RP Log [complete]

[soulxcrush.livejournal.com]

When; November 29th (evening)
Rating; PG
Characters; Luke fon Fabre (soulxcrush) & Guy Cecil (shakunage)
Summary; After several long days in the City Guy and Luke get some rest. Together.
Note; We logged this before we knew about the earthquake so uh it's not mentioned in the log >.>
Log;

It was growing dark in the City. The sun that glowed during the day set behind the wall of buildings the surrounded everything. Beyond that the forest and the ocean were dark and dim. The city center though was alight with…everything. The carousel that was always turning shimmered brightly, shooting wispy rainbow prisms about and the fountain was ghostly illuminated.

Luke rubbed his eyes a little, tired despite his will. In the past months he’d become accustomed to traveling great distances but still somehow this city was draining. Maybe it was everything that happened or maybe it was the hint of anxiety that the city brought out in him. It looked lively, colourful, almost magical like some of the ruins in Auldrant but he wasn’t comfortable here. The things he’d learned about the city were not reassuring from curses to old women who dealt in memories. He looked ahead of him, watching Guy’s back. They both kept their smiles on mostly and it wasn’t like he was faking it but he knew that the same anxiety and weariness pulled at Guy too.

The sun's descent gave birth to the city's nightwalkers, drunk off of the dark city's sugary intoxication. Azure eyes studying his latest project or rather his latest victim. Guy was certainly puzzled about how the city functioned without the use of fontechnology so he decided to take a part one of the machines that came with their place. It was called a microwave, or at least that's what the text on the instrument read. The poor thing lay open and fully exposed to the Malkuth noble who if it wasn't for a dull pain in his back would have taken the machine apart far more quickly and with even more zealous.

Taking frequent breaks to readjust his back, twisting his mid section, and to simply run a few fingers down the length of his back, Guy continued to tinker with the machine exploring all the parts. Some of them were completely foreign to him while others looked rather familiar. However during his investigation with this new technology he could feel the eyes of a certain red head watching him... more importantly his back. Knowing this gave him the greatest urge to let out a deep sigh. 'There are others things to worry about Luke...' he thought to himself, 'Like that exit we never found...'

Luke did sigh when Guy stretched again, his back popping duly. “You’ve been doing that all day,” he commented dryly. They had things to worry about like the rest of their group and how to get out of this place but Guy’s sore back was simple, regular, and technically had a very simple solution if not for the fact that the older man was so stupidly stubborn about it. Since they’d returned from their search Luke had mostly just lazed around, draped on the couch that Guy used as a bed, watching the blonde disassemble the little box from their kitchen. His legs hung a little off the armrest and his head rested at a slightly uncomfortable angle against the other side. It wasn’t terrible but sleeping on this for several nights probably put a bit of a crick in Guy’s spine.

Luke sat up abruptly, stretching largely, craning his neck this way and that to get rid of the slight stiffness that had already settled there. It was definitely silly. As if dismissing Guy he headed to the washroom, wanting to draw some hot water to ease the stiffness.

Upon hearing Luke's comment Guy put down what looked like the motor to the contraption and replied, "Really? I haven't noticed..." But he had. It really was bugging him night after night, but it wasn't a big deal. A little pain was nothing for Luke. Granted that Luke told him that it was alright for him to share the bed, or as he so delicately placed it, "sleep with me", Guy couldn't. That was something that he did when Luke was younger and when he was having a nightmare. Not now. For now... now had another meaning. As pure and innocent as Luke's command was, he could not follow it.

Though with the shuffle of footsteps that seem to make its way to the other side of their temporary housing Guy picked up the motor again. There seemed to be a warning label on it. "WARNING... radiation hazard". Staring at the warning, he thought about what it meant by 'radiation'. He had never seen this word before, or rather in the contents of something to be wary of. Fonons radiated things all of the time, but just in case something bad could come of this, Guy decided to put it back together letting a part of his mind lingered on the others, the not-so-easy-to-find exit, and Luke.

