OPEN POST 2019

[siberia]

 

1. Post here with the character you want to play with in the header or body

2. Put your prompt in the body of the comment (or leave it to me - i don't mind coming up with something!)
3. ????

4. Profit

 

 

my muselist is HERE!

HOT characters (aka characters i'm really in the mood to play!:)
     
(axel kingdom hearts also but tags won't be ready for a while yet)

 

Comments

[heartsteals]

[ Not for the first time, Lupin is thankful that the Count is sitting on such a considerable pile of money -- all the rooms in the manor are spacious and luxurious, and the baths are no different. He'd never take running water for granted - not after the way he spent his childhood, and especially not after the ordeal of dragging water back to his home from the well in Chroma. He squats down by the generously wide porcelain tub as he turns the knob with a squeak and waits for the water to warm up and fill up, thinking relieved thoughts and imagining how nice it will feel on his cold toes and tired muscles, and it's not until he's halfway out of his own mud-streaked shirt that he stops and realizes the implications of what he's doing. Or, rather, what he's inviting Cairngorm to do.

Not that he has untoward intentions; obviously, he doesn't, and didn't, and doesn't intend to, either. That particular facet of their relationship is one he's left stubbornly untouched. Too complicated, too imbalanced, too human, regardless of the body they've been put into. But even setting that aside, this would probably be the most intimate situation Cairngorm's ever been in with him. It's easy to recall how flustered they'd been back when he'd reapplied their powder, and even then, they'd stayed mostly covered and had tried their hardest not to look at him...

Considering how they've been acting, it's not out of the question they'd just agree to whatever he suggested. He knows how they are. Ugh... Maybe he's coerced them without thinking. He hears their sigh from the other room, even over the running water and the half-closed bathroom door, and runs a hand through his messy hair, biting his lip guiltily before calling out to them. ]

Cairn? [ ever the master of controlling his emotions, however, his voice is gentle rather than upset, although there is a soft undercurrent of concern. ] If you'd rather not, just say the word. I'll listen.

[unghost]

[ They're not expecting him to call out to them, as they've already accepted the situation for what it is, already started psyching themself up for going through with it. Their brows knit, now fidgeting with their half unbuttoned blouse, frown deepening. ]

Do you want me to, or not...? [ a beat. ] You're confusing me.

[ That is of course their natural reaction - to not speak of what they want themself. They respond that way without even thinking of it, doing so just out of habit. He's the one who suggested the idea, but now he's offering otherwise? It's unclear whether he's asking so for their sake or his own, but these are the kinds of situations and things they need to get used to if they're going to live in this world the way humans do - and, they really are both freezing. So they do see the pros of doing this.

They move across the room to peek their head in through the half-opened door, their nearly bare shoulder just edging into sight along with it. For a few seconds, they keep their gaze firmly pinned only on the steadily running water, before hesitantly meeting his eyes with a purse of their lips, expectant for an answer. ]

[heartsteals]

[ deflecting, like they always do... maybe one day, Lupin will be able to break them out of this habit and get them to speak their mind freely. Until then, he'll have to keep coaxing it out of them. His trained ears catch them moving closer, and when they peer around the door, he's there to meet their gaze, standing near an empty towel rack with his socks and shirt in a bundle in his hands. It is exponentially colder without his shirt on, and the tile floor is even worse on his feet, but he bears it like a champ. It's not as bad as sitting in a castle made of literal ice. ]

No, that's not it - I want to. [ hmmm. It's always rather tricky trying to guide them through these situations while avoiding imposing his own thoughts on them. He tilts his head a little, an apologetic smile curling his lips. ] I wasn't thinking about it when I said it, but this kind of thing is embarrassing for you, right? You were mortified back in Chroma that time we fell in the lake, and that was mild in comparison.

[ That was the first time Cairngorm smiled at him; of course he remembers it clearly. Back then, he'd flirted and teased them about it without a care in the world - probably because it was just him undressing, for the most part, and only partially, and he was in a blanket after, anyways. Asking them to take everything off and come sit with him feels like an entirely different beast. His bright eyes shift back to the rack in front of him as he hangs his wet clothes over it, but he continues to speak. ]

Well, as far as I'm concerned, there's nothing you need to be embarrassed about, but that's besides the point. [ a beat. Then he looks back their way, echoing the question they'd asked him a minute or so ago: ] Are you sure?

