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[twocomplex]

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[noctiphile]

What? [He wipes his arm down in full strokes, turning it slowly as he works.] Patching up a beaten man or being crudely handled?

[It's a joke that he smirks at, knowing full well which Oren is referring to.] I've only been working a few days. A couple have flirted, a few took it farther. Only one or two have touched.

[He laughs, shaking his head.] You know, I believe they might think me demure? Perhaps that's the appeal.

[twocomplex]

[He gives Mattias a flat look at the joke, leaning back as much as he can in this chair as Mattias helps with his arm. He can't help it-- he closes his eyes for a moment, letting that be his escape from having to worry about revealing less than pleasant expressions.]

Demure? So they're not aware of how eager you can get. [Though they may be even more interested in that, he thinks, and his mouth straightens a little further.]

What do you think, shall I break bottles over their heads as well?

[noctiphile]

I do try to act professional, Oren. [With his arm mostly clean, he sets the cloth down. Picks up a new, fresh one and dabs at the cuts on his hand and arm, washing them clean before dabbing at them with the alcohol. Light as his touches are, they're lingering, dwelling as long as they can without much notice.] And I don't recall you ever being so possessive. Is this a new side of you or simply one I've yet to see?

[twocomplex]

[The touches are nice, and he hopes that each one lasts longer, right up until the fresh sting of alcohol. One particularly sensitive area gains enough of a reaction for him to react vocally, opening his eyes and sitting up a bit as well.]

Ow. I've had enough of that part, is it nearly finished?

[Mostly it's an excuse to avoid answering the question for now, but as he lets the few seconds pass, he waves his free hand in a vague gesture.]

I wouldn't call it possessive. Would you stand by and allow a friend to be harassed?

[noctiphile]

Not by far. [He mutters in response to the first question, gripping Oren's arm with his free hand so he can't squirm away. When all is disinfected, he draws back and pulls out the bandages and wrapping materials, setting to work on covering Oren's hand.]

There are other ways to stop such harassment. For you to take such a violent method is... unique. I would have thought your silver tongue would have saved me. Skilled as it is, I doubted language would be a barrier.

[He glances up with the coyest smirk.] Clearly, I was mistaken.

[twocomplex]

[He doesn't mind the bandaging. It's less painful than the rest, and Mattias continues to touch him. It's soothing, in a way. Comforting. But that look and those comments light something inside-- another chance for playfulness.]

Do not misunderstand, my dear Mattias. There's nothing my silver tongue can't put to ease. But time is important when using such a method. [He lets that sink in just long enough, raising his own gaze with a small smile.]

Should I have left you to be amazed between his groping? This was the best choice.

[...Okay, not to mention that one of them shoved him and it really pissed him off. That, their attitudes, the way they used their height to their advantage... They were cocky.]

[noctiphile]

Oh, no. No, I am grateful for your swift help, dear prince. [The title comes out without thinking. He doesn't even notice as he moves on.] Indeed, I might have been in your debt had my promised drink not been disturbed. Perhaps I should refer to you differently?

[He finishes the bandaging with a small flourish, smiling at his open palm.] Does hero sound like a fitting title?

[twocomplex]

That's too grand a title.

[He says it just humbly enough, curling his fingers into his palm to test before holding it open again. Tenderly, he looks to him, and his words hang on his tongue a minute before he lets them free.]

But look, we've saved each other. [He aims for a slap for that level of corniness, and the smile that breaks through shows he can't take his own words seriously.]

Thank you. [It's a genuine smile.] You'll have that promised drink yet.

[Those ogres could camp out there and he'd still find a way.]

[noctiphile]

[That hint of a laugh, that touch of a smile, it's too much for him. He can't hold back; his own laugh breaks through, shaking his shoulders as he ducks his head sheepishly. It's a light sound, bells ringing, the first break of sunlight through a window. Something so completely genuine it seems out of place so he hides it with a finger, hoping that Oren can't see the faint blush on his cheeks.

By the time he looks up, the smile's still there. No matter how hard he tries to swallow it, it remains.]

I haven't finished you yet.

[He leans forward with his wet cloth, pulling Oren's chin closer. Their faces a mere inches apart, it takes all his self-control to keep his hands steady, dabbing at the cuts and bruises on his face.] How can you outshine me without your handsome face?

[twocomplex]

[He's beautiful. Oren's caught by it in that laugh, eyes lingering and dragging and absorbing all that he can. Mattias like this is incredibly attractive. It's tainted only by the hint of self consciousness, and it's buried by such a compliment that he doesn't even take notice.

He feels like he could glow. Leaning a fraction of an inch closer than he likely needs to, he watches Mattias closely as his own dried blood is dabbed away. It takes every amount of self control not to try and kiss him, not to push that boundary in a way he knows is too difficult.

He can't make the first move. Not when Mattias' first words of worry had been of it being about sex. Oren observed this, but it wasn't a plot, not some devious plan to trick him. It was just a step closer towards what he wanted-- for some reason he couldn't put his finger on.

He's smiling still, as well, eyes soft in their gaze.]

Oh, please. If you continue to oversell my features, the whole universe will end up disappointed. [It's a halfhearted disagreement. One meant to bat away the compliments while still being flattered.]

You shine plenty. And I don't mean your teeth, this time. [The joke is a nice touch if he dares say so himself, a good natured laugh following after. He can hardly keep still, being held like this. Why wouldn't he talk? Laugh? Smile?]

