#soulsalight

[fablesuntold]

@soulsalight sent: "Need a light?" — From Flambae for Robert ✨

What the fuck was this guy’s problem? All the Z-team gave him shit, but 𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐀𝐄? It seemed as though he constantly went out of his way to give Robert extra. “No, Flambae. I don’t ‘need a light’ so don’t even think about it.” The last thing he needed was for this idiot of a human blowtorch to spark up and set the whole parking lot and every vehicle in it ablaze to the point they all blew up. Blazer certainly wouldn’t be impressed. Though, Robert would argue that was probably the only thing Flambae was good at 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐆— a joke he kept to himself. He really wasn’t in the mood to deal with the Z-team’s childish 𝐁𝐔𝐋𝐋𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐓 today. Crude jokes included. Setting Flambae off would only set all of them off.

Narrowing his eyes at him from across the parking lot, Robert stared over his steaming mug of coffee as he took a sip, weighing the taller male up and down. Between Flambae and Invisigal? Robert swore he was going to go 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐘 before he even reached mid-thirties.

“Y’know they don’t give out prizes around here for being the biggest persistent asshole, right?” Setting aside his beverage and the unlit cigarette in his other hand, Robert straightened from where he’d slumped himself against a random car, arms folding across his chest. “I’m sure if they did though, you’d win every. single. one of them.” A 𝐏𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐘 smile was offered as he made his way back towards the office, shoulder purposely bumping with Flambae’s as he attempted to bypass him.. but not without one last retort first. “Shame you won’t be winning anything for your performance review.”

[petrokhelidon]

It has been many years since Hien's impulsive if well-meant decision to breach the gates of Swallow's Compass in a naive attempt to petition Qitian Dasheng for help against Doma's oppressors. Many years since he's learned that despite his unwavering faith in the Kami and his continued love and belief in the Auspices' strength that the conviction to free his people and lead them back into an era of peace would never have come about had it not been for that same amount of faith and belief in himself, that he needed to look within rather than without.

And yet, standing at the foot of Mount Rokkon at the start of his pilgrimage to the top like many monks and pilgrims before him, he can't help but feel the same kind of helpless awe he felt as a boy standing in front of the closed off gate of Doma's shrine. Green eyes slowly move over the intricate carvings of those same Auspices he'd read so much about back then in the wooden gate marking the entry-way to the three paths the pilgrims could choose to take.

This may not be part of Doma, nor strictly speaking necessary like the sojourn to the different provinces to meet his people had been, but he's looking forward to it all the same. There is kinship here, in faith, in steel, in strength and after hearing of the troubles assailing the mountain, the presence of malicious mononoke cutting off many from their own pilgrimage, it seemed only fair to offer a helping hand and strenghten Doma's ties with their Eastern neighbours.

Still. Would he make it further in than he did back then? Would today mark the day he might see one of those otherworldly beings with his own eyes?

He starts a little at the gentle touch to his hand and finds the tension in his shoulders settling the moment he meets Thancred's mismatched eyes, soft with understanding and mayhap a hint of awe of their own. A small smile curls his lips, his fingers curling around Thancred's own. " You feel it too, don't you? "

A little further below them, Hien ( and by extension now also Thancred )'s retinue is setting up the base camp, Yugiri taking the fore. They won't be coming along. This journey is meant to be taken in solitude, a chance to face past fears and find new balance; but in all else, Hien wants to face that road with the man who has become the most important person in his life. The one he has now tied his life to. " Which path would you choose? " / @soulsalight

[petrokhelidon]

「 HOLD 」 : for sender to hold receivers throat — Sasha to Leon. Bc they're lovey dovey most the time lets at some spice pff / @soulsalight

If Hunnigan was there to see him, she probably would've told him that goading the guy able to control lickers and who obviously wants to see him hurt or dead is not a solid plan. Considering that is exactly what Leon's doing, however, it's safe to say that Hunnigan has zero knowledge of what he's up to and if he somehow manages to make it out of here unscathed and parasite-free, he sure isn't the one who's going to tell her he's let his impulse control get the better of him yet again.

