pawnstorm | in which jae-ha might become deaf [closed]

Entry tags:

in which jae-ha might become deaf [closed]

Who: Caren

flirtations
When: 8/13
Where: The music room
What: They found out they had a common interest in music, so now, lessons and jamming!
Rating: Nammah told me to give this a "

" rating but uhh.. pg-13? will update if needed.

[ The music room... is uncharacteristically empty. Perhaps it's the late time of day, but more likely, it's the fact that most Heroes were currently in Gammon. He returns, if just for a small break, finding that he needs a reprieve from the hustle and bustle. The empty atmosphere has proved strangely comforting, each sound from his erhu reverberating back with perfect and pristine clarity, unperturbed by the sound of voices or other instruments.

When his gaze wanders to the piano, his thoughts stray to Caren, as they have been, increasingly more and more. He wonders if she too, might be around. Likely not, but he finds himself pausing in his playing and calling out to Song. The fairy, who loves nothing more than to flit and dance in the air when her master plays music (one of the few times she'll openly show affection towards him), begrudgingly halts her energetic swaying and lands on his palm.

He sends her an audio message, wherever she may be. ]

Caren-chan. When are you going to make good on your promise? [ The claim that she would destroy his hearing, that is. ]

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[The halls of Glory are empty ones. It's not surprising, when so many people went to Gammon not a week ago, to see what it was like beyond the Republic of Blanc, and to get ready for the outcome of war.

Caren though, for all that she does want to explore Gammon, and indeed, has reason to, has come back for a short while. It was no more than a day trip, since there were some things she had left behind in her hastiness. Nothing vital of course, but little things. A spare change of shoes, for one. Extra colle (to be exchanged for tonne) for another.

So it is a surprise when her snake, laying on the bed, suddenly lifts his head and recites Jae-ha's message. Ah...with a pause, she directs her poor carrier to send an audio message back.]

That depends on where you are. I haven't found anything like the music room in the Halls of Glory. I'm there now, and...I suppose you could listen that way, if you're in Gammon.

[ How lucky they were! He sets his instrument aside completely now, not bothering to hide the happiness in his tone. ]

It's like you read my mind! You'll never guess where I am now. [ If she felt like putting up with him, that is. ]

[...Why is it when she hears him so happy, she wants to find a box to stand on and bite his mouth? It might be a kiss or something but...

She has a strange mind. She knows this far too well.]

I thought you'd be in Gammon.

[She's heading there now, curious.]

What brought you back?

[ Don't tell him that, he'd only be too happy to hear it. ]

I was, but I came back for a bit. It's a little... stuffy there, after a while. [ Perhaps it was all the hustle and bustle, or maybe he got tired of all the bad cosplayers roaming around. ]

[And that would mean the start of the bloodied dragon makeouts. Kija would be Alarmed once he saw Jae-Ha's mouth after.]

Ah. No wonder you're prepared for the music room. You're already partially deaf.

[She sounds amused rather then scornful. And, maybe, there were so many people that were hero worshipping her that it became...uncomfortable. At least in Cassia she was mostly left alone.]

You didn't have anyone trying to ask for a clip of your hair? It'd be strange to see you bald, green dragon.

Don't worry, there's still enough hearing for you to desecrate, if that's what you really want. [ Actually, he really wishes the session won't go as terribly as Caren might have implied before, because he really does value his hearing! And she's already musically inclined, so she wasn't a complete beginner. But he never knew with Caren, how much of her promises were mere threats and how many he should take literally.

It was always an interesting gamble.

The notion of baldness actually gets him to gasp, and it makes Song laugh at the notion, slightly interrupting the feed. ]

Don't even joke! But actually, I did see a bald guy dressed up as me. [ He frowns, even if she can't see it. ] I've never felt so insulted. [ A hyperbole, but still, his eyes were assaulted. ]

If you didn't leave anything for me to damage, I'd be disappointed.

[But she is musically inclined and she doesn't actually plan on bashing his face with an instrument, nor making him wince. She knows better then to do that. Well, she might just to keep him on his toes.

Because that makes things fun.

It's the first time she's heard a carrier laugh in the middle of a feed, but she's amused nonetheless.]

How did you know he was dressed like you? Was he flirting with everyone?

[ He laughs, low and mirthful. ]

Knowing you, I'm sure you'd find other things to damage! I don't think you'd end up too disappointed.

[ He keeps an eye out for her, gaze flickering to the doorway every now and then. Eventually, he rises, looking to meet her when she comes in, and Song follows him from behind.

