying to Azul (like he's done and will continue to do with almost everyone else in the world) is the reality that he doesn't actually want to.
[He seems to deflate a bit, shoulders relaxing and becoming a bit boneless against the couch. Azul brings his knees up and presses his hand against Envy's back, encouraging him to lay down on Azul's chest]
...I'm not proud of it, but I probably would have been terrible to deal with if you had picked her. That is...she wasn't wrong. I was a little jealous.
[This is still such a strange sensation for him, touch for the sake of touch, but he's getting more used to it by the day. At least now he doesn't hesitate so much to get comfortable when Azul guides him into these tangles. He settles beneath the other's chin, resting opposite the corsage pinned to his chest.]
...Really? What for? [He would sit up to look at him all incredulous-like, but he did just get comfortable.]
So? Isn't it only natural that I'd be a little jealous?
[Slides his hands down, curling his hands tightly around the sin's hips before start to knead them gently under the soft fabric of the sweater. He smiles at the approval in Envy's voice]
I may be soft, but I'm not covered in fur soft. What if I can't compete?
[He snorts oh-so-attractively against his hand at the thought.]
IF you want me to praise you that badly, you can just ask.
[Yeah, sure, minks might be the softest mammal or whatever, but is that even competition for the softness that merpeople possess? (He hasn't thought about it and really hadn't planned to!) It's such a silly question he can't help but laugh.]
Well....what if you decide you like her company....more than mine? You mute my calls around her and you wear matching outfits with her and you've picked up a lot of her little verbal ticks....
[Sinks down a bit so he can tuck his head under that sweater]
She seems very...."fun". I do not exactly scream "fun" to most people.
...It's just how she likes it, I guess. [He says this noncommittally, like it really hadn't occurred to him as an issue.] She gets a real kick out of what I can do with my abilities~ The matching outfits make her feel famous.
[Looks like somebody else wants to share outfits with him. He laughs, briefly nuzzling into the crown of Azul's head.]
The kind of fun I have with you is different. And honestly, closer to the sort of thing I actually enjoy. [Harassing the local business-owning populace for goods and services is so up his alley okay.] So trust me, I think you're very fun.
[Winds his arms around Envy’s middle fingers tightly. When he speaks again his voice has lost some of the weepy quality, taking on a business mode edge]
[Shivers, reaching out to grab onto the couch cushions.]
H-hahaa-- [Well, that wasn't the sound he intended on making.]
They're not bad pictures of you. [Though he's the only one who is getting to determine whether or not they're bad.] Seriously, I-- I wouldn't keep something like that.
[Presses a kiss to the spot he just bit, mouthing lazily before taking him back into his mouth so he can leave a hickey just below there, fingertips sneaking under the bottom hems of his shorts to pet at the skin there]
And there are so many of those that you are too embarrassed to tell me how many exactly...?
[He's putty in Azul's hands. This is so not fair.]
Do you think I've counted? I'm not counting all that.
[He huffs, turning his head away, trying now to focus his attention literally anywhere other than his own body right now. He cannot be teased into giving up this information! Dammit!]
[Ducks down even lower underneath Envy, sliding lower on the couch before nuzzling his cheek at Envy's thigh and in turn his length through the fabric of his bike shorts]
I am going to trust you on this... If you betray that trust though, I won't hold back. Do we have an understanding? Darling?
H-haah-- [Where is he going, why is he-- oh. Oh.] Wh-what are you doing--
[This is so strange, Azul you are so strange sometimes but that one nuzzle seems to have completely deafened Envy. What are words and sounds? He's never heard them.]
[Grins and twists his fingers in his hair, tugging Azul's head back, pushing his hips forward and leering oh-so-lasciviously down the length of his body at him.]
No, no. Let's make it about you for a little while~
[Yelps with the initial move, forgetting sometimes how strong Azul actually is despite his appearance. Envy's eyes flash a bright red when he hits the cushions, his smirk stretching into a challenging grin.]
[Oh, but the little tail wag is cute. Tangles his fingers in envy’s hair, pulling gently, just enough to force Envy’s head back against the couch and expose his neck to Azul who is currently doing his best to leave a sizable hickey high up on Envy’s throat]
[It takes him a second to realize what's happening, and when he attempts to lift his arms and crane his head to see what the hell is touching him and cannot pull away, he turns wide eyes to Azul.]
[Ah, wow. These things are sturdy, huh. He tries to pull free with a little more of his actual strength, but he barely budges. The suction is absolutely suctioning.]
Haha-- haa, you know what? [He pants, watching the tentacle creeping its way towards his face for a moment before shooting a manic sort of "bring it on," glare his way.]
[Crazy face.... Cute. Leans in capturing Envy's mouth in a brief kiss, before promptly replacing his that kiss with the tip of a tentacle pushing past Envy's lips]
If you bite me, I'll tear you apart. I suggest you do not bite me, darling. I happen to prefer you all in one piece.
Huh-- [He resists at first, keeping his jaw firmly locked, but the more it wriggles and insists against his lips and teeth, he can't stop himself from attempting to bark his displeasure.]
You mothe- Gghk-!!
[Well, he'd love to respond, but since his mouth is full of tentacle, all he can really do is stare in wide-eyed confusion. This is not what he was expecting to keep his mouth busy. Which isn't to say the flavor is entirely different, but there's far more muscle movement and texture to experience than he'd planned for, alright.]
[Fufufus happily, using his hold on Envy to lift him up and set him down on the arm of the couch instead. Azul scoots closer on the couch cushions, sitting between Envy's knees. He'll pillow his arms on a thigh... or attempt to, but his own tentacle is in the way. To be fair though, squishy tentacle DOES probably make a softer pillow than Envy's firm and toned thighs.]
[There's no question that Envy has grown fonder of Azul since they met, but there are still a number of things he does that make the sin want to tie him into an octopus pretzel. The fufufu laugh is one such thing, especially if it's at Envy's expense.
There's a rumbling like thunder from deep in his chest as he leers at the merwitch, his lip curling in a sneer around the probing limb. Just what is he planning?]
[His tail lashes behind him for a moment, jaw tightening and applying the slightest bit of pressure to the tentacle-- but then stops suddenly, his eyes lighting up with a realization.
His second set of arms manifests with that red electricity, one hand lashing out to make a grab for Azul's mussed up hair while the other tries (uselessly) to tug the tentacle out of his mouth.]
[Perks up, just a little, reaching up to wind another arm around each of those arms as well. Bb he's got like. Eight extra arms, c'mon. Does allow the tentacle to be pulled out of his mouth though so he can sit up on his knees and give Envy a little peck on the lips instead.]
[His body responds for him, giving a barely perceptible twitch beneath his sweater. He still doesn't look, and only manages a brief grumble in return.]
[Reaches up, framing Envy's face between his hands and pulling him down a for a deeper, slower kiss, sliding his tongue past Envy's lips. The arms coiled around Envy's thighs part his legs a bit wider to give Azul room to move even closer, chest brushing against Envy's lap as he leans in for that kiss.]
[For all his grumping, he sure doesn't resist that kiss, pressing into it with teeth and tongue, as if he can somehow manage to assert any sort of dominance in this incredibly vulnerable position.
His hips rock forward, aching to touch something, anything.]
[Grins and Envy can absolutely feel it against his ear... Azul is absolutely delighted that the sin thought to clarify first and can't hold back the smile]
A whim, not a contractual one. Simply a gift from me to you because I'm feeling fond.
[Presses a series of kisses along his jaw, murmuring between each one]
In what way did you think I was 'fucking with you'?
[Purrs, arching his back to press into Azul's kisses.]
Back at you, honey bun. [Winks]
[Envy knows damn well that he's holding himself back from actually getting out of this situation; there's a thousand different ways to pull that off, but it benefits both of them if Azul thinks he's too stupid to put any of those plans into motion. Plus, it's kinda hot seeing what lengths he'll go to to take and keep control of these situations. He loves a man with drive.]
What does that have to do with anythi-- [His breath catches with the contact, his hips automatically pressing forward into his palm.] Haah-- D-damnit...
Oh, there are plenty of old rumors about landfolk and what they would do to a mer if caught. Not that those stories are widely believed or true anymore... For the most part anyways.
[Tucks his fingers into the waistband, working Envy's bottoms lower]
[Straining against the stretch of his shorts, unable to pretend that the use of his own clothes to torture him isn't both extremely hot and extremely agonizing, he exhales a pleading whine. His chest rises and falls with his labored breathing, knowing he will need to swallow his pride just to get those specifications out. But of course he can't do that without being a smartass.]
I'm guessing saying "I want you to fuck me until I can't walk straight" isn't specific enough, huh.
[It's like a lot of strange little kisses all over, but then he realizes the implication Azul has made and remembers that one of those arms was in his mouth earlier and could very easily end up in other places.
His eyes widen for a moment and he swallows with a dramatic gulp! before he turns his apprehension into flustered irritation and mumbles under his breath.]
I can't believe you're making me beg for your cock when you know damn well--
[Winds the arms on his legs higher, curling over his hips. And when they move it becomes clear the suckers have left little marks all along Envy's thighs from earlier]
Oh, but I do. That's why I can't help but want to tease you a little.
[Speaking of. Azul tugs the shorts even lower, finally exposing the sin's cock to the cool air of the room]
[Oh, how quaint, cute little tentacle kisses. He'd have time to coo over how cute he thinks that is if he wasn't finally being freed from the confines of his lycra prison.]
I do nothing but praise you and this is how you treat me... [Sniffles. Really trying to fight how much this little view is doing it for him.]
[Scoffs! And then promptly chokes on the hitch his breath gives at the light toying of his tip- how fucking rude.] There's no way-- [Hngk.] --I'm going to waste my time with writing.
[He's quite responsive down there, Azul's fingertips coming away with translucent threads with each tap.]
[Ah, well, that was a pleasant visual he could stand to see once or twice or a hundred more times. He's so distracted by it that he doesn't even hear what could be worse, too busy being starry eyed.]
Then you had best demand it simply before I start thinking in writing seems like a good idea.
[Leans down, pressing a kiss to the base of Envy’s length as his palm slides back up along the shaft, lips and skin as soft as ever and perhaps more so against the sensitive flesh he’s currently giving attention]
[How can he be expected to demand anything under these circumstances? He's already losing the ability to think entire thoughts and all he's doing is touching him. It's humiliating enough just to have to beg for what he wants when Azul already knows damn well what he's asking for. But that's probably the point of all of this, isn't it.]
If you pull that "limp" shit with me again because I didn't word it ~sexy enough~ for ya, I'm gonna lose it, I swear--
[there is a really soft knock at the door of Envy's hotel room, followed by a muffled irritated grumble, and then further followed by a much clickier knock as if someone is using their nails.]
[Opens the door almost immediately, as if he was already there getting ready to leave. And when he talks, the words come out in a rush, voice relieved, mildly irritated and excited all at once]
There you are, I was wondering where you we-...
[Stops. Blinks. Looks Velvet up and down. He is suddenly very aware he has answered the door in his pajamas...]
[Having anyone be worried about him is a brand new feeling and he isn't sure how to feel about it. He isn't sure how to feel about a lot of this! But there's no time to think anymore, he's gotta bite the bullet.
If Azul looks, there's a giant eyeball blinking sadly from inside the makeshift cage of her hands.]
[He's small and squeaky and doesn't look anything like himself at all Yelps and spins around in a circle, trying to find shelter again but to no avail. He is exposed. Instead he simply hunkers down with his back to Azul, shaking and trying to hide his face-- which is impossible even with this many arms.]
[Looks back at him, that big ol' eye full of one big tear.]
....Y-yeah. Please.
[He sounds so tiny and pathetic and he knows it, and he's not sure if he's more afraid of being seen or judged right now, but... it's nice to know that neither of these two (apparently??) do judge him right now. Velvet didn't make fun of him even once, and Azul is showing concern in a similar way.
Maybe it doesn't completely suck to have people that care about you.]
...I, um. ...Thanks again, Velvet. I'm gonna take it from here. Remind me of that stuff later, okay?
[Carefully taking Envy in his hands before bringing him close to rest against his chest while Azul closes the door. Once the door is closed, he walks them over to their bed, keeping Envy nestled against his chest and held securely in both hands.]
You didn't answer... Are you injured? I can do a little healing magic... It's hardly my specialty though...
[Why does he want to cry already? This is so fucking embarrassing. He can't believe Azul is being so chill about this? He's literally a worm! A giant, parasitic worm! And Azul is just holding him like a newborn kitten! ]
...I'm not injured. I mean-- I don't think it's something you can heal me for. Unless you've got a few souls in a bottle somewhere, I don't think I can do anything but let my stone replenish its power.
[Ugh, he hates hearing himself talk like this, and being so small and this close to Azul's neck makes him sound so deep and smooth it's almost disgusting. How can he even think about that kind of thing while he's suffering!!]
[Hhhh his fingers are so big now, this is so weird. Everything about him is so big! And how disgusting that his eyes are even bigger and bluer and he doesn't have a single flaw on his face it's insane. Listen, he doesn't usually... get so close to people like this. Not unless he's been intent on latching on, at least.
He lets his little hands get played with, but tries to avert his gaze from Azul's face regardless.]
...I was snooping, made a few miscalculations... and got caught. [How badly he wants to throw that bastard under the bus right off the bat, but. Something is holding him back.]
[Please hold, pausing the gentle brushing of his thumb over that hand as he tries to wrap his mind around Nanami doing this to someone over a little snooping]
[Pipsqueak? Door? Nanami killing someone THREE TIMES over snooping? Azul's face crinkles up a bit in confusion as he tries to parse all that]
I'm....sorry you died. That must have been painful. Even if you came back...still.
[Frowns more, one part in all this standing out....but not wanting to press quite yet. Runs a gentle hand over Envy's back, petting him once more while he thinks.]
It was painful! First he stabbed me in my back and then he stabbed me in my head and then he punched me in my head, and then he stabbed me in my head again! So-- it was FOUR times!
[Whines, whimpers.]
He's a fucking psychopath. All I wanted to do was get those pictures for you and leave!
[Considering he has SEEN what a punch from Nanami can do, that is perhaps the most concerning one of all. And this all gets a sharp intake of breath from Azul. He can't help but think that surely? Surely??? There is something more to this. All over snooping and some photos....there's no way. He doesn't want to make excuses or drill Envy though...but his mind is reeling a bit]
[Azul is being too quiet. He knows where this is going, doesn't he.
The creature closes its eyes for a moment, charting the best course for this conversation he can. He could be mean, he could be hurt, demanding an answer, yelling at the top of his lungs at him for being the reason he's stuck like this... but outside of the fact it wouldn't be very serious coming from a worm, he's really just too exhausted. He's died too many times and isn't regenerating as fast as he's used to, and can't put that much energy into it right now. He's one good stomp away from dust, okay.
So, Azul will get the tiniest, quietest questioning.]
...Why didn't you tell me about him? ...Or him about me?
[...oh. So this is at least in part his fault... His shoulders slump a bit as that sets in. He sets Envy on his lap, still as careful as ever.]
I suppose...I didn't think either of you were that serious about me? Why would you be? That is... Mmm... I suppose the reason doesn't really matter, does it? At the end of the day, I didn't and I should have.... I'm sorry for that. And I'm sorry for this. I never meant to hurt you, honestly.
[He doesn't want to say that he's "that serious" about him, because that would imply that he has feelings and he can't have feelings. Not like those! He never has before! That can't be right! People do stupid things for those feelings, they make illogical choices, they sacrifice themselves for--
Oh...
Envy very much risked his life to prove that he had something with Azul and did ultimately die for it, even if it wasn't permanent. ...So maybe he does have feelings? Fuck, what a time to figure that one out.
Shit.]
...I took a letter opener to the face because I told him about us. I'd say it's "that serious."
[Curls over a bit, seeming to deflate. Azul suddenly seems much smaller and much younger than he usually does, all of the usual smugness or showmanship having seemingly left for now.]
How much you both like me. Because…it’s not just him, right? You wouldn’t have stayed through all that otherwise. That is… You wouldn’t be here talking to me now if you felt lukewarm about me….right?
Oh, yeah. We're both real lukewarm. He's willing to kill me for you, and I'm willing to die for you.
Sooo fucking tepid. [He deflates more, not wanting to be even kind of on the same level as that asshole. But no, Nanami's going to end up getting praised for ending him and he's just going to get pitied for being so fucking weak. Weak enough to let that bastard destroy him over and over and over, and still let him live. Weak enough to do it just like that, because Greed would end him, and now, apparently, Azul loves him, too.
Great, just fucking wonderful.]
I just figured I'd let you know, because he's going to tell you. Good luck, I guess.
I-- [He cannot believe he's being QUESTIONED right now. How very dare-]
I didn't DO anything until he attacked me! Like, sure, I turned into the security girl because I thought I could get out of there easier if I pretended to be her, but he caught me.
And then he attacked me, because he realized I wasn't her and thought I was there doing something ~nefarious~ or something! And like, sure, I was but it was just being nosy! I wasn't even stealing anything!
[Ugh. Ugh. He doesn't want to tell him. There's so much more information, but he's... honestly worried about telling him. What if it hurts him--
Shit. Since when has he cared whether or not something hurt somebody? He loves when things hurt people!
But... he doesn't want anything to hurt Azul. Maybe himself, someday, when the time is right and they've finally had enough and vow to end each other or something dramatic like that. But until then, nobody is allowed to hurt Azul.]
...
[He opens his weird little mouth to speak a few times, but nothing comes out. He huffs and hunkers down onto the pillow, fretful.]
...I've been really happy. And things have been really fun. I was worried when I got here and the twins weren't here with me. When I first arrived here...I felt truly alone for the first time in many years. So, when you both appeared and it wasn't so lonely anymore... I didn't want to get too excited because I didn't want to wind up even lower than I had been feeling by getting ahead of myself and looking like a fool.
[Scoots a little closer, reaching up to pet him again, seeing if his hand gets slapped away. Just petting with a finger still so that hopefully Envy doesn't get overwhelmed.]
Usually if something seems to be too good to be true, it probably is. So I convinced myself of that. I assumed you both were just having fun or had other people or that I wasn't so important. I was protecting myself, but it seems like that was at the cost of hurting you... I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to hurt you, I was just protecting myself from getting hurt.
I understand if you don't want to see me anymore. I probably wouldn't want to see me either... Still, thank you for making things fun. I was really happy.
[He lets him speak without interruption, trying to listen and not just... prepare to react. Still, it's all so ridiculous. The whole thing. Trite. Overplayed. Humans "cheat" on each other all the time and still claim they "love" the person they cheated on. Why? What's the point of love if all you're going to do is hurt yourself and the person you supposedly care about? Whims are so easily swayed, this way or that, and are ultimately about one person being satisfied. One, selfish person's satisfaction above all else.]
...Are you just trying to get out of it? This whole thing?
[He doesn't turn around, but he doesn't swat him away, either.]
I remember when you gave me my powers back. You wouldn't let me have your face, and I figured out your game. I said "You'll always take what matters most in exchange," because what mattered to me most at that time was to... Have your face. Be you. Whatever it was.
But do you remember what you said? [He doesn't wait for an answer.] You said "Of course, at the end of the day, the wish that gets granted first is my own." So I knew what you were about from the beginning, Azul. Your loyalties in this place ultimately lie with yourself and yourself alone.
[He's shaking a little, feeling ultra pathetic. Stupid, stupid.]
So how could I have been so delusional that I'd let myself think otherwise?
[He sniffles.] Maybe you're right. If it's too good to be true, it probably is.
I said things to you I've never said to anyone, before. I did things with you I've never wanted to do with anyone else. I had Velvet walk me all the way here just to fucking talk to you, not knowing if you would laugh me out of the building or be disgusted with me. I've humiliated myself in front of god knows how many people.
[He's so. Angry. With himself. He should have never let things go this far. He should have never gotten comfortable. And yet, even knowing what he will face if he stays, he cannot seem to let this go.]
You said you were expensive. The price for you would be high. And here I am, given up my body and my life and my dignity and you still have the audacity to ask if I want to be with you.
I've given you everything I have. What do you think?
[Buries his face against the pillow, going quiet for a moment. He reaches up to rub at one eye with the heel of his hand. When he does finally respond his voice is watery and quiet.]
...I think you have bad taste.
...
And I think no one has loved me that much before. And I know I want to do better by you. Nn...I will do better. So, can you give me another chance? I promise I will make it worth it.
[Loved? Loved? He didn't use that word, did he? Is that... what this is? All this fucking pain and humiliation and sacrifice-- fuck. That's what love is?! All that embarrassing bullshit he just said!? Fuck. FUCK.]
I-- Ah. Hey-- [He sits up then, finally turning to face him and his beautiful, pitiful face. Ugh, yeah. Turns out he hates seeing him like this. It makes him want to die.]
...I. I want to. But. What about him? You know he won't let me live, right.
…if he’s that intent on killing you over this whole snooping incident…I will talk to him and see what compensation I can make that will close this issue.
[Plucks at the blanket, closing his eyes]
Afterall…you were snooping on my behalf, correct? So, if he has to have someone pay for it, I’ll take responsibility.
That's not what I mean. [He sighs, worm-loafing on the pillow, settling in.]
...There's more to it. The situation.
[It actually is making him feel?? Shitty?? To even have to say this?? Like on the one hand he wants Nanami to suffer, and he hopes Azul will never speak to him again, but more than Envy wants Nanami to suffer... he wants Azul not to be fucking devastated. Which is still wild, because he loves devastation. But he has no choice. Azul won't fully understand unless he tells him the whole story.]
[Pauses mid-pet, glancing up slowly, eyes still watery, dried spots on his glasses and tear tracks dried on his face which is currently a bit flushed around his eyes and nose from crying. His voice is still quiet when he speaks...just sort of slowly replying with what he knows, distracted with what that could mean]
...? I....know he works for Greed...? That was why I needed another assistant. He could only work part time since he had another job already... I don't....know any security girl though? A coworker, I'm guessing?
[Augh, fuck. Why's he already gotta look like that? It's just going to get worse from here, he knows it. He takes a deep breath, preparing himself for what's to come.]
It looks like you weren't the only one practicing non-ethical non-monogamy, then.
[He learned that phrase from Velvet, and it's the only way he can think of to explain what's happening and still not be like "OOH THE GUY YOU CHEATED ON ME WITH IS ALSO CHEATING ON YOUUUU." Because while he would be more than happy to say that to just about any other person, it really isn't doing anything for him to have to deliver this news to someone he actually cares about.]
[....he had a feeling that was where that question was headed. And just like with Envy, Azul had assumed Nanami had someone on the side or wasn't actually very serious about him. However...assuming and actually having it confirmed are two different things. He can feel all three hearts sink, blood running cold.]
[Oof. Ouch. Yeowch. Damn. This would be so good if it was literally anyone else. He doesn't know how to feel. Triumphant because Fuck Nanami, but also... Fuck.]
Azul, hey.
[He pushes himself up finally and pads across the pillow to sit closer to him.]
I'm... sorry. [He doesn't know what else to say, though. Everything he wants to say is completely unhelpful or completely awful and! That's not helpful at all!]
Don't make me say it. I don't-- want him to. I don't want him around. I don't want him to have you. I don't want you to choose him over me.
[His big stupid eyes well up with tears almost immediately and he turns his head away to let them fall and soak into the pillowcase. He definitely sounds like he's whining, petulant and sad.]
I wanted you, first. I wanted you enough to sign stupid papers that meant we'd be stuck here together until one of us cracked or disappeared!
[He doesn't know if that's even true. He has no idea how long this thing with Nanami has been going on. He doesn't know if he's actually the afterthought, here. Even after everything they've done together and how much time they spend together, he has no idea where any of Azul's hearts lie and how long they've belonged to someone else. He didn't want to think about it, so he didn't. He pretended everything was theirs and theirs alone.]
It's not fair. I love you more than he does. [Sniffle.] And he's still gonna win, isn't he.
[He blinks, more tears falling as he turns his head back to look at him. Is he seriously asking out a worm? But also--]
I thought... I already was? [It's sweet of him to ask more formally, though. And he doesn't know how to deal with that. He tries to shrink smaller, but he can't.] I mean. That's what I told Velvet...
[Lowers his head and continues hesitantly, looking away for a moment]
For the record....there was no one else. In case you were wondering. I know my words have likely lost a fair bit of their value right now, but I just wanted to let you know.
[It's so weird to have someone care for him at all, much less when he's this disgusting creature... but Azul has treated him so kindly. He knows he doesn't deserve it. He's an awful beast, a worm, not even a real person.]
...yeah. It's kinda hard to take me seriously when I look like this, huh.
Well...Things you do or don't want me to do that are important to you in our relationship. Perhaps you don't like fighting in public. Or maybe you don't like me discussing our relationship with other people. Or maybe you like having some time to yourself each night. Things you want me to be mindful of. I want to know what sort of things you need and want too.
[This is so wild. He's seriously-- he's being real about this? Not to say Envy doesn't want him to be, he's just-- he has no idea what's happening. There's more to what he can want? And have? Sounds fake.]
I... oh. Huh. I... guess I have to think about it? I just sort of figured things would stay the same as they are. But...
Are there other things you need and want? [Maybe some examples would help.]
Well…I want to keep spending our nights together like we have been. Our nighttime routine is important to me. And I need to know about issues you have with me first before you tell someone else. I really feel uncomfortable with the idea of someone else knowing something you feel about me before I do.
It’s not something you have done before. It’s something I don’t like that I want to be clear about so that you hopefully never do it out of consideration for me and my comfort.
Ohhh... okay. Good. I was worried there for a second.
[Between the shit with Velvet and the shit with Nanami, there's any number of things he could have decided applied to that, but he's just grateful to know he doesn't count them.
The creature shrugs.]
I can do that. No problem. Since you and Velvet are my only friends, it's not like it would go very far.
I don’t know… You ARE a little heartbreaker. And Heaven and Hell are both full of many attractive people. What if you find someone even more attractive who even lets you use their face?
[Hums in answer, turning the water a smidge hotter before turning his attention to gently patting at his skin with the washcloth, trying to get rid of any tear tracks and splotchiness]
[The water is getting high enough that his little feets aren't touching the sink anymore so he rolls onto his back and simply floats around like that, watching Azul and his handsome-even-when-blotchy face.]
[Chuckles, turning off the water briefly, leaning down to grab some bubble bath, adding it to the water before turning the faucet on a little longer. Just enough to cause some bubbles to form in the makeshift bath.]
[He does not drown, but he does kind of zone out for the duration of his absence, just bobbing around like a weird little rubber duck.
He can't believe this is happening. He can't believe he's not been squished like a bug or flushed down the toilet yet. Does Azul really care about him? Is this a part of a longer con? If something is too good to be true, it probably is... right?
[Warm worm... This is probably the most comfortable he's ever been as a worm... And to have Azul tending to his needs even in this form... a hidden blessing after all the bullshit that got him here.]
[Squints down at his phone briefly before leaning back in his chair to respond]
Things have certainly been busy for both of us, I assume. And complicated is absolutely an understatement.
My apologies if I caused any issues at your bar, if there were any damages involved, please send me an itemized invoice. I really did not think giving Envy a little snooping project for fun and enrichment would lead to such a blow up.
[Crosses one leg over the other, tapping his toes a bit to try and decide how to respond to that last part...]
I feel a bit bad. I've caused him no small amount of trouble already, but I did warn him I come with a pretty hefty price tag. Still...He has been very good to me and I am trying to be good to him.
why are you apologizing to me ? though the next time you want to know something just ask. little advice from me to you azul. i'm greed and i don't think i really have to tell you whats mine is just that.
so next time just ask if you want to know something. its not like we haven't exchanged information before
yeah well he's envy. he doesn't know avarice like you and i do. he doesn't know what all this is like. he never got a chance to.
so give it a little more huh ? i know a man like you has it in him. or did i read you all wrong?
I know I could have just asked for it. He enjoys joining me for shakedowns and gathering blackmail, so I thought a little snooping would be fun for him. And since I knew you wouldn't care, I thought it was fine. It was not fine.
[He has to pause to snort inelegantly at how very not fine it turned out]
What exactly would you suggest? In regards to giving a little more.
not when it comes to my things. i don't care what he does to me but mine are off limits.
eh. think about it. envy wants what others have. spend time with him. take him out. bring him things he may like. get to know what he wants. ask what hes looking for and really mean it. be honest about what youre doing. he's a liar at heart azul. always has been
Mm, I figured as much. However, if I give him too many of those things at once, he'll be suspicious. I am giving him all that, but in doses that won't make him immediately resistant to accepting it. If I were to shower all that on one person without asking for anything in return, wouldn't it be natural to worry what I am up to...? I know how I come across. And that's hardly an accident, but it does make things like this a bit trickier.
I'm familiar enough with jealousy to know how suddenly being handed everything you want can seem like quite the trap and a scary one at that. He'll wind up unable to enjoy it and be stuck on edge waiting for the other shoe to drop.
And...he doesn't lie all that much around me. Not really. If anything, I lie far more than he does, but through omission and word choice.
dont get the wrong idea friend. he's nothing like me when it comes to that.
so yeah youre right
ha! suppose thats it then. who'd have thought. life is just full of fucking surprises isnt it?
eh whatever. as long as you keep him the way he's currently going. hes been doing the same thing for over 150 years azul. think its time he knows the other side of it huh? show him that. youve got all this afterlife to do it hmm?
but next time you get this crazy idea in your head to let my brother sneak around my bar?
The way he's going? What way would that be? I think the suggestion that I am influencing his trajectory gives me far too much credit, but I will take it. A man can guess, but I prefer to know.
Oh, my ideas get far crazier than this.
That said. If you're willing to just give me the information then.... What's the problem? Not that I plan on it, of course. Not that I think there would be another blow up, but I don't really plan to put those two in the same room if I'm not there to mediate.
Color me curious though. Are you worried about Envy getting hurt again? Or Nanami? Someone else? Or just feeling possessive in general? Does it simply put you in a difficult position with him? Such a strange warning over a little bit of paperwork you don't care about. So what's the concern? I think it's fine to tell me that much at least.
youd be surprised. rumor has it you two got pretty close after it was all said and done. is my information wrong? i don't think so. it comes from a pretty reputable source
i'm sure you do. and really i don't care what they are. thats between the two of you
ha ! HA! information for information. but since i offended you on the beach you get some not all. i like to think i've been pretty giving so far haven't i? but it has to be fair azul. and you are already very well aware that envy and i have a history
does it matter? looking at the whole picture who cares why? nanami works for me and he works for you. i don't care about that. what i do care about is the mess i've had to clean up after
from what i understand youre not a fan of a mess either. so whats the point in making this more complicated? it's simple azul. i'm not that hard to understand. i'm greed. the living embodiment of it. and i cant abandon the things that are mine no matter how much of a pain in the ass they can be. my avarice runs a bit too deep for that
[Snorts a bit, getting out of his chair and shrugging on a jacket between replies]
"Information". I hardly think it's a secret. Drunk or not, I wouldn't share anything I was worried about getting out. Likewise you could always just ask instead of having....let me guess. Velvet. Report back to you. "Information for information", right?
Too many people either work for you or know of you for me to doubt anything I say within earshot of half this place won't make it's way back to you. People like to talk. I'm not an idiot. Nothing that makes its way to you is anything I am trying to hide.
oh c'mon give me a break. don't act like i'm trying to offend you. i'm not.
ehh fine fine. fair enough.
and yeah people do like to talk. eventually all those rumors come back to me sooner or later. it was the same here as it was in dublith. but don't go believing that somehow makes me think of you any less. i meant what i said when we met. youre impressive
i'm asking you to take care of envy. he's never had anything in his life like you before. he never was allowed to. is that enough for ya? equivalent exchange ya? i remember nothings free
[The 'Nest is in its sleeping hours, but that doesn't mean the front door isn't open. Greed's on a sofa in the back, hair down (for once), feet propped up, and a glass of brandy in his hand. It's been one hell of a night for sure. And he had been planning on enjoying the rest of it solo.]
[So, call him very fucking surprised when someone rudely interrupts.]
[The Sin lifts his chin. Without his sunglasses (and with the bar as dim as it is), his eyes are just tiny pricks of red light. Like a cat's lenses, reflecting back.]
Didn't expect you this soon. [Greed hums.] What, did I really piss you off that bad?
[He pours out a healthy helping of brandy before leaning forward to hand the glass to Azul.]
I wasn't lying to you before. And you know I make it a point not to lie anyway. I'm not interested in fighting with you, Azul. That wasn't why I called.
[Greed sighs (a long, dramatic sigh) and sinks into the sofa. He throws two of his arms along the back, letting his glass hang precariously from his claws.]
Is that what you came all the way down here for? Azul - [The Sin stares at the ceiling. His smile is just as wicked as usual, but it's tired.] - what has Envy told you, exactly?
Ha - ! I do owe you that too, don't I? [Greed keeps his head back while he rolls his wrist, making the liquor in his glass spin.] Yeah, after.
It's not really my story to tell, even if he is my sibling. He deserves his secrets. [Finally, he takes a sip and it's a long one. Like he's putting out a fire in his chest.] But he never got a chance to get out. And I'm not talking about me and him. I'm talking about the rest of 'em. Humans would call it a family, but don't get the wrong idea.
[He pries one of his eyes open to look across at Azul.] It was never anything like that.
Still....your existence is unique. Even if you're not family....no one can better understand your existence than each other. Out of curiosity....How much did it cost to make you?
Tch. [Greed's teeth slide together as he shoots off another exasperated groan towards the ceiling. Envy, really?] Y'know, you're not very subtle. Coming out here, asking a question like that -
[The Sin lulls his head from one side, the other, and back again, sending a flurry of cracks down his spine.] Suppose Envy told you, didn't he. [Not a question.]
I don't know. Besides, is that really important right now? Why do you want to know?
No, suppose you can't, huh. [He watches the ceiling before closing his eyes again; his whole body language exasperated and lazy.]
[But when Azul mentions alchemy, the former homunculus perks up, if only slightly.] Ha - ! Is it now. Didn't care to mention that before? Cheeky - [Greed lifts one finger up from the back of the couch to waggle it.]
Does it bother you...? Not knowing. There is little you can do about it, whether you know or not. If it were me though...I wouldn't be able to help but wonder.
[Greed squints a bit.] Why would it bother me? Seems like a moot point, anyway.
And that's you, and I'm me. We're not the same. [The Sin lifts his fingers off the sofa, flicking them up and down as if there's a bug nearby.] And that's fine. People are different, Azul. That's what makes 'em interesting.
No, just thought I should make myself clear. Had a bit of a misunderstanding before, hmn? [Greed slouches into his right shoulder.] Anyway, we're not here to talk about me.
[Greed cocks out one finger and points it at Azul.] But you did have one.
A little something from me to you - [The Sin ties his ankles together, letting the toe of his boot sway up at the ceiling.] - Envy is exactly what he was made to be. There's no stopping his nature just like there's no stopping mine.
And if you hide anything from him, he'll find out eventually. Better to keep it honest. Whatever it is you plan on doing.
Of course, everything comes to the surface sooner or later. I don't pull of large scale cons these days. Too much drama, too much magic use....all bad for my health. And even if I'm dead, I'd rather not double-die. I don't even know if I can overblot in Hell, but I'm certainly not about to test it.
Loosely... My ~nefarious~ plan is to date him and help him figure out who he is and what he wants. Help him find a wish and then grant it for him. He's had me at his disposal this whole time, but he hasn't asked me to grant a single wish. To be fair, he has realized that the wish that gets granted first is always my own.
[He sinks into the couch, bringing his head back again.] Little too late for the drama, friend. But that's not your fault. People - they really have to make things so complicated, don't they?
[Greed brings one of his hands up to his face and rubs his eyes.] Ehhh, what a bunch of pissants.
[He drops his arm weightlessly into his lap.] I really don't care what you do, I just care if there'll be a mess after. Envy isn't known for having the greatest temper in the world. And, from what I've gathered since this whole shit show started, neither is Kento. So, I'm trusting you to keep things peaceful, all right? For both our sakes.
[He lifts his shoulder.] Now, unless you've got anything else, I have a shift with the 'Sisters in half an hour. Feel free to use one of the pool tables downstairs.
[Greed shifts out of his seat, swinging his legs down and throwing himself up into a stand.] I know. [His voice is clipped and distant.] Just .. keep up with it, would ya?
[He pushes his palms into the small of his back and leans forward.] Eh, it's easy enough work. [He tilts his gaze to Azul.] Ya wanna come with? Might not be your usual scene, but. [The Sin shrugs.] Could take your mind off things for a while.
[Greed slides two of his hands into his back pockets while raising a third.] The Cackle Sisters. [He corrects.] And they run a place down in the sewer.
[Y'know, like normal fucking people do.]
[The Sin heads into the basement.] To tell you the truth, it's where men get beat to shit and shoot their rocks off at the same time. But that's not what I do there. [Down the hall, he goes.] The lady of the house has certain needs. And I'm good at my job.
[When he gets to a particular room, the former homunculus slips in, crouches down, and tosses a manhole cover out of the way like it's nothing.] Surprised? You shouldn't be. I like money just as much as anything else, Azul. C'mon -
[Greed's laugh echoes softly along the walls of the sewer.] People pay them for that service, Azul. Not the other way around. And you're right. Takes all sorts, doesn't it?
[But as they head in deeper, the Sin begins to slowly raise his arms above his head. He laces two of his hands behind the dip of his neck while holding the other two out in front of him like a man primed for an arrest.] Ah, right. A couple of rules before we get there. You need to know the password. But don't worry, I got that one covered.
[He straightens his back.] Secondly, men can only enter with their arms either behind their head or their back. Since I have four, I gotta make due. So, get those hands up, would ya? Wouldn't want Ella to bite 'em off.
[When they get to a steel door somewhere along the twists and dives, the former homunculus pads up to it. His heels strike twice and a tiny slot opens at the top. A woman from behind the door snarls and asks:]
What is six inches long, two inches wide, and makes everyone go crazy?