[unghost]

[ Before they can dispute it, their eyes averting at the mention of that day near the lake say everything about just how flustered they'd been. There's a knitting of their brows together, a fidget of their hand against the door as he goes on. ]

Well, if it's both of us... then it's not as bad. [ They force it out, mumbling, like reassuring themself rather than him. ] I can get over it...

[ Probably. Because they really are freezing. Focusing on the recollections they have of how pleasant it's been to have his arms around them when they're cold or uncomfortable— that sways them into following along, even when given an escape route by him. The times they've been able to feel it, it's been comforting in a way they can't describe, heart fluttering in a way they couldn't have imagined until they had a beating heart. This would be like that, wouldn't it? Just... different.

They step the rest of the way into the room, and once inside, lean on their back against the door so that it shuts behind them, like they're sealing themself into this decision. Sometimes, it's easier for Cairngorm to make decisions if they feel that after they've made it, that they can't change their mind— like it's out of their hands after it gets made. Being together like this will take some of the pressure off of being seen. Some of it. Then they'll be on equal grounds, sort of, almost, except in regards to Cairngorm's own hang-ups about their new appearance, not that they can really imagine Lupin saying anything in the realm of negative about it out loud. Maybe they shouldn't have anything to be embarrassed about. They start padding their way over to where he's hanging his clothes, though their eyes are trained on the rack rather than at his face or chest. ]

It'll be faster this way, so.

[ They leave it at that. It's just like them to go the economical route, or to at least pretend that's what they're letting chart their course. ]

[heartsteals]

[ there's no helping the ticklish feeling in his chest as they shyly approach him, looking at anything but him -- they're just cute. If he had a quid for every time he thought they were cute, he'd be able to hang up his hat on the jewel-thieving business altogether. Lupin's quite the opposite; his gaze, warm and inviting, never strays from them. As always, he has little in the way of shame. ]

Practical as always, I see. [ he sort of lifts his hand halfway like he's going to touch their cheek or pet their hair, but he decides against it when he considers how cold his fingertips probably are; it turns into a brush through his own hair, instead, unsticking some of it from his forehead. ] I was thinking more along the lines of a good long soak, myself.

[ naturally, he'll make it as long or short as Cairngorm's comfortable with - but he can't help but yearn a little now that they've made it clear (as much as they ever make anything clear) that they'll do this. It does remind him of those times back in Chroma, this situation, and the slight trepidation he's feeling over a new chance to get closer to them than before, too, ever cautious of breaking their boundaries, but unable to resist pushing them all the same. Lupin hesitates for only the barest second as he contemplates if he should help them undress (no, no, they'd probably melt straight into the floor) before turning from them with a somewhat playful smile and heading back towards the bath, pulling his belt free as he does so. ]

I'm not going to stare at you, don't worry, [ he adds, turning off the water. He's a gentleman before all else! ] Do feel free to stare at me, though. I understand.

[ he can't help himself... and maybe he's trying to lighten the mood, too. True to his word, Lupin doesn't look their way; he keeps his back facing Cairngorm as he undoes his last few buttons and slips off his pants and smallclothes with little fanfare, leaving them in a careless pile on the floor as he tentatively puts a foot in the water.

(Frankly, he has no idea if Cairngorm finds him attractive, or even has the wiring to think of people that way, but -- he likes to imagine that they do, or would if they could, if only for his ego's sake...) ]

[unghost]

Ugh. Shut up.

[ His attempt at breaking the tension works, if only because they're busy huffing and scowling at him over his teasing - they frown his way over their bare shoulder, pulling their shirt further down as they do so. They only let their eyes linger there for a few seconds (definitely not going to stare after that), before returning to stare hard at the shelf. Lupin is beautiful, in the way someone can find something strange beautiful. Beauty among gems always had to do with luster and their elegant physique, their androgyny and perfection. Lupin has none of that, but it's alright. Gems don't quite have the liveliness or warmth eyes like his have, nor a bigger frame that's better for being held tight in.

