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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?
[ 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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But he knows what he means, and Rune's feelings on commitment – even something as slight as marriage – isn't always easy to parse. He'll have to get better at explaining those things to He Ming—if he can. For now, all he does is nod in response to what he's said, wondering what it might be like to live a somewhat normal life with someone who cares for him as equally as he cares for them. It's difficult to consider when he'd never had time to want any of it, but with his magic free and his life mostly his own, there's nothing else has except that.
Rather than dwell on those things, he turns away from the car and looks at the path that ends a few steps from where they've parked. There's nothing but trees and forest here, though he remembers the clearing up ahead as though he'd been there just recently. It's been too long though, and Rune's frowning as he reaches to take He Ming's hand. They can return for their things once he's secured a connection to the place they're actually going; this is just a midway point between here and there. ]
I don't know. [ And remarkably, it's the truth. ] I never wanted to come back, but I want you to know where I come from.
[ Maybe he needs the reminder too, walking with him through the trees and into a grassy field that's empty of everything that should be in it—including wildlife. Rune squeezes He Ming's hand once before letting it go, a quiet indication that he wait there as he moves a few steps away.
The spell is an easy one. He's used it several times before, and it comes much faster to him now that there's nothing inhibiting his magic, recalling how such things had always drained him to the point of exhaustion depending on how far he needed to travel. They're going a particularly long distance as it is, crouching down to rest his hand against the ground and reciting the words that form the anchor as he slowly stands and lifts his arm with it. A faint shimmer rests in the air, and it's what he holds onto with both hands now, pulling in opposite directions as if trying to tear it apart. The doorway that he opens only gives the slightly glimpse of what's on the other side: more grass, more hills, mountains far in the distance. A ring of stones slowly rises up just ahead, their shadows long against the ground as the sun begins to set. ]
Are you ready?
[ Turning to He Ming, he offers his hand to him and ignores the way he can practically feel the whisper of his long-forgotten home calling to him. ]
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Well, thanks for bringing me with you. [ This is all he'd wanted. He doesn't need Rune to repeat the exact words back. At the same time, he's ready to say all the sappy stuff out loud himself. Maybe not right now, because Rune seems uncharacteristically off-balance and reserved, and he doesn't know if all the I love you and your faces in the world will help that. He focuses on holding onto his hand when it's offered, sticking close and staying in his orbit. Still, he's not sure if he understands yet, and he considers asking exactly what sort of house Rune lived in.
The touch of his hand is enough of a nudge for him to pause and stand by. The magic, though different than before, still sends a prickly thorn down his spine while the air parts under Rune's hands. There are no hills or mountains like that here. He Ming comes forward and grabs his fingers again. ]
As long as you are. [ Will it feel weird when he steps through that rend in the fabric of space? He Ming looks it up and down, more curious than wary. ] Take me through!
[ When they do step out and into the new place, He Ming's drawn to the stones first. He takes a few steps on his own, blinking as he moves out from under a shadow and the golden sunlight strikes his face. ]
So you grew up... here?
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A long time ago. [ He gestures in the distance at something He Ming might not be able to see. ] My coven moved around, but this is the place I remember most. This way.
[ Rune takes He Ming's hand again and pulls him up the slight hill in the direction of the stones, vaguely recalling the massacre that took place on these lands and wondering if any of the bones remained. For He Ming's sake, he hoped not, but it's something he considers even as they crest the peak and stand beneath the tallest stones that have started to careen into one another. There is so much power here, untapped and waiting, and part of him wants to set aside his original intentions to collect it. Yet, He Ming is worth more to him than that, and there's something he wants to ask him later anyway. Something important. Something that has to do with these stones and this very place they stand upon. ]
We didn't have houses then. They were more like tents – something easy to move and could easily be expanded on. [ Down on the other side, there's the remnants of those structures still standing; some of them protected enough by magic to have weathered the elements all these years. ] We can find one to use or stay elsewhere. It doesn't matter to me.
