[Oren's had feels like a current pressing against him. It's distracting, encroaching and does little to make his world feel any less claustrophobic. His mask is faltering, a thin veil stretching apart with every moment that passes. He needs to dismiss the subject. Bring them on to something else but his mind is working for a topic and finding nothing.
He presses a hand against Oren's chest, smiling harder to reassure him.]
No. No. It's nothing like that. He—we're friends. [He ignores the way the ground feels unstable as he says that.] I just needed to get away. From it all. It—it has nothing to do with any of you.
He holds the words back, moving his hand from Mattias' arm to grip the one at his chest. It's light at first, but he squeezes, sitting up straighter to allow him some space.]
I understand. [Two simple words, but he hopes they carry the weight they're meant to. He actually does understand the need to get away.]
You know, I do miss our talks. [He releases his hand and presses it against the bed, urging him to keep it there, to keep calm.] I realize that they may not be the same at this point, but if your mind ails you, please consider speaking to me.
[They could have fun like they used to. Take walks, vent, see sights, forget about the burdens.]
You've caught me; I'm worried about you. [He smiles with that, small and charming.] And I'd like if I didn't have to say it again.
[One of the miracles to Oren is the contagion in his smiles. They're a plague that sweeps through him and dregs up relief and comfort. Space expands, the air feels lighter and those words mean everything. For once, he feels genuine. For once, he rings true.
It's exactly what he needed to hear.
He returns the smile in tenfold, a breathy laugh breaking through. He ducks his head, bites his lip. Resist the urge to thread their fingers together.]
Even if I asked politely?
[He laughs again, holding up a hand and shaking his head. Joking, joking. Biting back his smile, he raises his head.] Thank you.
[Oren is an anchor and the chaotic tide. He's a sandstorm and a shelter. For too long, Mattias has only remembered one of the two. He's happy. Elated and trying to keep calm, ignoring how his heart swells and his lungs flood. He could kiss him now, in this moment. A peck to the cheek. But he resists, watching their joined hands fondly.]
I haven't slept with anyone, you know. [He glances up with a wry grin.] When you called me drunk? I haven't slept with anyone since I left the ship.
[He gets that smile back and it's a victory. Even when those last words cause both relief and hesitation (since I left the ship, he says. why specify that?), he finds himself smoothing his thumb over the back of Mattias' hand.
He's reassuring him. Being honest. It's a good sign, but it's one he has to follow up on. He has to stay in this light, and it's a constant dance. One he knows well.]
...So you did sit through the entirety of those?
[His laugh is weak, but it's practiced. It comes out smooth like most everything he does, and he slows his thumb finally.] It's-- You speak so humbly of your own traits, but I can't help but notice the ones around you who are enamored.
[He raises his free hand, rubbing at the back of his neck as his head lowers the slightest. Like he's admitting something secret (and in a way, this is a drop in pride, revealing any amount of his jealousy), or like he's a little embarrassed.]
Robin, as well. Especially, I'd say. [He pulls his own hand back, dropping the other and gripping them together in his lap. It's almost a wringing motion.]
It's not that he was speaking lowly of you at all, I hope you realize. It's that I questioned him on it directly and he continued to brush it off. He questioned my closeness with you, as well.
[Slowly, he looks up to Mattias, his hands gripping each other tight.]
I thought that... perhaps with him... [He shakes his head, separating his hands so he can raise one to wave it off.] It wasn't my place to accuse you.
No. [He chuckles, waving a hand halfway through Oren's apology.] No. Robin and I—[He sighs.]—While I can't say I'd be adverse to the idea, it wouldn't—there are complications. We're... It's unlikely to happen.
[As much as he desires otherwise. Still, the tension in his shoulders lessens and when he smiles at Oren it's easy. Fonder than before. Slowly, his hands wrap around Oren's own.] Still, it's a relief to hear clarification. I... [his hands fall away, moving back to fiddle with the ring.] ... am a man of foolish hope.
[He laughs breathlessly, gaze flickering to Oren and back, shy, at first, before he pauses. Grins. Leans back with a growing smirk. Oren was jealous, not simply of flirtatious aliens but of anyone getting close. It was flattering, in a way. The right kind of protection.] You truly have grown possessive, haven't you?
[Wouldn't be adverse. But it's unlikely? The first part infuriates him (he can't put his finger on why), but the second confirms his thoughts. He and Robin are already tearing themselves apart. The brief touch of their hands is nice, but it slips away just as fast, and Oren is left staring at Mattias.