[And Greed, with the absolute cockiest smile on his face, answers:] A $100 bill.
[There's a few minutes as whoever is on the other side of the door begins to unlock it, and the Sin turns a look over his shoulder at Azul.] As for what I do here, you're about to find out, aren't you?
[Glances up to watch where Greed puts his hands before putting his own behind his head....and looking entirely awkward...instead opting to put his behind his back, lacing his fingers loosely which looks....slightly less awkward. He fidgets a bit in place as they approach the door.]
What...are all the rules for? I am assuming they already have enough returning clients that they do not need to worry about appealing to new customers. I feel like this all could be mitigated by an appointment system... Or is this part of whatever experience they offer?
[Goes quiet while Greed handles the conversation at the door, waiting to speak up again until the door is unlocked]
I am, but that requires patience which is a virtue I have in very low supply. I will do my best to go with the flow though.
[The door slowly groans open, and what waits on the other side shouldn't be too much of a surprise. There's hellhounds everywhere (specifically hyena hellhounds), and the inside looks like a dungeon that's taken the post-apocalyptic theme to heart. Burning barrels, chains, exposed brick, graffiti: it's all here.]
[Greed tilts his chin up a bit higher.] Because the ladies said so, simple as that. [He talks while a rather tall hound grins wildly, following both him and Azul with her sick-yellow eyes.] And I don't know. Never asked if that's part of the package.
[Despite the cackles and the obvious looks being thrown specifically at Azul, the Sin marches on.] Oi, oi, oi. Don't get all offended about it. [He's walking past a long table in the center (which looks as if it served a particularly bloody meal recently) and towards a single door in the back.] Not all the clients here are easy. And what does a woman, what does anyone really, need at the end of a hard day?
[The former homunculus stops at the second door, and it opens right on cue. The lady behind it (another hyena, though much taller than the rest) drapes in the frame. She's decked out in a red, silk slip and a cigarette burns in the long holder she has wrapped in her knuckles.]
[She flicks a look to Azul, then Greed, and inhales on her smoke.] l' avidité. I see you have brought a friend.
[The former homunculus beams back.] Yeah, sorry about not giving you a heads up, El.
[El (come to find out is short for Ella) sizes Azul up with a cool look before turning and shrugging out of her slip.] Your apologies are appreciated. I suppose it can't be helped. [She tosses her dress onto a nearby makeup stool.] Just make sure you hold up your end of the bargain, Greed.
[Greed shrugs his shoulders, smarmy and pompous.] Now, when have I ever let a woman like you down? You'll get yours. Azul and I were just in the middle of ah - [He drops his arms and spreads his fingers, making all of his knuckles crack.] - an important conversation. You understand, right?
[But the woman goes silent as she lays on a bed, and the Sin assumes the position. But it isn't sex on the menu, oh no. It's a massage. And as the former homunculus sits on top of her back, he turns to Azul. Y'know, like he isn't giving a giant hyena lady a full, hands-on experience.]
So, what do you plan to do from here? Managing Envy and Kento's gunna be a task in itself. You up to the job?
[Arches an eyebrow, only mildly surprised when Greed starts the massage.]
Oh, I am up to it. I luckily have a fair bit of experience thanks to managing the twins back home. I knew when I started contracts with both of them what I would likely be in for. Powerful people come with large price tags, after all. Just usually in ways one doesn't expect.
[Looks around for a place to sit, finding a stool before having a seat and carefully crossing one leg over the other. Since Greed's hands are free, he will go ahead and rest his own folded hands on top of his knee.]
The sort of arrangement I have with them certainly was not what I had initially planned, but one has to adjust as they go.
[He's getting in there, really getting in there, pushing his palms against Ella's skin and digging into knots that slowly begin to unravel.] Yeah, I can almost say it's the same. Lot of mine have been clashing lately. Should have expected it, but some of 'em? Some of 'em can be real pissants.
[The Sin gently draws his claws down Ella's back, tracing out her spine, and earning a pleased hum for his efforts.] But I'm glad you're up to it. No regrets, Azul. Once you've made your decision, make sure to follow through on your end of the bargain. It's only fair.
[Greed searches the floor blindly with his tail, finds a bottle of oil, and strangles it.] Finding that out myself. People really like to make things complicated, don't they? Eh - [He lifts the bottle into two of his hands and pops the cap.] - I'm not gunna ask you for much. Just try to keep things from getting too messy, all right? Envy's a shit, but this is the first time he's ever done anything on his own. And Kento? He still needs to learn how much he's worth.
[He slicks up his claws and begins to press the coconut oil into Ella's skin.] Take care of my things, Azul. That's all I'm askin'.
Mmm....people love finding new and exciting ways to complicate things. Though....that may just be the price of being alive. It's certainly the price of dealing with other people.
[Swings one of his legs idly, watching the other man work]
I can only take care of them as much as they allow me to. Neither of them are strong communicators and trying to get any sort of confirmation about their feelings or desires is like pulling teeth. You would think I was demanding their very souls or something. The funny thing is...they share a lot of the issues we are running into. They are both inexperienced in this, both feel they aren't worthy of whatever it is they want, and to be honest I am not sure they actually know what it is they want. At least not the details of it.
[Takes a moment to look around the rest of the room from his spot on the stool]
[Greed tests his shoulders, stretching them as he keeps at his work.] Yeah, but it doesn't always have to be that way. I've been clear about me. Everything's mine, but those that work for me also get a cut. Be it the money from the bar, the liquor, or -
[His face turns absolutely smarmy.] - well, you can figure that one out on your own, can't you?
[The Sin leans forward, pushing up on the small of Ella's back. Crhhck.] No, and they're both fucking stubborn in their own ways. Kento thinks he doesn't deserve anything at all, and he's constantly punishing himself for something that was never his fault in the first place. [His eyes narrow and for a second, a snarl twitches on his lip.] And Envy was never given the choice. Daddy sir made sure to keep him in line, just like the rest of them.
[And how did he do it? Ah well, that's a story for another time.]
[Greed sighs, and his smile returns again.] Kind of the same issues. I'll be the first to admit I'm not the best at giving anything away right off the bat. I suppose that's bothering some people. [His tail idly lashes.] And others had some personal issues going on. But I'll keep their secrets if it's all the same to you. I'd want the same, after all.
Would be a little rude given who we're talking about. And I think you can put it together all on your own. You're clever enough.
[Greed hums, taking the bottle with a rattle of his tail.]
Caught me off guard the first time. But I was ready when he tried again. [Ah, he's showing his teeth. Showing his teeth like a predator ready to snap at a throat.]
[The Sin slicks his hands and goes back to working Ella's spine.] I'm surprised, though. Didn't think you'd actually come with me down here. What's your angle? [He's not accusatory. It's just a simple question.]
Well, for one - [Greed raises a single finger, pointing it at the ceiling again.] - I didn't take you for a man that would willingly go into a sewer. But I guess that's on me, isn't it?
[He flips out a second finger, lining it up with the first.] Secondly, considering our little misunderstanding at the beach and your deal with Envy, I assumed I'd be the last one you'd want to have this conversation with.
[And finally, he brings up a third finger, making a set.] And third, well. You just gave it to me, didn't you? Odds weren't exactly stacked in my favor, handsome.
[She may not hate Azul right now, but part of her is still hoping he's at least a little nervous about his outfit. Because she's so ready to judge. And because it's funny.]
[He makes sure to leave work early because he has some shopping to do... By which I mean this boy has nothing arcade appropriate.]
[When Velvet arrives, she will find Azul is already there drinking coffee and in something arcade appropriate...this may in fact be the most casual thing he owns now.]
Oh, no. I wouldn’t say we are friends. We are in board game club together and we are both house wardens… His parents had me and some of our other schoolmates kidnapped for scientific research once.
[Watches him get up, but... can't really tell if that's an invitation to hear more, or if he doesn't want to be asked more about it...
But that only makes her more curious. For no reason, she's sure. Not like she's been anywhere near any kind of magical mental breaks she's perfect!!!!]
[stepping along with him, putting her almost-finished coffee on the game stand, and slapping quarters in that bitch, patting the buttons fast until she gets her preferred settings.]
Go ahead, pick your level and your difficulty and let's goooooo.
[To her credit, Velvet doesn't even look amused when he picks easy. She just stretches in place and waits for the round to start. It counts off the rhythm and then the intro to the music plays— but since Velvet chose a higher difficulty, more arrows appear for her and start a beat or two earlier.
She just grins, heavy shoes clomping on the pad when she starts stomping to the beat.]
[Velvet is pretty enraptured by the game, grinning wide with those sharp teeth and stomping on those buttons with ease. She looks over at Azul expectantly though, as if to say, Fun, right? Right??]
[Smiles, just a little, back at her before turning his attention back to the game. There is no flair since he's just getting used to it, but he does have a good sense of timing...of course]
[Score! Smiling means she is doing this social interaction right! Which she is not surprised by because she is clearly amazing and fun and cool! She can get back to dancing confidently.]
[She loves the challenge okay. Living on the edge.
...But more than that, dancing is actually fun. This game is actually fun. And maybe she likes the chance to show off how well balanced and flexible rageons are. It's just a perk!]
My, my! Such a fantastic claim! You should be careful though... You either have to make sure you deliver or someone might have a mind to take you to court for faulty advertising.
[Is this the shit talk of a highschooler playing video games]
And I'm prrrrobably not even from the same world as you. I mean, I've never even seen humans walking around before I got here, and anything we'd call a merman, well...
Then it works out you'd have a thing for Envy, doesn't it?
[Resting her... elbows? on the dance bar and resting her chin in her hands.]
But... as much as I love the idea of turning you green every time you see me— don't get me wrong, I really do— I'm pretty sure there's no reason to worry.
You can always pretend to be jealous, though. Makes me feel pretty.
[Batting her lashes. This is her idea of a joke maybe]
Well, I'm sure you're a man with plans. A man who likes to get things done on his own time.
And contracts? They're effective, but take it from me; they breed resentment. The longer the contract, the higher the possibility the contractee will do... anything to break it.
...but, allies don't have that... power struggle. When we work as equals, we're available to help each other reach our goals, to— to make our wishes come true!
And isn't that the best thing friendship can offer?
[this is definitely something people familiar with how friendship works would say]
[Answers on the first ring, voice even but curiosity and worry are evident despite trying to keep his tone even]
Hello, treasure… So you want to wait to tell me when you get here or do you wish to start talking now? At the very least I would like to know if you are all right.
[That greeting sends a warm feeling all over him, but sadly, it's not the time for that.]
I am fine. And Envy is... hopefully fine. We didn't hurt each other, but he has been crying. I may have miscalculated something between us and I had no idea I was making everything worse.
[Cradles the phone between his shoulder and his ear as he cleans up what he was working on. Wanting to give Nanami his full attention when he arrives.]
You two were talking? Where did you run into each other?
…thank you for that. It means a lot that you were trying to apologize. Not that I am suggesting it was for me, but… Nonetheless, I am happy to hear that part.
Why…did he feel rejected by you though? What happened?
I did feel like I had wronged him, and it's only right to apologize. I might have avoided it longer if not for you, but it needed to be done regardless.
He wants to date me. I wasn't expecting it, and when he told me I was surprised. I think the fact that I didn't immediately agree may have done more harm than I thought. But I couldn't just... I haven't even considered him that way.
Mmmm…I think both of you are not used to how the other communicates. So it is easy to accidentally step on each other’s buttons. Afterall, you two are similar in some ways, but quite different in others…
I can’t say I knew either, but I also don’t know how anyone could not be attracted to you.
Perhaps we should have you both start over? Forget everything you thought you knew about each other and go in with completely open minds. You can both have a second chance at first impressions if you sincerely want to.
I was hoping to clear things somewhat. And I told him I would take the time to consider what he wanted, but that was also the wrong answer. I thought we made some progress, but he was upset when I left. I didn't want to trespass in your bedroom.
Every inch of his room was full of you. I don't belong there, and you do. Being in your bedroom would have felt like I was violating your personal space. For both of you.
Neither of us would invite you if you were not welcome. Consider this an invitation from myself as well.
I don’t know about every inch, but…if it was too full of me, then we will add some of you to balance it out. We can shop for pillows you like or a throw and bring over some of your things.
I...don't think it's offensive. It could feel like a rejection though. And he's the sort of person who is ready to be rejected.
And of course it won't seem like your space at first. It didn't seem like my space either in the beginning, but I jumped in and changed it to include me. It sounds like he and I are both willing to make room for you to make it your space too. You just have to be willing to jump in and start adjusting too.
It seems like he isn't the only one who is ready to be rejected.
[Releases Nanami from the hug, opting to take his hand instead and leading him to the couch in his office. If Nanami is as observant as ever, he may notice Azul's tie color today is not his usual purple, but instead a shade of yellow.]
He is especially ready to be rejected by me. But I couldn't just accept a relationship with him without giving it some thought. So far he's seen me act impulsively more than just about anyone, but hopefully he can understand that I don't normally jump into things without due consideration.
... I can see about finding something to make it feel more mine, but I do think my issue was more with it feeling like something I'm not meant to see. Your private lives, that I've stomped into and ruined.
[As always he will go wherever Azul takes him. And he does get a chance to look him over now that they're settled again.]
Well. Do you want to try a date with him? I could either be there or not be there....whichever would be more helpful for you both.
And you didn't stomp into and ruin anything. I pursued you just as you pursued me, even if you seem to insist that I do not want you as much as you want me. You could stay over one night, just to see... Or we could stay in my room, since that's neutral ground. Neither of you has stayed in my room, so neither of you has anything there. We could all try staying in my room.
[Has a seat next to him, reaching out to take Nanami's hands]
You look very handsome today too, but you always look handsome.
I don't know. I hadn't thought of him that way so far, and a forced date could sour things between us even further. Even though I would like to get to know him better. He and Greed are similar in some respects, and they both deny how human they are. I should like to know the person he is, under all of the armor he puts up.
I don't know if having you with us would make things better or worse. I'm so over my head on this, I don't even know who to talk to for help. Still, I would be willing to try sharing a bed with both of you at some point. But every time I push it off to the future, I make now a little worse.
[Staring down at where Azul is holding him.]
I hope I look better than I did when you had to preen my wings for me.
I wish I was better able to give advise, but...this is so far beyond my little experience as well.
If you wish to try...it's just sleeping. I only sleep four hours a night, so if you decided you couldn't do it and got up when I did...it would basically just be as though you were going to work. He does not know what your schedule is like. If you wanted to try, but were worried about it going poorly, you would have an out at least.
[Brushes his thumbs over Nanami's knuckles]
I am glad to see you looking a little healthier. I was worried about you. I still am.
That might work out. I'm not sure what hours you keep in general, I tend to be up late at night still. So long as I'm not going to be upsetting your plans.
[He seems sensitive to that still, that his time and presence is in the way of other things. He would probably say 'better things' but he's wisely keeping that to himself.]
I'm sorry to have troubled you before. But why are you still worried?
Most of the clues are subtle....whether it's hesitation in your words or touches....a tightening of your expression....a little tiredness around the eyes....your body language going stiffer... Things like that. I wouldn't notice if I wasn't looking for them though.
You know me too well already. [It's almost a complaint, but not quite.]
I have genuinely been trying to get some perspective on things, I just don't know that my schedule for being okay and everyone else's line up. I need time to ruminate on things. I need to see my anger management coach. I need to get into some kind of routine so I can stop feeling like every day is a larger and larger challenge.
Sometimes I worry that my time here will be too short to do all the things I want, but rushing headlong into things just isn't me.
I'm not sure, like I said, I just need a little time to process everything. But I don't know if I'm the one you should be worried about right now. I think Envy may have taken things badly when I left, I heard glass shatter afterward and called you right away.
[He's wondering if he should have stayed and figured out what happened instead of immediately running off here.]
I'm sorry I've made things worse. I don't know what I'm doing and it shows.
You…and him…and me… We are all doing the best we can in the ways we know how. And none of us know how to make this better, but we are all trying. Doesn’t that knowledge already make it a little better…? I think…rather than charging ahead alone at the same time, in the same ways we always try to fix things….we should perhaps work together on this. Or else we really will be stuck.
[Kisses Nanami’s cheek before leaning forward, resting against him]
We all need to be patient with each other…and assume the best, hmm? As for Envy, are you sure you’re all right. I am taking care of you right now.
We do need to learn how to work together. Not just for the sake of work but for keeping all of this from falling apart. I really don't want to lose you.
[He wraps an arm around Azul to keep him close, even if it makes him feel guilty because he knows Envy will need the support more and soon.]
I'm fine. Other than being a little insulting about seeing my eyes he didn't hurt me at all. I shouldn't have showed him my cursed technique, though, he reacted poorly to it even when I tried to reassure him that I wouldn't cut him even if I could. He was unsure of how to cut the melon I gave him and I thought maybe I could help without the stress of having him give me a knife. But now he knows I can cut through things without a cutting edge and that will almost certainly make him less inclined to trust me...
[He's spiraling a little, in case that's the answer to Azul's question about if he's alright.]
[Wraps his arms around Nanami’s waist, setting his chin on the other man’s shoulder]
He is probably a little intimidated still considering what happened between you two.
That said, it sounds like he is trying to work through it. Just like you need time on some things, so does he. You’ll both get there, if that’s where you decide you want to be.
[Holds on a bit tighter to make his presence felt]
You’re not going to lose me. I trust us to figure out a way that we can all exist.
[Nanami's wing reaches out to wrap around Azul. Many of the feathers have already grown in, although it's easy to see where they're not fully grown out yet. But all the new feathers look healthy and in a few days he'll probably be back to his usual look.]
I know you've forgiven me for hurting him, but it's not forgotten by any of us. I just need to make sure I'm worthy of your forgiveness. And his.
And your trust.
[He smiles a little, it's hard to resist Azul when he's like this.]
Oh. Do you know what sorts of things he likes? I'm sure I can keep bringing fruit forever but I would rather find something that can occupy his time for longer than eating does. Art supplies, or books, or maybe a puzzle?
[Hums in thought, rubbing his cheek against Nanami's shoulder]
Hmmmm....what he likes.... I know he really likes his phone these days. Perhaps a cute case or charm for it? He is prone to almost breaking it, so perhaps one of those little straps so he can wear it around his neck?
He loves appearances and playing with his.... So perhaps clothing you think he would look attractive in? And make sure to tell him you think he would look attractive in them or that you want to see him in them. And mean it.
Perhaps something decorative for his room? He really is not prone to buying things, but he loves gifts. He's kept everything I have given him.
As far as hobbies....he does not really have any? He likes gifts, he likes experiences.... That said, if you want to introduce a hobby to him.... Perhaps something simple to start? I think he would probably get defeated if it was something that he couldn't do well right out the gate. He's very clever, so puzzles are not a bad idea. I enjoy board games... And I think he might too. That would be something he could play with Velvet and me or you and me....
That's helpful, thank you, darling. What would I do without you?
[He says that and really means it this time, he's feeling better than when he walked in and he has a better idea of how he's going to try and mend things with Envy.]
It's late and I'm sure I've already kept you too long. You should go home.
[It hurts a little less to think of it that way, to think of Azul being at home there with someone else.]
Come to my place. I will have room enough for you to leave whatever you'd like. I even got a TV not that long ago, and I haven't gotten much use out of it, still.
[It's evening when Nanami knocks on Azul's door, hoping he has the right place, they were supposed to spend the night together tonight and Azul's room is the most neutral place for them. It's not like he doesn't know where Envy's room is also, but he's assuming they're already here.
Nanami is carrying a couple of large bags with him, enough that it seems like he might be there for a long stay, but only one of them is clothes and necessities. The other is just treats.]
No, for real. [He holds his phone up and the time reads exactly when he said he would be here.] On the dot, even!
[Envy would get up to help but it looks like the boys have got it. So he stays right where he is, laying there like a lizard lump on the couch, both legs dangling off the arm. He could sit like a normal person but why would he do that when there's so much fancy couch to splay on?]
I happen to love your punctuality, thank you very much.
[Sets one of the bags down on top of Envy]
I cleared some space in case you wanted to leave some things here. If you would like to, that is. Same for you, Envy.
[Azul's room is, of course, in shades of purple with sprinklings of teal and seafoam as well as white and gold. All the ambient lighting in the room has the same underwater effect as his lounge, also in the same ocean-esque shades. Much like the lounge, the furniture in his room is either velvet or silk or quilted leather and the room as a whole lives in the same elegant space as most things Azul leans towards. Azul has a tidy desk, shelves of books and some decor...it looks neither bare nor cluttered. The most eye catching feature however is a large aquarium wall.]
No, no, I mean it! It's impressive that you're-- [OOF. Thanks, Azul.] --that good at time management.
[Sticks out his tongue at Azul while he picks up the bag and places it on the floor so he can get rearranged on the couch to sit like a normal person.]
So long as we aren't drinking, I don't need to keep clothes here. But I had some other things I was hoping to leave.
[He indicates the bag in his hand. The one that was dropped on Envy has some other things in it.]
I brought some ice cream from a shop in Heaven that is supposed to be good, and some cold brew coffee for the morning. In case we don't want to go out first thing.
[If Envy goes through the bag he will find no fewer than 12 flavors of ice cream in little pints. There's bound to be something in there they will both like.]
I....meant 'leave some things' in terms of...incase you decide you wish to sleepover some nights. That way you do not need to go all the way back to Heaven to pick up pajamas or a change of clothes. That sort of thing.
[Envy is pulling out every ice cream right here to check the labels because he has no manners. His eyes get bigger and sparklier with every new flavor.]
"Caramel Toffee Crunch," "Raspberry Cheesecake," "Belgian Chocolate" ....what does a Belgian taste like?
I know. My wardrobe is not a problem anymore. Although I did bring some... other attire. Things that are fun to put on and take off.
[He sets his other bag in the bedroom for the moment and comes out to check on the ice cream hunt. There are ice packs in the bag to help keep everything cool.]
It's a type of chocolate, usually considered higher quality. I hope there's somewhere we can keep the rest, otherwise they will eventually get soft.
That seems like a lotta work? I can walk next door and put it in the freezer in my kitchen? It's literally right there.
[He stops and looks around, realizing that this room actually... doesn't have a kitchen in it?]
Wait, why does my room have a kitchen and yours doesn't? What else does this room have that I don't know about? [He turns a frown to Nanami, fishing for sympathy.]
Can you believe this guy? Had a room like this the whole time and never let me in it! I can't believe he was using me for my kitchen. [smhing his head.]
Hey, come pick a flavor-- [Seeing Azul is stunned silent, Envy rises from the couch to come look as well. It looks to be fairly basic undergarments, and something made of leather, but it doesn't occur to him who or what all that may be for. Essentially, it's clothes. Hm.]
Oooh... [Glancing between the two of them, putting those pieces together and then rolling his eyes with a grin.] Azul, I had no idea you were so easy to fluster~ How cute. [Passing a knowing look up to Nanami before turning on his heel and heading back to the stacks of ice cream.]
Shall we wait on the desserts then? I can take them over.
[Passing a toothy grin to Nanami] You must look pretty good in that stuff if you managed to render that chatterbox speechless.
[Sighs and plops back down, since he didn't really get an answer from Azul. He decides he's gonna dig in to this toffee crunch stuff, but realizes he also... does not have a spoon.]
Damnit. [Drops his head back against the couch with a groan.] I've gotta go over there to get us some spoons anyway. Azul, do you wanna just share whatever I pick? [He always gets weird when it's time to have sweets.]
[He's not sure which direction to go, he wants to apologize to Azul, and warn him not to go through the toiletry bag just yet (he has lube in there) but he sends the two of them out and Nanami wants to give him a chance to cool down on his own.]
If you want to see for yourself what I look like in them, just ask.
[He's still not sure how to flirt with Envy, so there's not as much heat behind it as he usually has when he's flirting with Azul.]
There's more than enough here for him to pick his own.
[Heads out into the sitting area to join them after a moment, face in his hands to hide the shade of blue it has become. He absolutely looked in the toiletry bag.]
Um. Yes, please. Envy. I just wish for a bite or two. Toffee is acceptable.
[Envy eyes the angel, sizing him up and redressing him in his head, but then he realizes...]
You know, I don't think I've even seen you without a shirt on... [Tapping his lips thoughtfully with his pointer finger.] I mean, you were showing more skin at the beach, but I'll be honest... my focus was elsewhere at the time.
[When Azul re-enters, he has to wonder what the hell else he saw.]
...You good, babe? [And to Nanami:] You broke him.
Azul, are you alright? [He's a little worried he genuinely did break him. This was not the start he wanted to get off to and his posture is so straight and stiff as he stays fully alert for anything gone wrong or anything he can fix.]
Yeah, but I don't getcha blushing like that. Clearly I gotta step up my game.
[Squinting a little at seeing Azul sitting in Nanami's lap. Usually Envy is the one to take to Azul's, but now that this scene is in front of him, some other things are starting to add up. At least Envy doesn't look like he's exactly suffering from FOMO or anything, though. Just leaning back against the arm of the couch and taking in the whole picture with a content little smile.]
He's got it baaad for ya, Sunshine. [He snickers, nudging Nanami's thigh with his foot.]
You're cute enough and you get me in your bed plenty, it's on you to seize the opportunity. There is only so much I can do to set you up for success, you know.
[Reaches down to pat Nanami's thigh gently, leaning in closer]
It's fine, we are all playing and having a good time.
See? Even Nanami can tell how much I love you! And yet you so coldly do nothing to make me blush.
[He can hear them perfectly well, but he's just going to let them manage things how they do it and not interrupt. Besides, Azul is too damn funny sometimes. He's laughing, nudging Azul's knee now with that same foot.]
You little shit. [It's affectionate, like a normal person would refer to their loved one as "sweetheart" or "darling."] I can't believe you'd drag me right here in front of this perfect angel and everything! Your mentor, no less! You're never gonna get into heaven with that kind of behavior.
[He holds his hands up in surrender and then rolls off the couch to stand. Maybe he should give them some space for right now. Nanami is not cottoning to the vibe of this function so far, and Envy figures he's not helping matters trying to tease like he is.]
Alright, well. I'm gonna take the rest of these to the other room and get us some spoons. Did you pick a flavor you wanted or are you good, Nanami?
[There's a poof of glitter that dissipates almost immediately and in that moment Nanami goes from wearing his usual tan suit to a set of sikly navy blue pajamas.]
I told you I don't have to worry about my wardrobe anymore. Besides things that are fun to take off and put on.
As much as I enjoy having you here, I fear I might enjoy it a little too much if we're going to just sleep tonight. Despite how badly I might be handling things so far, you are still quite lovely. And the idea of someone else watching us is also sounding a little too stimulating.
[He resists the urge to smack Azul on the ass for that comment when he gets up. But he doesn't resist the urge to get up and follow him so he can watch Azul change clothes. He's not trying to be sneaky, if Azul really wants him not to watch he'll go.]
[Envy puts the ice cream away and gathers a couple of spoons, putting them near the door. He also decides to grab a baggie from his nightstand that contains many colorful gummy hearts, gifted to him by Velvet. They didn't do a terrible lot for him, because eating is basically dumping food into a void (and also why drinking doesn't work) so maybe they'll at least be good for people who do get to digest things.
The boys will have time to themselves for a little bit, because he's going to take his sweet time having a smoke by the window, figuring it would be better to let Nanami have this time alone with Azul to decompress a bit. Those tight laces of his are practically crippling the poor guy and Envy doesn't know how to handle it. He hoped after their conversation things would have become at least a little more comfortable for him, but... eh. It's not like Envy has any more of an idea how to navigate this than anybody else, so he's at least trying not to judge. Doesn't mean he's any less bummed by the reception, but things take time. Sigh. Oh well.
When Envy does finally arrive back at the room, he's dressed as requested in what would appear to be a lacy, flowy version of his usual outfit under a seafoam green silk robe. He's brought a bag of his own filled with a mix of clothing and treats, along with the promised spoons. After knocking, he pulls out his phone to pass time while he waits to be let back in.]
[Nanami goes to open the door, letting Envy in again and motioning for him to set things down and be quiet. He then gestures at Envy to follow him to the doorway so they can both watch. If Envy is willing to follow his quiet instructions he will get an arm wrapped around his waist from behind as thanks.]
[He keeps his voice quiet.]
Don't spook him, he's just getting to the best part.
[It is a lovely sight, isn't it? Envy has no qualms following Nanami's lead, even managing to keep himself from reacting in surprise when the angel puts his arm around him and holds him in place. He settles back against Nanami for the show and places his hand over the other's significantly larger one, a lazy smile on his face while he watches Azul dress himself.
Even with Envy as familiar with all of the merman's angles and curves, the sin simply can't imagine not being completely in awe of him and his form every time.]
How is it possible for you to simultaneously ignore me and be focused on me? Color me impressed.
[Hooks his thumbs in the belt loops, working his pants down slim hips before pulling on a silky pair of shorts. The pajama set he's wearing tonight is hardly scandalous by most people's measure, but Azul is not the sort to usually wear shorts]
[Envy also hasn't taken his eyes off of Azul, though even more than the embrace of a strong arm, the sin is finding himself most taken by the richness of Nanami's voice at this range. Maybe it's just the mood Nanami is in that's got him like that, but Envy could certainly stand to be spoken to like this a little more.]
I like the way you think, Sunshine. Maybe we... [Oh. Sorry, Nanami. Distractions. What a view.] ...should... Uh.
[Whatever else he was going to say is gone now. It totally wasn't important. What is important is losing all tact and loudly admiring the merman and his adorable nightie choice.]
What! Cute! Ugh, what the hell! [He takes Nanami by the hand to pull him further into the room, releasing him only so he can toss his arms around Azul's middle and nuzzle his face into his silky chest.] Azul, these are so nice. Did you get them for tonight?
Ah, Nanami, come feel how luxurious~. [He bounces around to stand behind Azul, focused now on nuzzling between his shoulder blades so he can give Nanami the chance to see and experience the ~luxury~ for himself up front.]
Do you like them? You look so comfortable in yours that I thought I might try something with a bit less fabric. I couldn't pull of what you're wearing as well as you do though.
[Chuckles quietly when he feels Envy nuzzling into his back, tilting into the little kiss Nanami leaves on his cheek]
[Peeking around Azul to blink up at Nanami.] Oh, sometimes! Most of the time it's just the shorts, but I didn't want to be the only one with his nips out, tonight.
[But then he scoffs at Azul, indignant on his behalf.]
Are you kidding? Do you see these hips? [Squeezing them from behind before moving up slowly, pulling the pajama top up along with his hands.] Your waist and these shoulders... you'd look perfect in something like this.
[He loves being acknowledged as cute, thank you Azul. He slips under the mer's arm and wraps an arm about his waist, peering up at the two of them with a smile most pleased.]
I would say we should all sleep how we're comfortable, but I don't usually sleep with any clothes on and I didn't think that would go over well. And yes, Envy looks... gorgeous.
[He reaches behind Azul to run his hand along the edge of Envy's bottoms. He's keeping it careful and exploring more than anything explicitly sexual.]
You both look very nice. I'm a little out classed here, you're both so beautiful and I'm- I'm like this.
[He gestures down at his otherwise very loose pajamas.]
Even if I change into something more form fitting, I'm never going to be able to match either of you for waistline.
["Gorgeous"? He's getting called "gorgeous" by Nanami? That's quite the compliment. Can he tell how Envy lights up at the term? He's practically glowing!]
Heh, I mean, you wouldn't hear me complaining... But I do think Azul would still end up the most clothed by bedtime... Which would be such a shame, because Azul is so very pettable. He has the softest skin I've ever felt~
[He pouts a lip up at Nanami even as his hands wander beneath Azul's clothes, toying with the waistband of his tiny shorts.]
I'd love to agree with him here, but I believe I'm lacking the necessary experience to make an educated guess~ I've only ever seen you dressed for work, and now this...
Thank you. [A little bit of tension flows out of him to hear Azul call him handsome. He's heard it before, but every time it's just as good as the first time, and it has the same soothing effect on him. Reminding him he's wanted here and appreciated.]
I suppose I can show you what I look like naked if you'd like. But I'd prefer if you asked nicely, or at least help.
[He means that as a little bit of a challenge. He doesn't want to be the one who crosses the line into something physical here, he wants to be invited to it.]
[Watching Nanami's face as Azul casually undresses him a bit, looking for subtle shifts in expression. This is a new environment to study him in, and he'd be lying if he wasn't delighted by the possibility of witnessing that perfect poker face of his falter.]
I love a game... Eeeven if asking nicely would be technically be faster... [Tapping his lips thoughtfully.] But I do also like high stakes—
Oh! That reminds me! [He pops up suddenly, taking his hands back so he can fuck off to the other room right quick. BRB!]
Mmm...perhaps truth or dare? Never have I ever? I also have a collection of board games. We could play Monopoly? It got banned from boardgame club, so I have not been able to play it in quite some time.
[Glances back to catch a glimpse of the ends of Envy's hair disappearing around the corner. Arches an eyebrow, curious, before turning his attention to sliding his hand into Nanami's night shirt so he can pet at bare skin]
Mm, he sounds fine... I guess we will see what he brings back?
[He skitters back a moment later with his bag in tow, tossing it and himself up onto the bed so he can rummage through it for whatever it is he's looking for. Out come various styles of stockings and straps, various pieces that Envy has stolen from Velvet's room, but most importantly a bag of heart shaped gummies in different colors and flavors.]
Alright, so. I cannot eat these, they'll go to waste if I do. It's basically an incinerator in here. [He pats his tum and cackles.] Nothing to digest, no fun. Soooo, I figured I'd get you guys to try'em out, especially since we're not gonna be loosening up with any spirits any time soon. Whaddaya say~?
[Wrapping his arms around Azul and picking him up. He only carries him as far as the bed before he's set down again so they can all look through Envy's new mystery bag.]
What... is all of this? What are you giving us that you can't have?
[Once he's set down, he'll crawl on the bed to settle behind Envy, arms going around the sin's waist and chin resting on his shoulder as Azul leans forward to look with Nanami...charmed that his lizard is absolutely a little klepto]
I could probably manage a potion that could have an effect on you, if you'd like. Not tonight, obviously. I'm hardly dressed for potion work.
[Grinning proudly with his spoils, he wiggles back into Azul to fit comfortably against his body.]
Ooh, put a pin in that. We will definitely come back to potions later. [His magical alchemist sea witch boyfriend is so talented and helpful, Envy is so blessed.]
They're gummies, babe! [He's positively beaming at Nanami, holding the bag open for him to take one. Clearly Envy has already imbibed something while he was away, because he's in a way chiller mood than he was when he left.] They'll get you a little silly, but they'll mmmostly just relax you and make you feel a little... floaty! At least, that's what I've been told. And I just think we could all use a little floaty, right now~
What sort....? All sorts, actually. Even if alchemy is my best subject, potions is right behind it. Even with the lounge and all my other businesses, I'm always in the top ten at school. When I have more time, I'm able to snag the number one spot from the one and only Riddle Rosehearts himself.
Potions though...it was the first sort of magic I started studying. My grandmother would help me after school... She was a tough teacher, but I learned a fair bit from her guidance.
[Tightens an arm around Envy's waist to keep him from wriggling too far away, otherwise relaxing against his back after one deep breath out. Shoulders nice and low with Envy and Nanami getting along so well like this. He will reach out his free hand to lace his and Nanami's fingers]
The potion I tend to spend the most time on is the one for legs. Potions that alter the body like that are highly controlled and regulated due to the dangers that could come from one being poorly made.
That said, because of that, the potion the twins and I need to live on land like this is extremely expensive. It used to be that we needed to take one every three days, but there have been advancements that we only need to take one once a week.
[While Azul prattles on (affectionate), Envy is fishing around in his bag, locating several styles of thigh high stockings and picking out his favorite to slip on while the others are talking.]
Top ten? [He whistles-- or at least starts to before he starts getting wrangled and put in his place as Azul's living plushie. As much as he loves to cuddle, he does have to remember that parts of his demon body are less suited for the task, so he must change that up before he forgets. Not wanting to startle Azul with the possibility of getting shocked, he leans forward just enough to make his horns disappear in a shower of red sparks so he can settle more comfortably in the curve of the mer's body.]
I always forget you have to have a potion to get legs. But, does that mean you have to do that, here? I just realized I've never seen you drink a potion about it.
[Nanami listens to Azul, nodding along. But as he watches Envy pull stockings out he gets distracted and fixates on that instead. He reaches out to help Envy get them pulled up all the way, gentle and careful with them.]
Top ten is impressive, although I should ask out of how many in your class. It's far less impressive to hear that I was the top of my class in technical school when you find out I was the only student of my year who survived to graduation.
[He's said it before he thought it through all the way and between the implication that Azul isn't as smart as he says he is and the dropping of his dead classmate in the middle of things he freezes up. Neither of those things are topics he wants to talk about and he is just struck silent, hands frozen where they were poised to help Envy fit the toe of the stocking to his toes properly.]
It's true that when you get to third and fourth year, quite a few students couldn't rise to the potential the Dark Mirror saw in them. However, second year is still quite full... And my excellence is not just limited to my class or my grade.
To be fair, I have been studying much longer than many of the students there. That is...my magic manifested very young. There are very few merfolk compared to land dwellers. And on top of that, even fewer develop any sort of magic. My mother and biological father were strong mages in their own right. Though my grandmother outclasses them by far.
[Reaches down to help adjust the top of Envy's stockings, before leaning forward and opening his mouth to receive the offered gummy]
As for the potion, I have not needed it since I died. You all had your natural forms altered upon arriving here....as did I. I do not miss having to take it, despite being expensive and complicated, it was still incredibly painful. There were many times it felt as though I was walking on glass.
[He can't help but wince for a second at Nanami's casual lore drop there, but he keeps his questions to himself, simply listening to Azul continue while his attention drifts from Nanami's frozen hand to the "why the hell did i say that" look on his face. He wiggles his foot in a silent bid to get his attention, as to not interrupt Azul and let Nanami know that He Is Seen, but he won't say a word.
