@kingofthewilds asked: Okay, okay, got it. Let's go with 75 and romantic Gordon/Valentine, and 55 with romantic Dohko/Kagaho? :O I don't think you're written either one before, so something new amongst the spoopy! :D Thanks so much Dreamy~
(Mentioned abuse of a now adult person!)
Valentine groans, setting his head gently on the steering wheel. Gordon regards him with some trepidation.
"What's the verdict?" He rumbles softly. Valentine peers at him through the curtain of his pink hair, and Gordon reaches over, setting a gentle hand on the back of Valentine's slender neck.
[[MORE]]
“I can’t get a signal on my phone, the car is dead, and I’m pretty sure we’re out of matches.” Valentine says flatly. Gordon blinks, thinking about that.
"Why are the matches significant?" He wants to know. More to the point, though; "Do you have any safety flares?" The kind you're supposed to have in your car- Valentine has everything else, it seems, including a suspiciously well-stocked first aid kit. Paranoia does interesting things to a body. Then again, with the kinds of shenanigans Sylphid gets up to, perhaps it's only fair.
"I don't know, so we could build a fire? It's cold out. Smoke signal?" Valentine's voice is high and tight, and Gordon rubs his neck soothingly. "Sylphid used up my last one and I hadn't had a chance to restock before you called. What should we do- should we try to get help?" He squints through the gloom out the windshield. The fog is swirling thick around them, lit by the muted yellow flashing of the hazard lights- at least those are still working, even if the engine won't turn over. Also, what the actual hell had Sylphid needed the safety flares for? Gordon probably didn't want to know.
"Not at night like this. Pop the hood, that'll let people know we need help if someone does come out this way. Let's go get your emergency supplies from the trunk, okay? Looks like we're in for a long night." Gordon says, firmly squashing his own mild nervousness to assist with Valentine's. "Leave the hazard lights on for now." He recommends. He knows Valentine is scrupulous about his maintenance schedule, so the battery will be good for it. They can leave the heat running for a bit too. Valentine nods, and reaches down to pull the levers for both the hood and the trunk of the car. Gordon gets out, undoing the latch and propping open the hood, while Valentine scurried to the back to get the emergency kit. They rejoin in the back seat, and Valentine nervously locks the car.
"I think I saw something out there," he whispers, unfolding a heavy woolen blanket. Trust Valentine to have the best kit out there.
"It's the woods, Valentine. There are deer and raccoons and things like that," he points out, hoping that logic with forestall any panic. Valentine takes a deep breath, nodding and burrowing into Gordon's side under the blanket.
"Right. You're right. I'm just spooking myself. Are you hungry? I have a little jerky and some granola bars in there." He offers, nodding his head towards the footwell. Gordon smiles at him warmly.
"I'm fine for now. We could probably try to nap, if you'd like." He offers gently. It's not too cold- there's no snow, only thick fog, the car's battery seems fine, and they've got Valentine's thick blanket to shield them from the chill.
"No, I'm not going to be able to sleep." Valentine murmurs quietly. He glances up at Gordon, a tiny frown wrinkling between his eyebrows. "Why did you need me to pick you up in the middle of nowhere?" He asks, tone gentle and soft. Gordon's hands flex, a helpless well of deep anger rising in his chest, as if to choke him. He breathes through it, practiced at this.
"My family is difficult." He mutters. It's been a thing that's plagued him his whole life, people disbelieving that a man of his size and stature could be abused as he has been. He knows Valentine will believe him- Valentine has always believed him. There's still that moment of angry breathlessness, despite knowing that. That internal preparation to be shot down and rejected again. Valentine cuddles close with a soft noise of understanding, leaning up to kiss the underside of his jaw.
"I'm glad I could come help, then," Valentine says softly, and Gordon relaxes with a sigh. Valentine twitches, looking out the window with a little jump. "Did you see that?" He hisses, and Gordon peers out.
"Oh, beautiful, it's a deer after all, see?" He points out the outlines of graceful legs, the eerie shine of its eyes. It pauses and looks at them- admittedly alarming, through the fog- and then bounds away. Valentine relaxes again, sighing and leaning back in Gordon's arms. Gordon embraces him with a warm, private smile.
2/3 for Prompt Celebration, maybe a Rhadamanthys/Gordon with 6 and 38? :O
6 - In bed at 2am, blissfully drowsy
38 - “You just feel really good. Soft and warm…”
This took a while but I’m quite happy with the result! It was nice to work with Specters for a change and to build up Gordon as his own character. Here’s Rhadamanthys and Gordon talking late into the night and being emotional.
