hadriel_logs | [closed] we haven't really explored the sexuality of candlenights

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[closed] we haven't really explored the sexuality of candlenights

Who: The residents of Sorrow's imported housing, building 5-1 aka Tres Horny House (Magnus, Merle, Taako, Lup, Angus, Barry), with special invitee Kravitz
What: It's Candlenights! The city might be dreary but the holidays are still hoppin'.
Where: Tres Horny House (Sorrow's housing, 5-1)
When: Backdated to December 25th
Warnings: Should be pretty clean, aside from crude jokes.

[Despite the decidedly non-wintery conditions outside, the residents of the Tres Horny House refuse to let that cut some Candlenights cheer. Unlike last year's scattered disaster of crystal and a very averted end of the world, this year there's been time to prepare. Even through limited resources, the twins have managed plenty of food for the seven of them. They've been hard-pressed to find a good bush, but one's been transplanted into the middle of their living room, surrounded by gift boxes and decked in small twinkling lights. Magical spheres float around the room in lieu of electricity, small pulsing orbs of gold, red, and green to illuminate the space in warm, soft glow, accentuating the few candles they've managed to find and actually have. Taako's even taken to tucking some sprigs of fake mistletoe around the apartment; notice it or not, he's not here to be the Candlenights police.

It's got the makings of a great holiday. Let's see how they wang this one up.]

[ooc: It's a mingle log! Tag around, give gifts, eat so many magical cookies you get sick, find yourself under the mistletoe, I don't care, make it gay.]

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[Honestly, Taako half expected Kravitz not to come. This was like... it was hard to say what kind of event this was. Last Candlenights with their entire group like this was fuckin’ depressing, and his last Candlenights was kind of a disaster. And it hasn’t exactly been a year since then, with the way this place has moved him; he showed up at midsummer back home and late spring here, and then lost a week somewhere in the middle, not to mention Kravitz appearing from his midsummer a month or so late. But dates are dates, and while he’s never been one to celebrate them, Candlenights does mean it’s been… give or take, a year. A year since Taako stood across the hall from a crystal golem trapped in tentacles, a year since my name’s Kravitz, a year since he locked eyes with a handsome man in a mirror and went, damn, if that’s what you get what you die sign me up.

Permanence is hard, and messy. And this year didn’t go easily, or really permanently, seeing as eventually he’ll end up back home and all of this will be gone. But an anniversary is an anniversary, and he can’t help but feel just a bit sentimental.

He slides up behind Kravitz when he thinks the other man isn’t paying attention, using Minor Illusion to make him feel something slither across his shoulder in lieu of his fingers, something much more rubbery and, well, tentacle-like. At the same time, he tips forward a bit on his toes, his heels giving a bit of lift to pull his mouth to Kravitz’ ear.]

Hey thug, what’s your name? How’d you get into this fancy-ass shindig?

[Taako can’t help but punctuate it with a giggle, as if Kravitz would somehow take it seriously. But his own jokes are funny, and for once, something feels light.]

Edited (i just noticed i used the entirely wrong word, gj self) 2018-01-04 16:38 (UTC)

[His first instinct is to jolt in surprise (and not anything else, certainly, he does not react in any other way to this sensation get off his ass about it), but when Taako laughs, he does too. Cheeks flushed, Kravitz turns his head raises an eyebrow at him.]

Well, I'm a plus one, you see. Special invite. But my date has ditched me. Would you like to take his place?

[He snickers, too loud considering the proximity to Kravitz' ear. But he doesn't pull away, sliding just a bit to the side to rest his chin on Kravitz' shoulder.]

Man, that's a quick ditch, you lose track of him for five min and you're already huntin' for new ass? Tsk tsk. Not that I can blame you, seeing as mine's perfect.

[It's a little weird, the way he always wants something so physical with Kravitz. But his expressions of adoration have always been this way; he and Lup bumping hips, hands, shoulders, Magnus exchanging shoves, smacking Barry when he needs to pull out of himself. A gentle handhold while he's consumed by fire, in the bottom of a mine shaft. Maybe he should just get used to it, the way Kravitz fits in with this group, how he wants him close and touching and not needing to say a word.

