destinystrings | Closed (Backdated)

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Who: Johnny Rayflo and Yosuke Otoha
Where: Otoha's apartment
Summary: Caring about people is hard, especially when they're stupid
Warnings: Marital spats without the marriage

[Johnny currenty had himself perched on Otoha's couch with nothing but his jeans on and the things he'd recently received laid out on the coffee table. The price for them seemed to be having the worst luck with birds imaginable (which was why his hair was still damp and he was barely dressed, a shower had definitely been called for), but it was worth it, considering.

The fortune itself was there, along side a small, black, masquerade mask and the quartz scarab Jacob had given him back in Vatheon was laying in it's new metal frame that allowed it to be turned into a necklace. He didn't know how or why these things were here, but, for now, he was left staring at them with his knees drawn up to his chest.]

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What are you, my mother?

[Or at least a stereotype of one, since he didn't really know how one acted for obvious reasons.]

I'm not going to die or fall apart. You may be a lot older than me but that doesn't mean you know how I work. I heal fast. This is just surface stuff.

And I'm supposed to be reckless. That's how I do things, you should know that by now. Sitting around just isn't my style, and I'm bored.

[His voice raised a little, heading towards the key of whine.]

[Whatever space was between them, Johnny eliminated as he glared up at the man.]

Why don't you get it?

You do fall apart, you fall apart all the time, you're putting yourself back together right now! I get that's how you're used to fighting, I get you heal faster than most humans, but you are not infallible. No one is.

What if Kazuya had done to you what he did to me, huh? It might not be as easy as others, but you can die and you're an idiot if you think otherwise!

[Otoha raised his voice, speech dropping from the politer dialect to the rougher one he'd grown up with.]

I don't care! I've died, or nearly died, before. As long as I'm protecting someone it doesn't matter. I've tried doing other shit - bars, school, whatever - it doesn't matter! All I'm good for is protecting people so why don't you let me do it?!

Even if I die protecting someone at least it's not the fucking useless death I would have had two years ago! I don't care about what happens to me! I'm just a weapon to kill and protect, it doesn't fucking matter! I -

[He fell silent, suddenly. That wasn't right. That was what his father told him - he was just a weapon, useless without a target and a handler. When he spoke again his voice was soft, rougher than before thanks to his earlier outburst.]

... Compared to you or Desco I'm useless and fragile, okay? I hate being the one protected - I'm supposed to protect people. And you don't need me and neither does she. So I'm useless, so it doesn't matter what happens.

[Johnny was silent a moment as he processed all that.

After a moment, he stepped forward again, this time to wrap his arms around the taller man's torso. He knew Otoha was likely to tense up or try and brush it off, but it felt like what he should do.

When he spoke, he was quite as well.]

That's not true, we do need you. You didn't see how she reacted when you were taken to that other place, how much you mean to her.

And I- [He broke off, trying to gather how he'd felt into words.] I don't know what I would do if you were gone. It might sound over dramatic, but it's true. You keep me grounded.

[He pulled back a bit so he could actually look at Otoha again.]

Even protectors need protecting. I know I can't stop you from fighting and I wouldn't try anyway, so I'll heal you and take care of you in the aftermath as much as I can.

But...I'm no angel. I only have one fix-all and it'd only make things worse, I can't heal everything. And the thought you might get into trouble that I can't pull you out of in time scares me more than anything I can think of.

Edited 2013-05-15 19:38 (UTC)

[He did tense up, but didn't pull away, just listened to Johnny.]

... You're right, that does sound overdramatic.

[Otoha sighed, pulling away a bit.]

I'm tougher than you give me credit for, though. And it's not like that sort of fight is gonna happen every day.

... And I've pulled through before. Granted, I could take a lot more if my yurine were here, but she's not.

[He'd spent far more time as a Karas without a city than as a Karas with one. His expression fell a bit as he reached up and clasped his amulet. It was stupid, but he had a horrible longing for Shinjuku and for his duties.]

[... He knew it was part of the contract, but it didn't stop it from being stupid as hell. And more than that, he missed being useful, missed the power he had available to wield.]

[Johnny's eyes followed Otoha's movements and stuck on the amulet.]

You're right. I doubt I've seen you at your strongest. But it's because you are human. You smell, look, and taste human, so I consider you the same level of breakable.

[He gave a rueful smirk.]

It doesn't help that you sometimes can't tell how badly you're injured without someone to tell you.

[He pauses a moment, considering.]

What exactly is she? What does she do?

... She's... the will of the city. It's hard to explain everything - I don't know all of it, but... she takes souls who know what human suffering is like and brings them back from the brink of death, binding them in a contract. In return, they get the power to protect the city and combat threats, and a lifespan as long as their duties allow.

I can't use any of my powers without her, though. So no transformations, no armor... even my sword isn't as sharp. And I wouldn't need the power that Amaterasu gave me to slow down time - I can move fast enough to do it myself.

[He's quiet for a few long moments.]

I didn't get a choice to agree or not... but I don't regret it. She saved me from death twice... and let me break out of my father's control.

[He leans forward and rests his forehead against Otoha's shoulder a moment.]

