armwriostle: Credit to <user name="brokiloen"> (pic#16801013)
Wriothesley[10♦] ([personal profile] armwriostle) wrote2023-10-28 07:33 am

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?
stresspoint: (pic#16830403)

[personal profile] stresspoint 2023-12-01 02:03 pm (UTC)(link)
[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.]
stresspoint: (pic#16852226)

[personal profile] stresspoint 2023-12-02 01:37 am (UTC)(link)
[ 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?
stresspoint: (pic#16830351)

[personal profile] stresspoint 2023-12-02 07:56 am (UTC)(link)
[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.]
stresspoint: (pic#16830350)

[personal profile] stresspoint 2023-12-03 02:30 am (UTC)(link)
[ 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. ]
stresspoint: (pic#16852226)

[personal profile] stresspoint 2023-12-03 07:37 am (UTC)(link)
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?
stresspoint: (pic#16830388)

[personal profile] stresspoint 2023-12-03 08:27 am (UTC)(link)
[ 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. ]
stresspoint: (pic#16830355)

[personal profile] stresspoint 2023-12-03 09:02 am (UTC)(link)
[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.
stresspoint: (Default)

[personal profile] stresspoint 2023-12-03 09:52 am (UTC)(link)
[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.]
stresspoint: (pic#16852226)

[personal profile] stresspoint 2023-12-03 05:19 pm (UTC)(link)
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.
stresspoint: (pic#16830366)

[personal profile] stresspoint 2023-12-03 08:05 pm (UTC)(link)
[Ah. The close proximity at first seems almost coincidental, perhaps just coming from Wriothesley's curiosity as he follows him back to the kitchen. But very quickly Nanami realizes the boxer is already aware of his own appeal and he's not at all shy about saying exactly what he means. He had a feeling when he first started following him, hanging back in the streets, but now Nanami knows for certain: Wriothesley is very dangerous for him.

He shifts his weight slightly, leaning forward toward the cool brush of Wriothesley's body as he presses his advantage, carefully avoiding the hot mug so he doesn't disturb it. The hot spot between them contrasts the cold he can feel coming from the boxer himself, already addicting enough to make his mouth feel dry. Does Wriothesley even know what sort of creature he's found? Maybe not. It would explain his lack of concern, and Nanami can't dismiss the possibility that the boxer is just a little careless. That's why he should stay. Nanami's instinct keeps insisting that he needs to make Wriothesley stay, because then he can watch over him and keep him from being hurt. He'll have the freedom to be as careless as he wants, with all the pleasure he wants-

Ah, he's already cursed. Nanami can tell, and yet he can't stop himself from putting a hand to Wriothesley's back and pulling him closer.]


I was trying to give you a chance to relax. You're under no obligations, but if you say that you want something more, I'll do whatever I can to satisfy you. Are you sure that's what you're asking for?
stresspoint: (Default)

[personal profile] stresspoint 2023-12-03 11:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[It's been a hard road for Nanami to convince himself he doesn't want anything. Money, a bland life, something just to throw himself into and dull his senses until he drowns in it. If he chokes on the dregs, then at least he doesn't have to strive for anything and acknowledge how much it hurts.

But Wriothesley's soft sigh and the arch of his hips burns fire and need through Nanami's veins. He craves those small noises and fond reactions. They feel like they're giving him breath for the first time, and in spite of his better judgment and all of his careful control, Nanami's grip shifts to cup his hand under Wriothesley's ass and raise him up to meet the push of his body as he grinds back against him. He's almost completely forgotten his original intention was to feed and treat the boxer as a guest, his own hunger for contact dominating his thoughts as he places one chaste, light kiss against the side of his partner's lips.]


You're going to spill it.

[Restraint. He needs to be practicing self control right now, not sidelining care for his own drive for sex. He's trying to breathe slowly and gather his thoughts, but he underestimated how seductive the fighter is. And the worst part is that he doesn't seem to realize it.]

If I don't hold back, there's no guarantee you would want to continue. I just want to give you something good.

[Someone deserves to be happy. If it can't be him, then at least he'll make someone else smile. That's enough. It should be enough. Except he can't make himself pull back and stop holding Wriothesley like he knows he should. His whole body wants to lift the boxer up and claim him right on the counter.]
stresspoint: (pic#16830378)

[personal profile] stresspoint 2023-12-04 03:09 am (UTC)(link)
[Maybe the argument just sounds right because he wants it to. At the moment, Nanami is too distracted by Wriothesley's clearly inviting display to find a good counter point. He can leave if he wants to. He doesn't have to sleep with anyone. And the boxer is so at ease with their contact that he feels like they belong like this. He could convince himself that everything will be fine if he keeps Wriothesley with him.

It's because the boxer doesn't realize what he's dealing with. Nanami knows that, but he still leans in to steal another kiss, this time rough and more demanding. He sinks into the taste of Wriothesley's mouth, bringing both hands up to the back of his thighs, stroking him to the roll of his hips. The sharp tips of claws rear out from his fingertips, pulled back enough to keep from hurting but making their presence known. He's sure that as more canine features emerge, he'll have the boxer running, but it's too hard for him to hold back the fangs and shift of his body as it reveals fur and inhuman ears. He finally pulls back, looking quietly miserable in a half-human state.]


I tried to tell you it was better just to eat.

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