[noctiphile]

[He laughs, but it's bashful. His chest feels tight and his heart flutters against his chest. Self-consciously, he tucks a strand of hair behind his ear, gaze flickering to Oren's eyes and then away.]

Careful. [He dabs a cut with a bit too much alcohol. Enough to sting. Just slight punishment for making him swoon.] Any more compliments and you'll have me thinking you mean to spend the night.

[twocomplex]

[It stings, and he closes one eye to cope with it, laughing in his own soft way. This is too tempting. Mattias is playing along, but not enough for it to be a solid deal. He kind of likes that, actually.

But goddess is it torture.]

If you continue to be so harsh, how will I be able to stand, let alone leave? [Half joking, half hopeful flirting in return. He's speaking of that alcohol and those words at the same time. The stinging of his cuts and the pulling at his heart. How cruel, how alluring. But Oren keeps it subtle, keeps it back from being too strong and demanding, but puts it out there enough to be plain as day.

It's a fun game they're playing, and his heart aches for more.]

[noctiphile]

With your legs, presumably. I can refresh your mind in due time if you've forgotten.

[The last of the cuts is cleaned and he sets the cloth aside, withdrawing a couple bandages that he carefully places.] My words surely haven't left you disabled.

[twocomplex]

Your words and lack of words have more impact than you may think!

[He says that lightly though, reaching up to touch at one of the bandages on his face.]

And my face is no good like this. Tight pants won't save me now.

[noctiphile]

[His fingers wrap around that hand before he has any mind to what he's doing. Slowly, he guides it away, gaze soft.]

Suffer for a few days and return more dazzling than ever. [He smiles.] Besides, they make you seem dangerous. It's not a bad look.

[twocomplex]

[The hold stills him, and his eyes look up slowly to meet Mattias' before they move back down to their hands.]

Dangerous. [It's not really clear if he's repeating that in amusement or saying that for some other reason, but it's accompanied with a small smile that creeps up along with his eyes once more. Mattias' are nicer like this. Without Nocta.]

You flatter me, Mattias. Is this meant to heal, as well?

[noctiphile]

[He holds his gaze for a minute before he remembers himself. Peeling his hand away, he cups his own in his lap, watching the fingers interlace.]

All wounds heal, Oren. It's simply a matter of how well.

[twocomplex]

[It's a tragic thing, feeling him slip away like that, and it's a little infuriating that it is. But Oren watches quietly, glancing from Mattias' hands to his face before he presses on with a thin smile. To act too forward would only make things worse, right?

This time is precious, but he should note Mattias' actions.

He leans forward just slightly.]

Do you want me to leave?

[noctiphile]

What an unfair question. [His fingers thread in and out, trying new patterns, new formations.] How am I able to answer without sounding cruel?

[He sighs, tipping his head up and slumping in his seat.] The answer is both yes and no but I fear obligation forces me to choose the former. Your wounds should heal in a few days time. You've no more need of me.

[twocomplex]

That's where you're mistaken, I'm afraid.

[ he frowns, shifting in his seat and pausing with a brief laugh as he gestures over to vinlates. He's currently vibrating into a corner of the room, "tail" rattling about. ]

It seems Vinlates could use your guidance, as well.

i can't fucking deal with this

[noctiphile]

Oh, goddess. [Immediately, he stands and goes to fetch the beast, picking it up by the tail and setting it on the bed beside him. It continues to vibrate about, noise muffled by the sheets. Mattias watches it curiously.]

I do wonder if it ever stops moving. [He sighs, looking back to Oren, hands folded in his lap.] He's a troublesome creature, that's for certain. I'm not sure we knew what we were getting into.

[He watches as it nuzzles into a pile of blankets, keeping Oren in the corner of his eye.] I expect joint custody, you know.

[twocomplex]

[It's an excuse to stay longer, conversation like this, and so Oren doesn't mind sitting here and watching... whatever it is vibrate around on the bed. Mattias' words are comical, somehow, and he laughs, shaking his head.]

Custody is a concern already? Are we separated?

[He pauses a little bit after that, letting it trail a little sadly into silence as his eyes rest on that ring of Mattias'. How many times has he seen it now? No, actually, when hasn't he worn it?]

I've been wondering. [He starts casually as he can, pulling this out of the blue, and leans forward a little to gesture at Mattias' hands. He's troubled, jealous, curious, but he tries to seem calm.] Is that ring a souvenir? A gift? Since it's appeared, there hasn't been a day where I've seen you remove it.

[noctiphile]

[He stutters at the mention, not in speech but in motion. His hands cover each other quickly, trying a variety of movements and yet nothing seems to hide it. His smile grows strained and he wets his lips as he weighs his options. Telling a lie would only become a burden so, reluctantly, he chooses the truth.]

It's a gift. [He fidgets with it.] From Robin. He [a deep breath] gave it to me before you arrived. I took an oath to always wear it.

[Steeling himself, he looks up to Oren with a wan smile while his fingers curl into the fabric of his pants.]

[twocomplex]

An oath?

[It sends his mind reeling. Not just a gift, but one from Robin. One that he's sworn to always wear? Why? For what purpose?]

That sounds rather serious... Does it serve a purpose?

[noctiphile]

[He can't say. To do so would betray a secret. One Robin entrusted solely to him. He shakes his head, chuckling.]

No, no. Nothing like that. It was specially crafted. [His eyes flicker to Oren's before looking away.] For me.