softspokenlandlord | IC Inbox

What are you doing all the way over there?

[If Ryou's eyes are closed, or he's facing away, he might end up caught by surprise as two hands and two wings reach out to pull Ryou in. Ryou's going to end up lying on one of the wings if he doesn't fight it, and the other ends up slipping between Ryou and the blankets above. It's not fast enough to be a shock, there's no weird monster speed making this hard to fight or something that might spook, and it's gentle enough that Atem's being mindful of how bad Ryou feels physically right now, but -- the person Atem wanted to be there most has been absent for painful reasons for over a week. So as long as Ryou's up for being held, Ryou is getting held.

He usually is. So, as long as it's not so rough it hurts, Atem's not expecting to be pushed away. He'll be careful!]

[Ryou does sputter a little, because he didn't expect Atem to scoop him up like that. It's not uncomfortable, because Atem is gentle and Ryou's aware of how gentle in the way he moves, almost cradling the shade as if he might break.

...Ryou feels like if it was anyone else, he might, but instead, he finds himself wriggling closer, trying not to harm the leathery limb beneath him.]

I'm not too heavy am I?

[Look he's just worried about your wing-bones, Atem. Ryou's a little heavier than usual since he was going full-solidity. Still, the way he curls in close...it's clear that this is where he wants to be. When you feel like absolute garbage, being by someone you care about is important. Being enveloped in their wings is even better.

He considers wrapping an arm around Atem, but...instead, he brings his hand up to cup Atem's cheek. It's weird, because he's got a bat face, but Ryou likes weird. Ryou's always liked weird.

...He wants so much to kiss Atem, but they can't this way, can they? Not the way Ryou wants. Not without perhaps making it too weird for Atem. Besides which, Ryou shouldn't be doing involved activities like that right now, he still feels atrocious.]

I love you...you know that, right?

[Even if they argue...even if they don't always see eye-to-eye, he loves Atem unconditionally.]

[He gives a little headshake -- no, not too heavy at all. Especially during the fog. This form is tougher...Ryou's fine like this. Atem's eyes fall half-closed as his face is touched. The sore feelings from the fight are ebbing, scabbing over, well on its way to healing. His face presses lightly into Ryou's hand, and his voice is a low rumble.]

I know. I love you, too.

[He's got no idea how kissing would go with a horrible ear-to-ear bat-maw. Nose boops are about the best he can manage, because he's not Lila, who just fuckin goes for it. Instead, he brings their foreheads together again, getting one arm settled under Ryou's head and the other around his back.

...he really does want to do the catlike face-rub a lot when he's like this, Atem notes. He supposes there's a similar scent thing going on with bats, though his own nose isn't nearly good enough to pick it up. He could hold back, but...something in him doesn't mind being a little selfish right now. So, after a moment of forehead touch, Atem does nuzzle the side of Ryou's face with his own furry one, like an absolutely enormous cat.

He doesn't have snakes to show his feelings anymore, so...Atem has to do it himself.]

Good. You're important to me so...I'll keep saying it. Every day...

[Forehead presses are fine. Ryou's happy with that level of contact, and...after everything, he really does just want to forget their fight, the head-growing, how ill he feels--

--and the scar that itches at his neck. He knows it's there and he hates it. Ryslig has been scarring him worse and worse with every event, and to someone who is terribly self-conscious about his scars...it's hard. The extremity burn scars were difficult enough, now he has to hide something else that's in plain sight.

He doesn't want to think about it, so he nuzzles back and finally pulls his hand away, opting to finally wrap that arm around Atem and pull him in closer, if that's even possible. There's no spicy intentions, either. He just wants to be as close as possible right now.

He wants the comfort that this contact offers...and also keeping his eyes open is no longer enjoyable. He's switching to perceiving his boyfriend through touch, thanks.]

[The wings' thumb-claws find places to hook onto, and Atem settles back into a chin-tucked forehead-to-forehead rest. His upper hand comes up to stroke Ryou's hair, lightly, very gently with the claws.]

There's so much I want to tell you...but, not now. Today's for resting...

[He exhales the rest of that breath out, and his whole body sort of settles into place, becoming quite literal dead weight. He's not going to move for a good long while if he has anything to say about it -- he's not going to move away from Ryou until he's not this tired anymore.

Cares can and should wait. Sleep now.]

Mmhmm...

[Ryou exhales softly as he feels the clawed fingers in his hair. Yeah...that's nice...they can talk later. Atem's right. They have all the time in the world to talk, but for now, he can just forget about today. Sleep it off...

