sandwichbasket | OPEN POST/TFLN CONTINUATIONS

I would not take to heart what it is that they say.

[ Theo watches the other move about the room. Take things out of the basket and set them aside. It seems as though he is weighing what to keep here and what to take back with him. He wonders if the Exarch is overthinking things just a touch.

There's a click from cup meeting table that makes Theo wince. It's from none other than himself as he sets the now empty thing down and start to buckle down into the blankets once more. ]

'Tis not just she.

[ It had been quite the talk of the city in general. People have noticed. People have questions. However they respect their leader too much to inquire.

Right now though, Theo thinks that he can make due. He can already feel his body temperature lowering, if only temporary. Perhaps he can find some rest in the moments before the effects wear off. Either way, he will not be moving from this spot. ]

[ Of course he's overthinking things. It's what he does. ]

…significantly less subtle than I thought I had been, then.

[ He'll have to watch himself to keep gossip under control, he thinks, as he considers what will need to be seen to so that he can lock himself in a room with Theo for a few days. A thing that is entirely compatible with watching himself to avoid gossip. ]

I shall be back once I know if I can be spared for a few days. If I can, then I am at your disposal, entirely.

[ He closes the door behind him as softly as he can, and for a few bells Theo has peace. Slightly more peace than before, in fact. There's little that can be done about the constant assault of incidental sounds, but people seem to be avoiding walking the hallway outside his room unless they have to, and when they do they're quick and quiet about it.

In the absence of an unforeseen emergency, he can be spared for a few days. The people of the Crystarium govern themselves more often than not, he'd done all he could to make sure that outside of the task of operating the tower, he would never truly be needed. It was always meant to outlive him, after all. Most of its people are only too glad to see him taking a few days away from his work. Nobody brings up the suspiciously-timed absence of the latest guest.

He spends entirely too long paralysed by the question of whether or not to bring oil. Presumptuous. Wrong. It makes him feel as if he's hoping for-

-he it not hoping for Theo to be in such distress that he will have any use at all for a crystal-ruined body. He is hoping that this will be nothing more than continuing to sit for tea, waiting out the condition, giving what support he can. Which does not mean he is not thinking about Theo having use for a crystal-ruined body. But he has thought about a lot of ridiculous things.

(Oil. But tucked into a corner of the basket, covered by other things.)

His footsteps are so careful and the knock on the door so soft that Theo can probably hear his heartbeat more clearly than either, drumming in his chest as it is. ]

[ The Exarch can say that he is going to be more careful, that he will watch what he says and how he will present himself, yes. However will he be able to really keep that up? Will he be able to contain himself?

In the moments after the other departs, Theo does notice the difference. It is a fair bit quieter than it had been and he's not so far gone to not be able to put two and two together. The Viera is finally able to poke his head out of the blankets, even if he is holding onto that pillow rather tightly. He's able to find rest for a bell or so, but not much longer than that. Theo will wake to find that he's kicked off the blanket entirely, body temperature rising once more.

The Viera moves to the table, slowly as if on a cloud. There's always been food left here. Various fruits and the like. Theo is likely going to need something more substantial than that with heat burning away calories. Though for now it will do, Theo taking a moment to pick up something from the bowl and eating it. Yet he does pick up remnants of the Exarch's scent. And he hates his heightened senses for it. Especially when it takes him to the sink. Just lingering in the spaces that the Exarch had.

At least until he breaks himself away long enough to draw himself a glass of water. And that's when his ears twitch at the sound of the door. When he can hear that heartbeat. ]

Come in.

[ He does, quietly as before. ]

As it happens, I am all but entirely replicable. Half the city would rather I leave my post a few days. [ A chuckle. ] I shall try not to be too insulted by that.

[ He isn't insulted. He knows that they worry, good people all of them. That they're overjoyed he's spending time away from his work. That, no doubt, any gossip that's spreading about his newfound lightness of heart comes from a place of wanting him to be happy. They're kinder than he deserves, every last one of them.

He sets his basket down again, taking a facecloth from it. He soaks it in the sink, then wrings it out as best he can. Then, a simple ice spell. ]

So in the absence of some terrible disaster- [ Smiling, he holds the frozen cloth out to Theo. ] -I am yours.

[ Theo, of course, does not leave the sink. Rather he continues to drink from his glass of water as the Exarch moves about the room. He's unpacking some things from the basket - a full one, Theo notes - and the Viera wonders if there's enough to weather the next couple of days. The red mage is about to pour another for himself, his throat ridiculously dry, when the other man sees fit to enter his personal space. Theo can only stare, a bit transfixed on mismatched hands working the washcloth and then applying a bit of magic to it.

