armwriostle | I don't wanna fall another moment into your gravity.

I don't wanna fall another moment into your gravity.

[He rolled his shoulder and cracked his neck as he stepped out of the old warehouse.

Today was a disappointing day. He can't complain since the matches were easy and it meant that today was an easy paycheck in comparison to the usual. Still, the matches left him wanting for more; dissatisfied that it didn't even give him the usual bit of adrenaline or rush for the night.

Wriothesley checked his bag to make sure he had everything. His boxing gauntlets, keys to his apartment, and wallet. Nodding, he slung the bag over his shoulder and started walking down the alleyway to get to the main street.] Damn, how disappointing.

[Maybe it was because all his opponents were just average people. While the ring was very careful to avoid unnecessary casualties, the intermix of people and supernatural had been a big appeal that brought in gamblers and fighters alike. He was the same. Holding his own against opponents that were far beyond his physicality was a thrill. It was enjoyable and there was a certain camaraderie between all the fighters. It wasn't like he could say he was perfectly average. His affinity to ice and his sturdiness makes him think that he isn't fully human (but he isn't anything particularly spectacular either). He'll never really know since he was abandoned by his parents, and frankly, it didn't really matter.

He sighs and thinks he should just count his blessings and relax for the night, but something has him stopping in his tracks and making the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.

Something felt off.] ...Is someone there?

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[An experienced boxer should be confident, and Nanami approves of Wriothesley standing his ground. He'll need to do more than that if he comes across more non-humans--and the if is definitely more of a when. It's good to know the boxer can hold his own, but, he's also running a risk being on display like that. He might not even realize the attention he draws. So far, it likely wasn't too much, but that is only delayed inevitability. Once another being on Nanami's level notices him, he'll have more attention than he can take. The former salary man keeps walking forward until he's blocking Wriothesley's path.]

You just want to go home? That wasn't what you were saying before.

[He doesn't bother pretending he overheard him sighing, or that he was following him since the end of the fights. Of course he was. He wants to see what this potential fighter has in him.]

What if you work off more energy for now?

Yeah? Well, me complaining a bit to myself doesn't mean much.

[He isn't really bothered by it all the same. He did say it out loud and anyone within earshot would have heard his complaining.

Instead, he raises an eyebrow at the other's question. He isn't sure why he had grabbed Nanami's attention. He had noticed more eyes on him as he does more and more matches, but that was expected. He had been a rookie human in the eyes of others that was going toe to toe with more and more impressive people in the ring. An underdog holding his own.

He hadn't been approached and definitely not as boldly as this.] What are you propositioning?

[Maybe he's simple minded, but there's really only two ways he could blow off steam. Or at least, two ways he considers blowing off steam.]

An assessment.

[Not immediately, but it's on the table. He can't deny that. Nanami checks his watch just to be sure he's still within work hours. This is a fine line, but he's treating it carefully.]

We can discuss that later. First, I want to see how you manage to hold your own outside of a ring.

[He moves into the man's space, still giving him an appraising look.]

If you're still restless, you weren't exerting yourself to your full potential. If you need another opponent, then I'll give you one round, but I'd rather not get my clothes dirty.

[Isn't this guy a little strange? Looking at his watch and talking about assessments?

His thoughts don't linger on it, because Nanami moves closer and he instinctively takes a few steps back with his fists raised immediately. The movement and mention of him holding his own kicks in his fight or flight. It's all instinct more than conscious. As though he's used to protecting himself.

The other went all through this to pick a fight of some kind?] I don't fight outside of the ring anymore. Besides, it doesn't even sound you want to fight? Who offers themselves as an opponent then complains about getting their clothes dirty? [What a peculiar guy. He can't help but find himself curious about them.

He also knows that if the other wanted to fight he could do little but agree. They were, after all, between him and getting home.]

[He does stop advancing when Wriothesley raises his fists, but his expression remains mostly neutral. Instead of turning anger or disdain on the boxer, he simply observes the reaction, noting the immediate response to his words.]

Interesting. Were you trying to keep your advantage a secret? I thought you were bored.

[He stretches his neck, taking his time with the next response.]

We can fight if you need to work off excess energy, but that would be a waste. Come back with me first. We can discuss your disappointment there.

I wasn't trying to do anything.

[Can't Nanami be, you know, normal? He watches the other carefully. He was struggling to really figure out the other's intentions. They didn't seem hostile towards him, but he also wasn't sure what the other wanted. By all means, he doesn't see why they approached him. Nanami didn't seem like the type who liked going to these kind of things.

