[ Fenrir opts to stay behind, burying himself in the blankets instead. X’rhun leads Ardyn out the door and away from his home for a bit, until they happen upon a rather open and little-used side street. ]
[He stands where he’s instructed, not moving from his spot, though Ardyn is hiking up a brow while he watches X’rhun. He opens his arms wide in an over the top gesture.]
Should I be concerned for my safety?
[That’s a joke. He’s hardly ever concerned for his safety.]
[ It’s just an impression he gets, you know, with Ardyn being immortal and all.
X’rhun, for his part, just keeps walking. Ten yards away, twenty, twenty-five… and he stops, at last, a full thirty yards down the street from Ardyn. ]
Ready?
[ He sure hopes so because he’s going to do the thing. Much in the same way that he’s able to reach out with his magic to a target and propel himself towards it, he reaches out. There is a thin strand of light that ties his outstretched hand to Ardyn, but it’s only there for a moment before X’rhun pulls. There is a flash of yellow light at Ardyn’s feet, just enough to take him off the ground slightly and send him shooting down the street to X’rhun’s side.
They don’t collide, thankfully, though X’rhun does keep his arm up to steady his friend as his boots settle on the street again. ]
["Ready" only applies in a limited fashion, when magic suddenly hooks into you and sends you reeling forward quite suddenly, at a very high rate of speed.
To Ardyn's credit, he's a man who knows how to warp, so moving from Point A to Point B in a short period of time isn't what truly catches him off guard. It's the momentum forward that's jarring, the way that his body doesn't disappear and reappears where he wishes it to go. It's because he has no control over it, and this magic is not something he's used to seeing. Much less seeing it used on him.
The way he tenses is almost hilarious, but also quite telltale of a man who knows how to fight. Muscles coiling just underneath the surface, fingers twitching to summon a weapon out of habit and instinct. But because it's X'rhun, no such thing happens, only that he staggers forward a little when he suddenly stops in front him, pushed into his extended hand to steady himself.]
A little... warning would not have gone amiss.
[By the Six... there is a moment where Ardyn is trying to compose himself again, running a hand through his hair in his attempt to pull himself back together in what was a startling experience.]
[ This is probably not what Prompto meant when he asked X’rhun to be careful around Ardyn. In fact, this is probably the exact opposite of what Prompto meant. He sees the way Ardyn tenses, and he tenses himself, ready to displacement away if he must, but thankfully it doesn’t come to that.
He breathes out a little sigh, grinning a bit. ]
It would have been worth it, seeing you flustered like that.
[ There probably aren’t many things that can take Ardyn off his guard. It seems X’rhun found one. Would that he had the thought to take a picture. ]
You’ve seen the spell I use to zip to an enemy, yes? We call that corps-a-corps. After our little… incident with the chimera, I began to wonder if I could tool something to do the opposite – pull a target to me instead of pulling myself to the target. I’d say it worked rather well.
Ha, flustered? There’s a difference between that and being surprised, my friend.
[Whether or not flustered applies, now Ardyn has to deal with the buzzing thrum of adrenaline that had shot through his veins. His fingers flex, but he is well adapted to pulling himself back together in a matter of seconds — X’rhun gets to see that happen in real time, the way he straightens and then just shrugs shoulders, then makes a move to adjust a lapel of his dark coat.
The explanation makes sense, however. (A warning would not have gone amiss, as he said, but Ardyn is hypocritical on that front. He would not have warned someone, either.) But it is the last line that has Ardyn chuffing out a laugh in that low tone of his.]
And who’s the one oh-so-dramatically pulling me in their direction? If you’re looking for a reason to be close, you need only say the word. Being subtle is not your strong suit.
You have met me, correct? I’ve all the subtlety of a brick to the face.
[ Not entirely true, and they both know it, but his flamboyant manner of dress and even more flamboyant magic definitely lend some credence to that statement. ]
Besides, you’ve no room to talk after that stunt you pulled at the winter gala.
[They both could be described neatly (though not wholly) by the word “flamboyant”. And it’s true that Ardyn often feels that subtlety is overrated when it comes to daily conversation and mundane activities; or maybe he’s just a man who likes attention from time to time.
