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[bajamutblast]

I won't make this prettier what are you talking about.

Notes:

- Gigaflare (March) = 3x Remaining

Comments

the day after meeting at the bar

[kingincognito]

[ The invitation to come by the clinic had only been made yesterday, but Joshua finds himself eager to see Dion again anyway. Whether that be out of concern for the other man - he'd been through quite a lot back at home, and now this - or because he's indeed taking Clive's suggestion to catch up to heart, he isn't entirely settled just yet. Perhaps a combination of both things.

Tea can easily be found in the kitchens, but considering the inn rooms have their own small kitchen areas, Joshua has gone ahead and selected a small tin of it to bring along with him. Coming to a new world like this is stressful enough, and a good cup of tea is just the thing to help.

He's figured out which room belongs to Dion, and he politely knocks on the door, waiting with his hands folded behind his back, only partially to obscure his gift. Hopefully, Dion is actually in. ]

[bajamutblast]

[Presently, Dion is polishing his lance. This isn't innuendo, he is currently half-bent over the thing, working at it with a towel. This is not making anything better but it is what it is.

It is a touch surprising that someone has found their way to Dion's quarters. He hasn't made an effort to tell anyone where he is, and he's been very careful to ensure that he hasn't been followed at any point. Nevertheless, as he sets the towel to the side and stands up, he makes sure he has his lance at the ready. It'll be the first thing Joshua sees as he opens the door and - ]

Ah. I was not aware you knew where I was staying.

[The inn is big and full of rooms, after all. But anyway, he's quickly leaning his spear up against the wall nearby with one hand, while motioning Joshua in with the other.]

I would apologize for having no refreshments to offer but. [A nod to the tin within his hands.] It seems you have already seen to that.

[kingincognito]

[ Oh. That is certainly a lance greeting him as the door opens. Joshua's eyebrows raise, and his eyes widen just a little. But it's understandable - Clive had taken control of opening the door for at least the first week, and had even pushed furniture in front of the window for a while. It makes sense that they all would be on edge so shortly after arriving.

As it lowers back and disappears, he simply smiles, relaxing his shoulders. ]

I am quite good at figuring things out, unfortunately.

[ But Dion doesn't seem to be opposed to his visit, at least. He steps inside as he's invited in, setting the tin of tea on the table as he goes. It's... so strange, seeing a freshly occupied room. Even in the two months he and Clive have been here, they have accumulated some things.]

It is a blend of tea that I found down in the kitchens. I've become rather fond of it. I can make some for us, if you're amenable?

[bajamutblast]

[That Joshua doesn't startle terribly at the lances prsence is relieving, to say the least. The last thing Dion wanted to do was offend him, or put him off. Saint that he is, though, the Phoenix doesn't even bring it up.]

That you are, Phoenix. We would not have been nearly as well-equipped back home if not for your knowledge.

[It isn't just that Dion is new to this room that keeps it sterile. He's used to rarely having his own quarters. An army tent filled with his armor and a place to sleep far more familiar to him. Perhaps he might have set up as such, if not for the presence of the Brand on his arrival.

His room isn't entirely without its touches, though. The bathroom, for example, has three poultices laid out, and a nearly used roll of bandages. And of course, there is the half wilted Wyvern Tail placed in a coffee mug, sitting on the kitchnette counter.

Said flower is spotted and wordlessly moved to the bedside table, making room for Joshua to work.]

By all means. Make yourself comfortable.

[Dion gives him a nod before... taking a step back. He feels a little stiff and unsure. Being in Joshua's presence is one thing, but in such a small, intimate setting? Something about it makes his head threaten to spin.]

[kingincognito]

[ He understands! And he trusts Dion not to use it against him. It's as simple as that, really. ]

Books tend to be your friend when you spend a large amount of your time indoors. I've a thirst for it.

[ Both during his childhood spent inside while suffering from frequent illnesses, and those three years he spent recovering from the five-year coma that he'd been knocked into by Ifrit at Phoenix Gate. But! He doesn't need to burden Dion with all of that, so he says nothing.

As he moves to the kitchenette, he does take note of some things. The poultices in the bathroom - three, he mentally notes, and a roll of bandages that will surely be used up by week's end, if not sooner. The fact that Dion is injured to the point of needing a new roll... He will bring one by, if Dion doesn't visit him at the clinic first.

The Wyvern Tail in the mug, which is being moved out of the way. Joshua's head tilts curiously at it as Dion gets it out of his way. Surely not the one he'd offered at the tent that day... But it is wilted.

He doesn't judge Dion's need to hang on to it, though. Wilted or no, it is... a reminder, he supposes. And it isn't as though they can easily find new ones, should he want one. He takes the kettle, filling it with water, unaware of Dion's stiffness behind his back. ]

How are you settling in? Is anything troubling you?