When the fish finally stops to take a breath, he pops the gummy in Azul's mouth, settling back against him once everything is properly arranged.]
Eugh, that actually sounds like hell. You must have really wanted to be on land to go through all of that, huh?
[Nanami falls silent for a bit. It helps that Azul is happy to fill the silence but he's trying to get his head back together again. For a little while there he was feeling... younger. Like he was with different people in a different place again. And slamming himself back into his older, deader body is taking him a little bit to process.]
[He does go back to adjusting the toes on Envy's stockings but the movements are stiffer than they were when he was helping to put them on.]
[Unfortunately he also lost track of what Azul was saying.]
[Chews the gummy before speaking again, humming to show he heard the question]
I knew there would be a cost. Most merfolk don't want to live on land, but luckily there are a lot of resources for those that do. For example, the bootcamp I attended. There is also another organization that pays for mine and the twins potions for now in order to encourage more merfolk to try life on land. I like it on land... I do not particularly wish to go back to the Coral Sea.
[...reaches out to curl his fingers around Nanami's bicep, rubbing the other man's arm with just enough pressure to be felt...to hopefully ground him a little.]
[Envy has already started gathering things back into the bag now that he's found what he wants, and he was going to offer it to Azul to see if he was interested in becoming bestocking'd as well but it would seem there is a more pressing matter to attend to. He glances up at Azul with a "what do we do?" type look, brows knit in mild concern.]
[His eyes shoot up to the two of them watching him and he loses all sense of what to do. They're probably worried now and he's about to over-think himself into exhaustion so he just gives in and leans over, laying down on the bed next to them. He can hide his face away from them this way, but still be close by.]
[Envy moves from his place in Azul's lap so he can sit further down the bed and give them space. He's not exactly sure how to handle Nanami in this mood and he doesn't want to make it worse by opening his mouth and saying something stupid or unhelpful.]
[Digs in the bag before offering out twooptions for Envy to pick between for him, stretching his legs out toward the sin]
Let's see....my school is located on the Isle of Sages. Our rival school is on the same small island. And there is a little town between the two schools that we can go visit on weekends. I don't really go into town though. I spend a lot of time inside the school... I can't go home during winter break because it's too hard to swim home during that time. However, I have had the opportunity to go a number of other interesting places....by choice and against my will. Not too long ago, I was actually able to attend a red carpet movie premiere. Which is funny considering before coming to live on land I had never even seen a movie.
Nah, nah. I'm here. Azul's here. We're not goin' anywhere. [Aw, Nanami. That look actually kinda moved him a little. Envy reaches out to rub his leg above the knee, giving his thigh a pat and squeeze while he considers Azul's stock options. He points out the cream colored ones because they match his pink ones, and he's developed quite the affinity for matchies lately.]
A "movie premiere"? [It's times like this he remembers that he's so far removed from this universe's modern society where he comes from.] Velvet took me to see a "movie" but I don't know if it was a "premiere" or not.
That must have been exciting. You've already done so much in so short a time, you should be proud.
[The praise for Azul comes naturally, but it's a good sign that he's feeling a little more normal. He's watching this sock ritual and wondering if he's going to be getting them next.]
Premiere is what they call it the first time they show a movie in theaters for everyone. Unless the movie was made here in the afterlife, it's unlikely you saw a premiere.
Mm, Jamil and I were simply there as part of Vil’s entourage. Still, it was nice to receive the celebrity treatment. We had our hair, makeup and wardrobe taken care of for us.
[Wiggles his toes a bit before laying down as well, letting Envy maneuver his legs as needed]
[He gestures towards the bag and then towards Nanami, signalling him to pick his pair now while Envy works on helping Azul get his on. He scoots closer to the mer again and pulls his feet, one at a time, into his lap to tug the warm knit up his long, slender legs.]
Oooh, well, well. The prettiest, most famous boy at school is taking you around to do fancy famous people things? Look at you~
[He looks in the bag and doesn't end up picking anything out.]
I'm surprised you weren't the prettiest, most famous boy at school. Did someone else in your school manage to trick more people at once than you did? You're more than famous, you're infamous.
[Nanami puts his hand into one of the thigh highs and stretches it a bit.]
That's what I said, Nanami. How is he not the most gorgeous person there? And whoever handed off that title to that Evil guy clearly needs his eyes checked or something because he is blind if he can't see what we see.
[But now Envy is positively swooning at Azul's headcount of poor unfortunate souls, twisting around in the bed to flop down between them on his back, belly up like a cat. One of his legs drapes over one of Nanami's, counting this as inclusion much in the way an actual cat would.]
Ooh, tell us more~ What did you have them do for you~?
I think you sell yourself short, darling, there's no definitive ranking of anyone's beauty out there.
[Once Envy asks more more details he's back to listening quietly, it's easier when he's not feeling at ease with things to just let Envy and Azul do what they want. He doesn't understand why either of them are putting socks on at all considering they both deliberately dressed lightly. This is some kind of ritual he doesn't understand and doesn't want to ask about.]
I would offer to show you photos, but I have a feeling you would still disagree with me. That said… Of course I am more than a little happy you both think so highly of my appearance. If you both like how I look then I do not particularly care how I stack up against others.
[Laces his fingers with Nanami’s, holding one of his hands while he talks]
Oh, the usual, eternal servitude at the lounge. I offered to ensure they would pass with over 80 points and as long as they made it into the top 50 my help would be free…. They all failed to ask how many people I gave the same deal to. Most of them were bound to lose from the start.
[Envy cackles with delight, rolling over and sitting up to grab Azul's face and give him a big, almost cartoonish smooch. With the "Muah!" sound and everything.]
You devil, you~! I love how your mind works~
[Hmm, this is not the behavior of two people who think they should get into heaven, now is it... Have you been thinking about your feelings on monsters and criminals, Nanamin?]
[Chuckles quietly, reaching up to frame Envy's face and kissing him back with a little smooch~]
Mmhmmmm~ People never read closely enough. Though...for eternity is a bit of an exaggeration. I was kind enough to make it 'servitude until they graduate' and taking a special skill or ability from them as collateral.
[Sits up, crawling over to settle on Nanami's lap, before laying down on top of him, folding his arms against Nanami's chest before teasing gently]
If you are going to say that I expect you to say how we seem to belong together too.
[Envy rolls to face them, maneuvering under Nanami's arm to curl up against his side so he too can snuggle and also have a good view of Azul from here.]
I was gonna say, Nanami~ [He purrs, tilting his head up to watch him, drawing little circles on his chest.]
[Hums in mock thought, burrowing against Nanami’s chest more]
I believe they are all going to require movement. So, the real question is board game or party game? Truth or dare would require the least set up and the least explanation, if we were hoping to keep things simple.
[He jolts a bit with the squeeze, and Nanami might catch the sound of his breath hitching before he attempts to carry on like he wasn't totally caught off guard by that. When he has a chance, he will get Nanami back--]
[Eheh.] "Truth or Dare" does sound fun. Don't think I've done that one before~
[And of course he hasn't, it would require telling the truth and he hates that! But with this pair, perhaps it won't be so bad.]
The rules are pretty self explanatory, unless you want to get complicated with it. You pick someone, they chose to tell the truth to a question you ask or do a 'dare' which is usually a silly thing that doesn't hurt anyone. Like run around the campus in your underwear or something.
[It's clearly been a while since he played.]
[Azul might notice some little downy feathers on Nanami's chest.]
[He's surprised by how simple the question is... but maybe it is smarter to start off easy.]
Mm. [Grins and reaches out to tilt Azul's face up with the tip of his finger.]
This shade of blue. [He means Azul's eyes, and doesn't even realize that's probably the gayest answer he could give rn. He does not know it's his turn to ask, now.]
What are the consequences going to be for not doing it? I suppose we should have thought of that before as well. Because sometimes there are questions you don't want to answer and dares you don't want to take.
[Petting that lovely skin now that it's revealed.]
[Stares Envy down without blinking, this is war. It loses effectiveness when he starts shifting around as Nanami touches his chest, but the thought is there]
I was going to say the consequence of not doing it should be lose a piece of clothing, but none of us have much clothing to start with right now. So perhaps having to fulfill two truths or dares on the next turn without being able to skip? Or we could have some sort of restriction such as a blindfold or binding their hands?
[Grinning at Azul like he knows what he really is despite their own arrangement, but speaking only to Nanami.]
Unless you pitch your voice up a couple octaves and literally babytalk him like he's a puppy, I'm thinking probably not, Daddy, sir. [Sticks his tongue out.]
I... don't think he was. And Envy, you don't sound like you're flirting but you do sometimes sound like you wish people were paying attention to you instead of who they are paying attention to and that might seem like you coming on to them.
[He's fine being the bottom of the pile despite the two of them being heavier than they look. He can handle it, he's built tough.]
[Jumps slightly when his butt is pinched, but he’s starting to feel relaxed enough that he does not raise a huge fuss over it…though he does make a little yip sound that counts as a bark]
You had better not be flirting… And truth.
[Two unenthusiastic barks as he settles back down]
[Sits up slowly, biting down on the inside of his cheek and grinding his jaw to keep from saying the first thing that comes to mind. For a second he does look like he's ready to square up, but instead he merely slips off to their side, sitting cross-legged and defiant, glaring at them like some kind of weird, pissed off cat.]
[That's kind of you, Azul, but he's not going to come slinking back just yet. Things were all well and good until he was perceived too clearly and now he wants to transform into a flea and disappear into the carpet.]
You're supposed to say some nice things to him because he needs to hear them. Because we all need to hear nice things from the people who love us. And because it's going to be a long night if we can't figure out a way to make this work.
[He's putting on his best adult voice for this, please accept his peace offering.]
Like how I like your laugh, and I like how cute it is when his tail twitches when he's happy about something.
[Crawls over, shirt hanging open since SOMEONE undid all his buttons, arms going around Envy’s neck and climbing onto the sin’s lap]
Baby don’t be like this. No one is judging you. We’re all just having fun, okay?
[Presses little kisses along Envy’s jaw]
I like how excited you get sometimes, you light up completely. I like the cute way you hoard little trinkets in that bag. I like how long your hair is and how I can wind it around my finger while we’re falling asleep. I like how it feels to hug you, I always feel safe and comfortable holding onto you. I like how very clever and bratty and sweet you are… well, sweet to me anyways. I can keep going.
[These are all very nice things to hear, though the only indication it's working at all is that his shoulders are starting to relax just slightly. However he is now avoiding eye contact with either of them, very pointedly staring off towards the fish floating in the aquarium across from the bed.
This is also soothing, and harder to remain mad at. None of the fish in this room pissed him off, including the one on his lap.]
Yeah, yeah... Laying it on a bit thick there, but I appreciate the ass pats all the same. [He says, punctuating the statement with a pat delivered to Azul's behind before he starts trying to wiggle out of his grasp.]
Now get back over there before he starts thinking he was right or something. [Making a shoo-ing hand motion.]
[Before Azul can get in the way Nanami leans over and gives Envy a kiss on the cheek.]
[He wants to say something about being right, because he is. But it isn't going to help the situation, so instead he takes the W where he can and keeps quiet about it. There's so much effort here all being hidden behind his usually fairly inscrutable face.]
[He knows you think you're right, Nanami, and he knows that's why you're not sorry. >:C He keeps his gaze averted, shifting it away from the angel and his "calm baby down" smooches. He knows what this is! He's been that baby for years!!! Except he's not a baby! Shut up!!!]
Gak--! [Can't believe he got sneak attacked by face chomp, but sits there and accepts it anyway, puffing up his cheeks defiantly though they deflate pretty quickly.]
[Sorry Azul, he has to lean away to grab his bag and dig around in the front pockets for his phone. When he's sat upright again, he hands the phone to Azul and levels Nanami with a challenging glare similar to the one earlier, though this one reads even more like a dare than before. Bite him, Nanami. Do it.
When they pull up his search history they will find a number of things, though they are mostly benign.
"what is a belgian" "nice things to call a man" "dancing fruit video" "what is minecraft" "fancy man gifts" "mommy bakes you cookies asmr" "wood soup asmr" "what is asmer" "azmur" "azzmerr"
And when Envy gets close enough to take it from him, he's going to bite the cheek Azul hasn't already marked. And whether Envy can feel it or maybe just sense it, but it's a lot harder than how he bit Azul. He wants the mark to stay a bit.]
[Nanami out here hitting him with the triple wombo combo of suddenly changing his clothes with a glitter show, giving him a hilarious and vexing gift and then biting him hard on the face. Envy doesn't even know which to react to first!]
Gnngh–hey! [And now his face is fully red and it isn't just from the bites.] Ah– wh-what the hell— [Gathering his new buff green son to his chest, he pouts somewhere between confusion and gratitude.]
Wh-what is this— how did you... Where did you... WHY did you— [He doesn't know how to react!! He may just combust!]
It was cute, like you. And kind of a lizard, like you. And buff, like you. It made me think of you. And since you have broken a couple of phones I thought this might help you hang onto it better, that strap part goes around your wrist.
[And because he honestly worries about having been too strong with the bite.]
[Really, he is fine. However the damage wasn't extensive enough to require repair, so those marks may sit there for a while yet. But now he's focused on getting this strap on his phone, turning the whole device around to look for a place to attach it. Leave him be, he will figure this puzzle out, it's for enrichment.
Despite how much he wants to stay in the pouty mood he's in, it's hard to stay grumpy with this silly little buff guy looking at him. ...Also the phone strap is pretty funny too.]
...You really think this guy looks like me? [He doesn't know if he should be offended or not, but he thinks he looks so silly he can't even really be mad if he does.]
Oh, right-- Uh. [Kind of distracted with Nanami touching his face like this... And he's been called cute, so that's enough to tide him over... for now.]
Ah, uh. Well. I guess. Truth or Dare for you, then, Nanami. [Flicking short glances up to him and back to his gift a few times, unable to maintain eye contact with him this close.]
[Aww, it's cute that whatever it is Nanami is about to pull out makes Azul so nervous... he doesn't get like this around him.]
...Mmm. [He begins to recline, humming to himself in thought until he's propped up on his elbows and stretched out, crossing his legs at the ankle.] I should make him do it by himself, in front of us. Set to music or something. Reverse strip tease.
But I could be benevolent, too. What do you think, my love~? Shall we help him? Or make him work for it~?
[A slow smile spreads across his face, pleased both by Envy’s use of ‘benevolent’ and also the teasing. He crawls over to climb onto Envy’s lap, practically purring]
I wonder… I am not feeling particularly merciful right now. If you ask me, I would make him work. However, it is your dare for him…
Alright, if you two want to make a show of it... but I may still need help with some things I can't reach for myself.
[He gets up and makes a show of slowly unbuttoning his shirt the rest of the way and taking it off. He steps out of the shorts too and he's not wearing anything under them. He lets them watch him rummage for new clothes totally naked and ends up with a nice pair of black lace booty shorts and a lace top that he puts on as slowly and teasingly as he can.
There are garter belts and stockings in there too, but he's going to need assistance if they want those on too.]
[Okay, well. It doesn't take very long to see what got Azul all hot and bothered about him. He's truly, magnificently sculpted and seems to be more than aware of the effect it has on at least one other in this room. On top of that, lace looks very nice on Nanami and he can certainly appreciate that, though Envy is taking this time to map out the angel's form from every angle he can get from here. He can multitask...]
Mm... My, my. I don't know what you're talking about. Your proportions are incredible; I'm not so sure why you were so concerned about matching our waists. [The sin purrs, one hand idly tracing Azul's waist as he speaks.]
[Leans into Envy more, trying to repress the color rising to his face even as his breath hitched when that hand traces his waist]
My taste is perfect...I have the two hottest boyfriends in Hell, afterall.
[Clears his throat a bit, alternating between not wanting to stare (to be polite) and wanting to stare (obviously). His eyes follow Nanami's hands, watching as he pulls on each piece before his gaze lands on the stockings and garter belt.]
I believe he is forgetting a couple of things, however.
[It's too late that he realizes he has just offered himself up to the two hungry predators and he may regret it. But this is a good bonding activity all the same.]
Do you want me on the bed...?
[His voice is deeper than he intends, but that might just be because he realizes exactly how that phrase came out.]
[Envy flips his hair over one shoulder with a wink and a kiss in acknowledgement of that little compliment as he readies the stocking, pre-gathering the delicate fabric and kneeling at Nanami's feet. He will begin when Azul is ready.]
[Curls his hands around Nanami's calf before kneeling to the floor slowly, giving his leg a gentle squeeze before sliding his hands down to his ankle and leaning in to kiss his hip]
[His hands are gripping the comforter on the bed for support as he lets both of them move his legs where they want. It's overwhelming and intoxicating at the same time and his wings spread wide behind him happily. And they're not the only part of him that is showing real interest in getting him properly dressed.]
I can't tell which of you is the worse menage right now. It's a solid tie.
[Cackling with delight, taking that as a compliment as well. Nanami really is very cute, especially when he's enjoying himself. The appeal wasn't unclear before, but it becomes more obvious the more time he gets to spend with him why he's got so many people trying to climb his tree. This little pose of his, complete with the evident arousal and wanton expression is quite appealing to behold.]
I'd apologize... but I think I'd have to be sorry, first. [Humming as he works the stocking up and over his knee, really getting to take in the mass of this man's unbelievable thighs. If Envy ever knew tact, you wouldn't know it, because he's squeezing those hocks as shamelessly as ever.]
Wow, you don't skip leg day, do you? Why do you hide all this under those stuffy slacks--
I prefer to keep them a secret. Or don't you like surprises, jewel?
[That seems fitting for Envy, and it means he has a gem and a pearl here. His leg jumps a little when it's bitten and he doesn't bother trying to hide the wanton sound it ring sound of him.]
[He's struck, okay... no idea how to handle someone other than Azul talking to him like this. So to distract himself from the dokis he's gonna finally focus on getting that garter around Nanami's thigh...]
Says someone equally precious and deserving of care.
[Carefully attaches the stocking to the garter before catching sight of Envy’s expression. His own expression softens in response as he leans in to close the distance between them and press a little kiss to the corner of Envy’s mouth…fighting the urge to try and curl around him]
[Is... Nanami... giggling. For a second, Envy forgets that he's under an influence and has to wonder just what about "martian refrigerators" are so funny to him specifically that he's making that fucking noise at all.
[He trusts them enough for some reason to open his phone and just hand it to Azul. His phone is organized well and everyone's names in it are their actual names.]
He's the security dragon at the bar. He's a smartass, but he's fun.
[Takes the offered phone and looks through the contacts for this Fearless' number. Clearing his throat before dialing the number on his own phone. Calling~]
[Envy is still sitting on his lap, so completely confused by this whole ordeal. He's missing context for the entire joke, but all he knows is that it's absolutely cracking Nanami up and the giggles are contagious. Envy's laughing too, but really he has no idea why.]
[Happily watches them both become giggling messes before setting his phone aside and leaning in so he can press a kiss to each of their cheeks. Hee hee.]
I assume that was good enough to fulfill the dare?
Envy gets tugged back with Nanami when he falls back onto the bed, a small yelp and "oof!" leaving him when he hits the mattress. But then it's right back to laughing, splaying out next to the giggling angel.]
Mm, that would be the one. Though, that wasn't my impersonation of him. That said, I could do one, if you would like sometime.
[Presses a kiss to the center of Envy's chest before sitting up......and blinking a bit as he realizes again that his shirt is open, reaching up to slowly and carefully button his top]
He likes to squeeze... That is, he helps bounce any troublesome guests from the lounge. Which...considering the nature of my side business, we run into quite a few. The business of granting wishes attracts the sort that want a shortcut and those type tend to be terrible about owning their mistakes.
[Scrunches his brow a bit...it takes a bit more focus to come up with an idea right now, but he will cuddle against Envy as he works on a possible 'truth']
How about...why haven't you asked a wish of me yet? You made such a fuss over having me at your beck and call to grant your wishes, but then you haven't bothered to make a single one.
The other twin is Jade. He is my vice house warden...so, you could say he's my right hand man of sorts.
[Smiles slowly when Envy looks away, a purr escaping his throat. Starting to feel quite good, quite relaxed, giving gummies to an octopus is probably fine.]
I don't want to trick anyone or hurt anyone, I don't know that I have it in me. But I do have it in me to disappear. It is the worst thing I could think of doing, and I certainly wouldn't want to do it.
[From his spot on the bed, he sticks an arm out toward Azul, not willing to get up but reaching for him anyway.]
I think you mighta spooked him, yeah. [Rubs at his face.] Sorry, maybe I shouldn't have asked that. But, to be fair, I figured you'd say something silly like "see what it's like to be a woman and stare at my own tits for an hour" or something.
[He goes quiet for a moment, and when he speaks again, it's low, uncertain.]
No, I wouldn't disappear. That would break my heart and yours, that's why it was the worst thing I could think of. I can see breasts whenever I want, that's not so bad.
[He hesitates a little before turning the questioning around on him.]
... Is there a reason you don't want any wishes from him?
[He initially chuckles at that reply, reaching out simply for contact, but draws his hand back at the question.]
...No. [He frowns a little, rolling onto his back again and staring up at the ceiling.]
I just haven't thought of anything. [Which is kind of true, but he isn't really sure how or why. It definitely sounds like there's more to it, but he's hesitant to share.]
[He swallows the strange lump in his throat and places his hand over Nanami's.]
For my abilities back? ...Yeah. I guess so. But that was a whole separate deal. We made two, that day. One for me to have access to his wishes, free of charge, in exchange for my... I don't know. Eternal servitude, or something. And another for me to have my powers back but only if I swore to never use his face.
Which was. Obnoxious. Because that was all I wanted.
Maybe you should look at the contract and see what it says, maybe you don't need it at all now. You're here of your own free will so Azul isn't obligated to grant you any wishes.
[He sighs, looking at Envy with that same sad look he gets sometimes when he is jealous of what Envy has with Azul.]
He would grant you whatever you asked for regardless.
You always look so-- [He waves his hands, gesturing nebulously] I don't know!
When you talk about him-- or about me and him, especially. You always get this look on your face. Like a kicked puppy or something. I don't understand it.
[He turns finally to look at him, brows knit with a pleading expression.]
Are you not having a good time? Am I doing something wrong?
There are many other circumstances in which Envy would have loved to take this opportunity to rub in someone's face that he was better than them at something. Hell, there was even a time that it was Nanami's face he wanted to rub it in, but now that he's working on developing and understanding his feelings about this human... It actually kind of hurts to know that whatever is there isn't being seen by Nanami at all.
What does he have that Nanami doesn't?]
I don't know. I wish I knew. I'd give it to you, if I could.
[His voice has gone quiet again, staring at nothing in his lap.]
No, I don't. I don't care about that. I never cared about any of that. You two could have kept doing everything you wanted to do, he never even had to hide you from me. It's not like he put a damn ring on my finger.
He and I-- We only belong to each other because that was our deal. I was never looking for a partnership or a relationship or even a fucking friend, Nanami. I've never had anything like this before, and I wasn't planning on starting to, then. I had my own selfish goals, and-- Shit. I approached him the same way I approached you. He didn't fight me, he somehow managed to deescalate the whole thing and I punched the ground and I felt better. And then... I don't know! Everything else just happened. It all fell in my lap. He fell in my lap, literally. I don't know why.
I don't know what about me does it for him, but he's the first person to ever see me as I am and want to keep me that way. [Ugh, why is it that every time he starts talking about this stuff, it makes his stupid face wet?] I've never been loved before. I don't even know what it means. I didn't ask for it. Which sucks more, doesn't it? For you, I mean. All the hard work you put into getting him to fall for you.
[He hates this. This is the part that makes him regret the whole deal.]
I'm sorry it didn't happen like that for you. I'm sorry something so important to you had to be wasted on a cretin like me. You deserve it. You deserve him, more than I do. You actually knew you wanted to be with him. [He shakes his head, wiping at his face haphazardly and sliding off the bed to his feet.] It isn't fair to you that it played out like this.
[He gets up after him and wraps Envy up in a hug. It hurts far more than he expected to see the sin cry, and he feels terrible for making that happen as well. Even though it's not a good time to apologize for it.]
I put the work in because I wanted to, and I would do it again without hesitation. Now I'm seeing that I need to put more work in with you, to make things even, to get you to like me.
[He feels a bit more sober now, which makes things easier.]
I can't address everything you've said, I don't know anyone's heart but my own, and sometimes even that not as well as I should. But I know you deserve love. And I want to do my best to give you love as well, even if I'm admittedly not that good at it. I don't exactly have a fantastic track record of relationships myself.
[Envy freezes, not prepared for the contact in any capacity. He still isn't used to having another person try to touch him, much less attempt to embrace him. He's glad he doesn't try to push him away, since that would send the wrong message-- he doesn't want him to stop, but he doesn't know how to move forward, either. All he can do is hold onto Nanami's arms, hoping that enough to tell him he doesn't want him to go anywhere.]
Who said I don't like you? I've been trying to show you that I do, but... I don't know. I guess I'm not doing it right. I mean, you see how I talk to Azul, it's not exactly romantic. I don't know how to say all that stuff... it doesn't come naturally to me. And I'm afraid if I try, it's going to sound... fake.
[Hears the talking in the room die down...that is either a good sign or a bad sign. Either way, he finally opens the door loudly to let them know he's returned. He steps out of his slippers and heads into the bedroom]
He had something he was going to say, but the sound of the door startles him and his stupid lizard brain into remembering that it was, in fact, in the middle of g-ing the f out of here for a minute. He slips out of Nanami's grasp and disappears into the bathroom, closing and locking the door behind him.]
[Does a homunculus even need to use a bathroom? Who knows. He's just waiting out this awful feeling in his chest and making sure he doesn't look so puffy when he's ready to go back out in a minute.]
[....sets aside the ice cream before climbing onto Nanami's lap. His arms drape over the other man's shoulders before reaching up to pet at the back of his neck]
It's new for all three of us, isn't it? I'm sorry too. I wish I was more experienced, so I could be of more help for all of us. That said...you're doing your best, aren't you?
[At this point he doesn't know what the best course of action is. Either he goes out there and ruins a perfectly good time because he's not really Feeling It Anymore, or he stays in here and has to listen to them move on without him.... potentially still ruining a perfectly good time when they do eventually remember he exists.
He eyes the small window above the tub and considers simply turning into a bird and flying the fuck out of here altogether. It makes him sick to think that he's let these people get under his skin like this. He's not even supposed to care! Disgusting. Ugh.
Maybe he should go. It sounds like they're moving on quickly. He steps into the tub and reaches up to start fiddling with the lock on the window, annoyed with himself for deciding to be so tiny all the time.]
[The sin takes a last look at freedom before resigning himself to whatever humiliation is certain to follow and exits the tub to check himself in the mirror one last time. It takes a little more energy than he wants to use, but he can at least instantly freshen himself up when he needs to. He looks like nothing was ever the matter by the time he leaves the bathroom, simply regarding the two with a curious brow when he takes in the scene before him.]
Hah, is that right... Guess we should do something about that, huh.
[Crosses the room to be received, burying his face in Azul's neck and wrapping his arms around his waist. His skin is refreshingly cool against Envy's warm cheeks. He will help with the undressing after a moment.]
[Sorry, Nanami looks serious at least 90% of the time. But he is getting a spoon and eating some of the ice cream Azul brought straight out of the carton.]
I'm here in lace underwear and thigh high stockings, I am clearly up for just about anything.
[The ice cream is pretty good, but he's having a hard time focusing on that with Nanami looking at them like this.
Ahem. Let him just. Look real hard at the ice cream now.]
I suppose that's true, too. [No, Envy, take the control back, don't let him fluster you!] Though I guess the mess I was thinking of making of'em can't exactly be washed out...
[Okay well that actually sounded more ominous than he meant, but he's not changing it.]
[Sputters around his spoon and sharply turns his head away from the both of them. They can assume his face is about as pink as his shoulders and they would be right.]
.......I could switch. [That isn't a very "top" sounding answer... but he can't just admit that he lets Azul dominate the fuck out of him. That makes him sound pitiful! Or something!] If the situation called for it.
[Nanami is definitely making some assumptions right now, but he doesn't want Envy to lock himself in the bathroom again.]
Azul, I should probably ask you the same thing. I know I tend to take over when we're together, but I'm a much more enthusiastic switch than some. [Sorry, Envy.] I'm used to topping because most people expect it from me.
[Hhhh... He hates when Azul does this. And by "hates" he means "knows he's going to buckle and end up horizontal in approximately two minutes and enter a state of bliss in three" which wouldn't be so bad if it didn't make him feel like a soft, weak little thing so easily manipulated by his own body--]
L-listen, I did plenty of topping as other people! I just-- I haven't done it since I got here! [He has his reasons, okay!!!]
It's perfectly fine to have preferences, and if you want to try I think it can be arranged. I don't particularly want you to rip my nice underwear off, though.
And Azul, I'm happy to give you the opportunity to try something new as well, if you want.
Do you want to though? There is quite the difference between doing something and preferring something, you know.
[His laughter gets lower, nuzzling along Envy's jaw and pressing on his chest for him to lay back on the bed before slowly kissing his way down the other's throat then chest sweetly, setting aside the spoon so he can run his hands along Envy's sides]
[Yep, Envy knew it was coming and he is doing absolutely nothing to stop it. He's on his back and can already feel his pulse and his breath quickening as Azul delivers his affections slowly down the length of his body.]
I-- ah. [He can't believe he has to answer that question.] H-hah... I-I've b-been just fine with this arrangement... [Because he can't bring himself to say how he really feels about it or else it's going to make him sound worse than he already is.]
[Setting his own ice cream and spoon aside and settling in behind Azul.]
Are you really asking me, pearl? Because I won't say no to you any way I can get you.
[His hands run down Azul's sides in a mimicry of what he's doing to Envy. Using one of his knees to push the sin's legs open further as well. They need more room if two of them are going to work here.]
I'm glad....because I happen to like our arrangement too. If you wanted to try something else though, I would be willing to try it if that is what you wanted.
[Tugs down on the hem of Envy's pajama bottoms so he can press a kiss just below his navel. His breath hitches slightly when Nanami's hands find his waist.]
I am happy just being with you both. For once in my life, I am not too worried about the details.
Y-you know it's ohh--only because I'd go too hard on you--
[Swallows the little whine that tries to escape when Azul tugs on his shorts, trying to keep himself together now that he's having his legs nudged apart. And seeing Nanami there is a whole new level of embarrassment... He's gonna see how pathetic Azul makes him!! His reputation, ruined!]
[Easing the hem of Azul's shorts down until he can get a decent section of cheek to bite, hopefully not hard enough to hurt, he gives it a kiss after regardless.]
I've never seen a true tsundere in action before, this is delightful.
[Screws his face up in a frown-pout combo, glaring up at the both of them.]
I don't know what that is or what language you're speaking but I know you're both making fun of me! I'll kick both your asses, I don't care how pretty you are!!
[Big talk from the tiny guy on the bottom of the pile, he knows, but dammit!! Rude!!]
I promise I'm not making fun of you. Besides, if I was, I seem to remember that's a way you show affection, so I should be able to give it back to you as well.
[Working on getting Azul's shorts entirely off now.]
Pearl, you didn't happen to go through my personal bag while you were putting things away, did you?
[Immediately stops laughing to wonder if going through the personal bag was considered snooping-]
[-it absolutely is, isn't it? And lying is bad too so-]
Fufufu, come now. You would not actually fight either of us over a little affectionate teasing. Nanami is right afterall.....getting to tease you in return is only fair.
[Huffs and deflates, because he's right. He won't fight them, even if he wants to wipe those smirks off their faces. He turns his head away and pouts, unable to come up with a proper retort. He's been got.]
[Getting up to get his bag out of the drawer and pulling a couple of things out of it. He waits to see where Azul is going before he gets back on the bed, he doesn't want to interrupt something important.]
[Looking sheepish for a moment before he nods and sits up a little more to kiss him again. It's almost like grounding, comfort-seeking or whatever, but Azul's presence seems to do a lot for evening him out when he gets anxious like this.]
Mhm. ...What about you? [He's been a touch concerned about getting him all the way undressed, since it's not exactly Azul's most comfortable way to be around others, but he's not entirely sure if Nanami got that memo.]
[Bumps his and Envy’s noses together lightly and kisses back, gaze softening further at the concern and consideration from both him and Nanami. He reaches back with one hand to take Nanami’s, wanting to touch both of them.]
It’s a lot, but I’m fine. It doesn't feel as stressful as usual right now…. Besides, it’s something I want to work on.
[Rumbles a bit, frustrated in more ways than one, though only Azul will be able to feel why. He sits up a little more to get Nanami's attention, motioning for him to come around to their side.]
[Coming over to the side of the bed as requested, trying to keep a hold of Azul's hand as he does. He's not sure what's going on, but he trusts them both enough to know it's not going to be bad at this point.]
[He gestures a little more emphatically for him to lower himself, just enough for Envy to grab onto his shirt and tug him down for a deep, hungry kiss.
You know, for good luck. Or something.]
Sorry, I've just been wanting to do that. [His tongue peeks between his teeth as he falls back onto the bed, satisfied.]
[Is sure to send Nanami off with the slightest sting, nipping his bottom lip as he pulls away, then turns to give Azul similar treatment-- equal smooches for everyone.]
[Lays down next to Envy, reaching out to start working the buttons of Nanami's shirt open. Did he just put this shirt on? Yes. Is it immediately getting pulled off again? Yes.]
[Why does it fluster him so to be called such a petname... He likes that it matches with Azul's, but it still so... hhhh.
He sits up, not wanting to back down from the offer (or the challenge) and arranges himself best to finish what Azul has started, taking the opportunity to really get his hands on Nanami's enviable form. He almost looks like a kid unwrapping a Christmas gift, eyes practically sparkling in wonder.]
Jeez... You're so-- Wow. [Eloquent, yes. Forgive him, he's in awe. His brain has clocked out.]
[He is blushing now, embarrassed at the attention and a little put out that he has nowhere to hide. And since Envy is undressing him he definitely can't hide just how happy a little bit of praise makes him.]
[Sliding the shirt off his shoulders finally, spreading his fingers across his collarbones and down over the swell of his chest and completely unable to resist giving him a squeeze.]
Ooh, they're softer than they look~ How cute. [Chuckling low in his throat, his expression nigh instantly becoming one of mischief. Drawing the tip of his tongue over the points of his fangs, he flicks his hungry gaze from Nanami's generous bosom to his handsome and pink-cheeked face.]
Soft and cute... Makes you wanna bite it. [But he won't. Not without ~permission~. Wouldn't want to take things in a direction Nanami might not enjoy.]
Mm...I find myself wanting to bite him more than I care to admit.
[His gaze had been following the path of Envy's hands against Nanami's skin, but he does flick his eyes back up to look over Nanami's blushing face appreciatively]
And....while a blush looks incredibly charming on you, there is nothing to be embarrassed about. We are simply admiring you, treasure.
I'm not all that used to being on the admired end of things. And you're both welcome to bite me so long as you're not covering me head to toe. And also as long as I can return the favor.
[He reaches out to run his fingers along Envy's arm and then over to cup Azul's face.]
Or is it only bites to the face that are affectionate under the ocean?
You've gotta be lyin'... people admire you everywhere you go. Are you really so busy looking for trouble you can't even see the way people look at you~?
[Leans into Nanami’s hand, nuzzling his palm before turning his head slightly to bite down just below his thumb. This absolutely counts as an answer, right?]
I have mostly tried to keep people away before, but no, I haven't noticed how people look at- ah!
[The bite interrupts his thought process and he gets cut off there. His hips thrust up into nothing of their own accord, he's not trying to move them.]
[What a fun reaction... And bless those poor panties, they're barely containing him as it is. Envy chuckles and hooks a finger in the waistband and tugs just enough to free Nanami from the confines of his much-too-delicate prison, eyes widening when he really gets a good look at what the accountant has been packing this whole time--]
Well, I can say I certainly intend to put you in my mouth--
It wasn't a complaint. You're welcome to put your mouth wherever.
[Sitting up as directed. He is staying passive since it seems like both his partners have ideas for him already. But he can't help running his hands over them where they're closest.]
[He waits patiently for Nanami to arrange himself, taking this time to admire the view and let Azul direct for now, Envy will fall in line once he's got Nanami where he wants him. Still, Envy can't believe how easily Azul handles the angel-- that or how well Nanami minds him. He figured the dynamic would be very different between them...
But then again, he shouldn't be surprised. Azul is rarely ever not in control of his situation... at least, in Envy's experience. It's admirable, really, in a terrifying sort of way.]
I admit, I've been quite curious to see what that mouth can do.
[Sits up on his knees and slides in behind Nanami, encouraging him to lean back against Azul’s chest once the mer is situated with a slim thigh resting on either side of the angel’s hips. Azul’s arms wind tightly around Nanami’s waist as he peppers little kisses along his shoulders as a reward for his compliance.]
Careful what you wish for, darling. I rather like this bed so I expect you both to do your best not to break it.
I will be delighted to get a taste of you too, darling, but I seem to be at the mercy of a benevolent merman at the moment. I'm sure when he's done with me it will be your turn.
[And then Azul mentions not breaking the bed and he manages to blush all the way to the tips of his ears.]
...I'm sorry, I have to know what you can do that will make me break a solid piece of furniture. I will be sorely disappointed otherwise. Ugh, Azul, you didn't tell me he had you out here breaking things.
Nothing to be sorry for, it was absolutely worth it. And even if it wasn’t, I am not about to be mad at you over a desk.
[Shrugs slightly, which Nanami can feel from this close. Azul’s fingertips trace over the line of Nanami’s ribs and abs idly before sliding his hands up to cup the angel’s pecs]
It was my fault quite honestly. He made me forget to be careful.
Ugh, I don't know which one of you to be more jealous of~!
[Settles on his knees between Nanami's legs, stroking his hands up and down along Nanami's inner thighs, the heels of his palms work along the muscle there in an idle massage/grope combo.]
