crescentview | the dreamer has nightmares

[ For long moments, Trahearne stares at him, amber eyes prying at the seams of his layers, trying to get a peek into the depths of who Adelis is.

He understands. He really does. The choice to set the option of marriage aside is a pragmatic one, but things are a bit different now. And it was only a handful of years ago that Trahearne was of the same mind, deciding that he was simply undesirable. That it would be unwise for him to tie himself to another. Yet now, more than ever, he finds himself hoping. ]

But the circumstances of our home hardly matter here, do they not? With love and romance at the forefront of every activity and interaction, and survival essentially guaranteed in such peace, would you still discount such partnership?

And besides, [ He reaches for his coffee again, giving it a little sniff before he takes a sip. ] I wouldn't say that. I'd like to think there's someone out there who thinks of you as a suitable match.

[ he is tired and Saying Shit ]

[ He knows fully well what being dissected with one's eyes feels like. He also knows that's what's happening right now, the piercing gaze of the other rather obvious to someone used to a lifetime of cataloguing even the most minute of reactions. Adelis does not comment on it, of course- taking another sip of his drink , instead.

Certainly, as he listens, this is not Ostoya. There is peace, and no things to steal you away in the night. However, the appeal to him has not increased any, and he finds himself continuing to stare with little twitch of his expression.

Although, the comment about him having a suitable match does garner some form of disbelief. ]

I would. [ Discount it, that is. He's brutally honest, on that front. ] It was hardly ever a prospect that even crossed my mind. I have gotten by alone thus far, and continuing to do so only feels natural. There are far bigger priorities on my mind than searching for a match.

[ Adelis would take the loneliness he buries at times straight to his grave, rather than admit it aloud. As for the second part...he lets his gaze slip to Trahearne's cup before back up to his face, the shadows on his face still obvious. ]

Perhaps you require more of that then I thought. [ Wake up, sir... ] And if they did, I would feel sorry for them. They can certainly choose to chase someone else and not waste their time.

[ Who the hell looks at an assassin and thinks that would be a good husband, anyway. ]

[ Trahearne only hums as he concedes, bringing his cup to his lips for a thoughtful sip. In his own personal experience, he finds little more lonely than insisting on getting by on one's own. He did so for so long, after all, reasonably using Orr as his excuse. He isn't sure if he could do the same now--not after Syrlya. And so in a way he both empathizes and pities Adelis.

In his defense, though, he doesn't see Adelis as an assassin. Just a very good-looking (albeit irritable) person. ]

I suppose it aligns with your intentions to remain. [ He's going to keep his opinions that Adelis could definitely get it if he put his mind to it to himself. He doesn't seem to like that, anyway, and he has no intentions of irritating him further. ] In which case, you're in luck. I can't imagine what it must be like to want to go home but have no prospects of marriage, or vice versa.

[ Trahearne wonders if he sits in the "vice versa" category. He has too many unanswered questions.

Anyway, ]

Regardless, I must offer you my apologies, Adelis. [ He sets his coffee down. ] I did not intentionally subject you to my nightmares.

Edited (no wait i remember what the point of this all is) 2023-02-05 20:44 (UTC)

[ He is aware how some people might view it- he could honestly care less. If Adelis cared much for people's opinions beyond a bit of aggravation, he wouldn't have survived very long. He grew up with the harsh, judgmental sensation of other's eyes on him night constantly, and at this point, he's used to it.

Albeit, this is far less hostility. Trahearne, at the very least, seems to be far too good-willed of a man for that. ]

I suppose they'll simply have to come to arrangements. [ Which is not his problem, because he sure as hell isn't doing so. ] If they're lucky, they can simply wed themselves to someone else in the same situation, and nary spare a thought after.

[ Vice versa does earn a mildly curious look, but he doesn't speak on it. He can't really imagine anybody wanting to do that himself, but power to those who do, he supposes.

The apology is met with another piercing gaze, before he sighs. ]

As I doubt most would. I would hardly wish anybody to see the things I dream of.

