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[Barnabas does not usually rely on the network for anything, but given the current effects of everything going on, and Cid's plethora of boys in his apartment, he isn't exactly looking for a confrontation. No, today is...special. And so—]

Cidolfus,

I have not forgotten what this day is, surely you have not either. Take in hand your crystal fetters, and excuse yourself to the garderobe.

[That's not ominous at all...]

[Luckily for Barnabas, the Stolas actually relays this message. Cid considers all the boys around and how tired they’ve all been making him. He’s been strong all week, but here he is at his birthday… And Barnabas is giving him the only kind of gift he wants. He swallows thickly. Luckily for him he stores the fetters in the bathroom, so he does not arouse any suspicion as he lets himself in and locks the door.]

[Clive would be fine. He could go to Dion’s, one of the other apartments, or piss in the sink. Whatever. It’d build character.]

[He fishes the manacles out and looks around, waiting…]

[As the door locks, and Cid takes out the manacles, it's only a few beats later that Barnabas appears behind him. He's certainly taking a more beastly appearance, half transformed as he is, but he still retains his powers it seems. Powers which he uses to teleport both him and Cid back to the Einherjar as a clawed hand grips the back of Cid by the neck, the sharp edges of those claws pressing against his skin. Threatening to break the skin, but never being more than that: a threat.

As the darkness which consumes them then dissipates, replaced by the sight, smell, and sound of the sea, Barnabas stares at Cid for a long moment, then he retracts his hand. As Cid turns to look at him, he will find that he is...well, naked. How could he be anything else, when that tail is as large as it is? The man Sleipnirs busying themselves with the ship don't seem to pay them any mind.]

Cidolfus.

[His eyes lower to the fetters, his jaw tensing slightly.]

[While Cid doesn’t appreciate such a method of moving him from one place to another, at least he lets go. He turns to look at him, rubbing his neck. ]

Was that truly necessary?

[But that’s less important. Barnabas’ eyes are on the fetters. He considers attaching them as they are to contain this beast. He looks at them in his hands as he approaches Barnabas.]

…I’ve made a modification. Don’t make me regret it.

[He flicks switches on the manacles and they reform in his hands as a simple collar. He approaches, nodding at the other man to lower his head and allow him to put it on. And as he puts himself in position, he will secure the collar, moving his hands to catch Barnabas at the shoulders from any aftershocks.]

[There's no response or reaction to his question, as if it doesn't deserve an answer, and in Barnabas' most humble opinion, it does not. At the mention of modifications, he gives Cid a curious stare, which presents itself as a slight squint of his otherwise intense eyes. Though, the unvoiced question is answered a moment later as the shackles turn into a collar. His brow lessens in intensity at that, the subdued tell that he might otherwise find that endearing, if he were capable beyond simple acknowledgement of his present condition and the suitable nature of a collar for it.

As the collar is placed on him, Barnabas having acquiesced and lowering his head so that Cid could do even that, the pain of it jolts through him like levin, igniting every nerve in his body, and the hands on his shoulders help steady him as the feeling washes over him like hot tar. His expression tries to maintain its stoicism, but even it frays at the feeling as it courses through him like lead.]

The same to you, Cidolfus. Last time we did this, you overstepped.

[And yet, here he is, allowing that collar to be placed on him again. He looks a little faint, and there's sweat that bristles on his brow as the swirl of aether and emotions try to sort themselves and he tries to maintain his balance.

Right, he was mercifully on the flood last time, though what brought him to the ground was rather lacking of it. One of the Sleipnirs notices and begins to saunter over, but a flick of Barnabas' steely gaze is all it takes to send him back to his task.]

[He can’t help but laugh.]

Ah… If I overstepped, I only took your lead on the matter.

[Bitch.]

Next time I will confine my actions to hunting or fucking you, as a dog might.

[He continues to hold him steady as he just looks at him, taking in all of his features. He is unmistakeably a Behemoth, and that is certainly appropriate. Cid’s gaze bounces between Sleipnirs, but that’s a whole problem unto itself.]