[Blushes to the tips of his ears at the blunt way Nanami announces it, pinching his chest for that one even as he rests his chin on Nanami's shoulder.......blush deepening as he watches Envy.........and promptly pinching Nanami again for Envy's heavenly comment]
Darling, will you allow it~? [His hands move higher up the thigh, thumbs slipping into the dips where leg meets groin, touching and rubbing everywhere around the area, but not yet paying him proper attention. It's too much fun watching him twitch and jump, half-restrained by those panties.]
As long as we pick something that isn't your bed, of course~
[Presses a lingering kiss to the crook of Nanami's neck, mouthing there gently before scarping the barest edge of his teeth over the curve of his shoulder]
That said....bed or otherwise...Anything you two break, you will be paying to replace.
[He chuckles low in his throat, finally dipping down to pay some deserved attention to his growing impatience, nuzzling and mouthing the underside of his length through the lace of the panties before he finally goes to pull them off all the way. Envy knows he has a task at hand that is quite literally begging to be completed, but he can't help but stare for a moment.]
Jeez-- I guess you have to have a titanium ass to handle that thing, huh.
[Snickering as he curls his fingers around the base and begins a slow stroke upward and back again, humming a sound of appreciation for the thickness and weight of his blessings--]
That being said... I'll be terribly disappointed if you don't wreck me with it. What's the use in being so gifted if you won't use it to its full potential~?
[Presses a kiss to the spot just behind Nanami's ear before nipping at his earlobe. Azul sits back on the bed to give himself enough room to trail his fingertips down Nanami's back, tracing the shape of his shoulder blades and down his spine before leaning in to press another kiss between his wings.]
Though...I do always say I reward those who ask for what they want, don't I?
[A tentacle glides over the curve of Nanami's hip and between the other man's legs]
Are you sure your ass is up for the challenge? I don't want to be too hard on you the first time...
[There's a happy sound when Envy finally gives him some real attention, even better when he admits he wants to be wrecked. Clearly, he's up for it, in every sense of the word.
But even Nanami isn't prepared for the sound he makes when one of Azul's tentacles reaches between his legs. There's a gasp that turns fully into a moan and his whole body pulls in and then relaxes all at once.]
[Hmph!] My ass can handle anything you throw at it, big guy. [Buuuut.... Since everyone here knows what happens when you press the big red buttons on his back, he figures he should set this rule before they get started:]
Shoulders are off limits, though. No cheating~! Pure skill only.
[He hopes he won't have to repeat himself, but poor Nanami might not have his listening ears on when he's busy getting tentacle teased. Oh well, Envy is much more interested in getting more sounds like that out of him...]
Aaah, Azul, he's so cute when he's needy~ [He's so cute that his cock deserves a kiss right on the tip, complete with a little "muah~!" for effect. But before Nanami can complain about the teasing, Envy is sure to pick up the pace on his stroke, hoping to distract him from the demon's shenanigans.]
[He doesn't understand what that means, he isn't thinking in terms of where Envy is weak. He's also deeply distracted by everything that's happening to his dick at the moment.]
Ah, Azul! I- [That's all the words he has for the moment. His brain has checked out.]
My, are you already so far gone? [Purred low and hot against his flesh before he drags the flat of his tongue from base to head.] You can't even recall how you got me to bend over for you the first time~?
[He can't help but laugh, watching Azul lovingly strangle this poor guy's dick and seeing him lose his mind about it. He sits up on his knees for a moment and sweeps his hands back through his hair to tie it all back properly. There's an odd sort of sparkle in the sin's eye while he watches the angel writhe below him, like he's come to witness something truly awe-inspiring.]
[Leans forward against Nanami’s back to have a better view of Envy putting his hair up…and to also bend the taller man forward a bit so another tentacle can slide over the curve of his ass even as the one around his length suctions on lightly]
[He is far gone and still not entirely there with what Envy means.] Why would I hurt you? Do they hurt just to touch? I wouldn't... [He trails off, unaware he's left his sentence half finished.]
[He moans low in his throat and reaches out, stopping before he can grab Envy's shoulders and taking hold of his sides instead, trying to pull him forward for a kiss.]
[Before he gives Nanami that kiss he wants so badly, Envy is sure to take a quick pit stop to thank Azul for his compliment with a smooch of his own. It might be a minute before Azul gets any attention from him, after all. This of course leaves Nanami sandwiched between them for a moment, the sin's own excitement made evident now that it's pressed against the angel's belly.]
They don't hurt to touch, no. In fact, it can feel quite nice. [Returning his attention to Nanami, he slips back to dip down and finally press that hungry kiss to his lips, careful not to nip too hard when he pulls away.]
To be fair, there is a fine line between pain and pleasure... but that's why it's off limits altogether... [Another kiss, more teeth to illustrate his point.] If you mess around with me like that, you'll have such an unfair advantage~
[Smiles into the kiss and, when Envy breaks away, he'll turn his head to press another little kiss to Nanami's temple....possibly as a distraction as the tentacle resting on the curve of his ass starts to sneak lower, sliding between his cheeks]
[He's unsure at the moment whether that means he should touch the points on Envy's shoulders or not, because he is making it sound enticing. But before he can untangle that Azul distracts him worse. Unconsciously he spreads his legs open further and pitches his hips up, all to help the tentacle get as far in as it wants. The hands he has on Envy's sides grip harder and he barely manages to let go so he can grip the bed cover and hang on to it for dear life.]
[He sucks in a sharp breath at the grip on his sides, exhaling it in a laugh when Nanami finally gives up and looks for something else to dig his fingers into-- poor thing~
While Azul's tentacles work their magic, Envy decides to finally get to work on his own contribution to the angel's undoing. He settles back on his knees between Nanami's legs and dips down to draw the flat of his tongue across his head, licking away the beading pre at the tip with a lascivious groan of satisfaction.]
'Please' is a good start, but you are going to have to be far more specific than that, Na~na~mi~.
[Reaches up to grab Nanami's chin, turning his face so Azul can get a proper kiss as his other hand slides along Nanami's chest, soon joined by an additional tentacle curling around the man's waist and chest]
[Hopefully Azul doesn't actually expect an answer because he is being fully overwhelmed with input at the moment. Envy's tongue running up his length is enough by itself to stop him thinking for a little while, but being wrapped up in tentacles all over is pushing him off the edge and into full on overwhelmed.
One of his hands manages to release the death grip he has on the covers so he can pet Envy's head while he works. The ponytail will make a nice handle, but he doesn't need that just yet. Mostly he's trying to chase after more kisses from Azul while he's still faced toward him.]
[Azul can absolutely tell Nanami knows he has won, but he is not about to admit to the loss out loud. The folded arms and popped hip do not help him look any less defeated though.]
[Comes back after a while, two glasses in hand, placing coasters before setting the drinks down. With that done he turns his attention to reaching out and helping remove Nanami's jacket]
I made sure to have a bottle for you in my last room. I was not sure that would get moved over considering Heaven and all, but it looks like you're in luck.
[...tilts his head to catch Nanami's mouth in a kiss after the other man kisses his cheek, while they're kissing, he reaches up to lower the hood. Exposing a delicate golden halo floating behind his head and a pair of wings appearing from his head, one wing appearing from behind each of his ears and wrapping towards the front, tinted a slightly deeper shade than his hair in a subtle ombre]
I cannot be blamed though. The way the flush of your skin highlights your features is irresistible. I am only so strong, you know. Though you are no longer my teacher, shouldn't you set a good example for me?
They've gotten softer since I've been here, I don't swing my blade as much and I don't have the same thick callouses that I used to because of it. Not that I'm complaining, I like that my life isn't in danger roughly once a week. But I could probably stand to practice more.
[He's smoothing his fingers through the feathers on both sides, subtly checking for any that are loose already that might need to be encouraged to shed so new ones can grow in.]
I don't know how you manage to make me feel special. But I do appreciate it.
[He's content to keep rubbing Azul's new wings. He can finally understand why people like doing it to him, he's only ever been on the other side of it.]
[It takes a little effort to keep himself still, he wants to let Azul take things at his own pace. One of his hands does shift down to pet Azul's hair.]
[Starts to bob his head, building a rhythm, hands still grabbing on tightly to Nanami’s thighs. He can’t take it all, but he’s doing his best to take as much as he can on each bob]
[His hand is starting to grip Azul's hair and he's being a little rougher now. It helps that he knows he can't thrust too far in if there's a hand at the base in the way. Knowing that he isn't about to choke Azul by accident makes it easier for him to let go more.]
[Continues to stroke Nanami through it, but keeps his head still. When Nanami finishes he’ll finally pull off slowly, neatly wiping at his mouth with the back of his hand to brush away the saliva on his lips]
[Patting Azul's leg gently, letting him know it's okay to move more. But he's not speeding his pace up at all. Like he's waiting for Azul to ask for it.]
[Breathes in and out quietly, breath hitching every now and again as his hands grip the comforted and his knees flex, trying to abate the feeling a while longer and maintain the lazy, comfortable level of arousal]
[Humming a little as he goes deeper, trying to get some nice sounds to reward his efforts. It's always a treat when he can get Azul to make noise for him.]
[If he wanted to tease more he could ask for a 'please' with that, but he wants to reward Azul for telling him what he wants. So he does pick up his pace. And as a bonus, he massages a knuckle in the sensitive spot just behind his balls.]
[Gasping a bit as he tugs on Nanami's hair, trying to hold it together a while longer and ultimately failing as he spills down Nanami's throat with a series of breathy gasps and moans]
[Even if Azul doesn't nap, Nanami might doze a little. He's been working hard today, and probably needs to skip work for more reasons that just spending the day with his boyfriend.]
even if he didnt text me, i still knew from the second you sat down across from him at that game party that there was SOMETHING going on between you two
no way in hell you two just like games that much :|
[...Maybe he should consider actually listening to the rules of those games Azul likes so much so he can do something Azul enjoys-- but that's neither here nor there! He's mad!!]
Of course it's important to mention. If Nanami had *his* true love from *his* world show up, wouldn't you want to know?
Really. If I seem more passionate playing them with Idia, it is because he poses a challenge. It makes the game more interesting and exciting to play against someone with who there is a certain level of difficulty.
Yes, but 'true love' is a much different level from 'schoolmate who I have a crush on'.
You also know I'm clever enough to know a good thing when I see it, right? And you, my dear, are a very, very good thing. Would I be foolish enough to risk that?
[Huffs quietly, cradling the phone with his shoulder against his ear to free up his hands to mix another drink]
You do realize, despite crushing on him before I died, I never acted on it. It's not as if I'm going to suddenly act on it now. Besides, even if I were the cheating type, it is not as though he is interested in me. Nothing is going to happen when only one party is interested, you know.
[There's a loooong silence here where Envy is weighing the pros and cons of accepting this decidedly noncommittal delivery of Azul's alleged commitment to his current partners... He knows there's a good chance he means it, but this is too easy. There have to be loopholes Azul is looking to exploit--]
You always get what you want, Azul. It's something I've always found most fascinating about you... So, you'll understand if I struggle to trust, that just this once, you won't. There was no moral quandary in acquiring Nanami when you wanted him. So how do I know this won't end up the same?
Nanami was different and you know it. The circumstances just happened to be that I was growing closer to you both at the same time. It was far from a planned move.
[Reclaims his seat on the couch, quiet for now other than the quiet tap of his fingers against the glass]
I would love to offer you a little....insurance. However, I am not exactly sure what would be considered sufficient in a situation such as this.
[Sighs, leaning against the wall in the hallway of one of heaven's many corridors. He was just on his way to meet up with Velvet so they could go swirly the nerd... Now his plans might have to change. Dammit.]
And really, there's not much to do on your end. I mean, I was just going to solve this by eliminating the competition... You know how it is.
Instead of destroying my schoolmate, how about we go on a date? We can get dressed up, go enjoy a nice evening, whatever you'd like. I'll even let you pick what we do...as long as Nanami and myself do not get too sloppy. In which case, we might want to move date night to tomorrow.
Nanami is already pretty sloppy. We might want to reschedule; you have enough of a mess to clean up tonight as it is. Plus I'm about to meet up with Vel, so.
[Sighs, still pretty disgruntled.]
You know I only have to fuck with him the one time to get him to not be a problem anymore, right--
...I know. He's not the problem though. He didn't do anything, I'm the one with the attraction, so I'm the one who is the problem right now. So, what can I give you to make up for that? Would you like to match more? Get my love for you in writing? Give you one of my hearts?
Though... Humans get matching rings and make matching promises and still find their way into other people's arms, you know. Nothing but time is a guarantee.
I've never had something of my own before. [Idly kicking at the carpet.] And now that I do, I still have to share. [One could probably hear the eyeroll--] You can imagine how difficult that already is for me. What with the jealousy and all. Adding someone else to that would just make it worse.
Oooh. It has been awhile since we went together... [He laughs and rolls his eyes, totally ignoring that weird feeling again. That's where they met, after all... Gross.]
I gueeess I can be good. [Snickers not unlike a certain hyena.] Though I thought this was a "make up to me" trip and not a "be good" reward... Hm, hmmm... I guess that I get two treats~!
Hmm. Well, alright. I just wanted to make sure you weren't trying to lull me into a false sense of security to punish me for threatening your boy, there. [Laughs!] Not that I think you would, but I'm certain you could, which I love about you, of course, but would not really be looking forward to as much as a lovely beach outing~
[Which is maybe not entirely true, he kind of wants to see what it would take to get Azul to kick his ass, but not enough to piss him off to make it happen on purpose--]
The only people I consider myself responsible for are mine and myself. To tie myself so closely to someone as to be responsible for them…something that committed and intimate surely makes two people each others’.
[SLAMS in to the office, looking a little... rough. It's a miracle that door stays on its hinges, actually. ]
When the phone makes that god-awful "DOO-DOO-DOO" sound when you've called someone and it says "The number you have dialed has been disconnected" that's not because someone has blocked you, right?
[He does not seem too concerned about your decor unfortunately. He stomps on over to the desk, rattling the books and baubles on their various surfaces.]
Velvet! She hasn't answered her phone all day, and she wouldn't come to the door! I tried to break in but it wouldn't budge. I don't know what the hell her deal is, but it's starting to piss me off!
[It's a casual thing, to attempt to break in to your bestie's room when she's not answering you. Definitely not something he's so concerned about that he'd go straight to breaking shit to quell his worries-- ]
Do you think she's mad at me? Or... [The inevitability has always been there, it's inevitable. They came for her brother like this, too, just whisking him away overnight. But Envy doesn't offer that possibility, for fear that speaking it into the air could make it real.]
I mean yeah she would, but!! I don't know! We shit talk each other all the time! It's our "love language" or whatever!! [That isn't what that means, but Envy is still learning, okay.
Flopping over the edge of the desk, draping himself across whatever free space is available, turning the biggest, most pathetic pout Azul's way.]
She wouldn't be that mad at me without me knowing. [Sniffle]
[Azul will receive the same automatic message... The number is completely disconnected.]
I mean, she started acting kinda weird after her brother disappeared, but I thought she was getting better. [Closing his eyes and sinking into Azul's touch with a sigh.]
...Maybe she got the offer and took it, too. [But why does the prospect of that... suck? So bad??]
....maybe she's just on a trip to check on him? Her phone is disconnected...but that does not answer things for certain. And certainly not in any real detail.
You can't just "go check" on someone that's gone. He's not here. She got kicked out of his room in Heaven because it wasn't his room anymore, because he's gone.
And now I'm kicked out of her room because she's--!!
[He shakes his head and pushes himself up off the desk, moving to instead perch on the edge, his back turned to Azul so he can wipe his face in peace.]
Ugh. Greed's gonna be so pissed. [Let's think about how this affects other people and not how bad it sucks to lose one of the first people you could actually call a friend!!]
...It was bound to happen. None of this is supposed to last.
[Stupid eyes! Stupid weird pain in his chest!! Why did he have to be the crybaby of the family??? This sucks!!!! ]
...I guess it's a good thing. She can be alive again, with her brother. I know she missed him. She missed home. [But she liked it here, too. She liked being able to be herself. Now she's gone back to her world where she has to keep pretending to be something else? That part won't be easy for her... but then again, there's no guarantee she would recall the life she led here at all... And that part hurts more than he'd care to acknowledge. If only his body weren't already doing it for him.
He pushes the heels of his palms against his eyes, hoping that if he cannot will them to cease their persistent weeping, he may be able to force them to stop.]
...What about you. Do you miss home enough to wanna leave? [Be careful, Azul. Right now, there is a right answer and a wrong answer--]
[Azul knows him well enough to respond with the meat of the answer Envy wanted, but his evasion of the question itself does not go unnoticed. Saving that for later, Envy slips off the edge of the desk to move to Azul's lap instead, burying his face in the crook of the mer's neck.]
You better mean that. [It would have been a threat if he didn't sound so tired.] If you left without me, I'd find a way to get there just to kick your ass.
I would expect nothing less than a thorough beating.
[Allows Envy onto his lap without any fuss, arms immediately going up to wrap around his waist as he leans in to press a kiss to the skin of Envy's shoulder]
And I do mean it. You are mine and I am yours and that makes us a set now.
[Laughs, despite his pitiful sniffling. It still makes him nauseous to think that he's become so dependent on this octojerk, but by now he certainly can't imagine anything else. There's a part of him that wants to be defiant, to say "I'm fine by myself, it's not like I NEED you or anything, baka" but they would both know he'd be lying.]
You're damn right. Stuck with me now.
[He's quiet for a few moments, searching his mind for what he wants to say next, and finally settling on:] Man... Caring about people sucks. Why would someone put themselves through this on purpose? [Obviously not talking about he and Azul, of course, but not quite done processing the fact that his first real friend has left this realm--]
The highs are so high and so good, but the lows, the loss...[Shaking his head.] This is why I don't get attached to people, you know. Like, if you got taken away from me... I'd just raze heaven and hell to the ground. They'd have to make a super-hell and super-heaven just to have somewhere to put all the cherubs I'd roast--
[It's probably hard to take threats of violence coming from a sniveling lizard boy but it's still pretty obvious that he means it.]
[Hums in quiet agreement, idly doodling little patterns against Envy's back with the tip of his finger]
That was no small part of my overblot... You can only control others so much. Caring is the riskiest investment of them all for that reason. The return is high, but so is the risk... You could lose it all at any moment for any number of reasons and there would be little to nothing you could do about it.
[The corner of his mouth quirks up slightly despite the somber nature of the conversation]
I must admit. I would love to see what you would do....but not enough to leave. I'll have to settle for my imagination.
[His hand immediately stills for a brief moment before continuing the little backrub, glancing down to watch his hand slide over Envy’s back in a bid to seem more nonchalant than he actually feels about this topic]
That’s a rather long story. Are you sure you want to hear about it today?
[Puffs out his cheeks with the smooch before plopping down in Azul's seat and kicking his feet up onto the desk.]
So is "overblot" an embarrassing mermaid thing or something? Sounds like something an octopus does when it sneezes-- [Envy can you not be irritating for two seconds.]
[Nips at Envy's cheek before heading into the lounge proper to get tea, calling back over his shoulder]
It is not an "embarrassing mermaid thing". It is something in my world that can happen to anyone who exhausts their magic. Overuse looks different depending on the individual's magic, but it is tied to emotions as well.
[Bristles a bit but accepts his tea, moving to perch on the desk so Azul can have his seat back.]
I don't care about that. [Huff. Maybe he does, but that certainly isn't the whole issue.] And isn't this all besides the point? I said tell me something I don't know. Like what the hell happened during your "overblot".
[Has a seat in the chair, before dragging Envy back into his lap and picking his tea back up]
Yes, yes. I am getting to that now...
[Takes a sip of his tea]
Like I said....overblot happens through essentially an and/or situation of magic overuse or an accumulation of too many negative feelings. It is a sort of....magically berserk state, I suppose. A mental and magical break.... The mage's appearance changes and a creature appears alongside them that is slowly sucking the magic from them. In most cases, this leads to the death of the mage. Very few mages historically have survived overblot.
[Digs his pen wand out of his pocket to show to Envy]
It is called overblot because as we use our magic, these stones start to become blotted....a sort of warning to slow down on our magic use.
[Such a description would likely concern normal people, but Envy is neither normal nor a people. Instead his mind swims with all of the nefarious possibilities that could come of a "magical berserker state" from someone like Azul. The "death of the mage" as a possibility does worry him just a touch, but--]
But you survived it. You never cease to amaze me, darling~
[He coos as he peruses the pen, fighting the urge to snatch it right out of his hand-- that's probably a rude thing to do, right? Once he's satisfied with what he's seen, he leans back again, bracing himself with one arm against the desk while he sips on his tea.]
Mm. But you're normally so cool and collected; I can't imagine what could have possibly gotten under your skin enough for you to lose yourself like that.
[Ah, well, that's certainly one way to do it. Messing with a man's business is no joke, and the deals Azul makes (or the "wishes" he grants) are his lifeblood... Not that Envy can really sympathize with that-- he's seen what money does to people. It's just minerals and paper that people assigned a value to that they will shed blood and tears for in order to obtain... ridiculous. Perhaps that house warden had some kind of point to make; in the end it all turns to dust anyway. And then the agreements, the "contracts" are just words. Intention behind those words can change at any time. No one is truly bound to uphold either end of a bargain if they simply decide those words don't matter--
But that's not what Azul needs to hear right now, so he'll keep all that to himself.]
What? How in the hell-- what for? Disgruntled signee mad he didn't read the fine print or something?
[Chuckles quietly, reaching up to run his fingers through Envy’s hair, combing out any knots, before starting to braid it idly]
I did get manage to get him into a contract as well…I am sure that was secretly no small part of his motivations. Not that he would admit that out loud. I doubt his pride would allow it…
[His hands still briefly as he thinks back to his overblot before starting up again]
Well. The reason he gave was his naps were being interrupted.
What did they sign that had them fussy enough to tattle on you to another house warden? [And specifically to the one they assumed could do anything about him in the first place? Must have been bad--]
[Continues staring for a long moment, but it's clear the gears are turning somewhere in that lizard brain of his.
He needs to consider the context-- reminding himself that he's dealing with a guy who is still in school despite everything about him reading like a late middle-aged man in finance (silver hair, glasses, suits, a cane-- pretty much the whole look minus wrinkles.) Which means all these deals were made with other students, not just random human "customers" out in the world.
Stupid, short-sighted, gullible kids that would rather make a deal with a sleazy conman before doing any work themselves...]
...hundreds of people made a deal with you, giving up their talents and freedom..... For school? What do you get for landing the top 50? Cash? A new car? Because if all that's just for bragging rights then those idiots got what they deserved.
Well then I don't get what their problem is. A good score is a good score. I mean come on, it's not like working for you is hard. It's just until they graduate, and then they can have their freedom and talents back, right?
I think that other housewarden was being unreasonable~
You cheeky little shit, how fine was that print? Surely there had to be something in the wording... I'd never be dumb enough to give somebody my talents in perpetuity.
[Says the guy who has done exactly that.]
You're a greedy little thing, aren't you. [Purred as he cups Azul's face to give it a little squish and wiggle. Using the same tone one would when "scolding" their spoiled pet.] Keeping everybody's talents for yourself. That's not vewy nice.
[Scrunches his face a bit when his face starts getting smooshed, gently prying at those hands]
It's only fair that I make something out of the deal, isn't it? And if they are so ready to give it away, then surely they did not appreciate it nearly enough anyways.
[Huffs out when his face is released, rewarding the nip with one of his own to Envy's cheek]
I did nothing wrong. I merely provided a service and my costs were quite clear. The only thing I should have done differently is better accounted for something or someone above my power levels to try and do something about it.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
tothosewhobait) wrote2024-05-23 11:44 pm
[idk its gay chicken so we will see, here is a warning anyway]
"To the letter"~ [Envy purrs from his splay on the blanket, stretching one set of arms up and out above him, the others flopping out at his sides, lounging like the lizard he is in the sun. So unbothered.]
You're so demanding for someone so desperate.
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Desperate…?!
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Mhmm. Just look at you~! You want me to make a deal with you so badly~! There must really be something in it for you, huh~?
1/2
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And? Isn't it natural to want to work together with you? I think there is really something in it for both of us, afterall.
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So, that means I can have you!
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Why not?
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I'm not a guppy. I see neither of us is going to budge at this rate. Can you just tell me what it would entail or is it just that you want to win and have not actually thought that far out?
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For now.]
I told you. I want you to grant my wishes. Multiple. I want to be able to come to you with a desire, and have you fulfill it.
[He places a pair of hands on Azul's thighs, his fingers idly tapping one claw after the other in sync. But there is no change in his expression, nothing to indicate that he has anything on his mind other than the business at hand.]
At no extra cost than whatever you decide you want from me. Like you said: "equivalent exchange." So, think about what I can do for you, and I'll do it.
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His tail swishes behind Azul.
Fucking up that blanket again.]
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Well, let me think. [And he begins to count off on his fingers...] I was basically made to be a right hand man, I'm a great listener, I'm a problem solver, I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty, I'm- well, I used to be a master of espionage, but I'm taking a bit of an unwilling sabbatical from that at the present, but that's neither here nor there.
[Looks down at his hands, squints.]
Oh! Right. I'm a pacifist, but I'm not afraid to kill someone. I'm a pretty good driver, I'm not afraid to take certain risks, I'm adorable, I'm actually a decent cook- [Yeah, it sounds like he could go on forever. Maybe you should stop him.]
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…Isn’t that just a boyfriend, but with the added perk of occasional assistance with murder?
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[Eyes darting around like he can spot a good answer flying around above them somewhere.]
Uh-...
[Blinks and purses his lips.]
[Opens mouth...!]
[Closes mouth.]
Hm.
[Crosses his arms and lifts a hand to tap his cheek.]
Is it?
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In fact…is there even anything you can actually think of that you want? Or are you simply out here making deals because you enjoy arguing? Your talk a big game about having me at your disposal, but do you have any idea what you would even do with me?
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What part of "have you at my disposal" are you not getting? It means "Have you around for the foreseeable future-" [...wait, no, clarify that.] "-until I have a good idea. And also after. For when another good idea arises."
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So did I "fall for it" or did I just get you to admit you're a scam artist? [Laaaying back on the blanket again, crossing his upper set of arms behind his head while the other taps along on Azul's knee.]
And on the off-chance that you do have legitimate power, I'd have you contractually obligated to be on my side~ Seems like a win-win to me...
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You absolutely fell for it. And you did agree. You made an offer and all I have to do is accept. A verbal agreement is still an agreement, you know. Unless...you realized too late and are trying to do damage control?
[Lowers his lashes as the corners of his mouth turn up slowly, the smug grin obvious even in his voice if Envy cannot see it on his face from this close. The longer lock of hair falls forward to brush against Envy's cheek as Azul tilts his head to talk quietly right against Envy's ear, pushing closer and pressing them chest to chest.]
Either way, it will be me who wins. It's all right though, afterall....I am a master scam artist, right? So, try not to feel too bad.
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When it doesn't arrive on the mouth, but instead the ear, he's able to take another (albeit shaking) breath, and mentally gnaw on Azul's words. There's no way he's lost. He didn't lose, he can't.]
A- [Hm, wow, his mouth is so dry, suddenly.] A verbal agreement means nothing. It's "He said," "She said," it's- it- it would barely hold up in court.
[Maybe he is trying to do damage control. The other option is to accept the reality that he's made the agreement to be someone's murder!boyfriend in exchange for the possibility of having his wishes granted, and-...
and that just can't be!]
I- I have to sign something. I'm not agreeing to anything without signing something.
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That can be arranged.
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Goddamnit. Of course the witch can summon scrolls at will and shit. Fuck!]
I- Wh. How.
[Growls and waves his hands.]
No, no. This. That- that wasn't. This isn't how this is supposed to work.
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And we're back to the benevolence.
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...what?
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[Stands up carefully, pausing for a moment...he's been kneeling for a while and even if his legs don't hurt here, old habits die hard. Once he's confident his legs won't give out he starts to brush off whatever sand has found its way onto his clothing]
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He hums, doing his best to seem unbothered by any of this nonsense....]
So, have I lost my chance at benevolence?
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[Folds his arms and levels a stare at the back of Envy's head, not that it can be seen what with Envy on his stomach, but he's got that energy right now]
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Envy's tail slithers proudly on the blanket, wrinkling it further.]
Are you going to deliver on your end of the bargain?
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Also. You're doing it again.
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[He rolls over again and sits up, eyeing the mess he's made...
And doing nothing to fix it. He simply casts an expectant look Azul's way.]
But, that will require that you tell me what you are capable of. ...When the time comes, of course. I mean, we've got all the time in the world to find out what each other can do, don't we~?
[He sure is chill for someone who supposedly lost.]
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Then? What are you waiting for. Just sign right at the bottom.
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Oh well, that can't be terribly important. He may as well bite the bullet and sign. He takes the pen and jots his name [Envy the Jealous] on the line in perfectly beautiful, perfectly legible cursive... like he's had a long time to improve that skill or something.]
There.
[He hands the pen back.]
Are you happy, now?
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[Once the contract is signed and back in his hands, his posture and expression smooth out completely. Carefully tucks the scroll away, not going to mention the fact Envy didn't even bother to read what he just signed. It's better for them both if Envy feels he got the better end of the deal, afterall.]
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He has a wish in mind that he almost blurts right out, but then he reconsiders... Azul may not be the one he wants to grant that to him. So he will wait a little longer.
That does, however, mean that he doesn't have a clue what he wants right now.]
Great! So glad to hear it.
[Propping his elbow on his knee and smiling up at Azul most pleased with himself.]
So, what now~?
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Well, today is my day off...so we will start tomorrow.
[Holds out his hand expectantly for Envy's phone]
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Your "day off"? You already set up your "business," here?
[He stares at that hand for a long moment, not knowing what it's for. So after a beat or two, Envy places one hand in Azul's and flicks his gaze upwards to meet the other's.]
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[....well, he doesn't want to offend or embarrass him even if Envy can be a brat....so rather than pulling his hand away he'll hold out the other one]
Your phone. So I can add my number.
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Oh, yeah! Right.
[Don't ask how he produces it from his bike shorts.]
Here you go. [The screen is somehow already cracked. Don't ask about that, either.]
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Now we can get ahold of each other more easily.
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[Takes it back and peers curiously at the message... Hopefully it's not something terrible-]
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[Just stares right at him and smiles, daring him to say something]
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And instead pulls himself up using Azul's hand, also brushing sand off of himself.]
Well, I guess that's that, then, since you don't plan to "work" today. I guess I should let you get back to your day off.
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Oh? [Bringing his hand to his chest.]
Where's the chivalry anymore? I let you sit on top of me for hours and I still have to pay for my own drinks? Is that how you were taught treat your partners? You didn't even take me to dinner first. Unbelievable.
[He knows it wasn't hours and that he's still being a little shit, but he didn't see anything about that in the contract.]
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That said....
[Bows slightly at the waist, holding his hand out once more]
My apologies for being cold. I would love to have your company, if you'd like to join me.
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He stares at that hand for a moment, and then looks... pleasantly surprised.]
Well then, that's more like it.
[This is the closest you'll get to a wag out of him, his stupid gator tail swaying back and forth when he takes Azul's hand.]
It would be my pleasure.
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[As they walk a tentacle will grab the basket behind them, just out of view]
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Just Greed's place. The "Devil's Nest." I haven't bothered looking around Heaven, though. Seems a little... [Frowns.] ..."High End" for my taste.
Came straight here; wanted to see what the ocean looked like.
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What do you mean ‘what the ocean looked like’?
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[Looks a little uncomfortable, but. He's deciding he will be honest about his answer. For right now.]
I was "born" in a land-locked country. Never really traveled far outside of it, so I never got to see the ocean. Only ever saw it in books or on maps. Don't know why I'm surprised those never did it justice.
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That said. For all the ocean’s flaws….it is one of the most beautiful places you will ever go.
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[He glances out towards the sea for a moment, and then back to Azul for what feels like a much longer moment before he returns his attention to the path ahead of them.]
I think I could get used to it.
[Ew, what was that?]
Is this one anything like the one you know?
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[The tentacle sets the basket down on a beach chair before disappearing as they approach the main part of the beach]
What sort of drink would you like?
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Eh, I'm flexible. Surprise me~
[He'd not been much of a drinker before dying, so really he doesn't have a preference. Plus he's kind of curious to see what Azul thinks he'd like...]
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[Considers the list of seasonal drinks before raising a hand politely and ordering for them both]
Do you like sweet things?
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He also maybe is enjoying this whole... being treated thing. And since it's off the clock it's not necessarily an obligation, so...
They're just?? Hanging out?? Weird. ]
As long as it's strong~
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Very well then... Strong it is. Let me see what I can do about getting behind the bar so I can mix it myself.
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Ooh, I love a man willing to take things into his own hands.
[Snickersnicker]
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[Proceeding to walk behind the bar like he owns it and giving instructions to the actual employee about how they need to be more on top of restocking the bar, especially with their annual performance review just around the corner.]
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[Envy waits patiently, more than happy to spend this time learning the way the being known as "Azul" moves; fluid and precise in a way he's never in nearly two centuries ever seen humans be. The smaller things, like the way he gestures and uses his hands, which hip he favors when he stands idle, the tilt of his chin when he speaks- no, commands others—
It's infuriating that someone could simply exist this way and Envy has to work for it. The world is so unfair. The afterlife even more so, even taking his ability to play pretend...
Ugh.]
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[After sending off the employee off with a shopping list of supplies to restock as well as an order for new glasses (the ones the bar has are either too tacky or too plain), he'll turn his attention to gathering the ingredients he needs for Envy's drink. This may not be his lounge, but he moves around the little bar as though he owns it....perhaps the most comfortable he has seemed so far today, truly in his element. He talks as he works, hands moving as fast as his mouth.]
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Really, he is impressed at how well he's taking over this bar. Those poor idiots don't even know they're being duped! Yeah, he could definitely get used to this.]
Oh-ho, your generosity~ I see. Well, well. I can't wait to see what else you'll be so willing to be generous with, oh benevolent one.
[Innuendo? Entendre? A Threat? Who knows with this guy.]
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Glad to see you understand now. It will make working with each other that much smoother.
[He switches the shaker to one hand, leaning over to grab a glass.....and pausing to frown once more at the abysmal selection of drinkware....before selecting a simple tapered highball. He strains the contents into the glass before floating some mango liqueur into the glass with the help of the bar spoon for visual interest.]'
Afterall, we will be seeing quite a bit of each other. You and I. Try to contain your excitement.
[Garnishes with a sprig of mint and a slice of passionfruit before sliding the glass toward Envy. Folding his arms on the bar and leaning forward on them.]
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I hate you.
His eyelid twitches and Envy shakes his head, centering himself before he finally moves to take a seat at the bar and a sip of this beautiful beverage Azul has prepared for him.
It is unfortunately very delicious.
So much.]
Wow, you're actually pretty good at this. S'good. [Sip sip.] Mmbut, the real test is if I can feel it.
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[Leans forward on the bar more]
Well? That said, what do you think of the taste? Beyond ‘good’. Is it too sweet? Not sweet enough? The main liqueur is passion fruit. I made sure to add lime juice and orange bitters to help cut through the sweetness a little. There is also a splash of cardamom liqueur for depth.
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It's very... fresh. [Frown. Is that the right word?] It's sweet the way I like it, I don't know if others would agree, but... If I were a customer I'd be satisfied.
[Slurp]
But I think maybe... I'd need to spend a little time behind the bar with you to really know what you're talking about. I'm not exactly familiar with the modern options, you see.
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Well, that can certainly be arranged.
[Pauses briefly to direct the employee in putting things away when they return, though he does move to take half their load, setting it on the other end of the bartop]
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He's not really too concerned about what that something is, since he's a little busy following the lines and softened angles of Azul's body while he dodges and curves the employees to get to his destination. He's more graceful than Envy is... it may take some practice to really get down, but surely he'll figure it out one day. In the meantime, he will merely watch this fascinating display of finesse.]
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But he won't allow himself to get riled up again so soon. And not here at this cute little bar in Heaven.
Leaning in, he lowers his voice to keep their conversation from floating towards any would be eavesdroppers.]
What are you getting up to over there~?
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Hmm?
[He leans in with one eyebrow arched, also lowering his voice to match Envy’s tone, almost conspiratorial]
I wanted to test it.
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[He places his hand over the mouth of the glass after Azul is done pouring, drawing his fingertip around the rim.]
I know you're not talking about the drink.
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Well, of course. And what do you think?
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Really?
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[Tilts his head, raising both brows, then steals away the beverage for another drink.]
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You had me going for a moment there.
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You're fucking with me.
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[Snags the drink again while Envy thinks about that]
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On the one hand this could just be a way for Azul to get his ego stroked.
On the other, the idea that there can, in fact, be more beautiful creatures than Azul is... Beyond unnecessary and completely devastating.
Envy groans and rubs at his face, shaking his head.]
I'm just going to pretend I didn't hear that.
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I am not even the most attractive guy at my school.
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No more, please. My self esteem is already raw.
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And then leans his elbow on the bar, blinking expectantly at him.]
Azul, sweetheart. What's my name~?
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[Huffs through his nose and snatches the drink back.]
It wasn't always so bad, but I guess it wouldn't be hell if I wasn't miserable.
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[Waving down the employee to make Azul himself something]
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Something very important was taken from me when I passed through the gate.
[Because he's fully convinced that's how he's ended up here.]
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That certainly seems like a theme here… Well? What was it?
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My abilities, as a homunculus. What I was created to do.
[Looking just, oh so forlorn.]
I could be whoever I wanted. Whatever I wanted. I guess I'd taken the whole thing for granted because I'd always been able to do it. Now that I can't...
[Or maybe Envy isn't actually being dramatic. He seems to be realizing something in real time.]
...it's like a part of me is missing.
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Is that something you can do? Return me to normal?
