synflux | ( closed ) life like the unplumbed sea;

[ the way i'm also about to go to bed but i had to make sure i tagged back yaoi first

So, okay. Elysium might never be able to summon even half the negative feelings Yuwon may have had towards Wriothesley once upon a time, but a fight with relatively low stakes is something he could get his blood boiling for, especially when he's coming hot off the wheels of another mission.

Typically, he'd say no to violence. He's a peace-loving guy, beyond his face being considered a national treasure. It's Wriothesley's fault, then, for inciting this. He really didn't want to get rough (as if he hadn't already), but when Wriothesley manages to hit him square in the face?

What the hell?? Bro could've relaxed!! His mouth tastes distinctly metallic, his inner lip cut. If it weren't for experience, he very well would've been thrown off from the second long disorientation, but reflexively and out of pure self-defense, his hand slams down on Wriothesley's skull. ]

Push too many buttons and you'll regret it. I said it from the start, didn't I? [ He heaves deep breaths, chest strained. ] That I like it better when people play nice. If you wanted to monopolise me, you should've made it so that I'd want to walk into your trap myself.

[ the self-inflicted (but is it really…) cage au…… …….

If Elysium needs to be gagged just as well, who's driving the car? At least, the doctor's coming in clutch by throwing over a sedative in fear of getting caught up in the altercation, and Elysium's stabbing that bad boy right in Wriothesley's arm. A more mild relaxant, first. They'll up the ante if they have to…??? Because he actually still… doesn't want to hurt him that much… (me, sad.) ]

It's not good to be impatient, monsieur.

[ once again taking a page out of wrio's book ]

[ sitting here with the newfound knowledge that wriothesley hates painkillers and sedatives and nodding slowly

Can't believe the doctor's putting an end to this yaoi, even if that's personally good for me. Not good for Wriothesley, who immediately stills as soon as that needle's jabbed in his arm, expression shuttering closed. Elysium certainly had threatened 'worse' at the beginning of this altercation but somehow he hadn't imagined it would be so soon, or with a needle instead of rope. ]

Fine. I'll take things nice and slow for you.

[ Except there's barely any inflection to his voice this time around, his tone carefully controlled. Well, at least he's not rolling about anymore. (My shibari.....) ]

So what now? I lie here and wait for you to have your way with me?

[ He still feels...bad, the pain from earlier once again rising to the surface now that he doesn't have the act of physical violence to distract from it. ]

[ me falling to my knees wondering if that would classify this as nonconsensual… let my crimes be between you, me, and god

But in an active tussle, it sure is hard to find a way to shibari… what is Wriothesley so tall and rugged for. Elysium would realistically not be able to overpower him enough to get the rope on him, hello?? Schrodinger's shibari. We'll get her one day, like how I'll one day get my Val shoujos. ]

Now that you're behaved? I might want to tie you up all nice to preserve you like this.

[ In one last lament to shibari (no), he exhales a sigh that's halfway to a huff, more baffled by Wriothesley's anticlimactic behaviour. He keeps a wary eye on him, but if he really does intend to behave, Elysium isn't the naturally distrustful type—though, they could always go for a round two. ]

… Look, I know you must've been going through something rough to act how you did. [ Elysium will slowly get up now, and if Wriothesley would like to move to sit, or even return to one of the cots, he's welcome to. ] But, you were making it rather hard for the medic to attend to you. First time Oripathy-er, yeah? Happens to best of us.

[ Something rough is a bit of an understatement, but even in a dream where the lines between reality and fiction are blurred he's still not going to vomit out his deepest darkest secrets. Slowly he pushes back up into a sitting position, on high alert for when the sedative starts kicking in.

The cots will have to remain abandoned for the time being though. Sad. ]

Something like that.

[ Coolly. Non-committally. Better not to talk about him so thanks for that easy subject pivot. ]

'Oripathy-er'?

[ Why did Ely have to put it like that instead of just saying the name of the disease, now Wriothesley sounds like an idiot. ]

[ It's fine, this is why they have medics… now that Wriothesley's more or less settled, the doctor seems less reluctant to approach him. Still wary, but at least they're getting their more superficial wounds healed now, even if they have no right to after their abhorrent display. ]

Oh, c'mon. I didn't hit you in the head that hard.