So what, you brought me here for my nameday. I don’t see any decorations, so are you meant to be my gift?

Your body certainly did not complain as I took you by such ravenous means, your gash overflowed with not only my seed, but your own sweet drippings.

[He retorts, though he's really in no position to argue about whether or not bodily reactions to sexual stimuli is the evidence needed to prove whether or not something was overstepping, considering his own at the time. Though the question that follows is, well...does he really have to explain it, or is this part of Cid's gift that he's requesting?

It feels odd to even do this much, though he knows in truth it isn't merely for Cid. Like an addict, this is one last hit before he quits it completely. Or so, that is what he had reasoned with himself.]

Did you expect entertainment as well? You always were ungrateful. Perhaps I should send you back to your nursery for stunted men.

Oh, jealousy is such a sad look on you, Barney.

[He doesn’t dare touch that bit verbally, it would be such a nightmare to dig out of. Though there are dozens of points he could make, like how he doesn’t think its hot to fuck someone with a punctured lung, or if that’s their bar for consent they really should talk about it maybe. ]

You never knew how to throw a fucking party, so it’s good to know some things never change. But yes, actually, it’s normal to provide a thing or two when inviting someone over to celebrate their birth. Not that you’ve ever concerned yourself with normal.

[he looks at a harbard in a sexy mummy outfit.]

Is that man wrapped in toilet paper?

You think I desire you to be my nursemaid? Your bedside manner was always wanting, Cidolfus, I strain to imagine it has improved.

[Though he ignores the party bit, and the fact he's well outside the realm of normal. He wouldn't be, if man was willing to revert to how they should be, but that is an argument for another time. Perhaps when he isn't cycling through feeling and unfeeling as he is presently, his body and mind adjusting to the crystal collar as it adjusts the flow of aether within him.

It's all the same, anyway, with Cid's attention being brought to one of the Harbards.]

Bandages.

[No further explanation.]

Is he fucking hurt, or did he just get into the medical supplies? Or was it your idea?

[I think they both know the answer there. Cid can’t actually imagine Barnabas dressing up Harbard like this. He looks around. In fact, they’re all in stupid costumes, aren’t they?]

Speaking of not normal, I think it’s a little weird of you to dress them up like this. Especially the stupid ones. A little cruel, maybe?

[A beat.]

Then what is it that you wanted? Because it seems like you’re angling for an argument, though I know what’s really always on your mind.

[Except he’s collared now.]

I did not dress them, they changed into these ridiculous outfits when the season changed. I had not asked for them either, seeing as Sleipnir is already here in the plural, yet when I requested my ship, did it come with this specific crew to man it. I cannot fully complain, however.

[Though he stops a moment, as he thinks on that comment about "the stupid ones". Was Cid familiar? He hadn't brought him here before, and it seems as though he isn't at all surprised that the ship is here to begin with, as he likely should be. In fact, that was maybe part of...well, he supposes it doesn't matter now.]

Nay, I have no interest in arguing with you. I sought only to give you what you otherwise cannot have. Whether this ends in a exchange of mere words or our spend is up to you.

Edited 2023-10-30 06:42 (UTC)

[Bastard. Really, deep down, this is all that he wants. What else even matters?]

Well, then let's go somewhere private, shall we?

[He takes Barnabas by the paw, leading him out to the deck and quickly orienting himself. Of course he knows the Einherjar well enough to be plunked into any random room and find his way about, even if it is massive.]

...Nice ship, by the way. Wish you'd have told me about it, I might have liked to properly visit my masterwork.

[He doesn't sound too serious, as usual. He only frowns for a moment.]

[His silence is agreement enough, but so too his allowing of Cid taking his paw. The warmth of Cid's hand in his inspires a feeling deep in his chest, that only seems to be pressing slowly into his mind through the tightest of passages. Such is the nature of the fetters, simply to allow a strait for his feelings and desire that is otherwise blocked entirely.

