ONXLOCV

[onxlocv]

aftermidnightmuses​:

Everything was going so well, this was a new experience for Harold. When it struck him, Nick was talking about how much they had in common. Holy forking shirt, this is really happening. The fact that he wasn’t very good with social skills was evident in his expression, which had already lost its usual calculated movements that came with him trying to mask ‘normal’ behavior. Inside he was awkward, there was no hiding from that when he wasn’t pretending. He picked up on the double meaning and felt his eyes relax a bit and he smiled again, nodding his head. 

“Well, we didn’t have much in my house, but we were fine in that sense. I didn’t fit in with my parents or my sister– she’s a beach. Everyone in town was like them. I’ve always kinda been on my own. I’m not really sure what got me into writing horror beyond reading and watching movies and thinking I wanted to do better. With science, I like chemistry. It’s interesting to me to put things together and watch them change.”

Things were still going really well. The smile returned. Awkwardly. “What about you? What about that long story you didn’t share before?”

Nick once again picked up on the shift in Harold’s expression and emotion. Breathing a sigh of relief, he smiled gently at the other man. The more they talked, the more obvious it became to Nick that it was likely no one had ever taken the time to truly talk to Harold as though he were a human being- to listen to his thoughts and feelings and experiences. Luckily, Nick was an incredibly patient person, one who genuinely aimed to help, and who genuinely cared. 

Nodding, Nick took in every detail of what Harold was describing. The more details that emerged, the clearer the picture in Nick’s head became. “That seems really tough, Harold. I’m sorry you had to go through that.” Leaning forward, Nick placed a gentle hand on top of Harold’s own, smiling softly as a means of encouraging him. “It’s obvious you’re really smart, that’s a great quality to have.” He assured, looking the other in his eyes. “Are those things you want to continue exploring here?” He asked. 

Harold’s smile warmed something within Nick, drawing one of his own. The question came and he raised his eyebrows, giving a slight shrug. “Well...I wouldn’t want to bore you, so I’ll keep this as brief as I can. I was born in a really tiny town called Caslin, Nebraska. My dad died before I was born, in a car accident. The same car accident that caused me to be born deaf. It was just mom and me for a while. We had...Each other, and not much else. My parents operated a small farm but after dad died, mom just couldn’t keep it up. She passed away when I was 6- she was hit by a car. She hadn’t ever sent me to school because I was deaf, so they weren’t really sure what to do with me. I ended up in a children’s home. It wasn’t all bad, I was alone most of the time, but that was alright. I did make friends, eventually, one in particular who taught me how to read and write. After that....The rest is history really. I was able to graduate high school, and even went to community college. Mostly, though, I just traveled. I turned 18 and had nothing. So...I figured the best thing was to create something. Discover something. I traveled around the country for a lot of years, working odd jobs and just...Trying to experience life. I was in Arkansas when...Well, I’m sure you know the rest.”

[onxlocv]

aftermidnightmuses​:

Harold wasn’t trying to push for anything overly physical, he was just willing to return the little bit they had gotten to. It wasn’t about being physical, it was a return of compassion. He didn’t take what Nick had said as anything malicious either, he was glad to hear that the other man didn’t want to hurt him. It just reminded him that he had some things to work on because he could and had wished harm on others before. This was progress. And he was smiling. Genuinely. It was different than what he’d looked like in Boulder when he was masking.

“I came across writing and science in school and just found that I really liked it, so I kept at them. Disco was something I found at home, just an abandoned record or two that I’d play when I was home alone. My sister made fun of me for it. I won’t laugh at you. I like them too, so anyway there’s nothing to laugh at. I like horror. I write horror too. I get into trying to figure out what’s going on, and being scared is kinda fun when it’s not real life.” He was signing and talking more than he had in a long time, letting out long sentence after sentence. “I like that science has rules, so once you know the rules you know what to expect. You can do big things with science too, it’s pretty cool.” He looked off for a moment, then admitted, “Powerful.” He nodded, then looked at Nick again. “Do you want me to start at the beginning?”

Nick paid keen and rapt attention while Harold spoke, taking in every detail he possibly could. He nodded periodically, filing away the information for later, to recall when it was most important. “That’s great, I’m glad you were able to find things that you were interested in, that you connected with. What’s your favorite kind of science?” Nick asked curiously. “Disco...I know what it is, obviously. In college, a couple of friends used to go hang out at a local disco club. It was pretty nifty.” He added, attempting to highlight to Harold that they had more common ground than perhaps he’d given credit to. Once the other admitted to also liking the same kind of movies, Nick smiled brightly, excited that it seemed they were able to find that same common ground so easily. “You write horror? That’s awesome. I really would love to read your stuff sometime, if you’re comfortable.” He added quickly, not wanting to embarrass the other or put him on the spot. Of course, Nick picked up on what Harold added at the end of his thought, though he did his best not to draw attention to what he was certain was a double meaning. “You’re right about that. But, that’s part of what makes it so cool. Science can do great things, or bad things. Just like people. It’s all about how you use it, right? And, just like people, science can always change course.” Adding a small wink to ensure Harold picked up on his meaning, Nick nodded. “i would love that, but start from wherever you are most comfortable, Harold.”

