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+---- Thread: [SE] like real people do (/showthread.php?tid=10686)
like real people do - Ronin - 02-07-2025
It isn't that Ronin doesn't feel guilty for having taken a deliberate step back away from The Stuff That Keeps Happening - it's just that any feelings of guilt promptly dissolve at the reminder that all is as it should be, and in the very capable hands of The Family. And so, with a letter still unsent to Deimos (he'll get to it, he promises) and Torchline largely able to operate in its own safe little bubble, the Knight keeps his focus much closer to home.
Having spent his day combing the beach clear of any debris and helping a few tourists find their way from the skyport, Ronin has arrived home only a few minutes prior, taking some time to light their woodburner and their lamps and to pour himself a generous measure of rum on the rocks. Once he's content that The Northaven will be protected against the chill of the Arclight during Deepfrost, he heads out onto the deck of the boat to sink down in one of the weather-worn chairs, enjoying the way the sunlight bleeds away into the horizon.
RE: like real people do - Remi - 02-09-2025
If Remi thinks it's at all odd that Deimos hasn't written about aiding Halo, he doesn't let it bother him much. The timing of Ronin's meeting with Dahlia has perfectly complimented the never-ending ebb of disasters that the Taliesins have been routinely called upon to manage or fix, such that the Sword's surprising silence is something that the Bastion gives hardly any weight to. Perhaps Deimos has everything well in hand (Remi assumes, of course, that Ronin had sent their friend the letter he said he would), and is indifferent to their choice to step back from interfering with the Family's movements around Caido. He had thought perhaps that Deimos would have said something about the threats to Flora and Mateo's lives, but it was entirely possibly that Ronin just hadn't mentioned it, and gods but he couldn't bring himself to bother the Knight about it.
Not when Ronin seemed more at ease than he had in seasons.
Returning home with some freshly steamed white tuna and a fresh salad, the song Remi is whistling halts only as the Bastion is forced to hiss a curse at the lock of their front door, before he's shouldering it open and calling out for his husband.
[say]"Honey, I'm home—!"[/say]
RE: like real people do - Ronin - 02-10-2025
It's the cursing at the lock, faint though it might be, that gives Remi's presence away, and Ronin is already on his feet as the other man shoulders his way inside. [say]"So you are,"[/say] he chimes, smiling brightly and sweeping in from the deck to go and relieve the Bastion of his items. [say]"And you brought dinner,"[/say] he adds with an impressed bob of his eyebrows, setting down the tuna and the salad so he can instead draw his husband properly into his arms.
[say]"I missed you,"[/say] he informs him, despite it only having been hours at most, Ronin winding an arm around the other man's waist to draw him close whilst simultaneously trying to help him out of his jacket. All in all, he's only vaguely successful at either task, promptly giving up to sneak a kiss to Remi's lips instead, as if it will cover his clumsiness. [say]"How was your day?"[/say]
RE: like real people do - Remi - 02-14-2025
The moment Ronin steps in to take the food from his hands, Remi exhales a quiet laugh, suddenly relieved beyond measure to be back home with the Knight. [say]"I did,"[/say] he murmurs in response, voice touched with the faintest hint of smugness as he allows himself to be gathered up in his husband's arms. [say]"And before you ask, yes, I did actually pay for it this time."[/say] He grins against Ronin’s cheek; ever since his husband had leaned into being the White Knight, it had become surprisingly difficult for Remi to purchase anything but for the amount of favours that the citizens of Torchline felt they owed Ronin.
The effort Ronin puts into unburdening him while simultaneously tugging him closer is endearingly inefficient, and Remi—who could have easily stepped out of his jacket himself—lets it happen purely for the enjoyment of watching his husband fumble. [say]"Mmm, I missed you too,"[/say] he murmurs, not bothering to clarify if it’s just for the sake of it or if he means it in a way that sits deeper in his bones, because both are true.
The kiss catches him before he can tease further, and he hums into it, sinking into the warmth of Ronin’s touch before finally shrugging his way free of his jacket. [say]"Oh, you know."[/say] He leans back just enough to glance over Ronin’s face, his sea-glass eyes flicking between his husband's features as though committing them to memory despite knowing them better than his own reflection. [say]"Sunk a few ships, chased off a few ghostwhales. Thought about you."[/say]
He grins, nudging the tip of his nose against Ronin’s in a gesture more instinct than thought. [say]"And you? How many cats did you save from trees today?"[/say] He’s teasing, but only just, knowing full well how Ronin had a knack for being dragged into exactly those sorts of situations on the regular.
RE: like real people do - Ronin - 02-15-2025
[say]"You did? I applaud you,"[/say] Ronin says with a broad smile. [say]"I know I say it every time, but I promise the food tastes better when you come by it honestly."[/say] Alright, it's true that those who want to give them free food (and other items) do so out of the goodness of their hearts, but the Knight never goes out to help with the expectation of getting something in return. Snagging Remi's jacket when he finally succeeds in shrugging out of it, Ronin fumbles to hang it up before his lips are busy enough to stop the rest of his body cooperating.
