your perfect little world is burning down

Aren't we all so sick of everything? Don't we all desire a better life? That nothing that befalls us is ever fair? To be honest, I'm tired of hearing you spew out pathetic complaints about your miserable life. Suffer. Suffer. Let every breath you take be taken in agony. Crawl on bloodied hands and knees, and let each step be more painful than the last. This is merely how life is. If you're too weak to handle it, I'll gladly destroy it for you. Partner: Haru ♕ The White Queen ♕

[edenkishi]

Too Hot! (Hot Damn).bones-to-glass.

A bustling town bordering a small city’s populations greeted Rei. She balanced on her haunches, looking down at brightly clothed townspeople passing beneath her. Hardly anyone looked up but those that gave a thought to, perhaps to survey their surroundings or glance up at the sun that shone down upon them all, they would have difficulty spotting the figure in the shadows. Rei chuckled. Recent knowledge had repeated over and over in her mind until it was etched into her memory. Death and destruction. Suffering. Family. Loss. She cracked her knuckles and sighed. It was typical. Gods with all the power had to flaunt their abilities somehow and these literal pawns were their entertainment. Rei didn’t sign up for any war but she was helpless. Standing up from her perch, she scanned the crowd. Here were those so called nobles. Here were those that she would be protecting while they sat alive in their homes. Rei laughed. There was no problem. She would serve the Gods; she didn’t have a choice. For now, however, she wanted to test her new abilities. For now, she would play. Spotting an interesting looking being from the rooftop, Rei leaned over, resting her arm on her bent knee. "Haah?" She smiled, cracked her knuckles, and bent over as if she were about to race. Leaping from her perch, Rei turned halfway in mid-air, took a hold of a passer-by’s shoulders, and used them to launch herself back into the air again. Completing her circle in front of the stranger, she flashed them a quick grin before holding up one of his belongings. Stepping away from him quickly, she started to vanish in the crowd. "Come get me!"

[bones-to-glass]

A light sigh passed over the man’s lips, as he shoved his hands into his pockets. Dodging around the flow of people in order to remain on task. Not anything terribly important, nor did he care enough to pay much mind to the beings that passed him by. Truly, the existence others outside of himself and his partner was completely meaningless to him, and they could burn for all he cared; he would merely step over their bodies. Life was simple in that regard, even if his though process was hardly normal.

Simply on his way back to the apartment after sending a mundane day doing nothing important. Something he considered normal in this world, and one of the many reasons behind his searing hatred for its very existence. Even being out amongst the locals, and walking their streets irritated him at times. A frown etching itself onto his features, as walked. Little interest in the world, and its people. There was nothing of value to him among them.

His attention only very briefly lifted away from his thoughts at the sensation of the wind shifting against his skin, though he made no effort to move or act upon the sudden change. Tensing only slightly when the woman touched his shoulder, but not bothering to acknowledge her otherwise until she spoke up. Eyes rolling slightly to the side.

“Forget it. Keep it.” He hardly valued physical possessions, nor did he ever any desire to play games with stranger. He waved his hand dismissively, not bothering to quickly his pace or move towards her. Sincerely not caring about the item’s fate. There was nothing in the world, aside from his own partner, that held any meaning to him. That, and he simply didn’t have the time to bother with giving chase to her. Even if he did, he would likely only harm the nearby Checkers. And he was hardly willing to deal with another lecture from either of the Gods.

[the-asshole-collective]

Painting Flowers | cont. | Keiran & Haru

[boners-to-glass]

Haru shook his head gently. For someone who could read his mind, how could Keiran possible be so dense in understanding how he felt? He had plenty to be sorry for, couldn’t accept the apology? He was always the one pestering, pushing, pulling Keiran every which way. He had put his partner through so much, when he shouldn’t have even been his partner to begin with. And sometimes he felt like his unbounded love was more of a burden than any means of compensation so apologies were in order.

More specifically just now, having walked in on Keiran in such a manner, discussing those scars should have been a conversation about Keiran, and Haru had somehow managed to selfishly make it about him. Haru’s past wasn’t Keiran’s problem, but he still had to deal with it. Was it so wrong to feel bad for all those problems he had caused? He didn’t put any of these protests into audible words. Keiran would hear them anyway and Haru doubted that he’d allow him to persist with such negativity anyway even if he did.

He had been determined to try and shoulder his own problems himself, but it seemed like he hadn’t done a very good job of that up until now. Even now he wasn’t able to handle it on his own, reaching out to Keiran like a small child who had seen a bad dream. But perhaps the real dream was that instead of rejecting him and calling him more (undoubtedly well-deserved) names, Keiran had acquiesced to Haru’s selfish request, and taken up a spot next to him. More than he had hoped, as Keiran had gently laid against him.

