also im stopping myself from going on another 3-paragraph ipc worldbuild tangent this time or so help me--
[Well. The silver lining to this. Is that, at the very least, the coffin isn't somehow crammed in here with them too...
Closets are still not generally very well-suited to holding two people at once, though. Even unnatural closets manned by some incredibly rude invisible entity--"invisible", because there sure hadn't been anyone else in the room at the time, had there? When, upon opening this wardrobe's door to check inside--Blade hovering warily beside him--the both of them had been quite forcibly shoved in by a force unseen, the door slamming quite firmly shut behind them.
And now here they are.
It's quite dark, of course, save for the outline of the closet door in itself, the lighting of the room outside seeping through the cracks but illuminating little. No sign of a light switch even with some fumbling at the walls. Luocha sighs, and tries to turn around...whoops, accidentally stepping back into Blade. Also accidentally bumping an elbow into his--side, probably? ...Oh, alright, so that was definitely his chest he just accidentally put a hand on. Okay. Turning around may already be proving harder than anticipated...]
--My apologies. Are you alright? I can't seem to reach the door from here, so it may need to be you. [To find the handle, of course. To open this closet and get them out, of course!] ...Quite an uninspired prank. Rest assured this is not at all what I was looking for here...
[In fact, Luocha is starting to rather strongly suspect that this entire stop may have been a wash altogether in the business sense, but well. That'll be a bridge to cross in a few minutes, once they're back out. ...It should only take a few minutes, right?]
( ooc. your worldbuilding powers tho... eats them up )
[ It should only take a few minutes, and yet that's not what happens.
After the first few adventures, filled with shenanigans, Blade thinks he's grown used to the random odd scenario happening here and there. It seems to just naturally come with the territory, while he travels the galaxy with his current employer, especially given the myriad of planets they visit with their own set of quirks. Getting shoved inside a closet, however, appears to have caught both of them off guard. Blade even more so than usual, because it's new. A mercenary like him doesn't end up in situations like this quite often.
There's a first time for everything, he supposes.
The closet affords them very little space. It's proven easily when Luocha all but places a palm on his chest, but he barely reacts to it. No need to make this any more awkward than it already is... Then again, it's not like this is the first time they've had to get nice and cozy. ]
I'm fine. I'll have a look.
[ To the point, as always. His hand feels around for anything that resembles a handle and... finds none. It's a flat surface no matter where he touches. ]
... I don't think there's a way to open this. I can't find the handle. [ ... ] Is it not on your end?
[ If it's a prank, then maybe they've done things in reverse? The way out is actually in front of them? ]
RIGHT...lbr tho it could apply to p much anyone in blade's life not actively trying to kill him--
[Mercenaries don't usually end up in situations like this, and merchants generally don't either, all told. Honestly, closet-shoving probably shouldn't be that common in the known universe overall...surely. ...But that just means they've tripped upon a stroke of impressively bad luck here, yet again. Perhaps by now Blade has started to notice it, the paltry fortune Luocha tends to carry about on his travels wherever he goes...he might joke about it sometimes, but really though.....
At the least, Blade's agreeable traits of "not making things weird" and "going straight to the point" readily emerge in the sort of way Luocha has come to find reassuringly reliable. This sure isn't the first time they've had to share close quarters, at this point...but, still. For his own part he's not letting that hand linger on Blade's chest for longer than a second or so anyhow, though Blade's complete lack of reaction to it is also very appreciated. Instead he's moving right on to getting the door back open, which is just as well, since--
--Hmm? There's no way to open it?]
There is no handle over there? ...I suppose this might be a sort of closet with a one-sided entrance... [Since, technically, most closets likely aren't designed with closing in people as an intention. ...But that would mean rather unfortunate news for the two of them here and now, so. Yeah, hold that thought--] The other end, however--right, that's not a bad idea either. Let me try to check.
[There's even a couple of old coats hanging towards the back, because of course there would be, goodness forbid this whole affair be too easy. Anyway, pushing those aside, and then shifting forward to plant his hands along the closet's back...after a moment or two, there's a dissatisfied hum from Luocha's end.]
Hmph. It appears solid. I do not think there is a door here either...and so our options are--oh? [Hold up. There are a few more shuffling noises.] ...Wait, there seems to be something hanging here. Flat, with a frame...a picture? [????] Or--perhaps some sort of placard? ...A light would certainly be useful about now...
it's basically everyone who has a use for him, lbr
[ Since it has been happening more and more often, Blade wonders if there is some truth behind Luocha's statement regarding his bad luck. At first, he thought it was just his imagination, but nowadays, it's looking more likely that they'll be haunted by this regardless of where they go. It's even hard to consider the fact that most situations they end up in are ultimately "harmless" when it happens so frequently. Alas, there's not much he can do about it now.
When Luocha confirms that there's no door on the other side either, he begins thinking about the best ways to break through their confinement. He's got the strength, after all, to destroy what needs to go down, but then— ]
A placard? Let me see.
[ He excuses himself quietly before he tries to shimmy his way over to where said placard was found. It's a tight fit, but neither of them is carrying anything to light things up in here, so his eyesight would be the closest thing. Even still, the complete darkness makes it a hard read. ]
... There's a story on it. It's hard to make out, but I think—
[ He narrates the part that involves two souls walking into a box where they need to pay a price. One kiss is all that's needed, and then they'll be set free. ]
Is it a riddle?
alas to be a man in high demand when all u wanna do is die 😔😔
[It sure is a bit of a tight squeeze, as Blade shifts over to have a look for himself. Try as Luocha might to flatten himself accordingly against a wall to one side...now that they're both occupying this end of the closet, their shoulders end up bumping a bit anyway--another mildly awkward thing to be happening twice in a weirdly short span of time. Let's worry less about that, though, and more about what Blade's able to make out a bit painstakingly--
Luocha's frown in turn is a practically audible thing.]
That's...well. Exceptionally direct language, for a riddle. If we take that simply as surface-level instruction, though, it would mean...
[...........Well.
Honestly, maybe. It's a bit of a silver lining after all, that it's rather too dark in here for either of them to see each other's faces. In the brief pause that falls, Luocha doesn't have to avert his eyes from Blade, and Blade doesn't have to see the look that crosses his face either, so all that's left to do now is keep his tone perfectly composed. Composed, and not hinting even a bit at the very weird combo of brief feeling he finds himself suddenly having: something that's somewhere between exasperated and...
No, surely, the solution can't actually be as compromisingly simple as that--]
Of course, conclusions shouldn't be jumped to in a situation like this. [Maybe that came out a bit too abrupt, after that pause just a bit too long, but let's not worry about that. More importantly!! There's a slight shift of movenent, where Luocha's standing, as he cranes his attention back in the direction of the closet door.] ...Let's properly assess our options first. Blade, do you think you may be able to break open that door by force? Provided I stay out of the way back here, to give you an optimal amount of room to work with...
[ It might be a tight fit, but it's not the first time they've had to share a personal bubble so Blade hardly pays it any mind. Of course, if he had a say in the matter, he would rather they weren't in this situation, since that would mean they aren't stuck in a closet with no easy way out. Until they locate this placard with the weirdest riddle known to mankind— and what's worse, Luocha is implying it might not even be a riddle in the first place. ]
... Right.
[ First things first: they might as well exhaust every other possible avenue. He moves towards the opposite side, right where the "door" closed shut behind them. There's not much room for him for him to simply slam into the wooden surface so he does the next best thing— which is punching it with all the force he can muster. Repeatedly. Which is growing sillier by the second, but hey. They might as well try this one before giving up.
