itookashot | Abraxas Inbox

Hello. You're a friend of Inej?
I tried contacting her recently and haven't heard anything back.

She's gone.

[ Straight and to the point. ]

[ There is a long pause where he takes that in. ]

I'm sorry.

[ A shorter pause, then: ]

I gave her something after the kidnappings when everyone was recovering in Nocwich. A small blade made of blackened bone. I wanted her to have its protection.

If it's been left behind, I have to ask that you destroy it. It's a symbol of my faith, something we shared. It's not for anyone else's hands.

You have to describe the knife. She has a lot of them, they all mean a lot to her.

I'm not destroying anything that was hers but I'll give it back to you.

Edited 2023-11-24 01:26 (UTC)

The blade is no more than five inches. Carved from black bone. The handle is wrapped in leather.

If you can sense power, it will feel like malice. The bone is cursed.

I can meet you on the next Nocwich weekend.

I know that one. It was special to her, but I think she'd want you to have it back. I'll bring it to Nocwich.

Thank you.

I'll see you at the teahouse.

Jes?

Can I ask you something?

Always, pigeon, what's up?

So like

If you don't know if someone is into guys or not, how do you

How do you find out?

Ooooooooo does the pigeon have a crush?

Well you can 1. Ask them if they like men.
2. Hint around if they have any exes that would give away gender.
3. Flirt a whole lot and see if they're into it.
4. Mention that you like men and see how they react.

I seem to remember I couldn't figure out if you liked men or not so I had to be direct at a point. And I'm usually amazing at sniffing it out.

UGH.

I don't think I even know how to flirt.

I don't want to make things weird if he isn't. I think his world is way more old-fashioned than mine, and those places can be weird about this sort of thing.

[He conspicuously leaves Jesper's question unanswered.]

You flirt well with me! But we know each other.

Ehhhh you don't know that. Technically my world is old-fashioned compared to yours and sexuality is not a real problem for us. Outside of one area.

There's nothing wrong with being gay so you shouldn't hide that from him regardless.

Exactly. You make it easy.

I know there's nothing wrong with it. I'm not ashamed or anything, it's just

It's still pretty new to me. Being gay and being out. I don't really know how to talk about it. I'm not gonna be like...hey, don't bother me, I need to go to the Horizon so I can make out with Jesper. He's a cute boy, by the way.

More like, sometimes I hook up with this gorgeous sexy brilliant criminal named Jesper, while I adore him and we're best friends, I'm also very open to hooking up with other people if you catch my drift.

I remember when Wy tried to gauge my interest in men. We were doing a job and I joked about flirting with girls and he asked me 'just girls?' Adorable.

All jokes aside, maybe just relax and see if it comes up naturally. You can always ask him if he has anyone to go back to. That'd figure out interest and also availability.

[Fuck. Somehow in all his overthinking, he hadn't even considered that.]

He's a king in his world. Like I said, they're old school so... There's a good chance that he's already got someone lined up to marry. But ig there's also a good chance it's all for politics, not love.

Not that I want to marry him or anything.

You and Wylan are so cute, it's not fair. Let me borrow your charm for a couple days.

You are plenty charming on your own, Wille, don't be so hard on yourself. You wouldn't want to pretend you're someone you're not anyway. You're a lovely person and anyone would be lucky to be with you.

And don't let anyone, including yourself, convince you otherwise.

Who is this guy?

Thanks, Jes.

[He believes in Jesper, so if Jesper believes in him, then...]

His name's Kelson. He hasn't been here long. Do you know him?

Always, pigeon.

[ Jesper always means it with all of his heart. ]

Nope, haven't met him yet. If I do I'll flirt a little and see if I can get a read on him. Don't worry, it'll only be flirting.

I'm not worried.

I don't even really know what I want this to be yet. I mean, it would be nice to...have someone. But I just want to see how things go.

[In short, Kelson is pretty and he looks nice to kiss, and that's a good enough reason to try.]

He's over in Thorne?

Yeah.

Oh. We're roommates by the way.

Wellllll that definitely makes things more complicated. I'd say just slow it down, see how the vibe takes you.

I know, I know. Like I said, I don't want to make things weird.

When I asked him to be my roommate I wasn't even thinking about any of this yet.

I find it difficult to believe that anyone wouldn't want you. So if he's even a little bicurious, it's likely.

You're biased lol.

I also don't want him to think I suggested the whole roommate thing just because I wanted to kiss him. I'm not a creep.

Give it time, pigeon. You just met the guy. You may get to know him better as his roommate and decide you aren't into it.

Ok. Going slow. Got it.

Thank god I have you to ask this stuff.

I know, everyone's very lucky to have me.

Good thing you're not letting it go to your head.

It's difficult being the most humble of all the Summoned. The least likely to accept rightful praise and attention.

Just quietly being the brave, smart, handsome hero nobody knew they needed.

Edited (mobile tags are hard) 2023-12-31 04:16 (UTC)

Sometimes it feels too heavy to carry.

Luckily I have a pretty boy who will let me put my head in his lap and rest.

Hmm... I don't know if I know him.

You can't, he's all mine.

Until he meets a pretty boy he wants to lay his head in his lap.

[Oh. He puffs a lock of hair off his forehead, trying to keep from grinning too wide.]

Welllll...

I'll let you know how everything goes.

Do tell! I'll be very curious.

[ It takes some sneaking, but Jesper will come back to his inn room one afternoon mid-December to find a small wrapped tin of loose-leaf tea that Sylvain had put together, a close mimicry of a blend from back home known simply as Fourspice Blend. He knows Jesper likes a lot of bold flavors so he hopes this one might be to his taste. At the very least, it's unique to anything he's found in the Free Cities so far, so it'll be a novelty, at least.

Along with the tin is a small envelope holding a business card for one of the nicer inns in Aquila. On the back of it, in Sylvain's careful handwriting, is a note explaining it. ]

Wasn't sure when you'd be free, but whenever you'd like to go, I've got a standing reservation for two for the length of a weekend, to do whatever you'd like. Just let me know when you'd like to go. Told you I'd make sure you took a break now and then.

Love, Sylvain.

[ Arriving at Jesper's room at the inn, he'll find a beautifully wrapped gift in emerald wrapping paper and accented with a gold ribbon.

Inside he'll find a delicately made collar pin with a pair of rabbits flanking the gold chain. Both rabbits have a tiny emerald embedded in their eyes. A short note accompanies it in Hilda's flowy script. ]

𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳.

𝘐𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳. 𝘐 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴.

𝘏𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘢 𝘹𝘹

[the package is non-descript, but it's definitely big enough to pique the curiosity of the recipient as to open it as soon as possible. it's been checked through, tied up back into its box after the fact. inside, an amount of homemade goods have been stacked atop each other: candles, soaps, and moisturizing lotions. this would already spell out who it is from, if a similar package has been received, in the past.

a neat box lies at the bottom, though, and once unwrapped, it'll reveal a hat for him to wear. it's been enchanted so as to always keep his head cool, especially with the climate in the cities.

a small note sits under the box.]

Happy Winter Solstice.
𝓦anda 𝓜aximoff

Jesper, my friend. There's an important task that I think you'd be perfect for if you're up for it. What do you think?

As if I ever say no to you. What's up?

Perfect, I knew I could count on you!

Viktor's to receive an honorary doctorate from The Grand Academy of General Science. He doesn't want to attend or celebrate it, from what I've gathered. [ Or Viktor outright told him, but: details. ] It's next month so we have some time to plan yet, but what are your thoughts on making this happen?

Of course he doesn't want to. I'm surprised when he leaves the lab at all. Also he doesn't like attention, which I'll never understand.

[ Jesper loves attention! Craves it! ]

We'll just have to force him into it. I think he'll be secretly pleased.

You and me both, especially when he's more than earned this. What's better to celebrate than that? I'm thinking the same about being pleased though we might have to get through some grumbling to get to that point. There's certainly been some already while I've been working on getting him to entertain the idea of going.

More people talking to Viktor about it might help but then again, so might getting the word out further than where I've posted it on the workshops' calendar. I've already sort of promised him I wouldn't send out any invitations, but there's nothing like leaving a good loophole in there.

[ He knows Viktor saw through that, but. This is important!! ]

Okay so what we need to do is get him to agree to go, and then when he reluctantly does that, I'll tell everyone to be there to support him. We can make signs and cheer obnoxiously loud.