(Un)fortunately, he chooses to answer completely seriously. ]

He was wearing my ribbon, but wrapped around his head! And he was calling himself the beautiful green dragon!

But I didn't get the target I wanted.

[It's said playfully enough, but really, anything will do so long as she gets the hit in. Her voice drifts down the hall if he's listening, and she laughs. If it weren't for the carrier, he wouldn't have heard it.]

Fool. Your ribbon is not unique. But...

[She comes to sight, and the carrier is turned off. Her snake goes about her shoulders as she continues.

She's amused at him, from the look on her face.]

You know there can be only one Jae-Ha. Only one green dragon.

[ Carrier or not, what matters is that he does catch a glimpse of that laughter, and it makes his spirits lift more than anything. Even if that laughter meant Caren might be up to no good (as was usually the case), it conveyed happiness, or something like happiness, and if it meant acting like a fool for her behalf, that was fine.

Jae-ha's face visibly lights up when she enters the room, and he begins to approach, but is stopped dead in his tracks by that statement. Perhaps it's just his imagination, but the sentiment seems to be filled with warmth. Whether it is or not, his smile wilts a bit. Her words carry more weight than she might realize. ]

If only that were true. But it's a nice thought, at least.

[ It looks like she did bring her instrument. Good. ]

[That laughter usually meant trouble for someone or something or both. But it was something like happiness. And it was not a sound easily won. Maybe they were both fools for embracing this.

She makes a scoffing sound nonetheless, and motions for him to come closer-or bend down a little as she comes up to him. In under her arm, her instrument. Not possible for to bash him with it, or at least not easily.]

Are you calling me sentimental? Bend down and say it to my face.

[It's a trap. It's obviously a trap. But will he take it? That's the question.]

[ He draws closer. ]

I'm not. I'm one of many green dragons, is all.

[ The latest (and greatest) model, but likely not the last. Though, who knows if he'll ever return back home to find out. A part of him doesn't want to, now, and it's a selfish want. He still has a duty to fulfill to Yona, and he was quite literally born to protect her, but right now, he thinks he likes being here.

Specifically here, where he might get a pleasant greeting or meet his doom. Which is why it's all too easy for him to fall into the trap even when he can see it for what it is, because of course he leans down as she requests. ]

But, here I am, anyway.

The most recent, yes?

[She shakes her head a little. She's still mad-angry that she did not catch onto the obvious. He was a dragon, born to protect the red dragon, just as she was born to protect humanity in her own way.

In a different way. Her body doesn't go under distress the same way, but she can still stand in and sacrifice herself nonetheless.

This isn't a sacrifice. Meeting him, leaning up to grip his chin, a hand in his hair, smoothing down from the self proclaimed ribbon as she leaned up.

And kissed him hard. And if he relaxed into it...she'd bite his lips hard enough to hurt.

No one ever said she was a nice person or a pleasant kisser.]

[ Jae-ha doesn't respond to her, not verbally at least, merely giving her a small nod of his head, since she quickly renders him unable to speak, anyway. At present, he was the only Ryokuryuu, but perhaps that wouldn't always be the case. He watches her curiously as she moves, perhaps even eases into her hand a bit, leans down further when he thinks he might have an inkling as to what might happen.

She doesn't disappoint, either. It's been too long since they've been close like this, and though he initially tenses at the contact (this was still an obvious trap, after all), it isn't long before he melts into it, eyes fluttering closed. He cups her cheeks lightly in his hands. His lips part and he returns the gesture, earnest and softer than hers--

and he makes a loud noise, something between a whimper and a groan, as he feels pain suddenly hit him.

His first instinct is to pull away, adrenaline that wants him to recoil, but this is completely contradicted by the rush of endorphins that follows. Knees weak, he does pull away, but not as quickly as one might expect.

In fact, it's very easy to see the progression of his downfall, as he quite literally sinks lower and lower, to his knees, before her. He looks up, hand poised over his bruised lip, an odd twinkle in his eye. ]

Oh... you missed me that much?

[A long line of warriors, all made to protect one, or their tribe. Or at least, that's how Kija puts it. It sounds like it's supposed to be an honor, but it truly is a burden.

They're chains. She knows it well enough. She's embraced her own, because it meant she had some meaning and wouldn't go insane. Jae-Ha...is not quite like her.

And yet, here they are. The loud noise he emits makes her shudder, enjoying his pain. Nor does she follow up, but she watches him with her eyes. And finds herself mildly surprised to find him on his knees.