They don't mind it at all. But they won't stare.

They're quick about getting their trousers and undergarments off, too, if only because they think it will be even weirder if they lag behind him and have to finish undressing while he waits there. They keep their back facing the tub while they mess with arranging their clothes neatly on the rack, trying not to move much, like not trying to draw attention to themself. The plane of their broad shoulders seems tense, one bare leg fidgeting behind the other. ]

Am I supposed to, um... sit in front of you. Or what.

[ Do they sound curt? They're embarrassed asking such a dumb question, especially while standing here, shivering and completely bare, but they'd rather just ask it now before they turn around and walk over there. If they just hurry up with this part, the awkward part, then once they're in the water it won't be so bad. They're sure of it. ]

[heartsteals]

[ his only response to their curt reply is a light laugh while he slips into the tub. As distracted as his mind is by the concept of Cairngorm undressing a few feet away (and he is distracted, even if he's good at acting otherwise), the hot water quickly reminds him just how cold he was, and he's already sinking in up to his shoulders as he feels the circulation returning to his fingers and toes. Damn it, he should have planned this out. If he'd known ahead of time that they'd end up like this, he would have at least picked up some foaming soaps or bath salts or something to make this more luxurious. Instead, they're both cold, tired, and somewhat dirty, and the most romantic thing the bath has in it is Lupin himself, no doubt. Which, he supposes, he can work with.

He easily translates their shortness as anxiety - he's known them long enough to know when they're actually being short with him - and smiles to himself, resting his head and shoulders against the back edge of the bath. ]

There's room for you there, ma chérie. Although I'll happily move if you feel like holding me from behind. [ it's kind of a joke, but also, he will....... for a brief moment, he permits his gaze to drift to them, their stiff back in contrast to the soft curve of their hips, admiring, but only for a moment; then his eyes are on the ceiling again, and he shuts them, relaxing backwards. ]

[unghost]

[ Maybe they really are making something out of nothing. His light comment, along with the way he's totally got his eyes closed by the time they look back over their shoulder to check... perhaps it's not as big of a deal as they're feeling like it is. Not that this is scary or pressuring - only nerve-wracking in the sense that they hate to feel vulnerable or otherwise exposed. Especially when it comes to their newfound humanness. But - he seems comfortable with all this, so they should try to be, too.

With a purse of their lips, they finally turn around and make their way to the tub, hands still pressed tight against their flat chest over their heart. They only spare him another short glance before holding onto the edge of the tub for balance while they slip their toes in, unable to hide the sharp intake of breath through their nose at the difference in temperature. It's pleasant, soothing even, to their half-frozen skin, if not a little surprising. Feeling a lot of physical sensations at once, especially drastically contrasting ones, can be overstimulating they've found, at least for now while they're still adjusting to it - they at least have the mind to anticipate the feeling before going into it. Slowly, mostly because of the still strange heat from the water, they delicately sink into the space in front of him, pulling their knees up once they've settled so that the tops of them just peek out of the surface. ]

There. Happy?

[ They say, their tone not even expectant despite what they'd just asked. They're tired and cold and embarrassed, too, but the former two are outweighing the latter as it stands. The redness at the back of their ears definitely isn't just from the sudden warmth. Their muscles are sore, their toes are numb, but now that they've gotten over what they've perceived as the worst parts of this interaction, they're ready to just try to relax - as much as they can without actually leaning back into him, not wanting to move forward too many steps at once. He did say "if you feel like holding me from behind." Is that what he's going to do right now? They don't know, and they don't want to be presumptuous, so they just sit still, back straight and hands balanced in their own lap, though they do turn their face just enough to peek back him out of the corner of their eye, if only to make sure he isn't staring or doing something they otherwise won't approve of. ]

[heartsteals]

[ he waits until the water's stilled enough for them to be sitting down before he opens his eyes again, true to his gentlemanly word (mostly.) Not that it's hard; stop thinking about Cairngorm, and he starts remembering how tired he is from stalking around in the cold - were it just him in the bath, he'd probably end up taking one of his famous cat naps and wake up soggy and lukewarm an hour from now. But it's not just him, and this scenario is infinitely better. The blush creeping up their ears and neck and their rigid posture catch his eye first and foremost, and he breathes out a little fond laugh. ]

