Not fun when it's your past coming to haunt you now is it?
The memories creep in like the tide good and bad The more you fight it, the further under you fall
It's difficult to stay afloat when you see a familiar face, hmm? I've canceled my plans for tomorrow. You can have me for as long as you wish. I'll also buy dinner.
sure as shit isnt thought i had run far enough thought i had a second to breathe stupid of me really
[ everything he had been avoiding, all the things that had been sneaking in with the night, all of it came crashing down in the form of Caleb Widogast. now he's caught up in the riptide, flailing uselessly as it pulls him back and forth. ]
doors open and theres a spare key for you on the coffee table
[ it had always been his intention on getting Hugo a spare key, it just so happened that he got it cut today of all days. funny how these things work out, isn't it?
true to his word when Hugo does show up at the apartment the door is unlocked. the apartment itself is mostly in darkness save for the singular lamp sitting next to the couch, illuminating the purple tiefling half curled upon it. he sits pressed tightly into the corner, ostentatious coat thrown over the back of the nearby arm chair, legs pulled close up to his chest with his tail curled protectively around them. ]
[ It didn't take long for the sound of the door to echo in the quiet. Once it closed again, Hugo seemed to pause in the darkness. It was expected of Hugo to not made a sound as he moved from space to space. As if coalesced from the shadows themselves, he steps into the light and leaned over the coffee table, picking up the key.
The weight of the key in his hand is transferred to a pocket, Hugo's gaze moving to the state of Mollymauk in the corner of the couch. Stepping up closer, Hugo lean down until he could feel hair and the curve of horns against his cheek. The blond presses a kiss to Molly's forehead, lingering in close as he assesses the other's expression.
He had the key now, but...]
In other circumstances, I would feel happy about receiving a key.
[ But now he wondered if Molly would end up leaving again. They've parted many times in the past. It wasn't odd to endure such quick turn around. So he didn't know why he wished that wouldn't be the case this time. It was easier to be loose. ]
[ if he heard the door Molly doesn't make it obvious, he barely reacts even as the other man moves through the darkness into the singular patch of light. it's only when he leans down, until Molly feels the warmth against the cartilage of his horns and the kiss to his forehead that the tiefling stirs.
he breathes out like a man who had been holding his breath, leaning against the blond without hesitation, tail uncurling from around his legs. ]
Was supposed to be under happier circumstances. [ turning his head slightly, tired red eyes peer out at Hugo. ] I was thinking about giving it to you as a birthday present. Just sped that plan up a few weeks.
[ uncoiling himself Mollymauk reaches out to pull the blond in more. seeking out that casual intimacy both for Hugo's comfort as well as his own. ]
[ Hugo's arms come out around him the moment he felt the movement. Worry had previously made him question how bad it was, the unresponsiveness was helping it return. Even as he submitted and lowered himself down into the couch, a sharp feeling dug at the back of his mind.
That wasn't important. Hugo focused on gathering Molly against him, curling himself in so that more than silence was all there was to comfort him. ]
Things will never be that easy for us. [ He mused, as if the situation was that easy. ]
Is this something you're going to have to run from?
[ There was no judgment, no pushing. If Molly had to get away, he would help him as much as he could. Molly's place was already so empty. It was as if he had been waiting for it the whole time. ]
[ he goes easily, all but tangling himself up in the other man, the spade of his tail quick to wrap around Hugo's waist as they settle. it would be a lie to say he hadn't already thought about packing his bags and running. it'd be a even bigger lie to say that he didn't already have a bag ready to go, but he's always had a bag ready to go.
Mollymauk Tealeaf never stays in one place too long. always leaving in the dark of the night be it because of what he's constantly running from, or because of the feelings daring to take root in his chest. ]
Not for wicked bastards like us, no.
[ Hugo's warmth leeches in his skin, easing him out of the stupor Molly had found himself in ever since he came home. he breathes out and rests his head against the other man, making certain that his horns don't threaten to take out an eye. ]
Probably. That guy he's... [ how does he explain Caleb? how does he explain any of the Mighty Nein? nevermind fucking Lucien and Kingsley. ] As much as I might want to I can't run from him. He's like my Lycaon, in a way. One of them at least.
[ hmm... maybe not the best comparison but... well it isn't entirely wrong. ]
[ Hugo huffed at the comparison. Whether it was due to Caleb and Lycaon being similar or the declaration that he couldn't, the vampire does not immediately answer. Instead, he takes time to enjoy the feeling of the tiefling in his arms and the tail wrapped around him as if it was attempting to tether them both. ]
I'm not going to tell you to stay. If it is too painful, then my opinion is that you should run. We've both lived a lifetime of avoiding these pains. Telling you to face them or giving you false hope is beyond my power.
