middaeg | [Open] Can't you see, we're trapped inside a dream

Entry tags:

ffvii: rude

[Open] Can't you see, we're trapped inside a dream

Who: Rude and OTA
When: All throughout ~~October~~ Octeuril.
Where: Around Aefenglom.
What: Catch-all stuff. Monster changes during and in between full moons, a new strange eating habit, random encounters. Quests Added: Slashing Pumpkins, Shamblevine Blossoms, and Sparking Artistry. (He's also signed up for are Lawn and Order if you would like to create or have a prompt created for seeing him do that.) Whatever else. Hit me for additional prompts if so desired.
Warnings: ~~N/A~~ Slightly squicky monster changes, maybe some cursing at some point, can add more if necessary.
Note: Default written in prose, but actionbrackets are fine!

Octeuril 1st Full Moon

Rude woke up to find his bed in shambles. The sheets were ripped to shreds and the pillow was no longer stuffed. He was surprised for two seconds before he realized the culprit was himself. He took a good, long, hard look at himself as he stood in his room and examined his claws. It wasn't just claws, he found later, that had done the damage. Though mostly it had probably been that as he thrashed around and clawed at his sheets. He discovered scales growing in and spikes protruding from him as well. And one more very notable thing: a pair of slightly bulbous sacs had formed on his back during the night. Not very large yet but something within them was definitely growing.

He wasn't sure what to think at first. He had been expecting this sort of thing to happen sooner or later. His changes had been relatively subtle so far and it was time for major ones to come. He had been here long enough to come to terms with the fact that it wasn't something he could avoid. Not so long as he was here in this world. He didn't know what would happen if he found himself back home. (Would the changes cease? Would they reverse? Was it even possible to go back home or did those that disappear end up...somewhere else? There were no answers to those questions as far as he knew. Not yet.)

He spent a good time in the mirror after he'd cleaned up his mess (threw out the ripped sheets and pillow, replaced them with the spares for now) and examined all his changes. He could feel an itchiness already in place were he suspected more scales were getting ready to form over his skin. He thought he looked like a cross between a snake and a crocodile with smaller scales in softer areas and larger, harder scutes in places where it looked like he was growing armor along with the spikes. His scales were black with highlights of purple in areas, matching the colors of his feathers. They were most prominent around his shoulders and back, and his hands and feet, and then there was his face. It was odd there. At one point he reached up to feel what he saw in the mirror there and frowned slightly. He had an area of skin that was reptilian--he could only tell because the color had changed--but there were no scales growing there. Were they still forming slowly or was he, dare he think it lest it come true, scaleless in that area? It seemed an odd thing to change into. A scaleless reptile with partial feathers and scales and one area practically highlighted as to its weakness. Great.

He snorted in a distinct lack of amusement and covered that area up with his sunglasses. How convenient it was around his eyes. Or inconvenient because his eyes were already vulnerable just due to the very squishy nature of eyes themselves. Now he was becoming a dragon with no scales around to protect them. His sunglasses would have to make due as protection for now. Hopefully no one would really notice over the fact that his forehead was growing plates of armor and his head was sprouting nubs that were either spikes or slowly forming horns. Or both. Extra bonus was the sunglasses hid the bright yellow hue of his eyes, a change from the warm brown they had been before, and the slits for pupils that gave even him the creeps to look at in the mirror. He looked like a snake in the grass now more than ever.

Still unamused, Rude did his best to get clothed around some of the new changes, ignoring the sacs on his backs for now, and go about the rest of his day. More was coming but he knew better than to dwell too long on the future for this sort of thing. It was inevitable. He would live with it. He could learn to cope when the time came. Not worry over it before.

I. Strange Eating Habits

a.)

why

b.)

II. Quest: Slashing Pumpkins

after

III. Quest: Shamblevine Blossoms

IV. Quest: Sparking Artistry

V. Back Pains

a.)

winged

b.)

VI. Blue Moon

good

really

could

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[The admission of a fever got Rude's immediate attention. He looked closely at Reno as if he could determine what was wrong with the redhead if he just looked hard enough.

He would have responded to that first but Reno surprised him with the next slyly added suggestion. Reno didn't have to say what they should try again, somehow Rude just knew what they were talking about.]

