synflux | ( closed ) life like the unplumbed sea;

[ if current day tornado potatoes cost $10, how much do you think they would cost in 2278…?? just reading wrio abandoning his made me tempted to turn to a life of crime too, fr.

On the flip side, while you'd be hard-pressed to convince Elysium of it, he isn't above wading through various shades of grey. This includes, but isn't limited to, throwing a knife at the thief from his vantage point up above with little to no hesitation, the blade scathing their entire arm bright red. He isn't the most accurate shot, tongue clicking in distaste; while it'd achieved the goal of them dropping the package in their alarm, he hadn't wanted to harm them that badly, either.

Yet, that moment's distraction is Elysium's excuse for practically stalking Wriothesley the past half hour (…more on this later…) and not being able to warn him of the incoming truck, much less notice it until it's too late.

Pure instinct drives his heart rate to spike, his feet to move. Elysium has to at least try, dropping down without fanfare. And that's when it happens—— ~~Val's kdrama amnesia plot~~

Wriothesley's incredibly uneventful collision, the man looking hardly worse for wear afterwards, Elysium's heart giving one final leap for it.

…

Right. That's a thing. He stutters forward half a step, just barely regaining his sense of balance in time for the next, having been halfway to calling their equivalent of an emergency line with a shortlist of Outsiders he'd known with either healing or medical capabilities at the ready. Still! He approaches with no less urgency, and if Wriothesley allows him to, weave an arm around his backside to offer him support. Probably better that they move away from the rubberneckers who are no doubt posting this to their t*kt*ks. ]

… Do you usually have this little self-preservation?

[ i'm turning this to ecats somehow

Elysium's appearance out of seeming nowhere earns him a raised eyebrow and a frown, one that deepens as soon as that arm circles around his ass (no i'm just kidding, it's still his back) and a few more muscles end up jiggled that probably shouldn't be. Alright, so maybe the collusion was a little more intense than originally assumed.

Also—his self-preservation is just fine, thanks for asking? ]

I've stayed alive this long, haven't I? [ Ignore the grunt of pain escaping through his teeth as he rolls one shoulder around. ] I have a perfectly good grasp of what my body is capable of.

[ More importantly: ]

You happened to have extremely fortuitous timing. [ sir, the stalking?? ]

Edited (editing for a very important reason) 2024-08-09 15:33 (UTC)

[ we're* turning this to ecats somehow ]

I suppose staying alive and staying healthy constitute as two different things.

[ Not that Elysium can talk… which is why he moves the conversation right along. Nothing like being tugged into and being all alone in a quiet alley just the two of them, right? And to his "extremely fortuitous timing," Elysium has this: ]

Why don't you phrase it how you really mean it, monsieur?

[ not beating any allegations, he knows. fun times. ]

[ Only one of them is allowed to be shady here, can Elysium please stop infringing on his territory?

Nanobots or not though, the additional support is appreciated, even if the subtle steering into an abandoned alleyway is a bit questionable. Is Elysium some sort of double agent that's been running a long con up until now? Is he about to get axe (flag) murdered in a foreign city with no one else around to witness?

Nah, probably not. (But maybe he should send a message to Ishmael just in case—)

Also don't talk to him about his phrasing? There's nothing wrong with vagueness and doublespeak? ]

You just happened to be awfully close in a city populated by at least several thousand people. Unless you're planning on telling me our meeting was entirely fate?

[ He doesn't believe in fate. ]

[ How can Mr. Green Flag himself (Wriothesley) be shady, hello?

But he'll help prop Wriothesley against a wall, which from angles would look like the kabedon I'd like to write but alas have little reason to. If what Elysium wanted to talk about truly had to be confidential, he could've just sent Wriothesley messages through his implant—but, he prefers the novelty of words and face-to-face when the circumstances allow. Doesn't this help set the atmosphere?? Add tension?? Even if there's absolutely no reason to. ]

That's a whole lot of words to ask whether I've been following you. [ it's bad when Elysium's constantly having to call him out on said vagueness and doublespeak? that's his territory, excuse you. ] Unless you'd like me to insist that it's fate, you're kind of too taken for me at the moment to use that line on you.

[ sorry! ]

To put it directly: yeah, I have. For about a half hour to see if we were up to the same thing. Can you chill out on the aggression now?