He sighs and drops his arms back to his sides and straightens himself up. Wriothesley guesses that he can at least hear the other out given that he doesn't read any ill intent on them. He trusts his gut quite a bit even if he doesn't quite trust the other.] Fine, I guess. [At least his evening is going in an interesting direction, he guesses.]

Lead the way then.

Edited 2023-11-28 17:09 (UTC)

Hm.

[So despite that defensive stance, Wriothesley didn't decide to fight back. Nanami takes note of that, putting a mental pin in it because the boxer had demonstrated significant skill and could theoretically have attempted to drive him off. And he seemed like he was still wanting satisfaction, so it was almost the perfect excuse--maybe he was giving him bait that was just too obvious. Maybe he wanted something else and the boxing was just a convenient alternative. He gestures with one hand as he turns to lead them away from the warehouse, considering this as they go.]

How often do you participate in these activities?

[Maybe he should establish how necessary it is for this man first. Is it for money or some emotional satisfaction? A need for purpose or an outlet for his energy? He has skill, so he could probably do more with his abilities, but Wriothesley has found himself in a gambling circle instead. It's a pity, really, and Nanami despite himself has to intervene. He doesn't bother with every case, but Wriothesley carries the scent of something more than human.]

[He could tell the other was mulling over their thoughts. What specifically, he couldn’t pinpoint yet. He doesn’t know the other enough nor have they offered much in terms of information for him to make any confident guesses.

The man certainly keeps him curious.]

Hmm. Why do you ask?

[It seems like the other hasn’t watched him for long or they’d already know that answer. So Nanami isn’t incredibly familiar with his regularity in the ring. Interesting. Was this just a chance thing or just that Nanami had only been observing for a short enough period that the other hasn’t figured out a pattern.]

This is a funny way to wanting to get to know a guy. [He’ll deflect a bit.]

[Nanami is reserved, even stern at times because of his dislike for the crushing weight of society, but he's honest and fair at his core. He looks toward Wriothesley as they walk, acknowledging him as he answers the question.]

You have talent. Your fighting skill shows you have plenty of experience, yet you're using it in a place like this. They weren't sufficient matches for you.

[Instead of brushing off the deflection or criticizing him for it, Nanami simply meets it as it stands.]

I want to know why someone would give himself to such an undeserving place. You can't be fulfilled defeating opponents like that.

[He has an advantage, and sooner or later people will notice. That, and Wriothesley is attractive, but Nanami keeps his personal opinion to himself. He'd probably scare the fighter if he admitted to being anything other than human, and that would ruin their talk.]

[He stumbles a little. He hadn’t expected such an honest answer from the other. It throws him off and he blinks in surprise.

The praise wraps around him and sinks into his skin like a warm blanket. He mentally shakes it off. This is not the time.

Still, he takes a moment to steady his walk and think about Nanami’s words. He had been doing this so long that it was just part of his routine practically. It was the only way he could get money as a teen living off the streets and the money was good enough to keep going. Wriothesley was just another sad story of an abandoned kid who had to claw himself out of a barrel to survive.

He isn’t even sure if he got out of the barrel, but that’s something to mull about in his shower.

The raven-haired man sighs.] Damn, I didn’t think you’d butter me up so much like this. You’ll make a guy blush.

[He absentmindedly runs his hand through messy hair as he considers how to answer.] It’s just routine to me by now. I’ve been doing this since I was a kid. [It sounds terrible, but things were even more Wild West at that time than it was now. They took just about anyone and it was only through time that some regulations were put in. It wasn’t a lot, but it’s a lot better now, he thinks.

He couldn’t complain either because it got him onto his feet without needing anyone.] That’s it. It’s nothing about satisfaction, even if I do like the exhilaration of a fight. It’s just a means to pay my meals and rent. [A shrug.]

The matches are fun enough, and I have ways to blow off steam if I’m really desperate. [He isn’t going to say what that is though.]

Honestly, I’m still a little confused. I want to know why you seem to care. Or at least, have your interest piqued about me.

Edited 2023-12-01 20:19 (UTC)

[ The slight misstep comes with a quick recovery when Wriothesley stumbles, but Nanami slows his pace to match anyway. Sure, the other man could easily catch up without help. He adjusts anyway, letting the conversation between them mark the flow of their walk. So it's just routine. A way to live. He nods at that--he's certainly done the same just to get by before. In fact, that knowledge reaffirms his decision in picking Wriothesley out. It was the right choice.