No matter the reasoning, he seems increasingly amused. X’rhun, bringing the winter gala back up? That was one night difficult to forget, for a multitude of reasons.]
Now, now. If you recall, it was that rather inconspicuous plant that pressed its influence into me. Otherwise, that sort of boldness on its own crosses into the territory of impropriety. Do I seem like that kind of man to you?
“Inconspicuous” my tail. You waltzed us over there on purpose.
[ He knows, now, why Ardyn had been so keen on avoiding the subject of his immortality, messy and dark business that it is, but surely there had been other ways to change the topic at the time. ]
So yes, I would most definitely call you that kind of man.
[He just laughs again, unhelpfully. It probably just reaffirms X’rhun’s accusation, that he wandered that way for the sake of a distraction. It was the best, most effective sort he could think of at the time.]
You have no absolute proof of me waltzing in any direction on purpose. But even so… are you complaining? In retrospect, do you regret that I had allegedly been so forward? Dear me, do I owe you an apology?
Mm, well. I can be, if desired. [When it comes to carefully pulling bits and pieces of machinations together, or gently tugging at one end of the spiderweb to make everything fall apart on the other. But that’s not the sort of subtle that X’rhun is probably referencing.]
Still, be careful with a confession like that. A man might take advantage of it.
[ Oh, he knows full well how capable Ardyn is with subtlety. Here they are, having known one another for half a year and X’rhun only knows all he knows thanks to a fortunate – or unfortunate – series of small clues and happenstance. ]
If he does, I shan’t complain.
[ Flirting with Ardyn is also probably not what Prompto meant by “be careful”. ]
[Somehow, somewhere, a feeling of dread if probably descending swiftly upon Prompto.
Too bad, though, because Ardyn can be something of a flirt when he decides to indulge himself. It runs too parallel with being a frustrating tease, which is something he enjoys just as much, if not more.
He steps forward, closer, to place a two fingers gently under X’rhun’s chin, attempting to tilt his head upwards.]
X’rhun is aware that this is likely a bad idea, all things considered, but he’s been through hell and back in the space of a few days, and he’s feeling especially indulgent right now. This may well have consequences down the line, but he’ll deal with them when he gets there.
Ardyn tips his face up, and X’rhun regards him with an arched eyebrow and a slight smirk. ]
[ That does invite him to wonder why -- why, after knowing everything he knows, does he still want this? Just a flicker of the question is enough to set a strange cocktail of things stirring in his chest, things that he cannot quite place a name to. It is hard to separate the Ardyn he knew, and the feelings he already had, from the Ardyn he knows now, demons -- or daemons, rather -- and all. Or mayhap they don't need separating?
But more than any of that, and this may be the real tipping point, is for once, he doesn't wish to care. In the wake of having literally sacrificed himself, he wants to be terribly, horribly selfish. No matter the consequences.
In a familiar move, his fingers find the fabric of Ardyn's scarf, whichever one he happens to be wearing today, and tugs him down as X'rhun himself arches up on his toes to meet his lips with his own. ]
[X’rhun takes the lead, then, and Ardyn allows it. Closing his eyes, he’s tugged down by his scarf, just enough so that his lips can meet the other’s — just enough to taste him. X'rhun will feel the curl of a smile, sharp and smug, in the midst of that kiss. The light scrape of stubble against his skin, as Ardyn presses into it just a moment later.
There’s nothing gentle about the way Ardyn kisses another, not any longer. It flirts on the edge of being forceful, and it lacks softness and care. Instead, it is a hungry thing; eager to take control. It is deep and keen and unforgiving, for kissing Ardyn is like flirting with a predator.
If this is something that X’rhun wants, despite all that he’s told him about himself, despite the darkness that thrives in his veins, then who is he to deny him? To his credit, it’s a heated, burning thing — and it’s just a kiss.]
[ His loved ones look a him like he's a ghost. Especially Alisaie, who was with him for his final, withering breaths. She thought his return to be a dream, and honestly? So did he.
This, however... This is heat and hunger, and a searing edge that sets his heart hammering in his chest. It sends fire through his veins, the very opposite of the slow and painful venom that put an end to his life. For the first time since awakening back on the station, he feels well and truly alive again.
