falin touden (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
yourlenore) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
crescentview2023-01-11 02:54 am
yourlenore) wrote in crescentview2023-01-11 02:54 am
summer catchall
Who: Mishka & some poor unfortunate souls
What: Bingo et al.
When: Summer
Where: Anywhere
Warnings: NSFW & insects
Sometimes I feel tenderly
opened up, wet and revealed as if cut
in two.
adelis
He'd picked up a few basic things at the boutique (some beach towels to sit on; two fold-out beach chairs; some sunblock, just in case), and he sets down his picnic basket on the towels once he's set up the towels and chairs. He'd cooked something and put it together for their little outing, given it was a bingo square of his own, but, really, he was just happy to be at the beach. The slow rush of moving waters in the near distance is nice, and being with Adelis is even moreso.
This summer, Mishka has been dressing pretty open and breezy, but today he's a little more normal, a little more modest in his garb. )
Have you applied the salve, or are yet you in need of it? ( The sunblock, he means. ) I'd hate to see you red as a skinned man a second time.
no subject
Mishka offered to take care of mostly of the details, since he had been the one to offer, but he hardly felt like letting him do everything. So, he brings the drinks (not all alcoholic, because he has some suspicions), and does his best to not look like he's giving the lapping waves the death glare.
It feels odd to be so bare outside, dressed in little but a pair of shorts and a loose white sweater, zipped pulled halfway up his chest as he eyeballs Mishka with an unimpressed frown. ]
I hardly think you're in any position to talk. [ Somebody else looked pretty lobster-red after that, motherfucker. ] And no, I haven't yet.
[ He's squinting at the bottle as he did with the little container of sunburn cream back home, clearly unimpressed with all it's medicinal jargon. ]
...At least back in Ostoya, I knew what I was slathering on my skin.
no subject
It might not be familiar, but it isn't poisonous, if that's at all reassuring.
( Don't ask how he verified that, because there are several ways. Regardless, he extracts the salve from the beach satchel he put together, taking a comfortable seat on one of the towels he'd laid out.
He waves a hand, indicating Adelis should come sit in front of him. )
I'll apply it, if you'd like. That seems properly date-like, certainly?
( He's got to append that last part, because there's really no reason Adelis couldn't handle it on his own otherwise. He's fairly sure Adelis would rather drench himself in a vat sunscreen to get those tricky spots on his back than get any help, normally— not that Mishka has historically pampered Adelis like this, anyway. This is a special offer, just for the bingo square. )
no subject
...I would ask as to however you decided to confirm that, but I feel I'm better off without that knowledge.
[ The idea of Mishka straight up guzzling sunblock is an image that flits to mind, and he'd rather not hold onto that, thanks. It certainly wouldn't be the weirdest shit Adelis has ever seen him put in his mouth.
He eyes the handwave suspiciously, from where he's been standing and watching Mishka set up with all the domestic acumen of somebody far more used to this, and lets his expression drop into an obviously expected blank look of vague disgust at the suggestion. Of course, the other has to tack on that addedum that makes the protest die in his throat.
...He could still do it, he reasons with himself. Save himself the embarrassment. But who knows what exactly will make this count, so he eventually lets his shoulders drop as he stalks over and drops down in front of the other man with a trademark sour look on his face. ]
...Just watch the hands.
[ And the bugs, but he shouldn't have to say that as he lifts a hand to the zipper to tug it down and shrug the white fabric off his shoulders. It feels odd, baring his scars for every single passerby to see, but apparently they enjoy doing that around here. ]
no subject
He scans Adelis, cataloguing the scars he knows, and the scars that seem the freshest— only the Sunburst scars. Good. He does not see some more modern nicks he recalled catching sight of on Adelis's skin, and this is just one more thing he uses to place Adelis in his timeline.
He shifts casually, so he's sat a little more at an angle. He can't really hide Adelis from view at all angles, but he can make it a little difficult to see him from the beach side. )
It sounds as if you miss my hands on you, hm?
( He knows Adelis intends to accuse him of being handsy, but the idea of it is so deeply entertaining to him he doesn't even bother court it.