In answer to the prodding, Nanami actually smiles. It's a dry amusement, but there is warmth there regardless, because he actually finds that he likes this man's answers. ]

I was curious. You seemed like someone who could do more and had no intention of leaving the ring. What could be keeping you in one place? I wanted to ask you directly.

[ And when he catches Wriothesley's eyes, it's with open interest. ]

You like exhilaration, but you declined the offer to fight me. Does that mean I don't measure up?

[Oh. The guy looks good smiling. He's not going to say that out loud because no one wants to hear how they should smile more. Blegh. He will note that the other looks rather good with a smile on their face though. Well, they look good in general, but that's besides the point. He can't help but smile back. Smiling comes easily on him though.]

What can I say? I'm a simple guy and I can't say I have any very big dreams to meet or anything, sorry to say. [It isn't that he's lost or listless, but he's also comfortable where he is. If he ends up finding something to truly strive for, then it'll come and he'll try whatever he can to meet it. Right now, he's just happy with the free time he has for himself.

Wriothesley shakes his head as he walks in step with the other.] It's nothing like that. If you want to fight then we'll fight, but I don't really partake in street brawls. If you want a fight, then I would prefer it in the ring. [It isn't about the spotlight, but maybe more so doing it in a more official or formal setting. What makes them any better than guys just duking it out on the street otherwise?] I don't like the idea of other people potentially getting involved by accident.

[A grin.] I won't say no to a fight otherwise.

[That feeling of contentment with life is something Nanami has never had. From the beginning, he was bound to the curse of being useful, to make use of his strength in whatever way he could, and also to ultimately be used. He has never felt the simple, comfortable existence of someone living his life for himself, and when he hears it in Wriothesley's voice, it makes his smile bittersweet. He yearns for that life.

But since he can't have it, he can ensure others can. He relaxes marginally as they keep going, with Nanami leading Wriothesley toward more traveled streets and occupied buildings. Eventually it becomes clear he's taking him home to an apartment.]

I don't think my skills are meant for a ring like that one, but we could find a quiet place. I want to see what you can really do against a proper challenge.

[He could leave it at that, but for some reason he doesn't. Maybe because Wriothesley reminds him of himself from some past time before he lost everything.]

Or there are other ways to test your stamina. Come in. Have you eaten?

[Nanami opens the door to a simple apartment, waiting to see if the boxer will join him or retreat. He holds the door for him either way, letting Wriothesley decide how much he trusts a stranger's home.]

[Wriothesley notes the slight change in that smile. It’s something that most people might miss, but he can tell it’s there. It isn’t his place to prod, but he wonders what he had said to get such a reaction. Why the other has given him such a sad smile.

He has to tell himself that he shouldn’t get too attached. He’s gotten so used to solitude and loneliness that he would be a fool to let that shatter.

Wriothesley doesn’t live in a great area of the city. It was far from the worst, but they’re in a better area that he wasn’t all too familiar with. They’re in enough residential area and not too many store fronts that he can deduce he’s being taken home.

Huh.]

Oh? When you say it like that, I can’t help but be curious. I’ll hold you to it then. We can call it a date. [His voice is teasing and Wriothesley can’t help but be a bit playful.]

Hah. Are you trying to wine and dine me then take me to bed? I didn’t think you were so bold. You’ll make a guy swoon. To answer your question, the last time I ate was around noon, so no.

[He does consider the absurdity of just entering a random man’s home like this and how absolutely stupid it was. Honestly, he’s done dumber shit and it wasn’t like he hasn’t entered a stranger’s place for whatever reason. Well, in for a penny in for a pound. Wriothesley steps into the apartment and looks around curiously. Worth getting a good look of the place incase it’s the last thing he sees or whatever.]

[ He probably shouldn't feel pleased about that light joke. In fact, Nanami knows he shouldn't let something like a little teasing remind him of happiness he used to have. But Wriothesley's bright attitude reminds him so much of the past he can't ignore it, and the after-image is so familiar that when the boxer makes a joke about taking him to bed, Nanami can't stop himself from grunting and needing to turn to avoid letting the heat show on his face. He didn't think it would be that easy to touch that side of himself these days. Hasn't he grown out of silly things?

Apparently not. Maybe that's why he was drawn to the other man to begin with, following him like a mirage of something he still dreamt about in the dark hours when no one knew. Well, it's not like it would make a difference now. Nanami forces himself to remain calm, leading Wriothesley in with a serious look of dedication. The apartment is clean and spacious. It's mostly empty, but the collection of books lines both selves and the sides of walls. Some are still bound in store bands, many look barely touched, but all are neatly arranged with loving care. ]

I was going to suggest wine. If you don't like that, I can find something else.