See, that's exactly the sort of thing we need! I reached out to Hilda to see if she could make some of those cutouts she's made before since I feel like those are also required for cheering. If you need any help with the signs, I can offer whatever questionable art skills I have to put to good use towards them.

I'm still talking to Viktor about it all so I'll keep working on it, but the more people talking to him about going wouldn't hurt. Probably.

[ Hopefully! ]

He's the humble type, it probably feels weird to him. Sic Hilda on him, no one can resist her for long. I'll get Wylan on him too.

Trust me, Hilda's a force to be reckoned with.

[ With all fondness - it'd been one of the many things he'd admired about her after first meeting, and the rest was history from there. ]

I have plenty of faith in your abilities to rally everyone as well though since I've seen them at work many a time now. Between all of us I have faith we'll be able to convince Viktor and have the celebration he deserves for everything.

We've got to convince him to go first, because he might refuse once a crowd is forming, he's got to already have buy-in!

You've got a good point there. We'll see what Hilda can do and then that'll give us what to do from there. I still say plan for this happening since if there's anyone persuasive enough to sweep Viktor into going along with this, it's absolutely Hilda.

Good luck to him if he tries to say no, she'll get him around.

Speaking of Hilda, have you known her to be insecure? When I mentioned opening a shop she acted like she wasn't good enough for it, it threw me for a loop.

I don't doubt that for an instant. If only you could've seen her in action back during the war or even back at the academy.

[ Claude considers pointing out it's one of the many reasons they'd become friends in the first place with that skill in common, but what Jesper says next - causes him to pause and reread the words a few times. Ah. Yes, he's familiar with that, too. ]

Yeah, I have. For all that we're talking about Hilda being convincing, sometimes that ability can work both for and against. It might take a bit for her to come around, but don't give up on it.

I won't. It was just a surprise. She's been doing a lot of work, there's no reason for her to think she's putting in less.

[ Claude considers that before responding, since - for all that he likes to tease Hilda, there's some things which aren't his to tell. Jesper's picked up on something important, and it'll lead somewhere soon enough if this is anything to go by. ]

She has, and so have you. The two of you are about to continue on creating incredible things together. Just remind her you believe in her and she can do this. In the meantime, I'll keep bothering her about putting some new and fancy things in the window of your shop in the meantime since personally, I can't wait to drop by.

I'm nothing if not constantly complimentary, don't worry. We'll have everyone pop by to see it once we set it up.

Let me know when you think Viktor's accepted his inevitable fate of going to the ceremony, then I'll get the word out.

Will do, and I'll do my best. Which includes sending Hilda in since she's on the way, so I think we'll know one way or another pretty soon.

And thanks again, Jesper. I'll let you know as soon as I find out if you don't hear from Hilda first.

[ One morning, Jesper will find a wrapped package outside his door at the inn. Underneath the wrapping paper is a wooden box with what looks like a simple lock. It's not quite that since the key is enchanted to respond only to the person who turns it for the first time and no one else, making it a perfect way to hide something in view. Or simply serve as storage for less secretive things, should its new owner choose to do so.

Inside there's an assortment of gun maintenance items for Jesper to keep his beloved revolvers in peak condition, and they've been carefully chosen to provide a variety of options to experiment around with to see which ones work best. Some time was spent asking around for the best of each.

On top of it all rests a note:

Jesper—

I hope you'll find good use of everything inside and that there's not too many duplicates of what you might already use. This gift doesn't begin to cover the friendship we've had over the past year and then some, but it's here with gratitude all the same. Thanks for everything, and here's to another year ahead.

—Claude.

(There's also a note regarding the lock and its abilities, but that's added to the top of the box. Here's hoping Jesper picked it up first.) ]

I did something kind of stupid.

But it turned out alright?

Was that doing something stupid involving a hot boy? Because if so, nice.

Maybe.

And the something stupid might have involved kissing.

Well good, guess you know he's into men now!

It was definitely the FASTEST way to find out...

And the most dangerous, but I like the boldness, pigeon. How was it?

I mean, we were already cuddling sooo...it was an educated guess.

It was good. He was a little surprised, but

It was very good.

CUDDLING. Well that was inevitable then.

How very sweet. How do you feel about it?

Excited, I guess? Happy?

It just felt right, you know?

Yeah, I know.

[ He's not still hurting about Wylan, nope. ]

You should ask him out on a date, see how things go.

[If he knew that Wylan was gone, that Jesper was hurting, he might tread more lightly. But...he doesn't know, and he's caught up in the whirlwind of giddiness that comes with a first kiss.]

Yeah, we haven't really had a chance to talk about like...what we're doing.

Pigeon, I thought I taught you well about the importance of communication in a relationship.

I know, I know. I'll see if he wants to go on a date. We'll talk about it.

I'm not in a rush.

A date would be good. While I obviously love tumbling someone into bed without needing to talk much first, that's not your way. You still have a lot to learn about each other.

[There's a longer pause before his next reply.]

What if...he only wants it to be casual?

Then you'll talk that out too. Establish some ground rules if you're into it. Or say that you don't if you don't.

I'm just tired of getting my hopes up. I want this to mean something to both of us.

That's when that whole "communication" thing would really come in handy.

Just don't rush it. Maybe he's someone who needs to take it slow and figure it out as you go. There's nothing wrong with that.

No, there isn't. I'd be a huge hypocrite if I got frustrated with him over that.

Exactly. Try not to overthink it. At least he kissed you back, that's the important piece.

Ok, no overthinking. And I'll talk to him SOON.

If this goes well

I'm grateful for everything you've done for me, Jes. I mean it.

You're my friend, Wille, I love you. It's going to be alright, if he has half a head of sense he'll feel the sam eway.

No, I meant...I'm grateful for your advice, and for always supporting me, but it's not just that.

You helped me be more comfortable with myself.

I'm glad, because who you are is someone wonderful, and you should be comfortable with that fellow.

Although I do like how anyone impressed with your sexual prowess from now on will owe me a thank you too.

Should I pass along your mailing address?

I expect a 'thank you for your service' bottle of wine.

I consider the border closure of Nocwich to be a personal insult and offense to both of us.

I hope this doesn't last long.

I was too drunk at the party to pay attention, I might've if I thought there were CONSEQUENCES.

[ WHINING. ]

Aye, you and me both!

I didn't even know anything had happened till the end! And things always happen, they've never shut us out before.

Do you think it'll be the same next month?

It will be until they can play nice again and who knows when that'll happen. Listen the wolves are good but you don't go into other people's turf and demand anything. They would've gotten shot up if they were in Ketterdam. But now WE have to suffer for their dick size contest.

[ GRUMPY. ]

This is why I hate politics. Part of it anyhow. Always ends up affecting folks like us that haven't got anything to do with anything.

Pretty sure there's been more than one war in my world from one kingdom marching into another and demanding something. It just never goes well.

That's what we have gang wars about, that kind of behavior. Idiots.

WHO KNOWS when they'll be done with their hissy fits too. You know I love being with you in the Horizon too.

[ They have to do that the other times of the month. ]

But ugh the way you TASTE in person. There's no substitute.

[ He's feeling grumpy. ]

I'm still not entirely sure what their complaint was in the first place.

I know. I love the Horizon, I'm there nightly. But as real as it feels, I always know it's not. There's something different about being in the real world together. And we only got it the one weekend anyhow.

I'm going to be all out of sorts!

They were made Ikorr wouldn't give their personal artifact over because it was dangerous, but I'm like, don't demand shit from people, maybe try to diplomacy that out. Then the rest of us wouldn't be in the middle of your drama. I think we forget sometimes they're just as bad about that as Thorne and the Free Cities.

It better only be one month or I'm going to riot.

All governments are the same. They're all just strutting about, trying to be the loudest in the play yard. Be they man, wolf, or other. And they'd all rather pass responsibility on to someone else.

I suppose in the meantime we'll just have to make sure we get in even more Horizon time, to make up for it. But I am in agreement, this had best not last long.

Yeah like why were we even consulted in such a big thing? As if we know better or should make choices for the entire continent. So weird. I'm not very into the Summoned being asked to take stands on things like this.

Perfect time for the Horizon to be acting weird too. UGH. I just want to make love to my boyfriend is asking too much.

And why were we asked during a wild fete? I was so far gone I didn't even know what I was being asked! I was there to drink and smoke strange things and fuck strangers, not mediate in a political crisis!

Apparently it is. Least it's just mad weather, I suppose.

Honestly astonishing so many people were sober like were you not there to party? Damn.

