[open] catch-all, Full Moon, quests
Who: Reno and you!
When: first half of Septeril
Where: Aefenglom
What: Full Moon, Quests
Warnings: NSFW in one of the Full Moon threads (feat.dragon)
FULL MOON
QUEST #1 Heliofonic Hospital; the peddler
QUEST #2 Under New Management; just checking it out
WILDCARD
When: first half of Septeril
Where: Aefenglom
What: Full Moon, Quests
Warnings: NSFW in one of the Full Moon threads (feat.dragon)
FULL MOON
[ The last Full Moon at least happened during celebrations. Drinks, merriments, and brawls were all but a normal thing to happen. But it somehow made this whole Full Moons deal a little easier to bear. It's now the third time it happens and Reno hates it a little more with each passing month. Figures, it will pass into a routine eventually, unless they get out of this place first. This time the Moons provide him with even more feathers, not just tufts here and there, his arms are slowly turning into wings Thickly feathered tonight, even if still not enough to fly up into the sky. The rusty red only a few notches more desaturated than his hair.
And given that... potential revelations that might have happened in the month prior... he is less likely to stay at the quietness of his apartment, wallowing in the misery. He hits the town, Entertainment District mainly. The brightness of the lights there causes a bright and hot irritation in him at first. Unsteady anger, pre-battle jitters, that quickly turn into weird neediness. He craves company, and it doesn't really matter if it's a peaceful and pleasant or involves ripping someone's face off. ]
A )
[ So eventually giving into that, Reno nearly pounces someone; hand occupied with a bottle of beer, smile almost jovial but a bit too sharp. No glint of recognition in his eyes at first, if he should happen upon a familiar face. His eyesight is going to shit at night, but no way he is going to mention that. ]
Lost? [ He points at the building that hosts both a pleasure house and a pub, depending on if you go up or down the stairs ] Do you wanna go try that together? I'm kinda curious how it looks like.
——Alternatively
B )
[ When his mood crashes, and it's probably the last moment of the night that doubles as the earliest hour of the morning, Reno can be found sitting on the fence, somewhere in Haven. Sun is literally about to rise, but he's yet to see if it helps his eyes in any way. Are you going early to work/classes? Running for fitness? Whatever it is, the redhead soon-to-be harpy waves you, cigarette in feathered hand— ]
Got any fire? [ It's almost pretty please. The matches are gone, and he doesn't have the nifty Witchy powers to just make a flame out of nowhere. ]
QUEST #1 Heliofonic Hospital; the peddler
[ The potions, no doubt having its origin in dubious places are a real catch from a business standpoint. He gets a hefty cut on each potion he sells, basically. Surprisingly clean for the shady scheme that it probably is, but not that Reno is going to bother asking questions. He doesn't really concern how they're made, or whether they're a placebo or have some actual effects beneficial effects. It seems like a dumb, but an easy job. And who knows what you can learn along the way. ]
A )
[ —so should he see Mirrorbound seemingly suffering from a headache, insomnia, or even simple Monster growing pains, (or just simply being tired) he will approach them with few stock phrases about a miracle cure, and a good deal before it hits the market— He's clearly repeating a memorized phrase, not trying to hide he's here to sell shit ]
B )
[ But now that a certain hospital makes a focused effort to crack the operation down, a suspicion that it's all more than just a ruse rises. So if someone calls him out on this he will be both willing to listen and discuss the issue.
Yeah he's— ]
Listen, I got only two bottles left on me. Buy them and you'll get bonus info" [ He's not above ratting the alchemist to the guards (getting chummy with them is a better investment in the long run), but he wants to make a coin on this still. ]
QUEST #2 Under New Management; just checking it out
[ The job at the factory last month was, he'd want to say, uneventful. But that ain't true. So when the word goes around that the orphanage itself changed hands and is now under new management... Reno does go to take a peek.
From afar.
Look, it's not like he cares, okay? If he spots any face that he might have seen in Haven or identify from the network as a Mirrorbound he'll ask. ]
Hey, I heard there have been changes here. [ He starts and goes straight to the point ] Do ya know anything else about it? Word on the street says its owned by a Mirrobound
[ And that sounds like an incredibly curious thing, orphans aside. Because owning an orphange sounds like a big deal for a bunch of refugees. Also, are the kids still working oin the factory? ]
WILDCARD
「 ooc: Wildcard aka hit me with whatever. For plotting through plurkaetarna, PM, or discord 」

Full Moon A
Which one?