When Luke came back to their little living area, the couch, bed, and the dark box with the flickering images were all set neatly there , Guy had managed to reassemble half of that box. It was a good thing the place had come so well stocked, it had pretty much everything they could need and a few things that they didn’t know the purpose of.

The hot water sloshed restlessly as Luke tried to carefully make his way through the mess and to the bed. He set the towel and water aside, looking pointedly at Guy. “Come on,” he commanded, though Luke tried not to be as spoiled as before he still had a tendency to order people around rather than ask. There was no ill intent though and he no longer threw massive fits when people didn’t listen. “Get on the bed, Guy.” He firmly tugged his lips into a frown, knowing very well that Guy had trouble denying him when his bottom lip jouted out as it had when he’d been younger and turned wide green eyes on the older man. Actually he discovered that this subtle underhanded persuasion worked better than any fit.

A "Huh?" was Guy's immediate response for all he had heard was Luke's second statement and when he turned around he meet with a protruding bottom lip and large green eyes. Ion might have been the biggest gun to use against others, but for Guy, Luke and his pouty face was the biggest anything. Since childhood he has never been able to really withstand the demands that came with that face, and quite frankly Guy was surprised that Luke still had it in him to such a thing.

As a sort of impulse the older man stood up off the ground and made his way towards the bed regardless of the answer that was yet given. Those years of being his servant really left its impact on his behavior. It was nothing too dramatic though, Guy himself was already very obedient and quick to follow directions that were given to him. However once taking a seat on the auburn and orange blankets, he took noticed to the basin and the towel that hung out of it. "Now what else do you want me to do, my dear Master?" Guy joked while wonder what in the world was Luke planning to do with them?

Luke ignored the “Master” part for the time being instead, shifting on the bed so that there was room for Guy to lie down. “Take of your shirt and lie down,” he continued in the same slightly demanding tone though the frown had softened somewhat now that Guy was listening to him instead sitting as just a slight purse of his lips.

Luke had very rarely in his life had to do things for other people. He was Luke fon Fabre, who would dare to order him around? His own stubborn personality only made it worse. But it wasn’t because Luke was completely selfish. He remembered the time that Ion had easily stated that Luke had always been kind just not always certain of how to express it. At that time it had brought a pleased and embarrassed flush to his face and he wondered if it was true. He hoped it was or at the very least hoped he knew how to do things for people he cared about.

He played with the red bedspread a little awkwardly, not really sure how to do this. “Your back’s been bothering you, hasn’t it?” He remembered when he’d first been brought to the manor, when he’d first learned how to walk and run, often he’d overwork his new body. Maybe it was because he’d never learned to crawl, just going straight to walking and quickly to running because he was impatient by nature. It had led to various aches plaguing his bodies that would make him just sit down and sulk regardless of where he was. The maids never seemed to know how to deal with him, worrying that they’d angered the child that couldn’t remember or understand anything.

First getting on the bed and now taking off his shirt? This wasn't about to end well, but Guy reassured himself that there was nothing wrong with what he was saying. No ill intent. Perfectly innocent. Luke didn't understand these sorts of things yet. But as he was ordered, Guy took off his gloves, vest then his shirt as instructed setting them next to him on the bed before lying down. A calm expression on his face despite all of the orders that were being shot at him one after another, for Guy knew that Luke didn't mean to sound like a demanding brat, it was just the way he was. He treated everyone the same. That was why he liked about Luke. Noble or servant, you'd get the same sort of treatment even if the temperament has changed since his hair cut, it was still the same treatment.

It was his first time lying on the bed since they found the place, and Guy was pleased to find out how soft it was. If he had been more tired and not a touch concerned about what Luke was planning to do, Guy would have taken a nap right then and there. It would double for the most comfortable and perhaps restful sleep he has had in the past days, but Guy was fully conscious and sleep no where in sight especially when Luke revealed the purpose for all his demands.

"Just a little bit." Guy confessed. "But it's nothing really... I've had to deal with worse pains."