[ For private reasons, of course- although he's become somewhat more aware what he considers 'normal' is relatively horrifying for most people. ]

I need not your apologies, but if you insist, then I won't refuse it.

[ Trahearne is much too curious, much too willing to give another the benefit of the doubt to be hostile in his prying stare. Even if it can be a bit overbearing at times, rarely does he ever mean ill by it.

Another sip, and Trahearne realizes how close he is to the bottom of his cup. Does he feel any more awake? It's hard to tell. The sun coming in through the window and hitting his skin seems to help a bit, but not by much.

To pace himself, he sets his cup down. Maybe it just needs a second to kick in. ]

I do. And count the coffee as part of my apology as well. I sincerely hope what you have seen does not linger in your thoughts.

[ Even if his home is much worse. He'd hate the thought of people thinking about the horrors of Orr because of him.

There's a pause, gaze lingering on Adelis before he speaks up again. ]

And I hope your burns have been doing better.

[ He certainly doesn't look more awake, at least to Adelis- who is still eyeballing him over his own half-empty cup. The coffee does him wonders, usually, but even he knows only so much can be done with little boosts here and there- nothing is ever truly a replacement for proper rest.

Adelis merely gives a dismissive shake of the head at that. ]

As I said, I have seen similar, and perhaps worse. It will not haunt me anymore than the usual happenings of Ostoya do.

[ Which is to say, not much. You see a few people's heads explode or become warped and melted of flesh and truly, you've seen them all. The dragon was a bit much, but, well, by far not the most horrifying thing he's seen in his short life.

Adelis avoids his face souring completely at the question, but he turns with a lightly noticeable huff. ]

They are fine, thank you. It will take more than a bit of sunblight to hurt me- it was more an inconvenience than anything else.

[ Sunburn, sunblight, same principal. ]

[ It would be nice if Adelis would not be haunted by anything, even the horrors from his own homeland, but there's only so much of that sentiment that comes across in his sleepy haze. It's fine, though. It's not like Orrian corruption can seep out from the realm of dreams and touch people here (don't go undead adelis!!).

But he does give a satisfied nod at the other's affirmation, though no smile crosses his face this time. Is his incessant talking grating on him? It's hard to filter himself when he's this tired. ]

I'm glad to hear it. If you ever need my help with anything else, never hesitate to reach out.

[ And reach out he does...to his coffee. He contemplates the cooling brown liquid for a moment before he takes a sip. It tastes more bitter like this. Maybe he likes that. ]

Even for bingo, for example.

[ Regrettably, haunted is the default for those born of Ostoyan soil...and he himself, is haunted more than most. In more ways than one. Not much we can do about that one, chief.

While it's a bit more than he's used to, it's hardly the most rambling Adelis has heard thus far, and he can deal with it. ]

There is little I cannot handle myself, but I will keep that in mind.

[ He is, after all, not a fool. Even he knows he can't do everything by himself, try as he might, so he might as well take whoever offers it without needing to seek it himself. His own drink has cooled considerably as well, but the sharp bite is more appealing to him anyway.

He pauses mid-raise of the cup at the offer, before slowly tapping it down. Hm. ]

And is that an offer, then?

[ He doesn't mind the idea of knocking another out of the way, if it is on the table...albeit, he somewhat doubts the other's ability to handle anything particularly tedious right now. For all Adelis knows, Trahearne might fall asleep once that coffee wears off. ]

[ Of course. He doesn't expect to be attending to another's every need at every moment, but he knows not everyone can do everything themselves. And he's always happy to lend a hand to those he cares about.

At least, though, it seems the suggestion has been well-received. ]

It is.

[ Trahearne mirrors Adelis by setting down his cup and reaching...somewhere to produce his bingo card. He idly observes it for a moment (sleepily making sure it is the correct item) before sliding it across the table, facing Adelis. That he doesn't bother asking to see Adelis's means he's more than happy to do whatever the other suggests. ]

Let me know if there's anything that strikes your fancy.