[While he's definitely a Monster and not the Witch, up close there's a faintest feel of magic (he's fed very recently, and being Bonded to two Witches gives him more than enough sustenance.}]
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Even in his a little addled brain, it's not hard to understand what it means. A lucky, well-fed bastard, that's what this guy is. ]
I've been to plenty of pubs around here. [ So yeah he's speaking about the other option, as he takes first steps up the stairs, and seeing if the dragon will follow the tug.
Later, he might laugh and wonder what the fuck is wrong with him, but not now. ]
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The establishment looks decent enough though a bit on the cheaper side. Someone approaches them. At first glance Archer thinks her a girl, but quickly corrects his mistake; she's much older, the dimmed light gives her soft features a semblance of youth.]
How can I help you?
Do you have rooms for rent?
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Not just any room. Make it the best one. [ He interjects, not even consulting the price. But now that they're in a lit room he gets a better look at the dragon he caught. Bastard is almost intimidatingly tall— but the size was never something that he saw as threatening.
There's a voice warning him about stupid decisions, maybe that's part is what is trying to scare Archer away with the potential bill— or, he's just being an ass as he always was. ]
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You're paying half the price if you want the best one.
[It's just common sense (and his inner troll.) While he has enough there's no reason to be nice.]
The standard fee includes drinks.
cw: violent ideation
And here I took you for a gentleman... [ The teasing begins, but then he turns back to the woman with the agreement ready ] Sounds good, lead the way.
[ She gives them a strange look. They're not giving an impression of usual clientele, Reno assumes. Though in districts like these, owners of such establishments are usually discreet. Whether their rooms are rented by pair of lovers, or people doing shady business, doesn't really matter as long as they're paid, right?
The pervasive question "what the fuck is wrong with you, idiot?" once again neon-bright light all over his brain, but the hunger and need that overflows his senses washes that away. The dragon, despite being a Monster, stinks of magic. Is lightened up with it. The more primal set of instincts make Reno wonder if he could taste that magic it in his blood after he clawed his face off—
When the door creak, closing behind him he realizes he completely missed the route to the room. Are they on the upper floor? In the basement? How to get out of here if things go south. It's a fucking love hotel, like in Wall Market, why is he on edge as if a gunfight was to start at any second. He leans his back onto this door and rubs his eyes, trying to get rid of the pounding headache.
What the fuck is he doing, indeed, but at the same time, not staying at home could have been the smartest decision ever made ]
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Once they're alone dragon checks the room and sniffs the stuff in decanter. There's barely enough to fill two small glasses.]
Spiked. Typical celebration drink here.
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It's an experiment after all. Part of sorting it out, or so he tells himself. Or maybe it is the cursed moon disease— he wishes he knew, he wishes he had more control over himself back. The drink doesn't help with control, but it surely helps with relaxation. It's like being really drunk, only instead of feeling nausea, it's more about hearing a pulse.
A coping mechanism, always has been. ]
So what's on the agenda, big guy? [ His tone takes on a lower, softer tone. Tet he makes the sentence sound so crass. Not even trying to hide how he scans the dragon from head to toe. Dragon, huh.]
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Redhead is quite attractive, with sharp features and definitely foul language. He's also nicely built despite his slenderness but seems restless. Not surprising. Archer still does remember his own changes and lack of Bond, the unsettling feelings and his annoyance.]
Depends on what you want— sex or magical energy. [he answers bluntly while swirling the drink in his glass.] For the latter blood or saliva work as well.
[Archer adds on an afterthought.] Drinking Witch's blood can be addictive, so better be careful.
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Quite irritating, but he can't help but dig his own hole a little deeper. He steps towards, close enough flick two buttons of the dragon's shirt open. More iridescent scales become visible, black, and red. He draws a very tip of a finger over them ] Not to mention you're no witch—
[ So this whole talk about blood, magic, and shit is absolutely useless ]
Try again.
[ A master of tact and subtlety, this one. Oh, he's capable of both of these things, if he really wants to. But these are... reserved for someone else. Strangely thorny thought to have. ]
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[Tact and subtlety, of course. Unfortunately his slightly sarcastic tone undermines the helpful suggestion. Perhaps he dislikes the bratty behavior.]