[ it's called nuance

Also: can't believe he won't call it fate but he will pseudo-kabedon a guy out in (semi-)public, talk about mixed messages. The only good thing here is that they're both around the same height, which means Wriothesley can at least look over instead of up.

It's an interesting lead-in to a conversation they could have easily had over the implants - and probably should have had over the implants? - and he starts crossing his arms before another ripple of pain makes him regret the action and he lowers his hands back down. Guess he'll just stand here against the wall and take it. ]

Why not just ask? [ Over the implants. ] That would have been easier than following me.

[ like a weirdo ]

[ please, like he hasn't already firmly cemented himself as one. what is there to lose. ]

And disrupt you while you were so deeply immersed in what you were doing? I think not.

[ An exhale of exasperation as Elysium props a hand on his hip. If Wriothesley wants sass, he gets sass. Unsaid: there's nothing inherently wrong with wanting to learn more about the people you're supposedly entrusting your back to in these trying times. Although Wriothesley's behaviour has given him no reason to doubt his character, Elysium does have a personal stake in, and perhaps a proposition, for someone whose interests aligns with his own. ]

I was going to notify you at some point or another, but the opportunity never arose. Don't make it more difficult than it has to be—can't we just settle on the fact that we got the guy and leave it there?

[ By leave 'it' he means the shadowing itself; he's a covert operations guy. Is it really that strange for him to want to watch things from a distance? He clicks his tongue over Wriothesley's protests but otherwise straightens himself out to regard him with a furrowed brow.

Considering they have all the time to delve into their thoughts regarding the criminogenic climates surrounding every city they've visited thus far, first things first: ]

Hey. Where does it hurt exactly?

[ whatever. just let him cop his feel. i love our ecats. ]

[ THIS ISN'T EVEN ECATS

If by 'immersed' Elysium means 'busy getting hit by a truck' then yeah, he was otherwise occupied. But the singular criminal has been caught, leaving them with all the free time in the world.

Just kidding, there are still more fish in the sea out there, which he points out. ]

He's just one guy out of many. Not that I plan on making it my life's work to catch every petty thief in this city [ please, he knows his limits ] but surely you're not satisfied with this one-and-done.

[ It's a bigger, more insidious problem requiring a more thorough approach, but that's something he has to marinate on more. In the meantime—he shoots Elysium a quizzical look. ]

My chest, mostly. [ so elysium can cop his feel. ] Why, are you also a nurse alongside being a navigator?

[ in case you didn't hear me the first time I LOVE OUT ECATS

And before Wriothesley got hit by the truck he was doing investigative work? Which, would've offered Elysium windows of opportunities to approach when… he wasn't doing much else aside from snooping around, but, again: Elysium is a self-aware weirdo. If it hadn't been for the truck, it's possible Elysium would've never made himself or his actions known until later. ]

Right. If you want to get technical, we didn't even get the guy. It probably wasn't even a deterrent in the slightest. That's why I know it won't make much of a difference if I were to pull you aside for a sec.

[ There's the air of finality to his inflection, but his gaze is pointed—they'll circle back to it later. He raises his hands to Wriothesley's chest, hovering them centimetres away from making actual contact. As it is, it's a nonverbal request for permission. ]

Nothing broken? Look, it's just handy [ heh ] knowing your way around basic types of physical therapy.

[ damn does wrio give attitude ]

[ out ecats.....

Our ecats and Elysiums's new milkers, since he's the one about to give them a good squeeze. God, I hope no one is reading this thread. Thankfully, Wriothesley isn't homophobic and has no qualms regarding letting another man grope his honkers. I'm stopping myself here.

There's a moment where his gaze flicks to those hovering hands before he relents. His time in the Pankration Ring has led to him making more trips to the infirmary than he can count, and even though it's been almost eight months since he's last seen her, her voice automatically rises in the back of his head, both sweet and scolding at the same time. ]

Go ahead. [ Permission granted. ] Despite what may have happened last time, I know how to be a good patient.

[ Besides, he's not getting any younger. He really should take care of injuries sooner rather than later. ]

[ this is how you know it's ecats there's a typo i can't proofread for SHIT

Maybe instead of asking Wriothesley for help defining his glutes, Elysium should be asking for tips on how to develop his chest… because damn… This level of confidence in his honkers. But with Wriothesley's explicit permission, he'll start by massaging gently from the centre of it before moving his hands outwards, careful not to irritate the muscles further when warming them and increasing blood flow. It would be sexual harassment thinking about the feeling under his hands, but maybe there is an idle thought somewhere that's a bit huffy over his genetics not gifting him everything.