Haru’s heart leapt, forgetting for a moment that it’s quickened pace had been caused by fear only a few moment earlier, returning to its more joyous purpose of beating out its embarrassing lovesick rhythm for the one whose touch was currently taking up all available space in Haru’s mind. Haru smiled weakly, only Keiran had the ability to unsettle his emotions so. He had him wrapped completely around his finger and he didn’t even seem to notice.

“There isn’t anyone I’d rather be stuck with,” He murmed back, leaning his head to rest on top of his partner’s “Thank you”. He sighed softly, listening to his own heartbeat winding down into a more reasonable pace. Keiran had said nothing more, but he hadn’t expected him to. Words of comfort and love might as well be a foreign language to Keiran. But Haru was determined to teach him. You moron, he thought, more clearly than anything else that had crossed his mind in the past few moments, I really do love you, you know.

[bones-to-glass]

Taking a breath, he relaxed into the other’s warmth. The foreign sensation of touch strange against his skin, and he had every desire to pull away and recoil at the thought of it. But he remained still. His own troubles were hardly relevant at the moment, if they ever were to begin with. But he was content, he supposed, about as content as one could be when forced to live. With, in itself, he understand was a bit of s strange way to think about his fate, but he still refused to willingly accept his situation. But, for now, he could live with the purpose of keeping Haru safe, and ensuring that he would continue to wake each day. That was all he was good for, after all. Even if he was far from an ideal partner. His inability to sense Haru’s pain always a touchy subject for him.

He considered offering a remark about how getting stuck with a rock would be better than having to live with Haru, he his partner wasn’t exactly in the right state of mind to not take that comment seriously. Sometimes Haru was a pain to deal with, well, actually, he always was. But he supposed he was his pain, even if he didn’t want him most of the time. It was probably a good thing that Haru couldn’t read his thoughts unless he allowed him.

“You’re merely lucky that I don’t have any jobs to be working on instead.” Even so, remaining still like this was difficult for the man. Stillness had never come to easy to him, and he preferred to take his stresses out on the random travelers that crossed his path. Almost thankful to have been tossed into a nonsensical war that he couldn’t have cared less about. At least it gave him a way to calm his restless nerves. He never appeared to rest or remain calm despite his nature.

He hummed lightly when the thought came into his own mind. Shoving aside the urge to roll his eyes at it. “You are the only moron here,” He retorted. “I suppose…” He was going to regret this, he knew it, but the words found their way to his lips before they could be processed by rational thought. “I can tolerate you enough to allow you to sleep in the bed tonight.” Bad move, now he really never would get a moment’s peace from the other man. But he hadn’t realized the extent of what he had said until after the words had been spoken.

But don’t get ahead of yourself, He cautioned. He would remove him from the room faster than he could say his name if he got out of hand. Granted, Haru was nearly always out of hand as far as Keiran was concerned, which really wasn’t saying much given the man’s ability to deal with others.

[mochiiron]

Karneval score 72: Lies and Truths

[bones-to-glass]

Scarred

"Don’t we all of pieces of ourselves that we would like changed? I am no different, nor I am special. I am insecure about the scars on my forehead, both the bullet wound and the ones around it. They are a source of distress for my partner, and I would like for him to now have to gaze upon them again."

[bones-to-glass]

Wings

He hesitates for a moment before releasing a sigh, “I suppose my only wish is for Haru’s prolonged safety, and happiness.” But he’d sooner die than admit that to the other man’s face.

[bones-to-glass]

Red Handed ;]

"Wouldn’t you just love to know? I suppose I could humor you, and say that you are, but you’re hardly a pleasure to be stuck with."

[bones-to-glass]

Oops!:What's something embarrassing you've done in public?

"I’m afraid that the only embarrassing thing I have done in public is being seen with the pathetic excuse for a human being that Haru is."

[bones-to-glass]

Make 'Em Confess! [Questions Meme]

Blush: What's something embarrassing you've done in front of a crush or someone you were trying to impress?

Boo!: What startles you?

Oops!: What's something embarrassing you've done in public?

Gone: Ever thought of running away? If you did, where would you go?

Lie to Me: What's a time you've lied?

Broken: What's been your lowest point?

Wings: What's a fantasy or wish of yours?

Kick the Bucket: Name two things on your "bucket list."

Talent: Do you have any strange talents or skills you've learned but never really had a use for?

Sing It!: What's a song or song genre that you like but don't often tell people you do?

Red Handed: What's one of your guilty pleasures?

Psych!: How gullible are you? Have you ever been pranked or playfully fooled?

Scared?: What's an irrational fear or phobia of yours?

Scarred: What's a part of or about you that you're insecure about?

Squirm: What's a topic that always makes you feel awkward when it gets brought up?

Mirror Mirror: How have other people admitted to seeing you? What impression do others say that they have about you or when they first met you?

Story Time: Tell a story about something you did or something that has happened to you within the last 24 hours.