For Ardyn, it may be just a kiss, and that's fine. For X'rhun, it's an affirmation he didn't even know he needed, and he leans into it fully. His free hand fists in the fabric of Ardyn's coat, clinging tight to the lapel like he doesn't want this to end. ]
[Ardyn is fine with stepping over this line, waltzing past this threshold. Long has it been crossed, beyond just the day of the winter gala. Ardyn took the time to heal his friend, after all, and that was more affecting to him than any kiss that might be urged his way — even if the other’s hands are curling into the lapel of his coat, keeping him steady, returning his sentiment with equal heat. A kiss is easy. A kiss is just a bit of fun.
Ardyn drops his hand that had settled just under X’rhun’s chin, to let it fall to his shoulder. His fingers press into the fabric of his clothing, eager. A hum of satisfaction rumbles from the back of his throat, the curl of his smile never having left. Eventually he has to pull away so that they might breathe, but Ardyn makes certain to bite playfully at the miqo'te’s lower lip before he does.]
Bold, indeed. Now you must deal with the consequences, as I warned you prior.
[ All too soon, it feels like it's over. Ardyn is pulling away, though the way his teeth catch his lower lip pulls a noise from him, something that shares a distant relative with a growl. He surges forward, oh so slightly, as if to chase him, to reclaim his lips, but thinks better of it for now. It would be unwise to push his luck.
It takes him a moment to gather himself, eyes locked on Ardyn's. His hands remain tangled in Ardyn's coat, and the fabric of the scarf at his neck. ]
[It’s impossible to miss that little growl, the way X’rhun nearly leans forward to chase his lips. It is noted quite poignantly in his mind for now, perhaps to be utilized more fully at a later date. Wouldn’t that be fun.]
You’ve left open a window of opportunity. An invitation for me to indulge myself in when I please. My lips might meet yours again, more than once, here in the future.
[He raises then curls his hands around X’rhun’s wrists, not forcefully, but rather appraisingly feeling the touch of his skin against his fingertips.]
Maybe more than that, since this appeared to be so pleasurable to you. If that sounds to your liking.
[Sometimes physical touch is not something that Ardyn desires. Most of the time, it isn’t; a disconnect from others around him, living in his own space, his own thoughts, is how he often thrives. Solitary, his time belonging to only him.
But there are instances in which this does not apply, in which he is frustrated and hungry and wishes to exert control over someone else in a way that transcends just tugging them along with words. This part, he keeps to himself at a simmering boil, often until it recedes. This part is rarely indulged in intimately, instead usually finding outlets in cruelty, in violence, in words that cut one in half.
X’rhun hopefully knows what he’s in for (he might not), then, if he answers favorably.]
[ X'rhun gets the sense that in this situation, he is, rather ironically, the mouse while Ardyn is the cat that he has unwittingly invited in. ]
That is how this game is to be, then? I kiss you, and now I get to be your plaything?
[ He's not offended by the notion, exactly, but he is quite aware that he's just been invited to walk a dangerous line with a dangerous man. By that same token, the idea is not without appeal, he has to admit. Some would tell X'rhun he cares too much about others and not nearly enough about himself, and that would be true, so the offer of indulgence has him intrigued.
Besides, if this is to be an outlet of sorts for the both of them, he can think of much worse things that Ardyn could be doing to occupy his time.
He flexes his fingers against the fabric of Ardyn's clothes, his white-knuckled grip from earlier abandoned to instead rest his palms flat against Ardyn's chest.
Be careful most certainly not mean this, and yet... ]
So long as this little agreement remains between the two of us, it would be quite to my liking.
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Stand here, if you will. I need some distance.
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Should I be concerned for my safety?
[That’s a joke. He’s hardly ever concerned for his safety.]
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[ It’s just an impression he gets, you know, with Ardyn being immortal and all.
X’rhun, for his part, just keeps walking. Ten yards away, twenty, twenty-five… and he stops, at last, a full thirty yards down the street from Ardyn. ]
Ready?
[ He sure hopes so because he’s going to do the thing. Much in the same way that he’s able to reach out with his magic to a target and propel himself towards it, he reaches out. There is a thin strand of light that ties his outstretched hand to Ardyn, but it’s only there for a moment before X’rhun pulls. There is a flash of yellow light at Ardyn’s feet, just enough to take him off the ground slightly and send him shooting down the street to X’rhun’s side.