Relax. It's just me. You're all right. [ a quiet reassurance. his poor, proud rock... he can't be sure what's going through their head, but he hopes it's not purely stress. Still, Lupin won't deny that there's something particularly wonderful about still having this effect on Cairngorm from time to time, even after everything they've been through. The red cheeks, the shy looks - it makes his heart swell, and he could sweep them up into his arms right now, but he's cognizant of their unease. The water laps at the walls of the tub as he shifts slightly, quietly resting his hand on their side - a gentle, experimental touch. His fingertips are still somewhat cold, even beneath the hot water, but his broad palm is warm against them. ] How's the water? Hot enough? Too hot, maybe?

[ even if he can't imagine it being too hot, considering the frozen state his toes are in at the moment. ]

[unghost]

It's hot.

[ Is their predictable, noncommittal response. It almost comes out like a complaint, despite the fact that the warmth is a necessary salve for how freezing the both of them had been. They shift, just slightly, when they feel his hand at their waist, looking back at him one last time before returning forward, willing their shoulders to relax. It really is just Lupin, they have to remind themself. He'll understand, or try to, if they speak their mind.. ]

...It's hard, when the temperature changes a lot suddenly. [ Their sudden confession is accompanied by their hands resting on the tops of their knees, their brows knitting and their lips pursing. Like they're pouting. ] Too much at once, at least.

[ How else can they explain it to him? It's just overwhelming, or it can be, after a long day. There's never a break from it, feeling everything foreign that being human comes with, that is, and they knew it would be like that, going in. They knew it'd get exhausting from time to time. They'll be fine in a few moment's time, is all they'd wanted to get across, if they endure and get acclimated to the warmness here. It'll be more pleasant than uncomfortable, then. With a sigh, they lean their head back just enough to gently rest against him, compromising with the part of them that wants to lay back fully (their back hurts, and deep inside, they're thinking about how they haven't had any time to hold each other today) and the part of them that would rather stay where they are (it's embarrassing, and they don't want to draw any more attention to their stranger figure.) ]

Just another thing I have to get used to...

[ a tired mumble. They close their eyes, but their expression doesn't ease wholly. ]

[heartsteals]

[ "well, it's supposed to be" is on the tip of his tongue, but he swallows the words as they continue in one of their rare moments of openness - less rare than they used to be, but all the more important to hear out for that reason. And, not for the first time (and certainly not for the last), they bring up something bothering them that Lupin wouldn't even have considered, for all his powers of observation. There are countless aspects of the human experience that he simply doesn't think about because they've been constant in his life from the start. Things like eating and breathing and other biological tasks, he'd known would be hard to get used to, but things like changing temperatures and the sheer volume of new sensations they'd be dealing with at once aren't as obvious.

He frowns slightly behind them, quiet and contemplative for a moment. When Cairngorm had first voiced their desire to become human, he'd opposed it. In the end, of course, it was their choice, and he was touched by the sheer strength of their feelings for him, that they'd give up so much of themself just to be closer to him and to stay with him. Lupin enjoys the moments they can share together as humans, like this one; he's put at ease, to some degree, knowing that they won't be living an eternal life mourning him once he passes. But, just as before, the worry that they've sacrificed too much persists. Truthfully, it's a constant undercurrent in his mind; he's merely skilled at not letting it show.

But what can he say? The deed is done, and they're no longer a gem. The only cure for their human problems is time and practice. Just about the only thing Lupin can do to help is to support them. Where they hesitate, he pushes forward to meet them in the middle; the hand at their side loops around to rest on their stomach, quietly inviting them to lean into him more. He wants to hold them, too - he always does. ]

Yeah, it is, [ he replies, honest and slightly apologetic. ] It's a bit of a shock for everyone. Even me. I've just done it a thousand times, so I don't think about it anymore.