I'm glad she did. If not, you might not have shown up in the bubble.

[And then Johnny wouldn't have met him and that wasn't something he liked to think about.

Finally he pulled away and even took a (small) step back, granting Otoha a bit of his personal space back.]

Like I said, I won't stop you from fighting and I won't stop you from protecting people, but I'm not some princess that needs rescuing, I'm a knight and I can protect you too.

[His hands shot to his hips and he glared (although, it wasn't wholly convincing).]

And don't try and get out of it, either. I'm going to protect you too and I'm going to take care of you when you get hurt, so don't be a bitch about it.

[His expression softened and his hands fell.] I just can't...I can't stand by and wonder if this is the time I won't be able to save you.

You're the one person I care about protecting, though.

[He didn't know how to connect to other people. It just... didn't seem to work.]

... Look. There's not a lot I'm scared of. Losing you is one of those things. Danger, pain, monsters... none of those worry me. Just making sure that you're okay matters.

[He turned slightly, so he wasn't entirely facing Johnny.]

Mm. If I die though, it's because I wasn't strong enough. And you deserve someone strong to protect you, knight or no.

[Johnny looked away as well in an attempt to cover the fact he could feel the heat rising in his cheeks. How could someone care that much about him? It didn't make sense.]

...You don't have to worry. I'm not going anywhere.

[He looks up with a smile, though it's somewhat forced.]

Besides, how could I leave you alone? You need someone to take care of you,you're hopeless by yourself.

[The smile fell and was replaced with a slightly more pained expression. He crossed his arms, half because of his self-consciousness at all the feelings he was spilling, and half to stop himself from taking away that personal space he'd just given.]

Just...I'm really old, and I have lost a lot of people I cared about. Some were just from time, but most were from violence. Promise me I won't lose you too.

If you're ever not strong enough, call me. I guarantee we'll be strong enough together.

... I can't promise you that. Not with the kind of life, the kind of work, that I do. Sorry.

[He shook his head, leaning back against the couch.]

... I don't want to put you in a position you can't get both of us out of. It'd be easier if I just took those things on myself, because I don't want you to blame yourself.

Mmm...I see.

[Otoha had a point but, really, if he was dying and Johnny couldn't save him in any scenario, the vampire would blame himself. Not that he was going to mention that.

He leaned against the couch too and lightly nudged Otoha with his elbow.]

You're an asshole. Guess I'll just have to stick around you and make sure you don't get in over your head. Mmmm...without smothering you.

[He moved back around the couch and took the paer on the table, folding it to just show the part he wanted while he moved back to his previous position.

He looked up at the other man with his usual teasing smirk.]

What kind of partner would I be if I stuck to the backlines?

Also, here~

[He offered the paper with only the love fortune showing with a wink. The words 'Kiss me, you fool' plain as day on the paper. It was a joke, he didn't expect Otoha to do what the paper said, but it would be fun to see his face~!]

... It's different.

[Eh? He took the paper and stared down at it - what.]

... Tch.

[He threw it back at Johnny, aiming for his head.]

S... stop that.

[He was flattered (sort of), but no. He wasn't like that with anyone.]

[Johnny's smirk turned into a full and devious grin as he caught the paper and pocketed it.]

What? Such a heavy and emotional conversation is usually followed by a kiss if not some body communication!

[He got in close to Otoha again and kissed his shoulder while one of his hands reached up to thread their fingers together.]

Aaah but you're no fun. Come on, you should lay back down.

Y... yeah no.

[He hunched his shoulders a bit, twitching a little at his hand being grasped.]

Mm. I'm not tired, though.

[He didn't wanna sleep. 8(]

[Don't be a baby, Otoha.]

You don't have to sleep, just be horizontal. Will you at least lay on the couch? You've still got a lot of healing to do.

[He tugged on Otoha's hand and took a step away from the couch in an effort to get the man to move either towards the bedroom or towards the other side of the couch.

Don't make him pick you up or something.]

[Nope, forever a brat.]

Tch...

[Not moving. He bristled a bit, looking a little like a frustrated kitten.]

[Have a look of annoyance.]

Don't be so obstinate.

What would you rather do, run a marathon?

[He moves back toward him, considering his options. He could pick the other man up, but Otoha would likely fight and that wasn't the point of healing.

Then he had another idea. It was worth a shot.

He closed the rest of the distance and brought his free hand up to that fluffy hair to make it easier to lean up and kiss him.

That was his 'off switch' right?

He also took the opportunity to try and push Otoha over the back of the couch and on to it.]

Ye -

[His eyes widened as Johnny kissed him again. He flailed a little, Johnny's push sending him over the couch back and crashing onto it.]

S... stop that!

[His face was red again, and he pressed his face into the couch back, trying to hide it.]

[Johnny chuckled and took a more graceful path around to the front of the couch before settling on the floor in front of it, his back against the front so he could lean his head back against Otoha's arm.]

Why? Are you trying to tell me you don't find it nice in some way.

[He made a dramatic gasp and put a hand over his heart.]

Ah! Maybe Otoha is saving himself for the right person. How terrible of me.

[He knew that wasn't the case, Otoha had already explained...but that didn't mean he wasn't going to tease him forever.]