[ One of his hands moves to Molly's hair, petting and soothing it down. ]
The only thing I can say is that I ... hoped. That I wouldn't have to say goodbye to you again so soon.
You're terrible, you know that? [ his tone is teasing, light, a gentle rumble that sounds almost like a purr starting deep in his chest. ] You could've begged me to stay, made a big show of it and everything. Instead of being so damn reasonable.
[ it's still appreciated, the honesty of it all. that unwavering support that he's missed in their time apart.
Molly tilts his head back to look at him, reaching to cup the side of the blond man's face. affection laces his expression, from his eyes to the lines of his mouth. he won't be alone in this, at least, if it gets too much there is a safe space to retreat too─ a safe person. ]
Don't you worry that handsome head of yours, love. You're stuck with me this time around. [ that is honesty, raw and painfully real. ] For better or worse.
If that's the case, next time you start getting cold feet, I will have to start reciting lines from romantic plays at you until you respond.
[ It took a lot to be reasonable. It took even more to admit that he wanted Molly to stay. Hugo leans into the touch, meeting the look with a pitiful one of his own. Holding someone as 'important' was still something he had problems accepting, but it felt ..complicated when Molly looked at him like that. ]
How rude of you. Wanting to stick our problems out together is a terrible task. It would mean such awful things like ... like talking about our feelings and spending more time together when we push ourselves beyond our limits. Could we really be so brave?
[ The laugh Hugo gives is light. It was easier to poke fun at themselves than it was to attempt to suggest the right thing. He wanted Molly to stay, but by darkness was it the second most difficult thing he's had to say in the last month. ]
For better or worse. Bound in happiness and in sorrow.
[ Molly had fought it, at first, tried to keep himself at a distance, tried to keep things casual. it got harder each time they met and parted, each time he found himself wanting to stay longer than he should. holding someone that close was, and still is, terrifying. he can't run if he's tangled up in someone else, he can't run if he has to consider how it effect someone else.
it's only now as he leans on Hugo, as he tangles himself up in the other man, that he thinks about how cruel he has been to the blond. how cruel he's been to himself. ]
It's terribly rude of me, I know. [ gently his thumb caresses Hugo's cheek and Molly leans forward to rest his forehead against Hugo's. ] Mm, it'll be difficult. Getting to spend more time with you, one of highlights of my life, without the worry of packing up come morning? Ah, such bravery will test us.
[ Molly, despite every instinct screaming otherwise, wants to stay. wants to hold onto this precious thing he could never bring himself to discard like he had so many others before. wants to let people in instead of keeping them at arms length. he wants to rest for once in his gods damn life.
and most terrifying of all; he doesn't want to be alone anymore. ]
Gods, we're fucked aren't we? The beds been made and it's time we lay in it.
[ He couldn't help teasing the tiefling. Molly disappearing had become so normal that he stopped expecting a change after the first few times, looking forward to the reunions instead. It suited Hugo just as well. To hear him speaking as if he means to remain. Hell forbid, maybe even put down roots in his City of Insanity. Hugo wondered what sort of power that little nerd held over Molly's heart. ]
Well. I am going to Mexico, no matter how many different methods of travel they build into that dog. I intend to come back, but understand I will be heavily tempted to do battle with the sun instead.
[ There was no way that he was going to settle down EVEN CLOSER to the equator than this city already was. No, thank you. He doesn't actually enjoy the thought of frying being an everyday occurrence. ]
[ he'll get to actually sleep in for once! although he will have to see about replacing the bed. it's far too small, for one, and lumpy in places that Mollymauk is positive it shouldn't be. maybe he'll ever consider giving the place a few personal touches, brighten it up a little, just so everything isn't so bland and boring.
a problem for later, because thinking on it for too long will only make him anxious again. ]
You're leaving me in my time of need is what you're doing. [ he pouts but there isn't any weight to his words. ] All for that terrible Mexico sun that will only ruin your complexion.
[ Hugo chuckles, tilting his head just enough to press his nose against his cheek. He would not say that it was a good feeling to have heard Molly intend to stay. He was being spoiled, really. It was better to know that something was truly worth staying and seeing to the end.