[onxlocv]

aftermidnightmuses​:

In this moment, despite all odd, the way that Mark responded and called to the person that Savitar once was coupled with the love spell and the scarred man  forgot to hold onto his grudge. He no longer had nothing, he had something, right here in front of him and he was spelled into not being able to be cynical about it. All of the anger and rage he had held onto for so long, and even the pain that had caused it was all out of sight, out of mind. It was something Savitar had thought he’d never have again. This peace. Mark responded to their kiss and he chuckled, immediately leaning in to steal another long kiss, followed by a few short aftershocks. He very nearly admitted to being in love right then and there, but thankfully something held him back and made him chuckle instead. As he leaned back just enough to look into the other man’s eyes, there were other things to say. “Any time, gladly. I’m glad you’re not afraid of me.” Oh, but the harm he was capable of. If Mark only knew. “What a day, huh?”

Just as it seemed his mind was catching up with what his body was experiencing, Savitar leaned in for another kiss, leaving Mark reacting solely on instinct, incapable of thinking about anything other than how great the whole encounter felt. Truly, he could kiss the other man all day, no questions and no second thoughts. Mark gazed back at Savitar when they parted, a pink hue tinting the apples of his cheeks as he ran his tongue across his lower lip. “Be careful what you offer, you might get tired of me.” While he was half-joking, there was an obvious hint of belief behind his tone and eyes. “Why would I be afraid of you? There’s no reason. In fact, I think you’re pretty great.” Smiling shyly, Mark moved to place one hand on Savitar’s chest. “You can say that again. I never would have expected...” Pausing, Mark’s eyes fell for just a moment before he brought them back up, something obviously on his mind. “Can I...Ask you something?” He asked. With Savitar’s permission, he continued. “I just can’t help but to wonder...Why me? Why today? Why now? I mean I...” Taking in a deep breath, Mark made the admission he’d been toying with making sine their meeting at the coffee shop. “I’ve seen you around. Before today, I mean. I’ve always wanted to talk to you, to offer dinner or a conversation or even a coffee but...” He shrugged. “I guess I really am a weenie.”

[onxlocv]

aftermidnightmuses​:

It took a moment for Mark to digest everything that Savitar said, which was why he had left it there and hadn’t gotten too far in detail on anything. He didn’t reveal anything about his villain origin story either, or his plan for vengeance. He wouldn’t tell Mark if he could help it, he knew that wasn’t something anyone would understand. He knew he was the villain, even if he didn’t see anything wrong with it because in his eyes, they deserved it. Then Mark was in his arms and he held the other man close, letting him draw comfort from him. The admission was surprising, he had thought he would never feel anything like this or hear anyone speak to him like that ever again. “It’s not insane, you’re talking to a guy with super powers- the impossible is possible here.” And with that, he kissed Mark. He just couldn’t wait anymore. Both hands cupped the other man’s cheek and he leaned in with a gentle affection, parting his lips to deepen the kiss and even coming back a second time after a breath to continue it. His insides went nuts, he felt anything but a dark villain in this moment.

The way Savitar responded to Mark brought a sense of comfort Mark hadn’t felt in years, perhaps dating further back than all that had happened in the Lot. Feeling someone’s arms around him, the warmth of another, while hearing his heartbeat so steadily...Mark could have stayed forever, just like this. It had been so long since he’d felt the touch of another, his body couldn’t help but to alight. “The impossible has always been possible...I used to believe that in such a positive context. But after everything I’ve seen....” Before he could work through the end of the sentence, Savitar’s hands were on his cheeks, and his lips were on Mark’s lips. At first, he felt himself freeze, unsure of how to respond. After no more than two seconds, though, his mind began to kick back in. Snaking his hands up Savitar’s chest, he brought them to rest on the man’s shoulders, his head tilting in perfect mirrored time with Savitar’s, not wanting the kiss to end. Of course it did, all too soon, and Mark felt as though he couldn’t do anything more than stare, wide-eyed and open-mouthed, hands still on the other man’s shoulders. “You kissed me.” He said, finally, willing his mind to catch up with their bodies. “You....We....Do it again, any time.”

[onxlocv]

aftermidnightmuses​:

Even Savitar was weak in the face of someone he loved looking at him with those questioning eyes. He could feel that the underlying question was will you hurt me? Mark should fear him, and if he knew what he was capable of, he would. But Savitar had no intention of hurting Mark, in fact he’d been telling the truth when he said he’d protect him. “More or less.” He replied when Mark had taken everything in. “Everything I do is related to my speed. I eat more, because my metabolism is faster. I have special protein bars for that. I can’t get drunk for longer than two seconds for the same reason. I saved the world quite a few times with my speed; I ran into a hydrogen molecule, I’ve run so fast I traveled through time, I’ve been to parallel universes.” He stepped closer, reaching his scarred hand up to touch Mark’s cheek. “I meant it when I said I’d protect you. I can, and I will.”

