daryls gay

[executivity]

"Your lunch will be out in a moment."

Their early flight had gone well, bringing them painlessly to Kalos. As interesting as it was to see the sun rise from a plane window, Petrel was glad to have landed and departed the craft. And now, almost an hour after their arrival, before they had even set foot in the all-exclusive hotel he'd booked, he sat among the cafe-goers and watched the waiter off.

With the harbor to one side and the beach to the other, he flicked his gaze to Archer. "This all fittin' yer taste?"

[timaeustestifing-blog]

Of course there were others. There always had been and always would be. That didn’t mean he was interested in them, however. If he had to admit it, he’d explain quite easily that he didn’t like the rest of the team that much. Sure, Proton and Ariana had their ups and while he could along with them just fine, he’d rather keep his distance. Bonding with another was a difficult task for someone of his nature and to have been able to do it with a coworker who catered to his almost every need? He didn’t want anything else nor did he need it. This was a perfect life for him, even with the many faults he believed might be the last straw.

Lashes giving a small waver, he turned the side of his head at an angle, rendering the act of yet another dosage of eye contact. Embarrassed to be seen with him in the case they would be on television? No, no. Not at all. That didn’t bother him in any form, especially considering he’d been on the media with three teethed grunts and unkempt civilians before. He simply wanted Petrel to look his best! An unshaven face, baggy eyes? That wouldn’t do. “I didn’t say that.” His hands coming behind his back to fold over the small of it, he looked forward once more. “You look better when you’re hygienic.”

[executivity]

Ah, but the inner workings of one's mind are hard to view. In subjects such as Archer, it is an even more trying task. A closed off mentality, a few behind-the-scenes glimpses at his true self, and all the lies that fabricated the image he so delicately wove for the world to see all made understanding him that much more of a challenge. Though Petrel has figured out some angles, such as how to quickly upset him, or likewise, turn his mood from sour to sweet, there are still many mysteries involved. One of those being his honest attachment. Even now, after years of shared work, Petrel isn't so convinced of his permanency at his side.

Greeting light puppy dog eyes with his own sleazy expression, he couldn't help but wonder if it was another attempt at winning him over. "Heh." Right. Petrel made a point to keep himself looking decent enough, but even then he paled in comparison to the others. A compliment and an insult, all in one. Better when he was hygienic, as if there were times when he went around unwashed, without his hair done, fresh clothes on or didn't nitpick himself when he awoke. All pointless effort, wasted on things he couldn't change but desired to. With a habit of internalizing that which dropped his spirits, he gazed forward as well and shifted his hands into his pockets. A light tone, independent of resentment towards a hidden insult. "Yeh know, you should give pep talks. Real inspirin'."   

[timaeustestifing-blog]

Very true, though a very hard thing to come by. Maybe if he were nothing more but a grunt, he’d be completely kicked out, but well. Luckily for him, the most he’d get were threats and a temporary ban, if even. Though sometimes the urge was strong, the knowledge that he’d be completely alone kept Archer from making rash decisions. Selfish, maybe; but still. He wasn’t a ‘bad’ guy for no reason.

"Precisely." And just how he wanted it. If he couldn’t dry clean his clothing, he’d have to wear things with wrinkles and well, wearing things with wrinkles was sort of allowing others to title you as ‘trash’. To someone like him? That was just completely unacceptable. "I want you to look your best. The last thing we need is someone thinking you are far from entitled to be admitted in their vicinity." A playful tone returning the mock, he gave his weight a slight push into him before stepping off. "The makeup isn’t needed."

[executivity]

Petrel wouldn't go as far to say he'd be alone without him. Sure, the late night drinking visits would disappear and there would be an extreme lack of Koffing floating around Archer's room from time to time, but all in all, there would still be others for him to entertain himself with. Perhaps he'd even find a stand-in for Petrel while under one of those temporary bans. Thus why, in times of bickering, Petrel is often the first to cave. Being replaceable has it's upsides, sure, but the downsides are far more despairing and numerous. 