[the-asshole-collective]

Painting Flowers | cont. | Keiran & Haru

[boners-to-glass]

Now that the imminent danger of Haru toppling over was passed, he had hoped that he’d be able to calm down somewhat. But it seemed for the moment that that was a lost cause. His heart was still racing in his aching chest, as if being reminded of its own mortality had made it remember how many beats it had wanted to cram into a lifetime. He tried to push the image of Keiran’s scars out of his mind, but with no success. The ideas of Keiran attempting, no matter how long ago to, to take his own life bought with it all too vividly the memories of his last partners suicide.

He heard Keiran’s voice and winced. Part of him, if only a very small part, wanted Keiran to have stayed in his studio, let him work out his problems on his own again as he had in the first few days of their partnership. But the other part of him begged for his partner to come closer, to embrace him in a way he hadn’t been in the position to 10 years ago. He felt a desperate need to feel him alive, to hear the heartbeat of his partner he hadn’t been able to hear since the sudden silencing of Lily’s. Yet even as he acknowledged this desire he knew Keiran would never allow it.

 How had he managed back then on his own? This same crippling self-doubt had wracked his spirit then just as it did now. If he weren’t so antagonized by that terror now he might have laughed. The kind of suppression and diversions he had used back then to keep his sanity under control was no doubt to blame for its sudden resurgence now.

Keiran’s attempt at a lighthearted jab had the opposite effect what he no doubt had intended. Haru’s jaw locked and his lips tightened beneath the shield of his fingers. Having been made re-aware of how his thoughts were always being broadcasted, he redoubled his efforts to keep them under control, to mask them, anything. He hated showing Keiran this kind of weakness, especially when he was the one who had indirectly caused it. It wasn’t his fault after all. He hadn’t asked to pick up some moron with trust issues when Peter had led him to the spot where Haru had lay dying. But it was too late on both accounts, Keiran had nonetheless taken Haru in, and now was fully aware of how affected by it he still was, even after all this time.

Taking great measures to regulate his breathing, Haru tried to listen to Keiran’s words, no doubt crafted to comfort, to try and assuage the worries that had crossed the links between their consciousnesses. Yet even as he was able to register the logistics of what he said, the panic that filled his being refused to subside.

He hadn’t been paying close enough attention, and jumped when Keiran placed a hand on his arm. It took him a moment to even realize what had even taken place, but once he did, he slid the hand that had been pressed around his mouth away, and instead reached up to take Keiran’s hand in his own, taking the affection that he had allowed for as much comfort as he could manage. He remained still that way for a moment, focusing on the point of contact until it was more important than the buzz of the panic in his ears, until he could feel it stronger than the ice in his chest, until he could find his voice enough to speak.

“I’m sorry,” he repeated his words from earlier, his voice wavering slightly. He couldn’t find much else to say beyond that. He’d come home anticipating to apologize, but not in this way. “Could-“ he lost his voice again, heart skipping faster as he contemplated his request, if he could bring himself to ask after all the trouble he had caused today. But in the end he decided it was alright for him to be slightly selfish. “C-could you maybe stay with me for a moment?”

[bones-to-glass]

Hesitation formed when Haru jumped at his touch, pulling his hand away from the slightly from the motion. He couldn’t say comforting people was a talent of his, nor was trying to work this out. It wasn’t as if his people skills were anything to write home about, clearly. And he considered leaving the other man be, as he doubted anything he could say or do would ease Haru’s thoughts. It anything, he only had the ability to make the situation worse. And the last thing he wanted was to upset his partner more than the man already was, but whatever urge he had to leave was repressed by his desire to help Haru, for better or for worse. After all, it wasn’t as if he could stray too terrible far in the first place.

But Haru reached for his hand before he could entertain the thought of leaving the man to his own devices for long. Fighting the urge to flinch at the touch, as he wasn’t used to displays of affection, making the feeling unnatural to him. Yet, Haru was needy by nature, and he wasn’t going to kick him when he was down. Instead, he remained still, rigid perhaps, but respectful enough to not disturb. His mouth remaining shut, as there wasn’t much he could say at this point, and he prayed Haru never managed to somehow discover how he had gotten into this dreadful world in the first place.

He apologized again, finally speaking up, though it wasn’t as if Keiran wanted to hear those words. Sorry for what? Sorry his partner was a complete train wreck that had spent at least a good 70 or so years of his life in Animus attempting to end it? Sorry this partner had spent the entirety of his living existence attempting, and somewhat succeeding, in doing that very same thing? It was hardly his fault Keiran had a death wish that appeared to go constantly unanswered, or that Haru had ended up stuck with him. If everything was someone’s fault, it was Keiran’s. Something he had come to terms with decades before meeting Haru. His problems had no connection to the other man aside from maybe the fact that the other had a tendency to be obnoxious. But otherwise, their relationship was fine.

