songerein | [CLOSED] Cooler weather inbound

[ asura's housemate definitely has no such cold resistance. at least, well, beyond that is offered when it comes to the much more hardy celestial physique and all.

taishakuten has been feeling the chill, lingering by asura (because the man gives off enough heat to power a small country, probably), or the fires that he makes, working hard not to make himself more of a nuisance than he already is. he's practically attached to the stove when asura returns, eyes widening briefly when he sees his cargo. ]

Asura...? Where did you get this?

[Taishakuten need not be concerned about being a nuisance to Asura, because he would never complain about Taisha staying close to him.]

I traded some labor for it. [The farmers needed some help with the harvest before the first frost set in, and there's plenty of sheep (cotton candy or otherwise) to make the fleece.]

You've been hugging the stove since the season started to change, so this should allow you a little bit more freedom.

[ it's still a marvel that asura can be entirely unaffected by the cold, especially with the clothes he's wearing, but taishakuten has learned to stop questioning things.

he smiles, going over to take the robe from him. it's made of a lovely, warm material, and he doesn't waste time putting it on, the little movement giving away the depth of his discomfort despite him not once mentioning it. ]

Thank you. Perhaps I can help out with the labour next time.

[He's not entirely unaffected by it--he'd much rather be warmer than colder, after all--but it's true that he's significantly more resistant than Taishakuten is, both by virtue of being somewhat used to it and having a natural body temperature that runs a bit higher than average.

Asura smiles as he watches Taishakuten put on the robe, and he steps forward, reaching into his robe to pull out an intricate gold and ivory brooch bearing a lotus pattern. He affixes it to the robe to fasten it closed, and with this last piece, the outfit is complete.

It's a shame that Taishakuten's lovely figure is hidden like this, but Asura just wants him to be comfortable as the weather turns progressively colder.]

If you want. Maybe you'd even manage to put on some muscles. [He chuckles and takes a step back to get a good look at him in his new cloak.]

[ taishakuten watches as asura steps close to fasten the cloak together, acutely aware of how close they are, the lingering heat of his fingers.

he's warmer, much warmer now, and he's entirely sure a significant amount of it is not due to the fine, thick coat that is now in his shoulders. he misses asura when he steps back, and just barely checks the urge to step forward. ]

This is beautiful. [ his smile widens, warm and genuine. ]

Some muscles... like yours? You do seem to have added some to your significant collection of late.

[That smile is warm enough that it could keep Asura warm even on the coldest of days, and he finds himself smiling back without even being aware of it. 'Beautiful', Taishakuten says. Asura agrees.]

Have I? [He chuckles, looking down at himself.] You must have been paying close attention if you noticed.

I have.

[ what use is there in lying? it is true that he has been observing him with care, learning asura's habits, his personality and his quirks.

this time, he does step closer, tilting his head back to look in his eyes. ]

And yet, sometimes, you remain a mystery to me.

[Perhaps if that admission were coming from anyone other than Taishakuten, it might have taken Asura by surprise, but he knows the Celestial King. He knows that even with his agreement not to pry into their connection, he still tries to pick apart the mystery without asking directly.

Asura does not move when Taishakuten steps closer, does not look away when he meets his eyes.]

Is giving you a cloak such a mysterious action? [He asks, deliberately avoiding what Taishakuten is actually getting at while he raises a hand to the side of the sligher man's neck. It lingers there for a brief moment before reaching back to take the hood of the cloak and pull it up onto Taishakuten's head.]

We both know that's not what I mean.

[ taishakuten murmurs with a soft smile, his fingers absently brushing over the smoothness of the cloak, unable to help himself. it really is a fine garment, and asura must have gone to significant lengths to get it even when he didn't have to.

he tilts his head, studying him briefly. taishakuten might have stopped asking about his past, but it doesn't mean that he has stopped observing him. ]

I have seen your ferocity in war, and your great capacity for kindness. You excel at them both, and yet, there doesn't seem to be anything in particular that you want.

[Taishakuten has already given him more than he could ever want. He gave him his humanity and purpose. He is his anchor, even now. He's even given him his heart, though he doesn't know it.]

There are things I want. [Asura corrects him--some of them he can't voice given their current circumstances, but.] I want a simple life like this, just living every day as it comes.

[Living like a normal man, waking up each day beside the person he loves. He wants Taishakuten to be free of his past, to not have to suffer from his own remorse and to be able to smile so honestly every day. And perhaps a bit more selfishly, he also wants Taishakuten himself, though he refuses to voice this desire while the Celestial King lacks any context for the lingering emotions he still carries.]