"There's yer answer, then." Barely swaying from the push, he set his shoes into motion again to keep even with him. Having longer strides than Archer's, their appearance most likely mimicked that of a trainer and pokemon. In this case, Petrel would be the trainer, and Archer the smaller, quicker paced creature. It was probably not an effect Archer would enjoy but Petrel noticed it nonetheless. "Yeh mean yeh'd be embarrassed to be seen with me if I wasn't T-V-ready."

He's been reading through the lines from the very beginning of the conversation. From the moment Archer's first question interrupted his quaint, noise-less morning up until his motion against his arm. He was acting friendlier than normal, most likely because he had something to cling to. A vacation he didn't want ruined by a quarrel or awkward tension. And now, slipped between word of kindness, feathered over by excuses of other people- a note of resentment at his lax grooming habits. He was well acquainted with being manipulated, as well as subtly insulted, but Archer had begun to walk a fine line between playfulness and underlying personal opinions. 

[timaeustestifing-blog]

The idea of his patience running thin was a distant one. While he did snip and snap at some of the things the other did, even complain that he should change them; he still tolerated it. If that didn’t say something about how far he could go, considering it had been years of being around all the bull crap, then he didn’t know what would. 

"It seems so." His response quaint, he slowed his pace down a few notches; just to allow Petrel a step beside him. "The same. Do they have dry cleaners there? I don’t want to wait to get things smoothed and touched up." A shoulder bump into him, he turned his body to face the R symbol of the taller’s suit before his gaze flicked up to his face. "When did you last shave."

[executivity]

That considered, it was always a matter of time before he struck a wrong nerve. A properly placed mistake could land him in a permanent dog house, though Petrel was often careful enough to tread lightly when walking on fragile land.

"Can't have an exclusive hotel without exclusive dry cleaners." All those rich people had to look good, after all. With an arm colliding into his own, he flicked his attention downward in curiosity, then slight confusion as he locked gazes with the smaller. "Yesterday. I'll do it again before I go. Want me to pretty myself with makeup and some of that nail protector yeh wear too?" A slight mocking tone, as he's picked up on being questioned about his appearances.    

[timaeustestifing-blog]

Well if it came down to him having to change his personality, Archer could personally say he wouldn’t want that. Even if Petrel was a pain sometimes and even if he’d rather pour salt in a wound than be around him on occasion, he was glad he was there. A strange companionship they had but one he could actually say he was glad for. He wouldn’t want anyone else to be by his side on a daily basis, that was for sure.

Eyes casting their gaze to the side in slight embarrassment, he released a sigh. Of course. He should have known that it’d been a fake setup for anyone who might be watching them. How could he be so stupid. “Don’t act stupid. No one is listening in on us.” A cover up destined to make Petrel look bad for his own misunderstanding, he stepped forward, starting to walk along the hallway. “What is you’re bringing with you?”

[executivity]

Lucky for him, Petrel wouldn't be mixing it up any time soon. Unless, of course, he was guised as another. The companionship would remain intact, so long as Archer's patience didn't run too thin. Likewise, Petrel drew comfort from being of Archer's inner circle. It promised him several things and kept him from the less favorable ones. The conversation wasn't always so bad either. 

If his goal was to make him feel moronic for covering up something he'd directly said not to tell anyone, Archer achieved it. Though a retort bubbled to his mind, one that would quash the snap tossed his way, he kept his tongue held back. "Guess I'm just paranoid." A chiding joke to ebb away the strange awkwardness that had settled between them as he followed along, matching his step. "Yeh know. Just a few things. Mostly clothes. Yerself?" 

[timaeustestifing-blog]

Of course, how could he ever forget that those sort of things were what Petrel always did? It wasn’t like he dealt with them everyday or had a break, right? Oh no, no. They were all he heard, all he listened to whenever the other was around. Shame he could never catch a break.

Not bothering to answer anymore about the subject of their coworkers, he listened further into the following words. Snow point? Did he hear that right? “What do you mean Snow Point.” His tone changing, he took a direct glance to him, eyebrows furrowing in. Had he been tricked? Had the promise of a secluded beach off in Kalos been nothing but a lie that he’d willingly signed up for? “You told me we were going to a different city.”

