songerein | Halloween is the best day of the year (Open)

Entry tags:

Halloween is the best day of the year (Open)

Who: Reaper, Soldier: 76 & anyone at the Wild Harvest
Which: Open Log
Where: Wild Harvest
What: Reaper makes a big public play for Soldier: 76's hand.
Warnings: Reaper being Reaper

The Wild Harvest was set up for the appropriate festivities and because it was Halloween – a favourite of so many – the place was decked out with decorations on the walls, on the edges of tables and on the bar. It was all very festive and the tables had plenty of people dropping in the enjoy a good meal, good company and good atmosphere.

The noise of the Harvest was a swell of people enjoying themselves between chatting and enjoying a meal or a drink. There is spooky music, and if anything, it’s a normal festivity kind of night at the place. Aside from the Halloween decorations, the only thing potentially attention grabbing is that the animals that frequent the place are also in Halloween costumes.

Reaper, who tosses out unruly patrons and makes drinks at the bar, finally left his post when it seemed that the Harvest was full enough and people were mostly settled into their meals. He moved through the spaces between tables to head towards the door where food was being taken out by to patrons by the waiting staff.

He pushed open the door and called back into the kitchen “Hey, you need to come out here to see the new fairy kitten that just came in.”

The familiar old man cook that was well-known around these parts and had been a staple of the place wandered out from the kitchen wiping hands on a towel. Jack wasn’t dressed up as he was all business in the kitchen and keeping everyone well fed and merry on this night. There were a few stains on his uniform from the evening preparation, and he was looking around for this mysterious new kitten he had been informed of.

“Over there,” Reaper stated and instead of waiting for the other old man to make the connection, the pair of them were swept up into black smoke as Reaper teleported them both to stand on the bar. It was one of the highest points in the place, which made certain to give everyone a good view of the pair of them.

Suddenly Reaper, being ever dramatic, reached up and pulled off his mask – a first for a public viewing. That alone created a hush in the room as people nudged each other and stared at his old and burn-scarred face. He even went so far as to push back his hood so there was no denying his white hair, and he was going to use the shock value to both hold the person he was standing on the counter with.

"Jack, since the day that I met you decades ago, I knew there was something special about you. We’ve been through many battles together: fought, bled, and served. You were one of the few people that stood by me even when you had no reason to. You’re an idiot, of course. However, you’re my idiot, and I would literally burn this place down and kill everyone here for you." Reaper didn’t care how many red flags that would generate from that because he was dropping to one knee on the bar and pulling out a small jewelry box, which he flipped open to reveal a ring, which he held up to Jack.

"I want to spend the rest of this cursed life with you, Jack. Will you marry me?"

Of course, not only was this his favourite holiday, but Reaper knew that making a very big public display would pressure Jack to having to say yes. That’s the kind of guy he was. Sweet, right?

Jack stared with wide eyes and mouth slightly ajar. The entire Harvest was silent and also staring, and there were several minutes that passed as the two silver haired old men watched each other. Then, Jack suddenly muttered in disbelief, "Of all of the stunts you have ever pulled…."

Reaper smirked, maintaining his one-knee pose, fully aware of what position he had put Jack in. He waited, aware an answer would eventually come if he held it long enough.

Suddenly, Jack cocked a hand back and punched Reaper square in the face. The other man rocked backwards before his collar was snatched by Jack’s hand to hold him upright.

There was a gasp from several in the room, but honestly, this was all very normal and expected behaviour between them. Of course, it was on full display for the entire Harvest to see as they both were still there on the bar.

"Yes, you giant asshole, I’ll marry you."

Reaper rose with the pull to his collar, and the pair of them were kissing. Even before the kiss had gone for a few seconds, the ring was pulled from the small box and slipped on the appropriate finger before Reaper was dipping Jack backwards dramatically.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Most folks here don't know that, especially with how hard we know we can go and be just fine.

[A show not for the faint of heart, or that didn't know a few of their souped up tricks.