...You think it would help?

Edited 2020-10-22 21:15 (UTC)

Everyone says it should.

[ Eat shit, millions of flies can't be wrong! Nah, it's all too easy to go that route, but as suspicious as Reno is about the Bonding— there is no denying everything is happening exactly as he was warned it would.

And even it's him that's the weak link here, even if Rude can manage while he can't— then he's being a burden, and that's not something he wants. ]

I don't know— but there is no one else but you that I trust. [ Still, with the feelings confessed, he could understand why Rude wouldn't want to go with this. Besides some things they went through are fairly recent. Would the negative effects amplify if they were in each other's heads?

So many possibilities, overthinking isn't his style. It's jump first, think later. ]

True.

[He heard all the same arguements as well. Bonding made witches and monsters feel better, left them with one less concern to worry over. Stabilized their magic and instincts respectively. It was a smart move to make.

The only downside was the emotional connection. For someone who usually hid behind stoicism and kept a mega-company's secrets safe, such a thing wasn't exactly appealing.]

...I understand. It'd be easier for the two of us not to involve anyone else. [He trusts you too, Reno.] We can do it again. If you're certain.

[He had nothing left to hide from Reno but did the redhead feel the same yet.]

I got the potions, stashed. [ So yeah, they could go right here and right now. Maybe ease everything a bit ] But that's a short-term solution.

[ Real Bond would be a long-term option. Pulling in a witch could be a benefit, not a necessity, still— it's probably not the moment for serious conversations like that. Reno slides down the wall, sitting down, bringing his knees close to the chest and putting the feathery mess that is his arms around it. ]

Looks like it's your turn to grow wings too. [ It's a guess but— naga was ruled out for Rude ages ago, nothing happening with legs and the like. ]

[Rude flexed his hands, watching the light glint off his newly formed claws.]

Yeah. It could keep things settled for this moon though.

[They probably should discuss the more permanent option(s). Right now even.]

...Back feels weird. Better be worth it.

[Or not.]

[ The faster the better, absolutely. At least they're talking now, that's progress ]

I'd offer a back rub but— [ Reno waves his hand, his nails sharpened and elongated into black talon-like claws. While he's been keeping them trimmed and under control, the full moon. ] Guess I should remind myself how to fight without a weapon. Make good use of what I got.

[ Once he nurses his drink he will go for these potions he has stashed in the room. He will!! ]

[Rude made a small gesture with his mouth that was wry amusement at best.] I'll decline the offer.

You're good at it. [Just a friendly reminder.] It'll be different with claw attacks though rather than punches. If you want... I can help.

[He could always teach Reno a new set of moves for the claw based attacks rather than the normal punches he helped Reno refine over the years. It would give them something both to do together. And Rude enjoyed a good spar. Sometimes, he even enjoyed the teaching aspect of it.]

[ Count on Reno to change attitude on the fly. Second, before his knees were close to his chest, body language closed off— now he lets his legs fold towards the ground, crossing each other at the ankle. He leans forward, putting hands-on ankles to keep his balance, and rocking just a little bit in place. ]

Hell— that would be so great! [ It's been a while since they sparred, longer while at that. Keeping in shape, keeping the routine like in good old times. ] Let's update our style with these new additions. Figure out new moves, and all that.

[ Claws, teeth, these could be used strategically— granted, using them recklessly and aggressively is more of Reno thing, but he and Rude could work so well, nearly to the point of anticipating one another's moves, because they fought arm-in-arm so often. ]

There are few places, I remember seeing advertisements for, uh— fencing school? Maybe they could be convinced to rent their training space.

[ If they train people, they must have some sort of gym. And they're not going to use it 24/7. ]

Guards must have space like that too somewhere.

I know a place. A gym. People spar there.

[He left it implied that he went there for that exact purpose himself. It was obvious. Why else would he be there? To watch? Boring. He'd much rather be in the ring than out of it.]

We could go there a few times a week. Find other spaces for when it's crowded or something. [Or more training. Rude was used to going much more often. HQ having it's own amenities had been too convenient to pass up. He missed such nice things.]