But after a while, it becomes clear that this isn't going to work. His closed fist rests against the door before he shakes his head at Luocha. ]
Got any other ideas?
[ Because the alternative would be to consider the placard again, and surely...? There must be another way? ]
Unless you'd rather do what the story is talking about.
[Quite literally trying to punch a way out of this closet sure is kind of silly no matter how one really slices it huh.....the good news on that front, at least, is that Luocha is the only one around to see it happen right now. Not to mention the fact that it's too dark to actually see how ridiculous it looks either, and also sometimes ridiculous times call for ridiculous measures. This brief lapse of dignity will be a secret kept safe within the confines of this closet, if nothing else!
(Not that it'll be the only secret staying in this closet forever, as they're soon to discover, but anyway......)
The bad news, of course, is that the punching does not actually work at all whatsoever. Not even necessarily for a lack of strength on Blade's part, either. Luocha is sighing sharply himself afterwards, something a bit surprised in the draw of breath. Because--]
Hmm--just now, when you were making that attempt, I sensed...there is some sort of power at work here. Holding that door shut. Not the result of an individual, but... [Well, frowning up at the closet ceiling is also completely useless at the moment, but still.] This entire compartment might be some sort of...curio?
[He's ever heard of one exactly like this...though then again, it's said there are a countless number of curios in the universe, in countless variations. Not that he has the faintest idea what function a curio like this is supposed to have...
But this revelation doesn't exactly solve the problem either way, and Blade brings up the question of the hour. Luocha is quiet for another moment or so, clearly mulling for any other ideas himself...but, honestly, it's difficult to think of any other metaphor that placard might be implying. And physically breaking out in any other way doesn't seem to actually be an option. So much for other options to check first. ...Hmmm....]
...I do not want to do anything you wouldn't be willing to do. [At length the answer comes, the words set down slowly. But there's an audible shifting sound too, and a couple steps, as Luocha draws back over to Blade.] I'm still unsure of any other way to read that "riddle" over there, but. [....] May I see your hand, at the least?
[You know, the one you were just using to punch a door for a hot minute.]
[ Blade almost sounds exasperated at that point. It makes sense that it would be something like that, but that doesn't make it any easier to deal with. This just means that whatever logical solutions they may come up with will likely fall short of getting them out of here, which would typically be fine and dandy, except this particular curio is asking for an even more ridiculous exchange.
If the story is truly the key here, then it just means they'll have to do exactly what it asks, right?
He can't help but sigh again, but rather than voice his further frustrations, he gives Luocha his hand without much complaint. It's the gloved one so it's hard to see the bruises he might have gained after that brief punching session. You know he's really annoyed when he doesn't even cause a fuss over the other man offering to heal him up. ]
If it's the only way to get out of here, doesn't that mean we have no choice? We can forget about it after we're done here.
[ Surely that's also what Luocha wants to happen... Right? ]
[Ah, the true dire shape of the situation's definitely becoming clear indeed, with the way Blade gives over his hand without even a hint of the usual begrudging hesitation preceding a healing. Not that Luocha can blame the man in the least for his exasperation at this point...curios in action are, after all, either surprisingly good news or astoundingly bad news, with rather few exceptions between. As it goes, when common physical laws and logic are bent into strange angles. The one silver lining here is that this setup at least hasn't turned actually lethal, but...
Well, mortification is its own sort of suffering. Of a kind. And it sure is starting to look...like they're going to have to power through some of it.
Luocha mulls over Blade's words with a quiet hum. Slender but firm fingertips curl deftly over Blade's wrist, while he lifts his left hand and the charm hanging there over it. The bruises would have been hard to make out even in better lighting, yes, but Luocha can take half a guess that at least a few have formed. Punching immovable objects tends to do that.]
...A concession made that will be a secret kept later, hm? ...So, as things stand presently, you wouldn't find it objectionable...
[Even as he's coaxing up a small and brief sprout of healing--tiny petals of a very small phantom flower flickering a moment in the gloom between them--Luocha's thoughts are still rather elsewhere. Assessing the choice that now remains to them...and the fact that Blade, at least, seems willing to get flexible for the sake of thoroughly putting this behind them later. (Which, might, be easier said than done, but--) ...As always, the most practical and direct of sentiments. That really does make this easier, doesn't it? ...Yes...so, in that case...]
Edited (me finding typos like 15 hrs later, cries....dont look at this--) 2023-08-27 15:01 (UTC)
[ It's not as if Blade finds this any easier to push through. Despite being the first to make the suggestion, his mind is filled with thoughts that are racing around a mile per minute. This isn't the first time that they were forced into a situation that made them rely on something intimate in order to survive, but that doesn't mean he would be able to just forget about it later on. He can say that's what will happen all he wants, and yet he knows better.
Part of their dynamic will be changed after this. They no longer will simply be a merchant and his bodyguard. But who knows if he even wants to go and unpack that. He certainly isn't going to be the one to bring it up.
When he feels that familiar warmth take away the pain from his hand, he doesn't quite expect Luocha to plant a kiss on top of bruised knuckles either. He should be thankful that the glow from that blossom of the abyss doesn't illuminate the shock that crosses his face. He's not even sure how he would react to it if Luocha were to notice it. ]
... Let's see if that worked.
[ His other hand, the one not kissed by the other— the one Luocha isn't holding onto, scrambles for purchase in the dark, looking to see if the closet will set them free now that the price has been paid.
It doesn't budge. ]
:') gotta build up blade's tolerance for the Real kiss after all--
[--Well. Damn. It was probably a bit too much to hope that this would be so easy, huh...Luocha sighs, as Blade tests their barrier of exit and announces the result. (Though he still hadn't entirely lowered Blade's wrist from his mouth, yet, which means there's a bit of warm breath unintentionally painting over his knuckles as well now, whoops--)]
Hmmm. I had rather hoped the least intrusive option would be acceptable...but it seems not.
[The neutral musing of his tone is probably rather ill-befitting the increasingly obligated intimacy of the situation--but, that's hardly to say that Luocha himself is entirely unaffected. Not when it does actually take a bit of effort, to keep his tone so even. Not when he can't help but already feel a bit keyed-in to Blade's every reaction, as they begin to stray into this odd territory. In the dark his expression can't be made out, no, and that's certainly a small blessing in its own way...but there's other, subtler cues to work with--things that even holding a wrist gives away, just a little. Was there a stiffening of surprise, in Blade's frame? An uptick, in that pulse point still incidentally underneath Luocha's thumb? Even that reach for the closet door was a distracted thing. Little hints, that paint a little picture, filling in what the darkness cannot, and it almost makes Luocha wish he could see the look on Blade's face. ...Almost. Of course, not truly.
Not if they are still simply a merchant and his bodyguard. ...Where a merchant would surely not be entertaining even brief thoughts like these, about his bodyguard--
(Ah, there really is...going to be a lot to unpack, after this. How long will they be able to mutually avert their eyes from that luggage, before they're outright tripping over it?)]
Some trial and error may be warranted after all. ...I suppose I did not give you much warning, with that--my apologies. I was attempting to "nip it in the bud", as it were... [You know, like ripping off a bandaid, or something. That particular element of surprise is now past, though. Unexpectedly intriguing as it might have been to observe--] ...I think...perhaps I will try your cheek next. Would that be alright?
[ At least Blade can take comfort in the fact that both of them are aiming to make this as painless as possible. Perhaps they might not be able to avoid the awkwardness factor later on, but at least they can get this over with as soon as they can. Or so Luocha has tried, and then failed to do. It figures that it wouldn't be that easy, but sometimes... Sometimes, you can't help but wish that it was, you know?