[ like this? on a farm, together with him? no -- perhaps taishakuten's presence is just a convenience; asura manages exceptionally well on his own. he doesn't doubt that this is what asura enjoys, the man is incredibly adept at handling all things domestic.

and, he supposes, a life of constant violence must get quite boring after awhile. oblivious to the fact that asura has feelings for him, what with taisha himself tending to his own burgeoning feelings for this strange, fascinating, wonderful man, taishakuten finds himself contemplating his answer. ]

You only named one.

[Asura doesn't have to be a mind reader to understand that furrowed brow, to know that Taishakuten is attempting to pick apart his answer and find the deeper meaning in it. He just chuckles at the slighter man's retort, giving him a sly grin in return.]

I suppose I did.

[ can asura blame him? taishakuten keeps to his word to not pry into whatever past -- but it doesn't mean he can't examine asura and his own feelings for him, emotions he can't deny when asura is close and considerate.

he can't explain why he feels the way he feels, drawn to asura like he's the other half of his soul, like somehow, asura holds the key to completing him. he steps even closer, boldly reaching to grasp his wrist lightly. ]

Will you tell me the others?

[With that small contact, a fragment of Asura's emotions are briefly laid bare to the empath--warmth, affection, and an unmistakable desire. It flickers away just as quickly as Asura's mental defenses shroud it once again, but the air around them in their little cabin is still left a degree or two warmer from the dreamotion energy resonating with it.

Asura, aware that he'd let it slip, frowns a bit and shifts his hand to curl his fingers around Taishakuten's wrist on his arm and gently lift it away.]

Okay. I'll tell you that I want you to do only what brings you happiness, not what you think others want from you.

Edited 2021-12-03 16:17 (UTC)

[ there it is.

a glimmering moment, a precious shard of naked emotion, potent and passionate and laid bare for taishakuten to see, to take for himself and sink his teeth into. underneath that guarded mask is a man that exudes heat and desire and passion, burning bright despite the ferocity of that discipline.

taishakuten frowns, just a touch, when all asura does with his hand is to guide it away. the strength in his grip is clear even when his touch is gentle, but it occurs to taishakuten that he's fighting something -- memories that taishakuten is not privy to, perhaps. a past locked away from him, and taishakuten tries not to be unkind about it.

he notices the heat in the room, the tension that simmers between them, his breath catching as he ruminates on that precious flare of unmistakable desire, the affection that asura frustratingly keeps under lock and key.

so he at least feels some measure of it, too. his own fingers brush over the clasp, as if chasing the ghost of his touch, tracing over proof of his intention. if taishakuten can't touch him, then he can do the next best thing: to hold close what had passed through asura's fingers. ]

... do you find my presence an imposition, Asura?

[Taishakuten really has no idea just to what extreme that passion and desire truly extends. It's fierce and possessive, yet will never attempt to cage the Celestial King.]

This, I would tell you outright if I did, Taishakuten.

[Asura knows just what Taishakuten had managed to glimpse in that brief moment, knows that the other man is now aware of at least a small part of his feelings toward him. He also knows that Taishakuten is the kind of person to give so much of himself without asking anything in return, and more than anything, Asura doesn't want Taishakuten to submit himself to his desires simply because Asura desires him.]

And you, Taishakuten? What do you want?

[ taishakuten's faint frown deepens; he knows what asura is trying to do, he knows asura's pushing him to truly think about what he wants, and taishakuten knows that if he doesn't put thought and care in his answer, that asura will keep himself away from him and move even farther.

so he thinks, truly thinks about his response, sieving through his duties, his overwhelming instincts to give people what they need, and he's silent for a long moment before he looks up, his gaze trained on him. ]

I want to spend time with you. These past months with you were the happiest I have been. I have felt guilt for it, at times -- after all, this is something no king should be saying.

[It's nearly imperceptible the way Asura's shoulders relax ever so slightly, as if releasing some tension they had been holding onto. Taishakuten's answer is a relief in that way, as is his admission of guilt. It's an honest answer. Both to Asura, and to himself.

His expression softens when Taishakuten finishes his answer, and Asura finally reaches out to him, curling his fingers around paler ones and giving them a reassuring squeeze.]

This world is a dream. A king doesn't have to be bound by obligations even in his sleep, does he?

[ a king doesn't have to be bound by obligations in his sleep. the reminder, too, that this is a dream makes his heart ache in ways he can't quite pinpoint. attention captured by the way asura reaches out to him, his warm fingers curling around his own, taishakuten gives it a long, lingering gaze.

his own curls right back, and taishakuten threads their fingers together, meeting asura's eyes. there is a bittersweetness that he can't deny, an ache that brings only a profound sadness he can't quite understand, as if they've done this before. taishakuten, oblivious and unknowing of what had transpired between them, simply murmurs: ]

Perhaps. But it would be a curse to wake, having forgotten you.