Now the impulse hits a bit hard and Theo a bit too tired to fight it off when the Exarch has made his stance on the matter perfectly clear. The Exarch is not going anywhere. So instead of just outright accepting the cloth, Theo drops his head upon that covered shoulder. This is actually better... ]

What terrible phrasing. Let's hope that you haven't made some horrible miscalculation here.

[ Terrible phrasing, Theo calls it, and he chooses not to comment. Not to say that no, the phrasing is perfectly accurate. It's the truth of the sentiment that's the problem. ]

Believe me, some days I do nothing but hope that I haven't made a terrible miscalculation. [ His voice drops to almost nothing, so quiet that it isn't really a voice, only breath shaped into words. ] But this? This I am certain of.

[ With his spoken hand, he lifts Theo's hair slightly. So that he can press the cold cloth to the back of his neck. If nothing else, bringing his body temperature down seems important for keeping him comfortable. ]

[ Terrible phrasing because of the way it makes Theo want to react to it. At least that is what it means for him. He, of course, has not the slightest clue about how the other may feel towards him which makes the Viera believe that he is taking advantage of the Exarch and his kindness. ~~Of a moment to be had with a friend he may never see again due to G'raha's situation~~

He breathes a sigh. ]

Apologies regarding my selfishness in the moment, but I am not thinking of much outside this room right now.

[ So the first thing that can be done is not thinking about the state of the First and whether or not the Exarch is placing further burdens on Theo and yada yada. Right now it's hard not to be a little put out by discussion like that when there's company present and the Warrior of Light is right there and able to catch traces of the Exarch's ~~G'raha's~~ scent.

He almost turns so that he can attempt to get at what he can of that neck, but then feels the cool cloth on his own. Theo startles, with a bit of a surprised sound tumbling from his lips. It's freezing against his heated skin. ]

Then... You are far more certain than me. I'm still making a valiant effort to contain myself, I'll have you know.

Then, if we are to speak of matters in this room only? I bear no doubts at all. Not a one.

[ It's not entirely true. He holds many of the same concerns as Theo - that he is taking advantage. He feels entirely torn between guilt and wanting. Torn again between the both of them and another kind of wanting, for all of this but not like this.

But he is sure. Certain. That he wants Theo to be comfortable. That he wants him to find comfort with him.

When Theo makes that noise of surprise, he laughs. He can't help it, even if he does need to apologise for suddenly freezing his burning skin. ]

Too cold? I apologise. [ And then softer again. Slower. He swallows while speaking more than once, unusually lost for words. ] If it helps, to say it plainly. I understand, I believe, what might entail. And none of it is- there is no part I would not do gladly in happier circumstances.

[ Therein lies part of the struggle. It is difficult for Theo to come up with anyone else that he would readily find comfort in these moments with. No one else - even out of his closest friends present - really bears any consideration at all. There hasn't really been someone on the forefront of his mind, but since coming to the First... ]

It's fine. Just a surprise more than anything else.

[ That and because his legs still feel a touch weak. Once he finds a moment of strength it will be meandering back to the bed. Hopefully with the other following behind.

Now the other admission would have caused the Viera to lift his head and look at the other in the eyes. Yet that's not possible at the moment so he breathes out a sigh. One hand moves to grip at those robes. The Exarch is not making it any "easier" but at the same time? All too easy. A... Mutual attraction. How. Odd. ]

As for what everything might entail... I suppose that, in part, also depends upon you. No matter how much my rational side might be compromised, I won't do anything that isn't welcomed.

[ So he does know what could potentially happen. So then Theo must also make it plain. Biological and instinctual drives are one component, yes. There's also willingness and compatibility. He won't force himself on anyone, though he might take certain reactions as invitations.

That being said, though he really just wants to hold onto the man next to him, the Viera pulls away. Yes... Back to the bed he goes, but he grip hasn't. Exactly. Released its hold. ]

I know.

[ That, he is certain about. That Theo would rend himself apart before doing harm to a friend. None of this secrecy would be needed, otherwise. ]

There is one thing. [ The big, obvious thing. He follows Theo to the bed ] I- am certain that you have noticed, by now. That I do not care much for the face the tower left me.

[ A careful choice of words. Not quite a lie - the tower has, save for the crystal cutting into his cheek, left his face as it was. And he has never really cared for it. ]

I will consider the mechanics of it as problems arise. But I ask that you allow me my vanity.

[ The statement doesn't come as a surprise, really. Theo had been expecting it, of course. The request for the Exarch's face not to be revealed. Theo gives a nod before finding himself slipping into blankets. Or, rather, sliding into them and then just shifting so they cover his shoulders. So only his face and ears are exposed. The urge to arrange the Exarch next to him the way that Theo would want it is strong, but he pushes it aside for now. That he would come over willingly is enough for the Viera.