Brushing his nose against the Bastion's when they finally part, the Knight hums his interest to hear that his husband has, naturally, spent at least part of his day thinking about him. Because, you know. Same. [say]"One and a half,"[/say] he boasts as to the number of cats he's saved. [say]"The half is because the second one wasn't actually a cat, it was a tide jaguar cub, and it used my head as a stepping stone to get down."[/say]
Shrugging as if to say what'cha gonna do and letting deft fingers press down the length of Remi's back, as if to mark the shape of him against his hands, Ronin's eyes suddenly light up. [say]"Ah, speaking of sinking ships and chasing whales - I have gotten you a gift,"[/say] he announces, sounding smug and delivering a warm kiss to Remi's forehead before reluctantly peeling himself away to go and fetch it.
RE: like real people do - Remi - 02-15-2025
[say]"Oh?"[/say] he muses, shifting his weight to lean lazily against the counter, his arms folding loosely across his chest. [say]"Well, now I’m curious. What is it? Did you wrestle the tide jaguar’s mother for a handful of fur?"[/say] He watches Ronin go with something close to fond exasperation, knowing full well that whatever his husband has procured will be equally ridiculous and thoughtful in some combination only Ronin can manage. Tilting his head slightly, he lets his fingers drum idly against his bicep as he calls after him: [say]"Should I be concerned? Or is this one of those gifts I’ll have to pretend not to like until you catch me using it later?"[/say]
He might not say it aloud, but there’s something undeniably good about being here, about this—about the easy rhythm they’ve settled into, the fact that after everything, they are still like this. Waiting, he shifts to steal one of Ronin’s abandoned drinks, lifting it to his lips with a quiet, expectant grin.
[say]"I hope you know that if it’s alive, you’re the one feeding it."[/say]
RE: like real people do - Ronin - 02-16-2025
[say]"There was no tide jaguar wrestling,"[/say] Ronin drawls as he goes to rummage in a well-worn cupboard that has become notorious for hiding presents, at least when it comes to the Knight. [say]"And I don't know whether you'll like it, but I do think you'll use it."[/say] Laughing and drawing out a soft yet bulky looking package wrapped in crisp parchment paper, Ronin approaches to offer it out to his husband. [say]"Finally, no, it doesn't require feeding. Now shut up and enjoy your gift."[/say]
Handing the parcel to Remi, the Knight casually steals his glass back - and goes to fetch the one he's left out on the deck - so he might make them new drinks; white wine this time, to go with their dinner. And he's setting that out on plates too, while the other man opens the package, watching out of the corner of his eye.
Within, Remi will find a very finely tailored coat in deep, navy blue, crafted from thick wool and appropriately weather-proofed with toggle buttons to make it easy to fasten with cold fingers. On one lapel, a tiny silver kraken has been embroidered with noticeable skill. [say]"So you have something to pull on as soon as you get out of the water from all your coastguard work,"[/say] Ronin explains with a grin that's running away with itself. [say]"Especially at this time of year, I'd prefer you didn't freeze."[/say]
RE: like real people do - Remi - 02-16-2025
Remi watches as Ronin retrieves the parcel, the crisp parchment rustling softly in his hands. [say]"Mmm, well, I suppose I can work with that. But if I open this and it’s secretly a set of matching sweaters with our faces on them, we’re going to have words."[/say] What words those would be was anyone's guess.
Taking the package from Ronin’s hands, Remi weighs it in his palms before running his fingers over the neatly wrapped edges. His gaze flickers up just in time to see the Knight steal his drink back, and he snorts softly, shaking his head as he peels back the paper. The moment the fabric is revealed, he stills. His fingers ghost over the thick, navy-blue wool, the weight of it immediately promising warmth and practicality. But it’s the small embroidered kraken on the lapel that catches him off guard, his breath hitching slightly as he traces the silver stitching with the tip of his thumb.
For a moment, Remi says nothing. The world outside the Northaven could have been falling apart, and he wouldn’t have noticed; wouldn’t have cared.
Then, quietly, his lips curl into something softer than a smile. [say]"So you're finally sick of me stealing all your sweaters, is that it?"[/say] His voice is quiet, but his eyes shine with something bright and painfully affectionate as he glances up at Ronin, his smile entirely crooked. [say]"This is beautiful, Ronin."[/say]
Before the Knight can say anything, Remi moves. The coat is still draped over his arm as he steps forward, reaching for his husband with steady hands, pulling him in. It isn’t hurried, isn’t teasing. It’s deliberate. The kiss he presses to Ronin’s lips is slow, lingering, a silent thank you, a quiet promise.
When he finally pulls back, his forehead rests against Ronin’s, his breath warm between them.