[ a beat. ]

But you've been doing a good job, you know. Amazing, actually. [ they can keep up with him when he goes out, even on a crummy day like today - that's no small feat. He gazes down at their uneasy face, eyes slimming in quiet appreciation. ] I know you'll get used to it all.

[unghost]

[ They only hesitate for a moment before leaning back more fully onto him, easing their shoulders against his chest gently. It's just nerves from doing something they've never done before with him - the two of them have always taken small steps forward, getting closer, first out of necessity and second out of their own reserved and shy personality. That's been helpful in making them trust in him and feel comfortable with him - they just need little pushes sometimes is all, and they're lucky he knows just how and just when to push. In the end, they feel comforted being pulled in like this by him, so they let him do it, giving in to the warmth securing around them. ]

Really...? [ There's doubt in their voice, because - are they doing a good job? On the daily, they're needing for him to explain things to them, help them, slow down for them. Maybe he is just saying that out of consideration for their feelings. ] I don't know...

[ If they're really honest... they're certain there are aspects about this life they will never become fully, fully accustomed to. It will take years to get used to most of it, regardless. Not seeing change for decades or even centuries makes it hard to grapple with a lot of it at once, even for an unusual gem like Cairngorm. They feel him looking down at them, so they meet his eyes, looking stressed as is typical, even beneath the remnants of their flush. ]

It doesn't feel like I'm doing a good job. [ And Cairngorm says as much honestly. They break eye contact with him, pulling their knees up more and nestling in a little closer. Maybe sometimes all they want is to be reassured and cuddled, even if they won't ask for it outright. ] Especially when your work is like that.

[ They feel like they get in the way even more when his job is the way it was today - cold and uncomfortable. ]

[heartsteals]

[ They really do always look stressed. One day, he'll ease that crease out of their brow - one day. Cairngorm's slight frame fits easily against him, as usual, and even moreso without layers of fabric in the way; they sleep in the same bed more often than not, and Lupin takes full advantage of being able to hold them close the way he couldn't in Chroma, but he's certainly never been this close. They're warm, despite the chill, and he feels it more than the hot water; the sensation of their midriff under his hand is new, too, soft skin over lean muscle. By nature, their relationship had never been very physical, though Lupin would steal kisses any chance he got - and as a result, he finds himself more distracted than he'd thought by this sudden intimacy. His heart's thrumming quick - the one thing he can't hide.

Not that it's a bad thing. Only a little cumbersome when he's trying to provide emotional support, too. He pulls his hand away, but only so that he can circle his arms around their shoulders properly, protectively, almost. And when he speaks again, it's after resting his chin against their hair, mud and rainwater be damned. ]

You are. It usually takes humans ten or twenty years to figure all of this "being human" business out, you know - you're light years ahead of the average person. [ he smiles, shifting to lay his cheek against their hair, instead. ] Although, of course, you've never been average.

[ average wouldn't hold his interest! ]

I wouldn't take you with me if I didn't think you could keep up. That'd put both of us in danger.

[ that's the truth, too. It's only recently he's started to invite them along. If anything did happen, Lupin would, naturally, break out of whatever jail he got sent to and save them, in his dashing way -- but he'd rather avoid all that trouble completely. A good thief doesn't get caught. Plus, the idea of Cairngorm being thrown in some dirty prison cell makes his blood pressure rise. ]

[unghost]

[ If there's one good change they've made after all this time, it's that when he wraps his arms around them, they don't lock up like they always used to. This is what they wanted, after all... to just relax and give into the comfort that being held like this brings. They feel more secure with his arms wound around them - they like the feeling of being surrounded, being held in, they've found, ever since their relationship with him could be more physical. They slowly meld into pliancy when he rests his head on theirs, keeping their back pressed flush against his chest. ]

If you're sure... [ Then that's all they need to hear. For now, at least. Nothing can really assuage their worry instantly, but his steadfast confidence is reassuring. ] You have to tell me if I get in your way. I'm serious.

[ That seems to be all they have to say on the matter, if their pushy tone gives him any clue. They would hate it if they made his job harder rather than easier. They're a hardworking person, and capable and smart, too, they know it, not to mention willing to push themself when it comes to this. The issue is that they're afraid that alone won't be enough to keep up. Even if they'd like to go with him, they'd take sitting alone at home before dragging him down, or worse, endangering his life...