[ He slowly feels the coffee working. Whatever comes of it, he'll manage. Probably. ]

[ Hm. Well, a familiar face is welcome more than most when it comes to his squares, and it's not like he dislikes Trahearne- he's more tolerable than some, even if he has a tendency to get...carried away. Clinic incident, point one.

...Anyway.

Adelis watches him dig out the card in question before letting go of his drink to take it, pulling it over and holding it up for a better look. Blue eyes rake over the options for a moment, pausing on one in particular with the quirk of a brow before he continues his perusal. This is...almost completed, isn't it. ]

You've been rather busy, haven't you. [ Moreso than him, at least. There's not an awful lot of spaces left, all things considered. ] There is certainly few options.

[ Baking is definitely not his forte, and does Trahearne even wear clothes...? Normal ones, like Syrlya. A moment passes, before he hums in thought. While he's not the type to suggest such things off the bat, it is a mutual benefit...might as well offer. ]

Of your remaining, there is one we happen to share. It depends, however, how you feel on the matter.

[ Although judging by these other squares he's already been busy- ]

[ Busy, yes, but at least the little farmhouse in the woods is shaping up nicely. Much better than when they first arrived on the island. Handholding might not be hard work, but it's honest work.

Trahearne slowly finishes off his coffee as he observes Adelis; he's pretty familiar with his own card at this point, he knows what needs to be done, and he's quite honestly not bothered by any of his remaining squares. Not even the more salacious ones.

It's really only been a few weeks and he scarcely blinks at the thought of sex. To think he was so flustered by flirting and handholding on day one. ]

Name it. [ Considering Adelis did not outright say what it was, he has a feeling of which ones it might be. ] Whatever it is, I'm likely all right with it.

[ everything except wearing clothes. ]

[ God, if only handholding was a square of his. It would have practically been free of charge.

He hadn't expected the other to be the sort of man to be so comfortable with that sort of thing, all things considering- Trahearne didn't have the vibes of a man fully steeped in that level of comfort. But perhaps things have changed, or he's simply good at hiding it. Either way, the lack of curiosity has him humming under his breath before he finally picks up his drink again.

Well, he thinks between polishing off the rest, if he's so confident in himself. Who is he to deny a free opportunity?

The empty cup is placed down again, and he meets the other's gaze as he slides the paper back across the table with the tip of a gloved finger. ]

If you're so confident, then. [ So be it, tree man. ] How experienced are you with the prospect of blindfolds?

[ ...If he was a lesser man, he might be questioning why the trees have both been handed specific slots regarding flavors of BDSM, but that's none of his business, really. ]

[ Adelis was obviously put on this island to give them their kink awakening.

It's just as he thought, however. A sly smile crosses Trahearne's face as he leans comfortably back into his seat, crosses his legs, and rests his jaw lightly on his fist. Trahearne's piercing gaze is already settled on the other when he looks up at him, as though expecting this outcome. If this is their shared square, then so be it. At least Adelis isn't a stranger. ]

I can't say I have much experience at all, much less with blindfolds. [ At least he's being honest! ] The prospect does not intimidate me, however.

[ He pauses, eyes beginning to roam Adelis's person. If they're going to do this, then he has to start looking at the other as...not an acquaintance. At least for the time being.

When his eyes lift to Adelis's again, they remain there as he leans forward to retrieve his card and place his empty cup back in its saucer. ]

Will I be blindfolding you? Or do you consider yourself audacious enough to even entertain the thought of blindfolding me?

[ two doms... ]

[ A man's true calling...

The answer earns a blink, but not much else. Perhaps Sylvari really are a more adventurous sort than anticipated, from what he's seen so far. Still, he's not going to complain if there's he's getting none in turn- better for the both of them, then. ]

I would hope something so little could hardly intimidate a man of military status.

[ Honesty is good! He's of a more brutal flavor himself, but this works, too.