As they make their way towards the room, Barnabas' ears twitch upward as Cid addresses the matter of the ship.]

Bringing you here was just that, though you had spoiled that on your own by your subdued reaction. Unsurprising, impetuous and impatient as always.

[He could sound more annoyed, honestly.]

[Oh, son of a bitch. He’s not usually so slow on the fucking uptake. Right. He hadn’t slept much at all in this eventful week.]

…I suppose I always was one to peek at my gifts. Ah, fuck. I’m sorry, Barney.

[He turns to take Barnabas’ hands in his, smiling up at him.] You got this for us?

[Cid actually blushes as he takes one hand back and rubs the back of his neck.] I didn’t know you cared like that still.

[He presses forward, throwing his arms around Barnabas’ neck and giving him a chaste kiss meant to convey gratitude, but not devolve into fucking right here right now.]

Wholly unnecessary to apologize, it is only yourself that you disappoint in your haste.

[As Cid turns and takes his hands, both of them, in his, smiling up at him like the young boy he used to be, Barnabas feels a twinge of something deep within himself. His eyes scan Cid's features while his own remain mostly impassive—but his eyes give away that warm he feels. However slight it might be in the moment.

Then Cid has his arms around him, kissing him with gratitude. It is...a long forgotten feeling, to be appreciated in such a way, and to feel its effects as he does now. Minute as it may be, but it's something, compared to the endless void that otherwise fills him. He brings his arms around him as well, circling his waist as those strong paw-like hands hold the small of his back.

Once the kiss breaks, Barnabas finally speaks.]

I cannot, not without the fetters, thus my behest for them. However, I can think, and I can reason, even if you think me beyond it. As such, I decided to bring forth the Einherjar—for us.

Bah, that’s usually the case, isn’t it?

[And by God, how he wants to believe it that Barnabas speaks true. Fully and completely. But he knows it’s complicated. He knows Barnabas is complicated, and always has been. Barnabas can think and reason, but what are his motives?]

I’ve got ideas, then, to make this more comfortable for you.

[His fingers trace the collar and he peers up at Barnabas through long lashes.]

And what’s your thinking and reasoning behind all this? What are you trying to say with all of it? That you imply that there’s an “us” at all…

[He could make up convenient rationalizations for it all, but if Barnabas is going to lie to him about something, he’d rather he lie for himself.]

[At the idea that Cid has thought about making him more comfortable, he's uncertain what to make of it. That Cid would concern himself with such a matter isn't beyond him, in fact, it is well within his character and his behavior, yet...]

My thinking is that if we are to exist here together, then concessions must needs be made. I may be a warrior King, but even I know when to sue for peace. That we might find the common ground with which we both once stood.

We are inexonerably drawn to one another, but need it always be a clash when we meet? Could it not be something more than that?

[His voice sounds genuine, perhaps even a measure of softness to it—fondness, really. As he speaks, he rubs at the small of Cid's back, a gesture uncharacteristically warm, but perhaps it wasn't so uncharacteristic once upon a time...]

Common ground, eh? So it's a bit more than metaphorical here.

[He allows himself to be pulled in further, body flush against Barnabas' monstrous, though admittedly very cute, form.]

So, what I'm hearing is- That you'd like some peace, and you've got a peace offering right under my boots and your- paws. Pardon me.

[He bites he inside of his cheek.]

Well... How could I say no to that? [He swallows thickly at the concept of "something more".]

Do you still have a bed?

Indeed.

[The warmth of Cidolfus against his nude form excites him, and his body is quick to make that obvious. How inconvenient when his bodily and mental arousal can connect, and how easily it stirs the former into action. He simply tries to ignore it, but that's something a little hard to do for Cid, probably, when it's pressing against him.]

Of course I have a bed, let us away to it.

[It will be easier to discuss matters in his captain's quarters than standing around with Cid's body pressed to his while he grows increasingly more aroused. Thus he pulls away from Cid, releasing him, as he leads them off the deck and inside. Fortunately his lack of shame makes walking with an erection barely register in his mind. It isn't too terribly long before they are to his quarters, despite the massive size of the ship.