[executivity]

A break would be unheard of. To cease his constant faux berating would be the equivalent of changing his entire personality. Sure, the bland truth escaped from time to time, though indirect answers always flowed between the soliloquy just waiting to be threaded out. The trick was deciphering twisting lies from the reality of his intentions. 

A change in attitude was more than enough to alert him of Archer's inability to preform this task. He had, once again, failed to appreciate the lengths Petrel went through to safeguard secrets. "I was just sayin' that to trick anyone listenin' in on us." Though he was a bit annoyed at his folly being ruined, his appearance suggested nothing but patience and amusement. "Don't go gettin' yer skirt in a bunch. We're still goin' where planned."

[timaeustestifing-blog]

If he wants to crack funnies and make jives here or there then he can do it in Archer’s room. While he won’t be too amazed by them there, at least he’ll feel a twinge more comfortable than he currently does. Granted, of course that was an overstatement. Who knew how he’d react in the privacy. He might get angrier or well, he might completely pass out. He was feeling exhausted enough to.

"No, no. Don’t speak a word to them." The last thing he needs is his vacation being completely ruined. "Don’t speak a word to anyone. I don’t want them knowing."

[executivity]

Oh, he'll make them later in privacy too. For the sake of keeping appearances up, though, Archer will have to deal with a few here and there. He can't let himself get out of the habit of practicing his sarcasm and false statements now. Besides, it's practically ingrained into his routine to snap out the first witty remark that comes to his mind.

"If yeh say so." He wasn't going to mention it to them regardless. If they were really that interested in their whereabouts, the cameras should give them a clue. Other than that, as far as Petrel was concerned, they were in the dark about their little trip. "Don't think anyone 'round here'd want to go up to Snow Point anyway. Not much fer 'em there." That should throw off any eavesdroppers.   

[timaeustestifing-blog]

"…"

He’s not appreciative of jokes right now. After the wine stupor last night, he’s got a headache, a foul taste in his mouth and a temper that doesn’t have the time to deal playfulness today. Perhaps another time when he’s more open to the idea. “Hilarious.” Sarcastic, sharp response there. “What time in the morning and have you enlightened our coworkers.”

[executivity]

Well, Archer may not be in the mood for jokes, but Petrel's attitude is ready to dish them out. Ah, but that tone guides him otherwise. If he wants this trip to be a relaxing one, or as relaxing as can be with a self-appointed prince on board, he'll have to dial down the sarcasm until they get there. With any luck, it'll brighten that storm over Archer's head.

"Six A.M. and no. I figured I'd test what they'd do if we up an' disappeared one day. Were yeh wantin' me to let 'em know?"

[timaeustestifing-blog]

"Did you book our flight."

[executivity]

"Our flight? Don't tell me yeh thought I was bein' serious about goin'."

A minute smirk as he waits for a reaction, one he assumes is destined to be comprised of frustration and disappointment. "Kiddin'. 'Course I booked it. We leave in the mornin' so yer goin' to have to cut yer beauty sleep short."

[timaeustestifing-blog]

That would be a greeting card that would never see the light of day.

"Hilarious." His words, drained of any humor, were dry as he glanced over. Sitting beside him? How bold. Surely he knew that making snide commentary and getting close could be a bad idea, no? It wasn’t like Archer could just reach over and hit him or scream in his ear or anything. Of course, it’s not like he would, as he usually got up and needed to be standing when distraught, but well; who knew. One thing might tip him over and he might just leap across the sofa to attack. Good thing a new subject was brought to the table, however.

"I have a few plans, yes." One leg crossing over the other, he leaned forward; elbows nestling into his thighs. " I’m assuming you want to hear them as well.”