[ Out of the two of them, Rude was the one serious about the workout. But hey, one look at him also easily told everyone that this hard work paid off. You don't get to be the most powerful of the Turks by sitting behind the office table. ]

You got this all covered big guy, the most dependable! [ The chance to switch into light-hearted teasing mode is very welcome. And the wide grin that appears on the seems genuine enough.

There is a slight, barely noticeable hesitation as he stands up. One that could be easily mistaken as laziness, or maybe a side-effect of the fever he mentioned earlier. Sitting, drinking, and chatting is a good distraction and he'd like to indulge more in that. But there's also no point in delaying what he suggested himself. ] Joking aside, it's fucking great idea. I'm no shape today—

[ First time he feels the moons in his bones, literally ]

—probably not tomorrow either. But once I am, let's go at it.

[ And he disappears into his room, to bring the bond potions he mentioned a moment before. ]

You got it.

[He responded as he watched Reno get up languidly. He didn't call out Reno's slow movements despite his concern. It was probably nothing. Reno had already told him how he felt and there wasn't much he could do about it. Maybe he could offer to go get some medicine or ointment if it got worse.

For now, instead, Rude finished off his drink with a few slow sips as he waited for Reno to get back. He rolled his shoulders, stretched his neck out. Vaguely, he wondered if the alcohol would mix well with the potion. Guess they were about to find out.

He looked up whenever Reno entered the room again.]

[ There was never any mention you shouldn't mix these potions with alcohol— hell, weren't they sometimes given out during the festivals, when everyone was drinking spiced wine and ale anyway? That means he doesn't hesitate and as he enters the room again, he's downing his portion of the potion. ]

Catch— [ He wiggles the bottle in his fingers but doesn't throw it as it seems. Just saunters closer and rolls it into Rude's hand ]

[Rude's knee-jerk reaction was to ready himself for catching the bottle, tossed at him, so there was a moment of tension from him as he raised his hand. But instead of throwing it as implied Reno just sauntered over and rolled it into his hand, and Rude was left holding the bottle awkwardly.

He shook his head at Reno but didn't say a word. His fingers tapped on the bottle restlessly as he stared at it--then he knocked it back and downed it in one seamless motion.

He set the bottle aside.

And waited.]

[ There's that moment again, of the magic working, of the connection forming between them. Maybe because they already have some experience with it, maybe that's why this time Reno is able to notice that moment when it all snaps in place.

The presence of each other, simply becomes more tangible. If he closed his eyes (or just turned off the lights) he could be able to find Rude without a problem. Granted, he probably still would be able to do that without the Bond (unless Rude was actively not wanting to be found)— but this was like simply having one additional sense.

Instead of continuing to project this almost thoughtful analysis, combined with a bit of nervousness, Reno gets back to his glass. Gets back to the bottle. Pours himself a new one and raises it in a small toast— ]

Hey, check this. [ And downs it in one gulp. Liquid courage right? Reno's not sure if the alcohol effect can transfer across the Bond (could be funny if it did), but he bets the amusement associated with the sudden experiment does ]

[Rude watched Reno carefully as the bond began to form and fully realize itself between them. Since he was waiting for it this time he got to feel the actual sensation of it slowly opening him up to Reno and vice versa. It was strange though not unpleasant.

It was interesting. He always felt connected to Reno in a way he wasn't close to other people, even other Turks. In a way, they already had their own sort of bond. One created and cultivated through years of working together, always being there for one another, and enjoying each other's company. Only, with the magical bond in place it suddenly brought on a whole new meaning to that bond of theirs. Instead of instinctively guessing and usually getting it right when he predicted his partner's moves and moods, now he clearly felt them in some part of him that wasn't usually turned fully on. Again, it was strange but not unpleasant.

Being close to Reno was... it was just something Rude had grown used to over the years. It was something he couldn't imagine giving up, frankly. He would fight to keep it.

He closed his eyes and just...felt the air between them. He opened his eyes a second before Reno spoke out loud, a sense of Reno's amusement already trickling through to him and in turn he gave curiosity back. He huffed in vague amusement and shook his head at Reno.]

Careful with that.