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He reaches again, not to touch this time though, but to grab at Archer's collar. The effort put to either pull the dragon down or raise himself up ]
Wrong answer, asshole. [ He cuts Archer off. ] I'm here to have fun. If you're here to talk about it or give wiseass lectures, find someone else.
[ It would be damn more effective if he was taller, and didn't need to stand on his toes— though he's annoyance is so clear and seething there could have been a neon sign over his head. And it's not even the playing hard to get, that can be fun sometimes— no, it's this whole insistence on giving advice Reno didn't ask for. Is this dude asserting his status, or what? ]
Someone who has no fucking idea what they want either, so the two of you can talk it out for the rest of the night.
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As the pissed off harpy gets into his face, Archer becomes increasingly aware of the fluffy feathers around his wrists that keep brushing against his skin. It's not unpleasant, quite on the contrary. That light, teasing sensation is surprisingly arousing. Perhaps it's simply a thrill that he enjoys but Archer notes it as something to try with his Witch. Then Dragon moves.]
You're cute when you get angry. [those words are growled in low voice that he uses in bedroom as he spins them around, making a grab for slender hand and trying to trap the redhead against the table.]
guess it needs NSFW warning unless someone gets yeeted out of the window
So that's the game, hm? [ Reading people for Reno is more based on intuition than pure analysis— the gut feeling, the "seen this before". Even if his instincts are haywire, he still chooses to trust them. And in a situation turning like that, options are two— either the dragon wants the challenge, wants the power struggle or... or he wants someone to put him in place. One can easily come with the other, not like these are mutually exclusive. It's Reno's choice of how he plays this out.
There's a tilt of a head, but despite the baring the throat there is nothing submissive in this movement, instead— the strikingly blue (or is it green?) eyes look with confidence. A click of a tongue is accompanied by a click of a— weapon.
The mag-rod might be useless for the electricity, but it still works as a simple expendable baton. The kinetic surge as it snaps, sound commanding attention. That's a second he gives to the dragon to notice it and then he puts the blunt tip to the jaw, sliding it almost gently to the juncture between jaw and ear and applying just enough pressure to force him to tilt his head a bit. That makes a long earring dangle and catch the bits of the light. Silver jewelry on a darker skin is such a damn good combination—
...
No, he won't go there, not right now. He will have time to wonder what the hell is wrong with him later. This is part of figuring everything out.
Reno's voice goes down to a whisper turns almost sweet, but there is no genuine fondness in it. ]
And you're being a very bad boy. [ Just a little more pressure to make a point ] You'll have to make it up for me. [ Knee up, strategically to rest against the dragon's thigh ] But first you gotta apologize.
[ That's where the strong commanding tone comes back again ]
Now. On your knees.
it definitely does, no matter what happens
The amount of people that can pull such stunt on him and not get their heads chewed off (metaphorically) is very short, and the redhead isn't one of them. Archer smirks, showing off sharp dragon teeth. It's a gamble, based on the fact that most weapons from different worlds lose their unique attributes in Aefenglom. He doesn't move away, leaning a bit closer instead. This position allows for a glimpse of the intricate tattoo covering his chest.]
Do you expect me to just roll over?
I don't know what's happening... /wanders in by "mistake"...cough
Normally was the operative word here though. Under normal circumstances Reno wouldn't be in a yet still mostly unfamiliar city in a completely different world, and under more normal circumstances he wouldn't be turning into a bird that couldn't see well at night. Having recently learned about Reno's poor night vision, Rude had some extra concerns about his partner still going out at night. He knew it would be hard for Reno to kick the habit though and didn't blame him for it. But it did concern him, still so fresh a revelation that the worry hadn't had time to fade.
Or maybe he was just getting possessive as a dragon. Who knew.But that was why Rude was following the redhead tonight. Being practiced in the art of stalking, he didn't have any problems following Reno around from afar and not being noticed. Especially with Reno's eyesight being so poor at night that Rude could easily hide from the poor bird.
Reno looked to be doing mostly fine tonight, simply prowling around town, looking for some fun. Typical stuff. Reno's eyesight may have been annoying him but not entirely ruining his style. Rude was about to walk away (really!) when Reno stopped in front of a particularly seedy place and took up residence. He figured he knew what Reno was up to--the ever so tantalizing debate of what kind of fun to have for the night--when he saw Reno's eye catch sight of prey. Only the prey was tall, red, and scaly. It was a dragon.
And they went up the stairs. Together.