Jack did chuckle faintly, and there was a kiss pressed just at the corner of Gabriel's mouth. Still holding him close and letting his own body warm up just that little bit more, make it a bit easier on Gabriel to soak it in.]

Yeah, it means that I still accept your proposal. Worried it doesn't?

No one has seen us fight for real. It's been over a year since we fought for real too.

[It was a show that he didn't feel the need to have again, not unless it was in order to defend his now future husband. He would destroy anyone that come to harm Jack, as he had done when he first arrived here but far, far worse than ever before.

He leaned into that kiss, letting it tug at his lips in a little smile. He stepped close, herding Jack gently towards a nearby wall so he could press the younger man against it.]

I knew you would. Blindsiding you still means I get what we both want but with more excitement.

[-Jack had actually fallen silent, even if only for a few seconds, as he thought about that. Gabriel was right-]

Mhm, and hopefully there's not a reason to anytime soon. Might be getting used to that sort of break.

[There was that huff, but he wasn't stopping Gabriel from pushing him, keeping a sort of eye on how far he was going to try and push it- but for now Jack was letting it slide. Finger tips dragging idly along the older man's back.]

Always have to put on some sort of show, don't you.

Depends if one of us falls to the darkness. That might be the only reason these days, though not fighting you in that state is actually better.

[He had been determined to get Jack back out of the noctaere form, and he had analyzed the risk of fighting or talking it out. He had made the right call, but he couldn't say that such a call could be made if he fell into a noctaere form. Jack also might be the only one who could pull him out of it.

Oh, he would get away with as much as he could while they were alone. This was break time after all, and he was going to take advantage of it. He also needed to know that Jack still wanted to get married, which he had now found out. It was definitely time to ride a high.]

Always, especially for you these days. You knew I was dramatic from the first day you met me, and it only gets worst with age, Jack.

We've been managing that... well enough, at least? [For the most part, as far as he could tell. Still thought he saw things at the corner of his vision but...

Sometimes it was better not to focus on and feed that.

Jack still wanted to get married- wanted to marry him despite so many things that... they had been working through, and maybe both shoving a few things down and aside simply because some things just should not be tackled by two men with their sort of pasts and wounds starting to finally heal over. Somehow.

His head tipped back slightly.]

Can't say I'd change that about you, funny enough.

Well enough yes. I think we both understand the risk of us getting closer and the other getting hurt. Darkness has stalked us both since we arrived at this place. [Always something seemed to talk him, whispers to give into his base impulses of being protective of Jack. For the most part, he ignored them.

With Jack pressed against the wall, he leaned in so that he could rest his body there too. Immediately, his flesh absorbed the heat that the younger man naturally gave off so readily, chipping away at the gnawing cold and discomfort of his waking life. His hands moved forward until he could rub his palms up and down Jack’s sides.

He had never cared to marry. It was just a piece of paper and an expensive one at that. Not his style. Yet, like most things, Jack made him want things he normally wouldn’t. It was all that charm and charisma; he just couldn’t resist.]

No? You like me keeping your life exciting? [A beat of a pause] You know that I love you, right? I don’t say it much…

You've become a rather bright light in my life here, so I think it's worth the risk of that darkness stalking after us. Together we're able to overcome a lot of shit, Gabe. [And only saying Gabe because he knew no one would overhear them in his 'breakroom' as it was.

Jack did huff out something of a chuckle, arms wrapped around and rested there against Gabriel to keep him held close; all the better for him to absorb that heat. Hands rubbing slowly to help chase away whatever chill he could still feel under his palms. Working a bit at muscle as well.]

Against better judgement? Yeah, I do. [He let his forehead bump surprisingly gently against Gabriel's own.] I know, and I know you're not the type to always say it out loud. More through gestures and the like.

You know I love you, too- yeah?

Have I? You know that's always been the opposite effect that I was going for? I'm supposed to be the darkness. [His lips twitched at the sound of his name, and he wasn't diverted at all from his attention from Jack.] I do worry what everyone else will do if the darkness takes over, Jack. Have you considered what others would do if we both fell to it?