[In truthfulness though, Rude didn't seem to care whether Reno got drunk or not. He was amused, too, and maybe a little bit of encouragement came out from him as well. Curiosity killed the cats, but satisfaction always brought them back.]

[ Reno snickers and, emboldened by the encouragement he feels, starts pouring himself another glass. The tipsiness starts to get to him, he feels just that little bit lighter, that bit dizzier and— genuinely amused by the idea that is brewing in his brain.

He's still aware that he probably shouldn't drink more than two or three more glasses, otherwise he will lose control of the driving wheel ]

I know you'll catch me if I fall. This is an impor-important experiment. [ Speech is getting slightly slurred, make it one more glass at most, and then a break. The wide gestures he makes with his arm-wings are also getting more animated, but this isn't for show— it's a sign Reno's feeling more relaxed ] We need to know if my drinking can get you drunk.

[ Perhaps because they were always so attuned to each other anyway was the reason why Reno didn't notice the first time they temporary bond formed. Partners at work, friends after hours. Bond like theirs was what made all in the end worth it.

Uh, alert, alert, now it's all mushy on this Bond-zone, would be kind of embarrassing if it seeped out on their connection so Reno takes a smaller sip to cover all that up, and keep things light. ]

Soo— are you feeling this? I hope it's evenly spread. Would hate if I get the fun and you get the headache.

[Rude didn't bother to hide his amusement--but he did try to suppress the warmer feelings of appreciation that came from thinking of Reno as 'cute' whenever he acted out in such a way. He didn't want to make Reno feel embarrassed. Yet there was a fondness that seeped out anyway, a softness in his eyes that managed to shine despite his efforts.

He shook his head.]

If I end up with a headache because of your intolerance, I'm sharing it one way or another.

[Despite the admonishment, he still sounded light. He wasn't feeling any drunkenness per se but he did feel Reno's lighter inhibition and happiness which in turn made him more amused and happy as well. It let a little bit of teasing come out.]

I don't feel any different. I don't think it works quite like that, Reno. I do feel.... you. [He paused there, uncertain how to put it in further words.

That was fine, probably for the better. He didn't need to ruin Reno's fun little experiment with more serious matters.]

Yeah— that's a good way to put it. [ Reno gives his neck a good rub.

Just "you". It gets the message across because if Reno were to suddenly describe in detail, he'd opt for a similar answer. The circling of amusement though, that felt just so good. Like when you shoot a joke, get shot back, and just exchange rapid-fire of stupid puns, until someone, dramatically, is defeated.

Just with fewer words, and no-puns. ]

Think you'd want to feel that more often?

[Rude was quiet. By now that sort of heavy silence should have come off as Rude's contemplative demeanor though sometimes that was better or worse for the aftermath. He didn't mean for it to make the room feel pregnant with tension so if he felt any sort of uncomfortableness from Reno for it, he'd feel bad. But--

Whether it happened to or not, Rude kept his silence. It was time to think about that answer. In all honesty though:]

...It doesn't bother me. It could work.

[To their benefit! If they were Bonded, permanently so, they'd both feel better and more in control. Right? That was the theory anyway. Rude didn't notice that here, now, but then not too much was going on. There wasn't much to counter balance at the moment. Or maybe Reno had that effect on him whether they were bonded or not.... Reno was important enough to keep Rude in the game after all. No point in denying that. They grounded each other in different ways, but they both benefited from being close even in their own world.

Rude looked at Reno.]

You want to make a permanent Bond?

That's the idea. Keep us in top-condition. Keep us safe. [ If Rude was to lose it and get hurt— yeah no, he can't let that happen because of a stupid oversight on his side. ] It could work.

[ A brief pause, tap, tap, tap on the glass. Followed by a much more convinced ]

We could work.

[ Well, that's something that could be read in many ways, and he opens it up to interpretation. ]

[The open ended statement wasn't lost on him. He turned it over in his mind. Was it intended on Reno's part or was that just wishful thinking on his own end? Maybe it meant nothing. Just talking about Bond stuff here. Nothing else.

But a deeper side of him wanted it to mean more. He wanted more.