So far the Crow Club has stayed the same. My cabin's just in dark rather than sunlight, could be worse.

or could at least pass for sober.

my manor had a snowstorm inside of it. terribly inconvenient. and the animals are all out of sorts.

They can come stay in my cabin if you want, until this is over. It's still warm and cozy.

Most of them should be fine, but I'll take you up on that for Gizmo. Poor fellow's a wreck. Just make sure he can't get at any food or water, they don't agree with him.

I don't have any in the cabin, we'll keep him out of the Crow Club. Come to meeeeee.

[ooc: from here]

"You know I never let those marks leave me." Jesper wears them proudly. Maybe with mixed company he doesn't, out of respect for their sensibilities, but they're there under illusions. He grips Kaz's thighs and flips them, teleporting them right in time for him to drop his husband back onto the bed in Jesper's room. Technically all three of them have their own rooms, in case of private needs with other people or to do their own things. Jesper's is covered in paintings and sketches of fashion, half of it taken up by a closet of endless clothes.

"Was that a suggestion or a request?" He says with a mischievous grin. Jesper still has his abilities so he simply vanishes Kaz's remaining clothes, turning them into nothing more than threads that he can remake later. He takes his time because Jesper likes to torment his lover and take advantage of every bit of skin he can get his mouth on. Sometimes he gets so hungry he can't wait another minute though. He's not there yet. His mouth travels down Kaz's neck and to his torso, licking his nipples again and sucking on them until they're hard.

Jesper goes down and down until he's kissing each of Kaz's hips and into the soft skin between his hips and the prize he wants. He can feel the heat radiating off his husband and no matter how many times they do this, he loves the feel of him. He proves exactly that by nuzzling his cock and smelling him, breathing in his hot flesh, intentionally not touching him more than that. His mouth is right next to it and yet he doesn't turn that tiny amount of space to put his lips on Kaz.

"Did you want something, Kaz?" Jesper smiles and the movement of his lips does barely brush his lips into Kaz's cock, but he does nothing more than that for now. He does love to make him beg. He encourages Kaz's legs apart and calls a particularly good lube he made himself, one that stimulates in a nice tingly way all on its own. Technically they don't need prep as they're gods, but it's fun all on its own.

Jesper does believe they have forever. There is no reason for him to think otherwise. None of them age. The other gods as far as he can tell have been here for thousands of years, as far back as many mortals know, so he assumes they'll keep going and only get stronger with time. Then again, the older gods eventually started to get less active with the mortals, so he doesn't know if that will become more natural with time. For now, the former Summoned are too close to the world to back away.

"I am truly an excellent boyfriend, you're right." He smiles and kisses Koby deeply, considering all of his lovers some form of romantic entanglement. Jesper doesn't make limitations on the way he feels for other people and he doesn't treat anyone truly like fair weather lover or someone temporary. Even the mortals he sometimes dallies with feel like they mean something to him.

He strips out of the rest of his clothes and moves on top of him, taking Koby's hands and pinning them over his head. He holds both wrists with one hand, the other one moving down his body, fingers only need to touch once for the threads of Koby's remaining clothes to unravel around him. His original powerset was that and he used to unmake and remake clothes as easily as a caress.

"What do you want from me, now that you're home, dear one? What can I give you?" Jesper likes to give until there is nothing left of him, nuzzling Koby's neck, kissing the skin there. He's so pretty and petite compared to Jesper, and he loves that.

"Mmmm-hm, excellent," Koby mumbles against Jesper's lips, the warm, bright starlight emanating from him flaring brighter at the word boyfriend, even after all this time. One thing that did decrease with time was Koby's awkwardness around the word, around the prospect of romantic connections in general. After several centuries, the rigid categories he'd had for so long had definitely relaxed -- for things like good and evil, but also for what it meant to love adn be loved. Time apart doesn't nullify the fact that here, in Jesper's bed, in his arms, Koby is his, body and soul and heart. It also doesn't make him any less part of the others he's loved over the years, Summoned and human alike -- nor do Jesper's other lovers make Koby doubt that his affection, his devotion is real.

So he pulls Jesper closer, eagerly, tracing the shape of his face, hands trailing down his neck until they're pulled away, pinned in place, making Koby's breath catch in his throat. Even with godlike powers, he's still slight, delicate compared to Jesper, and while he'd never actually want to leave this exact spot, the fact that he can so easily be held in place makes Koby shiver all over. Maybe he likes a little bit of being bossed around, still, okay. Once a soldier, always a soldier.

The familiar feel of his clothes unmaking around him also gets a pleased, eager shiver, Koby's hands curling and uncurling into fists, whole body arching up to try and press against Jesper's. All of eternity and he's still impatient, still greedy. "E-Everything." It's shivery, eager, accompanied by Koby tilting his head back, exposing more of his throat. He's a bit shameless about it too, body starlight-warm to the touch, slightly amorphous until Koby focuses, corporealizes himself.

Being made of starlight means he can fairly easily alter his physical shape, chest smooth or rounded, hips narrow or curved. Subtle changes, practiced over the centuries, though Koby often just defaults to how he was when he and Jesper first met. When he was touched for the first time, when Jesper firmly told him that nothing about his anatomy made him less of a man, when Koby's deepest-held insecurities melted away. It's this shape he has now, legs spread to bracket Jesper's hips, shivery and eager and ready. "But, um. Start with g-getting inside me, please. Now."

Jesper loves his friends and his lovers and when they happen to be both of those things combined, it's even better. He is a firm believer that a backdrop of friendship makes for the very best romances. The fact the two of them could hang out without sex, that they genuinely enjoy each other's company, makes their lovemaking all the more secure. He never wants anyone to believe he is just there for the sex. He could have spent hours of the two of them talking, and perhaps they'll have exactly that when the lust wears down, so Koby can talk about what he's been going through. First though, they're too keyed up. They need relief first.

Jesper doesn't care what body parts his lovers have. At this point in his long god life, he's had sex with non-humans too, with gods of all sizes and shapes as well as other species. But it's not a reflection of the divinity, he's always been bendy that way. It was his pleasure to reassure the sweet and uncertain Koby once upon a time, not quite understanding the entire situation as he's always been so certain of himself, but he soothed in the ways that mattered.

"So wet so quick for me, hmm, darling?" Jesper laughs and positions himself between his thighs. He only has to dip his cock in a little to be certain of that, very thoughtful when it comes to sex. Koby is ready, no doubt about that, so he brackets his arms on either side of him and pushes slow and sweet into him. Being lower down to him like this means it is easy to kiss him at the same time as he fills him. It's been some time so he doesn't want to go straight to banging, he wants Koby to enjoy the reminder of what Jesper being inside of him feels like.

"Fuck." He presses their foreheads together, taking a moment or two to breathe through the pleasure of it, nuzzling his nose. Koby surrounds him and he drags in and out of him, breathing in deeply. "I did really miss you, baby."

Maybe there'd been more shyness about how quickly he'd gotten turned on back at the beginning -- some denial, more blushing, like Jesper couldn't feel how wet he already was. But now Koby is much more focused on making up for lost time, on the delicious sensation of Jesper finally, finally getting inside him, the movement so familiar it's like breathing.

So there's only the slightest bit of a blush, like a flare of starlight across Koby's cheeks, nuzzling closer and remembering to breathe, ragged and shuddery. "Have you seen yourself lately?" he teases back, amidst a hitch of his breath and a shiver down his spine at that first rolling, rocking movement. "We're lucky we made it back here."

There's a faintly smug, triumphant look on Koby's face when Jesper swears, when he rests their foreheads together. Confidence had grown slowly over the centuries, but oh, it was certainly present now. Koby strokes a stardusty fingertip over the smooth, sharp contour of Jesper's cheek, rocks his own hips upwards in that way he's learned most of his lovers enjoy. "Prove it." There's a challenge there, bright as starstuff. Koby only looks fragile, after all -- when it comes to getting tangled up in someone's bedsheets, he tends to like things a little rougher.

Jesper laughs through his own quick breathing. "I salute you for your resistance to my charms for several minutes." Jesper does look insanely hot these days. He's always been attractive, but the constant adoration and being fed by worship only leads him to glow and ripple. Koby can see it now in his defined muscles, in the smoothness of dark skin, in the delicacy of his defined facial features and bright gray eyes. The gods have all changed in one way or another as they grew more powerful, but his dominion is beauty itself.