He's out like a light pretty quickly, curled up close and breathing softly.]

[A couple of days pass by uneventfully.

That is -- they're eventful for Atem, but in a way that's manageable.

He's in and out of the apartment, taking advantage of the fog while he can, but he's usually back before sunup, and Ryou's got an open invitation to be in Atem's room as much as he likes. As he pushes open the door, he announces his presence by immediately breaking into friendly conversation:]

Well, Black Hat and Handsome Jack didn't make the best murder themepark I've ever seen, but I'll admit it's got a sort of rustic charm.

[Honestly, they warned everyone that it was a theme park of death, which is more than Kaiba did, so aside from Javert being held captive there (not good), Atem feels fairly charitably toward it.]

I'm home!

[He drops a pile of solars on the counter, then pulls a hunk of meat out of a plastic bag -- Tybolt comes galloping up on his big doofy paws -- and starts putting it into a puzzle-toy he'd made in his trap workshop while Ryou was gone. Enrichment.

Now that the fog's just nicely cleared, it shows that, even if he hasn't rested right, Atem hasn't been starving himself, at least. Ryou may already know; offers to share kills were made. No point in wasting the souls of the people Atem's going through in order to prepare a blood supply for August and find Yugi a correct first soul-extraction victim.]

Edited 2021-10-08 03:49 (UTC)

[Ryou's days pass relatively simply as well. He did take Atem up on the advice about the clinic. Intravenous hydration was way easier than trying to drink a bunch of water, and it didn't leave him feeling so unwell. Just a little sore where the needle went in, and he's definitely felt worse.

Most of his time has been spent in the back room with the Monster World board, drawing up more concrete plans and starting to etch a top-panel with the requisite board squares so he could fabricate a prototype. It's busy work, and he really does need busy work these days. Anything to avoid going out or thinking about painful things. He hasn't done shopping for a while, and Atem had accommodated him with a souls to eat already, so he doesn't have to. That's for the best, because he can't keep wearing the scarf, it sticks out too much.

(He also hasn't been cooking or eating anything, which is usually something he does to feel like a normal person. But...he's not in the mood. And evidently his body doesn't like it, but he's dealing with that on his own. He thinks he's hidden the reflexive hunger pangs from Atem pretty well, and shades don't actually need human food, so he just needs to work through it a little while longer, then it'll get better. Right? Probably...)

When Atem arrives, Ryou's in the middle of taking a quick rest in the other monster's room. It's still much more comfortable than his own, but he's coming around! He can't invade Atem's privacy forever.

Ryou gets up out of bed, stretching for a moment before calling out:]

Oh, so that's what you were up to today? I suppose since I haven't really seen a murder themepark, I'll have to take your word for it!

[He pokes his head out of the room, smiling pleasantly.]

Welcome back. I see you've gotten Tybolt a snack.

[Ugh snack. Don't think about snacks. Noooooo.

Ryou steps out, arms crossed loosely over his abdomen. Shade arms are long arms, which is convenient, because it means he can apply subtle pressure which...makes him feel a little better.]

You didn't participate, did you? That would be reckless...

[It's in the name. Death. They don't need anymore of that.]

[Atem's noticed that there's not much in the fridge in the way of normal person food, but he hasn't thought much of it. After all, while food is fun and Atem likes it, he always feels lighter and healthier when all he eats is blood. Ryou's probably fine.]

No--

[--he says, bending down to put the big tray in front of Tybolt, who starts sniffing around at the sliding panels and levers to pull that he'll have to remember how to work in order to get the meat. Then, straightening, Atem picks up the pile of solars and taps it on the counter, straightening the bill-stack and putting it in order.]

--I won this at the blackjack table. I've still got a life left before I start to lose my memories, but that's no reason to be careless!

[He heads for his room, which means he'll pass Ryou on the way. A few feet away, he turns into a cloud of mist, one that goes up just about to Ryou's height -- and Ryou will feel a quick kiss on his cheek as it flows past him, before Atem reforms inside his own room. He's been working on that trick -- on turning only part of himself into mist, and on making only part of himself solid again. It takes a lot of concentration, but it's possible!

Anyway, what's that combination to the safe under the bed again...?]

[Correct. He's fine. He's excellent! ~~oof he's not fine he's dying~~

Ryou watches Atem set the enrichment toy down for Tybolt. He's impressed at the contraption, and he's meant to ask Atem about it because it's very clearly made with care and attention, and honestly anything that gets that lazy cat to move is impressive just on that merit.

