drear | tell me who you are, i can be the gentle boy

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tell me who you are, i can be the gentle boy

The staff party starts at midnight and I don't have to work during it! Make sure you come in costume!

[ He Ming sends the text, a reminder, and runs off to work that evening. It's not exactly Halloween—the bar will inevitably be far too busy on the night of—but an earlier day when they're allowed to bring plus ones. Rune's costume, which mostly employs his already ironed black dress clothes and is only vampiric by dint of a borrowed cape and some fake fangs and blood, is left laid out on his bed for him to pick up. With Rune already having a key, he can let himself in.

His own outfit gets picked out of a hat at the bar. He Ming laughs at his luck with the others and gets dressed in the bathroom before starting service.

The "French maid" costume is cheap, but it fits him, and the thigh garter that's as frilly as the rest of it is kind of cute. He ties the bar apron over the top and takes a picture for Rune, posing cheesily in the mirror. ]

Look, I got my costume assigned! What do you think?

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[ Rune doesn't resist, doesn't struggle.

It's almost intimate despite the urgency, only helping He Ming with his shirt when it gets a little stuck going over his head. He's still left in an undershirt, which he quickly pulls free of his pants and slips out of, dropping it just as those fingers find his shoulders. His comment about the darkness of the room doesn't go unnoticed either, thinking back to that place and how he'd found He Ming. The thought's a nauseating one, forcing himself to get lost in the pressure of his mouth and the warmth of his words so he doesn't dwell on it. Has it been long enough, he wonders. It's all he can think about as he slides a hand to He Ming's hip. ]

I'm not going anywhere. [ He murmurs it between them, shifting backwards onto the mattress so he can drag He Ming on top of him. He kisses the corner of his mouth. ] I said I was yours. I meant that.

[ Of course he did. There's not anything Rune says that he doesn't mean, and he pushes his hands up beneath the flimsy material of that dress to press his palms against the warm skin of He Ming's back. He's never allowed himself to get this distracted, to want more than what his magic would offer him, but this is... more. It's so much more than that, turning his face to kiss him firmly and hold him close. ]

I'm yours forever.

[ Which might not even be that long considering all the enemies he has, but Rune doesn't care. He'll give He Ming whatever he wants regardless of the cost. ]

[ Drawn in, He Ming follows Rune onto the bed, hands still cradling his head even though his hair is back to normal. Whatever he says, He Ming feels the need to hold onto him. ]

Forever. [ He knows how old Rune is. They're fundamentally different. He Ming doesn't really mind the technicalities, though. After another kiss, he sits up. He reaches back under the dress and pulls his boxers off, leaving the garter where it is next to a couple of marks from Rune's mouth. He throws those off the bed, reaching forward in the same motion to turn on the lamp by the headboard. As soon as the light is on them, he feels better. ]

I mean, I'm not worrying about the future. [ Moving on his knees, he moves around to lay half on top of him, only leaving room to reach down. Chin propped up on his hand, he turns enough to kiss his cheek and his mouth a few times while his other works to gain access. Seeing his face clearly now makes He Ming break out into a smile. His thoughts aren't racing freely in dark anymore. ]

You mean, as long as you can, you'll stay with me. [ He gets the zip down and grins, victorious, as he slides his hand into the front of his pants. ] So I won't make you go to any more parties if you don't want to, but I want to spend more time with you.

[ Does he believe him enough when he says that? Not worrying about the future?

Rune's never really considered it to cause worry, but it's something that humans dwell on constantly. Something that keeps them motivated and preoccupied whereas Rune thinks about his magic and the still-tender flesh of his ear where the tag had been. He thinks about He Ming and wants to keep him safe, a relatively new investment in the scheme of things, but there are other things he has yet to factor in. Like his mortality and that gift of his that he knows so very little about.

He blinks at the turn of the light, unable to say he's going to miss He Ming's underwear at all. Rune takes hold of his chin before they kiss again. ]

I mean forever. I've never wanted anyone the way I want you, and I don't see that changing. [ Not when he's very hard to love outside of what they have. Rune hadn't been seeking out something like this though; he'd just happened to fall into it. ] I don't mind parties either – if that's what you want to do. I was just distracted.