Possessiveness comes up and he has to turn away, looking a little exasperated.]
Oh, come off it.
[Maybe it was so pride damaging and annoying because he couldn't explain it himself. The usual hurt of jealousy stings, and he's sure Enkythos is loving all of these moments. He crosses one leg over the other.]
It's nothing so unflattering. You do realize how long you left my calls unanswered? What am I to think of myself in a scenario like this?
[It's all excuses meant to wave Mattias off from speaking on it more than any real defense-- because he has none.
That we had a fight and I still refused to speak to you.
[Partway through he stands, gathering his supplies and getting rid of them. Tossing the shards in the trash, bringing the towels to the bathroom. The sound of rushing water can be heard as he calls out from inside:]
Or perhaps that I was dead. Yet sex is where you leapt. [He comes to the doorway of the bathroom, watching Oren with the barest smirk.] How telling.
[His gaze is heavy as he eyes Oren, taking him in. That bare smirk becomes sinful as he glides to the bed and when he leans over their bodies are a mere breath apart.]
Careful, dear prince. [His voice is like velvet, a callback to the few nights they spent together.] You'll spend yourself in one night.
[And then he grabs Vinlates and turns away, dropping their pet on the floor and digging the lava lamps from the bag.]
[...Overall, this confidence is attractive. He has a lot of other feelings on it and the other things Mattias is saying, but when their bodies are so close, he stops his own breath. His eyes get lost in Mattias', and before he knows it, they're separated again.
He breathes out a slow sigh into a chuckle or two, leaning back further on the bed to rest on his palms. If only it were an easy solution to fall asleep here. To force Mattias to allow him to stay. A childish thought that he brushes away quickly.]
You'll mess with those things now? It's good I've not yet left, after all. [They could be dangerous.]
What? [He calls over his shoulder, unpacking the first of the two and placing it on the desk.] Shall I count on you for protection? There's no glass bottles around, I'm afraid. You'll have to conjure any fire you wish for.
[His hands stall while unboxing. His eyes remain on Oren, gaze turning sly.]
Why a simple guard? [He smiles.] When you could be my protector.
[With a lingering gaze, he pulls the last lava lamp out, placing it on the other side of the table. He leaves them unplugged for now, clearing the space around the spots of blood left over. Without looking back, he motions for Oren.] Get me something to clean this up with.
[Hearing that word from Mattias surprises him. He thinks back to the ship, to being beaten and taunted for his future loss, for it being rubbed in that it wasn't him who was there for Mattias, but Ahl. That Mattias treasured Ahl as his true protector.
Be it accident from lack of memory or purpose, Oren was pleased by it. Either it was intentional, or his subconscious decided for him, right? Protector.]
Your protector, then.
[He agrees with a warm smile, moving to stand up.]
I suppose I'm not protected from your lack of manners, however. No "please?" [He's already moving to get him what he asked for, though, shaking his head. He's back in just a couple of minutes, passing him a wet cloth or whatever cleaning supplies he might have found under the sink in the bathroom.]
Protectors do whatever their wards ask. [He takes the supplies and gets to his knees, rolling up his sleeves as he gets ready to begin.] Like get on their knees and help. [He whips the cloth at Oren's legs.] Come now. It's your blood.
[After dancing away from the cloth with a laugh, he doesn't just drop to his knees. No, he makes something of a show of it, eyes stuck on Mattias as he takes one at a time.
And then playfully, he shoves at his shoulder and takes up a cloth on his own.]
Blood spilled for you. Ah, but as you wish, my ward. [So demanding, Mattias is. He'll help.]
[Unfortunately for Oren, he takes the only cloth available. Poor Mattias has nothing left to do but lean back against the bed and watch with amusement.]
You know, I do so like seeing you on your knees. It's a humble look for such a magnificent prince.
[Of course. He scrubs at it, focusing on that up until the commentary that makes him lift his chin and stare across at Mattias. The corner of his lips quirks slowly, a gradual amusement distracted by his stare at Mattias.
This is beyond flirting. He wonders if Mattias even recognizes that.]
Do you think so?
[He scrubs a little more, ducks his head a little further.] Then it is because I am humble in your presence, my dear Mattias. Shall I kiss your feet next?
[His face scrunches up and furiously he shakes his head, waving a hand in dismissal.]
Oh no. No. Groveling is ill-fitting. Besides, I've had enough of that in Renacht. You remember, don't you? We couldn't walk down the street without someone falling to my feet. No, I'm quite tired of that.