Their hands, now warmer, reach up to where his wrists are around them, taking each gently between their delicate fingers. Not so subtly, one of their thumbs presses against the soft skin there, feeling for his pulse idly, like they're just exploring. It's so fast, is what they're thinking to themself, probably as fast as their own. Cairngorm doesn't think they'll ever stop being fascinated by this; physical signs of emotion, having an effect on him like he does on them, that is. He probably thinks it's a weird alien habit of theirs, but they don't mind if he does. ]

Are you nervous...?

[ He'd likely never admit it if he was, but the question comes out regardless, even their slight movement causing ripples in the water. ]

[heartsteals]

[ he gives an affirmative hum in response to their request. He would tell them - he respects them too much to do otherwise, despite the impression all his pampering them might give. His line of work doesn't allow for many mistakes and missteps. Lupin's no stranger to making risky decisions, but he draws the line when it comes to endangering the two of them together. But it's as they're thinking - they're smart, tough, and capable, and Lupin knows it, too. The only reason they're struggling is because they are, quite literally, in an entirely new body. As time passes, he knows they'll probably excel at whatever they apply themself to. (Or maybe he's biased...)

Their second comment, however, gives him much more pause. He's used to their interest in his heartbeat - finds it cute, even, in a strange sort of way. He's not so used to them questioning him about it directly. ]

Not -- nervous, exactly. [ the fact that he stumbles on his words even a little probably suggests otherwise. He's more nervous now that he's tasked with figuring out how to word this. ] It's more like... excited, I suppose. Anxious. Somewhere in between there. Truth be told, it's hard for me to think straight around you.

[ he can admit that much, although he's sure he's told them before. As he speaks, he tilts his head, nuzzling just barely into their hair, letting his eyes fall shut. Just as they like to be embraced, he loves to hold them. That singular day in Chroma they'd turned human, he couldn't stop himself - now they're that way all the time, and he feels like he'd be liable to snatch them up and never let go if he could get away with it. They're small and light and always have something troubling them, it seems, and Lupin always wants to wrap them up in his arms and take it all away, fill their head with thoughts of him, instead. He hugs them just a little bit tighter, laughing under his breath. ]

Hypocritical coming from the one who just told you to relax, I know.

[unghost]

...You're excited just sitting here?

[ A joke. One of their long legs stretches out, and they sigh at the now more comfortable temperature of the water. They're only joking because from the completely neutral standpoint, there's nothing exciting about sitting quietly in a tub of water while half-frozen and still somewhat muddy. They know he's making it about them, and as usual, they don't know how to parry with being thought of as someone to be nervous around, or to be excited around, even if they take it with more grace now than they have in the past.

With a hum, they move their hands to just hold his forearms gently where they're wrapped around them, looking up as if they'd be able to see his face from where he's resting on top of their head. Truth be told, they're still feeling a little nervous, too, but given some time to acclimate to the situation, they're more okay with it than they thought. Being this close is nerve-wracking, but it's also because it's him that they're able to become comfortable slowly - it feels safe when he's hugging them tight like this. He's the only one who's ever put them at ease, so why should they be nervous? ]

Am I that distracting?

[ Their tone is one that's half curious, half joking (dry delivery, as is typical.) ]

[heartsteals]

[ their deprecating joke gets a snort out of him, and one gets the impression that he's feeling mildly defensive about it, but he doesn't engage with words any further. The last thing he wants to do is start explaining how "just sitting here" with them almost in his lap and separated from him only by hot water would make him anxious; even Lupin's brazen confidence has its limits.

But that's only one facet of the situation. He's also relaxing after a long day of sneaking and subterfuge, enjoying the warmth from Cairngorm's skin seeping into his heart as much as the heat of the bath easing his tired muscles, feeling ticklishly, pleasantly aware of just how large a portion of his life he's allowed to share with them. When they start shifting under his chin, he loosens his arms around their shoulders, allowing him to lean back enough to meet their eyes. ]

You are, [ he answers simply, although something about his smile suggests he only barely held back from making a flowery comment. ] You're the most captivating person I've ever met.