Rhadamanthys was not as heartless as people assumed him tobe. When one had lived as many lifetimes as he had, witnessing history in allits glory and horror, the decision to allow their heart to make decisionsbecame pointless and led to more pain. His position did not allow for suchluxuries either, to judge a soul fully meant to break down a person to theirrawest form. As a General he could not allow himself to indulge in concern forall his soldiers all the time, no, they knew exactly what was expected of them.But as a man who lived, loved and lost, he could not deny the simple joyof speaking to others who he found pleasant enough. Rare as those people mightbe, he had the fortune of knowing some and being close to them.
Which was enough to lure him out of his office in the Caina andup into Castle Heinstein, down the dark halls, searching out for one person.His lieutenant, ever dutiful Harpy Valentine, was guarding his prison, two ofhis younger Specters, Queen and Sylphid, had been ordered to the surface. ButGordon was around, having just reported back a day ago and the Specter thatbare the Minotaur Surplice was a sensible man for that matter.
True Valentine was his confidant, had been for since thebeginning, he tended to be far more agreeable with him, rarely going againsthis word. But Gordon offered a different perspective of things; he looked at adifferent angle, spotted a small detail that he had overlooked or offered amindset he had not considered and wasn’t afraid to voice his opinion onsomething. Truly his brawn and brain were equal, and this was part of whyRhadamanthys valued the man. Right now however, he simply wished to speak tosomeone that wasn’t one of his brothers or Pandora.
He paused for a second to check the time on an oldgrandfather clock, just about midnight. Being down in the Underworld for longperiods tended to destroy what sense of time someone had, and he found himselfhaving to every time he had returned to the land of the living. Though withthat matter taken care of he returned to his search for Gordon, sure the otherSpecter was conscious at this hour.
Even before he awoke as a Specter, Gordon had once told himhe tended be more of the nocturnal sort. He acknowledged that trait andunderstood it to a degree, the day was filled with business and little time toone’s self, the night still offered that peace. And damn if the days of thislifetime weren’t constantly busy for him, Specterhood or not.
Rhadamanthys felt his mouth twitch into a slight smile as hestopped at the door that led to Gordon’s surface quarters and was about speakwhen he heard a clear “Enter.” Course Gordon had sensed him approaching, nobeing with awakened cosmo would be foolish enough not to.
“Gordon” He spoke as he opened the door and shut it behindhim “I would say good evening though hour says good morning would be moreappropriate.”
Minotaur Gordon chuckled as he shut the book he had beenreading and pushed it on to the side table. “Good morning seems strange,considering how dark it still is. What brings you here? Business or leisure?”he said.
“Leisure, for once” Rhadamanthys answered, nodding as theother gestured for him to sit on the couch by the fire. “And what of you? Foundsomething interesting to read or no mind for sleep tonight?”
“In truth, I was beginningto think about heading to bed but for you? I can always make some time” Gordonsaid, nodding and offering a simple smile.
‘Ah Gordon how those words bring me such peace’ Rhadamanthysthought, settling against the back of the couch, resting one arm against aside, eyeing the stack of books that covered the table. “Those look new” Hespoke, gesturing to the stack, the spines showed no wore or breakage.
“I was curious about what works humanity had created sincemy last lifetime” Gordon answered, tapping the book he had just put down. “Someof them are interesting, the subjects they cover are used quite well. I’ve evenfound a fantasy series that was enjoyable enough.”
“Fantasy? And here I thought you disliked that genre” Rhadamanthyschuckled, crossing one leg over the other as he settled in to relax.
Gordon simply tilted his head and offered a small smile “Tolkien’sworld is surprisingly complex. You should read it my Lord; you might enjoy it.”
“I’ll consider it, if you wouldn’t mind lending me itsometime” He replied. Fantasy was one thing he could never understand; suchthings were for children and younger souls. What many would consider ‘fantasy’he called his reality. Tales of terrible beasts, evil kings and queens,adventures into strange and magical places. All of these things and more he hadseen with his eyes in one lifetime or another. By the gods, he was first bornin the age of myths! He was considered a myth himself.
“I wouldn’t, I trust you with books unlike some peopleI know” Gordon stood, gesturing with one hand as he headed to a cabinet tuckedinto a corner. “The last time I let Queen borrow one of mine, I lost it forseveral weeks and had to wrestle a group of vines to get it back.”