Mark hated the fact that his experiences had jaded him so much that he felt the need to ask such a question of the man who’d made him feel more in one conversation than he’d thought himself capable of. He nodded while Savitar spoke, The explanation was fascinating, and somewhere in the back of Mark’s mind, he filed each tidbit away to remember later. If things went well, and the two spent more time together in the future, Mark would eventually want to cook for him, for example. “Time travel...Parallel universes...” He repeated in a near-muted tone. When Savitar reached out to touch him, his warm skin coming in contact so gently with Mark’s own, while he spoke what Mark had wanted to hear for what felt like forever, he simply couldn’t stop himself. With a soft gasp, he closed the distance between them, wrapping his arms around Savitar’s waist, resting his head on his shoulder. “I’m sorry. I had to ask, but I’m sorry I did. I can’t explain it, but something....Something about you just feels so....Right. I know that’s insane. But, I thought you should know.”

[onxlocv]

aftermidnightmuses​:

The reaction was to be expected, and Savitar was smart enough to have expected it. For a moment, there was a hint of the man that wanted to be accepted to be seen, but even the love spell couldn’t change who he was at his core and there were walls he’d built between himself and the rest of the world. He stood tall, like he was proud in the face of being someone to fear. He had gone back in time to make an entire civilization worship him, but he didn’t enjoy this fear. 

“Do you remember when I said that some people think that the dark matter from the explosion at S.T.A.R Labs gave people abilities?” He let that sit for a few seconds, allowing the traumatized brain before him to catch up. “I was hit. I went into a coma and woke up like this.” Rapid blinking, like the more human version of himself, he realized he hadn’t quite spoken right and raised his hand to point out his scarring again. “Not like this, but–” He zipped over to the table, grabbed Mark’s coffee, then carried it to him at lightning speed, holding it out to offer it to him. “–A lot has happened since, but the super speed is from the Particle Accelerator. I’ve seen a few others like me with super speed, someone with weather manipulation, ice manipulation, sonic vibrations… Some are heroes, some villains. There aren’t a lot of us, but enough that I’ve run into a few.”

He wondered if he’d have to hold Mark against his will to keep him, and if he was willing to cross that line. The obsession of a love spell and his sinister mindset before it were a tricky combination. Things had been so nice before, of course Barry Allen had to go and ruin it without even trying.

Mark listened to Savitar’s explanation, eyes widening as he willed his knees not to buckle. Taking in all that he’d been told, he began to work on processing what had happened, and what had been revealed. He blinked quickly several times as his mind caught up with the conversation at hand, now flashing back to the conversation he’d been having only a few unbelievable moments before. “Y-you...” He began, obviously attempting to work things out. After a moment, he brought his eyes back up to meet Savitar’s, taking a step forward. “You...You’re fast. That’s an understatement. But you...” Closing his eyes, Mark took in a breath, trying to steady himself. “Is that all you do?”

[onxlocv]

aftermidnightmuses​:

Just as things were really starting to feel like they’d gotten somewhere and had known each other for a lifetime, reality came knocking. Savitar had been here for a reason before the love spell hit him and detoured him, and that reason came walking around the corner and would see him soon if he didn’t do something about it. It was Barry Allen, ‘the real Barry Allen’ of this timeline. Not a scarred time remnant, like Savitar. If Mark saw him, he’d see someone that looked exactly like Savitar without the burn scars and scowl. 

Thinking fast, he whispered, “We have to go” before he used his position holding onto Mark to quickly scoop him up, grab their coffees, and zip off faster than the speed of light. If Barry Allen saw him, his entire plan was ruined, he had to leave and it had to be that fast. He didn’t stop until they were back in his secret lair, and he put the coffees down and held Mark in a way that would make it easier for him to deal with the stop. Love spell or not, he knew Mark would have questions and might even try to leave- Savitar wasn’t above holding him captive if he had to. He waited for the questions to come, unsure of what exactly to say when he knew the full truth. The last thing he had prepared for was a speech about how he was an evil villain in the face of someone he wanted to keep close.

When Savitar leaned in, Mark’s heartbeat quickened, his eyes falling to Savitar’s lips briefly (despite how ridiculous that fact made him feel). Though, the reality of what actually happened smacked him in the face like a ton of bricks. There was no time to even begin processing, let alone to react. One moment he’d been sitting in a coffee shop, extremely close to the first person he’d taken an interest in for years, daydreaming that perhaps he was about to be kissed. The next, he found himself somewhere...Somewhere; he couldn’t have even begun to guess where. Looking around, he tried to take in everything, realizing he seemed to be in some sort of...Lab? His eyes found their way back to Savitar, glancing down before landing. “I-You- You’re carrying me.” In his shocked state, Mark simply opened his mouth, and his first thought came out. Blushing, he shook his head, the weight of what he’d just experienced beginning to rear. “Uh...Wh-What just happened?” He asked, color draining from his face as he swallowed hard, nearly choking on his own tongue. His mind flashed immediately to the speed at which the creatures he’d faced down in the Lot moved, causing his stomach to tighten and churn, his tongue turned to sandpaper, and his palms began to sweat. “Wh-What did you....”

[onxlocv]

aftermidnightmuses​:

To an onlooker it might look strange, but they had begun a pattern of affectionate touching where Nick was touching Harold while he spoke and vice versa when Nick spoke. Repeating what others did was how Harold found what the appropriate thing to do was, and he often rehearsed important moments in his life to make sure that he gave the impression that he wanted to. Nick kept touching him, so he wanted to touch back to return the comfort and become more comfortable with each other. 