He feels for Buddy, he really does. The extreme arrogance and hubris in thinking the Plaga is somehow the answer to this shit-show and that he wouldn't ultimately lose his mind and whole sense of self to the parasite and achieve exactly fucking nothing but the incubation of everyone he's been trying to keep safe aside, Leon's not that cold or hard-hearted that he doesn't get it. He'd thought him a vainglorious fool at first, obnoxiously self-righteous in his crusade against his corrupt Government, but after hearing about his past it's clear Alexander Kozachenko is just another victim unwillingly drawn in to this conflict, blinded by grief and vengeance and thinking it justice.

Besides, Leon's always had a soft spot for a pretty face and Buddy was an undeniably pretty man, despite the constant glower and the angry sneer lining his lips.

And yeah, he'll admit watching him go all murder commando with the lickers, glowing red eyes and all, had made him feel a little weak at the knees from something other than fear, but Leon's never claimed to be very smart when it comes about feeling attraction and unfortunately, people that can kick his ass seem to really do it for him.

A snarl sounds perilously close behind him and Leon curses internally. Focus. He turns another corner, hoping to use the crates and containers as cover.

He's too focused on evading the lickers to notice the hand, a harsh grunt escaping him as Buddy uses the momentum of his body to swing Leon around and slam him up against one of the containers, a hand at his throat in a grip just tight enough it almost borders on uncomfortable. It's a stupid fucking mistake, on his part, to not consider the lickers as a diversion rather than the real threat, herding him to where Buddy could get to him more easily.

His hand moves for Buddy's wrist, trying to get out of the lock, but it's clear the parasite is making him stronger somehow and Leon's effectively pinned.

Buddy's eyes are no longer red, carrying with them that gleam of madness from before. They are wild, though, dark and angry and desperate and this close Leon can smell the sweat on him, feel just how hot he's burning. The way he's looking at Leon a cross between loathing and hunger that sends a thrill through his belly and settles between his legs.

There's been a moment at the church, right after Buddy had punched him, where he'd dragged him close by the collar snarling and wild and Leon had almost thought the guy was going to turn him around against that alter and take him and Leon had found himself keyed up enough he would've welcomed the idea because it would've meant Buddy still felt something akin to want beneath all that noble despair and self-flaggelation. Would've goaded him into it too, had it not been for the explosion almost causing the church to cave in on them.

He sees it again now. Leon finds he still wouldn't mind being the outlet to that anger, fucked up as it would be. Maybe it'd calm Buddy down enough to start thinking rationally.

So instead of fighting free, he surrenders. A challenging grin curls his lips, his thigh almost innocently pressing up, finding true between Buddy's legs. His own eyes spark hot with satisfaction at the noise he draws, stunned and sharp. " Don't start what you can't finish, big boy. "

[petrokhelidon]

The battle had been going on for some time now, but Hien shows little sign of letting up, advancing through the Garlean soldiers as the allied forces worked their way through the Ala Mhigan Quarter with a single-minded focus and a nigh triumphant rage same as he had felt with their siege ‘pon Doma Castle. 

At some point he finds himself joined by another, a rogue not part of his own men, but one he recognizes as part of the Scions. Thancred, he believes his name was, a hyur Yugiri spoke of often and fondly enough for the name and description to have stuck, though here, in the din of battle and danger he bothers not with making introductions nor saying more than what is necessary to keep all of them alive. 

He does not even bother to dwell overmuch on how well they seemingly work together, the rogue nigh seamlessly filling in his blind spots, attacking as smoothly and powerfully as he with an impressive set of daggers to complement the work of Hien’s sword, the barrage of attacks to dodge and weave keeping him well occupied. 

That is, until a loud explosion far too close for comfort rips him from his focus, the telltale whistle of a second missile making the hairs on his arms raise even as he cuts down the soldier afore him. Hien means to turn, to see where it may be coming from, to assess where may be safe but then ━

‘ Watch out! ‘  A warm, but solid weight barrels into him, knocking the air from his lungs, a pair of strong arms wrapping around his middle as he is forcibly pulled aside and no moment too late: a part of building he had just stood near coming down ‘pon impact of the magitek explosive. 