A deep noise shook in Rhadamanthys’ chest as he shut hiseyes and tried to hold back a grin. He had experienced that before, especiallywhen he neared the younger Specter’s usual training spot. It had been worsewhen he first joined their ranks and was just understanding his new powers. Evennow, one had to be careful walking past Queen’s room, or they might trip over aroot or two.
“Would you like a drink? I have some new cognac, haven’topened it yet” Gordon spoke up, leaning away from the cabinet, looking backtowards him.
“Cognac? French right?” Rhadamanthys asked. Gordon didn’tdrink often and preferred lighter things, most of the things he kept in hisroom were usually for his visitors. As for himself, rarely did he drink and nevermore than a single glass. He preferred not to fog his mind and lose his meals.
“I was recommended it by the Cu Sith. It’s too bitter for me”Was the answer he received from Gordon.
“Cu Sith is under the Garuda’s wing, you’ve been talking tohim?” Rhadamanthys rose a brow. Many of his soldiers preferred not to interactwith the other divisions, for various reasons. Distrust, dislike, differing opinionsor previous misgivings kept the groups of the Wyvern, Griffon and Garuda apart.He was indifferent to it, there was little reason for him to interact with theSpecters under his brothers. As for his brothers themselves, he dealt with themenough as it was.
That was one the negative aspects of being a judge.
Gordon shrugged “He’s an agreeable enough fellow, I enjoyour talks when I come across him. Besides, our ranks shouldn’t be so divided. Weshare our duties, experiences with each war and lifetime. Look where such actionshave left the Saints, between the backstabbing and disloyalty to their ownGoddess.”
He couldn’t disagree with that, within the last two wars,countless Saints had been sent through the halls for judgement. The moreparticular ones were those who died at the hands of their own. He was remindedof the Gemini of the past, more recently the Pope and a SagittariusSaint, whom they still could not find the soul of. Even the training groundsbelonging to the Saints had experienced a sharp increase in the souls lostthere.
That had been especially strange to learn, puzzling him and hisbrothers as Lune and the other record keeping Specters kept returning to themwith stacks of books. He had been working on figuring out that situationbefore he decided to take a break.
“My Lord? Is there something wrong?” Gordon asked, breakinghim out of his thoughts and back to the present.
Rhadamanthys rubbed at his eyes and shook his head “No, nojust pondering about something. You have a point regarding the others and theSaints. We should not let ourselves fall to such a pitiful standard as them. Isthat drink still an option?”
Gordon, who bore an expression of concern slowly relaxedbefore nodding. “Shall I try and distract your mind for a while then?”
“Please, I find myself needing that more than I expected.Tell me, what exactly have you been reading? You told me of one but what of itand the rest?” he spoke.
This is what bought him peace, simple interaction betweenhim and those he trusted. No talk of wars, of battles on the horizons, souls orwork to be done. The sound of a crackling fire, pages being flicked through,the toast of glass and gentle speaking. Here he was able to lower his guard, torelax from his positions as general and Judge. A luxury he could not affordoften but savored each time.
Gordon, ever respectful and open-minded spoke to him, voice lightas he discussed certain sections of one book or bits of, he enjoyed of another.The fantasy novel he mentioned before came back up in topic and he couldn’thelp but chuckle at the fact some mortal had learned of the existence ofbalrogs and great eagles.
***
“My lord, might I make a request” Gordon spoke, drawlingRhadamanthys’ attention away from a book.
The Minotaur stood at his full height, a solemn expression uponhis face as he looked to him, looking fierce against the light of the fire.
“Yes Gordon?” He questioned, setting the book aside andplacing both legs on the ground. A request? It wasn’t unheard of for his eliteguard to make such things, although very rarely. Often, they were simplethings, permission to journey up or leave the Caina or Castle Heinstein. Thoughas far as his memory could recall clearly, Gordon hardly requested much. Wassomething troubling him?
The other opened his mouth to speak before he shut it andshook his head. He stepped towards, slowly as if he wasn’t sure of his footingor what he was doing. Tension began to build between Rhadamanthys shoulders ashe frowned, he lifted a hand to signal Gordon to stop as the other moveddirectly in front of him.
His motion was halted as Gordon dropped on to his knees andcupped his face in his hands, pressing their foreheads together. Rhadamanthysstraightened his back, eyes widening and feeling his breath leave him as theother spoke.
“Please my lord, whatever happens in this war, do not letit ruin you. We-I-I could bear to see you go such tortureagain.”
His hand twitched the air, unsure of what to do, his bodycould not decide on what to do for that matter. “What?” Was all he managed tosay, a single word spoken with little breath. Torture? What was he referringto?