Rr...

[Otoha whacked Johnny in the head - not too hard, but enough that it would sting.]

Stop doing that. It's weird.

[Nope no affection he didn't feel like it was nice at all nope denying forever.]

I'm bored.

[Johnny pouted and rubbed his abused head.]

You're so meeeaan, Otoha!

[He repositioned himself so that he was on his knees and his arms were folded on the edge of the couch, which he propped his chin on.]

Poor baby.

What I do to alleviate your suffering? Other than a marathon because that's not going to happen.

I dunno.

[Maybe he should sleep. ... Welp.]

This is gonna sound stupid as hell, but. Tell me a story.

[He glanced at his friend's face almost to make sure he wasn't trying to mess with Johnny or something, but that didn't seem to be the case.

Okay then...]

Hmmm...There once was a man who ruled more countries than can be listed, but mostly presided over Athens. One day when he was returning home, a new wife and her sister in tow, he was approached by four grieving women. When he asked them what was the matter, they told him their husbands had gone to fight in the siege on Thebes and had fallen, but instead of honoring the men with burial or burning, the king of Thebes let them rot.

The king of Athens was angered by this news and decided to attack and conquer Thebes, which he did easily; he brought the men's bones home and the women were able to have proper burials for them.

While the king was out, he came upon two soldiers of Thebes who were badly injured and dying. Instead of killing them, he healed them and then threw them into an Athenian tower prison where they were to stay for years. These two men were brothers in arms and couldn't be closer, but friction came between them when they both fell in love with the Athenian queen's sister whom they could see out their window.

Now, not too long after this, a man who was friends with both the king and one of these men, came and petitioned for the man's release, which the king granted with the stipulation that the former prisoner never return to Athens on pain of death. For years, Prisoner A lived in the tower fearing prisoner B would return and steal the woman they loved away, while B was jealous that, while still captured, A could still see the fair maiden through his window while he could not.

[Yes this is a love story, Otoha, your fault for not specifying what kind of story you wanted.]

Seven years pass and, looking quite different than before, B returns to Athens to seek the woman of his heart. Meanwhile, A was finally released from the tower and the two meet in a woods, angry that the other could be after their desired prize. The two decide on a dual and begin ripping each other apart. The king of Thebes comes upon them and listens to the men's plight and nearly follows their wish that he kill them there and end their suffering, but the women of his court-including the woman at the root of this conflict-asks that the king spare them.

Once again, he does and says that there will be a tournament held for the fair maiden's hand in marriage fifty weeks from that date.

[He pauses, partly to let Otoha tell him to stop the story if he wants to, and partly just to remember exactly how the section of Chaucer's tales went.

[Otoha listens vaguely. He's not paying much attention to the details, just the general thread. It's partly because he doesn't know where Athens or Thebes are.]

[When he didn't hear any protests, he continued, finally remembering the necessary details to finish the story.]

So the king built a stadium and, along with it, three temples for three of their gods: a goddess of love, a god of war, and a goddess of chastity.

The night before the tournament is to start, the maiden visits the temple belonging to the goddess of chastity and tells her she wishes to remain a virgin and unwed for the rest of her life. The goddess tells her that it is her destiny to marry one of these two men and, accepting this, the maiden retires. Soldier A visits the goddess of love and tells her of his love for the maiden and asks for her aid in the battle so that he may win. She gives him a sign that she is on his side and, pleased with this, he also retires. Finally, B visits the god of war's temple and asks that he may have the honor of victory with this god on his side. The god gives him a hopeful sign as well and, confident he will win, goes to bed.

The next day, there is much feasting and celebrating for the bloodshed to come as both men have assembled armies to support them. After much ceremony, the battle begins and it rages on for a while, both forces matched. Eventually, B gets the upper hand on A and wins the battle, though he spares A's life. The maiden and king are overjoyed by this turn of events and begin planning the marriage immediately. However, moments later, the earth shook and a building collapsed on B whose chest was crushed. Medics try to save him, but it's a lost cause and, with his dying breath, he urges the maiden to remember his friend, A if she still chooses to marry.

All of Athens mourns, though none as much as the king, A, and the maiden. Finally, the king moves on and returns focus to his duties, but A and the maiden are unable to do the same. After years of this, the king grows impatient and berates the two on their continued mourning, claiming that death is a natural order of life and to refuse that is foolish. He demands that they cease mourning and that the maiden marry A and move on with their lives. They do as ordered and, over the years, realize the wisdom of the king's words and live to have a long and happy life together.

The end.

[... Yeah okay. That was dumb. Still, he looks a little sleepy.]

Well yeah. Everyone dies. I don't really see the point in crying over it.

[Shut up he knows he's a hypocrite. Reiji was different.]

[You are the biggest hypocrite, Otoha, but Johnny doesn't comment because it would be hypocritical to do so.]

Hnnn I see.

[He shifts and leans forward so he can kiss Otoha's forehead.]

Get some sleep.

Mm.

[He turns over a little and presses his face into the couch's back.]

[Johnny brushed some of the man's hair back and re-settled on the floor in front of the couch, settling for a nap right there.]

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