He watches Atem straighten his money out with a bemused shake of his head. Honestly, Atem really does get rewarded for bad behavior all the time, doesn't he? He's too adept at games for his own good, does he even get how much money that is?]

I appreciate your discretion. Even if you do have one more life to lose, I'd prefer if you didn't...

[He's a little slow to turn his head--understandably, because Atem's a vampire--but that's for the best because he feels the kiss and it surprises him. Atem's doing...really good with his mist shifting.

Ryou lets out a tiny 'heh" to himself, then moves towards where Tybolt is working out how to get to the meat. He stoops down, balancing on his clawed toes and letting his hands settle on his knees. Not only is he giving Atem privacy, he gets to watch Tybolt think! And also he gets to keep his stomach grumbling to himself. Not going to bother Atem with that. This will pass. It's okay.

As Tybolt bats at one of the levers, he calls back:]

Do you have anything else to do today? Because I...wanted to ask you something. Just, uh. When you aren't busy, I mean.

[Atem has no idea how much money that is. It's all numbers, and some numbers impress the guy running the clinic, and some are enough to cover a taxi fare and a good meal and an extra set of clothes which is an absolutely reasonable amount to toss at a newcomer like it's nothing.

This amount gets put away safely, so that he can give a cut of it to the Lighthouse and another bit to the clinic and save the rest for if there's trouble. Atem's biggest expenses (phlebotomy bags) are covered already for the month!

He doesn't intend to lose his last free life to something like a murder park, though, he thinks, closing the safe back up. That life...he's saving it, for in case Yugi doesn't accept eating someone who's lost a game, or who wants their life ended. That life means another month of time to get Yugi out, a kill Yugi doesn't have to feel bad about, since it won't erase Atem, or any of his memories. No harm done.

But, now's not the time to think about that! The safe shuts again with a click, locking away winnings and worries, until it's time to take them out again.]

I'm not busy at all!

[Atem straightens up and turns around, headed back toward the kitchen, where Tybolt is hopefully licking a metal knob he needs to pull towards him to unlock a sliding panel.]

What is it?

[Gosh, he likes having Ryou around again. Ryou and the little lion they're helping to take care of...they're cute. Atem's mood is pretty good, right now -- he's in for the day, the lion's fed, Ryou's good on souls for now, Javert's been found and helped, all from the same shadow game. It's true that whatever he's about to be asked could be bad, but for the moment, Atem's calm. He'll take calm moments where he can get them, these days.]

[Ryou straightens up when he hears footsteps behind him, moving slowly so he doesn't make himself dizzy, then turns towards Atem. He's not wearing anything around his neck right now, and even though there were only two people who'd seen the awful scarring ringing his throat...he still can't help but feel self-conscious.

It shows in the way he tucks his chin down in a poor attempt to hide it, and the way his expression shifts. He's wearing the smile that's meant to cover up bad feelings, so that he looks happy when he's definitely not.]

It's just...I was wondering if you could...pick me up some extra scarves tomorrow? I can give you some money, but I'd prefer to stay here.

[He pauses for a moment, considering his next words carefully. He hates being troublesome, and asking Atem to do something for him that's out of the way. It's not very nice, is it?]

A-actually, you don't need to, that was--I don't know what I was thinking, I could just put on the purple scarf and shop for myself. Maybe find a nice sweater.

[Turtleneck. Anything to cover it up. With the cold weather rolling in, he can probably get away with it, and he looks alright in sweaters. At least he likes to think so. Long sleeves cover up everything too, so in actuality, this is a smarter move!

...He's already asked though. Atem's going to know why. Stupid, stupid Ryou.]

[...ah. So, that's bothering him. Atem can understand it; it's easy for Atem to lose track of his own scarring, because he can't see his own back or chest in a mirror, and he rarely looks at the bottoms of his feet. But it's getting to Ryou.]

Well, I don't mind at all. But I don't have to, if you've changed your mind!

[Wheels start to turn, like they always do when Atem is presented with a problem. What's the best approach?]

A scarf might come off, though...or get too warm when you go inside.

[He thinks he's got a solution. Atem knows what made him feel better, when it felt like somebody had gotten at his neck in early March...

He gestures to the buckle-collar around his neck.]

Want to borrow one of these?

[Ryou was about to agree that the scarf thing was probably more trouble than it was worth, and maybe try to gently guide this conversation in a different, less self-centered direction...but then Atem offers a different suggestion.