He didn't care. It wasn't his business what Reno got himself into. He knew the redhead was feeling restless with the full moons out. Rude could feel their tug lightly, too. He just always had more control than his partner. He closed his eyes and told himself it was fine, Reno knew what he was doing, he didn't have to worry about the large dragon or what they were going to do in the private room together. He didn't want to know.
Before Rude could realize what he was doing and stop himself, the bald man had walked into the hotel and demanded where the last two patrons had gone. Rude soon found himself standing outside the doorway where Reno had accompanied the red dragon. He stood there quietly in the hallway without movement for some time, just staring at the door.
He didn't need to know what Reno was doing... but a part of him wanted to know. A part of him was curious. A part of him...wished Reno had stayed home and bothered him all night long.
There wasn't any thought in it at this point. If there had been he would have walked away immediately as soon as the idea popped into his head. Really, how could he hope to get away with barging in on Reno's activities behind a closed door? And yet there was his hand, pushing on the door and opening it to find out whether Reno was in trouble or not. That was the excuse he would use, probably.
What he walked in on wasn't altogether unexpected. But it still caught his breath in his throat. Reno pinned beneath the red dragon. He could barely even see his smaller partner from this angle, the dragon was so large compared. There was a spike of something inside him; anger and sadness both at once...it took him a moment to register it as jealously and he shut it down immediately.
With his emotions shoved to one side his logical mind had a moment to spare to register the red dragon's appearance. Something nagged at him until it clicked. He recognized the imposing man. A brief meeting. Neither pleasant nor unpleasant in his memory. Just a small conversation and a shared drink while resting after a day of unusual work.
His eyes narrowed at the scene but somehow Rude held onto his calm demeanor. Internally his mind was reeling, uncertain, torn. On the one hand, he wanted to make certain Reno really was okay for the night. He registered the weapon in Reno's hand and had to wonder if it was out for defense or not. Rude's hands turned into fists at his side.
On the other... he couldn't help but look at the two bodies posed together one over the other... intimately close... and not feel a draw. The idea of Reno like that, beneath someone much larger, held a certain appeal Rude couldn't help but admit to himself that he felt. His eyes slid over the red dragon quickly. It wasn't as if the man wasn't appealing either. He was torn between wanting to rip the dragon off Reno and rescue his partner from the perceived danger or stand there and watch to see where it was going, if it wasn't trouble at all but a good time... A pleasurable evening... Why did that bother him less than it should.
He closed his eyes, tried to remember how words worked, and what he could possibly say to keep Reno from hating him forever for this moment.]
...heard the struggle. [May be lying. May be simply referring to Reno's body hitting the table with a small thud.] This friendly?
[Somehow, somehow, he managed to make his tone come out with a small warning tone directed at the dragon. Fuck the consequences, he made it sound like he didn't care what they thought but was only here to make sure things didn't get out of hand. Like it was his damned business.
Nailed it.]1/??? oh this is gonna be good
Quite on the contrary, you look like you're in serious need of some good old discipline— [ too early to rest his case! And at least it inspires the dragon to do something. Too busy with their little fun, Reno doesn't pay attention to anything that might be happening besides their little, private room.
Even when the door open, he halfway expects the staff to bring in more drinks or whatever, but instead— ]
2/??? (at least one more...)
That's Rude in the flesh, alright.
Where seconds before Reno was sure his pulse was speeding up; the unknown present in the tense, but also arousing situation causing the heartbeat rate to rise— Now it went to a total halt. Blood, frozen in his veins, and maybe for the best
because what the hell is wrong with him tonight?
This is literally that time when he shouldn't be impulsively leaping on making decisions.
But then, no one will manage these instincts for himself. No one will invent ways to cope with it. So.... what is this weight he feels?
The blood starts flowing again though as Rude strolls the room, finds a comfortable position, and asks a very level-headed question. Given how his partner is pinned on the table, by someone much larger and physically stronger; given how weapons are apparently part of the equation. That question, make Reno feel secure. It makes it all... fine, in a strange way. Like an invitation to define new possibilities.
Reno can't tell where Rude's gaze exactly travels, but he hopes it lingers on him. He hopes, that for what it's worth, his partner likes the view. Even if in the wake of the earlier confession it could easily double as something Rude might never want to see.