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[Slides out of the bar seat, arms going over his head as he stretches.]
I’ll text you the address tonight.
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[He's not sure he really believes that but guess he has no choice but to wait and see.]
Not gonna stick around for your drink?
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Not a chance. I saw how much syrup he put in it.
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A little extra sugar never killed anybody~
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[Picks up his basket and gives a little wave as he heads towards the beach exit]
Text;
Azul,
I hope this is not to forward, but I would like to take you out again soon. I can free up any night this week, and I can make arrangements for any location you want.
- Nanami Kento
Re: Text;
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Tuesday, then. 7pm.
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Certainly. I will see you then.
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Right on time, of course. Shall we head out?
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My…don’t you look handsome.
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Thank you. You look lovely as well.
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Do I? I feel as though I should change and come back.
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[Leans in to kiss his cheek before stepping back and heading towards the elevator]
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Very well. Where are we off to?
[He follows with confident steps and lets Azul press the button for the lobby.]
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[Smiles over his shoulder before stepping into the elevator, leaning back against the hand rail that lines the elevator walls.]
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[He gives Azul a look up and down that is not at all subtle. He's not going to do more than look, they're officially in public now and he does have some standards.]
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Careful, if you say that, then I really won’t be stopped.
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[And it's Nanami Kento in the lead for top menace right out of the gate!]
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[He's smiling on the inside now, but looks put together and normal on the outside again.]
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[Gets into the car though, setting a big basket on the seat between them]
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[He's curious but not going to pry, Azul wants this to be a surprise and he wants to make sure it stays that way.]
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So where have you brought us, my pearl?
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I wasn't sure what to expect when you asked me to dress warmly, and it certainly wasn't this.
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I know a nice rooftop place we can go for drinks later, so don’t be too eager to dress down.
[Sets his own shoes at the edge of the blanket]
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[He helps settle the blanket evenly so that it's not wrinkled or folded over and then sets his own shoes on the other edge.]
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[Opens his hand, forming a little fireball and letting it grow to a decent size before allowing it to hover on its own above the blanket]
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[Settles on the blanket to one side of the basket, leaving enough room for Azul to set out whatever it is he's packed.]
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I wanted to do something a little bit different. Let me know if it gets too cold and I’ll make the fire bigger. I just thought the evening would be quieter so we could actually hear the waves. And…if it was private enough…there was something I wanted to show you too.
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I was hoping for some alone time with you tonight, but now I'm even more hopeful that we aren't disturbed. You do bring me the best surprises.
Oh. And I have a gift for you, too.
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[Crawls closer on the blanket so he can take the seat next to Nanami, adjusting his shawl before pouring his own glass]
I did make sure to prepare a couple of back ups though.
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[He takes a deep breath and then a sip of his wine. It's not going to cool his head but he needs a moment.]
That is so attractive I lost myself for a moment. I think I better understand what happens to you when we negotiate a contract now.
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Is that the sort of quality you find attractive then?
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[He stares up at the sky.]
Maybe I'm not on the wrong side.
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The wrong side...?
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[He pulls his eyes away and back down to their picnic. He starts with a piece of meat and hums in appreciation.]
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[Preps a cracker with prosciutto and melon, offering it up to the other man]
Especially if your thoughts are carrying you away.
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This is the first time being here that I've felt like I am actually in Heaven.
[And that maybe he belongs there after all.]
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I’m glad then… I wanted this to be a nice night.
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[Wrapping an arm around him, comfortable. He tries a few more combinations and offers the one he likes best to Azul.]
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Let me know when you get actually hungry and I’ll pull the food out. I made a few types of sandwiches and a couple side dishes…nothing too intense.
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[He does sound serious about that.]
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[Does lean over to grab a sandwich platter from the basket among which includes muffuletta, chicken salad, prosciutto arugula, and egg salad]
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Did you make these yourself?
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[It's touching in a way he can't entirely wrap his head around.]
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[Leans across him to snag some grapes from the charcuterie board, snacking on fruit as he watches the waves]
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...it's funny. They warn you about so many things surrounding life on land, but they don't warn you about how loud it gets.
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[He sips his wine and stares out at the little bit of reflected moonlight on the waves.]
I appreciate the quiet as well.
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[Lifts the bottle, refilling Nanami's glass before taking a sip from his own]
It's true that land is loud though. Back home, if you want quiet, there is so much room. You can swim far far away, or go up to the surface at night. We have far fewer merfolk than the land has humans. There are far less of us in a much larger space. Here, there is really nowhere to run.
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There's still ocean here to run to. If you need it.
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It helps, but....it's something like homesickness? I've never asked the twins, but it feels like something surely all merfolk must experience.
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[He doesn't miss his home that way, and as much as he doesn't want to see Azul go, he does want to see him happy.]
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Regardless of why, I'm glad you're here.
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To fortuitous meetings.
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And silver linings.
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If you don't have any other surprises in your basket right now, why don't we walk in the surf?
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I find the sounds of the ocean relaxing, this was a lovely choice.
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Do you want just the moonlight or should I start another flame to follow us?
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[He leaves his coat back with their other things but transfers something from the coat pocket to his pants pocket before he sets off.]
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[Pockets his glasses before leading the way, swinging their joined hands]
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[It's hard not to feel lighter in his steps with someone swinging his hand, although it feels so unlike him that he's almost surprised to find it happening.]
May I see your eyes?
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Haven't you seen them before? But yes...you may.
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[He puts a hand on Azul's face as he takes him in.
It's very sappy, but also Nanami is half expecting to see Azul's eyes with their ocean pupils as a response to the lower light. And he enjoys seeing those as well.]
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Oh? Should I save my other surprises for a different night then?
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[It's a treat all its own.]
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Should I join you?
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[Drops his shawl before heading into the water, back turned to Nanami, pulling his sweater off over his head and flinging it back to shore before disappearing under the waves. Just going to be quietly grateful for the cover that nighttime provides.]
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[And then he catches sight of Azul and he's struck again.]
Well look at you. This is a lovely surprise.
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[Swims in lazy circles around Nanami, looking him over]
It really does suit you, you know.
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[His body isn't nearly as flexible, so he ends up twisting himself around in a barrel roll trying to follow Azul's movements. The low light in the water makes it harder to see what this Azul looks like.]
Let me get a better look at you...
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[He reaches out to touch Azul, feeling slow and sluggish underwater.]
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You mean that?
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[Holding Azul securely like he doesn't want him to drift away.]
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That isn’t exactly something I’m used to hearing like this.
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[He leans in to steal a kiss.]
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I am going to hold you to that.
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Gorgeous... beautiful...
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I take it back, that backfired.
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[He isn't in a great position to do anything but go where Azul takes him. But he's happy to go.]
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You are stealing all my lines.
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[Trying his best to keep up, he's slow but steady.]
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I think that can be arranged.
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I suppose as long as my gills have water passing over them I don't really need to stop to breathe, do I?
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[Allows an arm to be grabbed]
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[He wraps his arm around the tentacle and draws it closer, twisting his wrist around to wrap them closer together and then giving the very end a lick.]
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[Reaches up, smoothing Nanami’s hair back]
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[He surges forward and into another kiss. More confident this time.]
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[Murmured against the other man's lips as he arches into each touch]
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[He bites at Azul's lip but manages to get free enough to talk.]
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[Runs his hands along Nanami's sides, settling at his hips]
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[The hands are a nice distraction from the dark thoughts threatening to envelop him for a moment there.]
Now what would you like my handsome face to do for you? Because I have some ideas... but I've never tried to have sex under water. I'm not even sure what that part of my body looks like at the moment.
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[Drawing Azul's face closer and giving him some little kisses on his cheeks to help bring him back again.]
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It's just...a bit embarrassing to explain. Especially to landfolk. And what if you think it's strange...? I don't want to ruin our date...
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I'm sure it is strange, but strange doesn't have to be bad. You don't have to tell me anything you're uncomfortable about, just know that seeing you like this has not diminished my interest in you at all. After all, the first time you showed me your other arms I was worried I may have been a little too interested in them. I didn't want to scare you, or make you think I was only interested in your body. I don't know a lot about octopus biology, and none about merman biology, but as long as it's attached to you I know it will be fine.
We can always just go for a swim and then finish our date on land, also. I do still have a present for you waiting up there.
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You don’t scare me. How could you? You’re always so good to me… I suppose that is scary in its own way though, isn’t it?
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[Kissing Azul's neck just under his jaw.]
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[Loops his arms around Nanami’s neck, leaning into the affection]
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[Sneaking kisses further down and around his neck to the other side.]
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I think I like you too much.
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[He pulls back a little to look Azul in the eyes.]
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That part is scary too.
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Connecting to people who you will eventually lose... it is terrifying. But I've lived a life without connections as well, and I don't think I want to go back to that again either.
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Sorry... I'm sorry. I brought the mood down, didn't I? I shouldn't be bringing up such heavy topics when we are supposed to be enjoying each other.
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Mer biology isn't exactly like landfolk or fish either, just....so you know.
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I'm eager to learn more.
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[He twists his fingers a little to rub against it, still trying to stay light and careful in case this turns out to be particularly sensitive.]
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[The twist of fingers get a quiet noise of approval. It would seem it is really sensitive....and is currently curling around those fingers, trying to pull them in deeper.]
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Um....I....oh... perhaps we should...
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[Twining his fingers around the parts he can reach, watching Azul's expression as he does.]
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[Shivers again, more arms winding around Nanami as he presses his face into Nanami's shoulder]
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[It's not nearly as stimulating for him just winding Azul around his fingers... other than the fact that Nanami feels like he's puppeting the merman from the inside and that is feeding the beast inside of him that adores being in control of things quite nicely.]
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[Reaches between them to ease Nanami's hand out....which that part of Azul isn't letting go so easily and follows that hand out]
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[He's still letting it hang on to him, not actively trying to disentangle himself.]
Should I stop?
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How else can I help?
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[Gives Azul a kiss on the cheek.]
Why don't I give you a minute and you can meet me on the beach when you're ready?
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Mm, I’ll join you in a moment.
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[He started with underwear then shirt, and he's trying to get the shirt to sit right before he puts his pants on again.]
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Y-yes….
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[Dressing the rest of the way, he's really not trying to be a distraction.]
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Mhmm....
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Let me know when you need to warm up. I can likely get our reservations moved up earlier.
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Sorry, I am so clingy tonight...
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[Wrapping his arms around Azul and breathing slowly and calmly.]
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[But he pulls Azul a little closer all the same.]
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[He's not trying to be soothing saying that, just factual.]
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I know... The problem is I very badly wish to keep it that way. I want you make you like me more and more.
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I'm very flattered that you want me so much. But I don't think you need to worry, you're someone I treasure very dearly.
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[Guides Nanami back to their beach blanket]
I think I could get used to it.
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[He settles on the blanket again, assuming Azul will join him.]
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[Settles down next to him, dragging the basket closer]
They didn’t like me even before then however.
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You might have to tell me that story.
[He seems bemused though.]
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[He seems quite proud of that part, through he quickly turns his attention to pulling ??? something??? out of the basket]
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[He's more amused that Azul is proud of himself about it.]
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[Hesitates for a moment but does finally pull out and hand over a VERY familiar cloth wrapped blade]
...sorry it took so long. Tracking it down was quite difficult.
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[He looks it over and runs his hands along it. He's been without for so long now it feels strange to have it in his hands again.]
I would demonstrate for you but there's nothing really suitable here to show off with. This means our contract is officially begun.
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[His attention shifts from the blade in his hands back to Azul.]
We talked about possibly extending the contract, which I would be fine with. But we also talked about not putting a contract on our other interactions, and I most certainly want those to continue.
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I like this.
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[Grinding into Azul lightly, remembering what he said about waiting until the end of the date. Almost sounded like a challenge...]
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A...aa? I like you too....
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[He sits up again, holding Azul's hips against his still so that he's bowed back some and immediately starts working his hands under his shirt.]
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We...still have one more stop....
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Forty minutes?
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[He goes back to kissing Azul and rubbing against him.]
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[But maybe he'll be picked up by tentacle if it's too much...]
[Squeezes the other one less gently.]
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Azul, pearl, take off your sweater.
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Take it off for me.
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[He sits back so he has some room and smiles down at Azul. His fingers tease at the bottom of his sweater, along the top of his pants and then further up, pushing the fabric with them. He stops about half way up to kiss the skin he's just revealed a few times.]
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[He pushes the sweater further up, being gentle with getting Azul's head loose and then pulling the body section up over his arms and leaving it there. If the sweater isn't too oversized on him, it should trap his arms like that, at least for a little while.]
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[Flusters a bit at how his arms are trapped within the sweater]
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[He leans down and runs his tongue over one of Azul's nipples.]
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[Bites down gently on the nipple in his mouth while his hand dives in to grab hold of Azul more directly.]
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[Shudders, head falling back against the blanket once more, going quiet as his body shivers]
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Do you want to come in my hand or my mouth?
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Hand would…hand would be more subtle…
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[He picks up some speed, if they're going to have to worry about being caught might as well get things done before anyone comes by.]
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[His breath hitches, catching on another low moan when he feels Nanami's hand speed up, kicking the pace up suddenly on him]
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[But he is busy for the moment and isn't going to spare the hand that's holding him off the ground to help.]
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[He shifts himself up so he can slot a thigh between Azul's legs, encouraging.]
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[Which is just how much he's expressing how much he enjoys this. But he is going to be kind enough to swallow up further noises in a kiss.]
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[Shivers, tilting into each kiss and trying to keep his hand from faltering even as his hearts almost beat out of his chest each time Nanami says his name]
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Can you reach my jacket pocket?
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I'm close...
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[and then they got home- envy's hotel room]
What the hell kind of magic is this place running on, do you think? Because uh. I can't even control what I want to wear right now and I've got a bone to pick with the guy upstairs about it.
[He's griping just to gripe, though. Ignore him.]
Re: [and then they got home- envy's hotel room]
[Is he joking? Is he serious? Who knows, either way, Azul is stepping out of his shoes and shrugging out of the extravagant jacket he's been forced into these days before having a seat on the couch]
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What color would you have gone with? [You taking a dig at the cute color of his cute sweater which is definitely cute?]
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[Opens his arms, reaching out in invitation]
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[And just like that, the sweater is purple and Envy is coming to take a comfortable sit in Azul's lap.]
Is this more to your liking~?
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[Winds his arms around Envy's waist, pulling him closer]
...I know it's bad. I really am a little happy though.
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["It's bad"? Whatever could it be? He grins in devious anticipation, settling into Azul's embrace.]
About what?
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That you're here. I wasn't about to ask you to come with me or pick me...and I never expect to be picked. Why didn't you go with her?
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I, ah. [Shrugs! He opens his mouth several times like he's going to answer him, but something is stopping him every time. He isn't sure what it is, or why his myriad of ready-made lies won't leave his lips.]
...I. [He cannot believe he's saying this.] Didn't want you to think I'd pick her over you.
[This is a dangerous precedent to set, he realizes. He's played enough emotional chess with humans to know what saying things like this will do. What's worse than the prospect of Envy lying to Azul (like he's done and will continue to do with almost everyone else in the world) is the reality that he doesn't actually want to.
Just what did he swear to in that contract?]
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...I'm not proud of it, but I probably would have been terrible to deal with if you had picked her. That is...she wasn't wrong. I was a little jealous.
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...Really? What for? [He would sit up to look at him all incredulous-like, but he did just get comfortable.]
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What for...? I may not be jealousy, but I do get jealous. And you are a little bit mine.
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A little bit yours, huh? [Cooed with a lilt that suggests he'd like to hear a little more about that.]
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[Slides his hands down, curling his hands tightly around the sin's hips before start to knead them gently under the soft fabric of the sweater. He smiles at the approval in Envy's voice]
I may be soft, but I'm not covered in fur soft. What if I can't compete?
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IF you want me to praise you that badly, you can just ask.
[Yeah, sure, minks might be the softest mammal or whatever, but is that even competition for the softness that merpeople possess? (He hasn't thought about it and really hadn't planned to!) It's such a silly question he can't help but laugh.]
But seriously, what competition?
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[Sinks down a bit so he can tuck his head under that sweater]
She seems very...."fun". I do not exactly scream "fun" to most people.
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[Looks like somebody else wants to share outfits with him. He laughs, briefly nuzzling into the crown of Azul's head.]
The kind of fun I have with you is different. And honestly, closer to the sort of thing I actually enjoy. [Harassing the local business-owning populace for goods and services is so up his alley okay.] So trust me, I think you're very fun.
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You're not just saying that?
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Trust me, I find our time together quite rewarding. And fun. Even if you wake me up at a ridiculous hour to get things done.
[Peeks down the collar of his sweater, amused.] Are you comfortable?
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[Winds his arms around Envy’s middle fingers tightly. When he speaks again his voice has lost some of the weepy quality, taking on a business mode edge]
So…Are you going to show me those photos now?
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[Goddamnit, things were going so well.]
...
[Fuck! This was a trap all along!]
...Ah. I mean. Do you. Need to see them?
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[Uno reverse, also dragging his lips over Envy’s ribs]
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H-hahaa-- [Well, that wasn't the sound he intended on making.]
They're not bad pictures of you. [Though he's the only one who is getting to determine whether or not they're bad.] Seriously, I-- I wouldn't keep something like that.
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[Bites down on his waist, sinking his teeth in just enough to leave little impressions, but not enough to break the skin]
What sort of pictures are you keeping then....?
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Only the ones where you look-- [Fffuck that shouldn't feel good but it does.] -- beautiful. Of course.
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And there are so many of those that you are too embarrassed to tell me how many exactly...?
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Do you think I've counted? I'm not counting all that.
[He huffs, turning his head away, trying now to focus his attention literally anywhere other than his own body right now. He cannot be teased into giving up this information! Dammit!]
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I am going to trust you on this... If you betray that trust though, I won't hold back. Do we have an understanding? Darling?
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[This is so strange, Azul you are so strange sometimes but that one nuzzle seems to have completely deafened Envy. What are words and sounds? He's never heard them.]
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What...? Yeah. Yeah, yes. Yes. [Does he even know what he's agreeing to?]
W-won't hold back...?
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[Nuzzles high on Envy's hip, ends of his hair tickling at the bare skin of his stomach]
If you use the photos to hurt me in anyway, I'll destroy you. Obviously.
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He loves it.]
Right.
[Clearing his throat and trying to sound a bit more casual than in agonizing and confusing arousal.]
How exactly would you go about doing that...?
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[Bites down on the curve of his hip]
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Maybe. Depends. Are they fun?
1/2
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Oh yeah? What did you have in mind?
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[Finally pops his head back out from under Envy's sweater, hair a big fluffy mess]
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What-- hey! [Grabs the hem of the sweater to try and capture him and put him back where he came from-]
God forbid a girl just want to be talked dirty to--
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Is that your idea of dirty talk? And here I thought you'd prefer flattery.
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Flattery as dirty talk? [Snickers.] Is that what it is, for you~?
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Oh, so I should start talking about how delicious you look? And how I want to sink my teeth into you~?
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Oh-ho-ho~ I see, now. [He pulls his arm back into his sleeve so he can get his fingers in Azul's hair.]
If I'd known this was what does it for you, I'd have told you how often I wonder how you must taste a long time ago~
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No, no. Let's make it about you for a little while~
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[Goes with the pull with a tiny moan and a louder whine]
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And how do you suggest I do that? Hmm?
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Well, that's a good start~ Keep going.
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Perhaps I should give you something to keep that mouth busy if you’re not actually going to say anything helpful.
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Oh no, whatever will I do?
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Harder~
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[As he says this a few extra arms sneak out to lazily wind around Envy’s wrists and legs]
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What are you doing?
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[The tentacles on his legs wind their way higher up as the one around his wrists tightens]
Just saying hello.
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And weirdly enough, that's... kind of thrilling. The tentacles aren't the only thing saying hello.]
Which of us is being unhelpful, now? [Snrk.]
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Oh, I can be helpful if that is what you’d like.
[A fourth tentacle joins in, sliding up Envy’s groin, then chest, rucking up that sweater as it makes its way towards Envy’s mouth]
Is that…what you’d like?
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Haha-- haa, you know what? [He pants, watching the tentacle creeping its way towards his face for a moment before shooting a manic sort of "bring it on," glare his way.]
Yeah, I would.
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If you bite me, I'll tear you apart. I suggest you do not bite me, darling. I happen to prefer you all in one piece.
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You mothe- Gghk-!!
[Well, he'd love to respond, but since his mouth is full of tentacle, all he can really do is stare in wide-eyed confusion. This is not what he was expecting to keep his mouth busy. Which isn't to say the flavor is entirely different, but there's far more muscle movement and texture to experience than he'd planned for, alright.]
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[Fufufus happily, using his hold on Envy to lift him up and set him down on the arm of the couch instead. Azul scoots closer on the couch cushions, sitting between Envy's knees. He'll pillow his arms on a thigh... or attempt to, but his own tentacle is in the way. To be fair though, squishy tentacle DOES probably make a softer pillow than Envy's firm and toned thighs.]
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There's a rumbling like thunder from deep in his chest as he leers at the merwitch, his lip curling in a sneer around the probing limb. Just what is he planning?]
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[Tilts his head just enough to press a kiss to a spot on Envy's thigh NOT wrapped in tentacle]
Even if your face looks very handsome like that. It's just a little fun.
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His second set of arms manifests with that red electricity, one hand lashing out to make a grab for Azul's mussed up hair while the other tries (uselessly) to tug the tentacle out of his mouth.]
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Oh, that was a clever move.
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I've got a few more in me. If you're just going to hold me here to watch, I'll show you what I've got.
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Closes his mouth.
Turns his head sharply to the side, slowly turning red.]
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Well?
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His hips rock forward, aching to touch something, anything.]
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If I was too much, I'm sorry. I thought we were playing.
[Tilts his head to bite at Envy's earlobe, tugging gently]
I'm just in a good mood since you chose coming home with me. So, if you have a wish, you had better voice it now.
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I couldn't decide if you were just fucking with me or not. [He mumbles, the ear nibbling receiving a full-body shiver.]
Hh-- A wish? [Squints] A contractual one, or a whim? [He knows he needs to specify before he makes any choices.]
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A whim, not a contractual one. Simply a gift from me to you because I'm feeling fond.
[Presses a series of kisses along his jaw, murmuring between each one]
In what way did you think I was 'fucking with you'?
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[Huffs a ragged laugh, shaking his head.]
I didn't know if you were stringing me up to threaten me or just to tease me.
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[Reaches down to grab the hem of that sweater, pushing it up so he can kiss his way down Envy's chest and stomach]
Mm...as long as you don't give me a reason to threaten you for real, then I have no interest in threatening you.
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Back at you, honey bun. [Winks]
[Envy knows damn well that he's holding himself back from actually getting out of this situation; there's a thousand different ways to pull that off, but it benefits both of them if Azul thinks he's too stupid to put any of those plans into motion. Plus, it's kinda hot seeing what lengths he'll go to to take and keep control of these situations. He loves a man with drive.]
Though, now I'm not so sure...
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[Nuzzles at Envy's hip, glancing up at him as he relaxes against the other, waiting for him to finish that thought]
Sure about what...?
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Well, now that I've had a taste of you, I'm eager to try more.
[Licking his chops and casting an almost predatory glare down at him.]
It'll be real hard not to try to take a bite out of you.
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Nooo, no. Of course not. I would never. That's Gluttony's deal, not mine.
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[Smooths his hands down to Envy’s lap and up his skirt, palm running over his length through the fabric of his shorts]
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What does that have to do with anythi-- [His breath catches with the contact, his hips automatically pressing forward into his palm.] Haah-- D-damnit...
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[Tucks his fingers into the waistband, working Envy's bottoms lower]
You never told me what you want.
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Hh-- I want you, what the hell do you think I want--
[It just tumbles out before he can stop himself, the pink in his cheeks deepening to red and spreading across his shoulders.]
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You already have me though. I'm right here with you, aren't I? You are going to have to be more specific than that, darling.
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I'm guessing saying "I want you to fuck me until I can't walk straight" isn't specific enough, huh.
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[His arms suction against the skin of Envy's legs to remind him of their presence]
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His eyes widen for a moment and he swallows with a dramatic gulp! before he turns his apprehension into flustered irritation and mumbles under his breath.]
I can't believe you're making me beg for your cock when you know damn well--
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You are committed to my suffering.
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[Flutters his eyelashes, teary-eyed suddenly.]
...You cared for me.
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Oh, but I do. That's why I can't help but want to tease you a little.
[Speaking of. Azul tugs the shorts even lower, finally exposing the sin's cock to the cool air of the room]
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I do nothing but praise you and this is how you treat me... [Sniffles. Really trying to fight how much this little view is doing it for him.]
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[Leans in, pressing a kiss to the tip before lathing his tongue over it's slit]
And it's not my fault you didn't do your research.
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You didn't submit a single one of those requests in writing. And furthermore, looking at your current state, you do not seem terribly tortured to me.
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[He's quite responsive down there, Azul's fingertips coming away with translucent threads with each tap.]
F-ffnn--youaretheworst--
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[Brings his fingers up to his mouth to clean them with a swipe of his tongue]
For example, I could make you put this request in writing.
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...Mmhm.
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[Leans down, pressing a kiss to the base of Envy’s length as his palm slides back up along the shaft, lips and skin as soft as ever and perhaps more so against the sensitive flesh he’s currently giving attention]
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If you pull that "limp" shit with me again because I didn't word it ~sexy enough~ for ya, I'm gonna lose it, I swear--
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[Presses another little kiss to the tip in apology]
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There you are, I was wondering where you we-...
[Stops. Blinks. Looks Velvet up and down. He is suddenly very aware he has answered the door in his pajamas...]
Ah. Good evening...
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[She's holding her hands up, but they're cupped in such a way that Envy only has to peek out if he's ready.]
I'm pretty sure I haaaave something of yours.
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If Azul looks, there's a giant eyeball blinking sadly from inside the makeshift cage of her hands.]
...Hey, Azul. I kinda... got into some trouble?
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....Envy?
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Aaagh... Don't look at me. Don't look at meee...
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[Nods in thanks to Velvet before he reaches out to carefully pet along Envy's back with a fingertip]
What happened? Are you injured? Let's get you inside, you'll feel more comfortable inside, right?
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....Y-yeah. Please.
[He sounds so tiny and pathetic and he knows it, and he's not sure if he's more afraid of being seen or judged right now, but... it's nice to know that neither of these two (apparently??) do judge him right now. Velvet didn't make fun of him even once, and Azul is showing concern in a similar way.
Maybe it doesn't completely suck to have people that care about you.]
...I, um. ...Thanks again, Velvet. I'm gonna take it from here. Remind me of that stuff later, okay?
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Sure thing.
[She doesn't mention the phone, which is still hidden in her hair.]
Night, boys.
[And with a wink, she leaves them to their business.]
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You didn't answer... Are you injured? I can do a little healing magic... It's hardly my specialty though...
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...I'm not injured. I mean-- I don't think it's something you can heal me for. Unless you've got a few souls in a bottle somewhere, I don't think I can do anything but let my stone replenish its power.
[Ugh, he hates hearing himself talk like this, and being so small and this close to Azul's neck makes him sound so deep and smooth it's almost disgusting. How can he even think about that kind of thing while he's suffering!!]
Thanks, anyway.
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[Climbs into bed, being careful not to jostle Envy too much]
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...Would you do that, for me?
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[Taking one of those little arms between his thumb and forefinger, carefully brushing his thumb over it]
Now...do you want to tell me what happened exactly? Now that I know you're not injured at least.
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[Hhhh his fingers are so big now, this is so weird. Everything about him is so big!
And how disgusting that his eyes are even bigger and bluer and he doesn't have a single flaw on his face it's insane.Listen, he doesn't usually... get so close to people like this. Not unless he's been intent on latching on, at least.He lets his little hands get played with, but tries to avert his gaze from Azul's face regardless.]
...I was snooping, made a few miscalculations... and got caught. [How badly he wants to throw that bastard under the bus right off the bat, but. Something is holding him back.]
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You're being vague.
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...Hh. Your little bodyguard caught me snooping at The Nest. I didn't realize I was in his office. He got mad.
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[Please hold, pausing the gentle brushing of his thumb over that hand as he tries to wrap his mind around Nanami doing this to someone over a little snooping]
...
...
...Nanami did this? How did he even...do this?
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[Rubbing at his face and flopping over with a whine.]
...Remember when I said I had to get really hurt to show you my "real" self? Well. Here you go.
[Lazily raises the half of his limbs that aren't touching the ground.]
Voila. [Flops them back down with a sigh.]
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I'm....sorry you died. That must have been painful. Even if you came back...still.
[Frowns more, one part in all this standing out....but not wanting to press quite yet. Runs a gentle hand over Envy's back, petting him once more while he thinks.]
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[Whines, whimpers.]
He's a fucking psychopath. All I wanted to do was get those pictures for you and leave!
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The creature closes its eyes for a moment, charting the best course for this conversation he can. He could be mean, he could be hurt, demanding an answer, yelling at the top of his lungs at him for being the reason he's stuck like this... but outside of the fact it wouldn't be very serious coming from a worm, he's really just too exhausted. He's died too many times and isn't regenerating as fast as he's used to, and can't put that much energy into it right now. He's one good stomp away from dust, okay.
So, Azul will get the tiniest, quietest questioning.]
...Why didn't you tell me about him? ...Or him about me?
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I suppose...I didn't think either of you were that serious about me? Why would you be? That is... Mmm... I suppose the reason doesn't really matter, does it? At the end of the day, I didn't and I should have.... I'm sorry for that. And I'm sorry for this. I never meant to hurt you, honestly.
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Oh...
Envy very much risked his life to prove that he had something with Azul and did ultimately die for it, even if it wasn't permanent. ...So maybe he does have feelings? Fuck, what a time to figure that one out.
Shit.]
...I took a letter opener to the face because I told him about us. I'd say it's "that serious."
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I...may have miscalculated...
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...Miscalculated what?
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Sooo fucking tepid. [He deflates more, not wanting to be even kind of on the same level as that asshole. But no, Nanami's going to end up getting praised for ending him and he's just going to get pitied for being so fucking weak. Weak enough to let that bastard destroy him over and over and over, and still let him live. Weak enough to do it just like that, because Greed would end him, and now, apparently, Azul loves him, too.
Great, just fucking wonderful.]
I just figured I'd let you know, because he's going to tell you. Good luck, I guess.
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…What did you do or say to him? There is no way this is simply over photos of paperwork.
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I didn't DO anything until he attacked me! Like, sure, I turned into the security girl because I thought I could get out of there easier if I pretended to be her, but he caught me.
And then he attacked me, because he realized I wasn't her and thought I was there doing something ~nefarious~ or something! And like, sure, I was but it was just being nosy! I wasn't even stealing anything!
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[Sets Envy down on the pillow next to him, rolling onto his side so he can look at him]
There isn’t really a case where I’m okay with you getting killed though. Especially over something so small…
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[Ugh. Ugh. He doesn't want to tell him. There's so much more information, but he's... honestly worried about telling him. What if it hurts him--
Shit. Since when has he cared whether or not something hurt somebody? He loves when things hurt people!
But... he doesn't want anything to hurt Azul. Maybe himself, someday, when the time is right and they've finally had enough and vow to end each other or something dramatic like that. But until then, nobody is allowed to hurt Azul.]
...
[He opens his weird little mouth to speak a few times, but nothing comes out. He huffs and hunkers down onto the pillow, fretful.]
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...I've been really happy. And things have been really fun. I was worried when I got here and the twins weren't here with me. When I first arrived here...I felt truly alone for the first time in many years. So, when you both appeared and it wasn't so lonely anymore... I didn't want to get too excited because I didn't want to wind up even lower than I had been feeling by getting ahead of myself and looking like a fool.
[Scoots a little closer, reaching up to pet him again, seeing if his hand gets slapped away. Just petting with a finger still so that hopefully Envy doesn't get overwhelmed.]
Usually if something seems to be too good to be true, it probably is. So I convinced myself of that. I assumed you both were just having fun or had other people or that I wasn't so important. I was protecting myself, but it seems like that was at the cost of hurting you... I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to hurt you, I was just protecting myself from getting hurt.
I understand if you don't want to see me anymore. I probably wouldn't want to see me either... Still, thank you for making things fun. I was really happy.
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...Are you just trying to get out of it? This whole thing?
[He doesn't turn around, but he doesn't swat him away, either.]
I remember when you gave me my powers back. You wouldn't let me have your face, and I figured out your game. I said "You'll always take what matters most in exchange," because what mattered to me most at that time was to... Have your face. Be you. Whatever it was.
But do you remember what you said? [He doesn't wait for an answer.] You said "Of course, at the end of the day, the wish that gets granted first is my own." So I knew what you were about from the beginning, Azul. Your loyalties in this place ultimately lie with yourself and yourself alone.
[He's shaking a little, feeling ultra pathetic. Stupid, stupid.]
So how could I have been so delusional that I'd let myself think otherwise?
[He sniffles.] Maybe you're right. If it's too good to be true, it probably is.
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[Curls his hands around Envy, gently pulling him onto Azul's pillow]
I'm just....trying to ask in a cowardly way...if you still want to be with me too?
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[He's so. Angry. With himself. He should have never let things go this far. He should have never gotten comfortable. And yet, even knowing what he will face if he stays, he cannot seem to let this go.]
You said you were expensive. The price for you would be high. And here I am, given up my body and my life and my dignity and you still have the audacity to ask if I want to be with you.
I've given you everything I have. What do you think?
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...I think you have bad taste.
...
And I think no one has loved me that much before. And I know I want to do better by you. Nn...I will do better. So, can you give me another chance? I promise I will make it worth it.
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I-- Ah. Hey-- [He sits up then, finally turning to face him and his beautiful, pitiful face. Ugh, yeah. Turns out he hates seeing him like this. It makes him want to die.]
...I. I want to. But. What about him? You know he won't let me live, right.
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[Plucks at the blanket, closing his eyes]
Afterall…you were snooping on my behalf, correct? So, if he has to have someone pay for it, I’ll take responsibility.
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[He looks down again, unsure.]
Yeah, I don't think that's going to cut it.
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[Sniffles a bit, rubbing his eyes against his forearms]
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...It wasn't all your fault.
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...There's more to it. The situation.
[It actually is making him feel?? Shitty?? To even have to say this?? Like on the one hand he wants Nanami to suffer, and he hopes Azul will never speak to him again, but more than Envy wants Nanami to suffer... he wants Azul not to be fucking devastated. Which is still wild, because he loves devastation. But he has no choice. Azul won't fully understand unless he tells him the whole story.]
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Hmmm...?
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...? I....know he works for Greed...? That was why I needed another assistant. He could only work part time since he had another job already... I don't....know any security girl though? A coworker, I'm guessing?
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It looks like you weren't the only one practicing non-ethical non-monogamy, then.
[He learned that phrase from Velvet, and it's the only way he can think of to explain what's happening and still not be like "OOH THE GUY YOU CHEATED ON ME WITH IS ALSO CHEATING ON YOUUUU." Because while he would be more than happy to say that to just about any other person, it really isn't doing anything for him to have to deliver this news to someone he actually cares about.]
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Well. At least I was half right then.
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Azul, hey.
[He pushes himself up finally and pads across the pillow to sit closer to him.]
I'm... sorry. [He doesn't know what else to say, though. Everything he wants to say is completely unhelpful or completely awful and! That's not helpful at all!]
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That's why I didn't mention anything. I figured I was just...you know...
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[It's nice to be pet, really, but it's kind of hard to enjoy this moment when he's looking like that.]
...he tried to kill me cos of how much he... Yeah. [Grumble.]
I don't think you're "nothing" to him... Not that I'm trying to help the asshole out or anything.
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Don't make me say it. I don't-- want him to. I don't want him around. I don't want him to have you. I don't want you to choose him over me.
[His big stupid eyes well up with tears almost immediately and he turns his head away to let them fall and soak into the pillowcase. He definitely sounds like he's whining, petulant and sad.]
I wanted you, first. I wanted you enough to sign stupid papers that meant we'd be stuck here together until one of us cracked or disappeared!
[He doesn't know if that's even true. He has no idea how long this thing with Nanami has been going on. He doesn't know if he's actually the afterthought, here. Even after everything they've done together and how much time they spend together, he has no idea where any of Azul's hearts lie and how long they've belonged to someone else. He didn't want to think about it, so he didn't. He pretended everything was theirs and theirs alone.]
It's not fair. I love you more than he does. [Sniffle.] And he's still gonna win, isn't he.
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....can I ask you something?
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Yeah...?
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I thought... I already was? [It's sweet of him to ask more formally, though. And he doesn't know how to deal with that. He tries to shrink smaller, but he can't.] I mean. That's what I told Velvet...
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Oohhhh.]
...Oh. Huh. Right.
[He nods a little, slow and uncertain.]
Then... yeah. Yeah, I... want that. [Ough, he's so nauseous. Emotions are such a fucking pain.]
I want to stay with you.
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...
[Lowers his head and continues hesitantly, looking away for a moment]
For the record....there was no one else. In case you were wondering. I know my words have likely lost a fair bit of their value right now, but I just wanted to let you know.
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[While that does kind of make things easier, he still doesn't like his odds.]
...Okay.
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I think we need to have a serious talk. I don't want to push you into it right now though... When today has been so much. For both of us.
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...yeah. It's kinda hard to take me seriously when I look like this, huh.
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[Tilts his head slightly in confusion]
Not at all. I think you look rather cute like this actually.
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...you don't have to butter me up, you know...
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...Really? Everyone has always just... called me ugly.
[Hence the obsession with other's beautiful faces.]
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...right, yeah. But. You still looked like you, though. I bet you were still beautiful, too. They were just jealous.
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Good. I'm glad you agree! [Puffs out proudly.]
[Only to deflate a moment later with a whine.]
...I want my body back. I can't do what I want to do, like this. [pout.]
