copper, bright and shiny

Renly Baratheon in the white walkers AU RPG

[shakespearean-flower-blog]

On The Road Again | Closed (Renly, Loras and Willas)

[willas-tyrell]

“Thank you,” Willas said, with feeling. “I didn’t expect things to get so out of hand.” He paused, wondering if he should mention if he had expected to be dead before the day was through. He decided against it. Too melodramatic. As for the people no longer in the apartment building…  “Probably fled the city. I’ve heard rumors that the farther you get from London, the safer it is.”

[baratheonbro-blog]

Renly nodded in agreement, willing himself to look away from the window.  He walked back into the living area and flopped on the couch opposite Willas.  He had gotten a full night's rest earlier in the day, but what he'd been through in the past twelve hours would wear anyone down, now matter how well rested they'd start out.  He let out a yawn before replying, "Hopefully those rumors are true.  And we can get the fuck out of this city tomorrow and never see another one of those creepily blue-eyed pus-filled flesh sacks again," He wanted to shudder at the thought.  It almost seemed absurd to think about the walkers when not faced with one immediately before him.  Reanimated human bodies wanting nothing more than to tear them to shreds and feast on their still beating hearts? It just wasn't a concept he'd think he'd have to consider in any real capacity.  But here it was.  This had always been a strange world they'd lived in.  Renly just hadn't realized how far it could go until now.

"I mean, it'd only make sense things will get better out of London.  What, like a third of the population lives in the Southeast?  And if that rumor about that Targaryen Ball is true, were kind of in the thick of the epicenter."  Renly went quiet at that thought.  He hadn't really stopped to consider what he'd been hearing about the "Cinderella Massacre."  When the news broke, he hadn't been taking the epidemic seriously.  And once he saw what they were up against with his own eyes, he'd shoved the thoughts to the back of his mind.  But now, he had time to mull it over.  He was supposed to go to that event.  The Targaryens were cousins, albeit distant ones the Baratheons didn't get along with, but they still kept up appearances in public.  He had shirked his family responsibilities in favor of taking Loras out for a dinner and coming home early to watch bad television and cuddle on the couch.  They had joked over how he had picked a good event to miss, but now it seemed to have been a last minute decision that had saved his life.  Yet another reason to thank Loras it seemed.  Without him, he'd have been dead by now a thousand times over.

Renly looked back over at Willas, he wanted to ask what had happened after they'd left.  He was almost afraid to know the truth of what had happened with Shireen.  If something had gone wrong, he was partially to blame.  Charging out of the van like that, leaving her alone...not getting to her quickly enough in the first place.  In retrospect he could try to say by going after Loras he was saving them, creating a diversion, but it wouldn't have been true.  He didn't have half a clue what he'd been doing when he left that van.  He was just blindly following after Loras, because that's what he did.  He suspected deep down part of him thought he was going after him to die.  And he'd be okay with that.  Because at least he'd have been with Loras.

He told himself that Shireen not being with them now didn't mean she was dead.  Most likely Stannis had finally found her.  His brother may not have been the best father, and he certainly wasn't open about his affections for his daughter, but Renly didn't doubt he would do everything he could to keep her safe.  He set his mind on the belief that she was back with Stannis and Selyse and left it at that.  He'd have time to ask Willas tomorrow, until then he'd just revel in the fact that the three of them were alive and safe for now.

"Loras," He called to him, "I know you said you'd keep watch by the door, but I really think we're going to be alright here tonight.  Just move the dresser, or the fridge or something in front of the frame.  You need to rest too, we're going to need you in top form for tomorrow."

[shakespearean-flower-blog]

On The Road Again | Closed (Renly, Loras and Willas)

[shakespearean-flower-blog]

 Coming back into the main space, he put the candles out on the table before striking a match, lighting the candles, and basking the room in a soft glow. It was only then that he let himself breath a bit. “Finally… light.”

[baratheonbro-blog]

Renly found that it became easier to deal with this reality each time they left relative safety to once again travel the dangerous streets of London.  He knew he would never completely conquer his nerves, but he was certainly better than he'd been the last time they'd left his apartment.  He no longer felt like he would freeze at the sight of blood or gore, which was a good thing, because there promised to be plenty of that in his future.  

Once they were safely inside Loras' apartment he let out a sigh of relief he wasn't aware he'd been holding in.  They'd be alright here for the night.  They'd get sleep, food, and regroup for the journey that lay ahead of them tomorrow.  Then they would finally leave London and all of this chaos would be behind them.  They would be safe, and they would find the rest of the Tyrells safe too.  Loras hadn't said as much, but Renly could see how not knowing the status of his parents was eating away at him.  Finding them alive would set him at ease, and that was all Renly wanted...for Loras to be happy.  He'd do anything to make that happen.