[ He's absolutely serious about that as he moves to the kitchen. ]

Monsieur. You stalked me from an illegal ring and now you’re acting like this. I didn’t think you could act so cute. [He doesn’t see Nanami’s face but the grunt and the way the other turned away from him is endearing. He can’t help but tease the other when they act like this.

It could all be some lavish act, but it didn’t feel like that. Nanami seemed to honest of a man. If somehow they were pulling wool over his eyes than it was his mistake and he had only himself to blame for being tricked.

He looks around the place with interest. Wriothesley pauses at the shelves and reads the spines without touching them before glancing at the other.] Tea if you have. Water is fine if you don’t.

[Wriothesley didn’t think of himself as a lightweight when it came to drinking, but he also was just a little too distrustful of others to let himself potentially get inebriated around someone. Even if Nanami wasn’t a stranger, he’d probably be cautious to drink around them.]

I wasn't stalking. [ The response is a low, reluctant grumble from his throat. ] I had questions for you.

[ He was always intending to approach him, so surely that counted as an extended encounter? Nanami knows it's an excuse, but at the same time, he doesn't really want Wriothesley to assume he meant him any harm by following him. They've all got enough real threats to worry about, and Nanami doesn't want to be labeled as one of them. He would be if anyone knew more about what he was. Humans were already distrustful of anything more than their own kind.

What he does want is more complicated. He wants to know how strong he is, yes, because he saw the boxer demonstrate strength that was clearly more than just human. But he also wants to see more of that smile from before--easy and natural--and to ensure he can keep smiling. Putting that into words is hard, so instead he starts a kettle for tea and ingredients for a quick and simple meal. It's easy enough to make a pasta dish and feed his guest without much time to wait. ]

You still agreed to come with me. If you thought I was stalking you, then why did you agree?

[The low grumble just earns a bark of a laugh from the boxer. He laughs and waves his hand dismissively.] Alright, alright. It isn't stalking. Keep telling yourself that. If it isn't that Monsieur Stalker, then a name would be nice. I'm sure you know my name from the commentators at the ring, but I haven't gotten yours.

[Even if it was stalking, it doesn't seem that he's bothered by it. Doesn't seem to hold it to the other.

He offers the other an easy smile.] You don't seem like someone with ill intent, I guess. [Wriothesley considers himself rather good at reading others. It isn't a natural skill so much a skill born out of necessity. He did not grow up in a good environment and the only thing he could do is adapt if he wanted to scrape by. There was no one to rely on but himself. Nanami, for approaching him rather questionably, never came off as someone he should be incredibly wary of.]

You seemed like you wanted something and maybe I'm a sucker for a guy with your type of face. [He goes back to browsing the shelves and reading the titles off the spines.] The honest answer really is that you just don't calm off as someone I should see as a threat. That isn't to say you aren't dangerous or anything, but I didn't feel like I was at risk by agreeing.

[He finally pulls away from looking around and heads into the kitchen so he can watch the other.] I just can't put my finger on what exactly you want though. The what and the why.

[ Ah... he has a good point. It's even more embarrassing now, because he brought the man home and hasn't introduced himself, but still wants him to stay and eat. It's just that there was no reasonable way to approach him! Not when he's not human. It would have been bad no matter what he did. And he really did assume that Wriothesley would have immediately jumped in for a fight. He never expected him to be this agreeable.

There's no way to go back in time now. Nanami decides that all he can do is move forward. So he pauses in cooking and moves back to the living room where Wriothesley is looking at his books. There's a variety of titles, novels, collections of short stories and essays, bit of different genres. Nanami stops in front of the boxer and bows. ]

My name is Nanami Kento. I work in sales for a manufacturing company. What I wanted was just to talk to you. I want to know more about how you live your life.

[ And maybe to guard it, but he doesn't volunteer that just yet. ]

[He blinks before chuckling. He has got to say that this is the first time someone has politely bowed to him in greeting (he doesn’t count bows and other formalities on the ring since that was somewhat given). This was unnecessary, yet the other felt to respect him enough to do.]

Nanami. Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you then. I’m Wriothesley.

[And he can’t help but reach out and rustle Nanami’s hair a bit.]

What? You want my life story? It isn’t that exciting or anything. I’m just every other orphaned kid who grew up on the streets. I’m afraid that the way I live my life isn’t exactly honest or great. [He had no real reason to be secretive. A lot of his past he had thrown away with his name and even his birthday. Everything about him had been rebuilt from the bottom up with his own hands.