For now. ]

I wouldn't think to ask. You hide your face from us for a reason and that reason is yours alone.

[ But by all means please join Theo so that he can move a bit more. Maybe to have that cool cloth on his head while he leans against the other? ]

Should that mean that you cast a blinding spell upon me, so be it.

If you would allow it, that probably would be less disconcerting than a vanishing one upon myself.

[ He perches at the edge of the bed, leaning forward to unfasten his sandals. He's not quite so desperate to help in any way that he can that he'll consider wearing shoes in bed. And he's aware now, constantly, of every tiny noise in what he always thought of as a silent act. The metal of the buckle clicking. The sound of the leather strap dragging against it as it pulls loose.

It wasn't until he realised he ought to be as quiet as possible that he started realising just how much noise even the smallest action makes ]

Thank you. You are good, to allow me my whims.

I wouldn't have suggested if if I wasn't agreeable. You are doing this for my sake.

[ It is true. Every little sound is making his ears twitch. It's too loud, of course. But that doesn't stop Theo from creeping closer. He has a bit of a plan, of course. But right now it's just to lean against the Exarch's side. ]

You needn't mention it. Truly.

[ Because he's about not to be "good." Because the aggression is about to come into play. ]

[ He has concerns about blinding Theo. Of course, Because he has concerns about just about everything. It's already clear that noise is difficult for him, would that grow worse without his sight? To say nothing of how tempting it might be to indulge, to pretend that he sees the face of someone he knew long ago and still chooses to do this.

But Theo leans against him, and he voices none of these concerns.

Instead, he leans into Theo in turn, pulling his feet up onto the bed and tucking them beneath him. ]

I am here.

[ All of those concerns hardly matter. They pale in comparison to the Exarch's comfort in the end. Theo's ears would be largely sensitive, yes, should the need occur to follow through with such a plan. Yet he believes that he could tune all out if needed. There would be far more interesting things for him to hyperfocus on instead. In that scenario anyway.

Not that he's thinking too much on that right now. The other body shifts and leans against Theo in return. There's a soft, warm hum that seems to vibrate through his entire being shortly after those three words are said. ]

Good. Make yourself comfortable.

[ Because Theo is. That last bit of restraint just seems to go to the wayside. He can't exactly stop the himself from shifting and dropping onto the Exarch's lap. What a scene this must be. A fully grown Viera half huddled into blankets but curled up on another's lap. ]

[ Well, he wasn't quite expecting that. And perhaps he should have been.

Theo is warm. Softer, somehow, than the indomitable Warrior of Light. Smells of himself, the way he recalls, rather than of the merging of black and white aether and blade oil. And as he very cautiously moves, starts combing his glass fingers through lavender hair-

-it's more than he would have ever dared to want. Emotion twists in him as tension and then leaves him as a soft sigh. His fingers are much as they appear to be. Cold. Smooth. Hard. He can't feel Theo's hair against them, not in the way he would with his own skin. It's information - he is in contact with long, smooth strands of hair. They are not liable to cause damage to this part of the tower (his fingers). It's easier this way, for the moment. Even the warmth of Theo's body through his robes is a lot.

And before he catches himself, he purrs softly. ]

[ It works the other way for Theo as well. Like this, he can take in the scent of the other, more sensitive to it like this than he would be regularly. Given that he is under the blanket still, there's no contact there to make his skin prickle, but the crystal hand in his hair does that anyway.

Really it's an odd feeling. He doesn't know what he had been expecting from that, but it is cold. And the Viera presses against that hand to continue to feel that more - on his heated flesh more than in his hair. At least for as long as it will last.

Now he doesn't comment on the purring, though his ears twitch at the sound of it. Theo wouldn't dare. Besides... the Exarch might be able to feel something from Theo rumbling right back, if not able to hear it. It's so subtle. ]

[ He does catch himself eventually. But he doesn't stop. It's unthinkable that Theo wouldn't have noticed the sound, but if it stops then that's all the more suspicious. And if things do progress so far that a blindness spell is needed (if. He can barely bring himself to touch Theo's hair with his spoken hand), it'll be difficult to disguise hit ears or tail. If his height has not already given away that one detail.

It is not the end of the world, if Theo comes to suspect he is a mystel. Troublesome, slightly. He wasn't expecting him to remember G'raha Tia's name. It's something of a damning coincidence that he bears so many likenesses to a dead man. But there are other mystel in the world.