Ryou's gaze flicks down to the collar and. he blinks, because uhh. He's not quite...sure how to react to that, actually. He's never thought about putting a collar on, that was a thing Yugi did (and that by extension, Atem did), and maybe it looked cool and Ryou did have moments of wondering how it might feel, but...there hadn't ever been a practical usage.

He opens his mouth to opine on the whole thing and...]

...You have extras?

[That's not an opinion! That's also not a no, so...]

It'd get pretty dirty if I wore the same one every day!

[Even if he doesn't sweat anymore, being outside, wearing it around, it gets uncomfortable! Atem can feel when it's grimy. And washing it means it takes forever to dry out. Nope. He has to cycle them.

After eight months here without anyone to do it for him, Atem has finally figured out how to take care of his own dang clothes. Thank god that '80s mall popped up in April. Although, actually, working with leather straps isn't that hard when they're trap components, since he has the right tools...Atem could probably make some, if he really wanted.

But that's beside the point!

Yes. He does have extras.]

That makes sense. I just...wouldn't want to put you out over something selfish, you know? I don't really need something like that, but I don't...like what I see in the mirror.

[Ryou finds himself thankful every day that he has someone he can talk to about these kinds of things. Admitting that this scar badly affects his self-image was already hard enough, but if it's Atem...then he can do it. Anyone else and he'd have hidden it away, gone in circles trying to figure out an appropriate solution without bothering anyone else about it.

But...Atem isn't bothered, is he? He doesn't sound bothered.]

I'd try it. It doesn't bother you to wear it, right? Does it feel different?

[What if he doesn't feel comfortable? Then he's wasting Atem's time, isn't he? But it would be worse if he didn't try it. It was Atem's idea.]

Ah...reminders like that can be hard.

[He gets it.

Yeah. Okay. Time to go get the other collar. Atem heads back into his room, businesslike, talking as he goes.]

It doesn't bother me to wear it at all! Actually, it makes wearing the Millennium Puzzle a lot more comfortable...but Yugi always thought they looked cool.

[The sound of rummaging, from the bedroom--]

So, maybe this will help make it easier to face mirrors -- ah! There it is.

[Atem strolls back out with a very similar one in hand, nearly impossible to distinguish from the collar he has on. It's buckled, so he's able to casually twirl it around the forefinger it's looped around as he approaches.]

Edited 2021-10-08 18:00 (UTC)

They do look pretty cool...and I guess I never thought about the practical applications of wearing a collar to prevent chafing.

[Thinking back...the Millennium Ring was pretty heavy...but up until Battle City, it hadn't bothered him, because he wore sweaters and collared shirts. Then the Ring-Spirit had decided it was a great idea to wear it without a collared shirt on. But...long story short, the cord chafing was the least of his worries.

He waits for Atem to return, awkwardly rubbing his arm. There's a clatter as Tybolt tugs on the knob. He's trying, bless him, and Ryou thinks it's positively adorable, so he looks down at the lion cub with a bit of fondness until Atem returns, twirling the spare collar around one finger and...uhhh. His fingers curl inward, gripping at his opposite upper arm.

He's not sure why...but something about the ease in which Atem has brought the collar makes him feel...some sort of way. He's not sure what sort of way yet, and he's not even remotely interested in figuring it out at this time.

It's functional. Nothing weird about watching Atem twirl around something he's going to give Ryou to put around his neck. Nope.

...He should say something, right?]

It, uh. It really does look the same.

[Perfect. 10/10.]

Heh! There's other kinds at the mall people showed up at in April, if this style ends up feeling too heavy for you. But it should do for a trip outside.

[He says this because there's been a slight change in atmosphere; is Ryou having second thoughts about a completely ordinary fashion statement? Or is it just too much for someone who dresses in a pretty subdued way? They'd better see if he's up for wearing it out, then. Atem unfastens the buckle, pulling the leather strap free, and offers it up to Ryou.]

Try it on, see if it's comfortable.

[If Ryou's not comfortable in it, then it's no big deal, the scarf's probably going to be fine on its own. It's just less of a sure thing! There's not another option, is there? He wonders...]

[Ryou reaches for the collar, holding it daintily as if his claws might somehow damage it. This isn't his, it's...Atem's...he has to be careful.

Gently, he loops it around the scarred part of his neck, then fumbles with it a bit, trying to tighten it without seeing. He's by no means masterful about it since this is a new article of clothing that he's unfamiliar with, so it takes him a second, but he manages. The leather presses against his neck, but not uncomfortably. It's...okay. He thinks it's fine. But without a mirror, there's no way to know for sure, so he turns to Atem for an opinion.