As they entered the darkened flat, Renly helped Willas on to the couch.  He nodded at Loras command to go get the painkillers and found his way to the bathroom.  He tried the water, which was thankfully still running.  He didn't know a lot about how utilities worked, he'd always taken electricity, and running water, and heat for granted.  Now these vital parts of life were seen as godsends.  He suspected the water was on a city grid system, and it was only a matter of time before it gave way too with no one around to keep things functioning.  What would happen to everyone left in the city then?  He hoped someone was trying to find a way to help.  The whole world wouldn't just sit back and watch England devour itself, would it?

He walked back out into the living room, passing Willas the pills, along with a glass of water.  "Water is still on, for now." He went to look out the window, noting how quiet the street outside was.  "Where do you think everyone went? It didn't seem like there was anyone left at my building either? It's kind of eerie," Renly mused, not really to anyone in particular.  He didn't want to think about what that could mean.  The reality that everyone was dead wasn't something he would allow himself to consider.  And besides it didn't matter, they were alive, and they would remain alive, he was going to make sure of that.

[baratheonbro-blog]

You Don't Know What Love Is... | Closed

[bridget-the-kind]

” Bartender! Vodka, please. Neat” she managed to blurt out, the sound her voice making her slightly cringe. 

” Here to get a refill, huh ? ” Renly asked, tone teasing or mocking she couldn’t quite tell. 

[baratheonbro-blog]

"You might want to slow down, darling," Renly said with a smile, "Or at least get a chaser to go with that vodka."  He turned around, leaning his back on the bar.  "I think I've been going about shot for shot with you all night, and I've definitely had enough." He could feel his cheeks burning both from the alcohol, and the permanent smile that he always wore when he was a bit drunk.

He watched the dancers a bit transfixed by their movements among the brightly colored lights, everyone moving with the music as it ebbed and flowed from a faster tempo to a slower one.  Renly gently tapped one foot against the sole of the other with the rhythm.

He turned to Irri, "It's been a while since I last saw you, Irri," he said, leaning closer to hear so he could be heard over the music.  "How have you been?  You seemed to be enjoying yourself with Rakharo.  Are the two of you dating?"

[shakespearean-flower-blog]

On The Road Again | Closed (Renly, Loras and Willas)

 Loras had given Renly Cleopatra, while he’d taken back Bertha, and Loras gripped the bat like an old friend, swinging it a bit as they walked through the dark hallway, looking for Willas.

 ”Will… Willas? You here?” Loras asked, trying to keep his voice quiet despite wanting to project it.

[baratheonbro-blog]

"Your extreme body mass will save us?" Renly tried to stifle his laughter, "We are all doomed in that case."  He gave Loras a quick kiss as he passed him on his way into the kitchen and living room.  He didn't bother going through his cupboards, knowing there was nothing in there that would help them.  Unless they needed tea and a few jars of cocktail olives, and Renly was hard pressed to think of a situation where those would be of any importance.  Instead he wandered over to the bar and grabbed a bottle of thirty year old scotch he had foolishly purchased about a year ago.  It had been well over a thousand pounds, but the little stag head on the bottle had called to him.  Renly could never resist something with antlers on it.  He stashed the bottle among his clothing, deciding that alcohol was probably becoming a hot commodity in the apocalypse, and he didn't want to have to go without if the yearning to get fabulously smashed should arise.

Loras had emerged from the bedroom by then, and the two began the slow descent to the lobby.  He was surprisingly okay with walking away from his home for the last time. Renly had known many different residences in his lifetime, from his parent's estate and their London apartments, to his college flat.  But all of those places had just been places where he kept his things, never actual homes.  He had never known love in any of them, never created memories worth remembering.  And this apartment had started off the same way.  But he'd met Loras while living here, and suddenly it became a warm, welcoming home for the first time in his life.  But he was alright leaving it, as long as he left with Loras.

He forgot his trail of thought after about six floors, the realization they were actually going to have to walk down all of them finally sinking in.  He had only done that once in all the time he lived here, and that was during a late night fire drill he may or may not have been the cause of after a late night drunken cooking experiment, so the memory was a bit foggy.  At least they weren't going up, that'd be unbearable.  "Wait...was the power out when you got here?  Did you have to run up all of these steps to get to me?" Renly was impressed, "I think I'd have died halfway up," he said, wrinkling his nose at the idea, though deep down he knew he'd have done the same, recalling the fear-based adrenaline he'd had coursing through his veins a few hours earlier.

They were nearing the last few floors as he began to consider his new weapon.  The golf club, apparently named Cleopatra, was not as substantial a weapon as the baseball bat. But the large head of the driver would do the job all the same, and the added length of the weapon would mean he wouldn't have to get as close to his assailant. Plus, what would he need a weapon for when he had Loras to protect him? That was all he ever needed.

They were to the lobby now, he looked around for Willas, or anything else that might be lurking around on the ground floor.