[ Like right now. A slight shift of his hips, and he presses up into He Ming's hand, leaning so he can kiss him—cheek, chin, lips. ]

Should we go somewhere together? [ A vacation, maybe. One that also won't involve witches wanting to kill either of them. ]

Okay, forever. With a party once in a while. [ He would go to them alone, but it's more time he wants to share with Rune. The longer they can spend together, the longer time will feel.

He cups his palm around Rune. He makes a soft sound with each kiss, easing into a quiet hum as he slips his fingers under fabric to touch him skin to skin. This sort of physical connection is how they'd started. They're more deeply intertwined now, an escalation that had been spurred by necessity, and He Ming has to think for a few seconds before he comes up with a vacation idea. ]

Let's go somewhere away from the city. [ Stroking him slowly with his fingers, He Ming wriggles on the bed to mold to his side, a leg hooking over Rune's for extra connection. He can imagine it now—a place quiet and surrounded by trees, but not that house they'd escaped to before. ] You can work on your magic there. And I'll distract you from your work, like this.

[ It might have been how they'd started, but there's a different energy to the way they touch each other now.

Rune enjoys it more. There's not a means to an end except whatever either of them might want, and at this very moment, he's more than happy to surrender it all to He Ming. His eyes close at the touch of his hand, rolling his hips just a little for added friction and enjoying the contact of He Ming's body along his. It's good, a much better environment than the party and its music and the cramped bathroom, and gently, he curls an arm around his shoulders, fingers pressing into his hair. ]

Or we could go somewhere away from here and distract each other. [ He thinks that sounds like a better plan since he can always work on his magic any time. A pause, fingers running down He Ming's spine and the back of his arm to grip the wrist of the hand in his pants, and Rune murmurs it into the kiss. ] There's a place I want to take you. No one else has seen it but me.

[ And he doesn't expect them to get ambushed either, so that would be the nicest thing about it. Also possibly fucking He Ming right out in the open on the grass, but Rune focuses on the present, trying to urge He Ming to go a little faster with the way he touches him. ]

Somewhere further away? [ He Ming wonders, and imagines, thinking of a secluded place with Rune, how it'd be even more private than this. Already he feels like his entire world is subsumed by him. Humming at the touch of his hand, He Ming nestles in. He smiles against his mouth. ] I want to share it with you.

[ There are limits to everything. As long as Rune wants to share, as long as He Ming is alive, as long as Rune survives too, He Ming thinks it'll be enough. He likes it. Besides, he's not sure he's ever been on a trip with a partner before that wasn't party-oriented.

His hips come forward, pressing to Rune's side. Following his wordless urging he begins to move his hand more quickly. ]

Did you think about this while we were outside? [ The dark doesn't seem so important now. He can't explain everything he'd felt out there, but he can tease about it. He Ming nuzzles into his mouth, kissing him firmly and working his way to the side where he can mirror Rune's earlier attentions to his neck. ] Or while we were in the bar?

[ Rune nods a little like that will explain everything he means about where they might go.

He'll have to explain it to him later, but for now, his concentration is mostly focused on the warmth of He Ming's body against his and the stroke of his hand. Everything that's between them and what the future might hold, where their paths might take them. Rune wants to protect him, but he also wants to savor what they have, pressing into the attention of He Ming's mouth and searching for some kind of answer that feels satisfactory. ]

I always think about you. [ Which isn't exactly what he's asking. ] I wanted to have you where everyone could see. [ A murmur, and Rune turns just enough to kiss him. ] So they know you're mine.

[ But it's only something to think about, reaching down to take that hand and push it away so he can roll them over, settling comfortably atop He Ming. He rests their foreheads together, kissing him lightly and then nipping at his bottom lip as if trying to remind him that his teeth are still glamoured. It doesn't feel like it's the most important detail now, brushing a thumb over his cheek. ]

But I also want to know what you want. [ Right there, right now. While they're alone with no interruptions. ]

[ He Ming's hand picks up speed, the movement becoming more automatic. This is both distracting and pleasantly new, the warmth between them stoked higher and hotter.

