[Husk lets out a slow breath. Flins is right, he doesn't have to figure this out tonight. In fact, it would be monumentally stupid of him to even try that. He needs to give himself time to think about it. Alastor ain't going anywhere, and he's also no active threat to Husk or his loved ones. He can relax - he doesn't need to be in crisis mode about this any more.]
...Yeah, I'll be honest, I don't even want to try and figure it out tonight. I want to fuckin' sleep.
[He's been running on fumes and terror for hours. He doesn't want to do any more thinking or running around or putting down failsafes. He wants to curl into a nice warm bed and not have to worry about anything else until morning. But Flins does make a point, and he nods.]
I appreciate the advice everyone's giving all the same. I... never thought I'd ever have to deal with this. Like... this outcome, I mean. I think I'll just see how things pan out. Take it a day at a time, y'know? If there's one thing we've all got plenty of, it's time.
[ That next part makes him still. He'd never thought about that, either. Husk's self-loathing has been pretty deep and ceaseless. For two lifetimes. But he realises Flins is right. It's small, a tiny flicker of light in a mass of darkness, but he has started to find a sliver of self-worth in himself. He's been sober for three whole months now, a personal best. He's got a life set up here, that he built for himself. He has a family, he has a home. He has a partner. And a tiny part of him has started to believe that he actually does deserve it. Them. The small smile returns as Flins strokes a finger along his tail, this time staying.
You know you deserve better.]
...That's something new to get used to, as well. I...never thought I'd have to deal with that, either. Day of firsts for me, I guess.
[ He glances back at the sea again, before sliding down to stand on the same level as Flins. He reaches out to brush a hand carefully over his cheek, where his brave bird-related wounds are. What a poor, brave soul.]
That isn't a first, though. You've always been that for me, Kyryll. Just took me a while to see it proper, is all.
[ One feathery eyebrow raises. ] You did? Yeah, I definitely lost that one. My phone got completely fried. I'm gonna have to get a new one. What number was it? Now I'm curious.
[ A chuckle bubbles out of him. ]
Nah, he likes green. That's the colour of his Overlord magic. Pick something that clashes with his everything. Like powder blue or somethin'.
[Flins listens as Husk's breathing evens out. Once the initial panic subsided, he knew Husk would figure out that things didn't have to be answered in one night. They shouldn't be. For tonight, he could simply be.]
I'd say you've earned it.
[He can't provide the warm bed, not here. Unfortunately he hasn't be bullied into insulation just yet. But he'll get Husk calm enough to head back to his bed so he can sleep properly. A metaphorical glass of warm milk.]
You never saw it as an option because you didn't think it was possible. The Black Order seemed so convinced that your contract held through lifetimes. Michael was another variable. [As irritating as it was that he couldn't end that deer's whole career.] What you are seeing now are the fruits of all your good deeds you've done over your life, Husk. So many people would stand with you, as you have stood with them.
...If I'm honest, I quite like this Husk with self-respect. You wear it well.
[Once Husk hops down to stand on level with him, he lets go of that tail, his fingers trailing along those feathers one last time before the cat turns to face him. His cheeks had some decent scratching, and a few peck marks, but otherwise perfectly fine. That cheek does lean into his hand, though, eyes closing at the touch. Husk was always so warm compared to him.]
The number was 41. [His hand goes up to cover Husk's.]
One more week and you'll have them all. Then you just need the order.
[ He already feels a lot better. More stable. Like, finally, he doesn't feel like the whole universe is going to come clattering down around him. One of his big fears of Alastor showing up wasn't for himself, but for what the Radio Demon might do to his loved ones. Would he attack them? Toy with their heads? Force Husk against them? Would he decimate the happiness Husk has built for himself here just for the sake of not letting him have it?
They were unfounded worries - and now he's had some decompression time, he can see they're safe. He'll forever be on his guard with Alastor and the people he loves, should they interact with each other. But at least he doesn't need to be on constant high alert. ]
I reckon I'm gonna sleep for at least ten hours. It's gonna be nice.
[ Flins has done plenty to make Husk feel comfortable enough that he can go back to his bed and sleep. The tension is finally eeking out of him, and he has his partner to thank for that. He does listen to what Flins has to say, taking it all on board. He's still not fully comfortable with everything put in front of him here - that much is clear by how his ears flick back. Husk might gently mock Flins for having no poker face, but Husk's ears are a dead giveaway for his mood nine times out of ten.]