He slides his arms aroud Kravitz' chest, swaying a bit to the ambient music.]

Wasn't sure you'd come.

[He tilts his head to the side, laughing at Taako's words even as he presses a kiss to the other man's cheek.

Touch, like this, is something new to Kravitz. It was alarming at first, how everything started feeling so much realer in the body he'd come to think of less as himself and more as an extension of his being. Taako touches his shoulder, brushes against his ear, and none of it feels distant or difficult to connect with. It's grounding. In a very, very good way.

It's a stretch to reach much else of Taako, no matter how much he wants to, so Kravitz simply brings a hand up to rest against the ones clasped against him.]

Well, yes, I suppose you do know how I feel about parties. [less jokingly:] But I felt very pleased to be invited.

[When his hands touch, Taako lets their fingers intertwine, still grabby. Perfect.]

What, like I need to drag your ass to 'em or you'll never leave your house? Cuz I know that, babe. Which is why I would've dragged you over if you didn't show up on purpose.

[He presses a quick kiss to Kravitz' cheek, still grinning.]

Guess it's not every day death himself is welcome at a warm holiday shindig.

[It makes him want to laugh, but Kravitz doesn't want to give the impression that he finds Taako's grabbiness amusing. Nah. It just makes him impossibly happy, and sometimes the laughter slips out.]

Thank goodness I have you now, to prevent me from continuing my not-life as a hermit.

[And he presses a kiss right back, like it's a competition and he has to stay on top.]

You joke, but it's hardly a stretch from the truth. [He doesn't want to get into this kind of miserable topic though, so:] Do warm holiday shindigs always include sneak attacks and Merle stuck in a tree?

[Excuse you big fucko, do you think you can possibly out-kiss him? Rude. For once, Taako feels secure here with his family, and he isn't bashful about this here like he might be in public about a genuine show of affection. Taako ducks his head to press his nose into the crook of Kravitz' neck, just resting there, letting his next words be muffled but close enough for Kravitz to still hear.]

What, you expected that to not be happening? Like hey, it's party time, everyone around here is suddenly gonna get respectable?

[He does chuckle a bit just from the absurdity of that prospect.]

You just haven't been around long enough. You'll figure it out. Magnus training as a rogue wasn't even the beginning of it and if you lose Merle he's in a bush. That's just facts, my man.

[Taako's comfort at cuddling up to him in front of his family and their friends is something that Kravitz will reflect on happily later, but at this moment, it's not at the forefront of his mind.]

There really are an awful lot of things to remember. Maybe you should gift me a guide book.

[He gasps suddenly, almost comically loud.]

Oh! That's right! This is for you.

[The package he presents to Taako is the only gift he's given today in actual wrapping, even if it's hastily done and clearly not by an expert hand. Inside is an assortment of pins and patches, and underneath them, a few carefully folded pieces of lined paper.

At the top of the first page, above the carefully detailed composition, is Taako's name.

He's definitely not embarrassed about this. Shut the fuck up.]

[He’s ready to give a snappy comeback until Kravitz suddenly moves, Taako finding himself a bit dazed as he stands back up and a package is thrust into his hands. He tears it open, spends some time cooing over the accouterments, but stops as he unfolds the paper.

He remembers Kravitz’ one-off comment, their first date, about wanting to be a conductor. But he didn’t— he never knew Kravitz composed. He flips through the pages, fingers running gently over the paper. Taako was never a musician, but he knows certain notes, can piece together bits of the melody.

It’s not lost on him that it’s a duet for piano and violin. Hah. Lup’s gonna laugh.

Shit, he’s been quiet too long. He looks up and back at Kravitz, a grin curling on his lips.]

How’d you even write this here? You drag a clunky old piano out of somewhere and re-tune it?

[He almost wishes Kravitz had. He wants to hear it. Hear it in the way he knows Kravitz would pour himself into the performance, the way he knows it would only be right if Kravitz were the one to play. And for just a moment, another second of that hidden vulnerability sneaks out, those one-off lines that catch people- mostly himself- off guard.]

… Is this what you think of? With me?

[He's ready to delve into an unnecessarily long explanation about the various instruments people have around the city, but Taako unknowingly saves himself by following up with another question; one that stuns Kravitz into silence.

He reaches out and curls a hand around Taako's. His voice is soft, lowered to pass only between them. Not out of shame, or embarrassment, but because this moment is theirs. Kravitz doesn't want to share this sentiment with anyone else.]

Some of it, yes. I'm sure I could write several more about you, given the opportunity and the right inspiration. But I- [Babble too much.] yes. Yes.

[He doesn't know what to say. Kravitz is terribly, terribly sincere, like he always has been, like he cannot stop being. How long did he spend on this? How many hours in front of a piano going again and again and again, thinking only of him, and Taako can feel his heart in his throat. He's here. He's here and thinks about him when he's not around and it's so much. When he and Lup discussed the kind of life they wanted, when they were kids just dreaming, they always said someone to dote on them, give them everything they ever wanted. But Taako is realizing Kravitz is giving him things before he wants them. He fills gaps Taako didn't even know existed, cuts longing before it takes root. He's simply there.

He twists the hand Kravitz is holding, turns it palm side up so their fingers can slip together.

He fits. Despite never imagining he would.

Taako realizes he's been quiet too long, and lets a too genuine grin on his face that he forces into a catlike smirk as he steps forward, closing the gap where the box had pushed them apart, using his free hands to lay the piece down on top of the other gift nearby.]

Right inspiration, huh? Wow, Krav, pay a man in compliments and then ask for something, now that's bold.

[But without missing a beat, he hooks a leg around Kravitz', pushing their hips together and bringing his body close.]

Didn't need a fancy gift for that one, babe.

[When these moments come, where Taako is softer; when he slows down, Kravitz can always feel something growing in them. Something delicate and powerful all at once, like a flower blooming from beneath cracked cement. They catch him less off guard each time. He simply slips his fingers between Taako's in turn, and watches him as if he could do so forever.

Eventually Taako steps in close and grins sharply and the moment passes, but Kravitz isn't sad to see it go. Nothing is different. The feeling is still there, thrumming between them.

He stutters out a laugh, knowing that Taako is teasing, but rushing to correct him all the same. It's important he knows he's not really asking for anything.]

That's not what I-

[Oh.]

Oh.

[He grins at Taako, eyes darting about to see if anyone has noticed them yet.]

Is this my present?

[It's a side of him precious few have ever seen; he doesn't give this quietness, this vulnerability in him, over to almost anyone. But Kravitz sees him more than most, doesn't drag it out when he wants to move on, just-- cherishes what he has. Continues to cherish him.

Gods, the way this man makes him saccharine.

Kravitz reciprocates, the grin that stretches across his face making Taako want to drag him off with no further conversation, but he doesn't. Not yet, at least.]

Wow, you're a cheap date. Babe, I could mess with you anytime, but you wanna forfeit your real present...

[He reaches behind him and produces a small box. It's not bigger than his hand, but he drops it in Kravitz' hands anyway, with a little more care than his usual delivery. He seems... almost bashful, to be handing it over, like he's forcing his way through the intimacy of what's involved in something like this.]

But I guess you can have this too.

[The inside is lined in soft paper and padding, and in the center lies what looks like an intricately woven piece of silver. Upon further investigation, Kravitz can see it's a hair clip, with a barrette fastening on the back. The entire thing seems to be made of a thin line of silver, twisted into different patterns and shapes; the edge is all feathers, interspersed with red ruby looking gems as it twirls into the center, where it culminates in a twinkling rhinestone star.

Never mind that it matches the stars that adorn Taako's hat, and a bunch of his clothing. Don't pay attention to that. Shut the fuck your mouth. Also don't pay attention to how long Taako must have spent on this, how many spell slots got tossed to the ground and how many tiny pieces he had to salvage from all kinds of broken shit. He'll wait until Kravitz sees it and then stumble out another clarifying sentence--]

I thought, uh, you were more of a silver kinda guy.

[Nailed it.]

[He truly, honestly wasn't sure whether or not to expect a present, and wouldn't have minded if Taako didn't have one. It's incredibly cheesy, but just seeing him and being together today would have been enough. Then there is quite suddenly a box in his hands, and Kravitz becomes a stuttering mess, only ever easy to catch off guard when it's Taako doing the catching.

You didn't have to, he hears himself say numbly, but he's already opening the packaging, lifting away the paper to get at whatever is underneath. Like a kid on Candlenights, he's excited and impatient; it's rare that Kravitz is gifted something, and something from Taako- well. It's safe to say that his delight is obvious and very audible when he finds the barrette.]

Taako, this is...

[Well, it's something he doesn't have adequate words for. Kravitz's eyes are very wet and very wide when he looks back up at Taako, but if there was any room for doubt, his wide dorky grin should make it obvious how utterly taken with the gift he is.]

You made this?

[The thought of Taako, putting in all this effort for him, the time, the spells, the design... Kravitz sort of looks and feels like he might combust. Happily. A happy combustion.]

I love it! The colors! This part here must have taken... ah, and the feathers! This would go very well with-

[The look on his face makes Taako's heart swell with adoration in the same breath it makes him want to vault out the nearest window and run until he drops dead. It's physical, it's intimate, it's right there in his hands and it makes Taako nauseous to look at. He spent time on that. He spent time on it and he's just handing it to him and he's going to know, everyone's going to know--

Kravitz just smiles at him, and he feels like his insides have all simultaneously punched each other. He has no idea what face he's making. He might be smiling? He feels like he's lost all control of his face.]

Uh, yeah, cool, cool, glad it matches with your whole... thing.

[What if he died? He could just die. Always an option. Except wait, no, it's not, this is the grim reaper, if he died he'd just see him again, oh no.]

It's not really uh, anything, I just did some stuff? You know, bomb ass wizard, this sorta thing just happens sometimes. So now you can look good and not like, ridiculously stuffy all over the place.

[~~That's right, Taako. There's no escape.~~

Krav immediately tones down the lovefest, very aware of the discomfort his affections seem to have inspired. It makes his stomach roll uncomfortably, but he takes a deep breath and grounds himself. He knows what he's always known. Taako cares about him. Taako maybe loves him. Taako isn't ready for that.

And Kravitz will wait. Kravitz would wait forever.

So he just grins indulgently at Taako's uncharacteristically weak attempt at bullying, only feeling the slightest sting of something that isn't bitterness or disappointment, but rather a concern rooted in Taako.

Krav reaches out to brush a thumb across Taako's cheek; leans in and swoops down to press a kiss to the top of his head.]

Yes, well. I thank you, truly, for taking the first step in demolishing my 'stuffy' reputation.

[He pulls back, screws up his nose and practically whines-]

Is that truly what people think of me? Not 'menacing'? Creepy? ...Not even 'mildly unsettling'? I'd take that.

[Immediately, Kravitz gets gentle with him, the motions of affection and closeness just for him where he pulls apart Taako's rebukes and less than kind words. He pulls his head in and as his lips touch Taako's head he can feel the words in his throat, in the front of his mind, like he did a month ago when he was wrung out and drained, I love you, I love you, I love you. He cuts them off himself, as if he could think hard enough that Kravitz would hear him and he is not even CLOSE to ready for that shit right now. But he feels it. He feels it hard and close and the way it embarasses him without having even spoken.]

Yyyyup. Sorry to break it to you, babe. Your whole aura radiates pure dork, no way around it. Maybe if you lose the cravat? C'mon, let me dress you up sometime.

[He grabs at Kravitz' collar, making sure to curl his fingernails over his collarbone.]

Or, just, dress down and we can handle the rest later.

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[closed] we haven't really explored the sexuality of candlenights

I SHALL

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im in real actual hell

whose fault is THAT

SHUT UP DONT CALL ME OUT

IM GONNA BINCH

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