He starts at the neck, which seems to he a habit of his; caressing it with gentle touch, and working his way down along the shoulders; the blades; the spine. His hands are firm yet mindful; and his palms do linger along the skin, rubbing and working the salve in, and tenderer, where the scars dip too deep in.
It probably feels a little nice, like a light massage. )
If I were going to do something terrible to you, I'd make use of how your spine's exposed. A proper cut, and that would be it, for you.
( Romantic!
But Mishka makes this quip by way of conversation, because it is a strange situation for the both of them: Adelis, for exposing his back; Mishka, for being, for a Mishka, well behaved.
He works his way down to the small of Adelis's back. )
no subject
Well, in this position in general, baring his back to a man who he knows could slit his throat with a flick of his wrist- but with the smell of salt in the air and the blue sky overheard. It feels surreal, sitting here, as it has been for weeks since his arrival.
And yet, there's the faintest sense of familiarity, especially in the way his lips twitch downwards into a scowl. ]
Keep your bloody fantasies to yourself.
[ Even if he did say it first. Still, Mishka has been stranger to him in more ways than one, and despite the obvious distraction implemented the last time, he hasn't forgotten the suspicion that has been tripped during their reunion. It sticks in the back of Adelis' mind, even as he resists the urge to tense up in the slightest at the hands that begin to work their way down his back.
The care is...strange. Careful. Mindful. While the other has always been fair, gentle is not oft in his vocabulary. It furrows his brows, which at least can't be seen, but he remains as still as possible with the salve sinking into his cold skin.
The quip, at least, is familiar. ]
How disgustingly kind of you. [ He's not impressed. ] At least you've the foresight to make it quick, lest I bite back in whatever brief moment you give me.
[ Ugh. What even is this, this...awkward, off-color situation. He agreed for the benefits, and now he just feels off his game. This level of calm domesticity really doesn't suit people like them. ]
Why were you so interested in coming here, anyway. [ The other has been all too happy to venture near and talk about the crystal blue of the waters here, and he cannot see the same appeal. ] It's not as if the water has ever been kind to us.
no subject
He he feels how Adelis's grow so subtly taut with each quip, his posture exposed but alert; that Mishka could kill him is a very real danger, and one Mishka had certainly taught Adelis to never let himself be caught in. But, then again, hadn't Mishka broken some number of his own rules, himself?
Hadn't he been strangely vulnerable, in some ways?
See, he can't be thinking of these things. Thinking leads to feeling, and the way he feels when he sees the slender curve of Adelis's spine press up against the flesh is, at once—
evocative, of a desire to harm him, if—
at odds, with a desire to pull him in—
Beneath his skin there is a buzzing that only he feels and hears. )
No, never. But the ocean here is beautiful, and largely harmless. ( Compared to Ostoyan waters, anyway. ) I can't imagine we'll be here forever. While we've still the time, I think it's worth the investigation. Caution— but still investigation.
( His hands settle on either side of Adelis's waist, their lap along the back finished. His touch needs to be much gentler, to overcorrect for the way he wants to grab him sharply. )
If you turn around and garner some tolerance, I can do the rest of you, if you'd like.
( This depends on if Adelis can handle anything more for a square, or if he's hit critical sensory overload like a small dog from the back alone.
For what it's worth, Mishka's done quite a good job. The sunscreen is so well worked in it's about invisible on Adelis's skin. )
no subject
It was not as internally jarring as his lack of proper hesitance towards sleeping together, but he still finds his brows knitting at how easily he finds it himself to agree, despite the awkward feelings it brings. They have sat and drank before, and in turn exchanged blows on opposite ends of a conflict, and yet here they are. On a bloody beach, with a picnic basket.
This feels wrong, somehow. For them. And yet he doesn't get up and leave, despite Adelis' instincts telling him to as the hands glide down his back. Hands that could make some swift movement and end it all, in several ways- a blade to the throat, a knife to the head, a slit to the spine. But they are soft, and gentle in their care, enough so it has him questioning the other's motives.