[say]"You know this means I’m going to have to get you something equally thoughtful in return, don’t you?"[/say] (Not that such a thing was possible, Ronin was ever the better of them when it came to thoughtful gift giving).
RE: like real people do - Ronin - 02-18-2025
[say]"Well, drat,"[/say] Ronin says almost under his breath, chuckling as he adds the finishing touches to their tuna and fresh salad. [say]"Sweaters with our faces on them - next time, I promise."[/say] Grinning and turning to lean against the counter just in time for Remi to reveal his gift, the Knight's expression softens as he watches his husband's skilled fingers dance over the thick fabric, the silvery stitching of the kraken making it clear to whom it belongs.
Having expected some dry quip to begin with - it's Remi's way, after all - Ronin scoffs and shrugs his shoulders. [say]"A guy gets cold when his husband keeps stealing all his warmest clothes to go out and sink ships,"[/say] he drawls before the smile returns to his lips. [say]"I'm glad you like it."[/say]
Before he can say anything further, of course, Remi is closing in on him and Ronin abandons the drink he'd been reaching for to catch the Bastion instead. And his kiss might be unhurried and deliberate in its steadfast affection, but it still has heat beginning to curl low in the pit of the Knight's stomach, and it's only the presence of the coat that stops him from drawing the other man flush against him.
[say]"I didn't get it with the expectation of anything in return,"[/say] he says softly. [say]"But yes, I fully expect retribution. Here, let me help you try it on."[/say] Reaching for the harment still folded over Remi's arm, Ronin will unfurl it and hold it up for the Bastion to shrug his arms into the sleeves. [say]"It won't do if I've ordered it in the wrong size, after all. You might not think me quite as thoughtful."[/say]
RE: like real people do - Remi - 02-18-2025
[say]"Oh, hold you to that."[/say] Remi murmurs, amusement curling in his voice as he shakes his head at the idea of the sweater monstrosities Ronin is now bound by honour to make for them.
Still, his teasing is tempered by the way his fingers tighten slightly in Ronin’s sweater, the way his body instinctively leans into his husband's warmth even as the coat remains a barrier between them. He huffs a quiet laugh at Ronin’s mock offence, the spark of mischief in his gaze fading slightly as the Knight reaches for the coat, spreading it open with all the ceremony of something far grander than a simple gift. Remi hesitates for only a moment before stepping into it, letting his arms slip through the sleeves, the weight of the fabric settling over his shoulders.
It fits perfectly.
His fingers curl around the lapels, tracing the edges as if testing the shape of it before he tilts his head up toward Ronin. [say]"You mean you don't have my measurements memorized?"[/say] He asks, his grin entirely boyish and crooked. [say]"I'm a touch offended."[/say] All that time with Ronin's hands pawing all over him must have counted for something, surely. Though given how perfectly the coat fits, he supposes that it has.
The warmth in his gaze lingers as he gives an experimental roll of his shoulders, shifting in the coat before sighing softly. [say]"Alright, I suppose you win,"[/say] he concedes, though his voice is nothing but fond. [say]"Thoughtful, practical, warm. I’ll even forgive you for the fact that now I have no excuse to steal your sweaters."[/say] He tugs at the lapels one last time before reaching for Ronin again, his fingers hooking into the belt loops of his husband’s trousers to pull him back in.
[say]"But that doesn’t mean I’m letting you off the hook,"[/say] he murmurs, his voice lower now, the space between them closing once more. [say]"Retribution is coming. Just you wait."[/say] That retribution would have to wait, of course, in light of events nearly about to unfold, but of course Remi doesn't know that, and so for the moment he's more than content to match his husband's thoughtfulness with mischief and affection.
RE: like real people do - Ronin - 02-18-2025
[say]"You'd better."[/say] Ronin grins. If he gets his way, it won't just be their faces on sweaters; he'll get some made for the whole family, and possibly Sugar and Oria as well. Luckily, that kind of cringeworthy mischief is abandoned in lieu of helping Remi into his new coat which, of course, fits like a fucking glove. A mix of pride and shameless attraction ripples through the bond between them, Ronin waiting for the other man to turn to face him so he might chase his hands down the lapels of the coat.
[say]"I absolutely have your measurements memorised,"[/say] he confesses, a smile slanting across his lips as he bounces his eyebrows towards his husband. [say]"I just really wanted to see you with it on."[/say] Leaving his hands pressed lightly against Remi's chest as he's drawn back in against him, the Knight leaning in just enough to brush his lips across his cheek. [say]"You can steal them when you're at home,"[/say] he says, as if this is a good compromise. [say]"Just not when I'm going to end up looking for them before I go out."[/say]
Still, with retribution promised and the space continuing to dwindle between them, he lets out a wicked laugh and leans in further, his lips ghosting across Remi's as he speaks. [say]"Guess what?"[/say] he whispers, leaving it a beat or two before peeling himself away again.
[say]"It's dinner time. Come on."[/say]
~FIN