Adelis is nothing if not a bit surprised at the suggestion, eyebrow quirking at both the smile and the words in question. Audacious, he says. That isn't the first time he's heard that, but he wasn't quite expecting it from Trahearne's mouth.

There's a shift, leaning forward in opposition to the other leaning back, resting comfortably on the table itself. ]

As I've seen fit to warn others before, you'll find I'm rather difficult to keep down. [ This is the second time he's delivered that warning, but he's being challenged, so he'll humor it. ] But if you think it within your abilities, you're more than welcome to try.

[ try it.mp3 ]

[ There are a few things that scare Trahearne, but none are present in Crescentview. He is safe, generally. Getting blindfolded during intercourse hardly makes the list.

He watches, satisfied, as Adelis leans forward. Nothing was better than a verbal "yes" than a physical one, and he likes that. The corner of his mouth quirks upward further. ]

I would say the very same to you. [ He shifts again, placing the bingo card back in his...putting it away. The air about him shifts as well, as he mentally places himself in roles he has not thought of since arriving here. No one tells him what to do. But Adelis is, as he put it, "more than welcome to try."

He stands, and he feels more awake. The coffee should at least carry him through the activity. And who knows? Maybe he'll actually fall asleep afterwards.

And with that in mind: ]

Come. I will take you to mine.

[ Well, this is a side of Trahearne he didn't think existed. Not that he minds it, of course- it's an interesting development. Perhaps more than interesting, seeing where this is going. A smile of his own quirks his lips, albeit far more smug in nature. ]

Hah. Getting rather bold, aren't we?

[ An off comment, as he watches Trahearne put the card away. He does like bold, when it isn't getting on his nerves, anyway. Adelis is paying rapt attention to the barest shift in the other's posture, in the look in his eyes, and the idea he might be getting more out of this than he originally thought crops up rather fast.

Trahearne stands, and so does he, after slowly uncrossing his legs. ]

If you insist. [ That's a first as well, but not unwelcome, as he moves to follow after the other once he starts to leave. ] I'm certain my roommate grows rather tired of being kicked out, anyway.

[ Congrats on not being #sexiled for the third time, Ryuki. ]

[ Hah. Trahearne gives a quiet chuckle at that. It's a coinflip as to whether or not Kaspar will be home, but--well. It won't be the first time he's brought someone back, and they're generally open with one another, anyway. It'll be fine.

After depositing the money for their drinks, Trahearne turns to leave, the glance over his shoulder being the only signal for Adelis to follow. Is he getting bold? Perhaps in the first weeks of his stay here, he would have been much more flustered, more awkward about this. But he has learned, grown comfortable, and now he has...sort of come to understand that the authority he trained himself to exude at home has a similar effect on people here. Some people, at least.

As he steps into the light and sets the course for the farm in the forest, he slows to allow Adelis to match pace beside him. ]

I have one request of you. [ His tone is serious, his gaze set straight ahead. Despite his polite language, the way he speaks suggest this is non-negotiable. ] I am injured. The wound was serious, but it slowly heals. I ask you do not aggravate it.

[ Oh, Ryuki would leave- without much protest, albeit probably with a grumble. But he's been especially out of it lately, so Adelis figures it's better to leave well enough alone with that one.

Adelis' face does not flicker at the glance, the meaning rather obvious, but it brings a sense of...amusement, perhaps. There are few people who would deign to order him around and not risk his ire, and even those he would listen to still risk the bite of his tongue, anyway. This however, he'll humor. As for how long, we'll just have to see.

Adelis keeps pace evenly, even with his shorter legs- and while the request does earn a modicum of surprise, it does nothing to slow him down or do anything more than earn a sideways glance. For a moment, his eyes rake over Trahearne's form as if attempting to see an early glimpse, but upon seeing nothing, slide back up to his face. ]

Something that simple, I can manage.

[ Well, at least the rope wasn't needed for this one. He crosses his arms, one hand coming to tuck his hair behind his ear ]

Old wounds unbothered. [ And then he cants his head, notably looking ahead rather than at Trahearne's face as he continues. ] But new ones are fine, I presume.