He misses the shape of his cock when Rune pulls his hand away. ]

I think—they knew. [ Turned onto his back, He Ming slowly shuts his eyes when Rune kisses him. The bed is comfortable, not the scratchy hardness of concrete, so he can keep breathing. Even with his flat teeth he nips back at Rune's lip. ] I think they saw plenty.

[ For all he'd said earlier, He Ming wants something else now. He looks up, eyes catching on the points of his glamoured teeth, as he begins to reach down. ]

Then I want you to ride me. [ The skirt is already tented. He Ming takes his time pulling it up, breath hitching when the lace hem skims over the tip and he feels the cool air hit him. He still sees nothing but Rune. Swallowing heavily, he slides his hand to the small of Rune's back. He spreads his fingers, feeling his muscles shift under his palm, wanting to press closer, somehow meet him through their skin.

He wants to be inside Rune. He Ming swallows again, dry throat clicking. He closes his hand in a fruitless attempt for a grip and only ends up drawing his nails over his skin. ]

We haven't done it that way before. Is that okay?

[ When it comes to sex, Rune has no real preference. Maybe it stems from all the years he's done it, focused more on the outcome and the source of energy expelled during rituals rather than anything else, but with He Ming, it's different. Even their very first time together is still something Rune thinks about often, and this? Rune will remember this for as long as he's able, admiring him before he leans down to kiss him first.

He's beautiful, even in the cheap dress he's wearing, and Rune bunches up the hem of it to help He Ming get it out of the way. Then, he idly touches the shape of his cock with his fingertips, tracing over the head and down the length of it while they kiss. He knows he doesn't need help staying hard, but he wants to appreciate him, mouthing along his jaw to his ear and purposely biting into the lobe so that he feels his teeth. ]

Let me think about it. [ Which is mostly just a humored sort of tease, pulling away to find the lube. That, too, he's familiar with, and it doesn't take long at all for Rune to return to pressing against He Ming, fingers slick as he strokes him lightly. ] Are you going to watch me?

[ It's just a question, low and quiet as he maneuvers to finger himself. This position doesn't allow for anything deep, but Rune isn't really looking for that, eventually shifting to hold He Ming steady so he can slowly and carefully work his cock inside him. The discomfort he swallows the entire time without much visible reaction, meeting He Ming's eyes and never looking away. There's something about this request that Rune wants to give him, even if he might not know exactly what that is. ]

Of course I'm going to watch. [ He says, even though his eyelids flutter and he can feel a pulse in his groin after that bite. His hands clench into fists, one holding onto the skirt and the other at Rune's back, as he draws himself back to focus. ] I like seeing you above me.

[ Any other time, He Ming has and would be happy to switch positions, but there's something gratifying about how broad Rune's shoulders seem silhouetted against his blank ceiling. He palms at his back again. As Rune begins to take him in, after barely a pause for preparation, He Ming has to shut his eyes for a moment to catch his breath. He opens them as soon as he feels he can control himself while continuing eye contact. ]

It's good. [ Words disappearing into a pant, He Ming moans, softly, pressing his hand against Rune's back. Every shift of Rune's body, his breath, travels through him. Pushing just his hips up, He Ming arches, letting his head fall back. He's greedy for more. The way Rune is looking at him only feeds it. ] You feel so good. I could just stay like this forever.

[ He Ming's response earns a slight smile, though it's mostly just a muted grimace until he's settled on him as much as he can manage. That shift of his hips doesn't do Rune any favors, his breath heavier and pausing a second to collect himself before leaning over him. He doesn't look away, keeping his gaze steady until he kisses him to savor the sensation of it. There's always something about being with He Ming that he can't get enough of, and Rune's focused only on taking it. ]

Maybe you could, but I want you to come. [ Straightforward, murmured right against his lips. ] Fuck me.

[ Which isn't quite how this position works, so Rune helps to set the pace. At first, when he lifts up, he's reminded of his impatience, but it's easy to ignore in favor of sinking down on him once more, one hand lightly braced against He Ming's chest and the other at his hip like he needs the cue to meet him in the middle. He knows he doesn't, but this is really just about what He Ming might want and trying to anticipate it so Rune can give it to him. He'll spend however long it takes earning back all that intimacy and the small things he'd gotten used to, shifting down and grinding a little harder on the next rocking motion of their bodies.