“In the last war, you were given some of our king’s ichorand it…and it nearly destroyed you” Gordon explained, pressing a handagainst his chest, Rhadamanthys could feel his own heartbeat. “In all the chaosthat happened, we feared we nearly lost you. Me, Queen, Sylphid and Valentine.To live and fight without you was so unimaginable.”
He could feel his own heartbeat still. The bitter, halfformed memories of pain in his chest, of betrayal and lies had come to him oncealready in this life. Oh how that rage had burned hotter than any fire,any star or any attack by an enemy. The wyvern within had truly roared that dayand the fallout had been bloody.
How did Gordon know though? How did the others know? Hadsomeone told them? His memory of then and after was spotted, blurred and dark.All he remembered was a painting and agony.
Rhadamanthys blinked, dropping his hand on top of Gordon’shead, leaning against him some. “You know I cannot promise that fully” hewhispered, throat feeling tight for some reason. Some unknown emotion hadstirred within.
“I know my lord; we are at war and such things are luxury”Gordon nodded, moving away just slightly, hands still holding Rhadamanthys faceand rubbing his thumbs into his cheeks.
“Forgive me, I am overstepping my place” He said, standing thenand stepping back from his judge, head tilted down “Perhaps I am more tiredthan expected sir, pray don’t mind my ramblings”.
“Ramblings?” Rhadamanthys snapped his head up, moving swiftlyto his feet, heart beating quicker. “I would hardly consider concern tobe rambling. Gordon, long have I always considered your council, your wisdom,that has and will not change.” His word stuck something with the other,as he tilted his head up and opened his mouth to speak something, some excuse.
“I cannot promise that I will not suffer in this new war…butI can try and return to you and the others each time I am summoned away” Hespoke, each word feeling heavy and light at once. How could he possibly denythose so loyal to him this one thing? Even after so much time, war and tragedy,they still give him their best, their hearts and more. “And I only ask the sameof you and the others” He whispered, just loud enough for Gordon to hear.
Gordon made a sound, somewhere between a choke and sob, sorare from a Specter, even more rare from him. “Of course my lord, always” he answered,voice hoarse as he spoke those words.
He glanced, taking note of the time from the clock on themantle, 2 am, time had flown by as they spoke. “Shall we turn in for the night?Tired minds never bode well” and although they did not need sleep, restingtheir minds did relax them.
“You would stay then?” Gordon asked, looking at him withwide, hopeful eyes.
Rhadamanthys bowed his head “As long as you would have me,that is.” And he partly considered the chance of spending the night, leavinghis armor in his quarters within the Caina and came to Gordon dressed in plainclothes.
“Oh my Lord, you are always welcome with me, no matter what.”
And with that, Gordon tucked his hair into a braid, they puttheir glasses away, put out the fire and crawled into the bed. They had donethis plenty of times before, moving into positions that were comfortable forthem with ease. Rhadamanthys settled onto his back as Gordon moved to lie besidehim. The Minotaur Specter bought a hand to soothe back Rhadamanthys’ hair andpulled him closer, a motion he returned.
“Feeling affectionate we are?” Rhadamanthys smirked,watching Gordon shut his eyes and smile back.
“You just feel really good. Soft and warm…” He replied.
Soft and warm were never words he was used to hearing whenthey were describing him. He was used to rough, harsh, coarse and such, only a fewdared to use soft and warm. Gordon just happened to one of thosebrave souls. And in private he could not help but relax as the other spoke them.Time had hardened him but those he trusted kept him from becoming hollow.
“You are quite soft yourself Gordon” He chuckled, pressing akiss onto his lips as he pulled the other closer. For a few hours they couldstay like this, a mess of limbs and comforting warmth. After all, wyvernsprotected the things they treasured.
It’s no secred how much I love the Execution Squad, but poor Gordon doesn’t get as much love as the rest of them. So here’s an Age of Myth Gordon making a flower crown.
I don’t want to die without knowing that you lived happy with us, even if you were distant and stay away all the time. I want to believe that your feelings were always here! I swear, I'll give you a better life in my next life. I really want to help our division! Probably, I'm not the best person in the world, maybe I'm not smart and I have peace of mind, maybe I'm not smart and attractive, with a fine and worthy physique. Probably I not suffer a disease and I'm not strong against it. I probably am not worthy of a title as "king," but I am worthy to be called companion.
I would like go knowing that you and the others heard these words, because I really had so much fun at your side. Thanks... MY LORD!!~