[ Another challenge. ]

[ The scar, the wound, Syrlya's parting gift remains thoroughly hidden beneath the homegrown foliage of his shirt for now. It will be quite obvious what he means when they get to business, and rather easy to avoid. It isn't like his chest is needed for this activity.

With Adelis's last statement, his eyes flicker briefly towards the other. Something, somewhere in his mind sparks, tired thoughts trying to make a connection that hasn't quite bridged yet. But in the few moments he entertains the thought, he finds nothing, so he quickly discards it.

Instead, the seriousness dissipates and he smirks again. ]

Only if you don't mind the favour repaid.

[ But he'll likely fight back anyway. Is it ethical to use necromancy in the bedroom?

That question sets him down a long, absent path of thoughts as they arrive at the farmhouse. It's still, no sounds besides the animals roaming about their usual spots. Kaspar is not home.

Trahearne pushes open the door and steps to the side, hand falling to the small of Adelis's back in a signal for him to go in first. ]

[ Hah. A small smirk of his own slides over his face at the answer, finally looking back over with his hand dropping. ]

‘Tis only fair to balance one’s scales. [ This isn’t something that phrase is usually used for, but the principle is the same. ] If you’ve the stones, that is.

[ The farm is like any other, but well put-together. Adelis lets his gaze flit over it as they approach the door, only to pause as Trahearne’s gestures him in with a hand resting on his back. Ah, so that’s how he wants to be.

Blue eyes slide down to the arm in question, before he finally steps in with the clack of heels on wood. He’s only partially paying attention to the interior, back turned intentionally as he lightly cranes his neck around. ]

I’ve only so much patience to offer, you know.

[ Trahearne would never willingly hurt another.

But at the same time, he would never willingly let someone else take control of him. Never, ever.

There's a bit of a conflict here.

He lets the door click shut behind him, his eyes raking up and down Adelis's body as he does. With one hand he reaches out again, grasping his shoulder to gently turn the smaller man to face him. ]

I don't plan on keeping you waiting long.

[ His voice is neutral, speaking to a soldier who has come to see him while he's in the middle of something else.

In truth, there's a small, nervous part of him--this is not going to be anything like Kaeya. Adelis will be his second, the first after Kaeya. Kaeya bent so easily under his will; he doubts this will go the same way. ]

But let me look at you first. [ To at least admire his second.

He steps close to Adelis, right into his personal space--scarcely an inch separates them at this point. Amber eyes pierce into blue, studying him. Not trying to dismantle him, no, but admiring him as art. To picture the flush on his face and how he might look undressed, in the throes of ecstasy.

His free hand reaches up and gingerly removes the glasses on his face, carefully setting them aside on a nearby counter. When the hand comes back, a finger makes a feather-light trail beneath his chin, lifting Adelis's face to look up at him.

Better.

Trahearne's head dips as he kisses Adelis; gently does he press their lips together, but the soft contact is betrayed by how harshly his teeth dig, scrape against Adelis's mouth. ]

[ On that, they agree- willingly is circumstantial, and he would rather fight for it than fully submit himself to anyone just like that. It would take a level of trust he has never handed out, and he doesn't plan to, anytime soon.

The door clicks, and Adelis is keenly aware of the eyes raking his form- not an unfamiliar feeling, but not an unwelcome one, either.

What a tone that is, hm. For such a passionate man, he's full of surprises.

Turned around, the hand on his shoulder and request earns naught but a light tilt of the head. To touch is one thing, but to stand and admire? What a quaint request...or as quaint as it can be, when Trahearne breaches his space and they are nearly flush. Adelis doesn't so much as flinch, although he does have to crane his neck up to actually meet his gaze- and he's even wearing his bloody shoes, too. Honestly. ]

You can consider yourself fortunate. [ He hums, unblinkingly. ] Normally, I'd charge a fee for both looking and touching.