Like milkers. Even if no one's reading this, the mods might see it when I hand it in for AC? Hello. ]

How's that so far?

[ he grunts. because of course he does. he's going to put so much elbow grease into this. so about the optics of two guys by themselves doing this in a quiet alley

also i don't even remember why we're doing this. will elysium get +100 friendship points??? help. ]

[ pick another thread for ac? the solution is simple

As is apparently the solution to pain management? Who knew a simple titty massage would have such therapeutic effects on the body. He really should have paid more attention while Sigewinne was pontificating on various medicinal treatments during his many stays in the infirmary. Just kidding, I would never use the word pontificate for Sigewinne.

Unfortunately, feeling good is one thing but having to express that feeling, on the other hand.... His lips thin in mild anoyance. ]

Surprisingly good. You're more skilled than you let on. Maybe you should look into becoming a masseuse.

[ Is that a compliment? But once again the moral of the story is to never judge a book by its cover. Or by the words that come out of its mouth. ]

So what was your plan anyway?

[ Plan for....? (All the criminal activity, obviously, but Elysium can make an educated guess by himself.) ]

[ live hard die hard we aren't cowards in this house

in the event that whoever finds this has any questions as to what we're doing because words are Hard: here.

But, as tense muscles relax, stroking gives way to circular motions and kneading, the brunt of where his efforts lie as the force behind his hands intensify. Eyes fixated on the lines of Wriothesley's expression, he doesn't really expect honesty, ready to gauge his own performance through the subtle shifts in his face. Even after hearing his affirmation, he'll continue to scrutinize—but it doesn't stop the self-satisfied smile that forms from it. ]

I'm a guy of many talents. What can I say? [ hooooooo… a deep breath out. ] Reminds me of the days back when you'd take me up on my special services. [ the tour that happened but also didn't, back in vegas… wipes tear. ] … Time sure flies.

[ a beat as he finds and applies pressure against a particularly tight spot. it might hurt and feel therapeutic all at the same time. ]

And my plan for what, hm?

[ is he being annoying because wriothesley had been annoying? yeah. ]

[ link the torture thread instead then?

But also: phrasing? 'Special services' earns him a blatantly obvious raise of both brows, though no verbal comment. Mostly because he's still concentrating on the circular motions of Elysium's hands against his abdomen and chest. The pain is decidedly less now, even if a hard press of a thumb into a particularly sore spot has him grunting, more background noise than a loud insistent honking in the foreground, which means Elysium wont need to keep his hands at work for too much longer.

why are so many of your threads smut-adjacent ]

You wouldn't have been following me [ there, he said it ] unless you either had an interest in me in particular [ no possible way ] or an interest in the shadier going-ons in the city.

[ jk he's still not saying the other part ]

[ i can link both? you say "many" when really it's just my threads with you and bijou in particular. your perspective is biased.

Anyway, what about an extraneously hard press of his thumb to get back at Wriothesley once he's all finished? Yowch. The whole gesture should still merit net positive, but therapy isn't a miracle treatment; a sore spot should remain a sore spot, and Elysium's lips will curve, smug, before he bounds several steps back, hands in pockets.

he's an innocent ]

Heheh. Bin—go. [ gj wario. was that so hard? ] What you mentioned earlier——about not being satisfied with one-and-dones. Don't you think that's pretty dangerous territory to tread all alone and solo?

[ which is to say… there isn't a plan. yet? he's one guy. he's realistic. there could be a plan. but maybe that's why he's approached him. ]

[ —Ow. Thanks for that.

With the massage (?) over, he straightens again, the increased blood flow doing wonders in relieving the bulk of his pain. Can't believe Elysium actually did something useful for once....damn.

At lease now they can talk about illicit crimefighting with clearer heads. ]

Most activities have a higher chance of success when completed with a group of people rather than by oneself. [ They better come up with a plan for this. ] Is that your way of saying you're here to offer your support?

[ And not for planning a party?? Wao. ]

[ FOR ONCE?

He did plenty during the kaiju fight… and he's taught Callisto some of the modern systems of today… both are on completely separate scales, but people have benefited from his efforts, hello?