Too late he realized his mistake in letting his mind wander over that possibility. Too late was he to try and cover up that desire and hope inside of him, clamp down on it so it didn't go anywhere. Too late--because it'd likely already been felt by his partner through their temp bond.]

...Safe is good. [He kept his voice straight at least if not his emotions so much.] I'd like that.

[ Reno wonders if he would notice that moment of hope, or if would it be one of the cases where he'd misread his partner? But even the flimsy bond connection can't hide everything. ]

Oh come on, I gave you a perfect opening. [ Now he pouts like a petulant brat. Is he disappointed that Rude didn't take the bait? ]

[Where Rude had been scared to hope, now he relaxed at the familiar childish act of Reno, of those words assuring him it was okay to go there. He gazed at Reno steadily, a little intense looking but in actuality carefully assessing.]

Now I know you're teasing me. [He said in his usual deep tone but there was something playful about the words nevertheless. His lips twitched with the effort not to smile.] What do you want me to say that you don't already know? That you can't already feel?

[Rude opened up their link slowly, at least that was his intent. This whole bond thing was still new to him, them. But he hoped it worked the way he wanted it to. He didn't want to flood Reno with his own feelings.

The playfulness was on the front of the wave of emotions, having just relaxed enough to slip into their typical banter; happiness and a hopeful uncertainty came next, how he felt about this conversation and what it meant for them; and at the end a smidgen of the desire he felt towards Reno, not much, just enough to let Reno know it was there but that Rude had it in check in case--well, in case it was repulsive and unwanted.

They had one wild night together with the other dragon trying to steer them together but that could have just been the moons pulling at them. Rude had come to terms with his love and lust for his partner but if Reno wasn't on the same page then Rude could quickly shut it down. It wasn't worth breaking his word to Reno, of breaking their bond--potions and magic be damned they'd always had something between them that words couldn't do justice. Rude wouldn't throw that away for anything in the universe.]

[ Oh, you bastard—! Normally, Reno would take that lip twitch as an indicator that Rude is being a bit playful, but now with their connection, he doesn't have to assume or guess. He's pretty much, freely shown that fact.

There wasn't playfulness only, there was so much more intertwined in it. It's so easy to get lost in that "more". Maybe it's because he's already quite tipsy, but he rides it like a wave. Meeting the hope&uncertanity with his own, a deep affection sense and camaderie and a shade of amusement because—

Rude could communicate without words already. What now, are they going to incorporate the Bond into that? Instead of saying something, or making an expression, only Reno can properly interpret (or so he likes to think) Rude will just feel things in his general direction?

"Bad Reno, stupid joke, I disapprove", "Oh that was fun!", "Let's do this" ]

I think some verbal indication what's your opinion on what I just said. I mean, aside from the Bond portion that could work— [ Play the drums for instead of backtracking he puts the metaphorical coffee on the table ] see, I worded it like that on purpose.

[ "We could work" is inherently uncertain in the phrasing, but it's also hopeful. And he doesn't want Rude to think he's stringing him along, or being another kind of an asshole— oh sure, he can be a jerk and asshole even to Rude, but not. Not about that. ]

[Well, it wasn't as if Rude didn't already silently send messages Reno's way all the time. Now Reno would just have more certainty to his guesses with the added bonus of genuine emotions being flung at him.

Rude didn't really get where the amusement from Reno came from but it did make him feel--hmm, amused in return but the uncertainty from where it came from also held a smidge of confusion and embarrassment. Had he done something silly in Reno's eyes? He huffed a small noise at it and clamped back down on some of his emotions. Not to cut off the bond, but to shove the more uncertain and ashamed ones out of his own way.

His mouth ticked upwards.]

Did you now? [He said as calmly as he could manage, which didn't hide the small lilt from it despite his effort.] You know what I wa--

[He closed his eyes so he could look away from Reno.]

--what I would be happy to give you. I don't need anything, Reno. I don't want anything from you. I just-- [He was trying to be careful but... maybe that didn't really suit them.

He opened his eyes to look directly at Reno.] I just don't want to lose you. Whatever happens.

[Whatever you want, he wished the bond could send those words to Reno without him having to say them. Maybe his partner would hear them anyway.]

[Open] Can't you see, we're trapped inside a dream

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