Not that he minds hearing it every time someone flatters him. He loves it, in fact. He'd be preening if he wasn't balls-deep inside of his sweet-faced lover.

Jesper's well aware that Koby is not as fragile as he looks, it's one of his favorite things about him. He smirks and encourages Koby's legs around his waist to hold on. "If I don't have at least one scratch mark from you after this, I'll consider it a failure." Then they'll just have to do it again, oh no! Jesper doesn't take it easy, in fact he ramps it up right away to meet that challenge. He slams into Koby with enough force to cause the bed to creak, starting with a punishing and strong pace so his lover has no time to adjust to it. The surprise is part of the fun and he's on a mission so despite the pleasure zooming through his body, he is focused on Koby alone.

One strong arm holds him up as he dives in for a kiss but he arches his back just enough that the other hand can move between them, caressing over Koby's chest, playing with his nipples in a much gentler touch than the way his body is thrusting like he plans to fuck him right through the bed into the next dimension.

"Ten whole minutes," Koby corrects breathlessly, grinning, giving off starlight like a damned lightbulb, radiating so much warmth and light that a mortal would have to shield their gaze. But Jesper isn't mortal -- neither of them are, and it's a gift Koby's constantly grateful for, because there's no recoiling when he reaches up to trace silvery stardust over Jesper's smooth cheekbones, the lines of his face. Koby can kiss him a thousand times and never leave him singed or coughing up starstuff.

So he does, legs curling around Jesper's waist, body shuddering deliciously with the familiar intensifying speed -- Koby hadn't been much for stamina, at the beginning, but after centuries, he's gotten quite good at riding the waves of pleasure without tipping over the edge. Then again, this is Jesper, god of love and beauty here. Much as Koby doesn't want things to end too quickly, he knows he'll never win in a test of his will against Jesper's magic.

So he lets it go, kisses Jesper again and again, between shuddery, panting breaths, hands slipping down his (beautiful, perfect) back, nails digging in just a bit. "I-I don't scratch," he huffs, clearly untrue, because he's scratching right then, at the dizzying swell of pleasure from how deep Jesper's thrusts are. A shivering, almost-moan, Koby's eyes squeezing shut for a moment, nails biting in deeper, deeper, as he manages, unnecessarily: "Right -- there, don't stop--"

Sometimes Jesper is in a mood where he wants to be slow and sweet, but that will be for later, after they get this intense need out of them. He can spend hours in someone's bed and plans on doing exactly that. They have the time to linger and be tender, where he'll get off Koby multiple times licking his clit until he wants to die from it. But this is where they are first.

Jesper likes being covered in marks, it's one of his many favorites in bed. He likes scratch marks, bruises, hickeys, bite marks, he leaves come on him instead of cleaning off. He loves the act of sex itself and everything that comes with it. He mentioned scratching because he knows Koby will do exactly that to his back, as he already is doing, and he laughs into his mouth.

"Oh baby, I'll never stop." Jesper grips Koby's ass and tilts his pelvis up higher, holding him in place so he can thrust into him. He's neatly got him pinned in a way so he can only take it, wanting to give this beautiful boy of his a reminder of why he shouldn't leave for too long. It gives him a very good view of Koby's chest and bare body, caressing down it until he easily finds the clit and rubs it. He knows how Koby likes it after centuries of them in bed and he touches him in between each thrust so there's no time between pleasure. He's either deep inside or circling his clit giving sensation over and over.

"Come for me, sweetheart, I've missed your face so much, I've missed your body. Let me see you. Let me love you."

Hello, darling.

I've no idea how much you recall of our little eight hundred year shared hallucination, however -
I remember that you were quite kind to me, perhaps even when I had done nothing to deserve such kindness.
If you recall none of this, well, there's no need to reply to this message.
I only wanted to say - thank you.

Oh I remember all of it, sweetheart. Especially the good parts and you were one of those. I was happy to let you be as selfish as you wanted to, it was fun.

If you ever want to have fun again just let me know.

Everything alright? I know coming back must not have been easy for you.

[ Jesper remembers Astarion and his stuff. So he knows it's not as simple as coming out of a weird dream like the rest of them. He never forgets anything.]

[ Astarion is perhaps less comfortable with that sexual history than he was in their fake reality, so it's for the best that they aren't in person right now for that invitation. It has nothing to do with Jesper personally, at least, he was quite wonderful - and Astarion had genuinely enjoyed him. More than he'd enjoyed sex in a very long time. Where that leaves him now, though, and what expectations others have of him... ]

It has been a challenge of sorts. Going back to such a strict diet is taking some getting used to again...

[ A strict blood only diet. Minus the bloodwine from Nocwich, but he can't live off of that. ]

Edited 2024-05-26 21:03 (UTC)

[ Jesper can read a room, he won't offer again unless it seems like something Astarion wants. He's more interested in the answer to his question; he will always prioritize the feelings of his lovers. ]

I'd be happy to donate if it helps, Astarion. No funny business, just good old-fashioned blood offering.

BUT weird story. I woke up with Fey ears. So that's a thing that happened. I kind of look like you now.

That would be lovely, actually.

[ He likes to spread his meals out between multiple humanoids, so he's never relying just on one person. So, he won't turn Jesper down for that offer, especially since he seems to understand Astarion's particular hang ups. Normally, seeing someone put it so plainly might make him bristle, but after their time together he knows the young man means no harm.

There's a SLIGHT pause after he reads the next part, though - ]

You woke up with what?

[ ?? ]

My pleasure. I'm delicious, you're welcome. (Insert playful wink here you can't see.)

But yes, it's as insane as it sounds. I just randomly have Fey ears. I don't have any explanation for it. It's the strangest thing that's happened to me here.

I see

Well

I suggest learning a minor glamour spell. As proud as I am of MY heritage, I get the sense that the Fey are NOT entirely well-received everywhere in this realm.

Good suggestion. I usually wear a hat that's low brim enough for it, but a glamor spell would go further.

Whatever the Singularity's up to, not very nice to modify people's body permanently.

I suppose I should count my blessings that it didn't impose anything on me.

Though, it could be worse.

[ Imagine a donkey tail instead. ]

It could be. What if it tried to make me ugly? How horrifying.

Can I come see you?

Of course, love. At my house?

Ok.

[And to give a little context before he dumps himself on Jesper:]

Kelson's gone.

I'm sorry, pigeon.

That does give him some context. Jesper's homey cabin is the same now that they're back to themselves, and he's lounging in it waiting for Wilhelm to get there. He does kind of miss the large dramatic pub that he, Kaz, and Mat made together, but they could probably come up with something smaller level if they wanted to. He is lounging inside on the couch and the door is open. His coat is hung up by the door and he's in sedate dark green shades, comfortable and casual in his space rather than his more dramatic look when out and about.

He's been handling all of this much better than most but it's because Jesper sees it as him being mostly himself just on a bigger scale. The 800 years made him go 'yep that's who I'd be.' The only thing that's driving him up the wall is the lack of freedom he's back to. Jesper fought the entire way to the crater because he didn't like being controlled, and now he is under their thumb again. For a time there, he started to fool himself that he was freer than he thought, but now he knows otherwise. And he can't run off to the Fey anymore.

Now he's also far away from all his Thorne lovers yet again which is exhausting, and it would've been so much easier to comfort Wilhelm if he could've simply appeared where he was, rather than needing to wait once a month or in here. But it is what it is. He waits for the pigeon to arrive, knowing he's about to face some heartbreak. One that he personally knows well.

"Hey," is all Wilhelm can muster to announce himself as he shuffles through Jesper's door. He forces a quick upturn of his lips, but it can't really be called a smile. He hasn't put much thought into his outfit, just a hoodie and some sweatpants, the sort of thing you wear when you don't feel like going anywhere or doing anything.

If there's a measure of distance gathered stiffly around him when he joins Jesper on the couch, it's because he's remembering what they were in that imaginary life. Not friends who fool around, but serious lovers. He was in love with Jesper. Now that he's back to his regular old self, he doesn't know what to feel. He may have forgotten Kelson, and he might have already been gone, but it still feels like a betrayal, a promise broken.

Truthfully, he had avoided calling on Jesper until now because even though he knows he's one of the best friends he's got, and he's always propped Wilhelm up when he needed it the most, his head and heart are just unruly messes spilling everywhere. So, he sits with his knees pulled to his chest and doesn't know where to begin.