He sighs. ]
It would have been nice if it worked.
[ It sure would have, but alas. At least he doesn't try to retrieve his hand from Luocha's grip. He is, however, looking at where the man is holding him, as if questioning why he hasn't let go. It's something that he'll be thinking about while he agrees with the next line of action: ]
... Go ahead.
[ He continues to be thankful that the darkness will hide away the look on his face. It's not quite shy, not really, because he doesn't know that emotion anymore, but it's something close to it. Who knew someone like him would find himself in a situation like this? ]
[There's really no need to keep holding Blade's hand at all. The bruises have been healed, and a chaste iteration of a kiss there has been attempted; there's nothing else to be done with it, all told. Blade has every reason to wonder about it...and Luocha wouldn't be surprised if he were. Yet he also doesn't pull away, and doesn't question it aloud, and so...Luocha simply doesn't release it either.
There's no good excuse for that. ......How long has it been, since he last held anyone's hand like this?
--Since he's done what he's about to try now?
--Since he was this close, to someone warm and breathing? Like this. Drawing a pace forward as he does, when Blade states his acquiescence, and thus reducing the already crowded space between them to practically nothing at all. In that ruined building on the icy outskirts of Belobog they'd been obligated to settle close, yes, but that was still rather different from what this is now. As one hand remains gently closed around Blade's wrist, and the other settles on his shoulder--the better to get an idea of where his head's positioned in the dark. You know. Then, gauging angle by his silhouette in the low light alongside that...
The kiss is still light and prudent, at least, a brief and warm press on his cheek. While the scent of white irises crowds in again.]
...There. [Though Luocha doesn't properly pull away just yet; he already has a bit of a suspicion where the results this time are concerned, after all, and in one sense he's resigning himself to the proximity of the inevitable. But since Blade is the one with his back against the door, and free hands nearest the handle--] Any change this time?
[ The moment they shared in the icy outskirts of Belebog is different. At least, that's how Blade sees it. That was something they needed to do for survival, and if he found comfort after sharing warmth with someone else just so he could make it through the night, then he didn't think it counted for anything. Or so he likes to tell himself.
What they're trying to do right now is much more difficult to compartmentalize. A kiss is much more intimate than simply sharing your body warmth with someone else. Sure, they can blame it on the curio later on, but is it really going to be that easy?
He doesn't realize that he'd been holding back his breath until after Luocha presses his lips against his cheek. The spot he kissed is still warm, and the scent of white irises seems more overwhelming now. ]
I'll check.
[ Even trying to make this strictly about getting out of the closet is slowly becoming more difficult. Still, Blade tries the door, and it doesn't budge. ]
[...Seems there's only the one option left indeed. Quite unfortunate. Objectively, sensibly, unfortunate--that they must be forced to push beyond professional boundaries in this way--that they would find themselves at the whim of such an utterly contrived artifact as the one entrapping them currently. It should probably be a rather unpleasant thing to face down, at the least, something to grin and bear with great reluctance. It would be ideal, of course, to fulfill the evident requirement at hand with haste and put this whole debacle behind them as swiftly as possible.
Yet there's nothing particularly swift about it at all, admittedly. The pause Luocha takes to fold in Blade's assessment. Then, the way the thumb at Blade's wrist presses in just a moment, taking in the flutter of that pulse there, before releasing it at last. ...If only so that Luocha can reach up to settle this hand behind Blade's head, the weight of his palm light but firm just over the back of his neck, hold him steady alongside the hand already on his shoulder.
Which means, of course, that he's effectively caging the man against the closet door, and leaning nearly fully into him. In the gloom it's hard to say how close their faces are now...but Luocha tilts his own head slightly, and when he speaks his voice is nearer to Blade's ear than not. As something in his tone, drops, just a bit. As it does sometimes in battle, or when he calls upon the Abyss in his healing; instructing. Directing.]
Tell me, [he murmurs,] is it more agreeable as a surprise, or with a warning?
[You know. Now that both options have been tried. It's a very practical question!
And not at all about seeking to draw out Blade's reaction to the proximity, at this point--!]
[ The wait is probably the most excruciating part of all this.
It might have been better if either one of them just went for it rather than prolonging the inevitable. They can think about the consequences in the aftermath, or maybe they don't have to think about it at all. It just doesn't help that they're giving themselves the time to overthink it, to overcomplicate this beyond what it truly is: something they have to do in order to get out of this situation.
He doesn't think there's any other meaning to it. (Or so he likes to tell himself.)
His shoulders lose all tension when Luocha finally cages him in, corraled against the closet door with nowhere to run. He tries not to think about the way his pulse picks up in rhythm, attributing it to merely anticipation. ]
Doesn't this already count as a warning?
[ So he's prepared for it either way.
But then again, since Luocha isn't the one who asked, then maybe he won't mind if Blade is the one who bridges the gap. Who chooses to put an end to their misery by leaning in close and locking lips with the other man. ]
...Seems this has ended up being a surprise after all. Just, not in the expected direction.
Because in the dark it's hardly something Luocha sees coming. Instead, it's Blade's head shifting under his hand; the slightest rustling of clothing; the contact as he leans close in turn, and brings their bodies properly together--
The warm press of a mouth on his own.
It prompts a breath more quickly drawn, a tangible startled stiffening in Luocha's frame, and a soft noise of unmistakable surprise that escapes his throat before bearings can be gathered to quell it. Catching Luocha thoroughly and genuinely off-guard is quite a rare thing, as Blade has likely observed in their time together by this point; here and now is his most vulnerable instance of being off-guard to date, and it's finally his turn to be equally grateful for the lack of light in this closet. Concealing the look doubtlessly crossing his own face now. But...
...It's not, unpleasant, is it?
(It's been such a very long time, since--)
The surprise ebbs, the tensed moment in his frame there and gone...and the lips against Blade's part just a little. Curving into the slight smile that falls upon them, quite of their own volition. The hand on the back of Blade's head settles a bit heavier, fingertips curling lightly into his hair, urging him just a bit closer. So that Luocha can properly return the kiss--deepen it, ever so slightly, with a tilt of his head--warmth growing warmer. ...Just to be sure, of course. That it actually counts. And nothing, more.....
Definitely no other meaning to it. (Although, in this moment, Luocha may have forgotten to remind himself this--)]
[ Now it's Blade's turn to be caught off-guard, but it's a moment that comes and goes as quickly as it manifests. His brows furrow knit themselves together as he wonders whether or not he should acquiesce to Luocha's silent demands; all the story said was that it needed a kiss to open the way.
A simple kiss, one that shouldn't need much more than, and yet—
A soft noise escapes him too. It's caught between a soft growl and something else he'd rather not think about. His years spent as a warrior have allowed him quicker senses than most, affording him ways to adapt to situations that he's never experienced before. Whether or not he can count this as one of them is still up in the air, but it hardly matters anymore when his lips are parting open to deepen the kiss too. He follows after Luocha's lead, getting lost in the heat.
His hand rests around the man's waist, keeping him close and closer still. This isn't unpleasant at all, but thinking of it that way makes it more confusing than it has to be.
Later on, he finds himself worrying the other man's bottom lip.
If this is just a way to make sure the kiss is accepted for what it is, then so be it. They can think about the implications of this later on— if they even allow themselves that luxury. ]
[Warmth turning to heat for a fact, about now--which was not at all part of the requirements, no. In all honesty...a simple kiss indeed would have been enough. And not one any deeper--any longer--as this particular kiss has become already. Something in the mechanism of the closet door clicked several seconds ago now, when their lips met, and...well, Luocha had certainly missed it.