[ But Elysium has sympathy for him, so he'll drop the theatrics to look a little more serious. Only a little, because it's him, and to emphasise how he really isn't trying to pull his leg. ]

The reason why you were probably feeling the way you were earlier. When everything's all localised, kinda feel like you're going to explode, doesn't it? [ Like he's familiar with the process. ] But the treatment here's real. Doesn't reverse damage that's already been done, but it'll stabilise and disperse the originium particles in your body. Enough so, that you might as well be living your regular old life here. [ 'here.' ] So, relax. It won't hurt, at least not any more than our scuffle earlier.

[ thank the lord i don't have to give you context in brackets ]

[ not me gagtagging you and then immediately wandering away

None of what's being said really rings a bell, but Wriothesley takes it all in stride nonetheless. After living out on the streets for years, having to stand trial for murder, and then facing the worst of what the Fortress of old has to offer, he thinks he can adapt to whatever it is might be happening here.

A disease? Permanent but not horrifically life-altering, if Elysium is to be believed. (A hard thing to do even on the best of days.) ]

Speaking from experience?

[ How common is this Oripathy whatever anyway... ]

[ when the one liner goes hard but the brain can't fathom a tag. mood. i shall shelve wriothesley's 🥜 for the next time we shit post, trust, it's out here and not in a gag tag for the world to be our witness

Anyway, thinking about how Wriothesley really has only seen all the worst of him somehow… surely this means they can only go up. ]

… Everyone's a little different. [ As it goes. ] I look like I'm doing pretty great, though, don't I? The secret's not to let it bother you.

[ okay buddy ]

[ Looks are subjective. He knows that better than anyone else, doesn't he? And speaking of looks—he gives Elysium a proper onceover, noting that same unflappable attitude and the easy smile on his face.

Since he hasn't been shibari'd this thread (alas) he props up one arm, gesturing at the medical wing around them. ]

That's easier said than done. There's bound to be unavoidable changes in lifestyle that come with this. Surely you didn't immediately come to terms with this when you first got the news?

[ That would be some insane self-will if so. ]

[ The medic moves onto treating Wriothesley specifically, cautious as she moves in a deliberate manner to not cause alarm with any sudden movements. Like a scared mouse, ready to scurry away at a moment's notice. Elysium looks away on that point alone. ]

Trying to spawn a philosophical discussion, Monsieur? You continue to be awfully interested in me for how unforthcoming you are of your own thoughts.

[ wriothesley's reaction to the potential bondage has been duly noted, worry not. but because he's said that, he doesn't plan on being entirely cagey. ]

Life's just too short to spend it looking back for too long. Rather than think about the things I can't do, [ which is cure an incurable disease ] I'd rather focus my attention on what I can——and a part of that? Putting miscreants like you in their place.

[ The good medic (but not the good Doctor) can rest assured that her patient isn't about to bust any (more) sick moves any time soon. He's been through this song and dance hundreds of times before, and with a much more demanding nurse to boot, that he knows how to play the role of docile patient when the time calls for it.

He's much more focused on Elysium in any case to worry about a wayward nurse he could probably overpower if he really had to. Miscreants like him? Wow. ]

I'll have you know that I'm actually extremely well-behaved these days.

[ These days? Don't worry about it.

But Elysium's not wrong. Better to focus on the present than dwell on a past that can no longer be changed. In that they're remarkably alike - though of course Wriothesley would never admit to such a thing for free. ]

Well-behaved and capable of holding a perfectly deep discussion, unless you happen to be judging my intellectual capabilities entirely on my looks?

[ What, does Wriothesley expect Elysium not to immediately latch onto what he thinks are the key words in a sentence? His eyes flash with interest, and suddenly he seems a bit too eager, as if he's already formed his own conclusion and any answer he receives would just be a bonus. ]

'These days,' huh? [ That's a whistle out of him, and an overt onceover. He tilts his head in exaggerated thought. No need to be subtle when he doesn't care about the deep lore all that much, only that it exists. ] So our good man had something of a delinquency phase… but you know what? I can see it. Easily. Hear it, too. Not only were you quite the roughhouse, you had a rather colourful way of speaking.

[ Dialogue like that doesn't just come out of nowhere, sir. Elysium's smile blooms. ]

No, no. I just think something like that would be better suited over tea.

[ He makes a show of closing one eye and flicking the air with his finger. From his angle, it's a bit like he would've wanted it to land on his forehead, were it not for him being in the midst of receiving care. ]

Also, I don't want to hear that from someone I just had to sedate and who now needs his rest. Time and place for everything; time and place for everything, my friend.

[ HIS YAOI WAY OF SPEAKING?