They don’t collide, thankfully, though X’rhun does keep his arm up to steady his friend as his boots settle on the street again. ]
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To Ardyn's credit, he's a man who knows how to warp, so moving from Point A to Point B in a short period of time isn't what truly catches him off guard. It's the momentum forward that's jarring, the way that his body doesn't disappear and reappears where he wishes it to go. It's because he has no control over it, and this magic is not something he's used to seeing. Much less seeing it used on him.
The way he tenses is almost hilarious, but also quite telltale of a man who knows how to fight. Muscles coiling just underneath the surface, fingers twitching to summon a weapon out of habit and instinct. But because it's X'rhun, no such thing happens, only that he staggers forward a little when he suddenly stops in front him, pushed into his extended hand to steady himself.]
A little... warning would not have gone amiss.
[By the Six... there is a moment where Ardyn is trying to compose himself again, running a hand through his hair in his attempt to pull himself back together in what was a startling experience.]
I could have stabbed you. What was that?
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He breathes out a little sigh, grinning a bit. ]
It would have been worth it, seeing you flustered like that.
[ There probably aren’t many things that can take Ardyn off his guard. It seems X’rhun found one. Would that he had the thought to take a picture. ]
You’ve seen the spell I use to zip to an enemy, yes? We call that corps-a-corps. After our little… incident with the chimera, I began to wonder if I could tool something to do the opposite – pull a target to me instead of pulling myself to the target. I’d say it worked rather well.
Either that, or you’re just that attracted to me.
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[Whether or not flustered applies, now Ardyn has to deal with the buzzing thrum of adrenaline that had shot through his veins. His fingers flex, but he is well adapted to pulling himself back together in a matter of seconds — X’rhun gets to see that happen in real time, the way he straightens and then just shrugs shoulders, then makes a move to adjust a lapel of his dark coat.
The explanation makes sense, however. (A warning would not have gone amiss, as he said, but Ardyn is hypocritical on that front. He would not have warned someone, either.) But it is the last line that has Ardyn chuffing out a laugh in that low tone of his.]
And who’s the one oh-so-dramatically pulling me in their direction? If you’re looking for a reason to be close, you need only say the word. Being subtle is not your strong suit.
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[ Not entirely true, and they both know it, but his flamboyant manner of dress and even more flamboyant magic definitely lend some credence to that statement. ]
Besides, you’ve no room to talk after that stunt you pulled at the winter gala.
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No matter the reasoning, he seems increasingly amused. X’rhun, bringing the winter gala back up? That was one night difficult to forget, for a multitude of reasons.]
Now, now. If you recall, it was that rather inconspicuous plant that pressed its influence into me. Otherwise, that sort of boldness on its own crosses into the territory of impropriety. Do I seem like that kind of man to you?
[(He totally is that kind of man.)]
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[ He knows, now, why Ardyn had been so keen on avoiding the subject of his immortality, messy and dark business that it is, but surely there had been other ways to change the topic at the time. ]
So yes, I would most definitely call you that kind of man.
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You have no absolute proof of me waltzing in any direction on purpose. But even so… are you complaining? In retrospect, do you regret that I had allegedly been so forward? Dear me, do I owe you an apology?
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Come now, I didn’t complain then, and I’m not complaining now. I’m only pointing out that you’re none too subtle, yourself.
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Still, be careful with a confession like that. A man might take advantage of it.
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If he does, I shan’t complain.
[ Flirting with Ardyn is also probably not what Prompto meant by “be careful”. ]
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Too bad, though, because Ardyn can be something of a flirt when he decides to indulge himself. It runs too parallel with being a frustrating tease, which is something he enjoys just as much, if not more.
He steps forward, closer, to place a two fingers gently under X’rhun’s chin, attempting to tilt his head upwards.]
Even if he did so right now?
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X’rhun is aware that this is likely a bad idea, all things considered, but he’s been through hell and back in the space of a few days, and he’s feeling especially indulgent right now. This may well have consequences down the line, but he’ll deal with them when he gets there.