Edited 2024-06-05 01:38 (UTC)

Jesper makes room on the couch, seeing the depression hoodie for what it is, and waits until Wilhelm decides where he wants to settle. His body language is very clear since he's not immediately seeking the physical comfort of Jesper's body like a hug, so Jesper respects that. He reaches out though to rub a hand gently up and down his back, just to make him feel seen and cared for.

He had a somewhat similar reaction when he lost Wylan. Kaz was there for him, considering they both went through losing Inej together. He understands the feeling. It doesn't matter that Wilhelm didn't have years of closeness with Kelson. It was still a relationship that mattered, that gave him some hope and made him feel happy. And now he's gone, just like that.

"I saw you on the network mention he walked into the crater with you, but he wasn't in the experience." Which means he was taken before that even happened. Maybe the instant before they all collapsed.

His shoulders sag as Jesper soothes his back. Wilhelm fidgets with one of the hoodie strings, twisting it around his finger. Every time he talks about it, it feels like he's digging new holes in his heart, nails scraping deeper, red and raw, but he doesn't know how to bury the hurt either.

"I didn't even remember him until I woke up." His voice treads quietly, weary and defeated. "I don't even remember the last thing I said to him, or the last thing he said to me."

Half because his brain is fried by centuries of fake memories, half because it was probably something mundane, something wholly inadequate to what Kelson meant to him. He didn't know it was the last time. He doesn't know if Kelson even knew how fiercely he loved him, how badly he wanted to help him find a life he could actually be happy with. He thought they'd have more time.

"You just got centuries of fake memories in your head, it might take time to sort it all out." Jesper doesn't know if it'll be better or worse to remember last words, but if it's something he does want to remember, he hopes Wilhelm will get it back once their brains snap back. All his memories are still jumbled, personally. Most of it was nice. He knows that he got lucky. He didn't have anything to be ashamed about on the other end of it, unlike some people.

His hand keeps rubbing Wilhelm's back with the most comfort he can offer for now. It's never gotten any easier to know what to say in these moments. They've all lost people, and everyone handles it in different ways. Jesper's not sure he handles it any better than others, since he mostly copes with it quietly until the hurt is less. Kaz is his go-to source of comfort for the obvious reasons.

"Do you know what his situation was back home?" Was it an okay life he was leading? Or was it the worst possible option?

He still remembers the last thing he ever said to Erik. You're being annoying. Bye. His brother had been teasing him for wanting to stay down at school for the weekend — he'd guessed, correctly, that the real reason for Wilhelm's change in plans was that he found someone he liked. Why are you sulking in your room if you have a crush to hang out with? The next day, Erik was dead.

It was an ordinary thing, that last conversation, made precious by the fact that he would never get to talk to his brother again. So he holds onto what he can remember of Erik's voice on the other end of the phone, just as he hoards every other piece of him, like his blood and bones and every breath are a shrine.

Just as he's now trying to collect all the pieces of Kelson he can. At the question, Wilhelm takes in a shaky breath. He winds the hoodie string tighter around his fingers.

"He was king. He became king at a stupidly young age, he didn't even have a chance to really become a person first. And he...he cares about his people, I know he does. He wants to do a good job, but—"

His words buckle, and the full weight of his sadness crashes through.

"He shouldn't have to sacrifice his own happiness for that. He didn't think it mattered what he wanted, but it does. It fucking does."

Jesper doesn't remember his last words to anyone. His father, Inej, Wylan. Inej and Wylan disappeared in the night. He likes to think that he said he loved them, because that is the sort of thing Jesper did with his loved ones. He never takes it for granted that the words are understood so he says them regularly. The one thing he can hold onto is that people in his life do know how he feels about them, always. So if he goes, if they go, there is that hanging in the air, still alive.

He knew that Kelson was a king because they spoke briefly on the network, and he told Jesper about it a little. He seemed like a nice enough sort although he couldn't get a full read on him. He encouraged him to befriend Nikolai and Kell. Jesper was asking in case Kelson was one of those tragic cases where he was dead back home, but it sounds like he wasn't, so that's a relief at least. That would be far worse. Although a part of him thinks that it's for the best Wilhelm didn't have 800 years of memories of Kelson on top of that to lose. At least this is one sharp tug, a few months rather than centuries.

Jesper moves closer to Wilhelm on the couch and goes ahead and puts an arm around him since he's clearly starting to unravel. He can pull away if he wants to, but Jesper has a hard time not offering physical comfort from someone who needs it. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. Truly. Wherever he is now, he was lucky to have spent time with you, and I know he would say that."

Wilhelm lets Jesper envelop him, and folds into him, because he needs it — the comfort of another's warmth, the reminder that he's not alone. It's not enough to stop hot tears from spilling out, but Jesper doesn't need to stop them. He just needs to make space for them.

"He should've had more time to figure out what he wanted. He should've had a choice."

His heart stings, knowing that Kelson would have chosen to return home. He made no secret of it. He had always wanted to go back to his kingdom, his duties, his royal cage. He found purpose in it, without which he felt unmoored. He didn't know who he was without his crown. And Wilhelm, he'd hoped to show Kelson that he could find purpose in this fresh start too. He wanted to be by Kelson's side while he learned who he could be outside of his mother's expectations.

Now, he's just gone.

"I couldn't help him," Wilhelm cries into his knees. "I couldn't help him. I couldn't make him happy."

Jesper pulls Wilhelm close to him and wraps him into his arms so he has all the comfort he physically can handle. It's not enough to stop the pain in his heart, but at least he knows he has someone he can lean on. Wilhelm cries and his heart hurts because there is nothing Jesper truly can do, but that's the reality of their situation. Sometimes all it can do is make you feel helpless. He can hold him, that is something he can offer.

It sounds like Kelson got what he wanted at heart, but that's not something helpful for Wilhelm to think about. It's better to focus on the what ifs because that is where the pain is and where the healing will eventually come from. Kelson might have created a life for himself here that he truly wanted and had time to experience it. That is possible. It's not what happened.

"You would have, love, in time you would have. You'd make anyone happy." They didn't have the time, which is cruel, but Jesper has no doubt that he's right. Wilhelm's love and support could change the life of a king. Jesper lifts his hand to caress through Wilhelm's sandy hair, as soothing as possible. "You gave him something beautiful while he was here." His heart, his body. Jesper knows if he was in Kelson's shoes, he would have been glad for that time, however short.

"I'm sorry, Wille, I'm truly sorry."

It hurts to wonder what might have been if they'd only had more time to grow it, and it hurts to imagine Kelson crammed back into royal life, obligated by duty to one day marry and have heirs and forget all about him. It hurts to face each morning, knowing that time will only take him farther away from Kelson and the days they shared.

Time will dull the hurt too. He knows this, because he used to cry over Simon and flay himself on daydreams about could've beens, until one day he realized he hadn't really thought about Simon in a little while, and then the name came only with a ripple of sadness instead of a whole tidal wave. But Wilhelm doesn't want to be healed, he wants to be loved, and be in love.

He grabs onto Jesper's arm, keeping him there. You gave him something beautiful while he was here. He holds onto that, hopes it's true.

After a little while, Wilhelm smudges away what's left of his tears and jokes in a small, hollow voice, "How come this is the longest lasting relationship I've ever been in?"

It comes out more mournful than he meant.

Jesper is lucky in his love life and he never takes it for granted, but part of that too is not putting all his eggs in one basket. But he knows how Wille feels about this, and how important it is to him. That's why he's not attempting to make any of this intimate, to kiss and soothe in ways that he knows have made Wilhelm feel better in the past, or distract him the same way. This is not something he can fix by being Wilhelm's lover, only by being his friend.

"Because you've been here a long time and you've grown up a lot, you were more ready for that type of relationship." And it won't be your last, he almost says, but he knows that Wilhelm isn't in a place when he can think about a new future. Jesper's certain he will find that love eventually, Wilhelm was made to be loved. He doesn't know anyone currently who would fit the bill, but there's no hurry.

"I know you feel lonely, but you do have friends here, people who care about you. It might not be enough, but I hope it's at least something." Jesper knows he's not the only one that Wilhelm has. It would be unhealthy if he was. Knowing he's not alone is the key to getting through this.

By this he meant them — him and Jesper. His relationship with Simon imploded before it ever really got off the ground, and now his relationship with Kelson has been abruptly cut short, all after just a few fleeting months. Jesper has been a constant fixture in his life for almost two years now. A little more than friends but not quite love; even friends with benefits feels too flippant for how much Jesper means to him.