[ The edges of Trahearne's face blur as the glasses are gingerly tugged off his face, and that does make him blink the slightest- few would dare touch those, but at least he's gentle with them. If he wasn't, he'd be taking the cost out of him in another way.

His chin tilts, and Trahearne will find Adelis' skin is cool to the touch- not warm, like most humans would be. Not for much longer, of course, as the lips press to his own- and if he is expecting anything less than retaliation at the sharp press of teeth, he's sorrowfully mistaken.

Adelis' gloved hands coil upwards, with one's fingers digging taut into the foliage of the taller's hair as his own teeth snap back. Since he's been kind enough to leave his mouth open, a tongue presses into the other's mouth, exploratory but no less sharp in nature. The other hand presses to the back of Trahearne's neck, to tug him in closer.

He pushes himself up- further on his toes, since the heels aren't doing the trick. ]

[ In the back of his mind, Trahearne was expecting the teeth. It seems neither of them are the sort to be bitten without biting back, and so the only reaction he gives to that is a quiet exhale. Simply because it's a new sensation for him.

He has a feeling there are going to be a lot of firsts today.

There's a brief moment of give when Adelis shoves his tongue into Trahearne's mouth, when his hands come up and find purchase on his head. That comes from his shifting gears; he's so used to kissing people that are...not like this. Not so eager to assume control over him. Not so presumptuous to think they have any sort of hold over one of the most important people in Tyria.

But then again, isn't that why--

Trahearne doesn't let that thought finish as he pushes back, his own tongue running against Adelis's, teeth scraping against warming flesh. The hand on his shoulder snakes back to tangle in his hair, to grip the back of his scalp and keep the kiss deep; the other, the one on his chin, drops to settle at the small of Adelis's back, providing a modicum of support as he folds over him, pulling them flush together.

He hovers over him as he pulls back, voice low and gravelly in a growl. ]

We can do better than the entryway.

[ Oho. Adelis latches onto that brief moment of give, the lack of proper pushback for a few moments making his lips twist into a smirk. He had been right, in his assessment then- for all his bravado, he seemed like the sort who didn't engage in this type of embrace too often. Just a second of weakness is all one needs to latch onto...he'll be remembering that one.

But then there's a noticeable shift as the pressure is returned, the brush of the other's tongue and continued press of his teeth urging him forward- especially a hand tangles in his own hair, fingers taut to the scalp, and his breath hitches if but for a moment.

The fold is unexpected, back bending somewhat, but it doesn't throw him off- it just makes his fingers curl across the back of Trahearne's neck, grip tight as he's pressed against the other's chest. He can feel the warmth beginning to settle under his skin again, and when the other pulls back, his smirk only widens. ]

Can we? [ It's not a legitimate question. His own tone is low and smooth, unbothered as he gives a light, firm pull to the other's hair as if to make a point as he cranes his head to speak directly in his ear. ] I suppose you'd better hurry up, then, shouldn't you. I am your guest, after all.

[ It isn't so much a wince as it is a scowl that crosses Trahearne's face when Adelis pulls on his head. He scarcely lets what he says breathe before his own hand whips up, frond clapping against flesh as he grabs Adelis's wrist and yanks his hand away and out of his own hair.

He does not like that. ]

Are you a guest? Or are you here at my request to serve me?

[ A subordinate? He thinks, but doesn't say. He's had a lot of those. What's one more? He'd be pleased of the other could make a lasting impression on him.

With the hand still on Adelis's wrist, he rights himself and steps past him towards the bedroom; along the way, he grabs a couple of clean tea towels from the kitchen. Just in case he's supposed to be the one providing the blindfolds.

Once they step into the room, Trahearne whirls around to close the door by pinning Adelis against it, and the wrist still in his grasp above his head. As he steps in again, and as he looks down at him, he smiles. He dips down slightly, but does not kiss him.

He's starting to think they should move this to the bed anyway. Either one of them is too short, or too tall. ]

You're in quite a hurry, aren't you? Keep pushing me and you may need a lesson in patience.

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