So he lets himself purr softly. And he can't hear the rumbling in return, but he can feel it. Through his glass fingertips, mostly (something trembling. Not a threat to the tower). Theo presses into his hand and he only hesitates for a moment before returning in kind, stroking through his hair until his fingers reach the bare skin of his neck and then leaving his hand there, cold and smooth. ]

The cloth should be a little less cold now, if you want it.

[ One day they'll have the conversation with a certain G'raha Tia and all will come to realize that Theo had known who the Exarch was for a while. For quite a while. It is only out of respect that he doesn't call the other out. And right now, the Viera can't be bothered. After all is said and done, Theo won't even bring up the purring or anything might have identified the Exarch.

Honestly he is just content to lean into the cool touch. It's enough, for the moment. Soothing and bringing the unbearable heat down a little. The ear not partially pressed against a thigh is moving with every sound though, an indication that Theo is paying attention. ]

Hmm. No. This is preferable.

[ Contact. Touch. Closeness. ]

Very well.

[ It's hard to say how long he remains there, quiet, glass hand over Theo's pulse. He could know, if he wanted. Let the tower tell him in microscopically small units of time, to the hundredth of a hundredth of a second. But he doesn't want to know. He just wants to stay here, in this room, faced with undeniable proof that the Warrior of Light never died the choking, withering death of enhanced black rose.

He's more cautious with his spoken hand than he was with the tower's. When he finally brings it up to Theo's head, brushes a fingertip lightly over a lock of hair, his heart is beating so fast that this close, hearing so sensitive, Theo can probably pick up a new, unfamiliar sound. A ringing quality to his heartbeat, like a finger running along the side of a glass.

With a soft exhale, he buries his fingers of flesh and bone in Theo's hair. ]

[ Or like the echoing of sound against glass, yes. It is a sound that makes him frown, if only because he's so unaccustomed to hearing it. Granted, should he really focus on such sounds, he might have picked up something similar before now.

But he can appreciate the coolness at his neck. Can feel how tentative the touch with the other hand his. Theo is thinking about how he can encourage it along when it moves of its own accord. Actually in his hair. The quiet little sound in Theo's throat becomes a touch louder - but still soft.

Now one of his own arms wiggles free so that he might find the means to wrap around the Miqo'te in return. ]

Stop fussing. You would not have been allowed in here at all if you were not trusted.

[ Trust. ]

Apologies. I am honoured that you would trust me. It has- it has simply been some time.

[ Some time since what, he doesn't say. There is the obvious thing it might refer to, of course, incorrect only in the way it would imply that there has been a time before this. It has been some time since his mind last let him entertain this as a possibility. Since he last let himself consider what it might feel like if he just reached out to comb his fingers through Theo's hair.

It's different, the feeling of strands of hair against his fingertips, his own fingertips. Against the crystal it was only information. Against skin, it's all emotion. Alive. He is whole and here and alive and he will remain that way. Still cautious, he drags his fingernails (he would have called them claws, once, but he keeps them clipped short and rounded these days) over the skin of Theo's scalp lightly. ]

You have earned it.

[ Not that, of course, the Exarch can guess how. Theo will not necessarily explain either. All the other needs to know is that it isn't something that has been just granted on a whim.

Rather, the whim comes by way of the Viera burying his face into the Exarch's stomach. He doesn't care how much is flesh or how much is crystal. His ear twitches, as if imploring the other to actually continue and not just stop at the scalp. Yet Theo breathes a sigh. The warmth is still there. Still consuming.

But this helps. Immensely. ]

[ It's careful, still. But he moves his spoken hand down slowly. Over scalp. Down the back of Theo's neck. And after a few seconds of hesitation, under the blanket to slide down Theo's back, between his shoulderblades.

He's so warm. In the burning, fevered way of his condition, yes. But also in the living, breathing way. Burning with life, even as he knows that somewhere inside of him the strangling nothing of the light is taking hold. ]

Whatever I have done to earn it, I should do again a thousand times. [ Then, carefully stroking at one ear with the fingertips of his crystal hand- ] Will you look at me? Only for a moment.

I would rather you didn't.

[ He would rather not lose the other again. If it at all can be avoided. There is no need for another dramatic sacrifice. No, this is fine. This is sufficient. Being here for Theo in a moment where things could so easily make him regret being alive the next couple of days ~~stupid hormones and instincts~~ is better than anything like that.

It feels good though. Having that hand move along his ear. His neck. Down to his bare back. It causes Theo to shiver, just a bit. And have to breath in deep. He can feel it. Just a simple touch, skin to skin contact, is enough to want to make him squirm in place.

But then the Exarch is asking for Theo to look. But... Hnn. Eyes flutter open and he shifts so that he can do just that. No, he can't make out anything under that hood and Theo is going to be respectful and not try to sneak a peak. ]

Yes?

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject