commander hector "practicing slut" rhineskeep (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
secondthoughts) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
altimit2023-11-05 10:31 pm
secondthoughts) wrote in altimit2023-11-05 10:31 pm
[ It doesn't take long for Hector to get up and wander over to Guild Name, per Owen's request. He's pretty eager, in all honesty; he'll take any excuse to show off to a pretty twink.
(That odd nagging feeling that he knows Owen, in ways he can't place, doesn't go away, either. Maybe it's time to test?)
So he sends Owen a party invite and gently raps on the door. He's not sure if the guild is open, but he's opting for caution. He has manners, you know! ]
You in, Owen?
(That odd nagging feeling that he knows Owen, in ways he can't place, doesn't go away, either. Maybe it's time to test?)
So he sends Owen a party invite and gently raps on the door. He's not sure if the guild is open, but he's opting for caution. He has manners, you know! ]
You in, Owen?
[ It's hard to tell what hour it is, but the night has grown late, and Fragment is otherwise still.
Except there comes the rustling of cabinets, opening and closing, the clinking of glasses, of bottles coming from the Fine Wine lounge. Hector is here, in a rare occasion, because he needs a drink. His own guild has run out, and he would reasonably restock at this point. But he's tired, he needs a quick drink. Just a quick drink.
It's hard to tell how late he stayed out after the fight, helping people, or if he went back out to run Areas, or whatever. It doesn't really matter. The point is that his hair is a mess, he looks like he hasn't slept in a week, his arm is back in a sling, plus all those other injuries from the most recent fight (still pending), and he has put way too much whisky into that glass (that is not a whisky glass).
It's fine, though. Because everyone is sleeping and no one will notice him falling back into bad habits. ]
Except there comes the rustling of cabinets, opening and closing, the clinking of glasses, of bottles coming from the Fine Wine lounge. Hector is here, in a rare occasion, because he needs a drink. His own guild has run out, and he would reasonably restock at this point. But he's tired, he needs a quick drink. Just a quick drink.
It's hard to tell how late he stayed out after the fight, helping people, or if he went back out to run Areas, or whatever. It doesn't really matter. The point is that his hair is a mess, he looks like he hasn't slept in a week, his arm is back in a sling, plus all those other injuries from the most recent fight (still pending), and he has put way too much whisky into that glass (that is not a whisky glass).
It's fine, though. Because everyone is sleeping and no one will notice him falling back into bad habits. ]
Edited 2023-11-05 23:03 (UTC)
[ Except someone does, and before he can fill up his glass anymore, someone puts their hand over his to force him to stop.
Talk about a jumspcare. ]
You look awful. Why don't you have something to drink that won't make your body suffer even more?
[ Fai likes his alcohol quite a bit, but he also knows a bad habit when he sees one. His voice, at least, is soft and measured... which means he's scolding Hector.
It isn't like Fai looks as put together as he usually does either—his eyes are bloodshot, his hair in a low pony with pieces of his hair having fallen out, and he's in a low effort skin of a hoodie and leggings. By all rights, he looks like someone staying home with a cold. ]
Talk about a jumspcare. ]
You look awful. Why don't you have something to drink that won't make your body suffer even more?
[ Fai likes his alcohol quite a bit, but he also knows a bad habit when he sees one. His voice, at least, is soft and measured... which means he's scolding Hector.
It isn't like Fai looks as put together as he usually does either—his eyes are bloodshot, his hair in a low pony with pieces of his hair having fallen out, and he's in a low effort skin of a hoodie and leggings. By all rights, he looks like someone staying home with a cold. ]
Edited 2023-11-05 23:12 (UTC)
[Can’t believe Owen is getting the birthday gift of a hot guy lifting him like a sack of potatoes.
It’s not Owen who opens the door, though, but a smaller than usual guild grunty wearing a white cloak with a purple lining. It looks up at Hector with the closest thing. grunty can manage for a smile, and motions him in.]
H-hello, wan… Owen is here and told me you would be coming, and to get the door if he was still busy, wan…
[The grunty ushers Hector in, before scampering off into the guild hall. There’s not much to see in the hall, but Hector is free to look. It’s just all very bare, as if Owen simply left everything in the entryway to be the default.
Moments later Owen enters the hall, with Sweets Grunty propped on his hip like a small child.]
Well, you actually did show up.
It’s not Owen who opens the door, though, but a smaller than usual guild grunty wearing a white cloak with a purple lining. It looks up at Hector with the closest thing. grunty can manage for a smile, and motions him in.]
H-hello, wan… Owen is here and told me you would be coming, and to get the door if he was still busy, wan…
[The grunty ushers Hector in, before scampering off into the guild hall. There’s not much to see in the hall, but Hector is free to look. It’s just all very bare, as if Owen simply left everything in the entryway to be the default.
Moments later Owen enters the hall, with Sweets Grunty propped on his hip like a small child.]
Well, you actually did show up.
[ He's here to provide!! Even if he doesn't know it's Owen's birthday!
Hector grins down at Sweets Grunty, offering it a little wave and dutifully following down the hall. He does note the lack of decor... Well, he can't really judge. Hector didn't really go all out on decorating like some people did, either.
When Owen emerges, he gives him a quick up-and-down and an even wider grin. ]
Why wouldn't I? I'm a man of my word.
[ He gestures to his skin. ]
You look good.
Hector grins down at Sweets Grunty, offering it a little wave and dutifully following down the hall. He does note the lack of decor... Well, he can't really judge. Hector didn't really go all out on decorating like some people did, either.
When Owen emerges, he gives him a quick up-and-down and an even wider grin. ]
Why wouldn't I? I'm a man of my word.
[ He gestures to his skin. ]
You look good.
Jesus—
[ Either he was so lost in thought, or Fai walks quietly, because Hector really does jump when the hand and the voice come out of nowhere. Some of the whisky from the bottle splashes over Fai's hand and onto the counter. With an irritated sigh, he slams the bottle down onto the counter and reaches for some napkins. ]
Yeah? [ He glances at Fai, and his disheveled state doesn't escape him. ] Speak for yourself. Go back to bed. Sorry if I woke you.
[ And he gets to wiping up the mess, acting like Fai's just going to listen to him and go back to sleep. ]
[ Either he was so lost in thought, or Fai walks quietly, because Hector really does jump when the hand and the voice come out of nowhere. Some of the whisky from the bottle splashes over Fai's hand and onto the counter. With an irritated sigh, he slams the bottle down onto the counter and reaches for some napkins. ]
Yeah? [ He glances at Fai, and his disheveled state doesn't escape him. ] Speak for yourself. Go back to bed. Sorry if I woke you.
[ And he gets to wiping up the mess, acting like Fai's just going to listen to him and go back to sleep. ]
You could also be a very busy man, especially right now.
[There's only so many healers in the world...
Owen hikes Sweets Grunty up a little higher, an eyebrow arching for a moment.]
Do I? And here I thought this outfit was rather plain. I don't hate the compliment, though.
[He would appreciate even more compliments, also.]
You're not just here to talk about me, though.
[There's only so many healers in the world...
Owen hikes Sweets Grunty up a little higher, an eyebrow arching for a moment.]
Do I? And here I thought this outfit was rather plain. I don't hate the compliment, though.
[He would appreciate even more compliments, also.]
You're not just here to talk about me, though.
[ Or a secret third thing—Fai was purposefully sneaking up on him. He bites back a huff of amusement as Hector slams the bottle down. The dramatics...
He doesn't care about the whisky sloshing onto his hand, however, and he just shakes it off. ]
What am I, a child? Please.
[ He grabs a few napkins himself, pushing Hector's hand out of the way so he can clean up the rest of the mess in his stead. ]
Have some water. Or better yet, some tea. I can make some for you.
[ Because the last time he made Hector tea went so well, but Fai isn't thinking about that right this moment. ]
He doesn't care about the whisky sloshing onto his hand, however, and he just shakes it off. ]
What am I, a child? Please.
[ He grabs a few napkins himself, pushing Hector's hand out of the way so he can clean up the rest of the mess in his stead. ]
Have some water. Or better yet, some tea. I can make some for you.
[ Because the last time he made Hector tea went so well, but Fai isn't thinking about that right this moment. ]
[ Unfortunately, he is very busy. But this is kind of on his to do list anyway, so? He just lets the comment roll off his shoulders.
Hector grins at the second comment, though. Fortunately for Owen, he has plenty more compliments to give. All in varying degrees of appropriateness.
He strides into the guild hall, past Owen, and comes to stand in a small open spot near a table. ]
Yeah. You wanted to see my arms?
[ More like Hector really wants to show them off.
Luckily, the armor he has on kind of already shows off his arms, but he shrugs off the outer cloak anyway, leaving just the inner shirt. He looks to Owen for approval with a grin, spreading his arms wide, as though inviting him in. His arms are...surprisingly muscly for someone who supposedly spends all his time in the backline of combat healing. ]
Hector grins at the second comment, though. Fortunately for Owen, he has plenty more compliments to give. All in varying degrees of appropriateness.
He strides into the guild hall, past Owen, and comes to stand in a small open spot near a table. ]
Yeah. You wanted to see my arms?
[ More like Hector really wants to show them off.
Luckily, the armor he has on kind of already shows off his arms, but he shrugs off the outer cloak anyway, leaving just the inner shirt. He looks to Owen for approval with a grin, spreading his arms wide, as though inviting him in. His arms are...surprisingly muscly for someone who supposedly spends all his time in the backline of combat healing. ]
[ Let him be dramatic!
Hector's frown deepens a touch when Fai pushes his hand away, so he leaves the dirty napkin on the counter and grabs his bottle of whisky (his, he might be petty and say, since he remembers this as one of the ones he replaced when Yael smashed the shelves). He pulls it to his lips and takes a healthy swig as he walks away, towards the other side of the counter. ]
I think I'll pass. Thanks, though. [ There's a surprising lack of sincerity in his voice when he says that. ] I'm not here for long. Just grabbing some stuff and I'll be out of your hair.
[ He crouches behind the counter and continues to rummage, not trying as hard to stay quiet now that he knows one of you is awake. ]
Hector's frown deepens a touch when Fai pushes his hand away, so he leaves the dirty napkin on the counter and grabs his bottle of whisky (his, he might be petty and say, since he remembers this as one of the ones he replaced when Yael smashed the shelves). He pulls it to his lips and takes a healthy swig as he walks away, towards the other side of the counter. ]
I think I'll pass. Thanks, though. [ There's a surprising lack of sincerity in his voice when he says that. ] I'm not here for long. Just grabbing some stuff and I'll be out of your hair.
[ He crouches behind the counter and continues to rummage, not trying as hard to stay quiet now that he knows one of you is awake. ]
I did.
[Hm. Owen makes the tactical decision to set Sweets Grunty on the floor, straightening and smoothing out its cloak before.]
Can you go back to the kitchen?
[And the grunty scampers off with a nod, safe from seeing and hearing whatever Owen’s going to do next.
He turns back to Hector, circling him. He doesn’t step closer or reach out, keeping his hands tucked behind his back.]
You’re far more toned than I would expect from a cleric.
[Hm. Owen makes the tactical decision to set Sweets Grunty on the floor, straightening and smoothing out its cloak before.]
Can you go back to the kitchen?
[And the grunty scampers off with a nod, safe from seeing and hearing whatever Owen’s going to do next.
He turns back to Hector, circling him. He doesn’t step closer or reach out, keeping his hands tucked behind his back.]
You’re far more toned than I would expect from a cleric.
[ There's only room for one dramatic bitch in here and it isn't Hector!!
Fai quickly rounds the counter and looms over Hector. There's already a decent height difference between them, so he may as well utilize it while Hector is crouched down. ]
You think I care about you being in my hair? [ Hector has caused him turmoil of another kind anyway, so this? It doesn't matter whatsoever. ] Drinking isn't going to solve whatever you're going through and you know that.
[ So, Fai attempts to close one of the doors to prevent him from grabbing so much alcohol. ]
Fai quickly rounds the counter and looms over Hector. There's already a decent height difference between them, so he may as well utilize it while Hector is crouched down. ]
You think I care about you being in my hair? [ Hector has caused him turmoil of another kind anyway, so this? It doesn't matter whatsoever. ] Drinking isn't going to solve whatever you're going through and you know that.
[ So, Fai attempts to close one of the doors to prevent him from grabbing so much alcohol. ]
( A few days after the news of Uta's death, Mithrun finds himself sat down within the tavern that comprises Dragon's Watch, dressed still in his wedding armor, and his legs doing generally better - but still suffering from weakness. His black lab, Basque, accompanies him, and sits dutifully on the floor, persnaps with a little cup of water and a treat. She deserves it.
Not having asked for a drink of his own or even acknowledged that drinks exist, he glances at Hector once he's done studying the interior. )
... You wanted to talk?
Not having asked for a drink of his own or even acknowledged that drinks exist, he glances at Hector once he's done studying the interior. )
... You wanted to talk?
[ One or two of the stray cats that Dosei has adopted will come up to investigate Mithrun and Basque, but they're skittish and don't hang around for very long. But it's warm, the fire roars in the fireplace, and despite the rustic decor, it's pretty cozy.
(Maybe, in another life, it could've been a refuge for fire-forged friendships.) ]
Yeah.
[ Hector emerges from behind the bar, a steaming mug in each hand. The smell that wafts on the vapor makes it obvious it's coffee, even before he puts it down. He didn't even ask if Mithrun wanted some. Hector looks tired and haggard, if Mithrun is paying attention to such things, and it seems like he made it more for himself than anything else.
He slides into the bench opposite. ] I was honestly surprised to see you at the fight against Gorre. You sure you should be up and fighting like that?
(Maybe, in another life, it could've been a refuge for fire-forged friendships.) ]
Yeah.
[ Hector emerges from behind the bar, a steaming mug in each hand. The smell that wafts on the vapor makes it obvious it's coffee, even before he puts it down. He didn't even ask if Mithrun wanted some. Hector looks tired and haggard, if Mithrun is paying attention to such things, and it seems like he made it more for himself than anything else.
He slides into the bench opposite. ] I was honestly surprised to see you at the fight against Gorre. You sure you should be up and fighting like that?
[ Hector only glances as the grunty scampers away, but at least now this means Owen gets his full attention. And he gets Owen's, apparently. As Owen circles him, he raises his arms to rest them behind his head... No, it's not resting. He's flexing. Get the arms and the girlies working at the same time. ]
Y'know, funny you mention that. You'd expect a cleric to be just as skinny as that Nanashi kid, huh?
[ He grins. ]
I think it just means I need to be strong enough to carry people out of danger.
Y'know, funny you mention that. You'd expect a cleric to be just as skinny as that Nanashi kid, huh?
[ He grins. ]
I think it just means I need to be strong enough to carry people out of danger.
[ LET HECTOR BE DRAMATIC!!
Damn, Fai's ass is tall, though. He doesn't pay attention to him, only aware of his shadow as it falls over him, and grabs what he can before the cabinet is shut. One bottle, another goes into his inventory. But that's all before the cabinet is closed on him, and he gets to his feet with a minor look of disgust. The whisky bottle's still in his hand. ]
It's fine. I'm not problem solving. [ He takes a big swig of the whisky, eyes still fixed on Fai, as though in defiance. ] I'm celebrating.
[ Alone, and clearly not festive.
The bottle goes back on the counter with force, still open, and he whirls around to skirt past Fai. He knows how the taller man can get when he's ready to scold, so he knows he has to skedaddle before Fai traps him here. ]
Damn, Fai's ass is tall, though. He doesn't pay attention to him, only aware of his shadow as it falls over him, and grabs what he can before the cabinet is shut. One bottle, another goes into his inventory. But that's all before the cabinet is closed on him, and he gets to his feet with a minor look of disgust. The whisky bottle's still in his hand. ]
It's fine. I'm not problem solving. [ He takes a big swig of the whisky, eyes still fixed on Fai, as though in defiance. ] I'm celebrating.
[ Alone, and clearly not festive.
The bottle goes back on the counter with force, still open, and he whirls around to skirt past Fai. He knows how the taller man can get when he's ready to scold, so he knows he has to skedaddle before Fai traps him here. ]
You would. You don’t need much strength to wave a staff around, do you?
[Owen stops his circling in front of Hector, and he’s also checking out the girls. If he’s showing off like this, it’s only polite to look. Obviously.]
Only carrying them out of danger? Never anywhere else?
[Though with arms like that he could probably pick Owen up and throw him like a javelin across the room… which might also be a good use of his afternoon.]
[Owen stops his circling in front of Hector, and he’s also checking out the girls. If he’s showing off like this, it’s only polite to look. Obviously.]
Only carrying them out of danger? Never anywhere else?
[Though with arms like that he could probably pick Owen up and throw him like a javelin across the room… which might also be a good use of his afternoon.]
Looks like a really nice celebration.
[ Not.
Fai takes a step to the side in an attempt to prevent Hector from leaving, now hellbent on keeping him out of dangerous habits. And so, he leans forward, reaching for the bottle of whisky. ]
I'm not letting you drink yourself into a stupor. I'm sorry, Hector.
[ A little to take the edge off is fine, although it's not a good coping mechanism. But multiple bottles of heavy liquor? No. He refuses to allow this. ]
[ Not.
Fai takes a step to the side in an attempt to prevent Hector from leaving, now hellbent on keeping him out of dangerous habits. And so, he leans forward, reaching for the bottle of whisky. ]
I'm not letting you drink yourself into a stupor. I'm sorry, Hector.
[ A little to take the edge off is fine, although it's not a good coping mechanism. But multiple bottles of heavy liquor? No. He refuses to allow this. ]
( He glances at the coffee, then back up at Hector, not really touching it. )
I don't know if I "should" be, but I will be, regardless.
( So, not much point thinking too hard on it. He did need a grunty to get here, though, and he's definitely still fawnlike in his gait. Not using your legs for so much as a nerve impulse is no joke.
He studies Hector for several long moments. )
Yael's back.
( And down a leg, but. )
I don't know if I "should" be, but I will be, regardless.
( So, not much point thinking too hard on it. He did need a grunty to get here, though, and he's definitely still fawnlike in his gait. Not using your legs for so much as a nerve impulse is no joke.
He studies Hector for several long moments. )
Yael's back.
( And down a leg, but. )
[ Oh, yes, good. He's looking. Hector's eyes rest on Owen's face, taking in every little expression he can read. ]
I mean, I'd rather not carry people into danger. But other places? Hm...
[ He quickly looks Owen up and down before dropping his hands to rest on his hips. His grin morphs into a little smirk. ]
Why, you got somewhere to go?
[ This is an offer, ]
I mean, I'd rather not carry people into danger. But other places? Hm...
[ He quickly looks Owen up and down before dropping his hands to rest on his hips. His grin morphs into a little smirk. ]
Why, you got somewhere to go?
[ This is an offer, ]
[ Fai reaches for the bottle, and Hector jerks his hand away with a sound of disgust. Another swig, for good measure. He was doing fine managing his stress, like this, but now this interaction is just making it worse all over again. ]
I'm not drinking myself into a stupor.
[ He turns and walks away again, another swig.
And out of spite, he puts the bottle back down on the counter. There's a lot less in there now. ]
I've got shit to do, okay? I can't be in a stupor while I'm out there. I know what I'm doing. Besides— [ He gestures in the direction of the private rooms. ] Don't you have more important matters to attend to?
[ Like your limbless boyfriend? ]
I'm not drinking myself into a stupor.
[ He turns and walks away again, another swig.
And out of spite, he puts the bottle back down on the counter. There's a lot less in there now. ]
I've got shit to do, okay? I can't be in a stupor while I'm out there. I know what I'm doing. Besides— [ He gestures in the direction of the private rooms. ] Don't you have more important matters to attend to?
[ Like your limbless boyfriend? ]
[ Hector quirks a brow at that as he brings his coffee to his lips. Yeah, he shouldn't be. Unfortunately, he can't really think of a way to help him save months of physical therapy, and he's just not equipped to help with that. Mithrun will have to figure that out on his own.
(He does see the debuff, though, and he'll ask about that later.)
He places his cup down. ]
Yeah, I know. [ His tone is light. It's old news to him at this point. The sight of him losing his leg, though, is still pretty fresh in his mind.
He offers Mithrun a lopsided smile. ] I'm...sorry if I said anything out of line to you while he was gone. I wasn't really myself.
(He does see the debuff, though, and he'll ask about that later.)
He places his cup down. ]
Yeah, I know. [ His tone is light. It's old news to him at this point. The sight of him losing his leg, though, is still pretty fresh in his mind.
He offers Mithrun a lopsided smile. ] I'm...sorry if I said anything out of line to you while he was gone. I wasn't really myself.
[Owen steps closer, resting a hand on Hector’s arm and leaning in. His fingers have the chill of someone who’s definitely not getting enough iron in their diet, but hopefully Hector doesn’t mind.]
There’s a few places, but right now I need to head back to my room. I’ve forgotten something very important, but I’m feeling awfully faint…
[He leans against Hector in an exaggerated swoon, fluttering his eyelashes with a cheeky grin.]
There’s a few places, but right now I need to head back to my room. I’ve forgotten something very important, but I’m feeling awfully faint…
[He leans against Hector in an exaggerated swoon, fluttering his eyelashes with a cheeky grin.]
( Well, funny that, because: )
It's fine. I wasn't either. When I was needling you for your feelings, making assumptions... I was looking for data, as Macha. Sorry about that.
( He says it so casually, like he'd mistakenly eaten Hector's food from the fridge. But it's something, right? (Well.) )
It's fine. I wasn't either. When I was needling you for your feelings, making assumptions... I was looking for data, as Macha. Sorry about that.
( He says it so casually, like he'd mistakenly eaten Hector's food from the fridge. But it's something, right? (Well.) )
[ Goosebumps bloom where Owen places his hand, either from the touch or the cold. It's hard to tell. It doesn't show on Hector's face, though.
He breathes a quiet chuckle as Owen leans against him. While he may be dense in some things, this is not one of them. In one swift movement, he leans to sweep Owen off his feet and take him in his arms bridal style. ]
Sounds like you need my help, then.
[ He shifts Owen in his arms to plant a light, brief kiss on his cheek. ]
Tell me where to go, and I'll take you there.
[ "his room" but yes where is it ]
He breathes a quiet chuckle as Owen leans against him. While he may be dense in some things, this is not one of them. In one swift movement, he leans to sweep Owen off his feet and take him in his arms bridal style. ]
Sounds like you need my help, then.
[ He shifts Owen in his arms to plant a light, brief kiss on his cheek. ]
Tell me where to go, and I'll take you there.
[ "his room" but yes where is it ]
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