Nick spoke about not hurting him and the intrusive image of a bomb flashed through his mind. The guilt wasn’t just going to disappear, but it was a good thing that he felt bad for what he had done. Imagine if the two were soulmates and he didn’t regret what he’d done. He said nothing though and let it pass.

“All of it, I want to know all about you. You like to read? I write. Short horror stories. I used to send them in, trying to get published. I like disco and science. What movies do you like?”

The fact that Harold so readily allowed Nick’s touches told the man a good part of what he needed to know. While some might have viewed Harold Lauder as a vile, monstrous, unfeeling man, the truth of the matter was beginning to reveal itself- both in the statements Harold made, as well as in those he didn’t. Comfortable with and appreciative of the affection, Nick made sure to keep it up on his end as well. While they were only just really getting to know each other, and while he wasn’t intending to dive into anything super physical head-first, Nick trusted the path he’d been placed on, trusted that the man sitting across from him was his soulmate, and that that was for a reason. It wasn’t something the man could so easily ignore, especially not when the kind of connection he’d been craving his whole life was placed before him on a silver platter, universe approved. 

As he made the comment, it dawned on Nick how Harold might take his mention of not wanting to hurt him, though he hoped the other understood that he meant no harm and had no ulterior meaning. The moment they’d bee informed of their soulmate status, Nick had made up his mind (whether consciously or not) that he’d need to begin working on letting go of even the smallest amount of bitterness or resentment towards the other. Everyone had a past, and Nick was determined not to allow theirs to cast a shadow on their present and....Future. 

Laughing, Nick nodded. “That’s a long story, you may not know what you’re in for. I’m happy to tell you, though. No one has really ever asked me before, either. Not in depth. Not all of it.” Shrugging, Nick’s smile tightened before he found himself opening up again. “I do love reading! You write? That’s incredible, Harold! Is that something you’d like to continue to do here? I mean, we’re in paradise! I’m sure you could get your work out there, and that people would greatly appreciate reading it! I know I’d love to, if you’re comfortable.” He added hastily, wanting to show his support but not come on too strong for fear of embarrassing the other. “Disco and science- what a combination. It’s cool though, that’s not something you hear a whole lot these days. What got you into those things?” He asked, pressing for more information while not coming across as overly-aggressive or intrusive. “Oh, I love all kinds of movies! I’ll watch just about anything once. But...Don’t laugh at me, but I have to say some of my favorites are those really cheesy B-roll horror movies. There’s just something about them I’ve always really liked. What about you, Harold? What movies are you into?”

[onxlocv]

aftermidnightmuses​:

Nick kept touching him and encouraging him, so Harold felt pretty good about how things were going. Nick was already nicer to him in one conversation than anyone had been to him his entire life, so they were already dangerously close to Harold falling head over heels. It had taken him much less to fall before. It did make Harold hang on every word, he was attentive and alert, actively participating even when he wasn’t speaking. At the end of it all, he thought about what had been said and what had been asked before answering.

“I think you’re right, and I think you deserve to know more about me either way. I’ll tell you everything, I don’t mind.” Maybe it’d be a load off, and maybe it’d help Nick understand him better. “I want to know about where you came from too.” He thought to ask something positive. “What do you like to do?”

Being nice to everyone around him had always come easily to Nick, though it wasn’t as though anyone had ever specifically taught him to be that way. In fact, his life had been the furthest thing from easy, but somehow, through it all, his experiences had made him kind. He supposed, in a way, that was part of what made him and Harold work as soulmates- they were opposite sides of the same coin in many ways- the majority of which Nick had the feeling they hadn’t discovered yet. Truthfully, the gentle touches and encouragement he gave Harold made him feel just as great; it wasn’t as though he’d had a ton of touch or comfort throughout his own life, either. 

Nick smiled at Harold’s willingness to open up, and he began to rub his thumb gently over the fabric of Harold’s jeans as he spoke, doing his best to be both reassuring and calming. “I appreciate that, Harold. Thank you for being so willing to share. I promise, I won’t ever use anything you tell me against you. My goal is never to hurt anyone, but as my soulmate, you most of all.” Nodding gently, Nick’s expression only continued to soften. The first comment came and Nick paused, taking in a breath before giving a brief explanation- after all, he got the feeling that the question about his past hadn’t necessarily been meant to trigger his life story- at least, not in the moment. And, the comment had been followed by a positive question, one that Nick enjoyed answering. “As far as where I came from- that depends on what part of my life you’re asking about. Originally, I’m from a tiny town called Caslin- it’s in Nebraska. As far as what I like to do...A lot of things, really. I like to read. Garden. Bake. Hike. Watch movies. What about you, Harold? What are some of your hobbies?”