Though there is a disorientating ringing in his ear at the ground-shaking noise, Hien’s senses are still just sharp enough to notice the debris. His own hand raisse, grasping tightly around the rogue’s upper arm to jerk him out of the way and into a small alcove ‘twixt buildings to shield them both until the dust settles. 

“ By the Kami, you have my gratitude, “ He husks out once it does, his heart racing uncomfortably fast at how close a call they just had. ‘Tis only then that green hues focus on his savior, the rogue and Scion and he feels his brain stutter, his breath hitch when finally seeing the hyur up close. Mayhap something did hit his head, he thinks nonsensically, for the first though that springs to mind is

Beautiful. 

He swallows once he notices how close they stand too, his hand now at the side of the rogue’s throat, the other’s hands on his hips, chests nigh pressed together. “ I ━, “

Hien shakes his head, catching himself ere he can do something even more foolish and say that out loud. “ You are unharmed? “ His own body aches in ways he knows he’ll needs see a healer for once they get out of here, but his concern is all for Thancred.  / @soulsalight

[petrokhelidon]

So much has changed since last he set foot on this soil, Hien can scarce believe ‘t has only just marked a full year from that fateful eve.  It looks warmer, somehow, brighter in his eyes, though he’ll concede that mayhap it is merely the result of changed circumstance. After all, no longer is he on the run, forced to hide who he is. No longer is he mired in anger and helplessness, his grief, though still there, soothed by the virtue of his companions and their aid to him and his people. 

And, of course, there is one such companion in particular that has his heart soar with excitement and anticipation at what the next few days will bring, rather than feeling it weighed down with uncertainty and dread. 

A hand finds his own, fingers briefly tangling as they stand to disembark the air ship that brought them hence. A smile curls his lips as green hues lock with Thancred’s own, his expression knowing as he undoubtedly too experiences the same feelings of bittersweet memory and relief that things have changed or will change now that they know their course for the future. 

The touch, nor the shared looks last for as long as Hien would like, but though Yugiri has been told of their plans, the Scions have yet to. Soon, however, soon that need for secrecy will be no more. Then Hien needs no longer hold back how he feels, or temper his urge to touch, to kiss, to be close to him.

I love you, he thinks, hoping Thancred can read it in his eyes ere they let go, his thumb brushing the inside of the rogue’s wrist. He thinks he can see Yugiri throw him a small, amused smirk, but he purposefully avoids her gaze just to keep himself from flushing. 

“ I suppose we should head for the Ruby Bazaar first, “Alisaie pipes up from behind as they move across the landing area towards the main square.  “ Tataru will surely be waiting. “  / @soulsalight

[petrokhelidon]

It feels like an air of deep restlessness has settled over the House of the Fierce in the few weeks left leading up to the culmination of their plans. Dread and anticipation both hang in the atmosphere, the final preparations imminent ━ hope mixing with fear too, for those who remember what happened the first time. But they have more fighting power, this time. More than Hien even could have hoped for. They have a plan that is solid, even if Gosetsu still bemourns the idea of sacking Castle Doma. And yet ━

He knows his own hang-ups are largely due to his past experiences and that he shouldn’t give in to worry. But the closer it gets, the bigger the knot winding through his own stomach.  So he trains, the way he used to as a boy, sometimes with Yugiri, sometimes with Lyse who proves herself a wicked opponent in hand-to-hand. He meditates, with varying results.  He pushes himself and pushes himself until he cannot but pass out and get at least some bells of sleep, before it starts all over again.  

And Kami, he misses Thancred more than he ever has. 

Though he knows the distance and space needs not necessarily be a bad thing, Hien cannot help but fear that this time, even with all of the rogue’s reassurances to the contrary, this time is the time where he will not return. Mayhap he finally succeeded in locating his friend and now needs no reason to come back. Mayhap he decided that whatever love is between them is not worth the risks or difficulties after all. Mayhap without Hien there to reassure him, Thancred’s own doubts have convinced him ‘twould never work. 