[It was a cautionary tale of it, but he was all too focused on their moment together. If they fell together, at least they would still be together. That's what ultimately mattered to him, and honestly, a part of him was okay with the world burning if that happened.

He shivered as more heat soaked into his body, digging his nails just above Jack's hhip bones. He lifted his mouth briefly so he could kiss the scar as it crossed the bridge of the younger man's nose.]

You always liked a flare for the dramatic. [He smirked, pleased with them.] Words are cheap sometimes. I never want it to be a question how much I care for you.

[Another kiss to the scar.] I know you do, whether you say it or not.

You are darkness and everything- but you're also a light of my life, you dramatic asshole. [Fondly said all the same.] I would hope that they'd take us both down if there was nothing else they could do.

All the more reason to help keep each other in check if you ask me.

[They were good at it when they didn't let other things distract them after all; he had faith in them, despite it all.

The corner of his mouth twitched a bit into a faint smile.]

Maybe. [He did.] I hope that you never have reason to question how much I care about you, either.

[He had hunted the man down multiple times, after all-] We don't always need words to express it to each other, after all.

[That earned a little smirky smile out of him.] Good, I wouldn't want it any other way. You're all I have left, Jack. I will stick with you for as long as we're in this place. [And beyond really. He liked to think they would keep some of their memories of the possibilities they had explored.] True. Good luck with that.

[He made a noise in his throat of agreement.] We have better strategies for keeping the nightmares at bay these days.

[After all, he didn't sleep if Jack wasn't there with him. There was no point in even attempting if his lover wasn't nearby all warm and solid in wherever they were resting. He liked to think that he provided his own kind of service to Jack when they were cuddling in the hammock or on the mattress, never too far from one another and chasing away some of the worst dreams.]

You were the one that continually hunted me across our world and even this one. If you weren't so busy getting yourself into trouble early on, it would have been a good chase here.

[But he had been in Deerington, and Jack had formed connections early. It wouldn't have worked out long term without an entire planet to have a game of cat and mouse.]

No, we don't. That's why I get in the big dramatic scenes when I can. You deserve the spotlight.

[One of Jack's hands moved from where both had been rubbing along Gabriel's back to instead gently cup one side of his face; no hesitation as his thumb carefully brushed along scarred skin—] Good thing that you've got me now, huh- And you know I don't let go of things easily once I've actually got them.

Counts more than that for you.

[Through thick and thin, whatever nightmares and noctaere they had crawling just beneath their skin and ready to tear through whatever was there. They had each other, and Jack would still hope someone could take them down.

He did chuckle softly.] You definitely help keep them at bay for me.

[A kiss pressed there against Gabriel's forehead- then to a cheek where thumb rested, and then the jaw opposite of where his hand rested. Soft trailing affection even when he was pressed back against a wall. How much this asshole meant to him...]

Kinda think it's a good thing the chase didn't last that long, considering what we got.

[Head tipping back then, Jack resting it against the wall once again.]

Reason I will let you have whatever small wedding be something else than quiet.

[He tipped his face into that hand, allowing his red eyes to close as he savoured the touch. There was something so intimate about a hand on his face, likely because his face was so scarred and it was easy to discount his own appearance from what it had once been.] Mmm, true, you are rather clingy once you get something in your big mitts. You are also far more cuddly than anyone would think.

[He was keenly aware of the noctaere inside of them. Both he and Jack held significant traumas that put them in a position to build the darkness. There were times when he felt his slithering through his skin and others he could see Jack's shifting behind those blue eyes. Just a flicker, but it was as much as threat as there ever was one. If he couldn't bring Jack back from another fall, he'd rather fall with the younger man.]

Good. You deserve a good night's sleep. [Both of his hands emerged from under Jack's shirt so he could lift them and cup his lover's cheeks. He leaned in to press a kiss to Jack's lips.] You're beautiful when you sleep.