Because it's too easy to be distracted by the way Blade's lips part after only a brief hesitation, to deepen the kiss as unspokenly urged. ...That low sound escaping his throat in turn. The hand that settles upon Luocha's waist, pressing them properly close together. Teeth prickle lightly at his bottom lip at length, and something in Luocha's breath stutters; Blade would find himself receiving a slight nip in turn, so prompt as to be impulsive. An even exchange, or perhaps a prelude to something more competitive, but--
He's also the one to break the kiss soon after. ...If only due to a need for air, eventually, surfacing with a soft gasp that's perhaps closer to panting than it has any right to be. Close as they are, though, their breaths are still mingling at the moment...and...Luocha himself does not yet have the wherewithal, it seems, to properly separate from Blade just yet. One hand still lightly carding through Blade's hair, the other still clutching at his shoulder as if it's the only thing keeping his balance (which may well be the case).
--Hmmm. It's too dark. He wants...to see Blade's face, the look that must be on it now.
But to acknowledge that would mean acknowledging several...other things. Like the urge he now has to fight, utterly irrational, to kiss the man again--]
[ The darkness becomes both their friend and enemy. Blade doesn't know if that's a good thing or not, that neither of them can really see the other's expression. Perhaps it would be equally embarrassing, or perhaps it would be more encouraging to know that the other man is just as affected as they are, with flushed cheeks and pupils blown wide with desire.
A desire for what? Not even Blade knows the answer to that.
Still, rather than pull away from the other man, he lingers close, their foreheads pressed against one another. Several seconds pass by until Blade decides to finally speak, and when he does, the tone in his voice is difficult to read. ]
... That's enough.
[ The kiss they've shared is enough for the curio to set them free. It would be easy to just step out of this closet and pretend this moment never happened between the two of them, and yet—
And yet.
Blade leans in to kiss Luocha again, more curious this time. Less heated. Softer. A hand rests upon the side of the other man's face, mirroring where Luocha's own hand is doing. There are a million reasons why he should have never allowed himself to give into the urge to kiss Luocha again, but perhaps it's more surprising that he finds himself not caring at all. ]
[Yes, it's enough, for them to leave this situation. Surely it must be by now. The obligation insisted upon by the curio has almost certainly been fulfilled; there's no other practical reason to linger here at this point. Blade even goes so far as to say it aloud, too, but...
No, unreadable as his tone might be otherwise, one thing it definitely lacks--is conviction. Hardly enough to convince either of them, anyway. Because...it isn't enough, is it?
Not nearly enough. Not even close.
...It should be more of a surprise when Blade's lips find his mouth again. Clearly entirely of his own volition, this time, no riddles or necessities to fall back upon any longer. But any wondering Luocha might have done about this is vastly eclipsed by a sort of relief--a warm and satisfied thing, chasing electric through every nerve ending--to find this blossoming desire so readily reciprocated after all. To find there's no need to resist that earlier temptation, when Blade's already giving into it himself.
Though he really ought to, some quiet thing in the back of Luocha's head warns, muffled and far away. This isn't something they're going to be able to just sidestep around later. And there's only a very select few ways this could pan out from here--and does he truly wish to open up that part of himself once more? .....As if this hasn't been developing for a little while already. As if trying to avert one's eyes from it has done any good. For now--for once--for all that he's sure they'll be returning with quite a vengeance later--Luocha ignores these gnawing thoughts.
Because in this moment it's exceedingly simple to do, in favor of easing into this second kiss. Soft and curious...sweet, unexpectedly, endearingly. Luocha offers no resistance at all against it this time around; he even draws a small step back, no longer so firmly trapping Blade against the door, as the latter's now seemingly taking up some initiative of his own. But it's not to place any distance between them--no, certainly not--as evidenced by the hand that slips down from Blade's shoulder to circle around to the small of his back, fingertips tracing the line of his spine before his palm flattens firmly, drawing him close into a proper embrace. The sound that slips from Luocha's throat this time is a hum unmistakably pleased; he returns the kiss readily, offering another nip against Blade's lips, before it's followed by the lightest press of tongue, coaxing encouragement for Blade to open up a little more if he so wishes. So he can have more of a taste. --Surely he could feel it with that hand cupping Luocha's face, the heat of the flush that's assuredly creeping up at this point. Even if they both must be left to imagine the sight of these things, in the darkness of this closet.
Ah, the way things are going, it's getting quite difficult to tell when it will be enough after all...]
If Luocha were to push him away, and remind him that the curio only asked for a simple kiss and nothing more, then that would have been fine. He would have said okay and be happy to leave things at that. But that's not what happens. Instead, both of them are drawn in by each other's magnetic pull, their lips caught in a tangle of teeth and tongue. It's as exhilarating as it is uncertain; the two of them heading into unknown territory that neither will be able to back out from now that they're here.
He wonders what might be going through Luocha's mind as their bodies press close against each other, as he encourages Blade to open up and let him in. His tongue darts out for a taste, relishing in the floral notes— something uniquely a part of Luocha's identity. It's sweet, he finds himself thinking. Sweet, and almost intoxicating in more ways than one. He wants more, he thinks next. More than this. More than whatever is happening between them. Heat starts to pool at the bottom of his gut, and then—
He pulls away, the spell now broken. Clarity comes back to his mind, but he doesn't move an inch away from the other. He keeps their foreheads pressed close, and his voice is but a murmur when he finally speaks. ]
We should go.
[ A suggestion, at best. If only because he knows they've already gone too far, but he's uncertain if they should keep going or not. So he'll be the one to stop them while they're still ahead.
(But he's also the one who chooses to linger close. Just in case.) ]
[Truly, the longer this goes on...the more difficult it feels, to let common sense take hold as it perhaps ought to. Blade isn't the only one to find it intoxicating, this exchange between them--to steal a taste, between soft lips, as the coaxing is so readily rewarded. It's a fascinating contrast, Luocha finds, between the solid warmth of Blade's body and how deliciously pliant he is to physical encouragement. (Would there be any resistance, if it were any less gentle? What would happen, past a certain point? Curious, terribly curious...) It's riveting, this reciprocating heat of a living person--a person who has never known true death--will never know true death, seemingly, supposedly... (Isn't there quite an irony, buried somewhere here?)
Luocha has no doubt that half the problem at present lies in...just how long it's been, since he last held another close like this. Let alone shared a kiss like this. It's simultaneously like a wound reopened and yet just a little salve applied, to an emptiness that had grown comfortably numb--and now it's as if he can hardly get enough. ...He wants more, too. More than this--
And, once more, it's Blade who manages to break away, pull back just a bit. No small feat...certainly one that Luocha has now failed to act upon himself, twice over. It might do little to abate the craving that has ignited now, against all better judgment, but there's a part of Luocha that does appreciate it a great deal as well. That rises to surface, before it's entirely drowned in the heady warmth. Listening, and smiling, at the suggestion murmured between them at length.
A moment's pause, to savor the closeness just a little longer. Then, a soft huff of a laugh, and a musing hum, breathed over Blade's lips in turn.]
...Mm. We probably should, hm? A place like this...
[Right. A place like this. The closet they're still inside--probably now unlocked. But, for how long? And, besides...
It really would be crowded quarters for anything more, wouldn't it? --Luocha would like to see, too. If they shall--if this progresses--as it likely will, eventually, inevitably. Now that they've both seemingly mutually compromised the more professional nature of their arrangement, for better or worse. ...He wants to study Blade's features properly, at the least. It's a thought that settles heated, prompts a flicker of something nearly possessive--in the way his embrace tightens and his fingertips curl into Blade's back--in the way he can't help but press one more kiss to the man's mouth for himself, now, hot but feather-light--
--Before his arms loosen, and fall away from Blade's frame. Breaking away in turn this time, and drawing a step back properly. Rendering them finally separate, once again.