Ardyn tips his face up, and X’rhun regards him with an arched eyebrow and a slight smirk. ]
Then he ought to get to it and stop teasing.
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[Ardyn is difficult in all things. X'rhun is playing with fire, and while he doesn't mind indulging the man, flirting is still no different.]
Ask me nicely and I'll consider it.
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[ But once again, he is betrayed by his tail, waving happily behind him, and the grin on his face. ]
What sort of man would it make me, I wonder, were I to simply take the initiative instead?
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The sort that sees something he likes, and boldly takes it, no matter the consequences.
[Ardyn's expression has barely changed, his eyes inviting.]
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But more than any of that, and this may be the real tipping point, is for once, he doesn't wish to care. In the wake of having literally sacrificed himself, he wants to be terribly, horribly selfish. No matter the consequences.
In a familiar move, his fingers find the fabric of Ardyn's scarf, whichever one he happens to be wearing today, and tugs him down as X'rhun himself arches up on his toes to meet his lips with his own. ]
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There’s nothing gentle about the way Ardyn kisses another, not any longer. It flirts on the edge of being forceful, and it lacks softness and care. Instead, it is a hungry thing; eager to take control. It is deep and keen and unforgiving, for kissing Ardyn is like flirting with a predator.
If this is something that X’rhun wants, despite all that he’s told him about himself, despite the darkness that thrives in his veins, then who is he to deny him? To his credit, it’s a heated, burning thing — and it’s just a kiss.]
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This, however... This is heat and hunger, and a searing edge that sets his heart hammering in his chest. It sends fire through his veins, the very opposite of the slow and painful venom that put an end to his life. For the first time since awakening back on the station, he feels well and truly alive again.
For Ardyn, it may be just a kiss, and that's fine. For X'rhun, it's an affirmation he didn't even know he needed, and he leans into it fully. His free hand fists in the fabric of Ardyn's coat, clinging tight to the lapel like he doesn't want this to end. ]
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Ardyn drops his hand that had settled just under X’rhun’s chin, to let it fall to his shoulder. His fingers press into the fabric of his clothing, eager. A hum of satisfaction rumbles from the back of his throat, the curl of his smile never having left. Eventually he has to pull away so that they might breathe, but Ardyn makes certain to bite playfully at the miqo'te’s lower lip before he does.]
Bold, indeed. Now you must deal with the consequences, as I warned you prior.
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It takes him a moment to gather himself, eyes locked on Ardyn's. His hands remain tangled in Ardyn's coat, and the fabric of the scarf at his neck. ]
And what might those be?
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You’ve left open a window of opportunity. An invitation for me to indulge myself in when I please. My lips might meet yours again, more than once, here in the future.
[He raises then curls his hands around X’rhun’s wrists, not forcefully, but rather appraisingly feeling the touch of his skin against his fingertips.]
Maybe more than that, since this appeared to be so pleasurable to you. If that sounds to your liking.
[Sometimes physical touch is not something that Ardyn desires. Most of the time, it isn’t; a disconnect from others around him, living in his own space, his own thoughts, is how he often thrives. Solitary, his time belonging to only him.
But there are instances in which this does not apply, in which he is frustrated and hungry and wishes to exert control over someone else in a way that transcends just tugging them along with words. This part, he keeps to himself at a simmering boil, often until it recedes. This part is rarely indulged in intimately, instead usually finding outlets in cruelty, in violence, in words that cut one in half.
X’rhun hopefully knows what he’s in for (he might not), then, if he answers favorably.]
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That is how this game is to be, then? I kiss you, and now I get to be your plaything?
[ He's not offended by the notion, exactly, but he is quite aware that he's just been invited to walk a dangerous line with a dangerous man. By that same token, the idea is not without appeal, he has to admit. Some would tell X'rhun he cares too much about others and not nearly enough about himself, and that would be true, so the offer of indulgence has him intrigued.
Besides, if this is to be an outlet of sorts for the both of them, he can think of much worse things that Ardyn could be doing to occupy his time.
He flexes his fingers against the fabric of Ardyn's clothes, his white-knuckled grip from earlier abandoned to instead rest his palms flat against Ardyn's chest.
Be careful most certainly not mean this, and yet... ]
So long as this little agreement remains between the two of us, it would be quite to my liking.
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