It's not like he wishes he could actually fall in love with Jesper. He doesn't have hundreds of years to stamp out the jealousy that would inevitably scorch him. Love would just make a huge mess of everything.

He just wishes there could be someone else who stays for once.

"I know." He rubs Jesper's arm to let him know he's not taking him for granted. "I know. Thank you, Jes."

That's one thing that's different this time: he's not alone. When Simon told him he didn't want to be anybody's secret, Wilhelm was left with nobody he could talk to about what he was carrying. Soon after, he found himself in Thorne, where he knew nobody and knew what to do even less. He'd never felt more alone in his life.

It's nice, having someone to lean against now.

Edited 2024-07-04 20:30 (UTC)

[Continued from here]

Jesper frankly never cares who is around when he is in a lustful mood, but this is exactly what a wedding should be about, at the end of it. The wedding night, the honeymoon, the delicious joining of two souls in more than one way. No one can see them and he's always been an exhibitionist. The music is for them now, the moment is for them. He dances with Wille and feels him relax and get into the seduction that is as easy between them as breathing. Who is seducing who, it doesn't matter. A joint one.

Wilhelm encourages his hand to wander so he gives into it without complaint, his hands sliding over him. They play with his nipples first, caressing and teasing him, his mouth moving from one side of his neck to the other. One arm wraps around his waist, keeping him solidly back against Jesper's body, while his hand moves down underneath Wilhelm's clothing, so easily due to his endless experience, to grip his cock underneath. He grinds against him, lifting his head to suck on his earlobe, murmuring into his ear.

"Do you want to fuck me, Wille? Right here?" Jesper is not subtle about what gets him going and starts stroking Wilhelm to the beat of the music playing in the air. "I'll give you anything you want."

Jesper's hands belong on his body, and his body belongs to Jesper's hands. The paths his touch travels over his skin are so familiar as to become second nature, like lungs absorbing air or heart pumping blood, but it has the effect of an electric current zipping through Wilhelm. He lets go of Jesper to flick open the buttons of his vest and give him an easier time of teasing. As Jesper's touch slopes down his belly, the silk lies coolly against his alert nipples in the absence of those hungry hands.

All sweltering sighs and low fluttering lashes, he gyrates against Jesper. One hand, matching the loop of Jesper's arm around his waist, holds onto his knuckles; the other rises to tangle in his curly hair, keeping him close. In his lover's grasp, his cock swells to fullness fast, as if following the tilting tempo of the music. Jesper is getting hard too — he can feel him against his ass, heat exhaling through all the layers of their clothing.

"Against the tree," his answer slips out on a sigh.

The tree that served as a backdrop to the brides' vows has several boughs that nearly brush the ground to create a shady canopy, but it's not cover that Wilhelm has in mind—

"You'll want something to hold onto."

It's been centuries and Wilhelm can still make his blood feel like it's boiling. If it's even blood in his veins anymore, who knows, but the point is, he's on fire in the best sense. Passion for Jesper has always been easy but as a well-fed god, surrounded by humans currently cherishing one another, he's glowing from it. He smiles into his neck as Wilhelm presses against him, his desperation for more rising too, and he releases him.

Only to grab his hands and tug him toward said tree, teleporting them both so it's only a blip before they're up against it. Jesper's back against the wood, his hand sliding over Wilhelm's clothes and they don't have to tear, they simply fall off him, the Durast in him still very real even now. He makes himself bare the same way and drags Wilhelm into him, kissing him hard.

"How do you want it? Me bent over? You holding me up? Both?" Jesper laughs when he breaks away from the kiss and bites Wilhelm's lip, already putting a leg up over his hip to reel him in close. "The god of love is yours to fuck, how does that make you feel?" He closes his mouth around Wilhelm's fingers, wetting them so he can use them if he wants. Technically Jesper doesn't need to be opened up, he can be willing in a second, they have that power, it's all about Wilhelm's preferences at the moment. And Jesper has always been great at adapting to his needs.

Their relationship has evolved over the centuries, but its core is immutable. They care about each other deeply, as friends, as lovers, as two people whose lives have intertwined. Between them, sex is a comfortable space they can come back to, a shared adventure, a form of conversation.

Where Jesper leads, Wilhelm follows. Laughing like they're still the teenagers they were when they first met, he lets him pull him into the shade of the tree. As his clothes fall off, he shivers in anticipation, head lolling, secret smile curving his lips. He crashes into the kiss, tongue tracing Jesper's perfect pout.

"It makes me feel horny," he laughs. With Jesper naked and wrapped around him, it's impossible not to touch him all over, and Wilhelm helps himself to his lean thighs, a handful of his ass. He curls his fingers in Jesper's mouth, taken in by the hollowing of his cheeks. After all this time, Jesper still has the power to render him speechless.

But not for long, not yet. He smiles into another kiss, sweetness edged with hunger.

"Bend over first. But don't stop looking at me, Jes."

Sometimes Jesper does feel like they're teenagers again, laughing and horny and touching like they can't get enough of each other. That's the sign of an eternal type of chemistry, when centuries later it can still sweep them up into it. He sucks on Wilhelm's fingers with all the eagerness he can muster but releases him to sink into a new kiss.

He turns around and puts his hands on the tree trunk, bending over pretty low so Wilhelm can get a really nice look at his offered ass that's his for the taking. He puts his feet a little apart so he's more open to whatever Wilhelm wants to do. "You could just slip right in if you wanted to." A wiggle of his ass playfully at Wilhelm. He knows he's going to get what he wants but sometimes he can be so impatient for it. It's a thrill every time, he never gets tired of it.

But he did listen to Wilhelm's request and looks over his shoulder at him, gray eyes fixed on Wilhelm's face. He can see Jesper's smirk and warm gaze underneath curly dark hair. The bronze dusting of his muscular body on full display for his lover. "My pretty, perfect Wille. I'd do anything you asked of me."

As Jesper turns and poses himself against the tree, Wilhelm's hands stay on him, draping his hip, snaking around his waist to trace the jutting bone. He grants a playful little spank when Jesper wiggles his ass at him. He drags the weight of his gaze over his body and drinks him in. After all this time, he's still awestruck.

"Can you be patient for me, my love?" The question hums low in his throat, husky and honeyed.

Bringing his spit-slicked fingers to Jesper's entrance, he glides over the tight muscle without inserting himself yet. With desire heating his blood and hazing his brain, a part of him wants nothing more than to slide into Jesper and fuck him silly against the tree. But he knows how sweet it is to prolong this rush, to balance on the edge of release until the last possible second — and then plunge all at once into something fuller, deeper, breath-stealing.

So pulling Jesper's hips toward him, Wilhelm nestles his shaft against the cleft of his ass and thrusts into a slow rhythm. His cock, like his fingers before, glides over Jesper's entrance to tease him with friction.

"No," Jesper whines at him pathetically. He hates being patient! But he's smiling still because he is feeding into Wilhelm's ego on purpose, letting him know how desperate he is for his cock that being patient sounds terrible. He lets the smile fade away to give him a pretty pout instead, jutting out his bottom lip as silver eyes stay on his face. "Why would you make me wait when you could have this sweet ass now?"

Jesper does nothing to actually get what he wants though, he's taunting to make them both happy. He sighs pleasantly when he feels Wilhelm's fingers at his entrance, excited to get them inside of him, except nothing happens. Jesper is almost permanently ready, he's incredibly easy to open up and slide inside. Preparation almost becomes pointless when it's a part of his identity.

Jesper groans out loud when Wille further torments him by putting his cock against where it should be, but tortures him instead of pushing in. "Oh you teasing bastard." That was downright cruel. He reaches back with his hands, unbalanced against the tree for a moment, to grip his cheeks and pull them apart, giving him such an open invitation there is no doubt what he wants. It makes it more difficult to slide between them for the friction though, giving him less to rub against, and a little bit of a trick.

"Wille, darling, please, look how much I need you." He's hard and his tip is wet, offering himself helplessly. Jesper could be more aggressive but he's playing the part of the desperate bottom, willing to do whatever it took to get fucked.

Wilhelm bites his lip as a grin breaks across his face. It's a game they play, Jesper throwing himself headlong into his impatience, trying to pull him in with him, and Wilhelm pretending he has the patience to resist. He lets Jesper get away with it for a moment, hitching his hips so that the head of his cock comes to rest against Jesper's hole.

But he still won't push in, and he grabs Jesper's hands to pin them against the tree. Rough enough to jolt him with excitement, gentle enough to avoid scraping his palms on the bark. The movement forces him flush against Jesper's spine, sweat and anticipation sticking them together.