[executivity]

Seeing as Archer made it clear he had very little interest in the subject at hand when it was pointed in his direction, he decided to let it die. There was no point in continuing a topic that created more tension than there already was. Sitting beside him, however, was no danger in Petrel's eyes. If he were yelled at, big deal. If he were attacked, he knew he wouldn't be wounded too badly. He was well aware of Archer's loud bark and unsheatheable claws.

Letting his cigarette root from his lips alone, his hand moved freely to his side and stretched across the fabric beside him. His gaze shifted to the side to take in the new seating arrangement and raise a mocking brow towards his sharp tongued companion. "I'm not askin' fer the satisfaction of hearin' myself talk." In Petrel's words, that was a yes.       

[timaeustestifing-blog]

Doing so might be fun and fantastic, but the counter it would have wouldn’t be as much. Having naked grunts in his room cleaning not only would spark and ignite his fury, but also leaving him feeling exposed. It was one thing to have someone in his personal space when invited or asked for, but unannounced or without his knowing? Not a very pleasant occurrence considering he had things in there he didn’t want anyone to take a gander at or gaze upon. 

"That’s unneeded."

Eyelids casting their curtains against his vision, he remained seated while digits prodded and poked around the inside of the pocket. Had he any mind to suggest that this would look far more unbearable to the eyes of those who were just looking to spread nasty gossip, he’d enlighten Petrel that he should probably be more subtle about it. However, considering he didn’t have the capacity to really care what others thought and knew he could dispel whatever they said quickly, he simple released another sigh. “Your smoking is dreadful.” A hand extended to give a wave to the air before him once the habit was lit and the toxins released. “Surely you could have picked a different disgusting habit to involve yourself in.”

[executivity]

Darn. Such a sight would be a fantastic holiday card. A bunch of naked grunts in nothing but Christmas hats, holding up Archer's frilly designer underwear as he's caught mid-shout in the background. Ah look. He's gone and distracted himself at the very thought of it.

Blinking back down to attention at the movement of another's hand, he tilted his head as if shrugging. "Better'n bein' hot headed." A slight stab at Archers habit of going off the handle about small things. As if he's one to talk, what with getting all upset over his pokemon being called hideous.

Finally deciding to get off his feet, he moved to the side and settled down against the couch arm opposite Archer. "Any plans while the boss is away? Or are we takin' a break from real work?"      

[timaeustestifing-blog]

Pretending to be him would only get him into even more trouble if not completely create a hold in their companionship. It was one thing to do it for a job or whenever he needed it, but to do it in a mocking fashion or a devious way? He wouldn’t handle such disrespect, not even in the slightest amounts. Vocal acting, facial acting, even dressing as him, were all mockery; a thing he held much distaste for.

"I can think of a few embarrassing things you’ve said and done compared to both myself and others." Probably more than a few, but he’d leave it at that. No use in fighting about it when he wasn’t in the mood to go through a bunch of accusations or defenses.

Eyes narrowing in, he watched as he moved in closer and lifted his hand toward the pocket. While it might be strange and while he would usually push away had it been anyone else, he remained where he was, lip giving a slight twitch. “Did you forget your Pokemon.”

[executivity]

Ah, but pretending to be him would be so much fun. He could easily get on the P.A and announce that all the grunts were to have a clothing free day while they cleaned Archer's room, all in the very same voice as the male in front of him now.

"Heh. Maybe we should check the secutiry cameras to see who has more tally marks for embarrassin' moments." He was fairly sure it would be either a grunt or Proton, but if it came down to them it was likely Archer would refuse anything and everything as embarrassing. Petrel would still lose. How nice.

"Yeh know I don't keep my pokemon in my pants." Pants are too easy to lose. He would much rather keep them hidden somewhere safer than that. Slipping his fingers between the folds of fabric, he snaked his grip down into those leather pockets and fished out his pack of cigarettes. Flipping the top open, he brought the lighter out and lit one up. "Unless yeh forgot that little detail."

[timaeustestifing-blog]

              Maybe he did, maybe he didn’t. Quite honestly he hadn’t been thinking as far as the punishment would go. He knew it was embarrassing to be seen without your trousers, that much was certain, and he did know Petrel had issues with his body image, but to think about it further? No, he didn’t have the time to do that at their current stand point. He was in far too much distress over the earlier happening to cause misery to another. That would come later when he was feeling more secure and better about himself.