The air is immediately cooler, in the absence of another body.]
...Yes. We had best step out, before the door locks again. [Luocha's tone is almost impressively even, but in the narrow space, there's probably just a touch of audible breathlessness underneath it all the same...]
[ It's true: a place like this is hardly the best location for where they were both going after that one kiss, and then the next. Blade is already thinking about the what if's and should have's, not the should not's and would not's. It's a dangerous train of thought, because the more he lingers on this path, the more he feels like he's spiralling. He doesn't know what he would do if they were to keep going with this. Doesn't know what it's going to mean for the two of them if they didn't stop right here and now. But it's not like he wants to stop, and he's sure neither does Luocha.
And yet— He couldn't be more relieved when the other finally pulled away. The breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding onto is finally released, and his shoulders gradually relax. In the darkness of the closet, he's sure the flush on his face is barely visible, but he knows that the other man must be aware of it, given how close they are to one another. The warmth is obvious enough, after all. And he knows that it isn't just because of their shared body heat.
Fuck. There's no turning back now, he thinks. They've cracked open the dam, and now they're about to live through the flood.
But he fumbles for the door first. His hands reach for where the closet opens so that he can push it forward, finally allowing the light to greet them. The air is much cooler now that they aren't pressed together, even more so when Blade leaves first and allows Luocha to follow. He can only hope that the reddish hue on his face is gone by the time things are more visible, but he can't help the smirk that nearly shows itself when he notices the slight bruising on the other man's lips. At least he can take that as a win for himself, no matter what else happens.
... And then comes the inevitable: now what?
What do they do now that they're finally free from the curio's grasp? The heat hasn't left him, and he's sure that it hasn't left Luocha too, but they're somewhere far away from their accommodations, and this is hardly the best place for an escalation. Hardly, and yet he finds himself not caring enough. He finds it much easier to reach for the other man until he can crowd him against the wall, his red gaze as intense and piercing as ever. ]
Push me away if you don't want this.
[ It's the only warning Luocha gets before Blade dives right back in, kissing him fervently with teeth and tongue. His hands roam up the other man's sides, feeling the fabric against his own palms, as though he's mapping things out, slowly caressing him. He's testing the waters like this, to see just how far Luocha will let him go. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
new curio unlocked: cursed walk-in closet
also im stopping myself from going on another 3-paragraph ipc worldbuild tangent this time or so help me--[Well. The silver lining to this. Is that, at the very least, the coffin isn't somehow crammed in here with them too...
Closets are still not generally very well-suited to holding two people at once, though. Even unnatural closets manned by some incredibly rude invisible entity--"invisible", because there sure hadn't been anyone else in the room at the time, had there? When, upon opening this wardrobe's door to check inside--Blade hovering warily beside him--the both of them had been quite forcibly shoved in by a force unseen, the door slamming quite firmly shut behind them.
And now here they are.
It's quite dark, of course, save for the outline of the closet door in itself, the lighting of the room outside seeping through the cracks but illuminating little. No sign of a light switch even with some fumbling at the walls. Luocha sighs, and tries to turn around...whoops, accidentally stepping back into Blade. Also accidentally bumping an elbow into his--side, probably? ...Oh, alright, so that was definitely his chest he just accidentally put a hand on. Okay. Turning around may already be proving harder than anticipated...]
--My apologies. Are you alright? I can't seem to reach the door from here, so it may need to be you. [To find the handle, of course. To open this closet and get them out, of course!] ...Quite an uninspired prank. Rest assured this is not at all what I was looking for here...
[In fact, Luocha is starting to rather strongly suspect that this entire stop may have been a wash altogether in the business sense, but well. That'll be a bridge to cross in a few minutes, once they're back out. ...It should only take a few minutes, right?]
that is the best meme ever, omg
[ It should only take a few minutes, and yet that's not what happens.
After the first few adventures, filled with shenanigans, Blade thinks he's grown used to the random odd scenario happening here and there. It seems to just naturally come with the territory, while he travels the galaxy with his current employer, especially given the myriad of planets they visit with their own set of quirks. Getting shoved inside a closet, however, appears to have caught both of them off guard. Blade even more so than usual, because it's new. A mercenary like him doesn't end up in situations like this quite often.
There's a first time for everything, he supposes.
The closet affords them very little space. It's proven easily when Luocha all but places a palm on his chest, but he barely reacts to it. No need to make this any more awkward than it already is... Then again, it's not like this is the first time they've had to get nice and cozy. ]
I'm fine. I'll have a look.
[ To the point, as always. His hand feels around for anything that resembles a handle and... finds none. It's a flat surface no matter where he touches. ]
... I don't think there's a way to open this. I can't find the handle. [ ... ] Is it not on your end?
[ If it's a prank, then maybe they've done things in reverse? The way out is actually in front of them? ]
RIGHT...lbr tho it could apply to p much anyone in blade's life not actively trying to kill him--
At the least, Blade's agreeable traits of "not making things weird" and "going straight to the point" readily emerge in the sort of way Luocha has come to find reassuringly reliable. This sure isn't the first time they've had to share close quarters, at this point...but, still. For his own part he's not letting that hand linger on Blade's chest for longer than a second or so anyhow, though Blade's complete lack of reaction to it is also very appreciated. Instead he's moving right on to getting the door back open, which is just as well, since--
--Hmm? There's no way to open it?]
There is no handle over there? ...I suppose this might be a sort of closet with a one-sided entrance... [Since, technically, most closets likely aren't designed with closing in people as an intention. ...But that would mean rather unfortunate news for the two of them here and now, so. Yeah, hold that thought--] The other end, however--right, that's not a bad idea either. Let me try to check.
[There's even a couple of old coats hanging towards the back, because of course there would be, goodness forbid this whole affair be too easy. Anyway, pushing those aside, and then shifting forward to plant his hands along the closet's back...after a moment or two, there's a dissatisfied hum from Luocha's end.]
Hmph. It appears solid. I do not think there is a door here either...and so our options are--oh? [Hold up. There are a few more shuffling noises.] ...Wait, there seems to be something hanging here. Flat, with a frame...a picture? [????] Or--perhaps some sort of placard? ...A light would certainly be useful about now...
it's basically everyone who has a use for him, lbr
When Luocha confirms that there's no door on the other side either, he begins thinking about the best ways to break through their confinement. He's got the strength, after all, to destroy what needs to go down, but then— ]
A placard? Let me see.
[ He excuses himself quietly before he tries to shimmy his way over to where said placard was found. It's a tight fit, but neither of them is carrying anything to light things up in here, so his eyesight would be the closest thing. Even still, the complete darkness makes it a hard read. ]
... There's a story on it. It's hard to make out, but I think—
[ He narrates the part that involves two souls walking into a box where they need to pay a price. One kiss is all that's needed, and then they'll be set free. ]
Is it a riddle?
alas to be a man in high demand when all u wanna do is die 😔😔
[It sure is a bit of a tight squeeze, as Blade shifts over to have a look for himself. Try as Luocha might to flatten himself accordingly against a wall to one side...now that they're both occupying this end of the closet, their shoulders end up bumping a bit anyway--another mildly awkward thing to be happening twice in a weirdly short span of time. Let's worry less about that, though, and more about what Blade's able to make out a bit painstakingly--
Luocha's frown in turn is a practically audible thing.]