It's only about them anyway, dropping his hand to grasp at He Ming's so he can press his palm against his chest. Feel him, feel this. And not once does he look away from him, his name on the tip of his tongue. ]

[ The weight of Rune on his legs is nice, the warmth of his body nicer. He Ming wraps his arms greedily around him as they kiss. He tries to not move too much, at least not until Rune tells him he's ready.

The moment he does, He Ming's hips rise from the bed. ] I want to. [ He pushes up into Rune again to meet him. ] I want that too.

[ There's give and take, an exchange and a conversation. He Ming splays his fingers on his chest and tries to feel for his pulse. Behind the sound of their bodies, he can hear the whispers returning, echoing his pleasure and Rune's as they fuck. Ever since his sight was removed and then returned they've been intermittent. He didn't try to call on them, but He Ming won't let it distract him. Rune is here. Rune keeps him safe, and He Ming wants so badly to make sure that Rune knows he'll do the same. ]

Kiss me again. [ He moves his hips in small motions, run too ragged to keep up much rhythm. With how Rune looks at him, he knows he won't last for long. Another kiss might be the end. He asks for it, anyway, as he pulls Rune's hips down so he can grind into him. Moving his hand to grip Rune, He Ming moves his hand quickly, desperate to intensify the connection in their gaze. ]

I'm close—Rune. I want to come with you.

[ He doesn't think it's about how much they can take from one another. It's taken him a long time to realize that, though Rune only sees it as something specific to He Ming and He Ming only. That's the thought he holds onto as he moves faster, complying with that request for a kiss.

And another, his mouth lingering against He Ming's as he's jerked off with an intensity that matches the way they don't look away from one another. Rune would have asked for He Ming to do more, maybe switch positions so he's holding him down instead, but giving He Ming what he wants trumps that need, shifting his hips and squeezing his body around the cock inside him. Coaxing, demanding. He's close too, but... Rune reaches between them and wraps his fingers around He Ming's, increasing his grip. ]

Like this. [ His breath is sharp. ] He Ming —

[ It's another stroke of their hands, the right grind of their hips, and Rune comes over He Ming's belly, pausing only a moment to soak in that pleasure before he continues to move to help He Ming along. He watches him too, his eyes bright and the expression on his face warm—surprisingly open with the affection he feels for him. ]

[ Harder? He Ming obliges, following Rune's direction to almost squeeze his cock with his hand. The sounds of Rune's breath are harsh and fast, startlingly loud between them. He Ming is transfixed as he watches Rune come.

He finds a pace again after a few moments. Shallow shifts of his hips, each leaving him a little more breathless than before. As he'd predicted, he doesn't last long. ]

Rune. [ Moaning his name, He Ming comes with a last uneven thrust. He collapses back. The space between his ears feels like it's filled with static. His toes are tingling. Legs going limp, He Ming moves only enough to wraps his arms around Rune, one hand sneaking underneath to ease him off if he's amendable to the movement. ] I want to cuddle.

[ Despite being tired from the night and the mess on his clothes, He Ming attempts to have Rune lie down, preferably on top of him. He wants to say the words he's thinking softly. ]

Here... come closer.

[ For a moment, Rune doesn't move. It's to savor this exact feeling, the sensation of He Ming on the edge of climax and how he falls into it so naturally, so beautifully.

There's a quiet sound when he slips out of him, already thinking ahead to a shower so they can continue this without the mess of sex between them, but he isn't particularly fussed about giving He Ming what he wants right then either. It's his way of showing he cares, stretching out on top of him and turning his face towards him to kiss the edge of his jaw. He wonders if this is what He Ming had wanted since inviting him to that party, if it's something they'll have again when Rune is feeling amiable enough to oblige. No glamours or magic—just them.

Rune considers it just as he considers ridding himself of the teeth that hadn't served much purpose after all. His fingers comb through He Ming's hair, caressing the curve of his ear. ]

How much closer do you want me?

[ Said equally soft, surprisingly unsure as to what else there is to say or what else he needs to do. ]

[ The damp fabric of the costume feels cold. He Ming ignores it in favor of hugging Rune again, inhaling deeply before letting it all out as his weight presses down. It's harder to breathe like this, but the pressure is oddly pleasant, so much so that He Ming lets his eyes almost shut. ]

Even closer. [ He lifts his chin, hoping that Rune's mouth will come lower to his throat. ] I want you really, really, close, because I love you.