[ It would really all depend on He Ming's level of comfort since they could just come back later. ]
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How'd you keep the rain out? [ Oh, wait. ] Don't tell me—magic.
[ He can see a few of those tents below them. If it's been decades since Rune was here, there must be magic involved. ]
Is it really not going to bother you, staying here? [ Approaching Rune's side, he rests his hand on his back. If there were any skeletons in Rune's closet—even literally—they'd probably be here. He Ming worries his lower lip somewhat absently. He won't try to imagine what this place looked like when all the terrible things Rune described happens, just in case that might accidentally cause more misfortune. It really is nice out here. ]
If you're okay with it, let's pick one to spend the night in. Unless you're going to be watching the sky again tonight.
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It doesn't rain much here. Or it didn't. This was our summer home. [ He turns slowly, reaching out to bring him close so he can lean down and kiss him softly. ] I'm fine with it. If I do anything, I want it to be with you.
[ Which is all he really says on the matter, guiding him down the hill and looking through the tents that still stand and might keep the weather out if it did happen to rain. Some of the furnishings could be better, but if they move some things around, it would do for a night or two. Between them, it easy to do that and move their bags into the tent just before the sun finally sinks below the horizon, and with it, Rune lights the inside with magic—faint flames that burn as bright as anything artificial; though if it's touched, it wouldn't hurt.
Without a word, he rests a hand against He Ming's shoulder before moving closer behind him. For as heavy with history as this place is, he feels lighter somehow. That all of it might not have been for nothing, that there's still some part of his parents and his coven that live on with him. It will die there, he knows, but for now... ]
I want to show you another place, [ he murmurs quietly, directly into He Ming's ear. And to tease him, only a little: ] Unless you're afraid of the dark.
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Of course, resting can wait. ]
Is it a special place? [ The shoulder Rune is closer to lifts up, He Ming feeling slightly tickled by his proximity of voice. He turns. Their noses touch. ] You know I'm not scared.
[ He leans forward to kiss him again. ]
Show me. Let's go.
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Some might not think so, but we're the only ones here.
[ Alive, he almost adds. Still, there's no point instilling thoughts in He Ming's head, and he isn't in the mood to conjure ghosts or commune with the dead; he isn't that kind of witch anyway.
Rune takes his hand and draws him along the path they've walked into familiarity by now, diverting off course once they reach the hill that climbs to the stones and he's removed his shoes. Being barefoot strengthens his connection even further to this place, and they continue on out into the darkness, the grass not quite as tall as it should be and insects buzzing in the distance. The walk takes them far from their camp and just outside a line of trees that partially ring a small pond. ]
Here. Sit with me. [ Hopefully, He Ming won't mind getting his clothes dirty since Rune doesn't just sit—he lies completely flat onto his back to look up at the sky. ] I used to do this back then. I'd fall asleep listening to the water, the wind...
[ Is there much more to tell other than that? He'd been in this exact spot when his father had grabbed him by the shirt and thrown him over his shoulder in an attempt to flee. Rune closes his eyes once, then opens them as he turns his head to look at He Ming. ]
Our conversation earlier – it gave me a lot to think about.
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He's more ginger as he lowers himself to sit first. ]
What sorts of things did you think about?
[ As the wind wrinkles the surface of the lake, He Ming carefully lies down on his side, propping his head up on one hand to keep a better view of Rune. It takes his eyes a few more moments to adjust to the darkness, until the soft silvery light becomes enough for him to see the details of his expression. The grass is almost cold with damp. He wriggles an inch closer to Rune on the ground. ]
I'm listening. [ And touching him, laying a hand on his hip only for the sake of physical contact. ]
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Rune rests the pad of his thumb against his chin. ]
I don't know if you can feel it, but there's power here. I want – [ He pauses, shaking his head a little to readjust his train of thought. ] Would you bind yourself to me? It's similar to marriage, I suppose, but it's more than that. If I performed it here, it might be easier to teach you magic. To help keep you safe when I'm not with you.