That's...well. Exceptionally direct language, for a riddle. If we take that simply as surface-level instruction, though, it would mean...
[...........Well.
Honestly, maybe. It's a bit of a silver lining after all, that it's rather too dark in here for either of them to see each other's faces. In the brief pause that falls, Luocha doesn't have to avert his eyes from Blade, and Blade doesn't have to see the look that crosses his face either, so all that's left to do now is keep his tone perfectly composed. Composed, and not hinting even a bit at the very weird combo of brief feeling he finds himself suddenly having: something that's somewhere between exasperated and...
No, surely, the solution can't actually be as compromisingly simple as that--]
Of course, conclusions shouldn't be jumped to in a situation like this. [Maybe that came out a bit too abrupt, after that pause just a bit too long, but let's not worry about that. More importantly!! There's a slight shift of movenent, where Luocha's standing, as he cranes his attention back in the direction of the closet door.] ...Let's properly assess our options first. Blade, do you think you may be able to break open that door by force? Provided I stay out of the way back here, to give you an optimal amount of room to work with...
he just wants eternal sleep...
... Right.
[ First things first: they might as well exhaust every other possible avenue. He moves towards the opposite side, right where the "door" closed shut behind them. There's not much room for him for him to simply slam into the wooden surface so he does the next best thing— which is punching it with all the force he can muster. Repeatedly. Which is growing sillier by the second, but hey. They might as well try this one before giving up.
But after a while, it becomes clear that this isn't going to work. His closed fist rests against the door before he shakes his head at Luocha. ]
Got any other ideas?
[ Because the alternative would be to consider the placard again, and surely...? There must be another way? ]
Unless you'd rather do what the story is talking about.
dont forget tho, eternal sleep is not the end :^)
(Not that it'll be the only secret staying in this closet forever, as they're soon to discover, but anyway......)
The bad news, of course, is that the punching does not actually work at all whatsoever. Not even necessarily for a lack of strength on Blade's part, either. Luocha is sighing sharply himself afterwards, something a bit surprised in the draw of breath. Because--]
Hmm--just now, when you were making that attempt, I sensed...there is some sort of power at work here. Holding that door shut. Not the result of an individual, but... [Well, frowning up at the closet ceiling is also completely useless at the moment, but still.] This entire compartment might be some sort of...curio?
[He's ever heard of one exactly like this...though then again, it's said there are a countless number of curios in the universe, in countless variations. Not that he has the faintest idea what function a curio like this is supposed to have...
But this revelation doesn't exactly solve the problem either way, and Blade brings up the question of the hour. Luocha is quiet for another moment or so, clearly mulling for any other ideas himself...but, honestly, it's difficult to think of any other metaphor that placard might be implying. And physically breaking out in any other way doesn't seem to actually be an option. So much for other options to check first. ...Hmmm....]
...I do not want to do anything you wouldn't be willing to do. [At length the answer comes, the words set down slowly. But there's an audible shifting sound too, and a couple steps, as Luocha draws back over to Blade.] I'm still unsure of any other way to read that "riddle" over there, but. [....] May I see your hand, at the least?
[You know, the one you were just using to punch a door for a hot minute.]
wow don't curse him like this
[ Blade almost sounds exasperated at that point. It makes sense that it would be something like that, but that doesn't make it any easier to deal with. This just means that whatever logical solutions they may come up with will likely fall short of getting them out of here, which would typically be fine and dandy, except this particular curio is asking for an even more ridiculous exchange.
If the story is truly the key here, then it just means they'll have to do exactly what it asks, right?
He can't help but sigh again, but rather than voice his further frustrations, he gives Luocha his hand without much complaint. It's the gloved one so it's hard to see the bruises he might have gained after that brief punching session. You know he's really annoyed when he doesn't even cause a fuss over the other man offering to heal him up. ]
If it's the only way to get out of here, doesn't that mean we have no choice? We can forget about it after we're done here.
[ Surely that's also what Luocha wants to happen... Right? ]
😌✨️ wouldn't! dream of it!! also 1/2
Well, mortification is its own sort of suffering. Of a kind. And it sure is starting to look...like they're going to have to power through some of it.
Luocha mulls over Blade's words with a quiet hum. Slender but firm fingertips curl deftly over Blade's wrist, while he lifts his left hand and the charm hanging there over it. The bruises would have been hard to make out even in better lighting, yes, but Luocha can take half a guess that at least a few have formed. Punching immovable objects tends to do that.]
...A concession made that will be a secret kept later, hm? ...So, as things stand presently, you wouldn't find it objectionable...
[Even as he's coaxing up a small and brief sprout of healing--tiny petals of a very small phantom flower flickering a moment in the gloom between them--Luocha's thoughts are still rather elsewhere. Assessing the choice that now remains to them...and the fact that Blade, at least, seems willing to get flexible for the sake of thoroughly putting this behind them later. (Which, might, be easier said than done, but--) ...As always, the most practical and direct of sentiments. That really does make this easier, doesn't it? ...Yes...so, in that case...]
2/2
Before he's lifting that wrist, and pressing his lips over bandaged knuckles.]
luocha's smooth...
Part of their dynamic will be changed after this. They no longer will simply be a merchant and his bodyguard. But who knows if he even wants to go and unpack that. He certainly isn't going to be the one to bring it up.
When he feels that familiar warmth take away the pain from his hand, he doesn't quite expect Luocha to plant a kiss on top of bruised knuckles either. He should be thankful that the glow from that blossom of the abyss doesn't illuminate the shock that crosses his face. He's not even sure how he would react to it if Luocha were to notice it. ]
... Let's see if that worked.
[ His other hand, the one not kissed by the other— the one Luocha isn't holding onto, scrambles for purchase in the dark, looking to see if the closet will set them free now that the price has been paid.
It doesn't budge. ]
:') gotta build up blade's tolerance for the Real kiss after all--
Hmmm. I had rather hoped the least intrusive option would be acceptable...but it seems not.
[The neutral musing of his tone is probably rather ill-befitting the increasingly obligated intimacy of the situation--but, that's hardly to say that Luocha himself is entirely unaffected. Not when it does actually take a bit of effort, to keep his tone so even. Not when he can't help but already feel a bit keyed-in to Blade's every reaction, as they begin to stray into this odd territory. In the dark his expression can't be made out, no, and that's certainly a small blessing in its own way...but there's other, subtler cues to work with--things that even holding a wrist gives away, just a little. Was there a stiffening of surprise, in Blade's frame? An uptick, in that pulse point still incidentally underneath Luocha's thumb? Even that reach for the closet door was a distracted thing. Little hints, that paint a little picture, filling in what the darkness cannot, and it almost makes Luocha wish he could see the look on Blade's face. ...Almost. Of course, not truly.
Not if they are still simply a merchant and his bodyguard. ...Where a merchant would surely not be entertaining even brief thoughts like these, about his bodyguard--
(Ah, there really is...going to be a lot to unpack, after this. How long will they be able to mutually avert their eyes from that luggage, before they're outright tripping over it?)]
Some trial and error may be warranted after all. ...I suppose I did not give you much warning, with that--my apologies. I was attempting to "nip it in the bud", as it were... [You know, like ripping off a bandaid, or something. That particular element of surprise is now past, though.
Unexpectedly intriguing as it might have been to observe--] ...I think...perhaps I will try your cheek next. Would that be alright?this is way to go tbh... gg luocha
He sighs. ]
It would have been nice if it worked.