Gently, like it was made of glass, she places the violin case down by the doorway. And back go her hands, smoothing over his cheeks, over his hair. (She might be working on pulling his ribbon out of his hair. Hope you don't mind pirate).]

Masochist.

[That's not an answer Caren. Even if you made it sound playful and flirtatious. But her head lowers to his, once, to bump their foreheads together.]

Why in the world would I miss you?

[She draws back, slowly. It could be taken as an insult; it could be taken as her way of saying she's been tracking him, or some other thing. Who knows. There's still that odd look in her eye, even as her smile, small and somehow affectionate, fades.]

I learned about the general story of the dragon brothers from Kija. Though with his feelings towards you...I wouldn't call you two 'brothers' unless you like the implication of incest.

[ She'd guessed correctly. Where she and Kija had both embraced this honor, this burden, Jae-ha fought it with every fiber of his being. Not that his thoughts linger on this for too long, given that he's very quickly rattled and brought down to the ground.

When Caren draws closer again, such that their foreheads brush, Jae-ha reaches up to brush his fingers against hers, offering no resistance when she moves to undo the ribbon in his hair. Nor does he argue with the accusation, because it's true. The way he continues rubbing idly at the lingering ache on his lip speaks enough for him. ]

What brought you here, then? Was the thought of having someone to abuse that appealing? Or are you that eager to learn the violin?

[ His voice stays light, even as some of his playful smile fades at the mention of Kija's name, replaced by something more serious, but just as wistful. ]

He told you all about us, then? I'm sure he made it seem like a great and noble honor, and about how we're lucky to be able to realize our destinies of serving Hiryuu.

[ Though as to the second part of her statement... he raises himself to a stand, eyebrows raised. ]

I wasn't such a big fan of the term myself, you know! But it made Kija happy... [ He looks thoughtful for a moment. ] I might have to bring that up to him soon.

[ Were Caren to have mentioned this just a day or two before, she might have gotten the chance to see him squirm at the thought of there being anything between him and Kija, but right now, he has nothing to deny. ]

[She didn't blame him. If she was in his position, she might have done the same. Instead, that was the only thing she had, the only thing that brought her attention and some kind of worth. At least, back home. Here it's...mixed. And hard to say.

Especially when he touches his fingers and she doesn't bat him away. It's confusing. Also Jae-Ha are you trying to make your lip swell, she can't tell.]

I have no idea. Sion has offered to teach me.

[Shinn would love that. But then again, her relationship with him was more of a whack, stop that, sort of relationship. Nothing dependable at all. And now...she has his ribbon to pull through her fingers.]

From the way he spoke it was more as if there was a great mythos, not the practicality of lives, or people. Or why you would be so concerned about your age.

[There's something that dims when he confirms that. Ah. Well. Kija is a bit of an idiot, but they could always see each other at home. He's steadfast. Kind, and tries to watch anothers back...if a bit of a princess.

Does it really matter? Kija will make Jae-Ha happy. And that is that. Anyone but Caren could. She knew this. That was in her nature. Jae-Ha, dumb, protective, emotion driven...he'd be better off without her mucking about and confusing the matter when it came to his romantic life.

What surprises her is how she dims and...how it aches, a bit. Hurts even, and she doesn't even enjoy it.

She offers his ribbon back. The twinkle is gone. Just a woman who could easily be cast aside and forgotten, more doll then person.]

Partners would be a better term. Or ones consort if you wish to get technical.

[ Whatever he might have answered with, his attention shifts entirely to the way she withdraws, eyes widening, because it is wholly unexpected. Jae-ha hesitates before reaching forward to take his ribbon back, eyes wide with concern. He's seen that look, at least once, a flash of it, during the night they'd shared on the balcony, and it immediately makes his heart race in a different way.

He is truly an idiot, and though she may want anything but, he steps closer, the smile completely faded from his expression, too. His voice lowers, even with the acoustics of the room, only loud enough for her to hear.

It isn't often that he speaks so candidly about such matters, because despite his familiarity with the physical, he's still trying to grasp those of the heart. ]

I meant what I said, Caren. My feelings for you haven't changed. [ If anything, he's only yearned more to ensure that she lives for herself, rather than for others, and that comes with the desire to give her nothing short of the world.

He closes his eyes and sighs, fiddling with the ribbon in his hands, then meets her eyes, resolute. ]

It's your right to turn me away, now. To never return my affections.