“I know,” Luke replied stubbornly. All of them had had much worse by now considering the frequency of their battles in Auldrant. But it was different, injury in battle was difficult to avoid completely especially considering the skill of their opponents, Guy’s sore back…Luke still didn’t understand why Guy was so adamnant about not sharing the bed. It was bigger than Luke’s bed at the manor even, could easily fit both of them.

“I used to get this kind of stuff all the time. When I first started to move around a lot, guess because my muscles weren’t used to it. Mother sometimes she’d make me lie down on the bed and rub my arms and legs until it was gone.” Not often. His father was eager to give his only son everything he could want save freedom from the manor and closeness with his parents. Probably because he felt there was no point in loving a child that was destined to die. Luke didn’t blame him, didn’t even notice it until recently. His mother never had the same reservations though. He missed her a bit. A lot.

A little uncertainly Luke soaked the towel in the heated water, wringing the material so that it wouldn’t drip and lay it against Guy’s lower back.

Listening to Luke recall the days when he was first brought back to the manor, Guy was almost tempted to reply with, "I know. I was the one that taught you how to walk after all..." but decided against it. Resting his head on crossed arms, he remembered when Luke was brought back from the kidnapping. The look on Luke's face. So dazed and blank. It almost made Guy forget his reason for coming to manor in the first place. Practically raising the child himself, Guy had to check many times that he could still kill them. So many times he found himself unable to, at least, without having to remind himself why he was doing this in the first place. For his family…right.

But that was in the past. This Luke, the one obsessively worried about his back, was someone he could swear his life and loyalty to. Well, he was pretty certain he could. Luke was nothing like Asch despite being his replica. Luke was Luke and Asch was Asch. That is what he told himself and Luke after Akzeriuth.

With the introduction of the warm towel on his back, Guy instantly felt the muscles in his back relax from their tight knots. It was both painful and easing. In all honesty, Guy really didn't realize how bad his back had gotten till Luke placed the towel on there. And to show his gratitude for it, he let out a soft moan.

Luke grinned widely at the sound, pleased with himself, “You’re stubborn.” He let the warmth seep into the muscles for a bit before removing the towel. The muscles of Guy’s back was tense, not to the point of spasms but definitely uncomfortable. Luke had never really taken care of someone like this before, it was different from administering gels or watching someone’s back in battle. A little clumsily he rubbed at Guy’s back with hands warm from the water, trying to remember how it felt like when his mother had done it for him.

“Is this okay?” he asked, not really sure how else to tell if the little motions were helping. Idly he thought Tear and Natalia would probably be better at this. Actually Guy himself was probably good at this. Luke was so used to being taken care of other people he felt inadequate when he had to reciprocate. At least from now on he could try to learn. Though he didn’t think he’d offer to do this for any of the girls. It didn’t seem right. And Jade…well that thought never even crossed his mind. So maybe he’d just learn how to take care of Guy like this since Guy had taken care of him for so long.

"Maybe I am... but not without a good cause." Guy replied eyes lulled into a placid state which also reflected in his tone of voice. Whatever Luke was doing it was felt somewhat awkward but nice regardless. Having his knotted muscles massaged by the very person he took care was an amusing concept. He didn't know if it told him that he was getting old or if Luke was growing up. ... Growing up sounded nicer and seem to be accurate seeing that he was fairly young. Though it was surprising to know that he had learnt this from his mother; the lady never made herself known to be so talent with her hands. Then again, Guy never really had the chance to talk to the lady of the manor all that much being the servant in all.

A lazy smile finding itself attached to Guy's face he nodded at Luke's question. The care taker being taken cared of by the child, what a foreign and unpopular concept. The combo with the bed and the relaxing massaging did however push his earlier thoughts about taking a nap. His head sunk into the foamy surface. It almost made him reconsider sharing the bed with Luke, something he knew he could no longer do.