...Not sure how I feel about that good deed thing. I was just doing what was needed to be done. 'Cause the only other option would have been... fuckin' evil. Can you really count it as a good deed if the only other option would make you a terrible person?
[ Yes, idiot. Yes. The compliment does pull a gentle smile out of him, as he feels a happy flutter in his chest.]
Hah. Ain't so sure about that myself yet, but I'm gonna trust your word on that one.
[He runs a thumb, ever so gently, along Flins' cheek. Poor wounded soldier, doing his best to prevent the Great Bird War.]
41. I'll note it down. Hmmm, you're right. That went quicker than I thought it would.
[He stands there for a moment, just smiling at his partner, before stepping forward closer. He wraps his arms around Flins, pressing his face into the crook of his neck and exhaling slowly. He gives the man a gentle squeeze . ]
[Flins leans on the railing, a hand going up to stroke at Husk's cheek in thought. Husk liked to speak about doing what had to be done, but was that not an option in itself? It would be so very easy to not step up to the plate. No one would've thought less of him for refusing to grant Alastor mercy...]
You simply hold yourself to a higher standard than you think. There is a noble heart underneath all that fur, one that refuses to be tainted with the same darkness that Alastor has bathed in.
Is mercy not a good deed in itself?
[He smiles and closes his eyes, leaning into the way Husk cups his cheek. It's soon joined by the cat pressing himself to his body, and those arms instinctively reach around to pull him closer.]
This has always been your sanctuary. It's old, broken in places, and cold. But it's yours.
[Husk falls silent for a moment, mulling over that response. He's been a messy, broken man for two lifetimes. Thinking the better of himself is not something he is prone to doing - even when the good he does is pretty blatantly obvious to everyone around. A part of him wants to push back against this even now, insist that Flins is wrong, that he really doesn't have a noble heart - that he's just a piece of shit who isn't worth anything.
But Flins earlier estimation had been right. Husk has gained a smidgen of self-respect. It's a tiny, half-formed thing - quiet and easily missed. But it's there, wriggling around somewhere in his chest. It feels unsettling and weird, really. He's not used to this. ]
...Suppose you've got me bang to rights on that one, Kyryll. [He leans into the fae's touch with a soft huff. ] Guess I never really thought of it that way. I don't think anyone's called my crusty-ass old heart noble before.
[ Husk isn't generally much of a hugger- but it's been a shitty ass day, and even the most standoffish cat person in the world sometimes just needs a tiny bit of comfort to face the rest of it. Flins comment settles in his heart, wrapping tight around it again. Every damn conversation with this man makes him realise more and more how deeply in trouble he is. A guy could get used to chasing a feeling like this. That's very dangerous. Letting someone in so damn close.
And despite all that, he turns his head to press a gentle kiss on the corner of Flins' mouth. He can make a damn solid guess what the man means. ]
Is that a fact? Guess that means it needs a little extra TLC to help patch it up a little, huh? [He's quiet for a moment, claws playing with the long strands of hair at Flins' back. ] ...Same goes to you, y'know. Always has.
[The lack of argument was a good sign--he'd half expected Husk to debate the semantics on what makes a heart 'noble'. That it couldn't possibly fit him. That he was a has-been, a fraud, or anything else that might make him seem less than what he was truly worth.
It wouldn't fool Flins. He had an eye for the worth of things in this world. He could tell a gemstone's worth from a single glance. Husk's soul? Well...to put a price on something as strong and independent as that would be garish. It was priceless.]
As much as it pains you to know, you are. Much like natural opals found in the earth, once the bedrock and dirt have been removed, it leaves a rather brilliant luster. Though...they were always beautiful, even encased in stone.
His fingers reach up to brush the back of his ear, closing his eyes and letting this feeling soak in. He can't remember the last time he was embraced like this. Perhaps when Phainon would visit his lighthouse, long ago.]
It'll take more than insulation to patch this up. [His eyes close at the kiss, turning just a little to catch it with his own lips.] But if anyone can make this place livable, it's you.