[onxlocv]

aftermidnightmuses​:

“I do,” he signed back easily, nodding to emphasize. “You should hear it more often, there aren’t a lot of people out there like you. There might not be any. I sure the fork didn’t meet any.  It’s no wonder you’re here, you belong here.” In the Good Place. The talk about his own experiences got under his skin a little, not that it was a bad thing for Nick to bring up, just that he was absolutely right and it bothered Harold to the core. What he’d lived through had obviously soured him and there was definitely still plenty inside of him that needed to be healed. And then Nick was asking what he’d been up to and checking up on him in ways that nobody else ever had. Not even his parents, Harold had taught himself how to brush his teeth and wash his hair, he’d even had to fend for himself for food. Outwardly, he didn’t have the capacity to really hide that either, he was surprised by a new experience. But a good surprised. 

“You really care.” Astonishing. “Maybe we really are soulmates. I haven’t been doing much, really. And I haven’t been here long.” He didn’t have to do anything, he was already dead, so he couldn’t bring himself to. He already looked much more alive though, just in the time since they’d met here. “I could cook for us. I know how. I’m pretty good at it, actually. How long have you been here? I’d think just a little bit longer than me, but time is probably meaningless here, so…. who knows? You already seem like an expert at the afterlife thing.” He shrugged, a little less outgoingly confident and a little more natural Harold. “And yeah… we can talk about me. Whenever. I’ll answer anything you ask, any time.”

At the continued praise, Nick couldn’t help but to smile a bit awkwardly. He’d been telling the truth when he’d said praise wasn’t something he often received. For the most part, that had been because there were so few people who knew how to actually communicate with him- but, that was a thought for another time. “You’re sweet, Harold.” He signed with a soft smile. “Thank you. That means a lot. I’m not so sure I do belong here, not in the ways you seem to be so convinced of, but I still appreciate you thinking and saying so.” Once more, Nick reached forward to pat Harold’s knee reassuringly. Since meeting the other, he’d always had the sense that something was off. Unlike the perceptions held by the majority of others, Nick couldn’t bring himself to believe that was a terrible thing. But, it certainly piqued his curiosity about Harold, about all he’d been through, about what had lead him here, and about what he could do to help. Nick put his all into everything he did, and the relationship he was meant to build with Harold based on their soulmate status was certainly no exception. 

He watched as Harold answered his question, chewing the inside of his lip while the response tumbled through his head. “Was that a question?” He asked once the other had finished. “Of course I care Harold. Maybe I didn’t do the best job of displaying that in Boulder, but it has always been true.” There was a sincerity in Nick’s face that only solidified the facts. That smile reappeared at Harold’s offer to cook, and Nick nodded in response. “I would like that, Harold. Make whatever you’d like to make, I’m sure it will be great. I just want to make sure you’re doing alright. That you’re taking care of yourself- or, that you’re taken care of in general.” The word choice was purposeful in that moment, as Nick allowed Harold to realize as gently as possible what some of the struggles he’d already observed the other having were. It was obvious that his mention of Harold’s past and personal life brought a sense of hesitation, or perhaps an outright want to avoid the topic, though the other still conceded that he would be willing to share with Nick. In an attempt to encourage the other, to let him know the question wasn’t coming from a place of judgement, he responded just as carefully. “I’m happy you’re willing to share with me Harold. That’s important. Even though it might not be comfortable, I think it’s helpful for both of us to have a little more background. It’s important that we know how to best care for each other, as soulmates. Don’t you think? I want you to know you can ask me anything, too. I’ll always be open and honest, nothing is off-limits. Would it make you more comfortable to ask me a few things first?”

[onxlocv]

aftermidnightmuses​:

The feeling of Nick’s hand on his own drew his full attention and he found himself staring down at them until the other man withdrew his hands again to sign and his eyes bounced back up with them. With all of this positive reinforcement, it was bound to stick eventually. It wasn’t hard to convince Harold that he deserved more than he was giving himself, he was an entitled coward, in just a few words. Besides, the kind of atonement he needed to do wasn’t something that would happen overnight or be earned overnight. What Nick was saying was too important and his thoughts on the matter too intrusive to cling to what he’d done when he was alive or the accidental bumping of knees. 

It was nice that Nick didn’t mind, though. So what did Harold want? What was he thinking? With the same kind of rehearsed pose and posturing he’d used in Bolder when he addressed the city, Harold rose to sit up straight and tried to appear confident.

“I’d like to stay here. If you don’t mind. It was… very weird, waking up here. And they uh… put me in a camping trailer. I’m supposed to really like minimalist camping, I guess.” There were a few pretty big admittances there, one of which was the isolated, small housing he’d been given. It was an innocent enough thing, but it only fueled his feeling like he was different and didn’t belong here. That was on purpose, but they’d have no way to know that. “I think– and this might be too much to say– but I think you’re pretty forking amazing. I’ve been surrounded by beaches my whole life. And here you are.”

Nick allowed Harold the time he needed to process the touch, having the suspicion that positive, comforting touch wasn’t something the other had often experienced. Once the time had been taken, Nick waited patiently for the other to respond to his question. Of course he had his own thoughts and opinions, though he surely didn’t want any of that to influence the other. He’d recognized early on, back in Boulder, just how prone Harold was to following the lead of others- now, he suspected that had a lot to do with the other man’s yearning to be accepted, to appear as what he might have considered ‘normal’. It was obvious, even from their brief snippets of conversation up to this point, that the other had realized the path he’d followed hadn’t been the right one. And, aside from the general forgiveness and grace he granted everyone he met, Nick couldn’t help but to soften at the knowledge that it was likely Harold hadn’t ever had an alternative option explained or available. While the fact certainly didn’t completely cancel out the acts Harold had carried out in life, it did shed enough of a light on the situation for Nick to understand that here, in a different place, with positive influences and the ability to experience a side of things he hadn’t before, the outcome had the potential to be vastly different. 