Reflexively, he reaches a hand up and pushes aside a bit of his hair, as if it'll make it easier to see.]

H-how is it? Does it look okay?

[It's certainly covering the scar tissue pretty well! There's no ugly, lighter colored patch of skin to be seen.]

[...it wasn't weird a moment ago.

A moment ago, it was a practical solution, a borrowed accessory, a favor done for a romantic partner going through a difficult time.

Now that it's on, though...it hits Atem that that's a piece of clothing that's his, that Ryou's going to be borrowing, publicly. It feels a little bit like a class ring or a letterman jacket -- Atem remembers those from being Adam. There's definitely something romantic about it, something he likes.

He grins.]

It looks good on you!

[A playful wink.

It's a smidge off-center, though -- it's hard to get them on straight by feel if you're not used to it! So, Atem reaches up, gesturing for Ryou to lean down--]

Here. Let me see it.

[Once Ryou's neck's within easy reach, Atem will twitch the choker lightly a few degrees to the left so that the buckle's centered, a gentle correction. Something about the action puts a warm, satisfied feeling in his chest, possibly the closest Atem's felt to what it had been like to hold someone with a snake-tail since he lost the snake-tail in question. Probably just the whole seeing-someone-in-your-clothes thing.

That done, Atem takes another good look at it, now that the collar's straightened out.

With Ryou's shade-coloration, the black color isn't overpowering...this particular choker might be a bit much on a human Ryou without other clothes to offset it, but like this...]

Yes. It definitely suits you!

Edited 2021-10-09 02:45 (UTC)

[Ryou immediately smiles when he's complimented the first time and there go his ears, wiggling like they do when he's happy. Atem likes it. Atem likes him wearing the collar. Oh...but maybe it's not perfect? Not if Atem's asking to see. Ryou stoops down a little, so he's more within reach...

...and when Atem adjusts the choker, his skin tingles and his heart skips a beat. They're sharing clothing, they're so close, and Ryou feels so very warm and happy. He doesn't straighten up immediately, choosing to stay leaned down. That might be his undoing, because Atem has a clear view of the very obvious blush dusting across his cheeks.]

H...heh. I'm glad it looks okay. It feels okay too. Th-thank you, Atem. This is...better.

[Fingers reach up to touch the leather, then a thumb passes over the metal of the buckle. His eyes half-close as he thinks about how very comforting it is to be wrapped in something that belongs to his boyfriend. Secured. Protected. Good.]

[How's Atem supposed to not kiss him right now? Fingertips, no warmer than the air around them, touch the side of Ryou's jaw lightly, and a warm but brief kiss is initiated -- hopefully, shared.]

I know it's to help you, but it feels like I've just given you a class ring!

[He lets out a quiet laugh. As if there were any doubts about whether this was a steady relationship or not, before this!]

Borrow it as long as you like.

Edited 2021-10-09 03:34 (UTC)

[Oh there's absolutely no chance of Ryou stiffing Atem on a kiss. He hums against the cool lips pressed against his own, his eyes falling completely closed for it. Brief or not...he adores every kiss they share.]

Mmh. Well, I think I like it a bit better than a class ring.

[He grins a little, thoroughly pleased with this situation. He closes the distance between them once more, but uses the opportunity to kiss Atem on the forehead instead. Not that he wouldn't like an excuse to kiss him on the lips again, but Ryou is fond of Atem's whole face. Why constrain himself?]

Maybe next time you...you could put it on me.

[Spicy...?]

S-since I'm not great at it yet.

[Questionably spicy.]

[...okay, there's no reason for the idea of buckling Ryou Bakura into a collar to be doing this to him. It is just helping him, because Ryou's not used to wearing things like that, and trusts Atem to do it, and Atem likes that trust a lot, and he's got to stop thinking about that right now.

Atem's probably been drinking too much blood lately, does drinking too much blood make you sensitive to things like that? A blush is rising to his own face.]

I'll...help you with it as much as you like.

[He really doesn't mind.

Behind them, there's a clatter, as Tybolt gets part of the puzzle open, and some gross wet sounds and some snuffling as he tries to lick the meat out through the too-small gap.]

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, WhiteWizard. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 007.80.751.19 * WhiteWizard has joined 007.80.751.19 <WhiteWizard> Hello, this is Ryou Bakura! <WhiteWizard> Feel free to reach out to me if you need anything. :) <WhiteWizard>** I will get back to you as soon as possible.

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