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[Gathering Envy up and climbing out of bed so he can pad across the room to grab some water without leaving him behind]
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W-well. What do you think!! Jeez.
[tsundere intensifies]
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Hehehe boyfriend.]Come onnn, I know you know!
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[Carefully opens the water bottle before shifting Envy to one arm so Azul can drink]
I really wish he would tell me though. If I knew then I would be able to make sure he gets whatever it is when he does get his energy back.
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Your boyfriend would like to kiss his boyfriend and can't do it like this.
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Can you name some other things you want? Boundaries and that sort of thing?
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Huh? [no comprende relationship jargon]
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I... oh. Huh. I... guess I have to think about it? I just sort of figured things would stay the same as they are. But...
Are there other things you need and want? [Maybe some examples would help.]
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[Frowning a little though, racking his little brain for an instance of this behavior Azul is talking about.]
I... dunno what you're talking about? Sorry. When did I tell someone something before I told you?
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[Between the shit with Velvet and the shit with Nanami, there's any number of things he could have decided applied to that, but he's just grateful to know he doesn't count them.
The creature shrugs.]
I can do that. No problem. Since you and Velvet are my only friends, it's not like it would go very far.
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are you high?
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[this fish probably doesn't even know about drugs, nevermind]
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No! No. Absolutely not. Like I said, I've had all of two people that I've cared about in almost two hundred years. That's enough for me.
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You put me in a very unique position.
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[Sighs dreamily.]
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I see you can now properly appreciate my charms.
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Oh, for sure. Amazing how fast you grew on me.
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Must be your excellent taste in action.
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You think I have good taste~? What a compliment.
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[Grabs one of his hair pins from his drawer in Envy's bathroom counter, pinning back his hair]
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[Rolls down into the sink and pushes the stopper down so he can make himself a little bath with that warm water.]
Can you make it hotter, please?
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[Hums in answer, turning the water a smidge hotter before turning his attention to gently patting at his skin with the washcloth, trying to get rid of any tear tracks and splotchiness]
Do you want any bubbles or just water?
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Ooh, bubbles would be so nice~!
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Better?
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[This rules, you're the best babe.]
Ah, yes, luxury. This is the life. A giant bubble bath, a lovely view~ The only thing I need is a tiny martini and I'm set~
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You spoil me, Azul~
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[Heads into the bedroom to call room service]
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He can't believe this is happening. He can't believe he's not been squished like a bug or flushed down the toilet yet. Does Azul really care about him? Is this a part of a longer con? If something is too good to be true, it probably is... right?
Fuck.]
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Did you seriously-- [Trying to paddle in a circle to face him.] Did you really!
[Okay, self-doubt, shut the fuck up. Someone who wants to fuck you over wouldn't find a way to get you a martini while you're stuck as a worm!]
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Where there's a will, there's a way. Isn't that how it goes?
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Aah, you're the best.
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Some days, yes.
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...Thanks.
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[Leans down to kiss his little forehead]
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--!! Guahgh!! [WORM COUGH]
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Sorry... Are you all right?
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I think that's enough water time.
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sorry i haven't made good on my offer from the beach. things have gotten a little bit complicated
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treat him good would ya? he's new to this whole thing. gunna take him a while
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Things have certainly been busy for both of us, I assume. And complicated is absolutely an understatement.
My apologies if I caused any issues at your bar, if there were any damages involved, please send me an itemized invoice. I really did not think giving Envy a little snooping project for fun and enrichment would lead to such a blow up.
[Crosses one leg over the other, tapping his toes a bit to try and decide how to respond to that last part...]
I feel a bit bad. I've caused him no small amount of trouble already, but I did warn him I come with a pretty hefty price tag. Still...He has been very good to me and I am trying to be good to him.
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why are you apologizing to me ? though the next time you want to know something just ask. little advice from me to you azul. i'm greed and i don't think i really have to tell you whats mine is just that.
so next time just ask if you want to know something. its not like we haven't exchanged information before
yeah well he's envy. he doesn't know avarice like you and i do. he doesn't know what all this is like. he never got a chance to.
so give it a little more huh ? i know a man like you has it in him. or did i read you all wrong?
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[He has to pause to snort inelegantly at how very not fine it turned out]
What exactly would you suggest? In regards to giving a little more.
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eh. think about it. envy wants what others have. spend time with him. take him out. bring him things he may like. get to know what he wants. ask what hes looking for and really mean it. be honest about what youre doing. he's a liar at heart azul. always has been
but he would rather be told the truth every time
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I'm familiar enough with jealousy to know how suddenly being handed everything you want can seem like quite the trap and a scary one at that. He'll wind up unable to enjoy it and be stuck on edge waiting for the other shoe to drop.
And...he doesn't lie all that much around me. Not really. If anything, I lie far more than he does, but through omission and word choice.
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so yeah youre right
ha! suppose thats it then. who'd have thought. life is just full of fucking surprises isnt it?
eh whatever. as long as you keep him the way he's currently going. hes been doing the same thing for over 150 years azul. think its time he knows the other side of it huh? show him that. youve got all this afterlife to do it hmm?
but next time you get this crazy idea in your head to let my brother sneak around my bar?
don't
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The way he's going? What way would that be? I think the suggestion that I am influencing his trajectory gives me far too much credit, but I will take it. A man can guess, but I prefer to know.
Oh, my ideas get far crazier than this.
That said. If you're willing to just give me the information then.... What's the problem? Not that I plan on it, of course. Not that I think there would be another blow up, but I don't really plan to put those two in the same room if I'm not there to mediate.
Color me curious though. Are you worried about Envy getting hurt again? Or Nanami? Someone else? Or just feeling possessive in general? Does it simply put you in a difficult position with him? Such a strange warning over a little bit of paperwork you don't care about. So what's the concern? I think it's fine to tell me that much at least.
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i'm sure you do. and really i don't care what they are. thats between the two of you
ha ! HA! information for information. but since i offended you on the beach you get some not all. i like to think i've been pretty giving so far haven't i? but it has to be fair azul. and you are already very well aware that envy and i have a history
does it matter? looking at the whole picture who cares why? nanami works for me and he works for you. i don't care about that. what i do care about is the mess i've had to clean up after
from what i understand youre not a fan of a mess either. so whats the point in making this more complicated? it's simple azul. i'm not that hard to understand. i'm greed. the living embodiment of it. and i cant abandon the things that are mine no matter how much of a pain in the ass they can be. my avarice runs a bit too deep for that
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"Information". I hardly think it's a secret. Drunk or not, I wouldn't share anything I was worried about getting out. Likewise you could always just ask instead of having....let me guess. Velvet. Report back to you. "Information for information", right?
Too many people either work for you or know of you for me to doubt anything I say within earshot of half this place won't make it's way back to you. People like to talk. I'm not an idiot. Nothing that makes its way to you is anything I am trying to hide.
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ehh fine fine. fair enough.
and yeah people do like to talk. eventually all those rumors come back to me sooner or later. it was the same here as it was in dublith. but don't go believing that somehow makes me think of you any less. i meant what i said when we met. youre impressive
i'm asking you to take care of envy. he's never had anything in his life like you before. he never was allowed to. is that enough for ya? equivalent exchange ya? i remember nothings free
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Hello? Anyone home?
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[So, call him very fucking surprised when someone rudely interrupts.]
[The Sin lifts his chin. Without his sunglasses (and with the bar as dim as it is), his eyes are just tiny pricks of red light. Like a cat's lenses, reflecting back.]
Didn't expect you this soon. [Greed hums.] What, did I really piss you off that bad?
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Text cannot convey tone. I wanted to talk in person so we do not wind up "pissing each other off".
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Drink before we get started?
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Good idea.
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I wasn't lying to you before. And you know I make it a point not to lie anyway. I'm not interested in fighting with you, Azul. That wasn't why I called.
[Texted, Greed. Texted.]
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[Accepts the offered glass, taking a sip and leaning back against the couch]
Now that we have that established... As plainly as possible. What was your purpose for texting?
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Is that what you came all the way down here for? Azul - [The Sin stares at the ceiling. His smile is just as wicked as usual, but it's tired.] - what has Envy told you, exactly?
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[Brings his legs up onto the couch, resting his chin on his knees]
Not as much as you might think.
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It's not really my story to tell, even if he is my sibling. He deserves his secrets. [Finally, he takes a sip and it's a long one. Like he's putting out a fire in his chest.] But he never got a chance to get out. And I'm not talking about me and him. I'm talking about the rest of 'em. Humans would call it a family, but don't get the wrong idea.
[He pries one of his eyes open to look across at Azul.] It was never anything like that.
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Still....your existence is unique. Even if you're not family....no one can better understand your existence than each other. Out of curiosity....How much did it cost to make you?
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[The Sin lulls his head from one side, the other, and back again, sending a flurry of cracks down his spine.] Suppose Envy told you, didn't he. [Not a question.]
I don't know. Besides, is that really important right now? Why do you want to know?
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[Perks up just a little, eyes brightening and leaning in]
As for why…I’m just curious. Alchemy happens to be my best subject, you see!
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[But when Azul mentions alchemy, the former homunculus perks up, if only slightly.] Ha - ! Is it now. Didn't care to mention that before? Cheeky - [Greed lifts one finger up from the back of the couch to waggle it.]
- but sorry, I can't give you that answer.
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[Leans over, staring down at his face, his own browns furrowing slightly]
Why can you give me an answer?
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[Then, he turns his eyes down towards Azul. And there's a seriousness in his expression that is miles, years, away.]
Because I don't know. Simple as that.
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And that's you, and I'm me. We're not the same. [The Sin lifts his fingers off the sofa, flicking them up and down as if there's a bug nearby.] And that's fine. People are different, Azul. That's what makes 'em interesting.
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Do you deal with people suggesting we are all the same quite often?
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[He slides his eyes back to Azul.]
Envy. What do you plan on doing with him?
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A little something from me to you - [The Sin ties his ankles together, letting the toe of his boot sway up at the ceiling.] - Envy is exactly what he was made to be. There's no stopping his nature just like there's no stopping mine.
And if you hide anything from him, he'll find out eventually. Better to keep it honest. Whatever it is you plan on doing.
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Loosely... My ~nefarious~ plan is to date him and help him figure out who he is and what he wants. Help him find a wish and then grant it for him. He's had me at his disposal this whole time, but he hasn't asked me to grant a single wish. To be fair, he has realized that the wish that gets granted first is always my own.
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[Greed brings one of his hands up to his face and rubs his eyes.] Ehhh, what a bunch of pissants.
[He drops his arm weightlessly into his lap.] I really don't care what you do, I just care if there'll be a mess after. Envy isn't known for having the greatest temper in the world. And, from what I've gathered since this whole shit show started, neither is Kento. So, I'm trusting you to keep things peaceful, all right? For both our sakes.
[He lifts his shoulder.] Now, unless you've got anything else, I have a shift with the 'Sisters in half an hour. Feel free to use one of the pool tables downstairs.
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Mm…have a good shift then.
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[He pushes his palms into the small of his back and leans forward.] Eh, it's easy enough work. [He tilts his gaze to Azul.] Ya wanna come with? Might not be your usual scene, but. [The Sin shrugs.] Could take your mind off things for a while.
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[Looks around before picking up his jacket and standing from the couch]
What sort of establishment is the Sisters? I'm a bit surprised you have another job.
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[Y'know, like normal fucking people do.]
[The Sin heads into the basement.] To tell you the truth, it's where men get beat to shit and shoot their rocks off at the same time. But that's not what I do there. [Down the hall, he goes.] The lady of the house has certain needs. And I'm good at my job.
[When he gets to a particular room, the former homunculus slips in, crouches down, and tosses a manhole cover out of the way like it's nothing.] Surprised? You shouldn't be. I like money just as much as anything else, Azul. C'mon -
[And without waiting, he leaps into the abyss.]
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[Squints down into the sewer before timidly following him down the hole]
And what ‘certain needs’ are those? It’s going to be something tame, isn’t it?
[Glancing around as they walk]
I was about to ask ‘what about your free time’, but I have no right to talk. At least in life. I’m not as busy these days…yet.
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[But as they head in deeper, the Sin begins to slowly raise his arms above his head. He laces two of his hands behind the dip of his neck while holding the other two out in front of him like a man primed for an arrest.] Ah, right. A couple of rules before we get there. You need to know the password. But don't worry, I got that one covered.
[He straightens his back.] Secondly, men can only enter with their arms either behind their head or their back. Since I have four, I gotta make due. So, get those hands up, would ya? Wouldn't want Ella to bite 'em off.
[When they get to a steel door somewhere along the twists and dives, the former homunculus pads up to it. His heels strike twice and a tiny slot opens at the top. A woman from behind the door snarls and asks:]
What is six inches long, two inches wide, and makes everyone go crazy?
[And Greed, with the absolute cockiest smile on his face, answers:] A $100 bill.
[There's a few minutes as whoever is on the other side of the door begins to unlock it, and the Sin turns a look over his shoulder at Azul.] As for what I do here, you're about to find out, aren't you?
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What...are all the rules for? I am assuming they already have enough returning clients that they do not need to worry about appealing to new customers. I feel like this all could be mitigated by an appointment system... Or is this part of whatever experience they offer?
[Goes quiet while Greed handles the conversation at the door, waiting to speak up again until the door is unlocked]
I am, but that requires patience which is a virtue I have in very low supply. I will do my best to go with the flow though.
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[Greed tilts his chin up a bit higher.] Because the ladies said so, simple as that. [He talks while a rather tall hound grins wildly, following both him and Azul with her sick-yellow eyes.] And I don't know. Never asked if that's part of the package.
[Despite the cackles and the obvious looks being thrown specifically at Azul, the Sin marches on.] Oi, oi, oi. Don't get all offended about it. [He's walking past a long table in the center (which looks as if it served a particularly bloody meal recently) and towards a single door in the back.] Not all the clients here are easy. And what does a woman, what does anyone really, need at the end of a hard day?
[The former homunculus stops at the second door, and it opens right on cue. The lady behind it (another hyena, though much taller than the rest) drapes in the frame. She's decked out in a red, silk slip and a cigarette burns in the long holder she has wrapped in her knuckles.]
[She flicks a look to Azul, then Greed, and inhales on her smoke.] l' avidité. I see you have brought a friend.
[The former homunculus beams back.] Yeah, sorry about not giving you a heads up, El.
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Hello, ma'am. My apologies....allow me to introduce myself.
[Inclines his head a bit]
Azul Ashengrotto. Greed was kind enough to bring me along. Again, my apologies for the lack of notice.
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[Greed shrugs his shoulders, smarmy and pompous.] Now, when have I ever let a woman like you down? You'll get yours. Azul and I were just in the middle of ah - [He drops his arms and spreads his fingers, making all of his knuckles crack.] - an important conversation. You understand, right?
[But the woman goes silent as she lays on a bed, and the Sin assumes the position. But it isn't sex on the menu, oh no. It's a massage. And as the former homunculus sits on top of her back, he turns to Azul. Y'know, like he isn't giving a giant hyena lady a full, hands-on experience.]
So, what do you plan to do from here? Managing Envy and Kento's gunna be a task in itself. You up to the job?
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Oh, I am up to it. I luckily have a fair bit of experience thanks to managing the twins back home. I knew when I started contracts with both of them what I would likely be in for. Powerful people come with large price tags, after all. Just usually in ways one doesn't expect.
[Looks around for a place to sit, finding a stool before having a seat and carefully crossing one leg over the other. Since Greed's hands are free, he will go ahead and rest his own folded hands on top of his knee.]
The sort of arrangement I have with them certainly was not what I had initially planned, but one has to adjust as they go.
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[The Sin gently draws his claws down Ella's back, tracing out her spine, and earning a pleased hum for his efforts.] But I'm glad you're up to it. No regrets, Azul. Once you've made your decision, make sure to follow through on your end of the bargain. It's only fair.
[Greed searches the floor blindly with his tail, finds a bottle of oil, and strangles it.] Finding that out myself. People really like to make things complicated, don't they? Eh - [He lifts the bottle into two of his hands and pops the cap.] - I'm not gunna ask you for much. Just try to keep things from getting too messy, all right? Envy's a shit, but this is the first time he's ever done anything on his own. And Kento? He still needs to learn how much he's worth.
[He slicks up his claws and begins to press the coconut oil into Ella's skin.] Take care of my things, Azul. That's all I'm askin'.
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[Swings one of his legs idly, watching the other man work]
I can only take care of them as much as they allow me to. Neither of them are strong communicators and trying to get any sort of confirmation about their feelings or desires is like pulling teeth. You would think I was demanding their very souls or something. The funny thing is...they share a lot of the issues we are running into. They are both inexperienced in this, both feel they aren't worthy of whatever it is they want, and to be honest I am not sure they actually know what it is they want. At least not the details of it.
[Takes a moment to look around the rest of the room from his spot on the stool]
How are yours clashing right now?
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[His face turns absolutely smarmy.] - well, you can figure that one out on your own, can't you?
[The Sin leans forward, pushing up on the small of Ella's back. Crhhck.] No, and they're both fucking stubborn in their own ways. Kento thinks he doesn't deserve anything at all, and he's constantly punishing himself for something that was never his fault in the first place. [His eyes narrow and for a second, a snarl twitches on his lip.] And Envy was never given the choice. Daddy sir made sure to keep him in line, just like the rest of them.
[And how did he do it? Ah well, that's a story for another time.]
[Greed sighs, and his smile returns again.] Kind of the same issues. I'll be the first to admit I'm not the best at giving anything away right off the bat. I suppose that's bothering some people. [His tail idly lashes.] And others had some personal issues going on. But I'll keep their secrets if it's all the same to you. I'd want the same, after all.
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[Rolls his own shoulders in response to the audible crack]
...but not you? He didn't keep you in line?
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[But then, his expression shifts, a sneer cuts along his jaw, and the former homunculus digs his knuckles into Ella's back.]
He tried. And he paid for it the second time.
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[Reaches out with a free "arm", offering him the bottle of oil again.]
Mm...I can't really imagine it working out well for him. And I'm rather surprised he didn't pay the first time.
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[Greed hums, taking the bottle with a rattle of his tail.]
Caught me off guard the first time. But I was ready when he tried again. [Ah, he's showing his teeth. Showing his teeth like a predator ready to snap at a throat.]
[The Sin slicks his hands and goes back to working Ella's spine.] I'm surprised, though. Didn't think you'd actually come with me down here. What's your angle? [He's not accusatory. It's just a simple question.]
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[Stretches his legs out in front of him and his arms above his head]
Only about eighty-seven percent of what I do has some sort of angle or ulterior motive, thank you very much.
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[He flips out a second finger, lining it up with the first.] Secondly, considering our little misunderstanding at the beach and your deal with Envy, I assumed I'd be the last one you'd want to have this conversation with.
[And finally, he brings up a third finger, making a set.] And third, well. You just gave it to me, didn't you? Odds weren't exactly stacked in my favor, handsome.
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Re: days after drunk night
I do not exactly have very much experience with partying. I am not generally invited out for social calls.
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knew you didn't have a party vibe
wanna get one?
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How would I go about that? Getting a “party vibe”, that is.
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omg im asking if you want to hang out
everything really is business with you isnt it business boy
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Oh.
Well. Yes. To both. Generally people only seek me out if they have a wish in mind.
I am free to “hang out” after office hours though.
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im just bored and your fashion isnt embarrassing to be seen next to
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Well…all right then. When and where should I meet you? Is there a dress code?
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7s not past your bedtime is it?
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No, it is not past my bedtime.
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7pm then @ rage quit arcade.
[Along with that is Hell's version of an address, just in case.]
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I will be there.
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[She may not hate Azul right now, but part of her is still hoping he's at least a little nervous about his outfit. Because she's so ready to judge. And because it's funny.]
later ⋄
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[When Velvet arrives, she will find Azul is already there drinking coffee and in something arcade appropriate...this may in fact be the most casual thing he owns now.]
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[comes a voice from behind Azul. Velvet is dressed for the occasion, but nevertheless, she interrogates—]
Okay, where did you get that top, because I need one.
[What ever happened to hello, how are you, etc]
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[Turns in his seat so he can get a look at her]
Is that a shrug or a scarf? I like the color.
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It's a throw blanket I had a cherub cut in half and hem 'cos it feels like this—
[she rubs aforementioned blanket against the back of Azul's hand. It is Very Soft. One might even say Heavenly Soft.]
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Oh. That is soft.
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[hee hee]
But seriously, I'm impressed. I didn't know you owned anything that wasn't a suit.
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[somehow this really is velvet's attempt at not being too mean]
So you work out, you dance, you... work, what don't you do?
[Seriously is he some kind of celebrity back home or something??? why he so busy for]
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Ugh!
What?!! Are you for real?!
Why did everyone else go to super hero and magic wizard school?
Ugh. Everyone's schools were better than mine.
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Of course I am real. What else would I be?
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I meant, are you serio—
You know what? Nevermind.
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I am always serious.
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Not sure why I even asked.
[to try and change the subject—]
So what do you get in your coffee?
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Tragic.
[She actually sounds deeply moved by this every time she remembers. This is the stupidest thing she could have An Empathy about.]
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Can't relate, but I respect the grind, or whatever.
[what]
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[How is that relevant]
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He'll explain it way better than I can.
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Going to be stubborn, I see?
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It’s a sex thing, isn’t it?
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It's totally a sex thing. God, you should see your face.
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You're gonna get wrinkles frowning at me like that~!
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Is it your life's goal to be 72 at all times?
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You're a legend. Everyone will remember your name.
And they'll always remember you at your brightest and most beautiful.
[is. she. okay.]
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[Sips his coffee]
We are still joking, right?
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Do you wanna play some games?
[that's not what he fucking asked]
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I'm talking about the games in the arcade. That I brought you to.
To play games at.
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...
I usually just play board games. Which ones are good?
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There's a pretty cool laser one but it's broken like, every other day.
But the dance game's allllways working~
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[ugh ofc he had friends]
Well, they have good taste. It's the best one~
I know you'll enjoy it at least almost as much as I do.
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So, like, did the research work, or...?
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Blonk.]
Overwhatting?
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[Gets up to grab her a sugary iced coffee]
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[Watches him get up, but... can't really tell if that's an invitation to hear more, or if he doesn't want to be asked more about it...
But that only makes her more curious. For no reason, she's sure. Not like she's been anywhere near any kind of magical mental breaks she's perfect!!!!]
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Caramel.
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Lead the way.
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Alright, c'mere.
[Sliiiding past him to lead!
Right over to the most obnoxious looking step pad machine ever.]
Ta-dahhh~
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And it's only just started.
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[His pupils go a bit flat, adjusting to the wildly flashing lights]
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Sluuuuuuuuuurps her coffee and—]
You watch the arrows, and step on the arrow when it hits the line. It's super easy.
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[sluuuurp]
I won't even make fun of you if you mess up. You've got like, a handicap.
Fewer years with legs.
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[She slaps the machine a few times with her too-soft hand.]
Come onnnnn I'll even let you pick the song!
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[Stepping onto the dance pad]
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[stepping along with him, putting her almost-finished coffee on the game stand, and slapping quarters in that bitch, patting the buttons fast until she gets her preferred settings.]
Go ahead, pick your level and your difficulty and let's goooooo.
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She just grins, heavy shoes clomping on the pad when she starts stomping to the beat.]
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Don't worry, I won't tell anyone you said so~
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I knew you'd recognize my greatness eventually~
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Let's go, fish-boy!
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[She pads through to another song—]
Having a challenge just makes a better winner~
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[Locking in on his settings]
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[In a sing-song voice]
A cheap win still feels like a win, though~
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You had better win then after all this talk.
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slamming the start button]
Good thing I never lose.
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[Not going to cheat and use his tentacles, but it does seem like the faster speed is easier for him]
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[She loves the challenge okay. Living on the edge.
...But more than that, dancing is actually fun. This game is actually fun. And maybe she likes the chance to show off how well balanced and flexible rageons are. It's just a perk!]
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You are something else!
But I can do things you've never seen before.
[She's confident about winning ok!! and as the music starts she shows off that weirdly perfect balance of hers again]
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[Is this the shit talk of a highschooler playing video games]
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Oh, I deliver.
[Spinning on her hips independently of them while she stomps on those tiles and looping her noodly arm over to tap her claw on his nose]
and I entertain!
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and then taps his chin instead of his nose]
You're gonna let flies in gawking like that~
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So don't mistake me or Veneer for something that simple.
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What exactly are you then? Out of curiosity.
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I'm a Rageon.
[Said like "ragin'."]
Not to be a hipster, but you've probably never heard of us before.
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And I'm prrrrobably not even from the same world as you. I mean, I've never even seen humans walking around before I got here, and anything we'd call a merman, well...
[looking him up and down]
Doesn't look like you.
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Says who?
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So it's probably just more of that.
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Second, I don't do work, and I don't do favors.
You're probably just going to play 4D Mind-Chess with me until I remind you that both of us said we're not making any deals.
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Oh, c'mon. You can at least tell me if I'm on the right track.
I mean, we're out here having fun, and everything, aren't we?
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[if not, you know, to get on his good side.]
We're like, hanging out, you— were super funny the last time I saw you.
You could stand to be a bit more flattering, but... I think you're on the right track get there someday.
You know, if you keep up the effort.
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Though…I thought it was maybe too fun to be a trick… So I am glad it is not. A trick, that is.
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[She crosses her arms, tapping her foot—]
But, I dunno. I just figured we could actually hang out. While you're sober.
[And a bit more of a mumble;]
It's just stupid if my friend's boyfriend doesn't like me, or whatever.
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[Resting her... elbows? on the dance bar and resting her chin in her hands.]
But... as much as I love the idea of turning you green every time you see me— don't get me wrong, I really do— I'm pretty sure there's no reason to worry.
You can always pretend to be jealous, though. Makes me feel pretty.
[Batting her lashes. This is her idea of a joke maybe]
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[Bats his own lashes back at her with an exaggerated pout]
Oh Velvet, if only I were as cool as you. What is your secret? You have to tell me!
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Especially against someone who's already got plenty of his own.
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Words that make us better off as allies than enemies.... Jealousies aside.
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Exactly! I knew someone with your experience would eventually come around to see the big picture.
Just think of all the wonderful prospects that open up when you get two great minds like ours on the same side!
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And contracts? They're effective, but take it from me; they breed resentment. The longer the contract, the higher the possibility the contractee will do... anything to break it.
...but, allies don't have that... power struggle. When we work as equals, we're available to help each other reach our goals, to— to make our wishes come true!
And isn't that the best thing friendship can offer?
[this is definitely something people familiar with how friendship works would say]
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The fact that someone is trying to warn me of the perils of contracts is deeply ironic, I'm sorry.
And? What is your wish then? What wishes are we assisting one another with?
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So all I really want right now is to have you on my side. You get me?
Having enemies is just... too much work. And I don't really do work.
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Then it's official! We can hang out, no strings attached.
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Arrrrre you for real?
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I am joking, of course.
[Glances around the arcade before pointing to a racing game]
That one.
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Oh, my brother's killer at those. Sure.
[hopping down from the dance pad finally to join him there!]
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Is that so... I do not think I have met him still.
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Keep it up and you might earn real compliments like consistently fashionable and has expensive taste.
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...Remind me to tell Envy to forward you his glossary sometime.
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He's getting like, scary good at it.
Text;
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I'm on my way to the lounge from the hotel.
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Hello, treasure… So you want to wait to tell me when you get here or do you wish to start talking now? At the very least I would like to know if you are all right.
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I am fine. And Envy is... hopefully fine. We didn't hurt each other, but he has been crying. I may have miscalculated something between us and I had no idea I was making everything worse.
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[Cradles the phone between his shoulder and his ear as he cleans up what he was working on. Wanting to give Nanami his full attention when he arrives.]
You two were talking? Where did you run into each other?
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And he may have broken something after I left.
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Why…did he feel rejected by you though? What happened?
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He wants to date me. I wasn't expecting it, and when he told me I was surprised. I think the fact that I didn't immediately agree may have done more harm than I thought. But I couldn't just... I haven't even considered him that way.
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I didn't think he was at all interested in me. Why would he be? I've hurt him so badly.
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I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you are quite attractive. A real heartbreaker.
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Is he attracted to me? I had no idea. I hurt him without noticing that...
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Perhaps we should have you both start over? Forget everything you thought you knew about each other and go in with completely open minds. You can both have a second chance at first impressions if you sincerely want to.
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I don’t know about every inch, but…if it was too full of me, then we will add some of you to balance it out. We can shop for pillows you like or a throw and bring over some of your things.
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... Is that offensive? He took it so badly.
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And of course it won't seem like your space at first. It didn't seem like my space either in the beginning, but I jumped in and changed it to include me. It sounds like he and I are both willing to make room for you to make it your space too. You just have to be willing to jump in and start adjusting too.
It seems like he isn't the only one who is ready to be rejected.
[Releases Nanami from the hug, opting to take his hand instead and leading him to the couch in his office. If Nanami is as observant as ever, he may notice Azul's tie color today is not his usual purple, but instead a shade of yellow.]
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... I can see about finding something to make it feel more mine, but I do think my issue was more with it feeling like something I'm not meant to see. Your private lives, that I've stomped into and ruined.
[As always he will go wherever Azul takes him. And he does get a chance to look him over now that they're settled again.]
You look nice today.
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And you didn't stomp into and ruin anything. I pursued you just as you pursued me, even if you seem to insist that I do not want you as much as you want me. You could stay over one night, just to see... Or we could stay in my room, since that's neutral ground. Neither of you has stayed in my room, so neither of you has anything there. We could all try staying in my room.
[Has a seat next to him, reaching out to take Nanami's hands]
You look very handsome today too, but you always look handsome.
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I don't know if having you with us would make things better or worse. I'm so over my head on this, I don't even know who to talk to for help. Still, I would be willing to try sharing a bed with both of you at some point. But every time I push it off to the future, I make now a little worse.
[Staring down at where Azul is holding him.]
I hope I look better than I did when you had to preen my wings for me.
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If you wish to try...it's just sleeping. I only sleep four hours a night, so if you decided you couldn't do it and got up when I did...it would basically just be as though you were going to work. He does not know what your schedule is like. If you wanted to try, but were worried about it going poorly, you would have an out at least.
[Brushes his thumbs over Nanami's knuckles]
I am glad to see you looking a little healthier. I was worried about you. I still am.
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[He seems sensitive to that still, that his time and presence is in the way of other things. He would probably say 'better things' but he's wisely keeping that to himself.]
I'm sorry to have troubled you before. But why are you still worried?
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[Can practically feel that mental pause, sir]
Why am I still worried...? Because I care about you, of course. And it is obvious you are still upset.
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[Stiffening a little. He had been starting to relax and the idea that he's still so visibly upset puts him back on alert.]
What makes you say that I'm still upset?
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You did it just now even.
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I have genuinely been trying to get some perspective on things, I just don't know that my schedule for being okay and everyone else's line up. I need time to ruminate on things. I need to see my anger management coach. I need to get into some kind of routine so I can stop feeling like every day is a larger and larger challenge.
Sometimes I worry that my time here will be too short to do all the things I want, but rushing headlong into things just isn't me.
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[Gives his hands another little squeeze]
Is there anything I can do to help?
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[He's wondering if he should have stayed and figured out what happened instead of immediately running off here.]
I'm sorry I've made things worse. I don't know what I'm doing and it shows.
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[Kisses Nanami’s cheek before leaning forward, resting against him]
We all need to be patient with each other…and assume the best, hmm? As for Envy, are you sure you’re all right. I am taking care of you right now.
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[He wraps an arm around Azul to keep him close, even if it makes him feel guilty because he knows Envy will need the support more and soon.]
I'm fine. Other than being a little insulting about seeing my eyes he didn't hurt me at all. I shouldn't have showed him my cursed technique, though, he reacted poorly to it even when I tried to reassure him that I wouldn't cut him even if I could. He was unsure of how to cut the melon I gave him and I thought maybe I could help without the stress of having him give me a knife. But now he knows I can cut through things without a cutting edge and that will almost certainly make him less inclined to trust me...
[He's spiraling a little, in case that's the answer to Azul's question about if he's alright.]
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He is probably a little intimidated still considering what happened between you two.
That said, it sounds like he is trying to work through it. Just like you need time on some things, so does he. You’ll both get there, if that’s where you decide you want to be.
[Holds on a bit tighter to make his presence felt]
You’re not going to lose me. I trust us to figure out a way that we can all exist.
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I know you've forgiven me for hurting him, but it's not forgotten by any of us. I just need to make sure I'm worthy of your forgiveness. And his.
And your trust.
[He smiles a little, it's hard to resist Azul when he's like this.]
Oh. Do you know what sorts of things he likes? I'm sure I can keep bringing fruit forever but I would rather find something that can occupy his time for longer than eating does. Art supplies, or books, or maybe a puzzle?
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Hmmmm....what he likes.... I know he really likes his phone these days. Perhaps a cute case or charm for it? He is prone to almost breaking it, so perhaps one of those little straps so he can wear it around his neck?
He loves appearances and playing with his.... So perhaps clothing you think he would look attractive in? And make sure to tell him you think he would look attractive in them or that you want to see him in them. And mean it.
Perhaps something decorative for his room? He really is not prone to buying things, but he loves gifts. He's kept everything I have given him.
As far as hobbies....he does not really have any? He likes gifts, he likes experiences.... That said, if you want to introduce a hobby to him.... Perhaps something simple to start? I think he would probably get defeated if it was something that he couldn't do well right out the gate. He's very clever, so puzzles are not a bad idea. I enjoy board games... And I think he might too. That would be something he could play with Velvet and me or you and me....
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[He says that and really means it this time, he's feeling better than when he walked in and he has a better idea of how he's going to try and mend things with Envy.]
It's late and I'm sure I've already kept you too long. You should go home.
[It hurts a little less to think of it that way, to think of Azul being at home there with someone else.]
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... And have a good night tonight as well.
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[Leans in for another, longer kiss. Reaching up to cup Nanami's cheek]
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He can be trusted to close up on his own, after all.]
Action;
Nanami is carrying a couple of large bags with him, enough that it seems like he might be there for a long stay, but only one of them is clothes and necessities. The other is just treats.]
Azul? Envy?
Re: Action;
Right on time.
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[Envy would get up to help but it looks like the boys have got it. So he stays right where he is, laying there like a lizard lump on the couch, both legs dangling off the arm. He could sit like a normal person but why would he do that when there's so much fancy couch to splay on?]
Master of Punctuality over here.
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[He feels a little awkward walking in. This is still something he's not completely comfortable with, even though he is trying anyway.]
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[Sets one of the bags down on top of Envy]
I cleared some space in case you wanted to leave some things here. If you would like to, that is. Same for you, Envy.
[Azul's room is, of course, in shades of purple with sprinklings of teal and seafoam as well as white and gold. All the ambient lighting in the room has the same underwater effect as his lounge, also in the same ocean-esque shades. Much like the lounge, the furniture in his room is either velvet or silk or quilted leather and the room as a whole lives in the same elegant space as most things Azul leans towards. Azul has a tidy desk, shelves of books and some decor...it looks neither bare nor cluttered. The most eye catching feature however is a large aquarium wall.]
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[Sticks out his tongue at Azul while he picks up the bag and places it on the floor so he can get rearranged on the couch to sit like a normal person.]
What's all this?
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[He indicates the bag in his hand. The one that was dropped on Envy has some other things in it.]
I brought some ice cream from a shop in Heaven that is supposed to be good, and some cold brew coffee for the morning. In case we don't want to go out first thing.
[If Envy goes through the bag he will find no fewer than 12 flavors of ice cream in little pints. There's bound to be something in there they will both like.]
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[Does lean over to peer into the bag]
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"Caramel Toffee Crunch," "Raspberry Cheesecake," "Belgian Chocolate" ....what does a Belgian taste like?
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[He sets his other bag in the bedroom for the moment and comes out to check on the ice cream hunt. There are ice packs in the bag to help keep everything cool.]
It's a type of chocolate, usually considered higher quality. I hope there's somewhere we can keep the rest, otherwise they will eventually get soft.
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And…My ice magic isn’t the strongest, but I could at least enchant a drawer to turn it into a freezer box?
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[He stops and looks around, realizing that this room actually... doesn't have a kitchen in it?]
Wait, why does my room have a kitchen and yours doesn't? What else does this room have that I don't know about? [He turns a frown to Nanami, fishing for sympathy.]
Can you believe this guy? Had a room like this the whole time and never let me in it! I can't believe he was using me for my kitchen. [smhing his head.]
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[There are a few pairs of briefs, a basic shirt, the strap harness Azul bought him, and a pair of nice silk panties that look Nanami's size.]
This room is lovely, Azul. It's definitely yours. And thank you for the offer, Envy, that will be helpful.
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Oooh... [Glancing between the two of them, putting those pieces together and then rolling his eyes with a grin.] Azul, I had no idea you were so easy to fluster~ How cute. [Passing a knowing look up to Nanami before turning on his heel and heading back to the stacks of ice cream.]
Shall we wait on the desserts then? I can take them over.
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I was hoping to leave some of this here for later. I can't exactly get in the harness by myself, after all.
[He isn't embarrassed, he knows what he packed, but he wasn't expecting to be putting any of it on so soon.]
I'm happy to stay and get comfortable, I really wasn't expecting much more than sleep and talk. Which isn't to say I'm opposed.
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[Sighs and plops back down, since he didn't really get an answer from Azul. He decides he's gonna dig in to this toffee crunch stuff, but realizes he also... does not have a spoon.]
Damnit. [Drops his head back against the couch with a groan.] I've gotta go over there to get us some spoons anyway. Azul, do you wanna just share whatever I pick? [He always gets weird when it's time to have sweets.]
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If you want to see for yourself what I look like in them, just ask.
[He's still not sure how to flirt with Envy, so there's not as much heat behind it as he usually has when he's flirting with Azul.]
There's more than enough here for him to pick his own.
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Um. Yes, please. Envy. I just wish for a bite or two. Toffee is acceptable.