Nodding, Nick pondered all that Harold had shared with him in his response, considering where he might take the information. Finally, Nick raised his hands again, beginning to sign. “I’m glad you shared that with me, Harold. Believe it or not, my response was going to be that I think it would be best for you to stay here. Now, knowing the alternative, I am sure of it.” Nick maintained eye contact as he spoke, wanting Harold to understand that he meant every word. The praise came and Nick blushed, raising his eyebrows slightly. “Really? You think that? Thank you. I don’t get told that often, so...It’s nice. It seems like you’ve had some...Not so positive experiences Harold. I want to talk more about that, if you’re comfortable. I think it would be helpful for us both- for you to get it out, and for me to understand better what it is you need. And, if we’re soulmates, and going to be living together...It would only make sense for us to get to know each other much better. If you’re up for it. First thing’s first, though. Are you hungry? Have you been eating? Sleeping? Tell me about what you’ve been doing since you woke up here.”

[onxlocv]

aftermidnightmuses​:

It became clearer and clearer that Nick was nothing like anything that Harold was used to. The guilt inside of him wanted to grow because of that, knowing that he had killed a good man and now looking at it from a new angle, but every time his guilt reared its head, Nick would tell it to go away. Like now, leaving Harold almost dumbfounded but he nodded his response and signed “Yes.” It was all he could do, he’d already said too much. He understood. 

Then they were inside and the other man had guided them to the couch. He’d only ever sat like this with someone else a few times, and this already felt different. He watched Nick sign his response and nodded appropriately, The cynic in him wondered if the reason Nick accepted him so easily was because his standards were so low, but he hushed that thought because he could tell that the other man was just being genuine- and Harold himself had the same low standards, if he was honest with himself. It was the simplicity of what he wanted and never seemed to get that had pissed him off so much, he wasn’t asking for too much. 

“No,” he replied quickly and awkwardly, then shook his head. “It’s not lame at all, I get it. I like it. I mean, I think it’s a good idea.” Scooting closer, their knees touched and he instinctively reached out to touch Nick’s knees like someone that was used to knocking things over. “What should we do from here? Do you… want me to stay here?”

After he’d answered Harold’s question, Nick searched the other man’s face for any sign of a response. It dawned on him the irony of the situation- ten minutes ago, he wouldn’t have been nearly as invested in Harold’s response to his answer. Not that he wouldn’t have cared, but rather that he approached that care differently now that he’d been made aware they were soulmates. Nick couldn’t say he felt love at first sight (nevermind the fact that this certainly wasn’t his first time seeing Harold), but he certainly felt something just a bit stronger than the general care he’d felt before. 

Once Harold formulated his response, Nick breathed something akin to a sigh of relief. Conversations like this one weren’t familiar to Nick, though he’d often wondered what it might be like when he did have this conversation with someone who truly mattered in the outcome. When Harold’s knees brushed against Nick’s own, it was obvious the other felt as though he’d made some sort of mistake that needed to be corrected. Slowly, Nick leaned over to place his hand on top of Harold’s, assuring him that there was no need to correct anything. “You’re alright, Harold. It’s all alright.” He signed, looking the other in the eye as he did. Considering the question, Nick paused, thoughts swirling as he thought about how he might answer. “I have an answer to your question, Harold, and I’m happy to share it with you. But first...Tell me what you want. What are you thinking? I don’t want to be the one making all the decisions. This is your life- afterlife- too.”

[onxlocv]

aftermidnightmuses​:

“That just makes you more adorable,” Patrick continued, living for the way Dave’s cheeks lit up with that pink blush. “You underestimate yourself.” 

The shiver made him keep up the contact, continuing to card his fingers through Dave’s hair. His fingers would glide down smoothly, then graze back up. “Same old, same old, okay, and a shrug- we’ll have to change that. Come out with me. What’s something you’ve always wanted to try to do but never done? Life’s too short and you’re too handsome.” Mischief was written on every feature, and he leaned in until their foreheads touched. “I’m glad I ran into you, you’re just the guy I wanted to see.” Just as many might underestimate Dave for his ability to be soft, Patrick could be much sweeter than the promiscuous image he portrayed himself to be. 

Patrick’s words hit and Dave smiled shyly, falling into both the tone of Patrick’s voice and the warmth coming from his body. “I’m not so sure about that, but I guess I’ll have to take your word for it.” He replied softly. 