“Don’t apologize. You have nothing to do so for.” All blame could easily be placed onto Keiran, and he was willing to take that burden if it would keep Haru from over-thinking everything. He preferred him as a blubbering moron, even if such a thing was difficult to admit, and he’d rather not encourage his behavior. But he wasn’t willing to allow Haru to act as if he was at fault for anything.

The other struggled to speak, and it was a rare sight. Normally he couldn’t get Haru to shut up. But those were petty thoughts at the time. His gaze shifted to the floor when Haru asked him to stay. Had he been so terrible that the man would think he would leave when he clearly shouldn’t be left alone? Don’t answer that question actually. A slight smile graced across his lips, and a breathy laugh exhaled. “You’re stuck with me, remember?” If that was actually a good thing, he couldn’t say. Haru was probably better off as another’s partner. Likely anyone that wasn’t Keiran, but the world had shoved them together, and that was simply what they were going to have to deal with.

Staying still for a brief moment, he weighed his thoughts and options before taking a step forward. Leaning his head against Haru’s back in what was probably a rather pitiful display of affection as far as anyone was concerned, but it was a rare gesture from Keiran, and hopefully that mattered in this situation, as he was quickly running out of ideas when it came to comforting the other. He knew he’d screw up if he opened his mouth, so he didn’t. Hopefully Haru understood that he meant no harm by staying quiet. Granted, it wasn’t as if he was a talkative person to begin with.

[the-asshole-collective]

Painting Flowers | cont. | Keiran & Haru

[boners-to-glass]

The outside air was warm against Haru’s skin, helping none to cool his anger flushed face. His steps were long, and it took little time before he was a good distance from the small apartment. It wasn’t as if it would be any more difficult for Keiran to hear his thoughts if he were further away, but the lack of return feedback always gave that sort of illusion anyway, and Haru took a false comfort in the distance. In the few moments it had taken him to stride to the water’s edge his swift temper had burned out only to be replaced by a slow simmering guilt. He knew he had overstepped his boundaries, well, more so than usual even. Perhaps the fact that he knew he’d been out of line made it even worse.

Sighing heavily, Haru dropped heavily onto the grass by the waterside. He dipped his face into his hands momentarily, running his fingers through his hair in agitation. He was stupid; so, so stupid. He lifted his gaze from his palms and his heart jolted as he realized his unbidden footsteps had carried him to the same stretch of land he had taken Keiran not a few nights ago. He stood up rapidly, struck with the urge to leave, but he couldn’t bring himself to move his feet just yet. He exhaled heavily, already he was being so terrible to Keiran, even after all the things he’d said to him that night. Hadn’t he said he didn’t mind the way things were? Hadn’t he said he loved Keiran for who he was?

Almost absentmindedly Haru raised his fingers to trace along his lips before becoming aware of himself and jerking them away. He snorted derisively. Look at him. Acting like some heartbroken teenager. He finally found the willpower to move his feet from where they seemed to have planted themselves and directed himself back towards home. He’d apologize, properly. No more of this selfish demanding thing he’d been making such an effort to break himself of.

The walk back took much longer than his anger-fueled trip out, and by the time he re-entered the building he was quite less agitated. This didn’t stop his heart from skipping as he opened the door to the apartment, almost flinching to imagine finding Keiran still in the kitchen in a towering temper. His fears were unfounded, as his partner was nowhere to be seen. The living area was empty, and the open bedroom door told him the only place he could be was the closed off studio. He never liked disturbing Keiran while he was painting, but he come back and not say anything. His lip curled again at himself and his own faint-heartedness. How unlike him, to be shy about anything. Yet he supposed such a thing was common with Keiran. The man had a way of bringing about emotions Haru had never had any experience with before, why should now be any different?

He approached the studio door, his voice gentle as he called to his partner before opening it, “Keiran, I-,” his voice froze shortly after as his eyes flicked over his partner, finding immediately the missing bandages. All previous thought flickered out of existence as his gaze fell on the twisted and scarred skin he had never been allowed to see until now. That he still hadn’t been allowed to see but nonetheless had the misfortune to witness.

His blood ran cold as he stood there, lips slightly parted, struggling to remember what he had been saying. That was it, his thoughts kept echoing, fixated on what was unmistakably a bullet wound in the center of his forehead; that was how he died. The topic had never been broached before, Keiran hadn’t seen any of Haru’s knife scars either, it felt too personal, too painful a subject for either of them to want to open up or dwell upon. Yet here it was, and Haru could only think that this meant Keiran had been murdered, just as he had been.

“I-I’m sorry,” Haru murmured, and he swiftly closed the door again, standing frozen in the doorway still but no longer faced with his partner’s visage. But he could still see it, the scars twisting beyond the surely fatal wound. Haru had a terrible certainty that those wounds had been self-inflicted. He pressed a hand to his chest, a memory of pain long past gripping at his heart. Twice had he been dealt such injury that he should surely be dead, and both times, whether it be by the knife that pierced him in life or by the very warping of the soul that befell separated partners, the person he should have been closest to had attempted to take his life along with theirs.