[ His fingers slide over He Ming's cheek, cupping his jaw. ] I would belong to you, and you would belong to me.
[ There's nothing more sacred to a witch than that sort of vow, even promises made to avenge the deaths of others or what might stem from other magical bindings performed under duress. This would nothing like that. He Ming loves him, and Rune, despite his hesitance to say it, believes he loves He Ming. That kind of power could never be replicated, even in something as contrite as a love spell. ]
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If you think it's a good idea. [ With the side of his head resting on the grass and Rune's hand on his face, He Ming moves his legs closer, just slotting one between his knees. It's not so high as to be suggestive, but he likes the warm press of his thighs and his close presence while they're talking about... their futures. He Ming hasn't tried to pry or ask for more information from those voices. After last time, he knows it's dangerous. And Rune didn't like it.
He's going to take this bit by bit. At least when it comes to the kind of magic he's not familiar with. ]
I think I already belong to you. [ That, he knows that already. He Ming breathes out and turns his head to mouth at the heel of his palm, nuzzling into his hand. Belonging to him is what he wants. ] I mean, I don't want to be without you. Ever.
And it goes both ways? [ Though he can't feel the energy that Rune described, He Ming feels something being so close to Rune in the dark, under the open sky, their voices carried by with breeze to wrap around them. He looks at him carefully, lips still brushing his skin. ] Will it make your magic easier? Will it keep you safer?
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I don't know if it is, [ he admits quietly, holding his breath. ] It might make things difficult for you. People will come because they'll sense that power and want to take it. But I'll know. We can keep each other safe.
Being with you is easy. It makes me stronger.
[ Which is strange to him because he'd always imagined being weaker like this. Caring for someone, worrying about them. But He Ming has helped him achieve an impossible goal, and it's the phantom weight of the tag in his ear that has him squeezing at He Ming's hip before tilting his head to kiss him. The roar of the world around them is swallowed up into nothing, holding him as close as he can so he's able to taste every inch of his mouth as slowly as he'd like. There's a kiss placed against the edge of his cheekbone when he breaks to breathe. ]
And if doing this means I can be with you longer, it's what I want.
[ The issue with He Ming's mortality will be another problem to solve later, but for once, he's only thinking in terms of the immediate future. ]
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If we stay together all the time, you'll always know if I'm in trouble. [ A touch more insistently, he pushes the inside of his thigh with his knee. ] And I can power you up!
[ However that works. He Ming's not asking. He's distracted instantly by the deep, slow kiss, and he finds himself being the one left breathless. Suppressing the urge to whine a little when Rune pulls back, he sighs and settles for butting his head against his arm. He's forgotten about how cold and damp and scratchy the ground is. Tangled up in Rune, the night seems to be heating up. ]
You mean be with me like you are now, right? [ He tugs at Rune's shirt where it's tucked in. More tentative, He Ming moves to kiss the spot just under his ear. ] Close... like this.
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I don't know how it works. Most witches do this with other witches. I think it's rare for a human to ever be involved. [ That's also something to worry about at a later time. Right now, all he does is settle forward so he can touch He Ming as much as he can with every part of his body. ] I can be with you like this no matter what we decide.
[ A soft breath, and he turns his head towards him, seeking out his mouth so he doesn't have to wonder why he shivers at the touch of He Ming's mouth below his ear. He nips at his lower lip and curls his arm around him, drawing him into his personal space so there's absolutely nowhere to go but forward. Or backwards, if he wished to escape. The sound of He Ming's breathing and the soft wetness of their kiss has drowned out everything else—even the thought of going back to that tent to spend the night in it.
He brushes their noses together. ] But I'd rather not part with you at all.
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Okay. [ Rune's mouth is slick and warm. He Ming uses his tongue to tease his lips apart, cautiously optimistic about his own comfort right now. When he pulls away he thinks we can do this. He can do this. ]
Let's stay here, then. [ With the leg between his, He Ming hooks at the back of his knee and brings their hips together. That sends a thrum through him, like a string that's been plucked, a flicker of harmony with the universe around him.