[Husk wants to argue. Good lord, he wants to argue so much. A part of him wants to fight against this feeling growing in him, because it feels like an imposter. But, small and damaged as it is, it is there, and as much as he wants to deny its existence, he really can't anymore.
It might just take him some time to see the beauty Flins does. That comment wrenches deep in his chest. God fucking damnit, he's in so deep with this one. He closes his eyes, letting out a slow exhale, leaning into that touch on his ear.]
...There you go with the poetry again.
[ Making him feel like some sort of beautiful, rare and precious thing when nine times out of ten he feels the exact opposite. A smile tugs at his lips despite that, happy to return the kiss properly. ]
Lucky for you, I'm more than willing to take up the challenge, then.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2025-12-23 08:34 pm (UTC)...Yeah, I'll be honest, I don't even want to try and figure it out tonight. I want to fuckin' sleep.
[He's been running on fumes and terror for hours. He doesn't want to do any more thinking or running around or putting down failsafes. He wants to curl into a nice warm bed and not have to worry about anything else until morning. But Flins does make a point, and he nods.]
I appreciate the advice everyone's giving all the same. I... never thought I'd ever have to deal with this. Like... this outcome, I mean. I think I'll just see how things pan out. Take it a day at a time, y'know? If there's one thing we've all got plenty of, it's time.
[ That next part makes him still. He'd never thought about that, either. Husk's self-loathing has been pretty deep and ceaseless. For two lifetimes. But he realises Flins is right. It's small, a tiny flicker of light in a mass of darkness, but he has started to find a sliver of self-worth in himself. He's been sober for three whole months now, a personal best. He's got a life set up here, that he built for himself. He has a family, he has a home. He has a partner. And a tiny part of him has started to believe that he actually does deserve it. Them. The small smile returns as Flins strokes a finger along his tail, this time staying.
You know you deserve better.]
...That's something new to get used to, as well. I...never thought I'd have to deal with that, either. Day of firsts for me, I guess.
[ He glances back at the sea again, before sliding down to stand on the same level as Flins. He reaches out to brush a hand carefully over his cheek, where his brave bird-related wounds are. What a poor, brave soul.]
That isn't a first, though. You've always been that for me, Kyryll. Just took me a while to see it proper, is all.
[ One feathery eyebrow raises. ] You did? Yeah, I definitely lost that one. My phone got completely fried. I'm gonna have to get a new one. What number was it? Now I'm curious.
[ A chuckle bubbles out of him. ]
Nah, he likes green. That's the colour of his Overlord magic. Pick something that clashes with his everything. Like powder blue or somethin'.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-25 07:32 am (UTC)I'd say you've earned it.
[He can't provide the warm bed, not here. Unfortunately he hasn't be bullied into insulation just yet. But he'll get Husk calm enough to head back to his bed so he can sleep properly. A metaphorical glass of warm milk.]
You never saw it as an option because you didn't think it was possible. The Black Order seemed so convinced that your contract held through lifetimes. Michael was another variable. [As irritating as it was that he couldn't end that deer's whole career.] What you are seeing now are the fruits of all your good deeds you've done over your life, Husk. So many people would stand with you, as you have stood with them.
...If I'm honest, I quite like this Husk with self-respect. You wear it well.
[Once Husk hops down to stand on level with him, he lets go of that tail, his fingers trailing along those feathers one last time before the cat turns to face him. His cheeks had some decent scratching, and a few peck marks, but otherwise perfectly fine. That cheek does lean into his hand, though, eyes closing at the touch. Husk was always so warm compared to him.]
The number was 41. [His hand goes up to cover Husk's.]
One more week and you'll have them all. Then you just need the order.
[Mental note: Powder Blue.]
no subject
Date: 2025-12-25 10:18 pm (UTC)They were unfounded worries - and now he's had some decompression time, he can see they're safe. He'll forever be on his guard with Alastor and the people he loves, should they interact with each other. But at least he doesn't need to be on constant high alert. ]
I reckon I'm gonna sleep for at least ten hours. It's gonna be nice.
[ Flins has done plenty to make Husk feel comfortable enough that he can go back to his bed and sleep. The tension is finally eeking out of him, and he has his partner to thank for that. He does listen to what Flins has to say, taking it all on board. He's still not fully comfortable with everything put in front of him here - that much is clear by how his ears flick back. Husk might gently mock Flins for having no poker face, but Husk's ears are a dead giveaway for his mood nine times out of ten.]