Haru stumbled back a few paces, sliding his hand from his chest up to press against his mouth, fighting the urge to be sick, fighting utter panic. When had Keiran done that? Was—he was struck with a horrible thought—was it his fault? Was his own existence so toxic that it would drive 3 people to suicide? He felt the urge to leave again, but no, he couldn’t. He needed to stay in the house, or he would fall prey to very void he was currently paralyzed in fear of. Instead he found his way to the couch before falling into it, his hand still pressed against his face in attempt to master himself. 

[bones-to-glass]

A fine tip pressed against the canvas. Red and browns mixing together, as he lazily struck at the formerly blank surface. Not thinking about what he was doing, as his fingers carefully pulled the brush along. It was hardly anything he cared for, and not a job he had lined up, just simply a spur of the moment attempt to keep himself from both his distracting thoughts, as well as Haru’s. He could have called the other back at any moment; to open that pathway ever so briefly enough to utter get back here you, asshole. But he didn’t, thankfully. Instead he found mild frustration as the painting began to take form, and a sigh heaved from his lips.

Of course he’d paint that damned bird when he was angry. Setting the brush down carefully, as to not harm the bristles, he glared at the partially unfinished painting. A careful laugh expelling itself from his mouth, as a hand moved to rub against his forehead in agitation. The mind was a cruel place, even when tossing up some random image from his brain. He knew exactly where it was taking him; what his subconscious mind had made him create. Even with the small amount of details he had shoved onto the canvas behind the obnoxious animal were all he needed. He had a keen memory. He always had. Even the slightest detail was all he needed to see to know exactly where it happened to be in Animus. He had been there for so long, after all.

And he’d been here several times before. The place where he found Haru. The other never went near it to his knowledge, but he had crept close a few times. It held no horrid memories for him, as it did for Haru. The loss of a life had never bothered Kerian. At times he envied the girl for being able to die, and he was thankful Haru didn’t hold the ability to read his mind. All of his own efforts to die had simply ended up keeping him alive. He had gotten used to it, but the desire to die wasn’t completely out of his mind. He had never been the type to wish for a long life. Hell, he didn’t even believe in afterlife to begin with. To be nothing. A thought that might have made most anxious was one that always felt right to him. But it was something he didn’t typically think about all that often anymore. He had to babysit the man that damned bird threw at him now.  That warm morning when Peter had been more annoying than normal, and, on a whim, probably with the urge to strangle the creature, had chased after it. He still hadn’t the slightest clue as to what had possessed him to save Haru’s life that day.

He glanced towards the curtains, not willing to open them, but wondering how long it had been. He had almost no sense of time now, and being away from hard him anxious at best. Nauseous at worst. But the day he admitted to making himself with worry would be the die he burned in Hell. Sure, Haru was a moron. An idiot. Probably the single stupidest person he had ever meant in his life, but it wasn’t like the man was enough of a fool to not come back. Unless he was trying to die? The thoughts were all common ones to him, and he leaned back on the bench, nearly falling off of it in the process. Damn man wasn’t worth all of the time he spent thinking about him, and he had half a mind to tell him to get a brain so he wouldn’t have to worry about him constantly. Even then, he’d still probably worry. It wasn’t like they hadn’t fought before, besides, he would know if something had happened. Haru wasn’t intelligent enough to try to mask thoughts, even if he did think in thousand languages at once.

He had been too caught up in his own concern and frustration to hear the door creak open. His mind only registering the fact that Haru had returned when he had spoken, and he turned to face him briefly before realizing his mistake. Haru was staring directly as his forehead. A curse ran through Keiran’s mind, as the other swiftly slammed the door shut. Great. The subject of his death had never something he cared about. It wasn’t meaningful or painful for him. In fact, it was so insignificant to him that the thought of bringing it up to Haru had never even crossed his mind. Giving the other a moment, he shoved himself off from the bench. Picking up the bandages he had thrown on the ground when the other had left, and wrapping them quickly around the scars once again.

“Haru,” His voice was stern, but quiet. A rather natural tone for him, as it wouldn’t do them any good if he made too much of a big deal out of the event. He already knew Haru was. That was the only warning he gave before opening the door. As much as he wanted to say, calm down you moronic asshole. He bit his tongue. He doubted Haru would appreciate being called so at the moment. “Haru, look at me.” He doubted the other was going to turn and face him unless he made him.

“Don’t apologize. You would have seen it eventually.” That was much was probably true, even if he had been careful about it before. Part of him had always assumed Haru’s reaction to the scars would be bad, and he supposed he was right. Not that he found joy in being right at the moment. But now he had to watch his tone. He couldn’t say he was good at being gentle about anything, and his blunt nature made that clear. He wasn’t one to talk about anything that would bother the other man so much.