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You know, I don't think I've even seen you without a shirt on... [Tapping his lips thoughtfully with his pointer finger.] I mean, you were showing more skin at the beach, but I'll be honest... my focus was elsewhere at the time.
[When Azul re-enters, he has to wonder what the hell else he saw.]
...You good, babe? [And to Nanami:] You broke him.
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I promise I wasn't trying to break anyone...
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You did not break me, I was just thinking about how attractive my boyfriends are. That's all.
[Walks across the room to take Nanami's hand, guiding him to the couch to sit down, before taking Nanami's jacket for him]
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You're so cute when you're flustered.
[Grinning and wagging his brows at Nanami.]
Do you always have that effect on him, Na-na-mi~?
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I'm... not sure. I'm usually trying to get him to react, but I wasn't this time. I think I might be a bit over my head.
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[Reaches out to swat, gently, at Envy's knee before sitting on Nanami's lap]
It's a good thing. I just think you are very handsome.
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[Squinting a little at seeing Azul sitting in Nanami's lap. Usually Envy is the one to take to Azul's, but now that this scene is in front of him, some other things are starting to add up. At least Envy doesn't look like he's exactly suffering from FOMO or anything, though. Just leaning back against the arm of the couch and taking in the whole picture with a content little smile.]
He's got it baaad for ya, Sunshine. [He snickers, nudging Nanami's thigh with his foot.]
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[And then louder, to Envy.]
I would say the same for you, Azul loves you very much.
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[Reaches down to pat Nanami's thigh gently, leaning in closer]
It's fine, we are all playing and having a good time.
See? Even Nanami can tell how much I love you! And yet you so coldly do nothing to make me blush.
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You little shit. [It's affectionate, like a normal person would refer to their loved one as "sweetheart" or "darling."] I can't believe you'd drag me right here in front of this perfect angel and everything! Your mentor, no less! You're never gonna get into heaven with that kind of behavior.
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I don't know if I want to talk about mentoring right now.
[All of the teacher student talk Azul was doing earlier might have gotten to him a bit more than anticipated.]
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Alright, well. I'm gonna take the rest of these to the other room and get us some spoons. Did you pick a flavor you wanted or are you good, Nanami?
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[His hands find their way onto Azul's hips, like this is where they belong with him in this position.]
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[Reaches down to cover Nanami's hands with his own]
Do you want to change into pajamas? They might be more comfortable. I will change too I think.
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Yes sir, sure can.
[Pulls the mint chip out and leaves it with his toffee, grabbing the bag and slinging it over his shoulder once he's filled it up again.]
Alright, well don't have too much fun without me, boys. Be good~. [Waving a hand as he heads out to the room next door.]
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Come back in pajamas!
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[He's not moving to let Azul out of his lap when he asks.]
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It might be easier to get comfortable in comfortable clothing.
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I told you I don't have to worry about my wardrobe anymore. Besides things that are fun to take off and put on.
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[Leans in to press a kiss to Nanami's cheek before sliding off his lap]
I'll go change and give you a moment, hm?
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You are a cheeky little shit.
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Oh? Are you only now realizing it?
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[Just going to stand in the doorway and watch.]
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[Starts to unbutton his shirt as he heads for his pajama drawer, pulling out a silver set tonight]
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The boys will have time to themselves for a little bit, because he's going to take his sweet time having a smoke by the window, figuring it would be better to let Nanami have this time alone with Azul to decompress a bit. Those tight laces of his are practically crippling the poor guy and Envy doesn't know how to handle it. He hoped after their conversation things would have become at least a little more comfortable for him, but... eh. It's not like Envy has any more of an idea how to navigate this than anybody else, so he's at least trying not to judge. Doesn't mean he's any less bummed by the reception, but things take time. Sigh. Oh well.
When Envy does finally arrive back at the room, he's dressed as requested in what would appear to be a lacy, flowy version of his usual outfit under a seafoam green silk robe. He's brought a bag of his own filled with a mix of clothing and treats, along with the promised spoons. After knocking, he pulls out his phone to pass time while he waits to be let back in.]
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[Nanami goes to open the door, letting Envy in again and motioning for him to set things down and be quiet. He then gestures at Envy to follow him to the doorway so they can both watch. If Envy is willing to follow his quiet instructions he will get an arm wrapped around his waist from behind as thanks.]
[He keeps his voice quiet.]
Don't spook him, he's just getting to the best part.
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Even with Envy as familiar with all of the merman's angles and curves, the sin simply can't imagine not being completely in awe of him and his form every time.]
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He leans down so he can talk directly into Envy's ear.]
Is he always this gorgeous?
[Anyone else is free to listen, though.]
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[Buttons up the sleep shirt without glancing back at them]
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All the time. It's not fair, right? I'm pretty sure he's doing this to us on purpose.
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[He's enjoying the warmth of a solid body next to him, even if he's still staring at Azul.]
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[Hooks his thumbs in the belt loops, working his pants down slim hips before pulling on a silky pair of shorts. The pajama set he's wearing tonight is hardly scandalous by most people's measure, but Azul is not the sort to usually wear shorts]
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I like the way you think, Sunshine. Maybe we... [Oh. Sorry, Nanami. Distractions. What a view.] ...should... Uh.
[Whatever else he was going to say is gone now. It totally wasn't important. What is important is losing all tact and loudly admiring the merman and his adorable nightie choice.]
What! Cute! Ugh, what the hell! [He takes Nanami by the hand to pull him further into the room, releasing him only so he can toss his arms around Azul's middle and nuzzle his face into his silky chest.] Azul, these are so nice. Did you get them for tonight?
Ah, Nanami, come feel how luxurious~. [He bounces around to stand behind Azul, focused now on nuzzling between his shoulder blades so he can give Nanami the chance to see and experience the ~luxury~ for himself up front.]
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You're right, it is very nice.
[He leans in to give Azul a kiss on the cheek.]
That can't be what you normally sleep in either, is it Envy?
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[Chuckles quietly when he feels Envy nuzzling into his back, tilting into the little kiss Nanami leaves on his cheek]
Doesn't Envy look cute?
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[But then he scoffs at Azul, indignant on his behalf.]
Are you kidding? Do you see these hips? [Squeezing them from behind before moving up slowly, pulling the pajama top up along with his hands.] Your waist and these shoulders... you'd look perfect in something like this.
[He loves being acknowledged as cute, thank you Azul. He slips under the mer's arm and wraps an arm about his waist, peering up at the two of them with a smile most pleased.]
Right, Nanami?
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[He reaches behind Azul to run his hand along the edge of Envy's bottoms. He's keeping it careful and exploring more than anything explicitly sexual.]
You both look very nice. I'm a little out classed here, you're both so beautiful and I'm- I'm like this.
[He gestures down at his otherwise very loose pajamas.]
Even if I change into something more form fitting, I'm never going to be able to match either of you for waistline.
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I happen to be a big fan of your form. I think your build is very handsome... You're not outclassed, you're just a different category.
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Heh, I mean, you wouldn't hear me complaining... But I do think Azul would still end up the most clothed by bedtime... Which would be such a shame, because Azul is so very pettable. He has the softest skin I've ever felt~
[He pouts a lip up at Nanami even as his hands wander beneath Azul's clothes, toying with the waistband of his tiny shorts.]
I'd love to agree with him here, but I believe I'm lacking the necessary experience to make an educated guess~ I've only ever seen you dressed for work, and now this...
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I suppose I can show you what I look like naked if you'd like. But I'd prefer if you asked nicely, or at least help.
[He means that as a little bit of a challenge. He doesn't want to be the one who crosses the line into something physical here, he wants to be invited to it.]
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We could make it a game... People play games at sleepovers, don't they? We could just....raise the stakes.
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I love a game... Eeeven if asking nicely would be technically be faster... [Tapping his lips thoughtfully.] But I do also like high stakes—
Oh! That reminds me! [He pops up suddenly, taking his hands back so he can fuck off to the other room right quick. BRB!]
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[His face softens some looking at Azul. He doesn't have his glasses on so it's much easier to see.]
[And then Envy takes off and he's back to being a little confused again.]
Everything alright?
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[Glances back to catch a glimpse of the ends of Envy's hair disappearing around the corner. Arches an eyebrow, curious, before turning his attention to sliding his hand into Nanami's night shirt so he can pet at bare skin]
Mm, he sounds fine... I guess we will see what he brings back?
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Alright, so. I cannot eat these, they'll go to waste if I do. It's basically an incinerator in here. [He pats his tum and cackles.] Nothing to digest, no fun. Soooo, I figured I'd get you guys to try'em out, especially since we're not gonna be loosening up with any spirits any time soon. Whaddaya say~?
I've heard they're pretty fuuuun~
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What... is all of this? What are you giving us that you can't have?
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I could probably manage a potion that could have an effect on you, if you'd like. Not tonight, obviously. I'm hardly dressed for potion work.
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Ooh, put a pin in that. We will definitely come back to potions later. [His magical alchemist sea witch boyfriend is so talented and helpful, Envy is so blessed.]
They're gummies, babe! [He's positively beaming at Nanami, holding the bag open for him to take one. Clearly Envy has already imbibed something while he was away, because he's in a way chiller mood than he was when he left.] They'll get you a little silly, but they'll mmmostly just relax you and make you feel a little... floaty! At least, that's what I've been told. And I just think we could all use a little floaty, right now~
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Doesn't taste that good.
What sort of potions do you like making, darling?
[He sits on the bed with them, still a little ways away.]
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Potions though...it was the first sort of magic I started studying. My grandmother would help me after school... She was a tough teacher, but I learned a fair bit from her guidance.
[Tightens an arm around Envy's waist to keep him from wriggling too far away, otherwise relaxing against his back after one deep breath out. Shoulders nice and low with Envy and Nanami getting along so well like this. He will reach out his free hand to lace his and Nanami's fingers]
The potion I tend to spend the most time on is the one for legs. Potions that alter the body like that are highly controlled and regulated due to the dangers that could come from one being poorly made.
That said, because of that, the potion the twins and I need to live on land like this is extremely expensive. It used to be that we needed to take one every three days, but there have been advancements that we only need to take one once a week.
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Top ten? [He whistles-- or at least starts to before he starts getting wrangled and put in his place as Azul's living plushie. As much as he loves to cuddle, he does have to remember that parts of his demon body are less suited for the task, so he must change that up before he forgets. Not wanting to startle Azul with the possibility of getting shocked, he leans forward just enough to make his horns disappear in a shower of red sparks so he can settle more comfortably in the curve of the mer's body.]
I always forget you have to have a potion to get legs. But, does that mean you have to do that, here? I just realized I've never seen you drink a potion about it.
[Want a gummy, Azul?]
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Top ten is impressive, although I should ask out of how many in your class. It's far less impressive to hear that I was the top of my class in technical school when you find out I was the only student of my year who survived to graduation.
[He's said it before he thought it through all the way and between the implication that Azul isn't as smart as he says he is and the dropping of his dead classmate in the middle of things he freezes up. Neither of those things are topics he wants to talk about and he is just struck silent, hands frozen where they were poised to help Envy fit the toe of the stocking to his toes properly.]
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To be fair, I have been studying much longer than many of the students there. That is...my magic manifested very young. There are very few merfolk compared to land dwellers. And on top of that, even fewer develop any sort of magic. My mother and biological father were strong mages in their own right. Though my grandmother outclasses them by far.
[Reaches down to help adjust the top of Envy's stockings, before leaning forward and opening his mouth to receive the offered gummy]
As for the potion, I have not needed it since I died. You all had your natural forms altered upon arriving here....as did I. I do not miss having to take it, despite being expensive and complicated, it was still incredibly painful. There were many times it felt as though I was walking on glass.
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When the fish finally stops to take a breath, he pops the gummy in Azul's mouth, settling back against him once everything is properly arranged.]
Eugh, that actually sounds like hell. You must have really wanted to be on land to go through all of that, huh?
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[He does go back to adjusting the toes on Envy's stockings but the movements are stiffer than they were when he was helping to put them on.]
[Unfortunately he also lost track of what Azul was saying.]
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I knew there would be a cost. Most merfolk don't want to live on land, but luckily there are a lot of resources for those that do. For example, the bootcamp I attended. There is also another organization that pays for mine and the twins potions for now in order to encourage more merfolk to try life on land. I like it on land... I do not particularly wish to go back to the Coral Sea.
[...reaches out to curl his fingers around Nanami's bicep, rubbing the other man's arm with just enough pressure to be felt...to hopefully ground him a little.]
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I'm sorry. I don't know what... happened.
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Nothing to be sorry for... Is there anything we can do? To help right now?
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[He turns his head so he can watch Envy moving away. And when that gets to be a strain he turns over completely to face them.]
I got lost somewhere familiar, I felt like I was with some old friends. I haven't thought about those days in a long time.
[And before anyone can ask, he wants to change the subject.]
Tell me more about your school, Azul?
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[Digs in the bag before offering out two options for Envy to pick between for him, stretching his legs out toward the sin]
Let's see....my school is located on the Isle of Sages. Our rival school is on the same small island. And there is a little town between the two schools that we can go visit on weekends. I don't really go into town though. I spend a lot of time inside the school... I can't go home during winter break because it's too hard to swim home during that time. However, I have had the opportunity to go a number of other interesting places....by choice and against my will. Not too long ago, I was actually able to attend a
red carpet movie premiere. Which is funny considering before coming to live on land I had never even seen a movie.
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tock options. He points out the cream colored ones because they match his pink ones, and he's developed quite the affinity for matchies lately.]A "movie premiere"? [It's times like this he remembers that he's so far removed from this universe's modern society where he comes from.] Velvet took me to see a "movie" but I don't know if it was a "premiere" or not.
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[The praise for Azul comes naturally, but it's a good sign that he's feeling a little more normal. He's watching this sock ritual and wondering if he's going to be getting them next.]
Premiere is what they call it the first time they show a movie in theaters for everyone. Unless the movie was made here in the afterlife, it's unlikely you saw a premiere.
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[Wiggles his toes a bit before laying down as well, letting Envy maneuver his legs as needed]
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Oooh, well, well. The prettiest, most famous boy at school is taking you around to do fancy famous people things? Look at you~
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I'm surprised you weren't the prettiest, most famous boy at school. Did someone else in your school manage to trick more people at once than you did? You're more than famous, you're infamous.
[Nanami puts his hand into one of the thigh highs and stretches it a bit.]
I don't think any of these will fit me.
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[Looks through the bag for a black pair for Nanami]
And no, no one has managed to match me in that area. My best score was 225 people with a single deal. I’m rather proud of it.
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[But now Envy is positively swooning at Azul's headcount of poor unfortunate souls, twisting around in the bed to flop down between them on his back, belly up like a cat. One of his legs drapes over one of Nanami's, counting this as inclusion much in the way an actual cat would.]
Ooh, tell us more~ What did you have them do for you~?
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[Once Envy asks more more details he's back to listening quietly, it's easier when he's not feeling at ease with things to just let Envy and Azul do what they want. He doesn't understand why either of them are putting socks on at all considering they both deliberately dressed lightly. This is some kind of ritual he doesn't understand and doesn't want to ask about.]
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[Laces his fingers with Nanami’s, holding one of his hands while he talks]
Oh, the usual, eternal servitude at the lounge. I offered to ensure they would pass with over 80 points and as long as they made it into the top 50 my help would be free…. They all failed to ask how many people I gave the same deal to. Most of them were bound to lose from the start.
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You devil, you~! I love how your mind works~
[Hmm, this is not the behavior of two people who think they should get into heaven, now is it... Have you been thinking about your feelings on monsters and criminals, Nanamin?]
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[He's smiling a little watching his two partners together.]
You two do seem like you belong together.
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Mmhmmmm~ People never read closely enough. Though...for eternity is a bit of an exaggeration. I was kind enough to make it 'servitude until they graduate' and taking a special skill or ability from them as collateral.
[Sits up, crawling over to settle on Nanami's lap, before laying down on top of him, folding his arms against Nanami's chest before teasing gently]
If you are going to say that I expect you to say how we seem to belong together too.
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I was gonna say, Nanami~ [He purrs, tilting his head up to watch him, drawing little circles on his chest.]
What does that say about you, I wonder~?
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[His wings floof up at the contact, expressing the excitement he keeps to himself otherwise.]
I've told both of you, I don't actually belong in Heaven, I am just staying there for now. I know what kind of person I am.
[The implication is that he doesn't think he's very good at all.]
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I will have to argue with you... You are a good man. If you wound up in Hell, I would have to write some very strongly worded letters.
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[Chuckling low in his chest, he nuzzles up along Nanami's jawline,
careful not to cut himself on itand nipping at his ear.]Is that it? You think you're as bad as us~?
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Thank you both for believing in me. Even if they're conflicting beliefs.
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Are we all up for a game now?
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Mm, I could be~ What do you have in mind?
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[Nanami is starting to feel a little looser, despite having an octopus on him. Or maybe because he has an octopus on him.]
And do I have to move?
[The hand on Envy's butt gives it a little squeeze. Just to see what Envy will do with that.]
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I believe they are all going to require movement. So, the real question is board game or party game? Truth or dare would require the least set up and the least explanation, if we were hoping to keep things simple.
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[Eheh.] "Truth or Dare" does sound fun. Don't think I've done that one before~
[And of course he hasn't, it would require telling the truth and he hates that! But with this pair, perhaps it won't be so bad.]
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[It's clearly been a while since he played.]
[Azul might notice some little downy feathers on Nanami's chest.]
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Ooh, alright. Well then, this may be more fun than I thought!
[Cocking a brow at Azul, wondering why he looks so focused. Envy can't exactly see what he's looking at from this angle.]
You good, babe?
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[He does like the feeling of someone touching them, though, they're still sensitive. To distract he looks over at Envy.]
Envy, truth or dare?
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[Since that will be a challenge all the way around...]
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What is your favorite color?
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[Presses a little smooch just above the patch of feathers, covering Nanami's hand with his own]
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Mm. [Grins and reaches out to tilt Azul's face up with the tip of his finger.]
This shade of blue. [He means Azul's eyes, and doesn't even realize that's probably the gayest answer he could give rn. He does not know it's his turn to ask, now.]
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[Quietly and casually unbuttoning one of the buttons on Azul's shirt. He's not drawing attention to it, just quietly unbuttoning.]
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Smooth answer, darling.
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[He snickers, looking most pleased with this praise.]
Mhmm.. well, alright then, I guess we'll go in a circle... Azul, "truth or dare"~?
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…how about ‘dare’?
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[Petting that lovely skin now that it's revealed.]
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I was going to say the consequence of not doing it should be lose a piece of clothing, but none of us have much clothing to start with right now. So perhaps having to fulfill two truths or dares on the next turn without being able to skip? Or we could have some sort of restriction such as a blindfold or binding their hands?
[….barks quietly]
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I like doubling it for the next round, no skips~
Now, would that be for every infraction, though? Because you should have barked... Four times, just then? I did say "after every sentence."
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[The hand on Envy's ass gives it a little swat.]
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It's for two turns!! He can bark right for two turns!
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That's right~ Good boy.
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[He may have to rethink some things.]
And Azul, it's your turn.
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N…Nanami, truth or dare?
[…bark]
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[Grinning at Azul like he knows what he really is despite their own arrangement, but speaking only to Nanami.]
Unless you pitch your voice up a couple octaves and literally babytalk him like he's a puppy, I'm thinking probably not, Daddy, sir. [Sticks his tongue out.]
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[There's no real retaliation for Envy other than Nanami pitching his voice down and in his most authoritative tone.]
Maybe it's you who responds better to an authoritative tone. I know a brat that needs to be brought in line when I see one.
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What is the most embarrassing thought you had this week?
[….bark]
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My most embarrassing thought this week? I did think someone was hitting on me who just wanted to talk.
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[Turns in Nanami’s arms to cuddle against him better with a quiet bark near the shell of his ear]
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Hmm, so you two do it, too... [He hums between Azul's shoulderblades, stroking his hand up along the curve of his hip and waist.]
People keep assuming that I'm flirting with them when I am not. Do I sound like I'm flirting all the time?
[He just has that cadence about him, okay! That doesn't mean anything.]
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[He's fine being the bottom of the pile despite the two of them being heavier than they look. He can handle it, he's built tough.]
Azul, truth or dare?
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[Jumps slightly when his butt is pinched, but he’s starting to feel relaxed enough that he does not raise a huge fuss over it…though he does make a little yip sound that counts as a bark]
You had better not be flirting… And truth.
[Two unenthusiastic barks as he settles back down]
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What do you like most about Envy?
[He sits up with Azul in his lap, watching a pissed off sin take it in and trying not to make it worse.]
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Most? There are too many things I like about him, how am I supposed to pick ‘most’?
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[He's putting on his best adult voice for this, please accept his peace offering.]
Like how I like your laugh, and I like how cute it is when his tail twitches when he's happy about something.
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[Crawls over, shirt hanging open since SOMEONE undid all his buttons, arms going around Envy’s neck and climbing onto the sin’s lap]
Baby don’t be like this. No one is judging you. We’re all just having fun, okay?
[Presses little kisses along Envy’s jaw]
I like how excited you get sometimes, you light up completely. I like the cute way you hoard little trinkets in that bag. I like how long your hair is and how I can wind it around my finger while we’re falling asleep. I like how it feels to hug you, I always feel safe and comfortable holding onto you. I like how very clever and bratty and sweet you are… well, sweet to me anyways. I can keep going.
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This is also soothing, and harder to remain mad at. None of the fish in this room pissed him off, including the one on his lap.]
Yeah, yeah... Laying it on a bit thick there, but I appreciate the ass pats all the same. [He says, punctuating the statement with a pat delivered to Azul's behind before he starts trying to wiggle out of his grasp.]
Now get back over there before he starts thinking he was right or something. [Making a shoo-ing hand motion.]
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[He wants to say something about being right, because he is. But it isn't going to help the situation, so instead he takes the W where he can and keeps quiet about it. There's so much effort here all being hidden behind his usually fairly inscrutable face.]
If we want to keep playing, it's your turn, Azul.
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[Attempts to stay as close as Envy will let him, trying to snag one of his hands]
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Mrrr... Dare.
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Where did you get all of this?
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Iiiiii daaaaaare youuuuu.....to show us your search history on your phone.
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What do you mean "search history"?
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[Leaning in to bite Azul's shoulder gently. Since that's apparently what we're doing.]
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loud audio warning for the link
When they pull up his search history they will find a number of things, though they are mostly benign.
"what is a belgian"
"nice things to call a man"
"dancing fruit video"
"what is minecraft"
"fancy man gifts"
"mommy bakes you cookies asmr"
"wood soup asmr"
"what is asmer"
"azmur"
"azzmerr"
Mostly.]
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That reminds me, Envy, I have a little something for you.
[He poofs his suit jacket on again and reaches into the pockets and brings out a collectable buff lizard man phone charm and wrist strap.
And when Envy gets close enough to take it from him, he's going to bite the cheek Azul hasn't already marked. And whether Envy can feel it or maybe just sense it, but it's a lot harder than how he bit Azul. He wants the mark to stay a bit.]
Re: loud audio warning for the link
[Managed to miss the biting because he was so focused on the list, pupils going a bit flat as he relaxes more]
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Gnngh–hey! [And now his face is fully red and it isn't just from the bites.] Ah– wh-what the hell— [Gathering his new buff green son to his chest, he pouts somewhere between confusion and gratitude.]
Wh-what is this— how did you... Where did you... WHY did you— [He doesn't know how to react!! He may just combust!]
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[Then to Envy:]
It was cute, like you. And kind of a lizard, like you. And buff, like you. It made me think of you. And since you have broken a couple of phones I thought this might help you hang onto it better, that strap part goes around your wrist.
[And because he honestly worries about having been too strong with the bite.]
... Was I too rough?
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[Leans in to get a look at Envy's new treasure]
You should put it on your phone, darling.
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[Really, he is fine. However the damage wasn't extensive enough to require repair, so those marks may sit there for a while yet. But now he's focused on getting this strap on his phone, turning the whole device around to look for a place to attach it. Leave him be, he will figure this puzzle out, it's for enrichment.
Despite how much he wants to stay in the pouty mood he's in, it's hard to stay grumpy with this silly little buff guy looking at him. ...Also the phone strap is pretty funny too.]
...You really think this guy looks like me? [He doesn't know if he should be offended or not, but he thinks he looks so silly he can't even really be mad if he does.]
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You're welcome. And he reminds me of you, you are actually much cuter. It's also your turn, again.
[He touches the spot he bit, very gently, trying to feel if he left teeth marks or something, he is already feeling bad for getting excited.]
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Ah, uh. Well. I guess. Truth or Dare for you, then, Nanami. [Flicking short glances up to him and back to his gift a few times, unable to maintain eye contact with him this close.]
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[He makes a note to be more physical with Envy because it seems to work wonders on him. But then, it works wonders on Azul, too.
And also Nanami knows he's susceptible to it as well. Maybe they've all spent too much time touch starved.]
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Dare? How bold.
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...I dare you to put on whatever you brought in that bag of yours. Whatever it is that had Azul blushing. I wanna see.
[He can be serious, too, dammit.]
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I could put it on instantly, but I really do like doing some things the long way. Would you like to help?
[It's an open invitation to both of them.]
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You know that you can always count on my assistance. Envy? Darling?
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...Mmm. [He begins to recline, humming to himself in thought until he's propped up on his elbows and stretched out, crossing his legs at the ankle.] I should make him do it by himself, in front of us. Set to music or something. Reverse strip tease.
But I could be benevolent, too. What do you think, my love~? Shall we help him? Or make him work for it~?
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I wonder… I am not feeling particularly merciful right now. If you ask me, I would make him work. However, it is your dare for him…
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[He gets up and makes a show of slowly unbuttoning his shirt the rest of the way and taking it off. He steps out of the shorts too and he's not wearing anything under them. He lets them watch him rummage for new clothes totally naked and ends up with a nice pair of black lace booty shorts and a lace top that he puts on as slowly and teasingly as he can.
There are garter belts and stockings in there too, but he's going to need assistance if they want those on too.]
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[Okay, well. It doesn't take very long to see what got Azul all hot and bothered about him. He's truly, magnificently sculpted and seems to be more than aware of the effect it has on at least one other in this room. On top of that, lace looks very nice on Nanami and he can certainly appreciate that, though Envy is taking this time to map out the angel's form from every angle he can get from here. He can multitask...]
Mm... My, my. I don't know what you're talking about. Your proportions are incredible; I'm not so sure why you were so concerned about matching our waists. [The sin purrs, one hand idly tracing Azul's waist as he speaks.]
Azul, darling, you have exquisite taste~
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My taste is perfect...I have the two hottest boyfriends in Hell, afterall.
[Clears his throat a bit, alternating between not wanting to stare (to be polite) and wanting to stare (obviously). His eyes follow Nanami's hands, watching as he pulls on each piece before his gaze lands on the stockings and garter belt.]
I believe he is forgetting a couple of things, however.
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[He holds out the garter belts to the two of them.]
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Fiiiine, I suppose it's only fair~
[Pats Azul's ass to signal for him to get up so they can help.]
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[Slides off the bed, walking over towards Nanami]
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Do you want me on the bed...?
[His voice is deeper than he intends, but that might just be because he realizes exactly how that phrase came out.]
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Together? One at a time? What do you think~?
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Hmmm....Same time would be most efficient, wouldn't it?
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I hope I can handle two of you at once. You're each distracting all on your own.
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[Envy flips his hair over one shoulder with a wink and a kiss in acknowledgement of that little compliment as he readies the stocking, pre-gathering the delicate fabric and kneeling at Nanami's feet. He will begin when Azul is ready.]
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Do your best, handsome.
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I can't tell which of you is the worse menage right now. It's a solid tie.
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I'd apologize... but I think I'd have to be sorry, first. [Humming as he works the stocking up and over his knee, really getting to take in the mass of this man's unbelievable thighs. If Envy ever knew tact, you wouldn't know it, because he's squeezing those hocks as shamelessly as ever.]
Wow, you don't skip leg day, do you? Why do you hide all this under those stuffy slacks--
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Look who's talking. Darling, you are plenty toned yourself.
[Mouths just above Nanami's knee as he starts to pull the stocking over his toes]
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[That seems fitting for Envy, and it means he has a gem and a pearl here. His leg jumps a little when it's bitten and he doesn't bother trying to hide the wanton sound it ring sound of him.]
Mmm, was that a bite of affection?
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He was about to get to work on the garter next but he needs a second to reboot.]
I, uh... Yeah, I. I like surprises. [Can't you tell?]
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[Presses a kiss to the spot he just bit, pulling the stocking up his calf now with a low hum]
Mhmm~ could it be anything less than affection for you?
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[Both of them get gentle touches on the face.]
I suppose it's my turn again, isn't it? Azul, truth or dare?
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[Carefully attaches the stocking to the garter before catching sight of Envy’s expression. His own expression softens in response as he leans in to close the distance between them and press a little kiss to the corner of Envy’s mouth…fighting the urge to try and curl around him]
How about dare?
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[It's been years since he played, and this was always a good time then, so hopefully it's still a good time now.]
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"Prank call"? Like, calling someone as a joke? [They have phones where he's from but they don't typically use them to make jokes...]
[Excuse him while he perches on Nanami's leg now that he's done dressing him.]
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[Nanami gets his phone out to offer it, since he does have Fearless' number. He is also giggling now. Congratulations, he's feeling it.]
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The Sin is Too Stunned To Speak]
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If you would like for me to prank this 'Fearless', then I absolutely shall.
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[He trusts them enough for some reason to open his phone and just hand it to Azul. His phone is organized well and everyone's names in it are their actual names.]
He's the security dragon at the bar. He's a smartass, but he's fun.
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Damn.
Sorry for the staring, sir, but this pupil is quite focused.]
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I assume that was good enough to fulfill the dare?
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[He grabs Azul's face and peppers him with kisses and then pulls Envy back onto the bed with him as he laughs more.]
He had no idea!
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Envy gets tugged back with Nanami when he falls back onto the bed, a small yelp and "oof!" leaving him when he hits the mattress. But then it's right back to laughing, splaying out next to the giggling angel.]
The voice! What was that voice?
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I am a salesman, not a voice actor. I can, however, do a wonderful Floyd impression.
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It's your turn, salesman.
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Really?! Isn't that one the "squeezer"?
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[Presses a kiss to the center of Envy's chest before sitting up......and blinking a bit as he realizes again that his shirt is open, reaching up to slowly and carefully button his top]
Mmmm....Envy. Truth or dare?
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[Throwing an arm over Azul to add to the pile.]
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Truth.
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[Scrunches his brow a bit...it takes a bit more focus to come up with an idea right now, but he will cuddle against Envy as he works on a possible 'truth']
How about...why haven't you asked a wish of me yet? You made such a fuss over having me at your beck and call to grant your wishes, but then you haven't bothered to make a single one.
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[Nothing worrisome in that explanation that Nanami will follow up on later. Nope. Nothing at all.]
What did you call the other one, then? The other twin.
[He does go quiet though, that's a serious question.]
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Uh--
[Clears his throat and looks away.]
...pass.
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[Smiles slowly when Envy looks away, a purr escaping his throat. Starting to feel quite good, quite relaxed, giving gummies to an octopus is probably fine.]
Come now, darling. The answer cannot be that bad.
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[He doesn't want to press anyone into something they don't want to do.]
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...Yeah. I'll just. Do two, next time.
[Cough.]
So, do I... have to pick dare now or...?
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Two on the next one. Also, lose an article of clothing.
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[He's not paying great attention right now. He's busy staring at the fish tank.]
... I feel like I'm going to float away.
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Fine, fine... [manages to wiggle his arms out of the sleeves of his robe without having to get Azul off of him.]
Truth or Dare, Nanami...? [Damn the accountant is goooone.]
You sure you wanna keep going? Or would you rather swim for a bit? [Snickers]
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We could go swimming on the next date.
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[He lifts his head up to smile at Azul but he's a little dizzy and he ends up laying it back down again.]
Would you swim naked? Like the last time we swam in the ocean.
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Ugh, what? I missed skinny dipping? [:C]
[He's still going to come up with something for Nanami, but he MUST express his disappointment.]
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You can join us this time though. Right? Nanami?
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[He sounds a little sad about that. One of his wings curls up around him and he runs his hands through the feathers mindlessly.]
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[Grins, waggling his eyebrows at Nanami now. He has a pretty good feeling that he won't take him up on that offer, but it's funny to suggest, anyway.]
I could give you shape-shifting powers.
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[Reaches a hand out to pet and preen Nanami's feathers....and marvel a bit at the softness of them]
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I don't think I would-
... What would you want in return for that?
[He's not saying no, but he's not saying yes either.]
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...Hmm. I didn't think you'd actually entertain the question, so I guess I'll have to think on it~
[He grins, casting a knowing glance up at Azul before returning his attention to Nanami.]
It would have to be significant... I would be giving you a part of who I am, you know? That's nothing to sneeze at.
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[The wing pettings may be distracting him as well.]
... Was that my question? The truth is I don't know.
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What's the worst thing you could imagine yourself doing if you had my abilities? Off the top of your head.
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I would transform into someone completely different and just disappear. Take on a whole new persona like I was never here at all.
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Damn. That's cold!
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[Sits up, sliding off the bed before smoothing out his pajamas]
I am grabbing a water, would either of you like anything while I am up?
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[From his spot on the bed, he sticks an arm out toward Azul, not willing to get up but reaching for him anyway.]
Ice cream?
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[uh oh, Azul's got moody vibe face!]
Well, that's good. I think we'd both be pretty upset if you just up and disappeared on us.
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All right...what flavors?
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[He squeezes the hand before it's gone.]
... Do you want to keep playing?
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Man....they're probably melted by now. Do I need to go get the others?
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[He's back to staring at the fish in the fish tank.]
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Thank you, dear heart~
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Strawberry and chocolate then. I’ll be right back.
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... I said something wrong, didn't I?
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I think you mighta spooked him, yeah. [Rubs at his face.] Sorry, maybe I shouldn't have asked that. But, to be fair, I figured you'd say something silly like "see what it's like to be a woman and stare at my own tits for an hour" or something.
[He goes quiet for a moment, and when he speaks again, it's low, uncertain.]
...You wouldn't really disappear on us, right?
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[He hesitates a little before turning the questioning around on him.]
... Is there a reason you don't want any wishes from him?
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...No. [He frowns a little, rolling onto his back again and staring up at the ceiling.]
I just haven't thought of anything. [Which is kind of true, but he isn't really sure how or why. It definitely sounds like there's more to it, but he's hesitant to share.]
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I think maybe you already got your wish. The one you really wanted.
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For my abilities back? ...Yeah. I guess so. But that was a whole separate deal. We made two, that day. One for me to have access to his wishes, free of charge, in exchange for my... I don't know. Eternal servitude, or something. And another for me to have my powers back but only if I swore to never use his face.
Which was. Obnoxious. Because that was all I wanted.
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[He sighs, looking at Envy with that same sad look he gets sometimes when he is jealous of what Envy has with Azul.]
He would grant you whatever you asked for regardless.
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[Envy recognizes that look, and it confuses him every time he sees it. He sighs and sits up, rubbing at his face.]
What's that about? Why do you look at me like that?
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[His brow furrows.]
What do you mean? I'm not looking at you any particular way.
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When you talk about him-- or about me and him, especially. You always get this look on your face. Like a kicked puppy or something. I don't understand it.
[He turns finally to look at him, brows knit with a pleading expression.]
Are you not having a good time? Am I doing something wrong?
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[He looks away again.]
I was having fun, and I want to. You haven't done anything wrong. I'm sorry I keep ruining things.
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There are many other circumstances in which Envy would have loved to take this opportunity to rub in someone's face that he was better than them at something. Hell, there was even a time that it was Nanami's face he wanted to rub it in, but now that he's working on developing and understanding his feelings about this human... It actually kind of hurts to know that whatever is there isn't being seen by Nanami at all.
What does he have that Nanami doesn't?]
I don't know. I wish I knew. I'd give it to you, if I could.
[His voice has gone quiet again, staring at nothing in his lap.]
Do you still wish it was just the two of you?
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[That's where the real worry is, that's where he feels weakest.]
You two are so perfect together.
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He and I-- We only belong to each other because that was our deal. I was never looking for a partnership or a relationship or even a fucking friend, Nanami. I've never had anything like this before, and I wasn't planning on starting to, then. I had my own selfish goals, and-- Shit. I approached him the same way I approached you. He didn't fight me, he somehow managed to deescalate the whole thing and I punched the ground and I felt better. And then... I don't know! Everything else just happened. It all fell in my lap. He fell in my lap, literally. I don't know why.
I don't know what about me does it for him, but he's the first person to ever see me as I am and want to keep me that way. [Ugh, why is it that every time he starts talking about this stuff, it makes his stupid face wet?] I've never been loved before. I don't even know what it means. I didn't ask for it. Which sucks more, doesn't it? For you, I mean. All the hard work you put into getting him to fall for you.
[He hates this. This is the part that makes him regret the whole deal.]
I'm sorry it didn't happen like that for you. I'm sorry something so important to you had to be wasted on a cretin like me. You deserve it. You deserve him, more than I do. You actually knew you wanted to be with him. [He shakes his head, wiping at his face haphazardly and sliding off the bed to his feet.] It isn't fair to you that it played out like this.
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I put the work in because I wanted to, and I would do it again without hesitation. Now I'm seeing that I need to put more work in with you, to make things even, to get you to like me.
[He feels a bit more sober now, which makes things easier.]
I can't address everything you've said, I don't know anyone's heart but my own, and sometimes even that not as well as I should. But I know you deserve love. And I want to do my best to give you love as well, even if I'm admittedly not that good at it. I don't exactly have a fantastic track record of relationships myself.
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Who said I don't like you? I've been trying to show you that I do, but... I don't know. I guess I'm not doing it right. I mean, you see how I talk to Azul, it's not exactly romantic. I don't know how to say all that stuff... it doesn't come naturally to me. And I'm afraid if I try, it's going to sound... fake.