[ one hand lifts to their face, wiping away a smudge of dirt on their cheek with his thumb, and he grins teasingly. ] Mud in your hair aside.

[unghost]

[ The swipe on their cheek gets them to frown indignantly, turning over to face him more directly. ]

You've got some, too. [ They huff, reaching up with their thumb and scrubbing at mud splashed across the bridge of his nose. There's a little extra pressure even, just for the teasing. Just enough to be noticeable, and not enough to be harmful. ] Probably even more than me.

[ His hair is LONGER and therefore there's more room for DIRT!! Being practical and getting huffy over being teased is the only thing they can think to do to sidestep his complimenting, even if they are keeping note of it - that's just typical for them to not acknowledge it head on. Besides, they're enjoying the regular dynamic between them offsetting the more irregular situation at hand; it feels more comfortable that way. Breaking eye contact with him, they glance at the state of his hair with a flat expression - then they just blink slowly. ]

Definitely more.

[heartsteals]

[ he lets them get their revenge, nose wrinkling and eyes pinching shut at the attack while his grin persists. ]

Always the hair with you. Is there something you're trying to tell me?

[ is there a problem with his STYLE, Cairngorm?? He can only imagine what they'd say if they saw how long his hair used to be as a teen. Still, they might have a point. Somewhat grimly, he lets go of them and touches a hand to his hair, which is cold, damp, and, as suspected, slightly gritty. Lupin sighs. ]

... They've really got to repave some of those back roads.

[ he might have been ashamed of Cairngorm having to see him looking less-than-perfect in the past, but -- well, look at the two of them now. As much as he always wants to impress them, there's something to be said for having someone who can see him when he's not a glamorous phantom thief and still want him. Then again, their relationship has always been like that, he supposes - they never got to see him in his element until recently. Maybe that's why falling in love with them was so easy. He sits up a little, knees rising up out of the water at Cairngorm's sides as he reaches past them to grab the shower head. ]

[unghost]

I'm just saying. Your hair is longer, so it's messier...

[ As of right now, that is, and - they wont' say it aloud, but it's the case for all the other times that the two of them aren't covered in mud and rainwater. It's not like they care what he chooses to do with his hair on the day-to-day side of things; they're simply stating a fact that it's messy by their standards. Someone would come at him with a comb eventually if they were back in the world of gems!!

When he sits up to get the shower head, they shift to make it easier for him, even if for a second they suspect that he might try something funny and spray them. He wouldn't do that after the day they've both had, right? Probably not. Probably. That doesn't stop them from eyeing the shower head suspiciously for a second.

They sigh, sitting up a little themself to grab at the scented soap resting in its dish adjacent to the tub, nose wrinkling. ]

Do you like lavender?

[heartsteals]

[ no appreciation for his carefully disheveled bad boy look...

also, Cairngorm is absolutely right to suspect him, because he definitely thinks about it for a second or two before deciding they'd kill him if he doused their face with it right now. Even if it's really tempting to tease them. It would be a shame for them to run off and get grouchy with him after he managed to get them in here with him. So, instead, he simply hesitates innocently for a moment before fielding their question. ]

I like every kind of flower, [ he answers simply, and it is the truth - really, scented soap still seems like a luxury to him, even all these years later, so he doesn't usually think too hard about it. ] Although I believe that one's from the Count. You don't like it?

[ NOT HIS FAULT!!

... he was intending to start washing their hair, however, even if he decided not to spray them for fun. Lupin pulls his free hand in again, resting his palm between their shoulderblades just below their neck, gently inviting them to lean forward a little. Their back is broad, strong and angular compared to the slender shapes that make up the rest of their body, he thinks. Even so, his hand looks large silhouetted against it. They're delicate - otherworldly, still, despite the human warmth he feels under his fingers now. He can so easily imagine the expanse of crystal he'd felt there once before, briefly, applying their powder. He remembers wanting to touch them like this then, too.

Lupin shakes his head faintly. ]

Here. Close your eyes - I'll handle some of that hair care you're so concerned about.

[unghost]

It's not that I don't like it.