But sure, fine, if Elysium wants to keep that nugget of information tucked away and monitor Wriothesley for observation later down the line, he can go ahead and do that. Not like Wriothesley doesn't spend every waking minute of his day on display in front of everyone in the Fortress. ]

I'm afraid I don't have my stash here so you'll have to provide.

[ The tea, that is. ANYWAY! ]

We done here? [ With the check-up, with the memshare, with their (not at all) sexually charged conversation in this weird dream world. ] Or am I going to have to stick around even longer while you jab more needles into me?

[ In their yaoiness, they might've learned a little too much about each other… things of ultimately no importance, but things nonetheless.

Their philosophical discussions over tea arc might have to wait a bit considering debt arc is still a real thing, but Elysium will cross that bridge whenever they're back on base. See you in July for that!

Unless…? (looks at my six-month friendship plan)

Anyway. ]

Is that an invitation? [ He wriggles his fingers non-threateningly. ] Just kidding. It really wasn't pleasant for you, was it? [ Experiencing Oripathy. ] And, it still isn't, so let's not keep you with it. See you around, Wriothesley.

[ another wave. meanwhile: patiently awaits my memory theatre. ]

[ your six month friendship plan vs bijou's five year romance plan, the contrast here is incredible

But with that small wiggle of his fingers, the dream ends....and another one begins! Though instead of one long dream, this one appears to be a collection of snippets, with Elysium tugged through them all one after another.

The scenery remains unchanged: the interior of some oversized building, flushed through with a pervasive dampness and the scent of the ocean. It almost looks like a poor designed factory, with too-big pipes serving as hallways and metal plating covering every inch - and Elysium wouldn't be wrong if he thought so, workers running past him with armfuls of gears and cogs.

He's got something in his arms too! A metal tray, with a few quickly cooling dishes on them, which he's been assigned to deliver to the new administrator in his office. Through the double-doors and up the steps, and then he'll be met by the sight of a man sprawled out at his desk, his head buried in folded arms. Around him stand mountains of paperwork. A (loud) clear of the throat is enough to wake the man, who jolts upright with wide eyes, bits of hair sticking every which way. A man Elysium probably recognizes, though there's less gray in his hair now and a lot more by way of dark circles under his eyes. The look of a man clearly exhausted, though he does his best to pull together a wan smile as he gestures for Elysium to set the tray down anywhere there's open space. (There isn't any on the desk, so he'll have to settle for the empty coffee table nearby.) It's followed by a quick word of thanks and then a joke - Interested in taking over for me? I might not run away like the last guy but I promise I won't give you any trouble. Haha, just kidding, I wouldn't wish this on anyone.

And then the scene is shifting again, to a collection of tables that passes for a cafeteria around these parts. Elysium sits at one of them, a dubious looking meal in front of him, and across from him sits Wriothesley, arms folded on the table and eyes bright with fascination. Over....? Well, over whatever it is Elysium happens to be saying, which apparently is a recounting of his time as a merchant in Inazuma and all the sights and sounds he had the pleasure of seeing while there. Unfortunately, he only makes it about ten minutes into his tale before Wriothesley is forced to withdraw, disappointment evident on his face. A meeting, he murmurs apologetically, with the Palais Mermonia. Though he tosses out one quick line before he leaves entirely: If you've got free time between your shifts next week, I wouldn't mind hearing more. (Though the real question is: will he have time?)

Once more the scene changes (last time, I promise!), this time to the infirmary, where a young woman (?) in a pink and blue outfit works tirelessly to bandage up the patient seated next to her. (It's Wriothesley, it's always Wriothesley.) You know, Your Grace, I really think you should take a vacation. Things are calm enough now that you don't need to be around all the time. Her tone is reproachful, a little sad. Instead of agreeing with her, he simply shakes his head. I get enough entertainment taking the afternoon off and swinging by the overworld a few times a month. Besides, all the places I'd really like to go...I can't afford to take off that much time. As if to prove his point, a uniformed man bursts in through the door, panting. Apparently there's a particularly nasty riot breaking out in the Upper Production Zone requiring immediate attention. Wriothesley grabs his coat, standing to follow the Garde out. You might want to prepare your medical kit for this one, Sigewinne. I suspect several new patients will be arriving soon.

And then, blessedly, the series of scenes end and Elysium is transported back to the waking world. Congrats on getting to see the inner workings of the Fortress of Meropide! And he didn't even need to commit any crimes to do it. ]

( closed ) life like the unplumbed sea;

i should've cw'd this at the start... but how... cw: just don't read

cw: yaoi, except wait that's all your threads

this is why i need bea more than ever............

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sorry for this essay