"Be good," Wilhelm murmurs, brushing his shoulder blade with kisses. Messy, wet, hot with his breath. Slowly, he pushes his hips to keep teasing Jesper with the hard heat of his cock. A groan melts from his mouth against Jesper's bronzed skin as his desire burns hotter.

"Can't you be good for me?"

Jesper's breath catches when he feels Wilhelm at his entrance and he settles in anticipation for him to push inside. He waits a few excruciating seconds before realizing he's going to still be difficult. "Damn you." He swears under his breath but he doesn't push back to take the cock in purposely. It would be very easy. He could if he wanted to, but this is more about Wille deciding when and how. So he plays the game obediently.

He allows him to pin his hands too, doing as he's asking by gripping the bark instead of putting his fingers all over him. All of Jesper's actions speak to how good he's being, but he nods anyway to Wilhelm's question. "Yes, please, I'm being so good for you, can't you see?" It's not easy when Wilhelm is pressed up against him like that and he loves the mess, he loves the sweat. He moans and grips the tree, it turning into smoother wood underneath his fingertips, his powers coming out.

"Baby, please, Wille, I'll do anything." The music nearby seems to pick up as energy suffuses through the air, and dancing starts in earnest. They have their very own mood music and the sound of feet thumping on the ground in excitement. Jesper can't push back or he'll be forcing Wilhelm inside of him so he just keeps passive in position, but his heart is racing. "Fuck me, I'm begging."

Watching Jesper come undone for him, unraveling as fast as the music that spins around the wedding celebration, collapsing to what beats at his core — raw desire, as breath-taking as any vein of crystal shot through rock — it lights something in Wilhelm. It sharpens his own wanting to an excruciating edge on which he can stay balanced only for so long.

As he rubs his shaft over Jesper's hole, treacherously sweet and slow, and he drags his palms along his bronzed arms, from wrist to crook to bicep, Wilhelm's desire too emanates out of him in waves of transfigurative power. Overhead, the leaves burst from late spring green to autumn reds and oranges. They fall off while still in the height of their brilliance, drifting around the wedding guests who exult in the miracle of it.

"Beautiful," he sighs into Jesper's shoulder. His hands are back on his hips, petting him, soothing him.

Taking him — finally bending to his pleas, Wilhelm pushes inside in one slow steady thrust. A groan rises up from somewhere deep. His breath sinks and swells as he settles into a rhythm, firm and full but not rushed. Not yet.

"Is this what you wanted?"

Jesper doesn't remember the first time they did this, it was so long ago, but he does know it's always been good. Their chemistry as friends and lovers is eternal and fiery. They can go from sweet and playful to passionate and intense at the snap of fingers, and there's nothing more special than a relationship that can bend in any way it needs. He knows that Wilhelm will give him what he needs and make him grateful for it. The anticipation is all that's left.

All he can do at first when Wilhelm first pushes inside is sigh in relief. It's pure heat, a fire equal to the one burning in his veins, and he squeezes around Wilhelm on purpose. Because otherwise he is relaxed as can be, getting what he wants, but he likes to tighten around him, to hold him snug and close. Jesper is so focused on their bodies that he misses the leaves at first, but when he opens his eyes to see them spinning toward the ground, he has to laugh. It is beautiful, these natural parts of their divinity in sync.

The relief turns into pleasure and the wood underneath his fingers turns into a different type of wood, into something heavier and solid. He goes between hisses of 'yes' and little moans as Wilhelm starts a nice pace, not demanding now he's full of his lover and fed by the second. "Mmmm, yes, Wille, I want your cock. I crave it." He sounds dreamy and delighted because he is, the act giving him more than physical sensation. It pours gasoline on him, the desire making him glow, glistening and bright, a pure light emanating from him.

"Fuck me like I'm the only thing you can see. Make me your world."

Their bodies were not made for each other, maybe, but they have molded to each other over time, like two trees that have grown side by side over the centuries, each one's branches making space for the other's. Although Wilhelm knows Jesper's body by heart — the contours of his limbs entwined with his own, the fit of his heat wrapped around him — this deep familiarity has never worn out the thrill of these moments they share.

It gets harder to talk as pleasure engulfs him, white-hot flames licking his insides. His breath sags into sweltering groans, his hips push hungrily against Jesper, and his fingers drift down the jutting V of bone to palm at his cock. The world narrows to Jesper, or Jesper amplifies to occupy the whole of the world. Everything else, the flurry of wedding revelers, the current of scarlet leaves, fades away at its edges.

"Jes—" Breathlessly, with eyelashes fluttering low. "I need you...to look at me."

The now naked branches stretching over them begin to bud again, soft green potential at their tips. With each thrust they swell bigger, until one starts to split, then another.

They're creating life in their own way right then. If it's not the giddiness in the air or the rise of laughter and lust, it's the tree morphing and growing right under their joined bodies. By the end of this joining, this tree will no doubt become sacred, the unnatural divinity of it hanging there long after the two of them are gone. A fertility tree, perhaps, or one for the lovelorn.

The transmutation continues under his fingertips as he holds onto the bark and turns it into a different tree type all-together, one that isn't even native to this part of the land. Jesper holds on as tightly as he can and he needs something thicker so he makes it, the wood going dark compared to the budding color and soft green Wilhelm's blending it with. Something beautiful. A little of Wilhelm, a little of him.

Wilhelm's inside of him and moving so perfectly and he groans, following his command to look over his shoulder, leaning back enough so Wilhelm can see his entire face. His eyes are glowing white, a contrast to dark smooth skin, and he smiles at him. "Wille, fill me up, let our divinity come together." It's a joining in more than just the physical, they can slide in and out of each other, their essences combined.

Jesper sets it off first, he comes and the air around them turns heavy, filled with gold light. There's a feverish energy around them, like dizzy spiraling, and while Wilhelm can make the branches change and the flowers bud, Jesper's all emotions outpour. It builds and builds until it bursts.

As he comes undone, unraveling toward release, plunging fast and hard and deep into Jesper, Wilhelm's wings shimmer from dark purple to bright lilac. The magic energy composing them flares like fire climbing higher, consuming its kindling. The buds bursting along the tree branches yield first white blossoms, then pale green leaves.

He feels the warm splash of Jesper's cum spilling over his knuckles, and the air around them pressing heavily like another naked body, like the world itself shares in their feverish passion. In that golden light, he comes too. He empties himself into Jesper with giddy hips and breathless moans, until he's still — except for his heart roaring in his chest, and his hands soothing Jesper's thighs and stomach.

Wrapping around his waist, he tugs Jesper away from the tree that they've transformed, pulls him down into the soft grass to lie together. Around them flutter the red leaves the tree had shed. Wilhelm curls next to Jesper, peppering his skin with gentle kisses from shoulder to collarbone to chest. He combs his clean hand through his sweaty curls.

"It's a pretty nice wedding gift, hm?" he laughs softly.

Jesper never gets tired of sex no matter how constant his experience with it is, and he laughs joyously as Wilhelm pulls him away from the tree and down to the ground. His body feels amazing and it's tingling, his limbs fully relaxed, he could just melt into the ground if he felt like it. Instead he stretches out comfortably, naked and satisfied, and runs his fingers through Wille's hair when he snuggles up next to him.

From here they can see what they created during sex that will now exist in that spot for the rest of time, and it will be revered as something sacred and unique. People will pray here and know the gods blessed it, although how they blessed it will be a secret for the two of them. He smiles and pats Wilhelm's cheek.

"One of a kind."

Hey, Nocwich weekend is coming up... :)

Want to come with me when I get a tattoo?

Absolutely! What's it going to be of?

I knew you'd say yes.

I want a frog.

Interesting! I was hoping it would be a pigeon. What's the frog for?

No, YOU should get a pigeon obviously.

Frogs are cute.

And they represent change and growth. At least they did when I was a god.

You want me to get a tattoo for you, my pigeon?

They ARE cute and that's a cute idea.

So you can think about me all the time.

It's because I've been here for 2 years. I feel like I should commemorate it somehow.

Baby, I already think about you all the time.

Two years! We'll get you a tattoo and a drink afterward to celebrate two years of you knowing me.

[It's not meant to be romantic, it's just Jesper being his usual charming self. And if anything, Wilhelm had started it, this toothless flirting. But still, nearly two months after he woke up in the crater and realized that Kelson was nowhere to found, it feels like leaning on an injured leg wrong. So he just...moves on in the conversation.]