But he is here, and now it's turn for Reno's blood to ignite in his veins. ]
3/3
With a flick of the wrist, he swirls the mag-rod. Puts the tip against the table, holds the correct button, and presses down to collapse it. When shortened, he just attaches it back to his belt. A trained move takes no more than a few seconds, so now he has a hand free to pat Archer's cheek ]
Seems friendly enough. [ Right ] I'm getting some mixed signals, but I'm willing to work through it.
[ Head tilted on a side, Reno's gaze is locked on Rude. A bead of sweat rolls down his temple. A moment later he could feel it on his lips. The windows were covered, but despite that Reno could tell the Moons are shining brightly tonight and they— that light, frays what is left of his self-control. That's when he's at his worst, he remembers. That's why he decided to take care of everything on his own.
Rude is also a Monster, he must feel it too. But Rude, always so in control, always so collected— if anyone could shrug the Moons off that was Rude, the strongest of the Turks... right?
Damn, now he feels boneless. Or maybe it's the drink effect, who knows? A short chuckle transformed his expression into a cheeky grin. ]
Feeling safer with you around, partner.
1/2
Another oddity is the undercurrent of a few spoken words. It seems that both men communicate through gestures and body language. The way redhead suddenly changes from toothy predator to cute dork isn't lost on him either.]
2/2
mobstersMonsters. On the other hand he may be the appetizer before the main dish.Oh well, it's not like he's here to overthink others' life choices or kinks. Hopefully both of his companions are here to have a good time. That pat on the cheek earns a heavy stare, though. Right.]
Is he always like that?
1/2
He didn't actually completely relax just yet though. Only his tension concerning Reno's reaction to him faded away. He was happy but there was still the matter of the big red dragon. Reno's words didn't fully exonerate him though Rude knew the redhead enough to realize Reno wasn't exactly not enjoying himself--even if he was in danger--probably more so because of it, in fact. That love of the thrill was one of the factors that kept them together, made them such good partners. They both enjoyed it a little too much.
His eyes finally slid back off Reno to focus on Archer.]
2/2
[Simple answer to a simple question. Reno was Reno. It didn't even phase Rude anymore. He wouldn't be surprised if Reno had done something silly or stupid (or both) to annoy the red dragon into pushing them into their current position.
The easiness with which the dragon assessed and reacted to the situation impressed Rude. There was the barest hint of tension, just enough to imply that the red dragon was ready to act like a coiled spring if needed, but not enough to make the room thick with it. A healthy amount of caution in other words and Rude couldn't blame him for that. He would have been disappointed by a lack of it actually.
Instead, he felt himself drawn to it. He relaxed a little more to see the dragon so calm and Reno his usual playful self. It spoke well for the situation. It was odd but he wanted everything to be just fine--and he wanted to linger in the room. He didn't want to leave.
His eyes slid back to Reno and rested on him. He figured he knew what he actually wanted in that instance. But he also knew what he would do: whatever Reno wanted.
The door shut behind him and he leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. He was just here to make sure his partner was safe. Not interrupt. That's what he said silently with his demeanor.]
no subject
—natural progression, so to speak. Or at least felt like it to Reno. Another step, and he was the one to decide how far it goes. He was the one that could say "no"—
He doesn't say "no".
Something's tingling in his body as he knows that Rude focuses his gaze on him. Chess are set, the door remains closed, three pieces remain on the table— the thought of Rude staying in the room for everything that might transpire runs through his body like a violent wave. There are a few moments of silence that seem to stretch on forever. Both dragons are comfortable with silence, it's Reno who never shuts up after all. Then it all clicks in place and he turns to Archer—
A handsome face, impressive physique; the eyes can't compare, no, but there are still subtle signs. The steel covers something...warmer, than the man would let to be seen. Well, he's still not running away, and Reno runs his hand along the chiseled jaw, down the long neck— and lower, starting undoing from the third button casually. ]
Where were we— ah yes, expectations. [ Reno's own voice sounds foreign to him. Breathless and heavy, offsetting Archer's uncanny calm. ] Do I expect you to roll over...? If that's what you want I could make you.
[ One more button open. ]
The thing is— I don't know what you want, and you're not making it easy to figure out. So just tell me
[ At least now Reno knows very well what he wants. He wants to give the best show Rude could ever see. Putting himself on display to please his partner is a sudden and rather simple desire that reached him unexpectedly. Perhaps more of Rude's intention in staying here is to ensure he's kept safe— still, he wants to test this resolve ]
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Mind giving me a hint? [he blatantly ignores Reno and turns his head to look at Rude.] What would you like to see?
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