[ In terms of adjusting, of course. It's mostly like home, but just the virtue of it being different is enough to throw things off for some. ]

a day or two after joshua

[aneikonic]

[ And Clive visits Dion after his brother does, after a day or two, to let the other settle in more. It gives Clive time to decide on his course of action(s), before seeking the other out.

The knock on Dion's door is most definitely not Joshua's, there's no way Clive can mask how heavy he knocks. Not while gauntlets cling to your arms and you're jacked.

But at least it's gentle by his normal standard, and he speaks up as he does. ]

It's Clive.

[bajamutblast]

[Though the clamor at the door does serve to startle Dion from whatever peace he's cobbled out for himself, Clive at least has the decency to answer the door. That means he's spared from the greeting that Joshua had experienced — no lances to threaten him with here.

The door swings open, and Dion regards the man silently. His presence isn't unwelcome, the former prince just isn't sure what the visit could be about.]

Is something amiss?

[aneikonic]

[ A quick check. Up. Down. No worse for wear. Joshua tattled about the curse, sorry Dion, but that makes Clive more willing to try his idea. ]

Not really. Just a few questions.

[ He doesn't bother coming in though, he's not going to intrude on the mans personal space. ]

How bad has the curse progressed, and would you like to try something to reverse it?

[ A pause, then. ]

And would you like to spar if your injuries are up for it.

[ ... Listen, he's always wondered about Dion's skills. ]

[bajamutblast]

[Clive might not bother, but Dion offers it all the same. He steps out of the entryway, motioning with his head toward the chairs situated at a little table inside. It's far from the glamorous parlor of his home, but Dion doubts Clive will mind.]

I see there are no secrets between brothers. [There's a mild note of exasperation in his voice, but also a strange hint of amusement too. It was foolish to expect privacy between the two of them.] Not terribly far. I still have full range of motion in my arm, which is more than I can ask for.

[The second question does give Dion pause. After seating himself, he turns his gaze fully to Clive.]

You know how to reverse it? [His brow furrows as he glances toward Clive's stone hand. But then... that was different, was it not? Joshua had explained that this world had exacted a toll.]

As for your request for a spar, I will have to decline for the time being. I suspect my healer would be cross should he find out I was straining myself. The last thing I want is to encourage him to strain himself, when I know his brother would have my head for it.

[aneikonic]

[ Clive hesitates then steps in with a soft thank you, and indeed, he doesn't care about the lack of decorations. He moves to a chair and sits, and unlike Joshua, he doesn't tuck himself in neatly. The man sprawls, arms folded lightly across his chest, relaxed but guarded as always. Plus it's just comfortable. He gives the Dragoon a lopsided smirk at Dion's exasperation but he doesn't offer an apology.

Good, the curse is just started. He nods to the reversal, pausing, then reaching to undo his glove from his hand, pulling the leather free of the stiff fingers. The spot where stone and flesh meet at his wrist aches as always but nothing worse for wear.

And he arches an eyebrow to My Healer. WELL.

Clive doesn't grin but his eyes crinkle a little and there's a slight sparkle in them. ]

Don't worry, it's not your head I would be going for. He knows better. Another time then. As for your question? Yes. The only reason I didn't suffer a second death here is because we found a way to reverse it. At least, we believe so.

[ He props his arm up behind him on the chair, frowning. Might as well give Dion the full explanation. ]

Immunity to the curse is something that was built into me, due to being Ultima's vessel. Yet as punishment for going against the beast here, I was given the curse. It advances unpredictably on my use of magic, and the last time, it nearly took my life. My brother and a friend of ours who specializes in aetheric healing, managed to reverse it. The death curse remains, but-

[ He draws a line along his jaw and throat, then down his arm to his wrist. Indicating he would have suffocated and his entire head might have petrified had they not done so. ]

We're also working on my brothers, using my aether to replace what Joshua has lost. It's far more delicate, as his is internal, but so long as yours isn't, I suspect we can do the same for you as we did me. It's... not pleasant, but it works.

sometime after pv's sleepover

[kingincognito]

[ Dion's courting gift had been something incredibly special. Not only made of a piece of his armor, but designed specifically to aid Joshua in case of an emergency. An impossibly kind gesture, considering that his own magic is difficult for him to use without incurring further damage to his body. And it's a kindness that Joshua intends to repay.

He'd given Dion one of his feathers, of course. Not the magic sort, like Clive keeps on his person, but the physical sort. A feather from his wings, tucked behind Dion's ear, a temporary token until he was able to get something more permanent. Feathers are fragile things, after all. And, not long after their evening spent resting peacefully beneath Pure Vanilla's protection, he gets notice that this more permanent token is ready to be picked up.