[He hummed in pleasure to the kisses to his forehead, a little sigh following as more kisses were peppered across his face as his hands returned to Jack's hips. They should probably get back to work, but he wanted to steal a few more minutes of this, to savour their closeness.]

I suppose you're right. We were both different people when we arrived here, and the chase had been wrung out of us. As much as I disliked them meddling, those gumdrops were useful little bugs that forced us to acknowledge what we had been dragging around for years.

[Let him have a small wedding? Oh Jack Morrison, it was going to be a good wedding with all the people he liked to annoy.]

I'll make us both outfits for it. You just name your wants.

You enjoy it when I cling to you, keeps you nice and toasty~ [The laugh that came with that teasing truth was just as warm as well. Benefitted the both of them; more so that he had a habit of clinging even in his sleep. All the better to help keep Gabriel warm at night.

Said something that Jack even dare that little tease now, just standing in his 'break room' rather than the safety and privacy of their tree house. Just... how happy he really was at the moment. More than enough that the worry of any Noctaere was at least kept bay, no real room for it to do more than glower from somewhere the dark kept in him; smaller for the moment, at the very least.

Of course that kiss was returned, fingers curling a bit where his own hands rested-] Only you'd think that, Gabe.

[Stealing a few extra minutes wouldn't hurt, could get back to work soon.]

I did enjoy the second trip to that roof top just a bit more than the first- best date I've ever hand.

[Hell of a wedding, either way.]

You know I'm not picky, and I know you'll have me looking good.

I won't deny it. It's good to have my damsel holding on tight. [He smirked, knowing Jack was anything but a damsel. If it weren't for his lover, he wouldn't sleep nearly as much as he did thanks to his chronic pain.] It's nice that you enjoy sleeping next to an ice cube.

[They could tease each other about it because they were both in a better place when they were able to sleep. More than that, they happened to be in better personal spaces when they were together, talking, bonding and helping one another with their old traumas.]

Well, you don't let many other people see you sleeping. Besides, sometimes your face crushes up against my chest or is mashed in the blanket and it's very cute.

[Considering Kazuma had tried to get them to go home, he figured they could steal a few extra minutes. Just for some kisses, just to dwell in the sensation of the stunt that he had pulled and gotten away with.]

The second did have more taste, yes. It probably hits in my top three dates that we've ever had.

[He hummed, pressing Jack harder against the wall for the fun of it.]

Oh you'll be looking so good. Maybe it will involve assless chaps for the world to enjoy what you have.

[There was the roll of eyes, and the huff had more amusement to the sound of it tan anything really irritated. Just that normal sort of exasperation and sharing the same sort of sense of humor with—]

You're lucky I sleep hot enough that cuddling an ice cube makes it comfortable when I crush my face into your chest or something while asleep.

[Help everything sink in that much more firmly; he had been proposed to, he had said yes, and it had been Gabriel after everything they'd managed to work through an get to during so much time in this world.

Fingers curled, just idly massaging along Reyes' upper back to just help that much more with his normal aches and pains.]

Something a little more closer to being traditional than that, thanks.

[Reyes smirked, pleased with their unity even as they teased each other and enjoyed their company. Sure, their break wouldn't last too long because the orders would probably be coming in for drinks or food, and they'd have to assist.]

There are plenty of reasons that I'm lucky related to you, old man. Shall I give a wildly cheesy speech or serenade you in Spanish?

[He leaned his face in so could he add another playful kiss to Jack's lips, adding little nip for good measure. He was in a good mood because it was Halloween and Jack had accepted his proposal. He was pushing back into those fingers massaging his back too, rumbling in his chest.]

Oh, you want to be in a dress? I would lean into pulling a garter belt from that sexy leg of yours.... How's that for traditional?

Feel pretty damn lucky with you, too- and maybe you can another time.

[Because right now? Jack wanted that mouth bust with something else, given how he chased that playful kiss to pull Gabriel back into it. Turned it into something filled with that affection while still keeping it a bit playful, let it linger a bit. Didn't want any doubt he meant those words after all.