[ He didn't need reciprocation. He just needs Caren to know that whether she accepts it or not, she has control of his heart. And that-- ]

But, I apologize, because I will never stop pursuing you. [ Because he is truly, unequivocally, a fool. ]

[They're both a couple of idiots, really. She's used to just being taken as she is, more or less. But so is he. And that means...not being accepted. Being replaced.

There's a flash of unease when he draws closer. It's almost wild shy, but she doesn't draw away. Even if she wants to. She really does. She was being an idiot. She should go, turn around, and forget the whole thing. Forget the violin. All of it.

Even if she wanted the music. And that didn't just mean the songs.]

You're a fool.

[There's no bite to it. Her voice is soft, and for once, she's the one who lets her gaze drop. She took in a breath, and let her eyes close.]

This isn't about me. This was never about me. This is about ensuring your own happiness, well and into the future.

Whatever I feel, it does not matter.

[Her jaw tightens, and she makes to move past him.]

Because with someone else-Vietnam, Kija, Bolin, Rin, whoever-they would ensure that you would have the world laid at your feet, anything you desire. I know what I am. I would feed you ashes and ruin.

[ This glimpse of her vulnerability... this is the Caren that he yearns to see, yet at the same time, he wishes he didn't have to. Because this is the Caren lacking the confidence she has before, the Caren that he wants to hold close and protect, even if it might be his last action. ]

You're right, I am selfish.

[ He'll never deny this, though guilt weighs heavy, almost debilitating, at the thought that he's made her hurt like this. ] But you're also wrong, because your feelings are what make me selfish. I'm arrogant enough to think that I could make you happy, if you let me. That we may never understand each other, but that we still understand each other better than others.

[ Because, by and large, most people seemed to take them at face value. Jae-ha, the easygoing pervert who was never without a smile, and Caren, the calm and caustic woman who was also never without a smile, for different reasons.

As she moves past him, he reaches for her arm, clasping it firmly, though his voice remains soft. ] If I wanted the world, I would go out and take it, myself. I don't ask for something so grand. Just your company, even if you ruin me.

[It's a side of her that makes her feel hollowed out. It feels...like a neutral state. Where she should be seeking something soothing. A thrill. But she doesn't. It's almost a form of self punishment.

But he surprises her get again. Her eyes move from the floor to his face. There's something there-shock maybe. Pain.

Nor does she move away when he clasps her arm. She could have. She could have tried to break his fingers. She doesn't. Instead, there is a long, silent moment, before her hand, wearing her terrifying wire weapon, moves to hold his. Gently. Tentative, as if expecting there to be a 'just kidding' or a condition.]

You may be right about that.

[About being selfish. About not being understood. And...he needed an answer. Deserved one even.]

I'm selfish. Even if I didn't want you. That won't change. But I do.

It's difficult around other people sometimes, isn't it? Having you around-even if sometimes I don't...understand what I'm feeling-it's a favour.

Just keep in mind I am who I am. Some things can't change, even if we want them to.

[ She is surprisingly fragile, or feels that way, for someone so resilient, with so many walls. He can hardly bear to look and take in the pain on her face, feels the urge to try and kiss every worry away, even if he knows he can't.

He turns to her fully now, and rather than letting go of her arm, shifts to rest his palms on her shoulders. Jae-ha still keeps some distance, because for once, he is the one that feels as if she might flee, if given the opportunity.

What she says... even if she doesn't mean for it to, it makes his heart leap with something like hope. ]

Then keep me around, for as long as you can stand to.

[ But even then, he'll keep his promise. Even if she didn't seek his company out, he'd always seek hers.

Tentatively, he takes a step closer. Just a small one. ]

No, and no matter how hard I'd try, you're too stubborn to change. Actually, it's one of my favorite things about you. [ And also one of the most infuriating. ]

[She has her moments, just like she has her moments of actual genuine affection. But she didn't like this feeling-she felt too...raw. Too open. She might have bolted, if he hadn't kept a hold of her.

But here he is. And here she is. What's going to happen now? Is everything going to change, into something she can't handle? She doesn't know.

She rocks on her feet, as if thinking about coming closer.]

Stand might not be the best word for this.

[A hint of wryness comes into her voice. And something relaxes, even she watches him. The vulnerable look is gone.]

But is that why you want me? Because I won't change, no matter how much you may want to strangle me?

[This is easier then to deal with the flush on her cheeks. She wants him. She wants him. that thought....it's too much. If she were another, she would have fled or buried her face against his robes by now.]