It became easier or maybe Luke stopped thinking too hard about it, just carefully pressing against tensed muscles and rubbing in small circles until Guy gradually relaxed. Eventually to the point where Luke noticed the blond’s breaths lengthening and evening out in sleep. It had been tiring the last few days and Guy probably hadn’t been sleeping too well with his body curved like a hammock. Luke didn’t know why though, despite knowing that Guy was asleep now, he didn’t stop yet, hands rubbing over tanned skin. Maybe it was soothing for himself too, banishing the bigger worries and focusing on the expanse of Guy’s back.

Gradually his hands did slow and stop, resting lightly on Guy’s warm back. The blond had fallen asleep on top of the duvet. It wasn’t all that cold but Guy didn’t have his shirt on. Luke folded half the covers over Guy, feeling just a little weird tucking the older man in. It was actually something that Guy used to do for Luke. A futile act since inevitably Luke would kick off his covers at night. Setting the water and damp towel aside safely Luke stretched out next to Guy. He was tired too and a nap seemed so appealing especially seeing how peaceful and relaxed Guy was.

Moments pasted and time ticked by... Guy wasn't sure how much time had actually passed when he woke up, but he did realize one thing. It was nightfall outside, he was still shirtless, and there was a warm body next to him and the only 'warm body' that could have been large enough for him to feel was Luke. He must have fallen asleep while Luke was massaging him. Propping himself up on an arm, watching the rise and fall of Luke's body as he breathed. Mindlessly his other hand reached out and brushed aside some of Luke's bangs that had fallen in front of face. He looked so peaceful... so peaceful and adorable. Adorable? Maybe not in the adorable as other things, but yeah. Luke certainly did look it. This was what Guy was weary of. These... thoughts.

He watched himself reach out to touch Luke's face again and run a hand down from his cheekbone to his chin. It almost made Guy sick when he remembered there was a time that he would have taken an opportunity like this to kill him. Strangle him. Stab him. Do something horrible... but that was then and it was in the past, and now he just wanted to... What did he want? He was already the best friend for life. Was there really... something else? It was probably the parental feeling that he got from time to time. Probably.

"Well... enough of this, I think it's time for me to get reunited with the couch." Guy muttered slowly getting up as to not to disturb Luke in his slumber. Though a part of him really wanted to stay on the bed... it was so roomy and comfortable after all, a total win in comparison to the ridiculously small couch that he chose for himself to sleep on.

Luke sighed and shifted closer to Guy a slight smile tickling his lips as Guy stroked his cheek lightly. He was quite soundly asleep. Although he’d been able to sleep well on the bed it was better now than before. Maybe because of Guy, Guy was a comforting presence for Luke, had been ever since he was a child. It was a feeling that didn’t seem to fade at all as he grew up, not that it didn’t change. It had changed but maybe for the better. Less of a burden and more of a companion.

Shuffling a bit more, he seemed to be wedged in deeper than he originally thought. That or Luke had gotten far too close to him during the short moments where he was watching him. In any news, it was becoming harder for him to move without disturbing Luke in some form. Guy just hoped that Luke was sound asleep and wouldn't wake up any time soon. Then a random thought hit him, where was Mieu in all of this? Mieu could have somewhat satisfied Luke's need. Not by much but it would have been better than nothing. Like the stuffed toy he used when Luke was younger and Guy needed to get back to his own room before dawn, or before the maids came in or just anyone found out.

The slight shifts did disturb Luke’s sleep though as if a part of him knew that Guy, being the stubborn idiot that he was, was still set on the idea of sleeping on the couch. “Guy?” he asked blurrily, reaching up to rub slightly at heavylidded eyes. He gave the blond a lazy smile, “See, I don’t kick anymore.” He knew that wasn’t why Guy refused but maybe he could somehow make the blond realize how silly it was.

It wasn’t horrible pain but it was unneccessary discomfort. “And the bed is comfortable. And warm…” he murmured, trailing off slightly, maybe realizing it was really Guy that was warm though the duvet was thick and comfortable too. That however was draped over Guy. Luke was warm because he was pressed close to the cacooned blond.