Jack always found it so much easier to show than tell when it came to more personal feelings after all.

Did snort a bit of a laugh when his head finally tilted back again—]

Well, you never got the chance to see me in one- wouldn't the first time after all.

[Dark Fairy Queen costume in that realm f stories and all.]

Are you? You might be one of the only people these days to consider an association with me to have any amount of luck to it.

[But he was pleased, and his tone made it clear despite his word choice. This was why he and Jack were together, damaged but still finding ways to support each other on a deeper level than even when they were fresh out of SEP. If he had to survive this hell hole of a dream world with anyone, he was glad that it was Jack.

He didn't hesitate the let Jack come at him, slamming their mouths together for his part as he played his tongue over the younger man's lips and reached up to drag his fingers through his lover's hair to give a little tug. His other hand gripped and squeezed Jack's ass cheek affectionately. If they weren't at work....

He made a sound of absolute disappointment, keeping their lips brushing against each other when they spoke based on proximity.]

Much to my lifelong regret. Perhaps a private showing when we're at home because currently we can't have any real fun.

Been enjoying it so far, so yeah. I'd count myself pretty lucky.

[Meant every word of it, even with their rough patches and everything that was far worse than that. They managed something here and, well, something he never imagined having and Jack wasn't going to let go of it easy given a choice here.

Was a little swat at the ass squeeze because they were still currently at the Harvest, but still so willing to remain close—]

Throw something together whenever and you'll get that private showing.

Well, I do keep you good and tired with regular sex, Jack. We can't have you as cranky as you were back home...

[He grinned as if pleased with his own poke. He didn't say how much they both benefited from the physical closeness and affection that they both enjoyed because of one another. Just as they were right now. They were mostly alone aside from some curious pets that might wander in, so he was taking full advantage kissing Jack deeply again.

He smirked at the swat though, pressing Jack flush to the wall with his own body. He was in a good mood (how could he not be?), so he was willing to take extra risks; hell, he'd already shown his face to the world of the Harvest so that was extra freedom.]

Oh will I? Careful, we might not make our full shift tonight with talk like that.

[Of course that got a bit of a rough chuckle out of Jack- because the same could b said for Gabriel himself. The both of them got a lot better rest than likely either of them had gotten for... a long time.

Still so easy to get caught up in that kiss, even as he was being pressed back against the wall so very securely, head tipping back just a bit after a moment-]

Don't think you can keep patient for the sake of building further anticipation?

[His hand returned to groping Jack's ass for the kiss, aware that they couldn't stay much longer. It was Halloween and customers were filling the place, but he still savoured every second he could torment this man with his presence.

He tipped his head back when Jack did, leering at his soon-to-be-husband. Wow, even thinking that sent a shiver down his spine. It was happening. The universe was insane for this alone.]

Excuse you, Morrison, patience is basically my middle name. I can wait, but do I want to is another question? It's our favourite holiday of the year. However, because you're a tease, I'll wait and show you patience.

[That laugh of Jack's was warm, and the smile matched it rather well as his head kept tilted once that kiss was done with- for the moment. There was many more to come after all-]

Your hand says otherwise, but I'll give you the benefit of a doubt, Gabe. We will enjoy our favorite holiday, and once we're back at the treehouse you can get a private show.

[He could only offer another squeeze to Jack's ass cheek before he made a show of removing his hand so he could cup the younger man's cheek with his palm. Then he leaned in for another longer sweeter kiss with his fiancé! Then he was pulling back and winked at the younger man.]

A private show, you say? Well, I guess I need to be on best behavior now. I have something to look forward to after our shift is over. I think break time is over though.

[Jack tilted his head against Gabriel's head without a second's hesitation, arms draped around shoulders the moment that kiss was leaned in for. Warm affection put well into it, holding the older man closer so it lingered just that little bit longer—

An amused roll of eyes at that wink all the same.]

Nice after work reward for you, given you're going on your best behavior for the rest of the work day. You're right though.

Halloween is the best day of the year (Open)

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