[baratheonbro-blog]

Take Me Anywhere | closed

[shakespearean-flower-blog]

 Staring at the dark apartment across the way, he mulled over what they would need. “We’re going to need to pack up all of the stuff you have in your apartment that could be of use, and see if we can safely get to my apartment. I’ve got some useful stuff over there… I also managed to loot a house on my way over here, and I got these like… energy bars or something. Whatever they are, they are packed with protein and will help us, no doubt. And we should try and get ourselves a small car— not a van— so we can hopefully scrape past anything in our way. The roads are probably going to be a mess trying to get out of London, but if we take some back roads we might be able to get out…” He explained all of this while he was still staring out the window, eyes slightly narrowed, fingers still working their way through wet, dark locks.

[baratheonbro-blog]

Renly nodded along with Loras' planning.  When he laid it all out like that everything seemed doable, easy even.  Renly tried to believe that, he desperately wanted to, and coming out of Loras' mouth, with his sweet, lyrical voice, it was hard to believe otherwise.  Never mind the fact that literally everyone still alive in London was probably plotting a similar escape and the roads were probably in a deadlock.  As long as Loras said they would get out, Renly believed they would.

He rose up off the bed to meet Loras, wrapping his arms around his waist.  "We will get out," he affirmed.  "We will leave here, and all of the horrible memories of the past few days will be left behind with the rest of this diseased city.  The only one that will remain is the one when you put a ring on my finger.  By this time tomorrow, we will have found your family, and we'll all be together and safe."  Renly kissed him quickly and headed to his closet to get dressed.

He chose an old, comfortable pair of jeans and a hoodie he stole from Loras.  Normally Renly wouldn't leave the house in an outfit like that, but he might not get the chance to change for a long time, and he wanted to be sure he could move around and run in his attire.  He didn't want his vanity to quite literally spell their downfall.  When he was dress he pulled down a leather duffel and began picking a few items of clothing to pack.  He tried to chose warm clothes, things that could be layered, before he stopped. This would probably be his last time in his apartment.  Whatever he didn't take with him would be left behind forever.  What did he think was important enough to take with him?  He ran his hand along his beloved clothing collection.  A few days ago he would have ended up with three suitcases full of clothing he absolutely couldn't leave behind.  Now--he wasn't so sure.  He found himself wandering over to his suits, stopping at the very first suit he had made for himself on Savile Row.  It had been a gift from Robert when he had helped him win the first campaign he'd worked on.  Renly had been so excited, and completely in love with the soft wool that had just a touch of silk in the loveliest deep navy blue shade.  It fit perfectly and made him look so sharp.  The idea of never wearing it again depressed him, but when was he ever going to need something like that again?  The days of dinner parties, formal balls, and charity benefits were over for England, and thus for Renly as well.  But they didn't have room for him to keep things that would be so utterly useless.  Instead he continued grabbing an extra coat, more jeans, a spare blanket and other things he could foresee being necessary.  As he was about the leave the closet he turned around and without hesitation grabbed his absolute favorite pair of John Lobb dress shoes, threw them in the bag and didn't look back.  He wasn't leaving these behind, they were irreplaceable...and besides, he'd have a very important wedding to attend someday soon enough.

Once he was back in the bedroom he threw the bag on the bed and began stalking around the bedroom.  What else did he want to bring with him?  He wandered into his office, trying to allow his eyes to focus in the dark of the windowless room.  He grabbed a few of the pictures from the bulletin board above his desk, recalling memories of Halloweens, vacations, and weekends spent lounging in bed.  He didn't want to forget these memories, but as he looked around trying to decide what else was too precious to leave behind, he began to come to realization that it didn't matter.  The only thing he needed was Loras.  Absolutely everything else was replaceable.  He'd never miss it as long as he had the man that had made it special in the first place.  He left the room with just the few pictures clasped in his hand, stopping on the way to retrieve a few earthly pleasures from the bathroom he knew would make life a little bit more bearable over the next few days (namely moisturizer, toothpaste, and deodorant).  

He threw it all in the pack, sitting down beside it on the bed to look around.  This could be his last time in this room, the one place on earth he had never had to hide.  He was always who he wanted to be here, with the person he wanted to be.  If it there was one thing Renly could thank the zombie apocalypse for, it was forcing him to drop his pretenses.  He didn't care if the whole world knew who he loved now.  In fact, he welcomed it.  

He got up and went to his dresser, retrieving the Rolex he was overly fond of.  As a watch, it was nothing special, but when he looked at it he saw the memory of Loras wading through pond scum in order to retrieve it for him.  He was instantly transported to that moment early on in their relationship.  It was one of the moments that had cemented his absolutely adoration and deep, unwavering love for Loras.  He slipped the watch on his wrist, not wanting to ever forget that feeling.  Not that he was at risk of that, because it returned every time he thought of him, every time he looked into his eyes.  Renly would always love Loras, that much he was sure of.

He turned to look at him, "What else are we going to need? I know for a fact there is no food here, do you think I have any supplies we should be bringing? I haven't got any weapons...maybe I could like, disconnect the shower curtain or something and use it like a spear? I don't know...tell me how to make myself useful?" Renly asked, walking back over to Loras and wrapping his arms around him once again.