Now that he has it, the soft little bundle sits folded in his hands behind his back, its weight both a comfort and a source of nervous energy, though he knows he has no need to be nervous. It isn't as if Dion's mind will change when he receives it, after all, but all the same...

No. Perhaps it is a good sort of nervousness. Anticipation to see the gift so warmly received.

Before he can turn himself away from the door with his own jitters, Joshua lifts a hand, knocking lightly on the wood and then quickly returning it to fold behind his back. ]

[bajamutblast]

[Thanks to his recent spar with Razlo, Dion has been significantly more motivated to put in the work with his rehabilitation. Today's attempt is a number of push-ups and sit-ups. He's honestly lost count of the number, but it's enough for him to have worked up a sweat. At some point, his shirt had been discarded onto his bed, while the feather he's made a point of wearing is currently set upon the bedside table.

Unfortunately for him, and likely for Joshua, he forgets at least one of these facts as he makes for the door. He opens it, spots Joshua and offers a wide smile.]

I was not aware my healer was making house calls now. To what do I owe the pleasure, my dear?

[kingincognito]

[ --oh. Oh, Founder, he hadn't expected Dion to be shirtless, let alone shirtless and sweating. He's seen plenty of people without shirts on, of course, but it's hardly the same when the object of your affections is standing before you in such a state.

His ears flush, the warmth bleeding into his cheeks as he lifts a hand to his lips. Flames take him-- ]

O-oh. My apologies, Dion-- I did not mean to interrupt you.

[ He isn't acting feverish, so that rules out any immediate concerns, leaving the path wide open for... everything else. ]

If you are busy, I don't mind coming back later.

[ Or staying until Dion is finished. He would not mind that, either, and Founder, but that feels inappropriate. ]

[bajamutblast]

[Joshua's reaction is so sudden and so vivid that Dion finds himself immediately concerned. He starts to reach out, only to catch sight of his bare arm and realize what exactly seems to be the issue.]

Great Greagor I - just a moment, my apologies.

[He has the decency not to slam the door in Joshua's face, but he does quickly leap back and make for the shirt on his bed. He stumbles once along the way, tripping over his feet like a clumsy schoolboy. The shirt, still unbuttoned, is thrown on. His fingers fuss with the clasps as he turns back.]

Please, come in. I can be finished. [He shakes his head.] I hope you will forgive me for such a brazen display. My head was clouded and -

thread continuation

[kingincognito]

[ continuing from here! ]

[ And as Dion carries him up those stairs, Joshua... doesn't do a damn thing, because honestly, the fact that Dion couldn't help but lift him like a sack of potatoes is so charming that he's left unable to protest. And besides, he knows that he's fairly light in terms of grown adults, but the fact that Dion can carry him this long without an ounce of complaint...

He sighs softly, fondly, bordering on a laugh, and lets Dion do as he will, the entire way up. Even if his hand is on the back of his thigh. It's fine - it's only there for support.

Going to Dion's apartment is no real surprise. When one is on auto pilot, he tends to go toward his own space. But it gives him a chance to see the apartment that's been decorated per Dion's tastes, and that in itself is exciting. As he's allowed to slide down to the floor, Joshua lets his hands move to Dion's shoulders for support, then to his upper arms, and finally to rest on his hips once his feet are finally flat on the floor. ]

I'm just fine. This, too, is fine.

[ Frankly, he could do with a bit more of that passionate kissing. He's been thinking about it, about how difficult it was to stop. But maybe... Maybe he can indulge himself this time. Just a little. ]

What would you have us do, Your Highness?

[bajamutblast]

[What a loaded question that is. There is much that crosses Dion's mind, and many of the thoughts would be considered a sin by Greagor herself. For once, he doesn't shy away from them. He knows himself, just as he knows that Joshua is all that he wants in this moment.

Provided, of course, Joshua would have him.]

I - admit that I am questioning my desire to resist you. [He leans in, nosing along Joshua's jaw. Even the scent of his soap threatens to dizzy Dion.] You have only ever been good to me. You know my heart, better than even myself. So perhaps you know as well as I, how it sings in this moment.

I feel... alive. And I wish to share that feeling with you.

[kingincognito]

[ Oh. That's new. Joshua breathes in softly at the gentle touch to his jaw, tilting his head so that Dion has space to move freely. It feels... nice, as innocent as it is, and it makes his feathers ruffle just slightly. ]

I have some vague idea of it, I think.

[ There's a smile in his voice, soft as it is. What was it about the motorcycle ride that had knocked down the barriers they had been trying so hard to maintain all this time? Not that he minds, of course. Not when it feels like this. ]

I... would like that. My heart is full, near to overflowing. It would spill for you, if you wish it.