A curse? Or a mercy? [It's obvious by now just which direction this is trending, and so Asura no longer pulls away from the contact between their hands, though his mind remains out of reach.]

It would be less cruel to wake in that world having forgotten, than it would be to remember but unable to do anything about it. [He can't be there with him in that world, no matter how much either of them might wish otherwise. The most Asura can do for the time being is to protect him from the shadows.]

Edited (grammar) 2021-12-04 05:10 (UTC)

At the very least, there would be the gift of memory.

[ despite his words, taishakuten doesn't actually know how the truth. he's quietly contemplative, his thumb absently smoothing over those rough knuckles, noting how asura's hand is bigger than his own; the hands of a man accustomed to a hard, weary life.

he remembers that fragment of emotion, of thought-memory that asura had let slip, and taishakuten asks: ]

Would you be willing to forget me?

No. [He's far too possessive for that, and he squeezes Taishakuten's hand just a bit tighter for a moment with a wry quirk of the corner of his lips at his own admitted hypocrisy. Even so, Taishakuten can't possibly know the truth of the bitterness behind that grin, the irony of it all.]

I refuse to forget.

So do I.

[ the weight on asura's shoulders must be unbearable, to undertake the villain's role, to endure the words of the man he loves -- who has forgotten him. he feels that squeeze, and taishakuten wonders, wonders, if he has lived it before, if he has loved this man before everything disappeared.

but when? how? none of it makes sense, except... ]

Have we dreamed together?

[His shoulders are strong--he can endure that weight if it means Taishakuten can be free of his burden and finally live a life where he knows nothing but love. What's far harder is resisting the urge to pull him into his arms and burning his image and his love into every one of Taishakuten's eyes so he'll never be able to forget him again.

It takes him a long, silent moment of deliberation before Asura answers:]

...Yes. A long-forgotten dream a lifetime ago.

[ so he was right; something of that sort happened -- but taishakuten takes care not to pry further, lest asura shuts the door on him. he wants to know, he's dying to know; how does asura remember what taishakuten has forgotten? ]

You remember.

[ and this dream is forgotten only by taishakuten. he steps closer, right into asura's personal space, as if daring him to push him out of it this time. he doesn't let go of his hand, his other hand reaching up to delicately touch his cheek. ]

I don't, but you do. And you've always known how to keep me out of your thoughts. Even so...

[He doesn't push him away. Rather, Asura's eyes close and his brows knit, and he covers Taishakuten's hand on his face with his own.]

Yes, I remember. [He admits, his lips just barely brushing the palm of Taisha's hand.] And because I remember, I can tell you that sometimes, forgetting is a mercy.

Not for you.

[ taishakuten says at last, his words low and pained, because while he cannot read his mind, he understands the ramifications of it. he understands now, the stirring of his heart, his longing simmering -- at last, he finally understands why. not fully, but this is enough.

he feels the softness of his lips on his palm, eyelids fluttering. how it aches, knowing that he's forgotten this man. how much more this must hurt for him, to have taishakuten by his side, and yet be unable and unwilling to do anything. ]

I felt what you felt, just now.

[Perhaps it would have been a mercy for Asura to have also forgotten, but forgetting means that he wouldn't be able to watch over and protect Taishakuten in the waking world. There would be no one to keep that snake's hands off of what's his.

Asura's eyes open a crack, and there's heat in them--an all-consuming flame of desire that Taishakuten wouldn't even have to touch to recognize.]

I know.

[ the fire that burns in those lovely eyes takes his breath away. in this moment, taishakuten is reminded of the savage allure of this man, this warrior who is capable of great brutality and gentleness at the same time.

and those eyes, fixed right on him. he holds his gaze as he straightens up, reaching upwards to press a soft kiss to the side of his mouth, his chest tightening with the knowledge that it's not one-sided, that he isn't simply dreaming up a connection.

the kiss lingers; and it feels like something has finally slotted back into place, like he's received something he never knew he had lost. he thinks of wide open skies, a smiling man with blurred features, a hand outstretched -- ]

[The air within their cabin climbs a few more degrees.

He wants it. He wants it so badly that it physically hurts. It would be so easy to do it, to take what he wants, and he knows Taishakuten would let him. But he won't. Asura will allow himself to indulge in that kiss given freely, however, and so before the lingering brush of lips can retreat, Asura tilts his head to chase them.]