                Digits coating the button of his new, saggy jeans inside it’s respective slit, he extended his touch to the zipper, pulling it up. “Is there something wrong with being seen beside me without your pants on.” His vocals remaining a strict note, yet words a daunting jab right back into the shithead, he stepped toward the couch before carefully placing himself on a dry space. “Surely it’s not like anyone hasn’t seen it before. After all, you too occasionally have drunken wine stupors.” Truth be told, he was aware that vast majority of the workers in the headquarters drank, Petrel included. Now as far as all who partook stripping down, he wasn’t certain, though a lie wasn’t something he protested against making.

"Learn how to." 

[executivity]

Excellent. That could only mean there was more punishment to come when things got settled and Petrel thought revenge was a thing of the past. Of course, doing so only spurred the possibility of a double revenge, as Petrel might be caught in the wrong mood. It would be unwise of Archer to pick a fight with someone who knew how to dress and act like him. 

Sticking his socked feet back into his boots, the shortened length of pants was now hidden. Idly rubbing his outer ankle against the inside of his interior shoe, he watched Archer try to turn the drunken stupor comment back on him. "Even intoxicated I don't embarrass myself the way you do." 

With a pause, his eyes traveled own Archer's body to his own pants upon his legs. Something was wrong. His own hand outstretching once more, he reached forward and started for the pocket. Pay no mind to the invasion of personal space. 

[timaeustestifing-blog]

 A sigh is lifted as he glances to him and then the door. If anyone came in they’d probably say something, sure, but did it really matter? What were they going to do? Claim that they saw the executives taking their pants off in the most rigid and annoyed way possible? Try to lie and say there was more to it or that some secret scheme was going on beneath the works? What good would come from that other than rumors that would get everyone punished? The only possible threat there was to see them would be the other two top notches, and even then Archer alone could shut anything they would say right out the window. 

"Do you really care." Tone blunt, he slid himself from his own bottoms, body working itself in the easiest slide it could. Tight pants and water? Not a good combination, not ever. Not even when he was handing them over to his partner by carelessly tossing them out. "If you can fit into them, you can wear them. I expect them to be washed and dry cleaned back by tomorrow." While he spoke, he reached to the pants held out to him, fingers clinging against the cloth with a jerk as he pulled. Almost as if challenging the latter of spoken words, he dropped them, stepped through the parting and with a roll of his eyes wound their fabric up to the lace of fancied underwear. "My mother taught me how to do that, luckily. Pity no one else’s parents could do the same." A sarcastic comment, bid by with a sneer.

[executivity]

Did he really care? If anyone were to walk in, he'd feign indifference. It was such an ingrained habit in him, it might as well be said that the instinct to do so ran through his veins. Acting as if something was no big deal kept those who would mock at bay. It didn't stop him, however, from believing that Archer knew all too well about his aversion to being publicly seen in a way he didn't want. If anything, this had to be the shorter executives odd way of exacting revenge on him for spilling water upon his lap.

"Wouldn' want them thinkin' the wrong thing." A taunting reply for the snappy question. With the fabric leaving his held up hand, it moved to pluck the watered down pants. With a slight bend, he pried his leg from the floor and burrowed his foot into the dampness, only to repeat the process with the other and begin shimmying them up. While the task should have been difficult he was well accustomed to fitting into things he didn't belong in, as well as doing so uner tense situations. A little soaked cloth was no daunting task for him. Besides, being all skin and bones helped expedite the process, so much so that it almost appeared effortless.

"I don't know 'bout that. My folks never taught me dry cleanin'." Sarcasm, right back at him.        

[timaeustestifing-blog]

                              Valuable or not he’d have him gone. Some way. Some how. Even if it’d cost him a lot of effort and regret in the long run during a short fuse rage; he’d do it. Granted of course he’d probably wait for him to come back, check the list of new names who signed up everyday and ask around if he was back, but still. The threat remained the same. He would do what was needed to show authority. As top dog, it was just what was required when you fought to maintain respect.