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[Just going to stand here and hold Envy until he pulls away... or until Azul gets back.]
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[Fuck.
He had something he was going to say, but the sound of the door startles him and his stupid lizard brain into remembering that it was, in fact, in the middle of g-ing the f out of here for a minute. He slips out of Nanami's grasp and disappears into the bathroom, closing and locking the door behind him.]
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Envy? Are you alright?
[Giving Azul the most forlorn, guilty look when he comes in. He isn't even entirely sure how he fucked up this time but he clearly fucked up.]
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[Walks over to Nanami, reaching up to cup his cheek with a hand, thumb brushing over his cheek]
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[Does a homunculus even need to use a bathroom? Who knows. He's just waiting out this awful feeling in his chest and making sure he doesn't look so puffy when he's ready to go back out in a minute.]
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... I'm not good at this. I know I've warned you, but here it is in action. I'm sorry.
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It's new for all three of us, isn't it? I'm sorry too. I wish I was more experienced, so I could be of more help for all of us. That said...you're doing your best, aren't you?
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[He does appreciate the hands in his hair and the weight in his lap.]
Should I change clothes?
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[Nuzzles along his jaw before pressing a kiss just behind his ear]
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[More than a little, but a little is all he's willing to admit to.]
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I do not want you to feel out of place....so we can either dress you up or dress me down.
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[Not going to undo anything until he knows.]
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[Unbuttoning the bottom button first. Keeping an ear out for Envy as well, he doesn't want to get too far with this before he comes back.]
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[Leans back just a little to give Nanami room to work his buttons open]
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He eyes the small window above the tub and considers simply turning into a bird and flying the fuck out of here altogether. It makes him sick to think that he's let these people get under his skin like this. He's not even supposed to care! Disgusting. Ugh.
Maybe he should go. It sounds like they're moving on quickly. He steps into the tub and reaches up to start fiddling with the lock on the window, annoyed with himself for deciding to be so tiny all the time.]
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[Which brings up a good point. Raising his voice so he's sure Envy can hear him.]
Jewel? Can you come out here and help me with something?
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[The sin takes a last look at freedom before resigning himself to whatever humiliation is certain to follow and exits the tub to check himself in the mirror one last time. It takes a little more energy than he wants to use, but he can at least instantly freshen himself up when he needs to. He looks like nothing was ever the matter by the time he leaves the bathroom, simply regarding the two with a curious brow when he takes in the scene before him.]
What's up?
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[Crosses the room to be received, burying his face in Azul's neck and wrapping his arms around his waist. His skin is refreshingly cool against Envy's warm cheeks. He will help with the undressing after a moment.]
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We have to treat this lovely octopus right, after all, he brought us ice cream.
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I almost forgot about the ice cream....
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[And maybe he will actually feel a little better if he has some sugar--]
Can we... have a little? Before we dress down? Unless you want to eat ice cream in the nude. Whatever floats your boats--
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[He's not complaining, he can reach both of them from here and he's not hesitating to run his fingers against both of their skin.]
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Mm, grab my bag too, the spoons are in there. Unless you want me to eat this with my face. It will not be pretty.
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[He's teasing, it's in good fun. Hopefully.]
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[Does grab the bag as well though]
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Well, it is a pretty big tub... Could easily fit all of us, actually. So maybe it's fine if we get a little messy.
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[He is fine with getting dirty other ways as well, clearly.]
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...I mean...
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I'm here in lace underwear and thigh high stockings, I am clearly up for just about anything.
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[Hands Envy his strawberry ice cream.......after snagging a spoonful for himself]
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They do, that's true. But do you really want to make a mess of them...?
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[He is just enjoying ice cream right now and eyeing both of them salaciously.]
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Ahem. Let him just. Look real hard at the ice cream now.]
I suppose that's true, too. [No, Envy, take the control back, don't let him fluster you!] Though I guess the mess I was thinking of making of'em can't exactly be washed out...
[Okay well that actually sounded more ominous than he meant, but he's not changing it.]
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Envy, do you prefer to top or to bottom? Or do you switch?
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Yes, Envy. Tell us what you prefer.
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.......I could switch. [That isn't a very "top" sounding answer... but he can't just admit that he lets Azul dominate the fuck out of him. That makes him sound pitiful! Or something!] If the situation called for it.
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Azul, I should probably ask you the same thing. I know I tend to take over when we're together, but I'm a much more enthusiastic switch than some. [Sorry, Envy.] I'm used to topping because most people expect it from me.
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Hmmmm? I suppose all my experience is in topping. That is, I've never tried anything else. I always topped when I was with the twins.
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L-listen, I did plenty of topping as other people! I just-- I haven't done it since I got here! [He has his reasons, okay!!!]
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And Azul, I'm happy to give you the opportunity to try something new as well, if you want.
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[His laughter gets lower, nuzzling along Envy's jaw and pressing on his chest for him to lay back on the bed before slowly kissing his way down the other's throat then chest sweetly, setting aside the spoon so he can run his hands along Envy's sides]
Oh? You would be so kind?
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I-- ah. [He can't believe he has to answer that question.] H-hah... I-I've b-been just fine with this arrangement... [Because he can't bring himself to say how he really feels about it or else it's going to make him sound worse than he already is.]
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Are you really asking me, pearl? Because I won't say no to you any way I can get you.
[His hands run down Azul's sides in a mimicry of what he's doing to Envy. Using one of his knees to push the sin's legs open further as well. They need more room if two of them are going to work here.]
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[Tugs down on the hem of Envy's pajama bottoms so he can press a kiss just below his navel. His breath hitches slightly when Nanami's hands find his waist.]
I am happy just being with you both. For once in my life, I am not too worried about the details.
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[Swallows the little whine that tries to escape when Azul tugs on his shorts, trying to keep himself together now that he's having his legs nudged apart. And seeing Nanami there is a whole new level of embarrassment... He's gonna see how pathetic Azul makes him!! His reputation, ruined!]
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I've never seen a true tsundere in action before, this is delightful.
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I don't know what that is or what language you're speaking but I know you're both making fun of me! I'll kick both your asses, I don't care how pretty you are!!
[Big talk from the tiny guy on the bottom of the pile, he knows, but dammit!! Rude!!]
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[Working on getting Azul's shorts entirely off now.]
Pearl, you didn't happen to go through my personal bag while you were putting things away, did you?
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[-it absolutely is, isn't it? And lying is bad too so-]
Fufufu, come now. You would not actually fight either of us over a little affectionate teasing. Nanami is right afterall.....getting to tease you in return is only fair.
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[He bites Azul again on the other side.]
See, he can be such a good boy if we give him the chance. Maybe if he stays this good I can show him how your desk got broken.
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[Turns his head to mouth at Envy’s inner thigh]
He’s always good. I might be a bit biased though… Can you look at me? Darling?
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...Yes?
[Damnit, this fish really has him on a leash doesn't he. And now Nanami's going to know that he's not always a brat!! No!!!!!]
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Is this all right?
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Mhm. ...What about you? [He's been a touch concerned about getting him all the way undressed, since it's not exactly Azul's most comfortable way to be around others, but he's not entirely sure if Nanami got that memo.]
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[He is waiting beside the bed, letting them have their moment.]
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It’s a lot, but I’m fine. It doesn't feel as stressful as usual right now…. Besides, it’s something I want to work on.
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C'mere a sec--
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Yes?
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You know, for good luck. Or something.]
Sorry, I've just been wanting to do that. [His tongue peeks between his teeth as he falls back onto the bed, satisfied.]
Carry on~
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Better?
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I sure hope so~
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[Lays down next to Envy, reaching out to start working the buttons of Nanami's shirt open. Did he just put this shirt on? Yes. Is it immediately getting pulled off again? Yes.]
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Mmm, like what you see?
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......Mhmm. It's. Ah. Yeah.
[Clears his throat and glances away, wishing he didn't feel so warm.]
I definitely get what all the fuss is about.
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Would you like to handle the honors then?
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Which part of me is the 'honors'?
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I, um. Yeah. What he said. Wh-which part am I handling, exactly...
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[Lying beside them as best he can so Envy can reach.]
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He sits up, not wanting to back down from the offer (or the challenge) and arranges himself best to finish what Azul has started, taking the opportunity to really get his hands on Nanami's enviable form. He almost looks like a kid unwrapping a Christmas gift, eyes practically sparkling in wonder.]
Jeez... You're so-- Wow. [Eloquent, yes. Forgive him, he's in awe. His brain has clocked out.]
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He is very 'wow'.
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Ooh, they're softer than they look~ How cute. [Chuckling low in his throat, his expression nigh instantly becoming one of mischief. Drawing the tip of his tongue over the points of his fangs, he flicks his hungry gaze from Nanami's generous bosom to his handsome and pink-cheeked face.]
Soft and cute... Makes you wanna bite it. [But he won't. Not without ~permission~. Wouldn't want to take things in a direction Nanami might not enjoy.]
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[His gaze had been following the path of Envy's hands against Nanami's skin, but he does flick his eyes back up to look over Nanami's blushing face appreciatively]
And....while a blush looks incredibly charming on you, there is nothing to be embarrassed about. We are simply admiring you, treasure.
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[He reaches out to run his fingers along Envy's arm and then over to cup Azul's face.]
Or is it only bites to the face that are affectionate under the ocean?
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[Snickers.]
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[The bite interrupts his thought process and he gets cut off there. His hips thrust up into nothing of their own accord, he's not trying to move them.]
I feel like I'm about to be a meal.
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Well, I can say I certainly intend to put you in my mouth--
[braces to get smacked or pinched--]
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It certainly doesn't sound like a complaint either.
[Crawls higher up on the bed so he can sit behind Nanami, reaching down to massage his shoulders gently]
Sit up, handsome.
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[Sitting up as directed. He is staying passive since it seems like both his partners have ideas for him already. But he can't help running his hands over them where they're closest.]
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[He waits patiently for Nanami to arrange himself, taking this time to admire the view and let Azul direct for now, Envy will fall in line once he's got Nanami where he wants him. Still, Envy can't believe how easily Azul handles the angel-- that or how well Nanami minds him. He figured the dynamic would be very different between them...
But then again, he shouldn't be surprised. Azul is rarely ever not in control of his situation... at least, in Envy's experience. It's admirable, really, in a terrifying sort of way.]
I admit, I've been quite curious to see what that mouth can do.
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Careful what you wish for, darling. I rather like this bed so I expect you both to do your best not to break it.
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[And then Azul mentions not breaking the bed and he manages to blush all the way to the tips of his ears.]
... I am sorry about that, Azul.
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...I'm sorry, I have to know what you can do that will make me break a solid piece of furniture. I will be sorely disappointed otherwise. Ugh, Azul, you didn't tell me he had you out here breaking things.
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[Shrugs slightly, which Nanami can feel from this close. Azul’s fingertips trace over the line of Nanami’s ribs and abs idly before sliding his hands up to cup the angel’s pecs]
It was my fault quite honestly. He made me forget to be careful.
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[He's trying not to squirm under the attention of two very lovely men. And because apparently Azul won't admit to it...]
I was sucking him off and we got carried away.
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[Settles on his knees between Nanami's legs, stroking his hands up and down along Nanami's inner thighs, the heels of his palms work along the muscle there in an idle massage/grope combo.]
That must have been some real heavenly head--
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I... I can show you when we're done with whatever we're about to do here. If Azul allows it, I suppose.
[He's mostly kidding about that last part, but it does seem like someone is running things here right now and it's not Nanami.]
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Darling, will you allow it~? [His hands move higher up the thigh, thumbs slipping into the dips where leg meets groin, touching and rubbing everywhere around the area, but not yet paying him proper attention. It's too much fun watching him twitch and jump, half-restrained by those panties.]
As long as we pick something that isn't your bed, of course~
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[Presses a lingering kiss to the crook of Nanami's neck, mouthing there gently before scarping the barest edge of his teeth over the curve of his shoulder]
That said....bed or otherwise...Anything you two break, you will be paying to replace.
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[He rubs Envy with his leg encouragingly.]
And I will happily pay for anything broken during sex. If we get that far...
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"If"? What do you mean if? You think you won't last that long or something?
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[It's a challenge to both of them, he's getting impatient and trying to spur things on more.]
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Jeez-- I guess you have to have a titanium ass to handle that thing, huh.
[Snickering as he curls his fingers around the base and begins a slow stroke upward and back again, humming a sound of appreciation for the thickness and weight of his blessings--]
That being said... I'll be terribly disappointed if you don't wreck me with it. What's the use in being so gifted if you won't use it to its full potential~?
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[Presses a kiss to the spot just behind Nanami's ear before nipping at his earlobe. Azul sits back on the bed to give himself enough room to trail his fingertips down Nanami's back, tracing the shape of his shoulder blades and down his spine before leaning in to press another kiss between his wings.]
Though...I do always say I reward those who ask for what they want, don't I?
[A tentacle glides over the curve of Nanami's hip and between the other man's legs]
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[There's a happy sound when Envy finally gives him some real attention, even better when he admits he wants to be wrecked. Clearly, he's up for it, in every sense of the word.
But even Nanami isn't prepared for the sound he makes when one of Azul's tentacles reaches between his legs. There's a gasp that turns fully into a moan and his whole body pulls in and then relaxes all at once.]
I want you. Both of you.
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Shoulders are off limits, though. No cheating~! Pure skill only.
[He hopes he won't have to repeat himself, but poor Nanami might not have his listening ears on when he's busy getting tentacle teased. Oh well, Envy is much more interested in getting more sounds like that out of him...]
Aaah, Azul, he's so cute when he's needy~ [He's so cute that his cock deserves a kiss right on the tip, complete with a little "muah~!" for effect. But before Nanami can complain about the teasing, Envy is sure to pick up the pace on his stroke, hoping to distract him from the demon's shenanigans.]
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[Gives Envy a helping “hand” as the slim end of the tentacle winds tightly around the base of Nanami’s length]
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[He doesn't understand what that means, he isn't thinking in terms of where Envy is weak. He's also deeply distracted by everything that's happening to his dick at the moment.]
Ah, Azul! I- [That's all the words he has for the moment. His brain has checked out.]
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[He can't help but laugh, watching Azul lovingly strangle this poor guy's dick and seeing him lose his mind about it. He sits up on his knees for a moment and sweeps his hands back through his hair to tie it all back properly. There's an odd sort of sparkle in the sin's eye while he watches the angel writhe below him, like he's come to witness something truly awe-inspiring.]
Goodness, you're a responsive one, aren't you~
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Your hair looks good up.
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[He moans low in his throat and reaches out, stopping before he can grab Envy's shoulders and taking hold of his sides instead, trying to pull him forward for a kiss.]
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[Before he gives Nanami that kiss he wants so badly, Envy is sure to take a quick pit stop to thank Azul for his compliment with a smooch of his own. It might be a minute before Azul gets any attention from him, after all. This of course leaves Nanami sandwiched between them for a moment, the sin's own excitement made evident now that it's pressed against the angel's belly.]
They don't hurt to touch, no. In fact, it can feel quite nice. [Returning his attention to Nanami, he slips back to dip down and finally press that hungry kiss to his lips, careful not to nip too hard when he pulls away.]
To be fair, there is a fine line between pain and pleasure... but that's why it's off limits altogether... [Another kiss, more teeth to illustrate his point.] If you mess around with me like that, you'll have such an unfair advantage~
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Please...
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While Azul's tentacles work their magic, Envy decides to finally get to work on his own contribution to the angel's undoing. He settles back on his knees between Nanami's legs and dips down to draw the flat of his tongue across his head, licking away the beading pre at the tip with a lascivious groan of satisfaction.]
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[Reaches up to grab Nanami's chin, turning his face so Azul can get a proper kiss as his other hand slides along Nanami's chest, soon joined by an additional tentacle curling around the man's waist and chest]
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One of his hands manages to release the death grip he has on the covers so he can pet Envy's head while he works. The ponytail will make a nice handle, but he doesn't need that just yet. Mostly he's trying to chase after more kisses from Azul while he's still faced toward him.]
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[Azul can absolutely tell Nanami knows he has won, but he is not about to admit to the loss out loud. The folded arms and popped hip do not help him look any less defeated though.]
Would you like something to drink?
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I'm only allowed one drink a week, but I'll toast to your success.
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[Heads out of sight, likely into his bedroom, but he does call out to the other man]
What would you like to drink? Since you only get one a week, it should be your favorite.
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Whiskey, then. If you have it.
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I made sure to have a bottle for you in my last room. I was not sure that would get moved over considering Heaven and all, but it looks like you're in luck.
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They can be kind about some things, yes. Thank you for thinking of me, pearl.
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[Brings Nanami's hand up, leaning into his palm as he has a seat on Nanami's lap]
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[He has to move the hood a little out of the way to kiss Azul's cheek, if he'll let it be moved.]
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Look at my handsome angel. I'm going to treasure every feather I get from those beautiful wings.
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I see you're intent on making me blush tonight.
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[Wrapping him up in a loose hug.]
Besides, you like making me blush also, so it's only fair.
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[He reaches toward Azul's new wings but stops short of actually interacting.]
May I touch them?
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They're very soft. Does it feel good for you?
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It does… Your hands always feel nice though.
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[He's smoothing his fingers through the feathers on both sides, subtly checking for any that are loose already that might need to be encouraged to shed so new ones can grow in.]
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I am glad your life isn’t in danger too… soft hands, rough hands…both are fine as long as they’re yours.
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[He's content to keep rubbing Azul's new wings. He can finally understand why people like doing it to him, he's only ever been on the other side of it.]
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That feels nice…..
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[He's gotten a lot better since he's been dead, but he was definitely touch starved for a long time before that.]
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[Shifts a bit on Nanami's lap, curling closer]
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It's almost like you like my company and being intimate with me.
[He is joking.]
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Mmmm....looks like you figured me out. What gave me away?
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[He kisses Azul a second time biting his lip as he pulls away again.]
That or you asking to spend all day in bed with me.
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That isn't a complaint, is it?
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I know you don't mean to sleep the day away, I wonder how we will spend the time...
[Working on the buttons of Azul's shirt so he can get it off next if he wants. He's helpful like that.]
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[Shrugs out of that next, if Nanami is looking down, he might spot little patches of feathers at Azul's hips]
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[He trails off looking down at the feathers.]
These are new also. [And he reaches down to touch them with the same gentle hands he used on Azul's new wings.]
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Mm....
[Reaches between them to start working the other man's shirt open]
You don't dislike them though?
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[Plus, they feel nice to run his hands over.]
I will have to get your pants off to see how far down they go...
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[Hooks his thumbs into his pants and works them lower immediately]
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That isn't a complaint, I hope.
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You never told me the ideas you had for staying in bed...
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I was thinking I want to learn about more things you like…
[Ducks down for another kiss, toying with the fly of Nanami’s pants]
I was also thinking I want to suck you dry.
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[He's already a little excited and spreads his legs a little so Azul has plenty of room.]
And I can't wait to learn more about you, since you're one of the things I like.
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What a coincidence…I like you too.
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[He rolls his hips into Azul's hand.]
Or do I get to decide?
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[Squeezes gently before starting to knead more firmly]
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[Reaching up to run his thumb over Azul's lips to emphasize his point.]
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I think I can manage that.
[Reaches up again to drag Nanami’s pants then underwear down around his thighs]
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If it's too much you can always stop. Or take a break.
[He's serious, but also joking a little about the size of his dick.]
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[He isn't even fully hard yet, but he is most of the way there.]
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[Chuckles quietly, taking the tip in his mouth, wrapping soft lips around him]
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In that case, I'm sorry to say it can't bite.
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[It takes a little effort to keep himself still, he wants to let Azul take things at his own pace. One of his hands does shift down to pet Azul's hair.]
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You haven’t touched your drink yet…I won’t be offended if you want to enjoy it meanwhile.
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[He does take a sip from his glass, though.]
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Lucky for both of us, I happen to enjoy having your focus on me. Your focus. Your attention. Your time. Your hands. Your mouth.
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[He sets the glass down again so he doesn't spill, reaching out to run his hands through Azul's hair again.]
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So lovely...
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You're doing so well, so good for me...
[He might not even be aware of some of the things he's saying.]
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[He's not about to break a nice chair in Azul's new room.]
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[His hips roll up and it takes a lot of effort not to just follow through and thrust into Azul's mouth. But he's letting his partner set the pace.]
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Azul... darling...
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[He's breathing faster and thrusting up in little bucks to meet Azul's mouth.]
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[If he's going to stop it will need to be soon.]
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[His breathing slows down again once he's done and he urges Azul to come in closer for a kiss.]
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Wonderful enough for you to return the favor later?
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[Running his hands up and down Azul's back, holding him close.]
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[Smooths his hands along Nanami’s shoulders, mouthing along his jaw]
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[Even if he's more likely to wear out first. He's still eager to try, letting his hands wander down and squeeze Azul's ass.]
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I will be counting on it.
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Shall we take things to the bed?
[He doesn't even wait for an answer before picking Azul up and carrying him there.]
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We shall.
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[He steps out of his pants and underwear as he goes so that he's left in just an open shirt, socks and sock garters. You know, the basics.]
Make yourself comfortable, and no holding on to anything breakable.
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Any pillows you're not fond of?
[He gets on the bed on his hands and knees, crawling up over the merman, spreading his legs as he goes.]
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Um…
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Would you rather keep your pants on or have them off?
[He's asking seriously, he knows Azul doesn't always feel comfortable being undressed in front of him.]
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[He's gentle taking Azul's pants off, kissing his legs up and down as soon as they're uncovered and giving him plenty of attention.]
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Landfolk are so warm...
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[Lifting one of his legs to bite the inside of Azul's thigh.]
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[Shivers, arching his back off the bed with a quiet gasp]
...very good thing.
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[Leaving another couple of marks on him before leaning in to kiss the tip of his cock.]
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[His toes curl a bit as he fights to keep his hips still, another low moan escaping]
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Careful, I could spend a while like this.
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[Shifts around on the bed again, rolling his hips slightly]
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[He will speed up a little though, just so he doesn't get accused of further causing problems.]
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T…that’s…
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Can you....go faster?
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A good start on a day in bed, I hope.
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.............whoops.
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[He is moments from saying he was trying to go easy on Azul but the evidence is not on his side right now so he falls quiet instead.]
I'm sorry.
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[Opens his arms expecting the other man to lay with him]
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I was going to try and go a little easier on you tonight. But I got a little carried away.
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I enjoyed it. Did you enjoy it?
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[He's smiling that 'I won' smile again.]
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[punctuates each little pause with a kiss to Nanami’s lips]
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Then why do I feel so lucky right now?
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You look good as an angel. Of course you looked good as a devil, too. But the wings frame you so nicely.
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You really think so?
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[He's still mostly hard after sucking Azul off, but he's not in a hurry to do anything with it right now.]
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Mm, you wouldn’t lie to me.
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I wouldn't. And even if I tried my wings would give me away, wouldn't they?
[Now he's wondering if Azul's wings will do the same for him.]
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Mmm…they would, wouldn’t they…
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Sleep if you're tired, darling.
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Not tired…it just feels nice.
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[He gives Azul a kiss on the forehead.]
Welcome to Heaven, love.
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[Tilts his head to kiss him in return]
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Oh, Azul. Thank goodness.
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You were just napping, treasure.
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[Reaches up to card his finger through Nanami’s hair]
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If I do somehow end up going back where I came from my reflexes will be a mess for a while. But it's worth it.
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[He's serious about that, but less serious about his question.]
Wouldn't I be at a disadvantage in your world without magic?
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[He isn't used to it though, and it would feel awkward for sure.]
I wonder what I would be able to do to still be of use to you...
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... But I probably would still need a job.
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[He's thinking VERY hard about this.]
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[He made that comment on purpose to his former merman boyfriend, but his face still looks as serious as ever.]
But I also know you have an existing life to go back to. [And the hanging implication is that Nanami doesn't, not in his world or any other.]
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Where I came from I was always headed for this end. Going back would be a waste of resources, I will inevitably end up back here shortly after.
[He's studying Azul's face like he's trying to burn it into his brain.]
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[There's still some hesitation, but it's more that he doesn't think he'll be allowed to go with someone else.]
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i knew it
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Knew what, darling?
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Considering the timing, I am assuming Nanami texted you? I had/have a bit of a one sided crush on him, but that’s it.
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no way in hell you two just like games that much :|
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That said, you didn’t ask. Since it isn’t something I plan to act on, it didn’t seem important to mention.
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[...Maybe he should consider actually listening to the rules of those games Azul likes so much so he can do something Azul enjoys-- but that's neither here nor there! He's mad!!]
Of course it's important to mention. If Nanami had *his* true love from *his* world show up, wouldn't you want to know?
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Yes, but 'true love' is a much different level from 'schoolmate who I have a crush on'.
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[Envy is missing the point but it's hard to tell if it's on purpose or not--]
if you want a challenge i can give you a challenge. you dont need that guy.
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You have friends. You get to hang out with Velvet, isn't it only fair that I get to have a little friend?
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i never said you couldnt have friends, i just dont think you should have friends you would potentially commit grievous errors with
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That is even more concerning.
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Yeeees?
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You do realize, despite crushing on him before I died, I never acted on it. It's not as if I'm going to suddenly act on it now. Besides, even if I were the cheating type, it is not as though he is interested in me. Nothing is going to happen when only one party is interested, you know.
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And what if he WAS interested? Would you consider it, then? You'd pick that guy over me? Over Nanami?
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...consider it? There is nothing to consider. I'm spoken for. The two of you are not placeholders for anyone else.
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And you're sure about that.
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Darling. I know neither of us are particularly good at this part, but you may have to trust me.
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You always get what you want, Azul. It's something I've always found most fascinating about you... So, you'll understand if I struggle to trust, that just this once, you won't. There was no moral quandary in acquiring Nanami when you wanted him. So how do I know this won't end up the same?
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[Reclaims his seat on the couch, quiet for now other than the quiet tap of his fingers against the glass]
I would love to offer you a little....insurance. However, I am not exactly sure what would be considered sufficient in a situation such as this.
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[Sighs, leaning against the wall in the hallway of one of heaven's many corridors. He was just on his way to meet up with Velvet so they could go swirly the nerd... Now his plans might have to change. Dammit.]
And really, there's not much to do on your end. I mean, I was just going to solve this by eliminating the competition... You know how it is.
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[Sighs, still pretty disgruntled.]
You know I only have to fuck with him the one time to get him to not be a problem anymore, right--
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...it makes him just a little nauseous. He swallows the urge to gag on that feeling and instead manages to eke out something like a laugh.]
I'm not sure what you mean by "match more," but I think those other two are perhaps a touch dramatic, don't you?
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It got the point across, didn't it? As for matching....I meant more obvious accessories to show we're a set. Something like that.
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Though... Humans get matching rings and make matching promises and still find their way into other people's arms, you know. Nothing but time is a guarantee.
[Leaning his head against the wall with a sigh.]
Really, all I think we can do is wait and see.
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I've never had something of my own before. [Idly kicking at the carpet.] And now that I do, I still have to share. [One could probably hear the eyeroll--] You can imagine how difficult that already is for me. What with the jealousy and all. Adding someone else to that would just make it worse.
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[He's the one that was mad just a minute ago! Now why is he having to sit here and give Azul reassurance!!]
So yeah, of course. You're mine. Of course you're worth it. That's why I'm not going to lose you to a-- to a loser!
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And see? You still get what you want. [Chuckles] I hope you're happy with your choice.
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Not even just a liiiittle squeeze~?
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I gueeess I can be good. [Snickers
not unlike a certain hyena.] Though I thought this was a "make up to me" trip and not a "be good" reward... Hm, hmmm... I guess that I get two treats~!no subject
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...Hold on. [One hand on his hip.] You're not planning on trying to drown me or something, are you?
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[Which is maybe not entirely true, he kind of wants to see what it would take to get Azul to kick his ass, but not enough to piss him off to make it happen on purpose--]
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[Envy what does that mean.]
He's your responsibility now.
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When the phone makes that god-awful "DOO-DOO-DOO" sound when you've called someone and it says "The number you have dialed has been disconnected" that's not because someone has blocked you, right?
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I suggest you take it easy on the lounge or I'm making you handle replacing whatever you damage.
[Sets his pen aside, pushing back from the desk and finally looking up at Envy]
Now. Who were you attempting to call when it did that?
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Velvet! She hasn't answered her phone all day, and she wouldn't come to the door! I tried to break in but it wouldn't budge. I don't know what the hell her deal is, but it's starting to piss me off!
[It's a casual thing, to attempt to break in to your bestie's room when she's not answering you. Definitely not something he's so concerned about that he'd go straight to breaking shit to quell his worries-- ]
Do you think she's mad at me? Or... [The inevitability has always been there, it's inevitable. They came for her brother like this, too, just whisking him away overnight. But Envy doesn't offer that possibility, for fear that speaking it into the air could make it real.]
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Flopping over the edge of the desk, draping himself across whatever free space is available, turning the biggest, most pathetic pout Azul's way.]
She wouldn't be that mad at me without me knowing. [Sniffle]
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Then I am sure she is not mad at you, at least.
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I mean, she started acting kinda weird after her brother disappeared, but I thought she was getting better. [Closing his eyes and sinking into Azul's touch with a sigh.]
...Maybe she got the offer and took it, too. [But why does the prospect of that... suck? So bad??]
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You can't just "go check" on someone that's gone. He's not here. She got kicked out of his room in Heaven because it wasn't his room anymore, because he's gone.
And now I'm kicked out of her room because she's--!!
[He shakes his head and pushes himself up off the desk, moving to instead perch on the edge, his back turned to Azul so he can wipe his face in peace.]
Ugh. Greed's gonna be so pissed. [Let's think about how this affects other people and not how bad it sucks to lose one of the first people you could actually call a friend!!]
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....I'm sorry. Truly, I am.
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[Stupid eyes! Stupid weird pain in his chest!! Why did he have to be the crybaby of the family??? This sucks!!!! ]
...I guess it's a good thing. She can be alive again, with her brother. I know she missed him. She missed home. [But she liked it here, too. She liked being able to be herself. Now she's gone back to her world where she has to keep pretending to be something else? That part won't be easy for her... but then again, there's no guarantee she would recall the life she led here at all... And that part hurts more than he'd care to acknowledge. If only his body weren't already doing it for him.
He pushes the heels of his palms against his eyes, hoping that if he cannot will them to cease their persistent weeping, he may be able to force them to stop.]
...What about you. Do you miss home enough to wanna leave? [Be careful, Azul. Right now, there is a right answer and a wrong answer--]
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I won't go anywhere if you're not coming with me.
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You better mean that. [It would have been a threat if he didn't sound so tired.] If you left without me, I'd find a way to get there just to kick your ass.
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[Allows Envy onto his lap without any fuss, arms immediately going up to wrap around his waist as he leans in to press a kiss to the skin of Envy's shoulder]
And I do mean it. You are mine and I am yours and that makes us a set now.
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You're damn right. Stuck with me now.
[He's quiet for a few moments, searching his mind for what he wants to say next, and finally settling on:] Man... Caring about people sucks. Why would someone put themselves through this on purpose? [Obviously not talking about he and Azul, of course, but not quite done processing the fact that his first real friend has left this realm--]
The highs are so high and so good, but the lows, the loss...[Shaking his head.] This is why I don't get attached to people, you know. Like, if you got taken away from me... I'd just raze heaven and hell to the ground. They'd have to make a super-hell and super-heaven just to have somewhere to put all the cherubs I'd roast--
[It's probably hard to take threats of violence coming from a sniveling lizard boy but it's still pretty obvious that he means it.]
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That was no small part of my overblot... You can only control others so much. Caring is the riskiest investment of them all for that reason. The return is high, but so is the risk... You could lose it all at any moment for any number of reasons and there would be little to nothing you could do about it.
[The corner of his mouth quirks up slightly despite the somber nature of the conversation]
I must admit. I would love to see what you would do....but not enough to leave. I'll have to settle for my imagination.
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[He hums a curious note, leaning back a bit to look Azul in the eye again.]
What's your "overblot"? [Blinks. All the chatting they've done over all these months and he hasn't heard that word before.]
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That’s a rather long story. Are you sure you want to hear about it today?
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Well, now I do.
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1/2
2/2
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Fine, go for it. But no funny stuff!
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I would not dream of it.
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So is "overblot" an embarrassing mermaid thing or something? Sounds like something an octopus does when it sneezes-- [Envy can you not be irritating for two seconds.]
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[Nips at Envy's cheek before heading into the lounge proper to get tea, calling back over his shoulder]
It is not an "embarrassing mermaid thing". It is something in my world that can happen to anyone who exhausts their magic. Overuse looks different depending on the individual's magic, but it is tied to emotions as well.
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I see. [And adding the context of loss...]
Somebody took someone or something from you and you used up all your magic to get it back?
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[T-trips on his way to the bar, stumbling a little]
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You good?
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[Stands up straight, brushing himself off before grabbing his tea.]
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What was that about? I know Nanami really went to town and everything, but you shouldn't still be stumbling this long after--
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Breaking News: Water is wet. Now tell me something I don't know.
[Totally unaffected.]
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You know. All you would have to do is ask and I am quite sure he would be quite happy to break some of my expensive furniture with you too.
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I don't care about that. [Huff. Maybe he does, but that certainly isn't the whole issue.] And isn't this all besides the point? I said tell me something I don't know. Like what the hell happened during your "overblot".
[This isn't about his jealousy!! For once!!]
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Yes, yes. I am getting to that now...
[Takes a sip of his tea]
Like I said....overblot happens through essentially an and/or situation of magic overuse or an accumulation of too many negative feelings. It is a sort of....magically berserk state, I suppose. A mental and magical break.... The mage's appearance changes and a creature appears alongside them that is slowly sucking the magic from them. In most cases, this leads to the death of the mage. Very few mages historically have survived overblot.
[Digs his pen wand out of his pocket to show to Envy]
It is called overblot because as we use our magic, these stones start to become blotted....a sort of warning to slow down on our magic use.
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But you survived it. You never cease to amaze me, darling~
[He coos as he peruses the pen, fighting the urge to snatch it right out of his hand-- that's probably a rude thing to do, right? Once he's satisfied with what he's seen, he leans back again, bracing himself with one arm against the desk while he sips on his tea.]
Mm. But you're normally so cool and collected; I can't imagine what could have possibly gotten under your skin enough for you to lose yourself like that.
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[Ah, well, that's certainly one way to do it. Messing with a man's business is no joke, and the deals Azul makes (or the "wishes" he grants) are his lifeblood... Not that Envy can really sympathize with that-- he's seen what money does to people. It's just minerals and paper that people assigned a value to that they will shed blood and tears for in order to obtain... ridiculous. Perhaps that house warden had some kind of point to make; in the end it all turns to dust anyway. And then the agreements, the "contracts" are just words. Intention behind those words can change at any time. No one is truly bound to uphold either end of a bargain if they simply decide those words don't matter--
But that's not what Azul needs to hear right now, so he'll keep all that to himself.]
What? How in the hell-- what for? Disgruntled signee mad he didn't read the fine print or something?
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I did get manage to get him into a contract as well…I am sure that was secretly no small part of his motivations. Not that he would admit that out loud. I doubt his pride would allow it…
[His hands still briefly as he thinks back to his overblot before starting up again]
Well. The reason he gave was his naps were being interrupted.
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His naps? Well what were you doing interrupting the poor guy's naps?
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As far as I am aware they did not tattle…just. Complained loudly. Leona is a beastman so his hearing is rather sensitive…
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[Placing a single fingertip on the opposite side of Azul's chin and geeeently guiding his attention back to him.]
You know that wasn't what I was asking~
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[Shuffling all around in his lap, settling in a straddle with his arms around Azul's neck. Directing this pout point-blank.]
C'mooon, tell me. You're acting like I'm gonna judge you or something~!
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Obviously none of them bothered to ask how many took the same deal.
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He needs to consider the context-- reminding himself that he's dealing with a guy who is still in school despite everything about him reading like a late middle-aged man in finance (silver hair, glasses, suits, a cane-- pretty much the whole look minus wrinkles.) Which means all these deals were made with other students, not just random human "customers" out in the world.
Stupid, short-sighted, gullible kids that would rather make a deal with a sleazy conman before doing any work themselves...]
...hundreds of people made a deal with you, giving up their talents and freedom..... For school? What do you get for landing the top 50? Cash? A new car? Because if all that's just for bragging rights then those idiots got what they deserved.
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And so they went and cried to Daddy Idiot about it, and then Daddy Idiot took out their collective stupidity on you?
[Patting Azul's cheek and cooing.]
Poor thing, it's not like it's your fault that people make stupid decisions. [Huff!] Punishing you for simply facilitating their needs; the shame.
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Well then I don't get what their problem is. A good score is a good score. I mean come on, it's not like working for you is hard. It's just until they graduate, and then they can have their freedom and talents back, right?
I think that other housewarden was being unreasonable~
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You cheeky little shit, how fine was that print? Surely there had to be something in the wording... I'd never be dumb enough to give somebody my talents in perpetuity.
[Says the guy who has done exactly that.]
You're a greedy little thing, aren't you. [Purred as he cups Azul's face to give it a little squish and wiggle. Using the same tone one would when "scolding" their spoiled pet.] Keeping everybody's talents for yourself. That's not vewy nice.
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It's only fair that I make something out of the deal, isn't it? And if they are so ready to give it away, then surely they did not appreciate it nearly enough anyways.
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No, no, you're right, it's not like I disagree.
[And a little smooch before he relaxes and lets Azul take his hands.]
I just love how ruthless you are. Absolutely cut-throat; not a single scruple to be found.
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I did nothing wrong. I merely provided a service and my costs were quite clear. The only thing I should have done differently is better accounted for something or someone above my power levels to try and do something about it.
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Mmhmm. So you're saying you'd do it again? Or do you plan to get more powerful first?
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