And from his own end, the speed in which the rogue had wormed his way into his life, to the point where any night without him feels like an endless chore, where any day without seeing him simply adds to the anxiety buzzing beneath his skin, still staggers him at times. What if he is relying too much on him to keep himself together?  What if it becomes weakness rather than strength?  Kami, how he wishes he could ask someone. His mother. His father.  Yet he dares not, knowing Thancred may not yet want it known, somehow, that the possibility is there. Even if Hien is quite certain the others already suspect. 

That day has seen him so restless and full of kinetic energy, that Yugiri finally decided enough was enough and stepped in.  That is how they ended up here, in the dead hours of the night, sat in the main hall of the House, throwing daggers at a bullseye affixed on the wall. 

Badly, in Hien’s case. 

One would think with your control, you’d have better aim, my Lord, and of course, there is Yugiri’s cheek to contend with as well. Hien scoffs, makes a sign at her with his hand that is decidedly undignified and slumps a little further into his chair as he picks up the next dagger, lips quirking up at the side regardless when he hears her snigger in amusement. 

He is so focused on aiming well this time, he does not spot the movement at the corners of his eyes ━ at least not until he hears Yugiri suck in a sharp breath and perk up, making Hien look as well and ━

“ Thancred, “ he says, no squeaks, the dagger suddenly fumbled in his grip even as an involuntary yet bright, beaming smile breaks out across his features. / @soulsalight

[petrokhelidon]

halt! 

the order followed by the sound of armored boots have hien duck into the folds of his hood a little more securely,  softly cussing beneath his breath as he slips into the nearest alleyway in the hopes of evading their gazes.  whether or not the order was meant for him in particular,  he cannot well take his chances  ━ the very risk of being found  ━  

would that he could face them, he thinks, the impotence of it all burning in his throat and his eyes. end it here and now,  restore some semblance of their honor,  avenge his father’s death once and for all even if it was folly.  he can already hear gosetsu’s baritone trying to temper him in his mind’s eye  ━ yet gosetsu was not here.  his father was still dead; and no amount of anger or vengeance would bring him back. 

and doma  ━ their people  ━

he exhales harshly,  unclenching stiff fingers from where they’d inadvertently curled around his tsuka.  it is not the time, nor the place for his personal feelings. not with so much at stake. 

“ kami,  guide me, “  hien whispers, his chest tightening with the brief sense of feeling utterly and completely lost.  he needs but get to the hostelry unnoticed and from there to the docks  ━ and then onto a boat  ━  one step at a time.  another inhale,  a slower exhale. he ducks around another corner and hopes to remain unseen from there. / @soulsalight ft thancred

[petrokhelidon]

the moons since last he was here have changed little to what he remembers:  the trees yet stand, the city layout meandering with its winding paths and the air still smells as sweet.  even the guild looks the same as he’s known it since he joined its ranks as a fresh-faced and naïve youth, resolute and immutable, uncaring for the changes it and its people has wrought within him over the past summers.  

not that he finds himself caring much about the guild in return – feeling himself curiously devoid of the rancor and bitter anger that had carried him around for so long.  no, instead he feels a nervous flutter in the pit of his belly instead as pink hues carefully take in its lines, its steps, its doors.  and within –

his throat tightens, the same frightening sense of anticipation swelling within his chest each time he thinks of the guildmaster: whatever answers he’d hoped to gain regarding the confusing mess of sensations and feelings tangled within his mind and heart seem as out of reach and ephemeral as afore. what he does know is that neither time nor distance seem to have changed the fact that missed the man.  that he still wants to be near him.  touch him.

all he needs do is take that first step – and hope ywain has not changed his mind in the mean.

fingers curl to tight fists at his side, a sharp, hissing exhale escaping pinched lips.  part of him still wants to turn about, leave and simply forget. It would be easier that way, less risky, less frightening: but foulques has had enough of letting fear and anger dictate his actions.  

if several moons have not made him forget, if distance merely solidified what he thinks he wants, he doubts any amount of running will do the trick.

courage.  he sets his jaw,  heart an uncomfortable weight in his throat and climbs the steps to enter, feet instinctively taking him to the training hall, eyes already searching for the hyur in question.  / @soulsalight