This being taken into account, he remained bristled at the other, even when spoken to. “I can clean myself up perfectly fine. I don’t need your help to change my clothing.” Nose giving a slight turn, he moved away from him; hands brushing themselves over the front of his pants as he reached to their button. Changing in the middle of the room. Always a classy thing.  ”Give me your pants.”

[executivity]

In that case, it was a good thing Petrel would undoubtedly be back. Maybe not the first day or first week, but when he figured the time was good he'd make his way homeward.

"Yeh know, anyone walkin' in would get the wrong idea if they saw this." On top of that, it would undermine their authority if a grunt were to spot them in their underwear, stripping their pants off. That said, he did as he was told and began to drag them down. Glancing behind himself to the open doorway, he noted no one was watching. It wasn't exactly a comforting thought that someone could pop in at any second.

Stepping out of them in all his hairy, lanky legged glory, he held them out. "I'm guessin' yeh can dress yerself too."  

[honhonpokemon]

L’éclat l’éclat l’éclat.

[executivity]

"I think yeh got some glitter on... Everywhere. Murkrow like shiny stuff, yeh might want to get it off before the swarm comes flyin' in." 

[timaeustestifing-blog]

Drunken wine stupor? His top lip visibly curled back and he hissed, breath coming out in a sharp flick. “You’re lying.” As such a high ranked individual, though he didn’t doubt there were times he came out of his room without clothing and intoxicated, he would never admit to such. Even with a picture or video of proof, there would always be denial. Especially to someone who was using it against him and to be nothing more or less than a spiteful flea.

His expression growing more annoyed by the second, he extends his arm further out; only to stare in utter horror as it was tilted in his direction. While water splashes forth against his lap and chills the flesh beneath his clothing, he once more extorts a loud huff of air between slightly parted teeth. Had he been in any more deal of power, Petrel would be taken into a cell for a few days and kept in there for being not only moronic, but also vindictive. No one was allowed to do anything to him, even if their feelings are completely swindled, not even one of his own companions.

"Y-you!" He starts off, voice powering up in a higher pitch than usual. "IDIOT!" Hand coming up, he smacks the glass from the executive’s hands, eyes rounding and narrowing into a flare. "Do you think you can spill water on me and blame it on a mistake?! If you’re so upset about your feelings being hurt then perhaps I should tear the badge from your uniform and send you packing!" Throwing his index finger out, he prods it roughly in the midsection of Petrel’s chest, his own body starting to fluff out. Anger. Not his best trait. 

[executivity]

Luckily for Archer, he would never have to face denying video or picture proof. Petrel rarely took pictures, though if he took more, they would undoubtedly be embarrassing scenes he captured with a sneaky lens. Be that as it may, a new battle had begun, and the time for exchanging words over made up past events was dwindling further from sight. 

Like a hunter whose shot missed the bear and angered it, he sensed the danger of his actions rising moment by moment. Eyes following the glass through the air, he expected it to be cliche and smash to pieces upon the floor. Instead, it thumped the carpet with a dull tone and rolled against the wall where it sat to watch the drama unfold. Finger bringing his attention back to his coworker, he peered down at it and trailed up the arm to it's owners furious expression.

A moment of silence followed as he sized up that statement. There was no way he'd be sent packing. He was too valuable to Giovanni and even more so to Archer. It wasn't often one came across someone with his talents. Besides, the idea of Archer all by himself with Proton and Ariana was laughable. Petrel knew he wasn't the best company, but he had them beat at least. 

That said, he chose to back out of his prideful display, not out of fear of being kicked out, but because he was a people-pleaser at heart. He would cave to spare Archer's delicate, superficial ego and give him the benefit of feeling like he had some sort of power over another. 

"Yer right." An even tone to balance nicely with Archer's. "I went too far an' I'll make it up to yeh. How about we get yeh cleaned up an' some new water?"