...Not sure how I feel about that good deed thing. I was just doing what was needed to be done. 'Cause the only other option would have been... fuckin' evil. Can you really count it as a good deed if the only other option would make you a terrible person?
[ Yes, idiot. Yes. The compliment does pull a gentle smile out of him, as he feels a happy flutter in his chest.]
Hah. Ain't so sure about that myself yet, but I'm gonna trust your word on that one.
[He runs a thumb, ever so gently, along Flins' cheek. Poor wounded soldier, doing his best to prevent the Great Bird War.]
41. I'll note it down. Hmmm, you're right. That went quicker than I thought it would.
[He stands there for a moment, just smiling at his partner, before stepping forward closer. He wraps his arms around Flins, pressing his face into the crook of his neck and exhaling slowly. He gives the man a gentle squeeze . ]
Thanks, mоя любовь. I...really needed this.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-27 09:35 pm (UTC)[Flins leans on the railing, a hand going up to stroke at Husk's cheek in thought. Husk liked to speak about doing what had to be done, but was that not an option in itself? It would be so very easy to not step up to the plate. No one would've thought less of him for refusing to grant Alastor mercy...]
You simply hold yourself to a higher standard than you think. There is a noble heart underneath all that fur, one that refuses to be tainted with the same darkness that Alastor has bathed in.
Is mercy not a good deed in itself?
[He smiles and closes his eyes, leaning into the way Husk cups his cheek. It's soon joined by the cat pressing himself to his body, and those arms instinctively reach around to pull him closer.]
This has always been your sanctuary. It's old, broken in places, and cold. But it's yours.
[Is he talking about the lighthouse, or himself?]
no subject
Date: 2025-12-28 09:54 pm (UTC)But Flins earlier estimation had been right. Husk has gained a smidgen of self-respect. It's a tiny, half-formed thing - quiet and easily missed. But it's there, wriggling around somewhere in his chest. It feels unsettling and weird, really. He's not used to this. ]
...Suppose you've got me bang to rights on that one, Kyryll. [He leans into the fae's touch with a soft huff. ] Guess I never really thought of it that way. I don't think anyone's called my crusty-ass old heart noble before.
[ Husk isn't generally much of a hugger- but it's been a shitty ass day, and even the most standoffish cat person in the world sometimes just needs a tiny bit of comfort to face the rest of it. Flins comment settles in his heart, wrapping tight around it again. Every damn conversation with this man makes him realise more and more how deeply in trouble he is. A guy could get used to chasing a feeling like this. That's very dangerous. Letting someone in so damn close.
And despite all that, he turns his head to press a gentle kiss on the corner of Flins' mouth. He can make a damn solid guess what the man means. ]
Is that a fact? Guess that means it needs a little extra TLC to help patch it up a little, huh? [He's quiet for a moment, claws playing with the long strands of hair at Flins' back. ] ...Same goes to you, y'know. Always has.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-29 12:21 am (UTC)It wouldn't fool Flins. He had an eye for the worth of things in this world. He could tell a gemstone's worth from a single glance. Husk's soul? Well...to put a price on something as strong and independent as that would be garish. It was priceless.]
As much as it pains you to know, you are. Much like natural opals found in the earth, once the bedrock and dirt have been removed, it leaves a rather brilliant luster. Though...they were always beautiful, even encased in stone.
His fingers reach up to brush the back of his ear, closing his eyes and letting this feeling soak in. He can't remember the last time he was embraced like this. Perhaps when Phainon would visit his lighthouse, long ago.]
It'll take more than insulation to patch this up. [His eyes close at the kiss, turning just a little to catch it with his own lips.] But if anyone can make this place livable, it's you.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-29 01:27 am (UTC)It might just take him some time to see the beauty Flins does. That comment wrenches deep in his chest. God fucking damnit, he's in so deep with this one. He closes his eyes, letting out a slow exhale, leaning into that touch on his ear.]
...There you go with the poetry again.
[ Making him feel like some sort of beautiful, rare and precious thing when nine times out of ten he feels the exact opposite. A smile tugs at his lips despite that, happy to return the kiss properly. ]
Lucky for you, I'm more than willing to take up the challenge, then.