[ the air definitely heats up, and taishakuten is very sure it's not because of the coat. no, he's certain it has everything to do with asura, as if he'd breached something invisible and precious, and this time, asura pursues him. taishakuten teases, lets him chase a second or two or three, before he meets him halfway, his hand coming to cup the back of his head assertively.

he presses his mouth to his more firmly, squarely, the flicker of his tongue seeking permission and consent, because a part of taishakuten is certain that asura isn't as learned at this as he looks to be. no maatter, taishakuten will be happy to teach him. ]

[Whether he "looks to be" skilled at this or not, Asura has never felt this desire for anyone before Taishakuten, so it's true that he is entirely unskilled... but more than enthusiastic to learn.

His lips part when Taishakuten's tongue seeks entry, and his hands find their way into that lovely white cloak to seek out his slender waist and hold him close. His scent and taste are nearly enough to drive him crazy, as if this were a battle to lose himself in bloodlust, and whether experienced or not, Asura is certainly passionate.]

[ taishakuten can feel it, the heat of his passion, the way he kisses him back and more than makes up for it. it's incredible, the heat of his kisses, making his chest tighten. it feels like everything's slotting into place perfectly the way it never had before. pressing flush against asura's body, leaning into that hand at his waist, taishakuten deepens the kiss with a soft, yearning noise.

he's wanted this. he's wanted this for so long. he touches his tongue to his, delicate, tasting him for himself and spurring him on, gently encouraging. more, he wants more. ]

[Part of Asura wonders if he's making a mistake in allowing him in like this, but the part that has yearned for centuries claws at his restraint and pushes him to drink in the sweetness of Taishakuten's lips, to take everything he gives him and return it tenfold.

Even so, he does hold back on one matter--his Spiritual Entity remains locked up inside his body, for allowing it to twine with and touch Taishakuten's own would lay bare the altered history of their shared past, and that really would destroy everything, even if this world is just a dream.]

Taishakuten... [Asura murmurs against his lips when he breaks the kiss for a moment, eyes half-lidded. The air in the cabin has grown warm, and a few of the planks Asura had used to construct the walls have grown twigs with new, green leaves.]

[ taishakuten kisses him, his lotuses blooming, blooming, filling the warm room with the overwhelming scent of the blossoming flowers, hanging richly between them. he is faintly aware that asura's spiritual entity remains locked from him, but for now, this is enough.

this is overwhelming and intoxicating, and taishakuten is reeling from the depth of his emotions for him, the sensations and desire that bubbles to the fore. with that comes the nagging feeling that they were not just friends, that taishakuten more than just reciprocated whatever it is that lies between them.

he shudders when he hears his name from those lips, and taishakuten presses his forehead to his, catching his breath. his gaze is searching, just as intense, and he notices the twigs and leaves -- ]

...I didn't know you could do that.

[The smell itself is enough to drive Asura mad most of the time, and now is no exception, even if he's still holding back for the sake of their secret past.

Asura's fiery eyes meet Taishakuten's searching ones, and though he's loath to tear them away, his words are enough of a distraction to have him look away to investigate to what the slighter man is referring. The sight of their cabin having sprouted branches apparently takes him as much by surprise as it did Taishakuten.]

...I didn't either. It must have been a Dreamotion reaction.

[ with plants?

if nothing else, taishakuten has associated him with fire and brimstone and blood and violence -- not something like trees and plants. if he were nature, he would be the raging storm, the forest fire, as beautiful as he is destructive.

it's enough to distract taishakuten as his attention is drawn to the branches, too. he reaches out to brush over it, surprised to feel the realness of it under his fingers. ]

Nurturing and growth?

I think it was more the nature of the emotion that affected them. [Love, lust... it might be a stretch, but the green plants could have responded to that sexual energy. Maybe. Asura still doesn't entirely understand how Dreamotion works, and this had definitely been unconscious.]

It could have been your Dreamotion energy they were responding to.

Perhaps.

[ taishakuten murmurs, licking his lips absently, as if chasing the taste of asura -- he wants more, he wants to kiss him again, again and again; the lotuses are in full bloom, fragrant and rich.

reaching for his hand, he threads his fingers boldly together with his as he looks up into that handsome, handsome face. ]

Please kiss me again, Asura.

[Asura pauses as Taishakuten takes his hand in his, red eyes dropping down to that connection before moving back up to meet jade. Part of him thinks he shouldn't indulge Taishakuten like this when he's still trying to hide the overwritten past, but a louder, more selfish part of him is screaming in his head that what he wants is right in front of him and literally asking him to kiss him.

Between the scent of lotus and his own desire, the louder part wins out.

Asura's free hand brushes through pale strands before settling on the back of Taishakuten's head, and he leans back down to taste his sweet lips once more.]

[CLOSED] Cooler weather inbound

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