[ Jae-ha hates the thought of keeping her there against her will, but he hates the thought of letting her go even more. So he stays put. He'll never forget what she looks like so raw, so hurt, and wants to make sure it doesn't happen again anytime so soon. He also visibly relaxes when she shifts to something more familiar.

It's a mask they wear, but one that they've grown comfortable and at ease with. So, his lips quirk into the hint of a smile, though he still tries to suppress the fondness in his expression when he spots a tinge of color in her cheeks. He didn't want her to think he might be mocking her. Now, he lowers his gaze. ]

Is this a good time to recite that list I told you about? All of the reasons for why I like you?

Is it ever?

[It could be taken for a tease, but no. She'd just shoot him down, not because she doesn't believe him (though it is true) but because it's too flustering to deal with. This man. For all she's the one who overwhelms him, he can be far too much sometimes.

But. Well. She takes a step closer. And another. Still light, almost wild shy, like a deer.

Maybe it's fitting.]

It might get long and ridiculous, and then I'd have to laugh at you. Then I'd just be on the list of 'people who've hurt Jae-Ha's feelings'.

[The mask is back on. She's not pulling away now. (Maybe she won't bite him when she kisses him this time? He could be lucky).]

Don't feel too bad, Caren-chan. You're probably already on that list.

[ He pulls her close now, leaning further in and pressing his forehead against hers. ]

... Kiss me? [ He asks, light, and as easygoing as ever, but tinged with genuine fondness. ]

I think I'm on top of it.

[Does she sound pleased about it? She might be.

He asks, and for once, she does what she wants. Her hand moves over his cheek, and she leans up, kissing him.

She'll bite him...later. She needs to settle down first.]

[ The quip makes him smile against her lips. That was, yet again, another thing he adored about her. The ease with which she said wicked, cruel things, without a care in the world as to what others thought. It reminds him of the woman he respects and honors the most; the woman whose heart he'd never been able to sway; the woman who raised him and taught him nearly everything he knew, for better or for worse. He threads his fingers through her hair lightly.

She may not bite him, but he may feel like testing fate.

That is, while his kiss remains soft, chaste, yet lingering, he parts his lips and gently tugs on her lower lip with the tips of his fangs. Not enough to hurt, just enough to playfully enact a bit of revenge. ]

[She was a wicked, cruel woman who didn't care what anyone else thought. But he seemed to delight in it, bolting away, only to come back for more. What a desperate man, taking her affection like this.

It's almost too soft for them both. A soft, sweet kiss, which they can be both thought as precious and...feeling too much.

Until the nip. She shuddered, mouth opening to swipe her tongue against his mouth, her grip shifting to grab and tug his hair gently.

Too bad he didn't realize Caren liked pain.]

[ He may have an inkling or two, given the last time they battled together, and how welcoming she'd been of accepting his pain into her body. But perhaps it's for that reason that he pulls back, departing from her lips but keeping a firm hold on her hair. There's a part of him that's relieved-- he understands the thrill completely, after all, and as a little acknowledgement, he pulls, skirting the edge of firm pressure and pain again. ]

Weren't we going to practice? [ He asks, idly, almost as an afterthought. ]

[The noise she makes from his small pull was...well. Embarrassing, and she has to pull back, briefly, as if in retaliation for what he just did to confirm any little theory of his.

She had to take on his pain. She was used to it. If her body didn't give her pleasure, she'd have died a long time ago.

But she lets go of his hair, letting it flow through her fingers.]

Yes we were. Piano or violin?

[ The small noise he makes in return is more subdued, perhaps because he expects it, or maybe because he's attempting to keep some semblance of control. His eyes close, however, relishing the feel of her fingers in his hair. He rests his fingers lightly on her elbow. ]

Hmm. Let's see how similar your violin is to my erhu. I'm curious.

[ Because on first sight, they look like different versions of the same concept, but he doesn't actually know. Perhaps the violin had a different sound entirely. ]

[What a thirsty pair. Maybe it was better that it was subdued; otherwise one or the other might have lost a bit of control and...well. It's a public room.

Think of the children.

Hair play could come later tho.

She has to pull away for a moment, because she needs to pick up her violin case.]

I'm not certain. Your erhu-I've seen them, but I haven't heard them play. So it's a mystery for both of us.

[She makes a shooing motion at him.]

You should go and get it set up. Otherwise, we're not going to going to set down at all.

[Lay down maybe. The thirst and the hunger are strong in these two.]

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in which jae-ha might become deaf [closed]

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why

because he loves it on his knees

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