[baratheonbro-blog]

You Don't Know What Love Is... | Closed

Renly was inebriated.  He had not meant for this to happen, he suspected the cute bartender had been mixing his drinks a little stronger than was standard practice.  He hadn't minded at first.  Loras wasn't here, having left after the group's last stop at a swanky lounge style bar, saying he had to get up early for a dress rehearsal.  Renly had initially wanted to go with him, always feeling a little lost without him by his side, but Irri and the others had convinced him otherwise.  The last few days had been terrible, work was especially taxing, and the alcohol and loud music were helping him forget his stress and Stannis filled week.  The bartender's smile and stiff drinks had been fine at first, but as the night wore on, and he became more and more drunk, and the smiles had turned into winks, he began to feel guilty, even though he was not returning any of the playful advances.  Still Renly thought it best to avoid any more drinks, and that particular side bar for the rest of the night.

He sat against the wall casually chatting with the few friends that weren't out on the dance floor at the moment.  Renly looked out onto the floor when there was a break in the conversation, watching as Irri and Rakharo danced.  Her movements so practiced and graceful, her dancing background showing through even in the relaxed club setting.  Normally Renly would have joined them, there was little he enjoyed more than dancing, but that was when Loras was around, and without him, Renly wasn't quite as enthusiastic. 

(OOC: thread title is a bad idea, this song will be stuck in my head forever now. But the lyrics work too well.)

[baratheonbro-blog]

Take Me Anywhere | closed

[shakespearean-flower-blog]

 Renly’s voice broke him from his stupor, and he turned to look at him, hands dropping so the towel fell to the floor. Swallowing, he shrugged and looked out the open door at the dark streets. “We can’t stay here…” he mumbled, biting his bottom lip. It was too dangerous— London was far too populated and it was going to turn into utter madness soon enough. Help was obviously not coming. “We should leave London. Go somewhere safer— like my Gran’s estate in Wales.”

 As soon as he said it, relief flooded into his system. Of course they could go there— it was far out in the countryside, it was a huge sprawling estate that, from certain points, would let you see all around you, and his parents were most likely there. It was one of the safest places they could be if they could get there. “We should find Willas and get another car. Gather supplies and then try and get out of London and head for Wales— it’ll be safer there,” he explained, returning his attention to Renly.

[baratheonbro-blog]

Renly considered the idea.  It was a possibility.  What did he have left here in London?  What did he have here in the first place?  His life had always been Loras.  His job had occupied his time, but he'd never truly enjoyed it.  He liked speaking to constituents and trying to find solutions to their problems, and he was certainly good at the campaign side of it.  He was gifted at gentle persuassion and found if he tried hard enough he could convince just about anyone to vote for his brother, but that was the problem.  He was doing it for Stannis, and he never agreed with his politics.  So while Renly was good at what he did, and in the end he enjoyed it, he never believed in the work he was doing, so it was not fulfilling.  And now none of it mattered.

He didn't like the idea of fleeing London.  He always felt that living in a bigger city made sense and didn't understand why anyone would want to be elsewhere.  He was around other people, people that he could talk to, people that could help.  But in this situation it was the fact that he was surrounded by others that made it so unsafe.  Just more bodies to turn into diseased, soulless weapons.  Loras was right, they had to get out.  Still, Wales was a long way off.  Only a few hours by train, but those had stopped running days ago.  What if they couldn't find another vehicle?  What if they got one but it broke down halfway there?  Or worse, they never actually made it out of the city?  And what would they find outside of the borough? Was the rest of the UK just as bad? Did it even exist at all anymore?

The logistics of their escape seemed too much for Renly to wrap his head around.  He needed to sit down.  He walked to his bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed, head in his hands.  Why was this happening? Why was everything so hard? He realized he had never replied to Loras, "Yeah, I agree, we need to leave."

He needed to try to be positive.  He didn't think they'd be able to get a van and save Shireen, but they had.  He didn't think they'd be able to survive once the van was surrounded, but they had.  He didn't think they'd be able to survive once they were seperated, but here they were...together.  They could do this.  They would escape from here and never look back.  They would be fine.

"I'm assuming you lost your phone...I sent you at least a dozen texts earlier.  Which actually, probably best you lost it because you really shouldn't read them...I was rather angry and I didn't mean any of it," Renly looked up at him sheepishly, before getting up to go retrieve his own phone from the bloody pile of clothes in the entryway.  When he returned he handed it to Loras.  "Here, text Willas.  Find out where he is and if they still have the van." He climbed back on to the bed again, not sure what to do beyond that.  What else was there to do?

[baratheonbro-blog]

Take Me Anywhere | closed

[shakespearean-flower-blog]

Read More

[baratheonbro-blog]

Renly snaked his arms up around Loras' neck, taking a moment before speaking to memorize the long delicate lashes that framed his big expressive eyes, the rich hazel irises, and the way they seemed to instantly light up when they met his own gaze.  "I know how it feels, Loras.  I'm the only one who ever will, because I feel it too.  That absolute bottom-dropped out terror at the thought of losing you? Yeah, I get that every time I even think of one of those things getting near you." Renly stopped for a second, looking down before composing himself once more. "You don't have to worry about me.  I'm not going to die.  Mostly because I have you watching over me, but also because I can't handle the idea of putting you through the pain I would feel if I lost you." He subconciously pulled Loras a little closer to him.  "I would die if something happened to you, and I'm not going to allow that to happen to either of us.  We are going to be okay...because we love each other...we have to be okay."