Guy turned around and looked down at Luke in all his half asleep glory. It really was like back then when they were both younger. Luke making sleepy pleas for Guy to stay with him and Guy having to refuse, though also in those days he could give in easier without having to worry about anything. A soft curve to his lips he answered the drowsy redhead and placing a hand on his head, "I know... and trust me, I'm happy to know that I'm not on the ground right now."

Luke did a good job of reiterating the fact that the bed was, well, a bed and that the couch was certainly no place for a six foot grown man to be sleeping in. Removing the hand that was still on the other's head, Guy gave Luke's forehead a light kiss. It took him a few moments to realize what he had done. Where had that urge come from…? Guy didn't quite know the answer to this and sincerely hoped that Luke would not ask why he did it either for he would not be able to explain himself. "As comfortable as it is, I really have to get back to the couch, understand?"

His forehead crinkled slightly, not from the light kiss but from what Guy said. “No, I don’t understand,” he told the older man, lips pulling back into a frown though this time it wasn’t because he wanted something. Luke sat up, shifting so that he could look at Guy eye to eye. He really didn’t understand Guy’s reasoning at all, nor had Guy really tried to explain to Luke why he was so against sharing a bed. “The bed’s plenty big, I mean just now it was fine. It was nice.”

Shoulders slumping a little, confused and maybe a little bit hurt, Luke glared at his lap. “Is it that bad for you? I mean I always made you stay with me when I was younger…did you really hate it?” Maybe Guy did, back then maybe Guy even wanted to kill him. But now he thought it was different.

He chanced a look up at Guy after a moment, if Guy would at least tell him what was wrong. Luke wasn’t stupid, he didn’t need someone to constantly reassure him that, yes, they liked him, least of all Guy. Luke had absolute faith in Guy, trusted him with his life. He didn’t believe that Guy still hated him because Guy wasn’t a liar and if he did hate Luke than every moment they spent near each other Guy would be lying. “Are you angry with me?”

Taken back from Luke's remarks, Guy groped around for an answer that would work for now till he further understood everything. He really didn't know how to answer. It didn't help that Luke looked completely crushed by his actions; did sleeping on the bed really mean that much? But he was right, it was nice. Awfully nice, so nice that he didn't know what he was really thinking. "Luke...I." was all he could think to say at the moment. He really needed to explain himself didn't he?

"Maybe back then in the past, it was... harder for me to. But like it's I told you, it's all in the past now... I have no intent of doing that anymore..." the tone in his voice dropped. "...not to you at least." Too bad he couldn't say the same for Asch. There was more hostility towards him than anyone else save Duke Fabre himself. Though it was no time to think of those that seeing it wasn't the obvious source of this issue anymore. So what could it possibly be now? Guy looked at Luke and felt his own body sink a little.

Letting out a deep sigh he decided to at least reassure him that he wasn't mad. "You idiot... how can I be mad at you when you haven't done anything? You've been a great help these past few days... You helped cleared out the slugs, looked for an entrance with me and tried your hand at domestic house work. Granted the last part didn't turn out too well, but..." Guy paused. There was certainly something that needed to be said, but he didn't know what it was. So, he just allowed himself to talk. A little thinking out loud wouldn't bother Luke, right?

"I told you that you're the only Luke to me right? That no matter what I'd stand there next to you regardless of what you've done. I'm your best friend and you are mine... Guess so much has happened since the time that I was a servant and those seven years. It's just... that..." he hesitated. Was it really alright for him to say all of this? Over such a trivial matter too. "I won't leave, okay? So don't you think about leaving me either. None of that sacrificing business either. It... Who cares about Asch! I just... Don't say those kinds of things anymore, alright?"

“I know that!” Luke protested, he understood all that. When he’d heard that the first time when everyone else was so ready to leave him as hopeless Guy came back. If it weren’t for that maybe he wouldn’t have been able to change. “I’m worried. I feel like you’re not feeling well or something and not telling me,” he tried to explain. He wasn’t sure exactly what it was but Guy had been a bit weird. He didn’t notice any of this before they’d been warped away from Aulderant but ever since they arrived in the City….