He opts to focus on the conversation instead, rather than the itching beneath his skin. ]
Hmph. I don't intend to leave. Only those who marry get to escape, or so we've been told, and I'm holding to that. [ Of that, he doesn't doubt much- she seems intent in her methods, and it would seem a waste to throw them after all this effort. ] And I've never been fond of anything vast and empty- you may feel free to throw yourself into the depths without abandon, but I will not.
[ Just because he had to learn to swim by force doesn't mean he has any desire to do so. If he has no reason to go in there, he certainly won't.
The suggestion makes him freeze up for another moment, as he processes it completely- in addition to the hands on his waist. He allowed the back, but the front as well? He shoves down whatever aggravated fluster threatens to rise as he gives his head one solid shake.]
Give it here. I'll do it myself.
[ Critical sensory overload indeed. Weird feelings arise at the idea of entertaining it, enough that rather than attempt to endure or put a name to it, he opts to decline. One side is enough, and he's sure other things will qualify enough for a 'date' without allowing the other to feel up his front as well. ]
no subject
It needed only wait, though, until he was willing to bargain for it himself, and now it had him. Perhaps the Goddess keeps it bay, for a time, but he knows it would find him again soon. It needed only wait last time; it needed only wait again.
Adelis, at least, could thrive here, even when Mishka is gone. Objectively, that is good. )
If you'd like.
( Mishka is good and takes his hands from Adelis, offering the sunscreen to him as he shifts to sit beside him.
He thinks he prefers that Adelis rejected him, because he is not sure if he could tolerate much more vulnerability. )
There must be some place about here that you like, still. I've come to enjoy the cafés, myself. The convenience and luxury here is admirable; the Heights nobles might be jealous of what they give so freely here.
( The nobles, and all the luxury they sold out themselves and their families for... There is a satisfying irony that surrounds it. )
no subject
Some days, he finds himself going a bit stir crazy, and he retreats to the woods to toss and slash at things in an attempt to release some of the energy.
It is preferable here, yes. He will stay. But it does not entirely suit him, despite it all.
Adelis will indeed, taking the bottle once it's offered to slowly pour some of the white on his fingertips. The feel is unpleasant, as is the smell, but he would rather deal with it himself than allow Mishka to drag his hands over his chest again. It is beginning to feel far too oddly intimate, and he has never quite lent himself to someone whilst so vulnerable before.
Enough of that, he thinks.
He will listen to Mishka talk, at least, despite the odd feeling in the back of his head, dragging fingers over his clavicle. He is far less thorough in his own work, all things considering. ]
I haven't been. [ To the cafe, that is. Or the restaurant, or...well, any of them. ] The idea of going somewhere and getting food when I've plenty at home feels ridiculous.
[ He has always been frugal, and thus far, has only really indulged on the free offering here and there, such as those at the spring dance. ]
...I have been to the bar. I don't mind it. [ The atmosphere is nice, at least, and it tastes better than whatever they have in Ostoyan taverns. ] I prefer walking about rather than settling in the places in town. I prefer to keep myself busy.
[ The sunset and sunrise, in particular, he finds himself drawn to watching...but Mishka doesn't need to know that. ]
no subject
( He turns his gaze to the ocean, legs crossed, arms back, the picture of relaxation (but with that familiar flex of muscle that suggests he remains, as ever, alert). He watches Adelis work out of the corner of his eye, but not overtly. )
Bürach has sunshine, but the Syndicate is quite active there; it is terribly profitable. ( So it could hardly be a peaceful land. The debauchery, the drugs, the sickness, half contained... Still a better place than Ostoya, by miles. ) Here is a vast oasis: content and empty.
( Vast and calm, like the ocean, here. Even Crescent View's furies of nature were fairly mild, compared to anything Ostoya had in hand.
It is enough to drive him stir crazy, too. But, still, he holds onto it, though at time the sun is blistering, and the kindness of the people exhausts him, and the lack of direction and purpose bewilders. )
Still, I think you might like the restaurants, even if only to try it once. ( He says, by way of invitation. ) Have you visited the mines much? It keeps one busy, for certain.
no subject
Most of the people here are ignorant and carefree. Most of them would not survive a day in Ostoya.