[ And he loves having him near, to know that he's safe and his heart still beats. He Ming inhales and exhales again, idly circling a hand on his back. The other slides lower. The touch to his ear makes him laugh a little, the brush of his hair ticklish, and he can't resist pressing his fingers in to the softer flesh just under Rune's ass for a squeeze. ]

And I like you. That too.

[ At first, Rune doesn't know what to say.

Like he'd told He Ming before, he's never had anyone to come back to, someone he'd wanted to come back to, and this— it's almost the same as that. Rune hasn't felt a connection or any sort of affection to anyone else in his life aside from Ciro, and even that is different than what he experiences with He Ming. He would tear the world apart for him—if he asked. He'd do anything and everything he could, and Rune wonders if that's what love must be like. Can he say that for sure when the future is so uncertain? ]

I know. I like you too. [ That much, he knows, is real. If he didn't, he would have never seen or spoken to him again. Still... Rune rests all of his weight against him, sighing at the touch before urging He Ming to look at him. ] But I've never loved anyone before. I'm not sure I really know how to do it, but I think I want to love you. Maybe I already do.

[ It's still not enough, so he continues. Softly, ] What I'm certain of, more than anything else, is that I never want to be without you.

[ And if that isn't love, then perhaps he really isn't capable of something like that and never will be. ]

[ Every time He Ming has said I love you before, he's meant it. All of his emotions are real. They might come more obviously to him or be easier for him to say aloud, but he's sure that he's never lied about loving someone. If it's harder for Rune, he's sure he's fine with that too. ]

That's okay. [ He turns his face towards him, grinning when he almost has to go cross-eyed because their faces are so close together. ] Whatever you're doing now makes me happy. As long as you're with me, I think—I think that's really all I want.

Besides, everyone has to work on love. [ Drawing the word out teasingly, he purses his lips and lifts his head to peck him on the mouth. Even that small effort makes him feel extra worn out, and he collapses back with his arms thrown wide. ] I don't think it's destiny.

[ He says that, even though he's glimpsed the universe, because they're nothing but specks of dust in it too small to have personal gravity. But just looking up at his face is enough to justify patience. He can make the effort to stick close. ]

Not for us, anyway. You're too magical for destiny.

[ His smile comforts him, but there's something about He Ming's words that has Rune leaning back to look at him. They're still pressed close, and yet, the distance seems to be trying to worm its way between them. Because it's not that he doubts him. There are very few people in this world that he would outright trust, and yet, despite being someone who doesn't believe in destiny at all, all of it carves awake an unknown thing inside him. ]

Magic has nothing to do with destiny. [ The words are still soft—an attempt to cut the bite out of them. ] I do what I want because it's what I want. Being with you is my choice, so you're right. What we feel isn't destiny.

But it doesn't mean I'm going to change my mind about you either.

[ Then, gently, he kisses the corner of He Ming's mouth before moving off of him and making his way into the bathroom. It still feels early to him despite the actual hour, but more than that, he wants to drag He Ming to bed. So, he makes clean-up efficient and returns to He Ming to do the same for him, helping him out of the dress and dropping it on the floor. Rune rubs his hands through He Ming's hair. ]

Should I get you some clothes? [ Or does he want to sleep naked? ]

[ While Rune speaks, He Ming pays attention, even if he's beginning to blink drowsily. If he says that magic is unrelated to fate, it must be. He Ming just doesn't understand it. He doesn't even understand his own "magic". Making a sound of acknowledgment, he raises his arms once more to hang onto Rune's shoulders until he moves completely out of his grasp. ]

Good. [ Simple as that. He Ming stays where he is while Rune goes to clean up. He Ming traces the lines of Rune's body with his eyes as he moves, humming softly to himself in the comfortable warmth left behind. After Rune returns, he tries to be helpful by moving his limbs just enough to let the dress be removed. ] Get me a wet towel? Then we can get some sleep.

[ He wants Rune with him for that, of course. ]

Then let's find some time to go to that place you talked about. Away from here.