It was also nice to have a key somewhere. Now the next time he gets pushed into the 'what's your address' corner, he can just give someone Molly's instead of Lycaon's. This was so much better for his cover. It all works out. ]
It will do far more than ruin my complexion. I do not plan to be out in it whatsoever.
And you will have Lycaon, who has probably spent this entire time pacing and whining like a puppy who's been left at home for the first time.
[ and he would happily accept whatever Hugo sends his way in an effort to keep his own location a secret. hell, he could make a game out of it if he really wanted too. and should the worst come to pass and unsavoury sorts comes knocking on his door in hopes to find Hugo, his friend will have a head start. ]
Good, I'd hate to have you come back to me all crispy.
[ the image of Lycaon pacing and whining does bring a fond smile to his face. ]
I suppose I will. We can keep each other company while you're gone. I promise I'll make sure to take him for walks every day and keep him enriched as too not miss you terribly.
Other than the missing scent, I don't think he'll really notice. Lycaon tends to keep himself busy. He'll have shifts at The vogue. His current interest of leaning Jurassic languages. There's plenty of people in the network for him to bother. Of course, also you're here, especially since he knows you need the attention right now.
[ He counted them off on his fingers, putting them down when he came to the end. ]
There is also Caleb here. And when you are not brave enough to see him, you have the ability to call me on the phone instead. We made a deal about the day after my birthday, didn't we?
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no subject
The memories creep in like the tide
good and bad
The more you fight it, the further under you fall
It's difficult to stay afloat when you see a familiar face, hmm?
I've canceled my plans for tomorrow. You can have me for as long as you wish.
I'll also buy dinner.
> action.
thought i had run far enough thought i had a second to breathe
stupid of me really
[ everything he had been avoiding, all the things that had been sneaking in with the night, all of it came crashing down in the form of Caleb Widogast. now he's caught up in the riptide, flailing uselessly as it pulls him back and forth. ]
doors open
and theres a spare key for you on the coffee table
[ it had always been his intention on getting Hugo a spare key, it just so happened that he got it cut today of all days. funny how these things work out, isn't it?
true to his word when Hugo does show up at the apartment the door is unlocked. the apartment itself is mostly in darkness save for the singular lamp sitting next to the couch, illuminating the purple tiefling half curled upon it. he sits pressed tightly into the corner, ostentatious coat thrown over the back of the nearby arm chair, legs pulled close up to his chest with his tail curled protectively around them. ]
no subject
The weight of the key in his hand is transferred to a pocket, Hugo's gaze moving to the state of Mollymauk in the corner of the couch. Stepping up closer, Hugo lean down until he could feel hair and the curve of horns against his cheek. The blond presses a kiss to Molly's forehead, lingering in close as he assesses the other's expression.
He had the key now, but...]
In other circumstances, I would feel happy about receiving a key.
[ But now he wondered if Molly would end up leaving again. They've parted many times in the past. It wasn't odd to endure such quick turn around. So he didn't know why he wished that wouldn't be the case this time. It was easier to be loose. ]
no subject
he breathes out like a man who had been holding his breath, leaning against the blond without hesitation, tail uncurling from around his legs. ]
Was supposed to be under happier circumstances. [ turning his head slightly, tired red eyes peer out at Hugo. ] I was thinking about giving it to you as a birthday present. Just sped that plan up a few weeks.
[ uncoiling himself Mollymauk reaches out to pull the blond in more. seeking out that casual intimacy both for Hugo's comfort as well as his own. ]
no subject
That wasn't important. Hugo focused on gathering Molly against him, curling himself in so that more than silence was all there was to comfort him. ]
Things will never be that easy for us. [ He mused, as if the situation was that easy. ]
Is this something you're going to have to run from?
[ There was no judgment, no pushing. If Molly had to get away, he would help him as much as he could. Molly's place was already so empty. It was as if he had been waiting for it the whole time. ]
no subject
Mollymauk Tealeaf never stays in one place too long. always leaving in the dark of the night be it because of what he's constantly running from, or because of the feelings daring to take root in his chest. ]
Not for wicked bastards like us, no.
[ Hugo's warmth leeches in his skin, easing him out of the stupor Molly had found himself in ever since he came home. he breathes out and rests his head against the other man, making certain that his horns don't threaten to take out an eye. ]
Probably. That guy he's... [ how does he explain Caleb? how does he explain any of the Mighty Nein? nevermind fucking Lucien and Kingsley. ] As much as I might want to I can't run from him. He's like my Lycaon, in a way. One of them at least.