[ It sure would have, but alas. At least he doesn't try to retrieve his hand from Luocha's grip. He is, however, looking at where the man is holding him, as if questioning why he hasn't let go. It's something that he'll be thinking about while he agrees with the next line of action: ]
... Go ahead.
[ He continues to be thankful that the darkness will hide away the look on his face. It's not quite shy, not really, because he doesn't know that emotion anymore, but it's something close to it. Who knew someone like him would find himself in a situation like this? ]
no subject
There's no good excuse for that. ......How long has it been, since he last held anyone's hand like this?
--Since he's done what he's about to try now?
--Since he was this close, to someone warm and breathing? Like this. Drawing a pace forward as he does, when Blade states his acquiescence, and thus reducing the already crowded space between them to practically nothing at all. In that ruined building on the icy outskirts of Belobog they'd been obligated to settle close, yes, but that was still rather different from what this is now. As one hand remains gently closed around Blade's wrist, and the other settles on his shoulder--the better to get an idea of where his head's positioned in the dark. You know. Then, gauging angle by his silhouette in the low light alongside that...
The kiss is still light and prudent, at least, a brief and warm press on his cheek. While the scent of white irises crowds in again.]
...There. [Though Luocha doesn't properly pull away just yet; he already has a bit of a suspicion where the results this time are concerned, after all, and in one sense he's resigning himself to the proximity of the inevitable. But since Blade is the one with his back against the door, and free hands nearest the handle--] Any change this time?
no subject
What they're trying to do right now is much more difficult to compartmentalize. A kiss is much more intimate than simply sharing your body warmth with someone else. Sure, they can blame it on the curio later on, but is it really going to be that easy?
He doesn't realize that he'd been holding back his breath until after Luocha presses his lips against his cheek. The spot he kissed is still warm, and the scent of white irises seems more overwhelming now. ]
I'll check.
[ Even trying to make this strictly about getting out of the closet is slowly becoming more difficult. Still, Blade tries the door, and it doesn't budge. ]
... It didn't work, like last time.
[ That only leaves them with one more option. ]
no subject
[...Seems there's only the one option left indeed. Quite unfortunate. Objectively, sensibly, unfortunate--that they must be forced to push beyond professional boundaries in this way--that they would find themselves at the whim of such an utterly contrived artifact as the one entrapping them currently. It should probably be a rather unpleasant thing to face down, at the least, something to grin and bear with great reluctance. It would be ideal, of course, to fulfill the evident requirement at hand with haste and put this whole debacle behind them as swiftly as possible.
Yet there's nothing particularly swift about it at all, admittedly. The pause Luocha takes to fold in Blade's assessment. Then, the way the thumb at Blade's wrist presses in just a moment, taking in the flutter of that pulse there, before releasing it at last. ...If only so that Luocha can reach up to settle this hand behind Blade's head, the weight of his palm light but firm just over the back of his neck, hold him steady alongside the hand already on his shoulder.
Which means, of course, that he's effectively caging the man against the closet door, and leaning nearly fully into him. In the gloom it's hard to say how close their faces are now...but Luocha tilts his own head slightly, and when he speaks his voice is nearer to Blade's ear than not. As something in his tone, drops, just a bit. As it does sometimes in battle, or when he calls upon the Abyss in his healing; instructing. Directing.]
Tell me, [he murmurs,] is it more agreeable as a surprise, or with a warning?
[You know. Now that both options have been tried. It's a very practical question!
And not at all about seeking to draw out Blade's reaction to the proximity, at this point--!]
no subject
It might have been better if either one of them just went for it rather than prolonging the inevitable. They can think about the consequences in the aftermath, or maybe they don't have to think about it at all. It just doesn't help that they're giving themselves the time to overthink it, to overcomplicate this beyond what it truly is: something they have to do in order to get out of this situation.
He doesn't think there's any other meaning to it. (Or so he likes to tell himself.)
His shoulders lose all tension when Luocha finally cages him in, corraled against the closet door with nowhere to run. He tries not to think about the way his pulse picks up in rhythm, attributing it to merely anticipation. ]
Doesn't this already count as a warning?
[ So he's prepared for it either way.
But then again, since Luocha isn't the one who asked, then maybe he won't mind if Blade is the one who bridges the gap. Who chooses to put an end to their misery by leaning in close and locking lips with the other man. ]
ah...now it's blade's turn to be smooth.......
...Seems this has ended up being a surprise after all. Just, not in the expected direction.
Because in the dark it's hardly something Luocha sees coming. Instead, it's Blade's head shifting under his hand; the slightest rustling of clothing; the contact as he leans close in turn, and brings their bodies properly together--
The warm press of a mouth on his own.
It prompts a breath more quickly drawn, a tangible startled stiffening in Luocha's frame, and a soft noise of unmistakable surprise that escapes his throat before bearings can be gathered to quell it. Catching Luocha thoroughly and genuinely off-guard is quite a rare thing, as Blade has likely observed in their time together by this point; here and now is his most vulnerable instance of being off-guard to date, and it's finally his turn to be equally grateful for the lack of light in this closet. Concealing the look doubtlessly crossing his own face now. But...
...It's not, unpleasant, is it?
(It's been such a very long time, since--)
The surprise ebbs, the tensed moment in his frame there and gone...and the lips against Blade's part just a little. Curving into the slight smile that falls upon them, quite of their own volition. The hand on the back of Blade's head settles a bit heavier, fingertips curling lightly into his hair, urging him just a bit closer. So that Luocha can properly return the kiss--deepen it, ever so slightly, with a tilt of his head--warmth growing warmer. ...Just to be sure, of course. That it actually counts. And nothing, more.....
Definitely no other meaning to it. (Although, in this moment, Luocha may have forgotten to remind himself this--)]
he's not doing it on purpose
A simple kiss, one that shouldn't need much more than, and yet—
A soft noise escapes him too. It's caught between a soft growl and something else he'd rather not think about. His years spent as a warrior have allowed him quicker senses than most, affording him ways to adapt to situations that he's never experienced before. Whether or not he can count this as one of them is still up in the air, but it hardly matters anymore when his lips are parting open to deepen the kiss too. He follows after Luocha's lead, getting lost in the heat.
His hand rests around the man's waist, keeping him close and closer still. This isn't unpleasant at all, but thinking of it that way makes it more confusing than it has to be.
Later on, he finds himself worrying the other man's bottom lip.
If this is just a way to make sure the kiss is accepted for what it is, then so be it. They can think about the implications of this later on— if they even allow themselves that luxury. ]
accidentally smooth is still smooth too!!
Because it's too easy to be distracted by the way Blade's lips part after only a brief hesitation, to deepen the kiss as unspokenly urged. ...That low sound escaping his throat in turn. The hand that settles upon Luocha's waist, pressing them properly close together. Teeth prickle lightly at his bottom lip at length, and something in Luocha's breath stutters; Blade would find himself receiving a slight nip in turn, so prompt as to be impulsive. An even exchange, or perhaps a prelude to something more competitive, but--
He's also the one to break the kiss soon after. ...If only due to a need for air, eventually, surfacing with a soft gasp that's perhaps closer to panting than it has any right to be. Close as they are, though, their breaths are still mingling at the moment...and...Luocha himself does not yet have the wherewithal, it seems, to properly separate from Blade just yet. One hand still lightly carding through Blade's hair, the other still clutching at his shoulder as if it's the only thing keeping his balance (which may well be the case).
--Hmmm. It's too dark. He wants...to see Blade's face, the look that must be on it now.
But to acknowledge that would mean acknowledging several...other things. Like the urge he now has to fight, utterly irrational, to kiss the man again--]
don't give him too much credit
A desire for what? Not even Blade knows the answer to that.