But yes, before Wriothesley gets the impression that Elysium engages in stalking for no reason: ]

Right again. [ a clasp of his hands together, pleased. ] However, the more accurate way to phrase it would be that I'm soliciting you for your support. Unless you were sussing me out and had plans of your own? I wouldn't mind hearing them, too. We can achieve far more putting our heads together, as you've already said.

[ He doesn't engage in stalking for no reason but he's happy to go along with torture for no reason? The duality of man.

Admittedly, Wriothesley is somewhat taken aback by the specificity of Elysium's request, eyes blinking slowly as his brows furrow together. Why him, of all people? They're not exactly bosom buddies and there are plenty of other Outsiders with far more talent and skill than him. ]

I don't have plans [ yet ] but why me? I'm just a guy.

[ The torture had plenty of reason shhhh… much like Wriothesley had plenty of reason to show animosity towards Yuwon. It's just like that sometimes. ]

You have a sincere desire to help people out, don't you? [ and then they [REDACTED] ] I know there are others who would express interest the moment I ask, but that's a little different, I'd say.

[ Not to say he won't do it at some point. ]

I like working with people who'd share a common goal. You weren't scouring the area simply to fight whatever crime you encounter, yeah?

[ Can't believe the [REDACTED] is getting delayed....more time for them to quibble over the details of this nebulous plan they're about to cook up.

Regardless, Elysium isn't wrong. Wriothesley might not be a hero like Bakugo or a do-gooder in the traditional sense, but he values peace and life and a right to live said life free of fear. Enough that he stays where he is to hear Elysium out. ]

Even if that's the case [ it's the case ] you're aware planning anything on a larger scale would take enormous amounts of both time and effort? You won't have much time left on your hands to plan those extravagant parties of yours.

[ He's really never gonna let this go. ]

[ More time for them to impart a legacy, you mean… thanks Yuwon. ]

I'll have you know that's the only party I've ever planned.

[ For now. Or for forever. Wriothesley can be special in that way. The fact that he keeps bringing it up just makes Elysium think that he'd derived that much enjoyment from it? Far be it for Elysium to judge. ]

Is this you admitting you enjoyed the party more than you were willing to let on? If I didn't know any better, I'd say it sounds like you'd be lamenting it more than I.

[ Wow, that makes him feel so special (no). Goodbye to Yuwrio, hello to Elywrio? (Also no, though engaging in [REDACTED] together is certainly romantic.) ]

I can't deny it was memorable. [ In all the wrong ways. Which his sharp smile probably alludes to. ] Though I'm hoping all your future ideas will be a little more subtle.

[ How are they supposed to catch bad guys if they announce their presence right off the bat? :/ ]

[ since my last tag had too many words, apparently ]

Unless you would've preferred that I left you there, I was subtle up until you got hit by the truck.

[ He shakes his head with a shrug, feigned exasperation. Are they talking about work or are they talking about parties…? The answer is yes.

These double entendres are so much, man. ]

Too bad for you, that would go against my personal code of conduct. Are you quite done venting out your frustrations? This wouldn't be the first time you've seen me at work—this really shouldn't be a surprise to you.

[ Damn, he is just stating a fact? ]

You don't want to see me when I'm actually venting out my frustrations. [ Is it better or worse than Callist in his torture dungeon? Stay tuned. ] But fine, I'm not so powerful here that I can afford to turn down any partnerships, regardless of who they're from.

[ Though maybe they should discuss this someplace that isn't a dark alley? He did abandon his poor tornado potato and now he's hungry and X kryptos shorter, to boot. Time to make up for it with better food. ]

But if we're going to discuss this seriously, perhaps we should take this somewhere else?

[ Like over tea, maybe. ]

Wow, that almost sounds like an invitation.

[ One that he'd be more interested in taunting out of Wriothesley if he didn't just play with fire, yeah. Considering Wriothesley's past occupation, maybe he shares more in common with Callisto than he'd rather think about at the moment… ]

… But I doubt we have the luxury of time at the moment, so we'll have to raincheck, sorry to say. [ with his hands clasped together, he winks. ] At least, in favour of our more pressing priorities. Over takeout back at our temporary base? That'd be our most secure location.

(no subject)

frostfist - 2024-08-18 01:34 (UTC) - Expand