[ They correct him, doing what he's prompting them to do and leaning forward more, even if he's clearly teasing them with the second half of what he says. ]

I was just wondering, because there's so many different kinds...

[ With that, they close their eyes, balancing the soap bar on the lip of the tub so that he can reach it himself. They do wonder what kind he likes, though a part of them guesses he probably just doesn't care about something like this - it's not like he got the luxury of picking during their stay in Chroma or during adolescence. Still, he smells good when they hold him close, so they are curious... but not enough to ask outright.

The weirdness of the situation is easily forgotten by them in the appeal of not having to do the annoying task of washing their hair with soap - something they never had to deal with for the overwhelming majority of their life. The tired part of them is thinking that, at least. Unsurprisingly, the other part of them is still feeling a little guilty over him doing so much for them all the time - though they're sure if they raise the issue he'll just say that he wants to do it, so it doesn't count. Quietly, they draw their knees in a little closer with a sigh - they're being compliant and trying to relax under his touch, deciding to make things as easy as they can for him if he's going to go out of the way. ]

[heartsteals]

[ their quick correction gives him some pause. He's quiet for a moment, apparently ruminating on the matter. ]

Roses are my favorite.

[ if he had to pick one -- he'd pick that one. It's cliche, certainly, and predictable, but Lupin is far from the type to pick out something obscure for the sake of seeming more sophisticated, especially in front of Cairngorm. While he speaks, he starts rinsing the rainwater out of their hair (gently, not mischievously, thank goodness.) ]

They're beautiful and classic, they smell nice... If I'd planned this out, I'd have put some petals in the tub, at the very least. This mud's not romantic in the least. [ Cairngorm can't see his chagrin, but they might be able to hear it in his tone with how well they know him. He never likes when things aren't perfect. The sentiment he has on his mind seems to be slightly bigger than that, though, as he continues: ] You are doing a good job, Cairn - never doubt that. Still... I'm sorry about today. It wasn't my intention to put you through the wringer like this.

[ their comment about harsh temperature changes earlier is still on his mind, about being unused to things, and the general misery of their appearance when they got back, not to mention the general discomfort around them now -- there are so many things that are second nature to him and treacherously difficult to them. Time and practice will ease them into everything, true; there are also times when they might want to step back for their own peace of mind. Lupin sets the showerhead back in its holder, his palm leaving its steadying position against them so that he can pick up the soap and work it between his hands. They don't have to endure everything with a brave face; he's not testing them. And he can make mistakes in this process, too. ]

[unghost]

[ The warmth of the water feels good running through their hair and down onto their sore muscles, so they close their eyes while he speaks, letting the process relax them more. Only his hand leaving them makes one of their eyes peek open again, looking back in question before remembering he's supposed to be washing their hair - they'd gotten used to his hand on them. ]

It's not your fault it rained. [ They muse, aloofly, hugging their arms around their knees. ] And it's something I need to deal with. I can't avoid these changes forever...

[ It's a fact of life now - having to deal with the weather and the limits of their body. More than that, trying to make things easy on themself is never the path they've taken in life. A part of them feels like they should be able to endure this all already, someway, somehow. ]

And I want to help you. I don't want to stay behind and do nothing... so I have to come. In the rain, too.

[heartsteals]

[ while Lupin is always performing the elaborate social dance of urging Cairngorm forward without putting too much pressure on them or being too lenient while letting them retain their freedom of choice, Cairngorm themself is almost always refreshingly blunt - if nothing else, Lupin is good at knowing when they're just trying to appease. They're being honest now. He slips his hands into their hair, carefully threading his fingers through the silvery strands. ]

Hah. That's my Cairngorm. Strong as steel.

[ the little laugh lingers in his voice, more fond than teasing, and he continues, massaging the soap into their hair as he speaks. As ever, he's delicate, gentle, and he strikes the balance between hard and soft in his ministrations with mysterious ease, as if his thief's dexterity somehow directly translates into touching them. ]

I suppose I just mean that it's all right if it's hard. No - I know that it is hard. And if it's ever too hard, you tell me - just like how I'll tell you if I think you're not ready yet. Does that sound like a deal?