Renly let his words sink in for a moment, before kissing him lightly and turning to shut off the water.  He grabbed for a towel, noting that the sun must have finally set, as the apartment was now nearly completely dark, just the eerie, unnatural glow of distant street lights remained.  Those would eventually fade away too.  The whole city seemed to be crumbling.  What would remain in the morning?  They needed to get out before they found out the actual depths humanity could reach before the real end.  Once he had dried himself off and wrapped himself in his towel, he broke the silence.  "What are we going to do?"

[got-confessions-deactivated2014]

“Loras Tyrell is a sexy beast.”

[baratheonbro-blog]

Take Me Anywhere | closed

[baratheonbro-blog]

He closed his eyes, allowing Loras’ to clean him completely.  His mind was becoming clear, quiet…blank, but in a good way.  Images of Loras’ dead body no longer cluttered his brain. In fact, not only were they no longer popping up unwanted, but they were impossible to conjure in general.  They were safe here in his apartment.  This was a place full of happy memories.  No zombies could get them here.  It was home, and Renly wasn’t just referring to the physical building.  His concept of home also included being in the arms that currently encircled him.

Read More

[shakespearean-flower-blog]

Read More

[baratheonbro-blog]

Take Me Anywhere | closed

[baratheonbro-blog]

Renly reluctantly let go of Loras’ hand to go turn the shower on, letting the water heat up.  He returned to Loras, putting his hands loosely around his waist.  ”You know, I may look like an angry tomato when I cry, but you…you were still beautiful, as always.” Renly kissed him, chastely at first, then more passionately.  They’d only been apart for about half a day, but it felt like this was a reunion to Renly.  

[shakespearean-flower-blog]

 Loras trailed after Renly, silent the entire time, mulling over how bloody lucky he was to have found him. They came close to a complete loss of self— both of them— and yet had been pulled back from the brink by each other. It was scary, realizing how totally dependent he was on Renly and his happiness. Were Renly to have truly been lost, Loras would have, without hesitation, killed himself. He’d have died over his body without hesitation… And that knowledge scared him a little. For never was a story of more woe, than this of Juliet and her Romeo…

 When he saw the water was running, he let out a soft sigh of relief, wanting nothing more than to clean himself of all the grime and gore he’d collected. And to be in Renly’s arms under the warm spray…

 He smiled when Renly pulled him in, the shower spray already warming up the room. They’d kept the door open, what little light was left outside streaming through the window of the bedroom and into the bathroom, lighting them in a cold, blue, almost sterile light. But the heat from the steam and the press of Renly’s body staved off the chill from the eerie light, and Loras melted under the kiss, opening like a flower under his touch. He did not know what to say to the compliment, and was grateful for Renly’s deepening of the kiss. It was a touching thing to say, and Loras knew it was only based on half-truths. He probably looked like absolute shite, but it was nice to know Renly still found him attractive.

Read More

[baratheonbro-blog]

The water felt amazing.  He could feel it wash away not only the sweat and blood of the past few days, but also the tension and fear.  Part of it was due to Loras' hands all over his body, but Renly was not going to discount the warm rush of the water either.  It was exactly what he needed.

He closed his eyes, allowing Loras' to clean him completely.  His mind was becoming clear, quiet...blank, but in a good way.  Images of Loras' dead body no longer cluttered his brain. In fact, not only were they no longer popping up unwanted, but they were impossible to conjure in general.  They were safe here in his apartment.  This was a place full of happy memories.  No zombies could get them here.  It was home, and Renly wasn't just referring to the physical building.  His concept of home also included being in the arms that currently encircled him.

He hummed in response to Loras' hands on his cock.  He hadn't really been expecting this, but he wanted it all the same.  Nothing could be a better reminder that they had each other once again.  He leaned back into Loras, his hand going back to stroke his hair as he whispered into his ear.  "Yes, perfectly fine," he responded, turning his head to kiss him as best he could at this angle.  Renly thrust his hips forward, urging Loras on as he continued to stroke him.  

Renly turned around, wanting to be able to kiss Loras.  He slowly planted light kisses on his lips, eventually easing his tongue into his mouth with light flicks.  He turned his head to deepen the kiss as one hand began to absentmindedly play with the curls at the nape of Loras' neck.  His other hand roamed down his back, tracing the curves and muscles, lingering where his back met his butt.  Renly began slowly backing the two of them up, still kissing Loras the whole time.  When they reached the wall of the shower, Renly continued to press himself against Loras, rubbing their groins together, he slowly raised himself up and down, enjoying the feeling of Loras' against him. 