[ Again, Rune finds him cute. Beautiful too, brushing at his hair again before leaving to fulfill his request. He doesn't wet the towel entirely through, just so he can use the other side to dry his skin, and once that's out of the way, Rune drags the blankets back so they can crawl under them and get comfortable. He curls an arm around He Ming, pulling him close.

As an afterthought, he focuses enough to remove the glamour on his teeth and then settles into the pillows. ]

I can go any time. Are you working this week?

[ If he's being honest, he would go tomorrow if possible. But Rune knows these things aren't quite the same for He Ming, so he's making an effort to be flexible with him. And as long as no one tries to come after them, then they won't have to worry about when. It's still a distant thought though, smoothing his hand down his side and gently squeezing at his hip almost possessively. ]

[ He hadn't said anything about needing to dry off after, but Rune takes such good care of him. He Ming snuggles closer to him as soon as he returns, shamelessly pulling Rune's hand lower so it can rest on his ass. ]

Yeah. I can be off after Thursday. [ Since he'd agreed to work Halloween weekend, he'll get some leeway. Remembering his job, though, He Ming wrinkles his nose. ] Mm, they're definitely going to tease me for leaving like that.

[ Not that it's anything they haven't seen before, but He Ming feels his face heat up before he presses his cheek to Rune's shoulder. ]

But after that, I'm free. Where is it? What's it like? Do I have to pack a cooler so we have food there, or are you going to make me forage in the woods for mushrooms?

If they say something mean, I'll take care of it.

[ Which he doubts is the case since He Ming's co-workers don't see the type, but Rune wants to support him regardless of that. He gives him a squeeze and rolls his head so that part of his face is resting against He Ming's hair. This is a familiarity he likes, and it's nice that they're so comfortable in it, wondering how much longer it's going to be like this until the next time it isn't. That would depend on Rune, but he turns his focus to He Ming.

The rest of what he says though — Rune sighs. ]

You can forage for mushrooms if you want, but it's not necessary. [ A light tease before he relaxes against him. ] I want to show you where my family lived. It's a private place.

[ For him, at least. It's full of memories—some good but mostly bad. His parents had died there. His coven had died there. Parts of Rune, too, had died there, but he would like to share that with He Ming and hopes he understands the gravity of why. He might not be able to specifically say he loves him, but he can show it. Rune draws him closer. ]

Would you like me to take you there?

[ He's definitely not going to look for food in the woods if he doesn't have to. The more time they can spend like this, the better.

But He Ming opens his eyes again—just realizing that they've closed—when Rune mentions his family. That must include his coven. That means they must have been there before they died. The realization is unsettling, because from where his head is, all he can really see is Rune's chest rising and falling. He slowly moves his hand to rest on it. ]

Of course. [ Even if Rune doesn't feel comfortable saying certain things out loud, opening any part of his life to He Ming seems a step towards it, or at least the feeling he's pretty sure that they share. ] If you're okay with it, I want to see where you're from.

[ He'll take his offer gladly. He also kisses the side of his neck, and though he's tempted to nip him back for the bites earlier he settles back down without doing so in favor of peaceful sleep.

On the day of their departure, He Ming is packed (perhaps over-packed, unfamiliar as he is with places that don't have a 7-11 within a mile radius) and excited to go, but he settles a little when he sees Rune. Still, he's curious and obviously so when he asks— ]

Do you go back there often?

[ Everything is surprisingly normal through the days that follow, and even as Rune carefully organizes what he'll need for this trip, his finds his mind wandering. Why has it been so quiet? He knows the coven that had attacked them, who had hurt He Ming, isn't going to simply leave it alone, but... It's something to think about another time.

Right now, the goal is to put things into the car and drive as far as they can before he has to use his magic. ]

No. [ He sighs to himself, thinking about it. ] I haven't been there in a long time. But it's something I want to share with you.

[ Which is probably a lot considering, but it's much easier for Rune to show his affection than speak how he feels. So, that's what he's doing. Even if the memories of that place are bound to make him uncomfortable, it's what he wants. It's what he'd like He Ming to see firsthand—a place no one else knows about except Rune. ]

Do you want to drive? I'll tell you which way to go. [ Though it doesn't matter to him, either way. ]

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