“You realize thinking doesn’t befit you, right?” He was trying to lighten the mood, but it would be a miracle if that worked. He just wanted Haru to stop thinking before he did something stupid. “I’m fine. Everything is fine. You’re wrong. These scars aren’t recent, if that means anything to you.” He couldn’t lie and tell him he was entirely wrong, but he certainly wasn’t at fault for them. They were old, made before he had even met Haru. “It’s not your fault. I didn’t know you when these happened.” That much was true, he had avoided causing harm to himself since Haru had come into his life. Entirely out of the fear of hurting Haru, and the strong desire he had to protect him.

He walked behind Haru, hesitating before reaching out to rub the other man’s arm. “Haru, please calm down.” He should probably lie, and tell Haru he had been murdered. He supposed it wasn’t entirely untrue. He could barely handle the scars. He doubted the truth would make it any easier on him.

[the-asshole-collective]

Painting Flowers | cont. | Keiran & Haru

[the-asshole-collective]

Haru smiled, again a little too warmly for the insult he had just been dealt. He was soundly used to it by now, even to the point where he welcomed it if it meant his frigid partner would pay attention to him. “Nightmares? Maybe we’d both sleep better if we slept together.” He quipped. “If I wasn’t always 15 feet away you wouldn’t be so haunted by my face.”

He’d pay for that later, whether later was immediately or another 10 years of an immutable relationship was yet to be seen. Perhaps his penance would come sooner than he thought, as Keiran moved into the kitchen without changing the oh so tantalizing over-large shirt.

Fate is testing me. Haru thought, amongst many other things, none of them any kind of decent. Or maybe not fate so much as Keiran, in whatever half-asleep stupor had driven him to put on the wrong shirt, was testing him. Did he even know the kinds of things his wearing that shirt brought about in Haru’s mind?

He pressed his hand to his mouth a moment, before letting it slide down to rest agitatedly at his collar. How did he even proceed with this? This was uncharted territory here. Surely Keiran meant nothing along the lines Haru’s mind was now happily speeding along, but the temptation to offer to help him out of the wrong shirt was immense and overwhelming.

Haru used his remaining self-control to swallow this desire, and follow the object of his affections back into the kitchen. His restraint having been now spent, he couldn’t stop himself, “You know, the shirts really are a poor substitute. I’d gladly take their place if that’s what’s brought on this sudden desire.”

[ignite-dreams-blog]

A cold gaze stared back at the man when he responded. A sigh heaving past his lips, as he tried to ignore the air of sheer stupidity that the other constantly gave off.  Mind briefly wandering to whatever had possessed him, in a moment of insanity, to allow this complete nutcase into his life. More importantly, in his apartment. “No, then I would never have the chance to sleep at all. Your annoying face would haunt me at all hours of the day, and I would rather not gaze upon it more than I must.”

A brow twitched, as he made his way towards the kitchen. Frustration growing with the other man, as he nearly turned around to snap at him before remembering that he didn’t have to. His fate had forced him to be connected to this mess of a human being, if Haru could even be considered human. This world was sick, as was Haru, but he had already accepted that he was stuck with both for all of eternity. Whatever this world claimed to be, he was certain it must have been Hell.

Moron, I know exactly what you’re thinking, and unless you want to sleep outside tonight you best stop it. His thoughts did the snapping for him, an he was eternally thankful that he had the ability to allow which thoughts Haru could read of his own. He could never live if he let the other know how he truly felt.

And, well, the words were the last straw. His patience completely gone, as he whirled around on the other man. “The only desire I have if to remove you from my life completely,” He snapped back. “Perhaps then I would have a moment of peace?” Probably not, but there was no crime in dreaming. “Please do not flatter yourself so early in the morning, it is obnoxious, as are you.”

 That might have been going overbroad, but he was in a bad mood as it was. Something simply felt wrong to him, and he couldn’t quite place it. And no, it wasn’t Haru’s annoying thoughts, either, he was used to them by now. “Now leave me be before you dry my patience.”

[flight-of-the-dawn-deactivated2]

Hello, Stranger | Keiran & Aurora

[flight-of-the-dawn-deactivated2]

Aurora could hear faint movement inside of the house, and knew that either someone was home or they had a pet, which somewhat surprised her. Haru was always going around calling people by animal pet names, but she had never expected him to have a pet. If they did have a pet of some sort, it would mean they had a lot more in common than she thought. She reminded herself that it was only a possibility, and kept still as she patiently waited.

When the door finally opened, she was pleasantly surprised to see a man there, one whom she assumed to be Haru’s partner. With a brilliant smile, Aurora listened as the man greeted her and asked if there was something she needed. She still held the casserole dish in her hands, and kept it there for another moment, just to ensure that she really did have the right house.