[ Most, because some are excluded from this. Only some. Those who have had hardships of their own, who's homes are not as quiet and forgiving as this place. Here, the food is healthy. The water is clean. They greet their neighbors with smiles and waves, and rarely if ever worry about receiving a knife to the back. It's baffling, even after two months have passed.
He does not think he will ever, fully, get used to it. Adelis can adjust, he can somewhat relax, but his guard will never drop fully, and he will never not sleep without a blade crackling at his fingertips. ]
Would be that we could live in the same passive ignorance.
[ But he would not choose to- he is who he is, and they are who they are. Ostoya defines them, molds them, and has spit them out to be what they are today. Adelis holds no love for the moon-kissed lands, but nor would he up and deny his heritage. ]
Perhaps one day, if the mood strikes. But I can content with what my fields have offered. [ It is already enough of a luxury, to have an abundance of healthy produce at hand. ] And I've already been, yes.
[ He still has those gems at home, now that he thinks about it...he has yet to do anything with them. Hm. ]
It was aggravating, but rewarding in the end. I simply haven't decided what to do with my spoils.
no subject
You've squares for eating out, don't you? Perhaps you can make an exception, in the interest of home improvement.
( Certainly, it would be easier for Adelis to go with someone he knows (and let us ignore Adelis clearly has others he knows and would certainly go to a restaurant with, Mishka aside), and that's the only reason he doesn't drop the subject when Adelis half-agrees, clearly a little unsure of how to deal with restaurants, considering the relative poverty of Ostoya they both know too well. )
Oh? And what spoils are those?
no subject
Three are food-related, I believe, albeit only one specifies eating out somewhere. I wonder if this is her way of attempting to tell me something.
[ Is she saying he doesn't eat enough...the audacity, really. He eats more than enough ( or just enough, he should say, as indulging in excess is simply not in his blood ). Still, he'll have to get them done eventually...he's just had reason to do those ones in particular yet. The idea of a 'candelit dinner' with someone was hardly the most appealing. ]
...But I suppose I've to deal with them at some point. [ Mishka probably just wants to indulge himself, doesn't he... ] But if I am entertaining your desires, I will not be paying.
[ Blunt. Cough up the change or the barters, bug-man.
He seems to debate on telling him for a few moments, but, well, why not. Mishka has likely found his own things down there, anyway. ]
...Two small gems, a ruby and a sapphire. I'm not one to oft wear jewelry, so I have not decided how I'll be using them.
no subject
But he's used to sugardaddying for Adelis, and the gold here is just monopoly money to Mishka, so he doesn't seem to mind. )
You can hardly call them my desires alone when I intend for you to enjoy yourself, as well. ( He knows Adelis is going to enjoy the food, even if he doesn't agree with the practice or the price. ) I'll pay, since I'm inviting you. Your coinpurse can rest unperturbed.
( Oh? The mention of the gemstones catches his ear, and he seems impressed by his spoils. He doesn't know what they're worth here, but they're worth a good amount of money back home. )
I suppose it's not practical, but I do think jewelry would suit you. Earrings in particular.
( He would also suggest embellishment upon his knives, but he's not totally certain whether Adelis still uses physical ones at this point, and he's not intending to look strange by asking, either. )
no subject
The suggestion he'll enjoy himself earns a particularly questionable side-eye, since Adelis' enjoyment has never been the other's particular priority. Whether or not he's telling the truth remains to be seen, although he supposes food is a considerably less offensive outing than...most of them. ]
Very well, then. Don't renege on that offer now that you've made it.
[ Why he keeps agreeing to this, he'll never know...it's for the house...
That...does earn a pause, as he mulls it over. It had idly crossed his mind, but he had never been one for garish jewelry- he can dress well, certainly, especially to impress, but to cover himself in so much excess was a waste when he could fetch more money selling it.
Then again, there's not much need for it here... ]
...Mm. Maybe. Two of a different kind would be tacky, but perhaps one.
[ It's...been a while since he's worn earrings, now that he thinks about it. Hm. ]