[bajamutblast]

[On one hand, it's adrenaline. It's has thoroughly knocked down any inhibitions Dion might have had, leaving him dizzied and near maddened. But on the other...]

Then let it spill, though I doubt anything that flows forth may surprise me. [He nuzzles behind Joshua's ear, voice low.] Never have I moved so in lockstep with someone. How could I ever doubt our bond, when you know my intentions even as I decide upon them.

[All that is to say, any lingering doubt had been wordlessly eased by Joshua's. Silly, perhaps, and even verging on the idealistic. But they were Dion's honest feelings. His heart, at the very least, had accepted what his mind could not. He loved Joshua, and hardly needed to fear what any level of intimacy might introduce between the two of them.

They would move through whatever came next together, knowing that they could rely on one another.]

shortly after speaking to luca

[kingincognito]

[ It isn't often that Joshua feels as though he's outside of his own body. Only a time or two during his life, all told, and those experiences were not so pleasant. But he's certainly feeling it now, as he rushes across the Grove, following the aether of Bahamut that so clearly rings out from Dion. The only other Eikon that he can sense in full, now.

His head feels light, almost feverish, but he presses on. His hands are still clenched into fists, and there's an ache blooming in his chest, but he can't stop.

Seeing Dion coming back from where the flowers had been planted makes him exhale in relief, a shaky and audible breath, and his feet pick up the pace, nearly running until he's close enough to speak. And when he does, the first thing to pass his lips is: ]

Have you seen Clive?

[bajamutblast]

[Before Joshua even reaches him, Dion knows something is wrong. He wouldn't rush so urgently if something weren't on his mind. It's confirmed at the sound of those breaths, and though Dion lets himself believe that it's simply the result of a bad dream, his suspicions linger.

Nevertheless, the moment they are within reach of each other, Dion reaches out to pull him into those arms. He holds Joshua close, even as his blood turns to ice at those words. He steps back, but doesn't let go, shifting instead to grip his shoulders.]

I have not. Did something happen?

[kingincognito]

[ Oh, Founder, but that does so much to ground him. The closeness, the grip, the tangible presence of another person. He lets himself sink into Dion, breathing in deeply, enveloping himself in the other and letting his hands grip at the back of Dion's shirt. Joshua's breaths are shaky and ragged at first, but the more of them he takes, the smoother they become.

When he feels he can finally answer, he doesn't bother to pull back. ]

Clive is missing. I cannot sense Ifrit's aether when I look for it.

[ His fingers dig tighter into the fabric for a moment, muscles tensing. ]

Either he's in the forest and my sense is being cut off, or...

[bajamutblast]

[Between the shake of that breath and the words he utters, it isn't hard to figure out what Joshua's "or" happens to be. It's a good thing he doesn't try to pull back, because Dion would simply drag him in once more.

His chest feels icy, and aches with the chill of it all. He can't tell if it's his own loss, or Joshua's that strikes him so deeply. Either way, he hurts.]

He would not enter the forest without telling you.

[He knows that's not a comfort, so he squeezes Joshua anew.]

sometime in early may

[kingincognito]

[ Though the house hasn't been there for long, the onslaught of mushrooms around the Grove has Joshua concerned. It's in good shape, of course, but with how prolific the fungi seem to be, he doesn't want to take any chances of them latching on to the house and eating away at it.

And two sets of eyes are better than one. So, he devises a plan - not difficult to do, it's a simple matter - and then tracks down Dion, wherever it is in the house he might be. ]

Dion. Are you busy? If not, I'd like your help with something.

[bajamutblast]

[Dion is never terribly far, especially now. Presently he finds himself tucked in the dining room, working on sketching out a map of the village. Already, he has a number of small marks on the page. Looks like Joshua isn't the only one concerned about the mushrooms -- Dion seems to be trying to find a pattern in where they've popped up.

Not that it keeps him terribly busy. The second Joshua calls for him, Dion perks up. He's on his feet in seconds and at Joshua's side.]

What do you need? [He's already looking to the door, ready to move.]

[kingincognito]

[ Ah, a map. Very useful, in fact. Joshua recognizes what it is as soon as he sees it, a smile pulling at his lips. It seems as though their current projects will overlap nicely.

His smile broadens as Dion gets to his feet, and Joshua only barely resists the brief urge to lean into him as his boyfriend comes to his side. Recent habit is hard to break. ]

I'd like to start doing daily inspections of the house, to ensure that mushrooms aren't taking root. Dangerous as they seem to be to us, they could also pose a risk to the structure of the house. And two pairs of eyes are far better than one. Care to join me?