"Hello." Aurora greeted cheerfully in an almost musical tone before she continued on, "Does Haru live here? I made this casserole and I thought I would share it with him." While she was being particularly chatty with this man for not even knowing whether Haru lived there or not, it was just part of her friendly nature that kept her talking when she wasn’t necessarily supposed to.

[bones-to-glass]

Keiran allowed the woman to carry on without interrupting her, seeing no real point in doing so. He had all of the time in the world to wait for her to finish speaking despite the fact that he had hoped to spend the day without interaction outside of with a canvas. But he wasn’t rude enough to dismiss someone who appeared to be Haru’s friend, or at least he hoped she was and that Haru wasn’t just leading her around pointlessly, in which case he and Nova would have field day scolding the man.

He nodded in reply to her greeting. “He does, but he’s out currently,” He explained, attempting to remain polite. The woman seemed friendly enough and he had no intention of making Haru look bad. “I’m his partner, Keiran, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” He added, assuming that need to give the stranger a reason for as to why he was in his own house. Then again, with the amount of people that lived within said house, that he was convinced was his and no one else’s; he didn’t need much of one. Haru had a habit of expanding the family.

“He shouldn’t be out too long…” In reality, he wasn’t sure when exactly Haru would be home, but the man was fairly reliable about coming home, though when he would never know. Haru enjoyed showing up at different times of the day in order to give Keiran heart attacks when someone knocked on the door to the studio he spent most of his time in. To say that he needed to interact with people more was an understatement. “We’re welcome to wait if you wish to.”

Crystal orbs glanced away from the woman for a brief moment to glare at the large and furry mass staring at the open door from the back of the room, hiding slightly behind the table in the center of the room. The sheepdog whined once before retreating to a blanket in the very back corner.  His attention returning to the woman once he was satisfied that the animal, which he hadn’t wanted in the first place, wasn’t going to cause any trouble. 

[bones-to-glass]

Painted Flowers-Haru & Keiran

[boners-to-glass]

Haru blinked; momentarily surprised by the answer he had received. He had been teasing, really. Expected to be pushed aside and called a moron, as the case usually would have been. Getting any kind of serious answer had never really been an expected outcome. Not to mention a serious answer that held so much promise. He suppressed a laugh, settling for a smile instead. And he had thought Keiran’s last answer was bad, but it was nothing compared to the amount of temptation he had presented with this.

 “Really, you should be careful. With words like that you make it sound like you want me to try something.” He said, sliding himself away from under his partner so he could sit up straight. He chuckled softly before adding on, “Although if that’s your intent all you have to do is ask properly.” As if that would ever actually happen. He had no doubt that if Keiran had his way the pace of their relationship would move at roughly the same speed as a rock.

Although as far as today went, getting Keiran to admitting to having feelings, on top of that romantic feelings, was a good enough achievement to allow things to rest. He wasn’t sure how his luck would hold out if he kept pushing; surely he had used all his good karma in the past ten minutes. He stood, and turned back to offer his hand to his partner, “I’ll hold you to those words one day, but I think for now I’m happy with just words.” He smiled softly, his next words laced with a slightly teasing tone “Shall we head home then? I think all this fresh air is getting to you, who knows what you’ll admit next.”

[bones-to-glass]

Crystal orbs held Haru’s for a moment after the man slid himself out from under him, laughing softly before adding his next words. He was intelligent, he was fully aware of the situation that he had placed himself into and was aware of Haru’s nature. He had lived with the man for a decade now, if anyone knew what the other man was like it was Keiran, not that he was ever proud of that fact and living with Haru proved to be more trouble than it was worth on most days. That, however, never did change he value that he held Haru at, or rather, the value that he always had. These emotions having been boiling up inside of his rampant mind for more years than he would ever care to admit, at least to Haru himself. His pride would fall apart if he did.

“I should, shouldn’t I?” Oh how aware he was of the fact that he was only going to get hurt in the end. It was human nature and no one was above that they, as humans, were born to do. Haru wasn’t a god; he was all too human. But, at this point, he felt as if loving another human was the same as loving the devil when the God of this world could grant needless life and create demons so very easily. After all, no true God would ever offer a second life to a man who deserved death far more than others.

“Perhaps another day. Don’t get ahead of yourself, there’s only so much of your moronic speech that I can stand in one day.” He let out a swift sigh before shifting back, dropping his gaze away from the other man. Sometimes it was draining to be around Haru, for more than the simple reason that the man was a grade A idiot. It was exhausting to Keiran to be around someone he actually cared for so much. He was afraid that if Haru was around him too much that he would only end up making the other man hate him.

Keiran glanced down for a moment when Haru spoke, a slight smile ghosting over his lips before he set his hand his hand in Haru’s. “You’re being modest for once.” He used his legs to push himself up, too stubborn to allow Haru to help him too much with the motion.