[Ah. That's no fun at all. His smile dims and he looks back down to the stain. Much like he's working to erase his own mark on Mattias' mind, he's left with this tedious task?
Well, if that's what he must do.]
You must be enjoying this. [He comments as he nears the end, just getting the last bit out with a few scrubs. This time, there's no glance upwards.]
[His exhaustion is catching up to him. The events of the night were far more chaotic than he could have guessed. He's half-asleep when Oren speaks again, peeking one eye open.]
I've garnered some amusement. Why? Does it bother you?
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Date: 2015-05-08 03:25 am (UTC)He presses a hand against Oren's chest, smiling harder to reassure him.]
No. No. It's nothing like that. He—we're friends. [He ignores the way the ground feels unstable as he says that.] I just needed to get away. From it all. It—it has nothing to do with any of you.
[It had everything to do with all of them.]
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Date: 2015-05-08 03:43 am (UTC)He holds the words back, moving his hand from Mattias' arm to grip the one at his chest. It's light at first, but he squeezes, sitting up straighter to allow him some space.]
I understand. [Two simple words, but he hopes they carry the weight they're meant to. He actually does understand the need to get away.]
You know, I do miss our talks. [He releases his hand and presses it against the bed, urging him to keep it there, to keep calm.] I realize that they may not be the same at this point, but if your mind ails you, please consider speaking to me.
[They could have fun like they used to. Take walks, vent, see sights, forget about the burdens.]
You've caught me; I'm worried about you. [He smiles with that, small and charming.] And I'd like if I didn't have to say it again.
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Date: 2015-05-08 05:40 am (UTC)It's exactly what he needed to hear.
He returns the smile in tenfold, a breathy laugh breaking through. He ducks his head, bites his lip. Resist the urge to thread their fingers together.]
Even if I asked politely?
[He laughs again, holding up a hand and shaking his head. Joking, joking. Biting back his smile, he raises his head.] Thank you.
[Oren is an anchor and the chaotic tide. He's a sandstorm and a shelter. For too long, Mattias has only remembered one of the two. He's happy. Elated and trying to keep calm, ignoring how his heart swells and his lungs flood. He could kiss him now, in this moment. A peck to the cheek. But he resists, watching their joined hands fondly.]
I haven't slept with anyone, you know. [He glances up with a wry grin.] When you called me drunk? I haven't slept with anyone since I left the ship.
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Date: 2015-05-08 05:57 am (UTC)He's reassuring him. Being honest. It's a good sign, but it's one he has to follow up on. He has to stay in this light, and it's a constant dance. One he knows well.]
...So you did sit through the entirety of those?
[His laugh is weak, but it's practiced. It comes out smooth like most everything he does, and he slows his thumb finally.] It's-- You speak so humbly of your own traits, but I can't help but notice the ones around you who are enamored.
[He raises his free hand, rubbing at the back of his neck as his head lowers the slightest. Like he's admitting something secret (and in a way, this is a drop in pride, revealing any amount of his jealousy), or like he's a little embarrassed.]
Robin, as well. Especially, I'd say. [He pulls his own hand back, dropping the other and gripping them together in his lap. It's almost a wringing motion.]
It's not that he was speaking lowly of you at all, I hope you realize. It's that I questioned him on it directly and he continued to brush it off. He questioned my closeness with you, as well.
[Slowly, he looks up to Mattias, his hands gripping each other tight.]
I thought that... perhaps with him... [He shakes his head, separating his hands so he can raise one to wave it off.] It wasn't my place to accuse you.
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Date: 2015-05-08 06:35 am (UTC)[As much as he desires otherwise. Still, the tension in his shoulders lessens and when he smiles at Oren it's easy. Fonder than before. Slowly, his hands wrap around Oren's own.] Still, it's a relief to hear clarification. I... [his hands fall away, moving back to fiddle with the ring.] ... am a man of foolish hope.
[He laughs breathlessly, gaze flickering to Oren and back, shy, at first, before he pauses. Grins. Leans back with a growing smirk. Oren was jealous, not simply of flirtatious aliens but of anyone getting close. It was flattering, in a way. The right kind of protection.] You truly have grown possessive, haven't you?
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Date: 2015-05-08 06:48 am (UTC)Possessiveness comes up and he has to turn away, looking a little exasperated.]
Oh, come off it.
[Maybe it was so pride damaging and annoying because he couldn't explain it himself. The usual hurt of jealousy stings, and he's sure Enkythos is loving all of these moments. He crosses one leg over the other.]