Dave was aware that the shiver wasn’t something he could have hidden, even if he’d tried. It had been so long since he’d felt this kind of touch, closeness, and affection from anyone, and no matter how much he told himself he shouldn’t fall into it too heavily, for fear of never knowing when it might end, he simply couldn’t stop himself from enjoying the feeling he’d craved for so long. “I...” Dave’s eyebrows raised as he considered both the offer and the question. “That’s...I mean I wouldn’t even know where to start. I’m okay, really. I’m happy just being with you.” The admission slipped in a way he hadn’t necessarily intended for it to, only reddening his cheeks. “I mean...Anything you’d like to do, I would love.” Choices weren’t necessarily easy for Dave. Before he could process the compliments Patrick gave so freely, the other man’s forehead was touching his own, and Dave felt himself go weak in the knees. “Me? Handsome? You must have been looking at yourself. Really, though, I’m glad I ran into you too, Patrick. I’ve been thinking of you, I hoped you were doing well. I was going to text you to ask if you wanted to do something later.”

[onxlocv]

aftermidnightmuses​:

It had been almost a week since the breakup, and though it had been amicable, Kurt missed the other man more than he could say. He’d become so accustomed to sleeping with someone else in bed with him that he couldn’t get to sleep now, no matter what he did.

In the week since the breakup, he’d gotten maybe a total of four hours of deep sleep. It was beginning to really make life difficult. He was tired during the day, forgetful, and there were moments when he even thought he was hallucinating a little bit.

So when bedtime came and he found himself in his pajamas, staring at an empty bed, he pulled out his phone and opened up an empty text. He thought about it, but couldn’t come up with words, so he slid his phone into his pocket and made his way out of his house instead. Knocking on the door of someone he hoped would help, he waited, then overcame his utter embarrassment about the whole situation in order to speak. “I know I shouldn’t be here, and I’m sorry, but.. I haven’t been able to sleep. Can I.. come in, please?”

Now that his career was picking up, sleep wasn’t something Elliott always had the privilege of getting, though when he was able, it was something he cherished. So much so that despite the fact that it was only 10:00 PM on a Friday night, he’d already completed his before-bed routine, having just finished brushing his teeth after slipping into his pajamas, and washing his face. He’d made his way back downstairs for a glass of water, and had only just flipped off his kitchen light when the sound of a knock at the door startled him. Brow furrowing, Elliott stepped to the front entrance, unlocking the door slowly before opening it. He couldn’t hide the shock on his face at the fact that it was none other than Kurt Hummel positioned on the other side. “Kurt?” He asked, obviously confused. Then, the other spoke, and realization began to slowly dawn on him. “Who said you shouldn’t be here?” He asked, stepping aside to allow the other into his home. “That shouldn’t even be a question. You’re always welcome here.” Once Kurt had made his way inside, Elliott replaced the lock on the door before turning back towards him. “I’m sorry it’s so dark, I was heading up to bed myself. We don’t have to do that, though, if you’d rather talk. Or...Whatever you’d like to do, really. Just say the word.”

[onxlocv]

aftermidnightmuses​:

An interesting question, for sure; what made Hedwig want to do any of the things they did? Existential crisis seemed a bit too on the nose and wasn’t something they’d quite come to terms with yet. The crisis had been had, an answer had been reached, a metamorphosis some might say. “What does a butterfly say after freeing itself of its old, protective cocoon?” They replied, then shrugged. “You wouldn’t understand.” For understanding, there would need to be quite a bit more storytelling. Holding the jacket close, they watched the other man move about as if they were in another reality, or looking through glass. It was all foggy and unreal, like a movie or a dream. 

Then they were inside and the moment the lights flicked on, Hedwig blinked and felt themselves ground a bit more in reality. Now they could feel the itch from wearing that wig 24/7, and bringing a hand up to scratch dropped a few bobby pins. The sound caught their attention and though they’d been near non-responsive when they were found, they were hyper-alert now and the sound almost made them jump. 

This next question was a bit easier to answer, though of course Hedwig could make anything difficult. They had seemingly collected themselves a bit and took a moment to gracefully -as if they weren’t such a mess- step towards somewhere that they could glide into a seated position. Their eyes never left Hort. “My name is Hedwig Robinson,” again, the thick accent. “Though the truth is, neither name is mine. I took my mother’s name when I left Germany and my ex husband’s when we married in the great US of A.” The thick accent was coated in bitterness, but a flippant kind that said there was some kind of movement away from that pain. They had gone through great personal growth tonight. “I’m sure you’ve noticed, my birth name wouldn’t do for a legal marriage in The States, at the time.” They had been naked, there was no way that it wasn’t obvious that they were built like a Ken doll, complete with botched genitals. Of course, now not only was the wall down so they could have escaped without a man, the laws against gay marriage were down as well. What a big fuck you that had been from the world. “I’m a musician, you may have heard of me.” Probably not. Tommy Gnosis had taken full credit for their lyrics and music, leaving them trailing angrily and performing at buffets. “You could say the clothes were a cocoon and I’ve emerged something new entirely.” 

Hort’s eyes followed the others’ movements closely, brows furrowed as he attempted to work out the phrases that were being thrown his way. Sighing, he ran a hand over his tired face, shaking his head. The day had been long, and rough, and before this he’d had nothing more on his mind than his arrival at home where he had a nicely marbled cut of steak and a case of beer waiting. “You’d be surprised at the things I understand.” He retorted, a bit of a bite in his tone. For the entirety of his life, Hort had been underestimated in every way possible, looked down upon and trampled over for his lineage, his name, his looks, and everything else in-between. 