The room is...well, it's honestly depressing, and part of Barnabas can recognize that now, more on an emotional level. Trickling though the emotions still prove to be. A single throne-like chair sat before the windows that look out at the sea, and his absurdly large bed are all that's worth noting in the room. It isn't like he needs much else, though he's certain Cid will say something.

As he turns to look at his companion, his expression stays impassive, yet somewhat expectant. As if he's inviting Cid to get whatever it is he has to say out of his system so that they may continue. This probably looks especially ridiculous given his aroused state, but Barnabas pays that no mind.]

You look like nothing arouses you more than your ardent disdain for decor.

[Cid supplies reliably. He laughs, walking past him as he shakes his head. But at that he lets it go. He knows how Barnabas is. Is now. Whatever. He sits on his bed and shuffles back until he’s comfortably near the pillows. He’s already dressed down pretty severely as it is as well, though not fully nude as Barnabas was. After all, He was just in his own home in the evening before Barnabas abducted him. Cid is in a comfortable, warm pair of fleece lounge pants and a grey t-shirt with a plunging neckline; anything else would make him feel strangled, after all.]

Come here, lover. [He smirks at him and winks, patting the spot next to him as if Barnabas is a dog that requires a motion based cue. Well. He as nearly furry enough to be one.]

[That nearly pulls a smirk out of him, but he refrains. Instead, he simply allows Cid to walk past him and make himself comfort on the bed. Even dressed in those unfamiliar clothes he cannot help but feel so terribly aroused looking at him, like his erection is renewed. It's honestly a bit of a problem, and part of him wonders if he was always this aroused around Cid before he became akashic, or if this might be a byproduct of what he's become.

It doesn't matter.

At the cue, he nearly comes, but then stops at the patting. His eyes looking at the spot, then leveling a flat stare at Cid.]

Are you to treat me as a beast?

[He knows he basically is one, even without the fluffy ears, but still.]

Would you have me treat you as a man instead? I thought you abhorred that. [Cid tests and teases, chuckling and allowing his eyes to roam Barnabas’ form. He leans back on his palms and looks at Barnabas with nothing but open, playful curiosity.]

Here I thought you envied them and their purity to their nature and purpose. Unless you’ve had a change of heart? [He licks his lips unconsciously as he beholds him, his one little tell that it don’t really matter what he says, he just wants him in his arms. ]

[That's met with a silent stare, and silent compliance as he makes his way over to join Cid. He has a point, though who he favors treating him as the wretched beast he is...isn't other Dominants. However, this is about Cid, or so he is allowing it to be.]

I think we both know where my heart is these days.

[Is what he finally says, before looking to Cid.]

Most days, I should say.

Must be lonely for your heart most days, then. [Cid tilts his head slightly, momentarily, holding his gaze.]

Then what about the rest of the days?

[Cid asks, but he collects Barnabas’ head into his lap like the dog he’s insinuating that he is. He runs his hands through his hair and his fur, feeling the new features on his scalp without invitation.]

…If it helps, I could tell you what my heart tells me, as I haven’t gagged it like an annoying prisoner. [Like you have. He softens his words by rubbing the soft velvet of his ears.]

Edited 2023-11-05 05:26 (UTC)

I do not suffer loneliness.

[He does, he simply can't recognize it as such.

It's odd, to be directed to lay in his lap this way. Such an act is something he typically reserves for...well. He pushes that thought from his mind, and simply allows Cid to do this, petting him as if he were some animal. It's oddly soothing, and he doesn't know what to make of that.

Besides, that question sticks with him, even if he doesn't answer it immediately. Instead he chooses to think on how to answer it. At Cid's offering, he peers at him, staring at hims expectantly, his silent invitation for him to go on.

His ears flicking a little when Cid rubs them in certain places, while others make him tilt his head into the rubbing. He doesn't seem to notice he's doing this.]

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