His smile set into a glare at Haru’s next words, before his smile returned once again. “It must be. I’d have to have gone completely insane to admit to being in love with such a moron.” 

[flight-of-the-dawn-deactivated2]

Hello, Stranger | Keiran & Aurora

"Well this simply won’t do…" Aurora mused to herself, placing a finger upon her chin as she thought. The dilemma at hand was that she had made far too much food for her and Aldric to ever eat on their own, even with the help of her beloved stray animal friends. It was a rather simple casserole dish, but it was one of the few meals that she could pull off flawlessly after many practice attempts. She wasn’t the best chef, but having been bed-ridden most of her life, she wasn’t too bad either. Studying the casserole for a long moment, she finally stumbled upon a brilliant idea.

Portioning the casserole appropriately, she saved enough of the meal for Aldric to come home to before packaging the rest for travel. She intended to do a kind deed and give this simple meal to a friend of her’s, one of whom she knew lived in this very same inn. She was curious to know how her friend Haru lived, and what his partner was like. It was always interesting to learn new things about people, especially when it involved exploring.

Aldric wouldn’t be home for awhile still, and Aurora would rather be out of the house than stuck home alone. She had been trapped indoors most of her life, and she refused to stay inside by herself for a minute longer. Grabbing the container, she headed towards the door, wishing all of her lovely stray pets farewell on her way out. As the hostess of the inn, it was rather easy for Aurora to find out where Haru lived, and soon was on her way. Once she arrived there, she found herself nervous, and took a brief moment to steel her nerves before knocking, unsure how this casual exchange of gift giving would proceed.

[bones-to-glass]

Light tapped at the window placed on the north wall of the small room, earning a brief glare from the man seated within it before his attention returned to the painting on the canvas before him. At least it would be a peaceful day, as Haru had wondered off somewhere on his own. Where? He didn’t know and more importantly didn’t care. It was the other man’s job to return home in time before separation became a danger to him. After all, a Queen needed no partner to live; forever trapped in the cycle that the world had to offer and he couldn’t even begin to count those he had seen come and go over the many years he had resided in Animus, of which only very few had been spent beside someone.

His hand moved over the canvas easily, free from the idiot he held as a partner and the nagging bird that often choose to bother him in times when he was alone. Without either one to pester him for stupid reasons, he had an entire day of work planned without distraction. Finally he would be able to get something done, without it taking weeks on end due to the needs of others.

A light tap at the door made his hand freeze on the canvas, cold eyes glaring towards the studio’s open door. A visitor? That was rare. Nova wouldn’t have bothered knocking, she simply opened the door on her, regardless of if it was locked or not and Haru would just let himself in, even if Keiran considered him a free loader, of which he had plenty in the small house. Between Haru, the pair that Haru had discovered on the streets not too long ago, the dog said pair had guilt tripped into getting, and Nova he had no shortage of free loaders in his house. He sometimes questioned how he had ever managed to sink so low, but always found himself thankful for the fact that he could lock the studio door and not be bothered by soul, save for Nova of whom could get away with anything.

He set the brush down, cleaning it off first, before moving from the painting and out of the studio, pulling the door shut behind him. If this was someone’s attempt to sell him something they were going to get an earful or a door slammed in their face, whichever he felt like doing when the time came. He would never be called friendly by any means, but at least he was willing to answer the door in the first place.

He made his way to the front door, pulling it open to see a woman standing outside of it. She looked at least somewhat familiar to him, though he couldn’t have been bothered to place anything more than that to her face. After all, he wasn’t social by nature and didn’t bother to get to know everyone at the inn, despite the far too many years he had lived within it.

“Hello? Is there something that you need?” 

[bones-to-glass]

✩

This was rather unexpected. He didn’t know the girl at all, but he had seen around the inn and believed she worked with Haru, of whom had managed to make him angry a few moments before for doing something that he considered stupid. But she seemed pleasant enough, so he complied with the request, gently wrapping his arms around the girl in a warm embrace. “I don’t believe we’ve met before, but I suppose if you get along with Haru then it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

[bones-to-glass]

♟

He sighed slightly. Something that he admired? It was never anything that he had thought about before. Truth be told he didn’t admire much, if anything at all. The notion seemed to be a bit pointless and rather stupid in his opinion…quite like someone he knew. “I suppose I admire Haru…for his ability to be happy like this, to somehow smile. I can’t understand someone like him, but I sometimes wish that I could.”

[bones-to-glass]

☕

"You want to know something about me?" It was a strange request, but he supposed it made sense in the end, given that she was living in his house. "I’m very grateful for the vase you got for me…it’s lovely and it means a lot to me that you went out of your way for me. I’ll make sure to always treasure it." He offered the girl a gentle smile.