He hadn't allowed himself to think about how he might never get to do this again.  It would have been too much, that kind of thinking would have doomed him, made him freeze up again.  But now as he felt Loras' familiar body against his own, he realized how crippling that possibility would be to him.  Renly would die without the promise of this touch, of that he was sure.

[baratheonbro-blog]

Take Me Anywhere | closed

[baratheonbro-blog]

He moved to take the scarf and coat off, “Seriously, take these off, you look ridiculous,” he cast them aside, and pulled Loras back in, finally able to feel him in his arms, and not some stupid coat.  This had been what Renly had thought of the entire time he was away from him.  They way his slender frame felt in his arms.  His warmth, and his smell.  It was like coming home.  He moved back a bit so he could once again look into Loras eyes.  He was close enough that their foreheads touched, “I love you, I’ll always love you, and I’m never going to leave your side again.  Being away from you really hurt,” Renly paused, Loras’ tears now falling on him, “And you really need to stop crying, because you are going to make me cry, and apparently that makes me look like a tomato, and we don’t want that.” He smiled, kissing Loras cheek.

[shakespearean-flower-blog]

Renly’s words and reassurances were calming Loras down, and the guilt he’d felt for running off was slowly leaving with every caress from Renly. He let out a chocked little laugh as Renly began to strip him, calling his outfit ridiculous. It was ridiculous, but it had protected him and kept him warm in the streets when he was looking for his sun. Now that he’d found him, he couldn’t help but become overwhelmed with it all. Renly was solid and reassuring, and most of all completely familiar. Relaxing in his embrace, he let Renly be the strong one for a change, and closed his eyes before Renly was pulling away once more.

 ”You do look like as snotty, angry tomato,” he replied, smiling slightly, the tears finally stopping. He sniffled a little, and rubbed under his eyes, brushing the tears away that stained his cheeks. They must have looked dreadful in that moment, and Loras was glad the mirror in Renly’s room was blocked by the closet door. He did not want to see what he looked like.

 He could smell it, however. “Do you think the water still works?” he asked, changing the subject, trying to move past the fear they’d both been feeling for the past few hours. They were together again and would stay together. His hand strayed downwards to clasp Renly’s hand in his own, feeling the metal of the engagement ring against his palm. Yes, they were going to stay together. “I could use a shower… I think we both could.”

[baratheonbro-blog]

Renly shrugged, "I have no idea how any of that stuff works? Maybe? Is the power on?" He hadn't bothered to turn on lights when he'd arrived, he'd been far too distraught.  He flipped the light switch in the closet...nothing happened. "Shit." The power being out meant they wouldn't be able to stay there indefinitely.  He had been hoping they could just hole up here in his apartment until the food ran out.  At least they were safe, and most importantly, together here.  

"Well, maybe the water is still working.  The gas must be, otherwise it'd be as cold as it is outside in here." He pulled Loras along with him to the bathroom, still grasping his hand.  Renly immediately tried the sink faucet and breathed an audible sigh of relief when the water began to run.  He wanted a shower almost as bad as he'd wanted Loras back a few minutes ago.  He couldn't remember the last time he'd gone this long without bathing, and with the combined layers of grime and blood, he felt absolutely awful.  The combined knowledge that he had Loras here with him and he was going to get a shower, it was like winning the lottery.

Renly reluctantly let go of Loras' hand to go turn the shower on, letting the water heat up.  He returned to Loras, putting his hands loosely around his waist.  "You know, I may look like an angry tomato when I cry, but you...you were still beautiful, as always." Renly kissed him, chastely at first, then more passionately.  They'd only been apart for about half a day, but it felt like this was a reunion to Renly.  

[baratheonbro-blog]

Take Me Anywhere | closed

[shakespearean-flower-blog]

 Loras rarely cried, but he thought he was allowed that privilege right now. In fact, he suspected Renly had never seen him cry. He thought he should feel exposed by that knowledge, but he wasn’t. Renly could see whatever he bloody well pleased, so long as he was alive when he saw it.

[baratheonbro-blog]

Renly was a little taken aback by Loras' reaction.  Mostly because this was how he expected himself to react to their reunion.  He was the one that fell apart, the one who cried.  That's just how it was.  He didn't have experience with comforting, mostly because Loras didn't give him the chance.  He was always so strong, so well guarded.  Renly couldn't recall ever seeing him cry.  It was breaking his heart.

He placed a hand gingerly under Loras chin, wiping away tears with his thumb.  "It's okay Loras, you had to do what you needed to survive.  I shouldn't always have to be your responsibility, like I'm a child or something," He pulled him in for a hug, getting a bit distracted by the puffy coat in his face.  "But it doesn't matter, we are both alive.  I made it.  I even killed one!" Renly announced proudly, though he hadn't been proud of his behavior at the time, "You taught me well."