It's nothing so unflattering. You do realize how long you left my calls unanswered? What am I to think of myself in a scenario like this?
[It's all excuses meant to wave Mattias off from speaking on it more than any real defense-- because he has none.
He is possessive.]
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Date: 2015-05-08 06:56 am (UTC)That we had a fight and I still refused to speak to you.
[Partway through he stands, gathering his supplies and getting rid of them. Tossing the shards in the trash, bringing the towels to the bathroom. The sound of rushing water can be heard as he calls out from inside:]
Or perhaps that I was dead. Yet sex is where you leapt. [He comes to the doorway of the bathroom, watching Oren with the barest smirk.] How telling.
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Date: 2015-05-08 07:04 am (UTC)[He eyes Mattias for a long moment there, slowly uncrossing his legs when he's left alone. Well. With Vinlates. He laughs a little.]
I simply-- To need one's company while they have no need for yours is a painful thing.
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Date: 2015-05-08 07:14 am (UTC)Careful, dear prince. [His voice is like velvet, a callback to the few nights they spent together.] You'll spend yourself in one night.
[And then he grabs Vinlates and turns away, dropping their pet on the floor and digging the lava lamps from the bag.]
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Date: 2015-05-08 07:18 am (UTC)He breathes out a slow sigh into a chuckle or two, leaning back further on the bed to rest on his palms. If only it were an easy solution to fall asleep here. To force Mattias to allow him to stay. A childish thought that he brushes away quickly.]
You'll mess with those things now? It's good I've not yet left, after all. [They could be dangerous.]
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Date: 2015-05-08 07:21 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-05-08 07:50 pm (UTC)[He stands from the bed, walking over to crouch beside him.]
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Date: 2015-05-08 07:55 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-05-09 01:51 am (UTC)[He allows him, chin resting on his hand as he stays crouched where he is.]
Think of me as a guard.
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Date: 2015-05-09 02:06 am (UTC)Why a simple guard? [He smiles.] When you could be my protector.
[With a lingering gaze, he pulls the last lava lamp out, placing it on the other side of the table. He leaves them unplugged for now, clearing the space around the spots of blood left over. Without looking back, he motions for Oren.] Get me something to clean this up with.
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Date: 2015-05-09 02:17 am (UTC)Be it accident from lack of memory or purpose, Oren was pleased by it. Either it was intentional, or his subconscious decided for him, right? Protector.]
Your protector, then.
[He agrees with a warm smile, moving to stand up.]
I suppose I'm not protected from your lack of manners, however. No "please?" [He's already moving to get him what he asked for, though, shaking his head. He's back in just a couple of minutes, passing him a wet cloth or whatever cleaning supplies he might have found under the sink in the bathroom.]
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Date: 2015-05-09 02:34 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-05-09 02:37 am (UTC)And then playfully, he shoves at his shoulder and takes up a cloth on his own.]
Blood spilled for you. Ah, but as you wish, my ward. [So demanding, Mattias is. He'll help.]
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Date: 2015-05-09 02:42 am (UTC)You know, I do so like seeing you on your knees. It's a humble look for such a magnificent prince.
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Date: 2015-05-09 02:56 am (UTC)This is beyond flirting. He wonders if Mattias even recognizes that.]
Do you think so?
[He scrubs a little more, ducks his head a little further.] Then it is because I am humble in your presence, my dear Mattias. Shall I kiss your feet next?
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Date: 2015-05-09 03:00 am (UTC)Oh no. No. Groveling is ill-fitting. Besides, I've had enough of that in Renacht. You remember, don't you? We couldn't walk down the street without someone falling to my feet. No, I'm quite tired of that.
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Date: 2015-05-09 03:06 am (UTC)Oh, I remember. [He'd like it if he didn't. Everyone throwing themselves at him...]
Am I to be proud while on my knees, then? [He looks up again.] That is something I can manage. On top of that, I'll have this stain gone completely!
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Date: 2015-05-09 07:29 am (UTC)See to it that you do. [He closes his eyes.] I'll have the damage charged to you otherwise.
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Date: 2015-05-09 08:13 am (UTC)Well, if that's what he must do.]
You must be enjoying this. [He comments as he nears the end, just getting the last bit out with a few scrubs. This time, there's no glance upwards.]
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Date: 2015-05-09 08:17 am (UTC)I've garnered some amusement. Why? Does it bother you?
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