Still, rather than pull away from the other man, he lingers close, their foreheads pressed against one another. Several seconds pass by until Blade decides to finally speak, and when he does, the tone in his voice is difficult to read. ]
... That's enough.
[ The kiss they've shared is enough for the curio to set them free. It would be easy to just step out of this closet and pretend this moment never happened between the two of them, and yet—
And yet.
Blade leans in to kiss Luocha again, more curious this time. Less heated. Softer. A hand rests upon the side of the other man's face, mirroring where Luocha's own hand is doing. There are a million reasons why he should have never allowed himself to give into the urge to kiss Luocha again, but perhaps it's more surprising that he finds himself not caring at all. ]
well now he rly is doing it on purpose clearly???
No, unreadable as his tone might be otherwise, one thing it definitely lacks--is conviction. Hardly enough to convince either of them, anyway. Because...it isn't enough, is it?
Not nearly enough. Not even close.
...It should be more of a surprise when Blade's lips find his mouth again. Clearly entirely of his own volition, this time, no riddles or necessities to fall back upon any longer. But any wondering Luocha might have done about this is vastly eclipsed by a sort of relief--a warm and satisfied thing, chasing electric through every nerve ending--to find this blossoming desire so readily reciprocated after all. To find there's no need to resist that earlier temptation, when Blade's already giving into it himself.
Though he really ought to, some quiet thing in the back of Luocha's head warns, muffled and far away. This isn't something they're going to be able to just sidestep around later. And there's only a very select few ways this could pan out from here--and does he truly wish to open up that part of himself once more? .....As if this hasn't been developing for a little while already. As if trying to avert one's eyes from it has done any good. For now--for once--for all that he's sure they'll be returning with quite a vengeance later--Luocha ignores these gnawing thoughts.
Because in this moment it's exceedingly simple to do, in favor of easing into this second kiss. Soft and curious...sweet, unexpectedly, endearingly. Luocha offers no resistance at all against it this time around; he even draws a small step back, no longer so firmly trapping Blade against the door, as the latter's now seemingly taking up some initiative of his own. But it's not to place any distance between them--no, certainly not--as evidenced by the hand that slips down from Blade's shoulder to circle around to the small of his back, fingertips tracing the line of his spine before his palm flattens firmly, drawing him close into a proper embrace. The sound that slips from Luocha's throat this time is a hum unmistakably pleased; he returns the kiss readily, offering another nip against Blade's lips, before it's followed by the lightest press of tongue, coaxing encouragement for Blade to open up a little more if he so wishes. So he can have more of a taste. --Surely he could feel it with that hand cupping Luocha's face, the heat of the flush that's assuredly creeping up at this point. Even if they both must be left to imagine the sight of these things, in the darkness of this closet.
Ah, the way things are going, it's getting quite difficult to tell when it will be enough after all...]
i'm sure luocha can out-smooth him
If Luocha were to push him away, and remind him that the curio only asked for a simple kiss and nothing more, then that would have been fine. He would have said okay and be happy to leave things at that. But that's not what happens. Instead, both of them are drawn in by each other's magnetic pull, their lips caught in a tangle of teeth and tongue. It's as exhilarating as it is uncertain; the two of them heading into unknown territory that neither will be able to back out from now that they're here.
He wonders what might be going through Luocha's mind as their bodies press close against each other, as he encourages Blade to open up and let him in. His tongue darts out for a taste, relishing in the floral notes— something uniquely a part of Luocha's identity. It's sweet, he finds himself thinking. Sweet, and almost intoxicating in more ways than one. He wants more, he thinks next. More than this. More than whatever is happening between them. Heat starts to pool at the bottom of his gut, and then—
He pulls away, the spell now broken. Clarity comes back to his mind, but he doesn't move an inch away from the other. He keeps their foreheads pressed close, and his voice is but a murmur when he finally speaks. ]
We should go.
[ A suggestion, at best. If only because he knows they've already gone too far, but he's uncertain if they should keep going or not. So he'll be the one to stop them while they're still ahead.
(But he's also the one who chooses to linger close. Just in case.) ]
he'll try his best huffs
Luocha has no doubt that half the problem at present lies in...just how long it's been, since he last held another close like this. Let alone shared a kiss like this. It's simultaneously like a wound reopened and yet just a little salve applied, to an emptiness that had grown comfortably numb--and now it's as if he can hardly get enough. ...He wants more, too. More than this--
And, once more, it's Blade who manages to break away, pull back just a bit. No small feat...certainly one that Luocha has now failed to act upon himself, twice over. It might do little to abate the craving that has ignited now, against all better judgment, but there's a part of Luocha that does appreciate it a great deal as well. That rises to surface, before it's entirely drowned in the heady warmth. Listening, and smiling, at the suggestion murmured between them at length.
A moment's pause, to savor the closeness just a little longer. Then, a soft huff of a laugh, and a musing hum, breathed over Blade's lips in turn.]
...Mm. We probably should, hm? A place like this...
[Right. A place like this. The closet they're still inside--probably now unlocked. But, for how long? And, besides...
It really would be crowded quarters for anything more, wouldn't it? --Luocha would like to see, too. If they shall--if this progresses--as it likely will, eventually, inevitably. Now that they've both seemingly mutually compromised the more professional nature of their arrangement, for better or worse. ...He wants to study Blade's features properly, at the least. It's a thought that settles heated, prompts a flicker of something nearly possessive--in the way his embrace tightens and his fingertips curl into Blade's back--in the way he can't help but press one more kiss to the man's mouth for himself, now, hot but feather-light--
--Before his arms loosen, and fall away from Blade's frame. Breaking away in turn this time, and drawing a step back properly. Rendering them finally separate, once again.
The air is immediately cooler, in the absence of another body.]
...Yes. We had best step out, before the door locks again. [Luocha's tone is almost impressively even, but in the narrow space, there's probably just a touch of audible breathlessness underneath it all the same...]
he's already doing it
And yet— He couldn't be more relieved when the other finally pulled away. The breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding onto is finally released, and his shoulders gradually relax. In the darkness of the closet, he's sure the flush on his face is barely visible, but he knows that the other man must be aware of it, given how close they are to one another. The warmth is obvious enough, after all. And he knows that it isn't just because of their shared body heat.
Fuck. There's no turning back now, he thinks. They've cracked open the dam, and now they're about to live through the flood.
But he fumbles for the door first. His hands reach for where the closet opens so that he can push it forward, finally allowing the light to greet them. The air is much cooler now that they aren't pressed together, even more so when Blade leaves first and allows Luocha to follow. He can only hope that the reddish hue on his face is gone by the time things are more visible, but he can't help the smirk that nearly shows itself when he notices the slight bruising on the other man's lips. At least he can take that as a win for himself, no matter what else happens.
... And then comes the inevitable: now what?
What do they do now that they're finally free from the curio's grasp? The heat hasn't left him, and he's sure that it hasn't left Luocha too, but they're somewhere far away from their accommodations, and this is hardly the best place for an escalation. Hardly, and yet he finds himself not caring enough. He finds it much easier to reach for the other man until he can crowd him against the wall, his red gaze as intense and piercing as ever. ]
Push me away if you don't want this.
[ It's the only warning Luocha gets before Blade dives right back in, kissing him fervently with teeth and tongue. His hands roam up the other man's sides, feeling the fabric against his own palms, as though he's mapping things out, slowly caressing him. He's testing the waters like this, to see just how far Luocha will let him go. ]
:') well look......they're both just so thirsty ur honor,
the thirst continues...
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