Hell yeah. So I'm hearing you say it will be your treat?

Obviously. I'm the rich one of the two of us.

Hey, I'm not broke anymore.

Well ok, I will be after I get my tattoo.

It's okay, sweetheart, I like treating you. Especially to hang with you during your first tattoo!

Thanks. It means a lot to have you come with me, Jes.

Remember when you thought I was straight because I didn't know how to react to your flirting?

I remember! Most people can't resist my flirting, I didn't know what to make of it.

I just took a little longer.

But I was relieved too. When you came and sat with me that night.

[At the Fourth of July party two summers ago.]

I didn't really know anybody back then, and I was younger than everyone else. I felt like

I didn't belong here. But you didn't let me be alone.

You seemed lonely when I saw you there, it's why I sat down. I wasn't sure if you wanted me to considering we had that experience in the Horizon where my powers went crazy.

Our friendship has never been contingent on sex, Wille. It was a happy addition. I would've been friends with you this whole time if you were straight.

I remember hoping that nobody notice what a big loser I was haha.

I know. You're a good friend. One of the best.

Someday I'll be ready again. Not yet, but...someday.

Not a loser at all. The sweetest person here.

Eh, it's alright if you're never ready again. I'll be around either way.

That can't be true. I've gotten very fierce. Grr.

I know.

You're so cute. I love you, you know that, right?

Yeah, I know that too.

I love you too, man.

I'm very lovable, I get it.

I'll see you in Nocwich.

So, tell me about this plan of yours.

I have maps of all the territories, all their cities. We've been making them over time, I've been looking for escape routes. The hard part is getting everyone who wants to leave out.

But if we can, there are parts of the Badlands that are livable. I know that because there are several bandit camps that are thriving and doing fine. They manage to get supplies and salvage, and it's maybe not a great cushy way of living like in the city, but they don't have to live by any of their rules either.

We're a group of smart, resourceful, talented people with more power than they know. I think we could make a go at making our own colony. It wouldn't be easy, but I don't think that should keep it from happening.

You have been busy. I wouldn't have expected anything less.

I've done something like this before and you're right — it isn't easy. The maps will be very useful. We've the advantage of being able to communicate quickly and privately, and it seems many of the Summoned know one end of a sword from the other, but it may be wise to start by taking a small group out there to establish ourselves. I doubt the bandits will be pleased to have new neighbors show up all of a sudden.

Don't worry about the bandits, I'll just clear out a camp for us. I'll clean it up before we get any of our people in there.

[ Yes rampant murder is on the docket. ]

Or we could scout out their success and design our own, whichever's easier. The point is that we need an option that isn't sitting in these damn territories waiting for them to decide how to use us or kill us. Too many people are just being compliant when they know we're tools for our captors. I get that it's not easy but neither is being stuck in an invisible cage for the rest of our lives. Well, or until we ascend into godhood.

"Clear out a camp for us"? You think this lot isn't going to have a problem with that when they find out? You think that you won't have a problem with it?

[ He isn't talking about Jesper's skills, either. Neither of them are innocent lambs; Cid himself has killed his share of bandits and "cleared" his share of camps in the midst of war, but it isn't the sort of thing he's eager to see Jesper doing. ]

We're better off scouting out an area of our own and perhaps entreating with them. The lot of us will be outside the territories' law, and while I don't doubt some of those bandits might be just as eager to sell us out for profit, we can't know what we're dealing with until we meet them.

[ We, because he's in this now as well and he'll be glad to manage it himself, or go along with Jesper. They can work out the details later on. ]

Aye, most people are quite happy to be caged if there's a roof over their heads and food in their bellies, but some don't know how else to live, and some haven't got many other choices. We'll bring along the ones who want to leave, once we've sorted it, but it's going to be less than we'd like. We're best off scouting an area for the camp then taking stock of what skills we'll need and sourcing them amongst the Summoned.

Fine, fine. If anything we can learn from their set ups. The one camp I went into last year was very well put together, it was clearly functioning.

[ Before they, you know, went and killed everyone. ]

Maybe once we get something going and we prove that it's working being independent, more people will be inclined to join us. I know it's a big ask to take the chance without any proof of purchase, but we can't stay here forever. The Free Cities have already proven that we're tools for them, no matter how people have romanticized their lives here.

How'd you manage to visit a camp?

[ Not exactly a fun adventure, he imagines. ]

That's how it was for us at the Hideaway, aye. Once we have a place for people to go, the ones who see the truth of it all will be the first to join us, or establish sanctuaries of their own. After that, it'll be slow going... but we'll manage it one step at a time.

We were looking for information during the kidnapping last year. A group of bandits were assisting in taking people, although not the Summoned, but they'd brought a few of the humans so they knew part of what happened to them. We followed their lead to Aquila and I went diving into the ocean. Looks like they would transport people to Aquila on a boat and then off to the island. It was hard to track them because they'd do a few steps each time.

I'm glad someone gets it. I've been yelling this for a while. The Free Cities blackmailed me recently to get me to make things for them. They're only a few steps away from starting to use us more actively.

[Once he has gotten settled in with Kyle and Viktor—]

Jes, I'm in Cadens now.

Surprise?

Wait, really?
That's brilliant!
Mat's here too.
Do you need a place at the inn?

Yeah. Brilliant.

[He's not nearly as thrilled. But if Mat's here too, he can understand why Jesper is over the moon.]

I'm staying with Viktor and Kyle.

Okay but keep in mind they're probably psyched to be allowed to have sex all the time now so you might want to make sure they have a sock on the door sort of system.

Gross.

I mean, I'm happy for them. But I don't need to know what they're doing together.

I get the feeling I'm going to be taking a lot of long walks.

You can come by the inn or my shop any time when you need a distraction. You should swing by Mag's anyway, it's a good place to get food on a daily basis and see everyone else.

You'll have to show me around. I don't know where anything is.

Do you ever leave Cadens? Like to go to the other cities.

Lucky for you I know where everything is!

Yeah, of course. I'll take you to Libertas and Aquila too if you want.

I want to see Libertas.

[For reasons he's not sure he can explain to Jesper. Not right now.]

What's in Aquila?

Sure! It's a great place, you'll like it.

Aquila is a beach place, it is very laidback. There's a lot of sea glass and seafood.

Sounds like Borrel. Yeah, that would be cool.

You're sure you'll have time for all of this? You know, with Mat keeping you busy.

[Hahaha just kidding.]

Kaz can show Mat around too, we'll make the time, pigeon, I'm not having you relying on just one person when I'm here!

You're too good to me.

I love you dearly, pigeon. Maybe you'll come to love it here, you don't know!

I love you too, Jes. But Thorne is still my home.

Let's see how you feel after a few weeks here. It's much better, you'll see.

[There's a pause. He doesn't doubt that Jesper will show him a good time here, but he also doesn't like being told what he should think or how he should feel.]

Iris isn't here.

Edited 2025-01-12 23:03 (UTC)

[ Wilhelm and his tragic romances. He has bad luck with them. ]

Let's just go out then, yeah?

[Just the worst luck.]

Yeah. It'll be fun.

Jesper, it's Aloy. I'm in Cadens. Are you still here?

Sure am! One of the few still in place. Where are you?

I'm around. Thought I'd see what the military is up to, while I'm here.

Oh welcome to Cadens. What are you thinking? Pretty sure they moved their base from where we blew it up to be honest.

Any idea where it could be?

It's probably out in the Badlands somewhere, they likely have a lot of little pockets for their experiments. They'll have hid it really well this time around. I would ask around but it's pretty well known I blew up the last one.

Right. I'll poke around. See what I come up with.

If you do need help just let me know. I know how to disguise myself so if we want to investigate I can come along. I don't want you going anywhere without backup!

Sure. I'll tell you if I find anything.

Cool, I'm around if you need anything. There's a room at the inn if you need one too. It's a good place to stay and there's food and drinks.

I'm fine on my own. I'll stop in if something comes up.

[She is fully sleeping outside!]

Okay but you don't need to. Just saying. Mag is great! The rooms are nice, we semi-recently upgraded all of them.

I know. I appreciate it, but I'm fine on my own. Promise.

Abraxas Inbox

IC Inbox

nebulous time after inej vanishes

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December Gift Delivery

— december gift delivery

mail delivery • from solvunn

— after viktor gets his letter

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— very backdated december gift delivery

early january

Re: early january

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