Renly pulled away again, looking him in the eyes Renly tried to impart every bit of relief, joy, and love he was feeling to Loras, trying to make him feel better.  He moved to take the scarf and coat off, "Seriously, take these off, you look ridiculous," he cast them aside, and pulled Loras back in, finally able to feel him in his arms, and not some stupid coat.  This had been what Renly had thought of the entire time he was away from him.  They way his slender frame felt in his arms.  His warmth, and his smell.  It was like coming home.  He moved back a bit so he could once again look into Loras eyes.  He was close enough that their foreheads touched, "I love you, I'll always love you, and I'm never going to leave your side again.  Being away from you really hurt," Renly paused, Loras' tears now falling on him, "And you really need to stop crying, because you are going to make me cry, and apparently that makes me look like a tomato, and we don't want that." He smiled, kissing Loras cheek.

[baratheonbro-blog]

Take Me Anywhere | closed

[shakespearean-flower-blog]

 He could do this—he had to do this. He couldn’t just hang out in the old ladies mansion in hopes of—  Something was coming down the stairs. Loras could hear a shuffle down the carpeted steps, slow and steady and determined. Eyes going wide, Loras mentally yelled at his feet to get him moving once more, even attempting to bargain with the appendages. I’ll buy you new comfortable shoes, he told them, before adding that he’d even invest in some comfy insoles. The shuffling was getting close, and Loras let out a frustrated grunt before spinning around, golf club raised high in the air.

Read More

[baratheonbro-blog]

Renly was awoken from his stupor by the opening of the door and the call of his name.  He closed his eyes and smiled.  That voice was like music.  He had been so scared he'd never hear it again, never see the face it belonged to, never kiss the lips it came out of...he was alive.  And now Renly was alive too.  He knew he should get up.  That he should run to meet him and hold him in his arms, but Renly was overcome with the simple knowledge that he was not dead.  He reveled in knowing he was not alone, that the weight that had been threatening to crush him a few seconds ago wouldn't be something he had to deal with for the rest of his life, no matter how short that might be.

Loras called his name again, and Renly stood.  He heard him come into the bedroom, and Renly steeled himself in preparation for seeing him again.  It'd only been a few hours since they'd been separated, but Renly felt like it'd been years, and he didn't trust his own reaction.  Tackling him and refusing to let go would help no one, but Renly found he need self-control for a completely different reason as Loras came into view.  He was wearing a puffy pink jacket and carrying a golf club.  Renly tried to hold back his laughter.  Really, he was outrageously relieved to see him again, and it didn't matter that he looked ridiculous...but he really looked ridiculous and the giggles were almost instinctual.  

Renly closed the distance between them, and instantly gave Loras a hug, burying his face in the puffy jacket to try to drown out the sound of his laughter.  He tried to think back to the last time he saw Loras...when he'd seen him jumping over the fence from the bedroom window.  He hadn't had a jacket, which must explain his current attire.  The memory of watching him flee suddenly angered Renly.  Why the fuck had he just run off like that? ...without him?

Renly broke their embrace and punched Loras in the arm rather hard.  "Why the fuck did you leave me like that?" He demanded, "I was terrified without you.  I practically went crazy...actually I think I did for awhile there," he said, recalling his manic beating of the zombie.  

He finally looked at Loras face, searching for an answer, but instead he found tears.  Renly didn't think it was possible for heart's to physically break, but he was sure his had just then.  He reached up to brush them away, and once again pulled Loras into his arms.  "It's okay, I'm here...I'm alive...I love you."

[baratheonbro-blog]

Take Me Anywhere | closed

[baratheonbro-blog]

He once again started jogging in the direction of Kensington and his apartment.

[baratheonbro-blog]

It only took Renly about fifteen minutes to reach his building.  The porter's desk was unmanned, but other than an overturned plant near the mailboxes, everything was oddly normal.  Even the elevator was still working smoothly.  Renly gripped the bat, half expecting his floor to be overrun by zombies.  Something had to go wrong, it couldn't be this easy to find safety again.  But no, as he stepped off the elevator, he was met by a quiet hallway.  

As he reached his door, he held his breath, the optimist in him half expecting Loras to already be inside.  He turned the handle and stepped inside, his hopes dashed as he stared into a eerily quiet apartment.  It was just as he had left it.

Renly thought back to the last time he'd been here.  It had been less than 36 hours ago.  He'd thought all of the talk of zombies was a joke, some kind of elaborate government sponsored propaganda or something.  He couldn't have been more wrong.  Instead, he'd left this flat to find a world full of horrors and grim new realities.  But at least he'd left with Loras.  Now what was he returning with?  

He thought of the last time he'd stood on this threshold, imitating a zombie as Loras had arrived.  The memory threatened to suffocate him, he'd been so stupid.  So insensitive when Loras was obviously worried.  He wanted to apologize.  He wanted to apologize for anything and everything he'd ever done wrong.  He just wanted a chance to see him again.  Hold him again.  The dread, anxiety, anger, pain...they were back.  The bat slipped out of his hands, clattering to the floor with a noise that was practically deafening in the silent apartment. 