The change in the other was obvious the moment the shop lights flickered to life, and Hort’s eyes followed as several bobby pins clinked to the floor. “Alrighty then.” He commented simply, shaking his head as he made his way through the racks at the front of the shop. Glancing back at the others’ figure, he turned back to the clothing display he’d so meticulously set up only a few hours earlier, running his fingers lightly over the fabrics. 

As the other took their seat with such a dramatic flair, Hort couldn’t help but to be transported back to a time in which he’d worked incredibly hard to make himself forget. A snort escaped him at the thought; he simply couldn’t hold back. “Hedwig.” He repeated, taking another step towards another rack. The accent hadn’t escaped him, though details like that had always seemed so frivolous to him that he couldn’t quite place it. The answer soon came in another part of the others’ response. Unable to stop himself, Hort blurted, “Germany? What was that like?” The bitterness lacing Hedwig’s tone also wasn’t lost upon him, though that tidbit was something he pocketed and filed for later. The admission that the other was a musician brought a raise of Hort’s brows. “A musician huh? Ya shouldn’t be offended if I ain’t heard of ya. I’m pretty new around here. And....Music ain’t exactly easy to come by in my neck of the woods.” He explained, smiling to himself at the small, inside joke he’d made. “You any good?” He asked, pulling several garments from the rack and taking a step towards Hedwig. “Well, out with the old and in with the new, as they say somewhere. Try this cocoon on for size.”

[onxlocv]

aftermidnightmuses​:

True to form, Dave asked how he was. It never ceased to amaze Patrick, and he could feel his heart swelling because there was hope again that he might find what he’d been looking for. He had no idea that they had both almost died, but he could feel something familiar when he was around the other man. The way Dave always blushed and found interest in him was endearing, beyond endearing. It might be the best thing this world had shown him, and it showed on his face in a matched interest level. 

“You,” he started and then both arms raised, wrapping around the other man’s shoulders unashamedly. “are adorable. Also the first person to ask me that in a while.” Personal space was optional with Patrick, he drew one hand through Dave’s hair at the back of his head. “I can’t complain. How are you?”

Given his stature, the majority of people were shocked at how introverted Dave had become. When it came to his job, and those who knew him, he tried his best to remain as open as he always had been, though that wasn’t always successful. When it came to matters of the heart, however, it was nearly an impossible feat for him to be anything other than down. Still, he hated to show it. Patrick had swept into Dave’s life as gracefully as possible, and while Dave spent the first several weeks of their interaction convinced Patrick would look just as grateful, and that much more beautiful, when he finally opened his eyes and chose to sweep back out of it. And yet...Here they were. 

When Patrick wrapped his arms around his shoulders, Dave blushed harder, eyes dropping momentarily before returning the other man’s gaze. “I am? I...Wasn’t trying to be.” He admitted with a half-smile. Though, it was followed by a shake of his head and a furrowing of his brow. “That’s not okay. You deserve to be asked. More than once. I’ll ask you that more often.” Nodding, Dave added a sense of finality to his words. He shivered at the feeling of Patrick’s fingers through his hair, and he willed himself to maintain concentration on the conversation at hand. “That’s good, but it could be better. Is there anything I can do? I’m okay, same old same old.” Dave replied with a shrug.

[onxlocv]

aftermidnightmuses​:

With Mark leaning into him, Savitar smoothly moved their entangled hands so that they never unlinked and he could still wrap an arm around the other man to hold him. This was exactly the situation that had been his downfall- he had been a man in love, willing to do anything to protect the person he loved. Despite having already lived through a reality where he failed that mission once before and had to live afterwards, he should have felt much more tense about this, but the love spell wore down all of his rough edges and inhibitions. “You’d be surprised how I feel about crazy, I’ve been through some crazy things myself.” He rubbed Mark’s fingers with his own, some of his fingers smooth and others scarred. “I wasn’t born this handsome,” he joked, hoping to lighten the mood a bit. “I’m serious.” The answer came quickly, and it was followed by a firmer grip on Mark’s shaking hands. “I do want that. I’d like your company, and I’d like to make you feel safe. So why not?” Maybe the giant suit of armor in his secret, hidden villain lair that he called home. But again, he’d think about that later.

When Savitar moved to wrap an arm around him, Mark very nearly sighed. It had been far, far too long since he’d felt such a touch from another, and the truth was he hadn’t ever in this way. His eyes flickered to the other as he spoke vaguely of his own experiences, and he blinked slowly as he attempted to determine whether or not to fully divulge the truth of what he’d faced. The feeling of Savitar’s fingers rubbing over his own was soothing, and brought a bit more of a relaxed state to Mark’s shoulders. The self-depreciating comment landed and Mark shook his head, brows furrowing as he looked Savitar square in the eye. “You can’t fool me with that. It would take a lot more than years for anyone to be as handsome as you.” Mark’s lower lip found it’s way briefly between his teeth. He looked back up at his companion, nodding slowly. “I would...Really like that, Savitar. I know it’s probably....But, there’s something about you. I want nothing more than to continue being near you.”