[ hmm... maybe not the best comparison but... well it isn't entirely wrong. ]
no subject
I'm not going to tell you to stay. If it is too painful, then my opinion is that you should run. We've both lived a lifetime of avoiding these pains. Telling you to face them or giving you false hope is beyond my power.
[ One of his hands moves to Molly's hair, petting and soothing it down. ]
The only thing I can say is that I ... hoped. That I wouldn't have to say goodbye to you again so soon.
no subject
[ it's still appreciated, the honesty of it all. that unwavering support that he's missed in their time apart.
Molly tilts his head back to look at him, reaching to cup the side of the blond man's face. affection laces his expression, from his eyes to the lines of his mouth. he won't be alone in this, at least, if it gets too much there is a safe space to retreat too─ a safe person. ]
Don't you worry that handsome head of yours, love. You're stuck with me this time around. [ that is honesty, raw and painfully real. ] For better or worse.
no subject
[ It took a lot to be reasonable. It took even more to admit that he wanted Molly to stay. Hugo leans into the touch, meeting the look with a pitiful one of his own. Holding someone as 'important' was still something he had problems accepting, but it felt ..complicated when Molly looked at him like that. ]
How rude of you. Wanting to stick our problems out together is a terrible task. It would mean such awful things like ... like talking about our feelings and spending more time together when we push ourselves beyond our limits. Could we really be so brave?
[ The laugh Hugo gives is light. It was easier to poke fun at themselves than it was to attempt to suggest the right thing. He wanted Molly to stay, but by darkness was it the second most difficult thing he's had to say in the last month. ]
For better or worse. Bound in happiness and in sorrow.
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it's only now as he leans on Hugo, as he tangles himself up in the other man, that he thinks about how cruel he has been to the blond. how cruel he's been to himself. ]
It's terribly rude of me, I know. [ gently his thumb caresses Hugo's cheek and Molly leans forward to rest his forehead against Hugo's. ] Mm, it'll be difficult. Getting to spend more time with you, one of highlights of my life, without the worry of packing up come morning? Ah, such bravery will test us.
[ Molly, despite every instinct screaming otherwise, wants to stay. wants to hold onto this precious thing he could never bring himself to discard like he had so many others before. wants to let people in instead of keeping them at arms length. he wants to rest for once in his gods damn life.
and most terrifying of all; he doesn't want to be alone anymore. ]
Gods, we're fucked aren't we? The beds been made and it's time we lay in it.
no subject
[ He couldn't help teasing the tiefling. Molly disappearing had become so normal that he stopped expecting a change after the first few times, looking forward to the reunions instead. It suited Hugo just as well. To hear him speaking as if he means to remain. Hell forbid, maybe even put down roots in his City of Insanity. Hugo wondered what sort of power that little nerd held over Molly's heart. ]
Well. I am going to Mexico, no matter how many different methods of travel they build into that dog. I intend to come back, but understand I will be heavily tempted to do battle with the sun instead.
[ There was no way that he was going to settle down EVEN CLOSER to the equator than this city already was. No, thank you. He doesn't actually enjoy the thought of frying being an everyday occurrence. ]
no subject
[ he'll get to actually sleep in for once! although he will have to see about replacing the bed. it's far too small, for one, and lumpy in places that Mollymauk is positive it shouldn't be. maybe he'll ever consider giving the place a few personal touches, brighten it up a little, just so everything isn't so bland and boring.
a problem for later, because thinking on it for too long will only make him anxious again. ]
You're leaving me in my time of need is what you're doing. [ he pouts but there isn't any weight to his words. ] All for that terrible Mexico sun that will only ruin your complexion.
no subject
It was also nice to have a key somewhere. Now the next time he gets pushed into the 'what's your address' corner, he can just give someone Molly's instead of Lycaon's. This was so much better for his cover. It all works out. ]
It will do far more than ruin my complexion. I do not plan to be out in it whatsoever.
And you will have Lycaon, who has probably spent this entire time pacing and whining like a puppy who's been left at home for the first time.
no subject
Good, I'd hate to have you come back to me all crispy.
[ the image of Lycaon pacing and whining does bring a fond smile to his face. ]
I suppose I will. We can keep each other company while you're gone. I promise I'll make sure to take him for walks every day and keep him enriched as too not miss you terribly.
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[ He counted them off on his fingers, putting them down when he came to the end. ]
There is also Caleb here. And when you are not brave enough to see him, you have the ability to call me on the phone instead. We made a deal about the day after my birthday, didn't we?