He looked down at it, blood dripping off onto the floor.  The blood.  Suddenly he was disgusted by how much of it was on his clothes, his hands...he started stripping off his shirt, his jeans...he'd ruined Loras' jacket.  Renly wanted to vomit.  Instead he rushed to his closet, quickly putting on the first outfit he grabbed.  He was running on auto pilot.  He didn't know what he was supposed to do.  He had to find Loras, because without him he was lost.  But, how do you find someone in a city of seven million when half of them are hell bent on eating you alive?  Renly felt hopeless, and lost, and terrified, and most of all small.  He lowered himself down along the door of his wardrobe and pulled his knees in to his chest.  He just wanted all of this to go away.  He wanted to close his eyes and when he'd open them zombies would return to the movies where they belong, and most importantly...Loras would return to him, where he belonged.  

[baratheonbro-blog]

Take Me Anywhere | closed

 Not knowing if he was alive was almost as bad as him being dead.  Renly could feel his grasp on reality fading…he was going to lose it soon if he didn’t find Loras.

[baratheonbro-blog]

Renly hadn't been wandering long when his phone buzzed.  He breathed a sigh of relief, assuming it was Loras.  He's alive.  The knowledge instantly calmed him.  He could think clearer, see clearer, the world looked brighter just because he knew Loras was still in it.  They'd find each other soon enough, and never leave each other again.  Things would be okay.  Renly pulled out his phone to check the message and stopped dead when he saw what it actually was...an emergency bulletin.

It wasn't Loras.  It was bad news.  The infection was mutating, and the zombies were faster.  But nevermind that, the real bad news was that Loras still hadn't texted him back.  Renly had gotten his hopes up when he had heard his phone, and now they were dashed all the farther.  The true impact of the government alert setting in as images of Loras trying to outrun fast zombies flashed before him.  When the mental play by play was over, Renly was left with nothing but dread.  Up until now his fear and obnoxious texts about death had mostly been his trademark overreaction, he hadn't actually believed Loras was dead.  He knew how to handle himself, and so far the zombies had proved to be rather easy to deal with...but now?  Renly looked down at the baseball bat in his hand.  Loras was alone and unarmed.  He could feel panic creeping up, anxiety and sheer terror driving him near mad.  He wanted to scream, he wanted to kick something, or throw something...do some kind of damage, and as he looked up from the bat he realized he was actually going to get that chance.  

A zombie was running straight for him.  Running, fuck, that was new.  Renly didn't have time to think about his reaction, he was running on some kind of primal combination of terror, dread, pain, and probably more than a little insanity.  He ran at the zombie, swinging with the full force of his body when he was in range.  The bat connected with a sickening crunch as the zombie's neck was instantly broken.  It crumpled at Renly's feet, but he didn't stop.  He raised the bat again, and began beating the now lifeless body.  Over and over Renly brought the bat down on the zombie's head.  Blood, brains, and rotting flesh splashed back, covering his jeans and jacket, but he didn't seem to notice.  All of his frustration and fear was taken out on the creature before him.  Man, woman...he hadn't been sure, and now no one would, as he beat it beyond recognition. 

When Renly finally gained enough composure to stop his mindless bashing, he was out of breath and a bit confused.  What had he just done?  His face felt wet, and he tried to wipe it on his shirt, a bit fearful of the blood that now coated him.  But it wasn't blood...it was tears.  He'd been crying?  Hell, he thought he'd been screaming too, but he wasn't entirely sure.  It was as if he'd been watching himself from a distance.  Had the idea of losing Loras actually driven him mad?  

Whatever it had been, he actually felt better now.  The release of blind rage and violence clearing his mind.  He needed to get to safety.  He could try to track Loras down from there, but standing out here in the street made him an easy target, and there would no doubt be more zombies eventually.  He looked around...where was he?  He'd started in Belgravia at Baelor's, but he had no idea which direction he'd run off in.  In trying to find any kind of clue to his whereabouts he saw a sign directing visitors to the V&A.  He'd gone west, in the direction of his own flat.  Renly let out a sigh of relief.  In fact, he wasn't far from home at all.  If he was going to find Loras, starting with a place he'd be familiar with was a good start.

He looked back down at the bat, careful to keep his eyes off the carnage he'd created.  The bat was covered in blood and bits of tissue.  He was tempted to drop it, a bit disgusted by it now, a reminder of his own crazed actions, but then he thought of Loras and knew he'd want it back.  And Renly was going to find him and get the chance to return it.

He once again started jogging in the direction of Kensington and his apartment.

[baratheonbro-blog]

Text Messages - Loras Tyrell

To: Loras

Msg: where are you?

_____________________________________

To: Loras

Msg: WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU? ARE YOU ALIVE?

_____________________________________

To: Loras

Msg: Jesus fucking christ Loras, I'm serious. Run off without me and then leave me hanging...where are you???????

_____________________________________

To: Loras

Msg: Seriously, if you are dead I'm going to bring you back and kill you again for doing this to me

_____________________________________

To: Loras

Msg: oh god, don't be dead Loras I love you, where are youu?????