It isn't just them out here. He Ming doesn't mention the whispers; they're quiet right now, so much less important than giving Rune another kiss. He stays on his mouth after, nibbling on his lower lip. Even though he knows how wide the world stretches, it feels sweet and close and simple as long as they're like this. Looking at Rune, grinning, he suggests, ] Let's do it under the stars. Like you said before.
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We can't stay forever. [ Pointless to say, but there's really nothing left for him here. The magic that grounds him could easily be found elsewhere. ] But that seems a simple enough request.
[ He Ming's grin is met with the slightest smile from Rune, nudging his face up just enough to kiss him again. They're close already, but it suddenly isn't close enough, not after the things they'd said to one another. Not after the promise of being together, of binding himself to He Ming and He Ming to him. It might be dangerous, and some part of Rune is worried it might hurt He Ming once it's done. Yet, that doesn't stop him from pursuing more of his mouth, from turning their bodies so that he hovers over him as they kiss and his hands slowly trek under his shirt to feel the warmth of his skin and the way his heart beats. As if it does just for him.
Perhaps he's in love, then. Right at that moment, watching He Ming's face before pressing his lips to his jaw and the edge of his ear. ]
Let's go back to the tent. It'll be more comfortable there.
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...I'm going to need internet and running water at some point.
[ They'll go back to the city soon. This seems like a different world, a place so disparate from his familiar apartment with its walls and cords and TV. But back in the city, he'll still be with Rune, at least. They'll be close. He'll be able to look into his eyes—like he's looking right now, seeing them glimmer from starlight as the wind tosses his hair—and know.
I'm in love with you. ]
Ah. Okay. [ He squirms, momentarily flustered after his own thoughts, and scrambles upright.
The air is thick. He Ming breathes it in, deep and quick, pulling Rune's arm with each large step he takes. It's been a while since he felt this excited. Longer since he's felt excited about this. Before it slips from his grasp, he's trying to hold onto it. If he can bring it under the lamplight in the tent, unfold it and examine it, even better. ]
Let's go. I want to—let's go.
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Or stumbling into it, Rune's arms around He Ming to pull him closer as he leans to kiss him. A while from now, he'll convince him to participate in a ritual with him—perhaps when he binds them together. They'll be out in the open, vulnerable to one another. It's the only thought he has when he slips his hands beneath He Ming's clothes once more, smoothing his palms up his sides and pausing long enough to savor the heat of his mouth. It feels good, like nothing's ever changed and Rune hasn't had to consider He Ming's safety over that eternal desire to have as much power and leverage as he possibly can over those who've wronged him.
It doesn't alter his plans, only deviates them slightly. ]
Undress for me, [ he murmurs, only freeing his hands because there are a few obvious things he needs to get from their bags. ] I'll join you, and you can tell me what you want.
[ Which he will do so as equally naked because he's never shy about that, and really, he doesn't want to lose the motivation or that excitement. ]
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While he watches Rune fetch stuff from their bags, he circles his hand over his lower stomach, tugging slowly at the waistband of his briefs. ]
I'm not sure exactly what I want. [ As he works his underwear down, feeling the cooler air hit him, the knowledge that he's exposed is not the good kind of exciting anymore. He frowns. ] I think... I only know what I don't want.
[ Stuff they'd avoided soundly that time in the bar, by dint of having the additional thrills of being so near his coworkers and the costume. Now, with just the two of them and the tension between them, He Ming hesitates. ]
I feel like I got really boring. And you missed all my crazy college days. [ He mumbles the admission. It makes him feel even guiltier to verbalize it. As compensation, he reaches for Rune to pull him to stand closer. ] Do you have something you want? It might be easier for me if you... [ He brushes the back of his hand against Rune's cock, glancing into his eyes and feeling shy for perhaps the first time in his life. Or at least in their relationship. ] If you take the lead. I trust you to do that.