A part of Luke was almost excited about hanging out with Guy like this. He had wanted to in the past but he’d been stuck in the manor and then after that they’d been thrown into something so much bigger. Sure they still had to try to find a way back but as long as it was just him and Guy and Mieu here it was a little different. However uncomfortable he felt with the City it gave him a chance to be bestfriends with Guy. Even though they both said it and knew it now they got to really just spend time together.

“And well…I don’t see how all that means we shouldn’t share a bed. You’re obviously not resting well on the couch. This time the curse was slugs but who knows what it’ll be next time. I’d worry about you in battle if you’re not in top condition,” Luke tried to reason.

Hands resting in his lap and after deeply inhaling and exhaling he was finally ready to make a bit more sense, "I feel fine Luke. There's just a lot that's been going through my mind lately. That's all." It was rather ironic though, he'd expect Luke to have all of these sorts of trouble and here he was. A mind as jumbled up as when he first woke up in St. Binah. All that was happening. All that could be happening and what needed to happen. "And before you ask, I can't explain what exactly I've been thinking about because I really don't know either."

With his ramble before everything that was being pent up finally released, he felt a little lighter. Not literally, but he stopped slouching at the very least. Raising a hand from his lap he touched the little coin on the collar he always adorned. It never occurred to him to take it off either nor did he really notice that it was there until he actually touched it. Fingering the coin a bit longer he let out a light chuckle as he remembered the first day that he had to wear the then horrid thing. All the maids laughed at him while Luke stood there proud. Guy had been so mortified that he didn't want to speak to Luke for the rest of the time he served them. It oddly reminded him of their current 'problem'. Though it really wasn't much of one.

Sighing once more, he directly at Luke and with a look of surrender he finally gave in. "Alright, alright... you win. But just remember, the moment you start kicking me is the same one that I go back to the couch. You got that?" A hand still holding onto the coin gingerly.

“O-okay,” Luke agreed, relief lighting his face a bit, “You can talk to me about it when you’re ready to.” For now his initial goal was accomplished. It was about time that Guy stopped being so silly and stubborn, trying to fit his six foot frame onto a couch that couldn’t have been more than five feet long.

Luke gave Guy a slightly awkward hug, trying to reassure whatever worries his friend had. It wasn’t that they didn’t touch, just usually not so deliberate. But giving Guy a slight squeeze Luke didn’t mind at all.

“I don’t kick!” Luke protested in after thought, indignant. “I’m not ten years-old anymore!” Rolling off the bed carelessly Luke removed his jacket and folded it, a habit he’d recently acquired, his pants and belt followed. It wasn’t that late but he was still sleepy. There wasn’t anything else to do and they could use the rest. “If I kick you…you have permission to tie me up,” he retorted firmly as he settled back in bed, under the duvet this time.

Nodding, Guy was caught a little off guard when Luke came and gave him a quick squeeze. It wasn't as bad as the kiss forehead he gave him earlier but it was certainly different. Hugs were a rare occurrence for Luke, so he felt a little even more special when he received it. With the forehead kissing and now hugging, this night could be marked as definitely eventful. And because of that, Guy was a bit relieved that Mieu was no where to be found. Somehow he felt like the little cheagle might had complex everything.

"Tie you... I think I might pass on that. Maybe I'll just move to the floor then if that's any better." Guy laughed removing his belt and setting it aside with the rest of his other clothing. Allowing Luke to dive head on first under the duvet and get comfortable, Guy soon joined him wondering if he might wake up to being treated as a body pillow.

Luke shifted to find a comfortable position to sleep, turning to lay on his side, facing Guy. With the covers pulled up to his chin and his wide grin, inadvertantly Luke made himself look younger like that, so relieved that Guy had finally relented. “I won’t kick you,” he promised one more time. He shook himself a bit so that he could get back to sleep, “Good night.”