Wriothesley doesn’t realize that even those admissions might be something that would make Nanami want to protect him even more. He doesn’t even realize that’s what the other wants to do.]

[Normally he manages to keep his distance and remain reserved enough that people don't even try to touch him. If anything, they usually avoid spending much time with him (with a few exceptions, but those don't count as normal to begin with), so when Wriothesley ruffles fingers in his hair, he can't deny that it feels exceptionally good. Too good, really, and if he had less control Nanami might already be giving in to the urge to pull the boxer into his arms and hold him there. He knows how well Wriothesley can hold his own, and part of him wants to feel the flexing of muscle beneath him. But another part just wants to make sure Wriothesley can keep smiling like he does.

The story is delivered so casually Nanami almost isn't ready for it. He feels his hand tighten into a fist, frown forming on his face unconsciously.]

You should stay here.

[He distantly realizes the statement makes no sense, but he can't seem to shake off the feeling behind it.]

...For the night. You won't have to worry about anything while you're here.

Huh?

[The words catch him off guard. It’s such a sudden statement that he isn’t exactly sure what the other even means. Of course, his guess is that the other was suddenly asking him to move in…? That doesn’t make sense since they’ve only just properly met.

It seems Nanami corrects himself somewhat, but it doesn’t feel quite right. The words make sense, but there’s something about it that feels off. Like it had just been tilted in its side just a smidge.

He messes with Nanami’s hair a little more before letting his hand drop.] What’s going on in your head I wonder.

[He does pull his phone out to check the time. The phone is an old model and it’s somewhat battered but well taken care of. There’s a glimpse of broken pixels on the screen. His phone screen was a photo of a tea set.] Well, then let me take you up on that offer tonight. It looks like it would be pretty late by the time I would leave, and I don’t want to walk back to my place. [He pockets his phone and looks at the other.]

After all, you didn’t bring me here just to offer me tea and a meal, right?

[The turmoil he's feeling is only further muddled when Wriothesley keeps playing with his hair. He almost steps forward when it stops, wanting to continue the contact and do even more, but he somehow manages to hold himself back. What is he thinking? He's thinking that if he claims Wriothesley as his own, then no one else will dare touch him. But those are instincts he knows will upset his guest, and he really just wants to make sure the man is safe. After that display, there's no telling what classes of nonhumans might notice him. Especially if he's been fighting like that all this time. Nanami doesn't want to scare him away.]

What?

[His sense returns at the question, and he slowly shakes his head to clear it. He's clearly been slipping, and his skin feels hot as he clears his throat.]

That... I'm not trying to trick you into anything. I just want to talk. And it would be dangerous to let you walk home alone.

[Not that his instincts aren't already in overdrive, but it would be unfair to Wriothesley to try to ask for anything. He can be content, he's sure of it. He's just having a little trouble convincing the eager side of him to calm down.]

Oh?

[He chuckles somewhat sheepishly.] It’s nothing like that. I didn’t think you were deceiving me or anything. Like I said, I consider myself able to read people well enough so it never occurred to me. I just also kind of made amends that you were interested in more. Taking me back to your place and mentioning ways to blow off steam. It’s probably just my fault I read it that way but I just assumed you were also interested in sex.

[He isn’t ashamed of saying it out loud. It isn’t the first time a match wasn’t enough and someone wanted to take him home for a round. He isn’t ashamed to also have been asked for services and merely agreeing. A good time was a good time.]

I’m fine with just talking and all. I just also am even more surprised you did all this just to chat and offer me to crash.

I...

[Nanami can't say that he isn't interested in sex. Just seeing Wriothesley in the ring had caught his attention, and the more he talked to him, the stronger than feeling became. But he also started to feel bad once he got to talk to him. If Wriothesley had been an emotionally distant or callous person, it would have been easier for Nanami to aim for something quick, harsh, and equally unfeeling. But Wriothesley's cheerful, easy nature tugs at something in him that can't allow any mistreatment. He's different. He's important. It actually makes Nanami want him even more, but that desire is also mingling with one that just wants to bask in his smile for longer. To listen to his voice.]

You looked like you needed something to eat.

[He looks away again. His original plans for some quick and easy exchange has already crumbled, and now he selfishly wants more. He retreats to get Wriothesley's mug of tea--which is simple, but at least decent. He likes good flavor after all. Even tea bags are good quality tea bags. Nanami holds out the mug.]

Something you enjoy is enough.

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