[Still not a word, hmmm? This is objectively a terrible, horrible idea. He already has everything he needs. He should just toss Jade's potion into the water, and return to Pomefiore to announce a tentative mission accomplished. Transforming and abandoning the high ground, so to speak, immersing himself in a foreign environment that gives all his advantages away to Jade..... It's reckless, foolish, leaving himself dangerously vulnerable. Jade has already proven he has the resolve to seriously injure him, after all--perhaps even kill, if his knife had landed true.
Then again, in the end, is he really anything more than a reckless fool who loves the dangerous thrill of the hunt? He already has everything he needs, but not everything he wants. He wants an excuse to use his potion. He wants to become something, someone entirely new. He wants to see Jade up close in his all his natural, true beauty, existing as he should where he belongs.
Funny how he almost never seems to bare any skin from the neck down, yet Jade's first time seeing any of it, he gets to see all of it. A touch of magic is all he needs to divest himself of his clothing in moments; Rook abandons his uniform in the branches with Jade's bag, already nude and shameless as he drops down from his perch. He brings nothing but his magical pen and a potion, knocked back in one gulp as he slides into the water.
What a strange feeling. He feels..... almost too buoyant, expansive, as though his body is unfurling like a sigh of relief. The water tastes green and musty even before his head is anywhere near the surface, a pale blue bioluminescence rippling instinctively over his skin the more he immerses beneath such murky water. He may have to start fighting for his life within moments, but until then? He actually feels surprisingly good. It's almost as though this is already natural. What must it feel to turn into a beastman? A fae? A ghost? A direbeast? Maybe he should invest in studying how to make these potions for himself.....]
[ There are times where words are unnecessary. While Rook may love the sound of his own voice (which admittedly Jade has found he's rather fond of by now), there is an equal importance of understanding one's prey enough to pursue them in total silence. Then again... Jade isn't simply a beast--wild? Most certainly, but just a beast would be an insult.
As Rook's clothes fly from his body in an flash Jade doesn't resist the urge to examine him. The various scars freckled across his form are nearly invisible, but the picture they paint sends a rush through Jade long before the potion touches the hunter's lips--he knows how to struggle.
Skin is painted in vibrant colors to bring Rook's form both closer and impressively different from his own. A dark teal tongue brushes over a plethora of too sharp, too many fangs as Jade allows himself to sink back beneath the water's surface. His natural tone might be suited perfectly to the ocean, but less so for a beautiful mountain lake. Fortunately the abundance of fauna, moss, and aquatic plants gives him potential to hide. Though from the familiar shape of the tentacles replacing his target's lower limbs (although their size is remarkably skewed) brings him pause.
Would Rook understand how to use his new appendages? The power that the merman has witnessed real ones use to avoid capture or to ambush and entangle their own prey?
Had he practiced? When would he even have the time? ]
Oya, oya... What an interesting form you've been given, Rook-san. May I ask what you intend to do with me?
[When would he have the time, indeed? After this little scuffle, he intends to make the time. To give up this wonderful new feeling after just an hour or two seems tragic beyond measure. To say nothing of giving up the chance to see Jade like this.....
Oh, he's positively breathtaking. Jade has always been handsome, but this is the missing piece he'd always known of logically, but could never quite grasp emotionally. His heart (hearts? Now that he thinks to focus on the sensation, it's bizarre) feels as though it's skipping a beat. He had had something he'd been planning to do, hadn't he? Some sort of playful banter for Jade? Something? In a rare instance of Rook actually finding himself at a loss for words, all of it floats away as effortlessly as he and Jade bob beneath the water now, before any of it ever manages to reach his lips. Rook simply openly stares instead, silent and captivated.]
[ Such stunned silence earns a laugh, a small stream of bubbles erupting from the gills nestled firmly between the moray's ribcage. Clawed fingertips move to trace along the lighter color gracing Jade's abdomen, accentuating the sturdy abdominal muscles there. Various teal freckles scatter across him leading into deeper, darker hues--all parts that aid in his natural defenses. ]
Speechless? Fufu~ I had not thought it possible.
[ His tail flicks, easily moving the water around him as if it wasn't there at all. Jade knows better than to slither closer, but it's tempting when his reward would be the chance to admire such a spectacle. ]
I imagine your hearts are racing.
[ He'd torn apart enough cuttlefish in his time to know exactly how their unique organs look, feel and taste. Would Rook's blood have the same salted tang? ]
[Hah, what must Jade think of him now? This is an extremely inconvenient time to have a monsterfucker crisis over how his friend is secretly obscenely hot. Somebody help him, this is the one situation he actually wasn't prepared for. Just sitting here gaping at him like some witless trout..... He must look like an absolute buffoon. It's impossible not to follow Jade's claws with his eyes, lingering over powerful muscles, elegant and adaptive coloring, a sleek tail that seems to stretch on for miles..... Every inch of Jade is perfect. Perfectly gorgeous, and perfectly deadly. He can't imagine changing a single thing.
Rook can't help a soft self-deprecating laugh once he finally finds his voice again, spreading his hands; his tentacles fan out along with them in a helpless full-body shrug. Caught red-handed, is he?]
You read me like a book, Monsieur Prรฉmรฉditรฉ. Forgive me, I hadn't realized you would be so beautiful.
This is a rare opportunity. I suppose you have not had much chance to appreciate my kind so close before... I appreciate your compliment.
[ Because in Jade's mind that's what it is, despite his own--confused, questioning--come to think of it, is this technically interspecies? Would his parents find that attraction shameful? Surely, it was nothing more than a passing silly human 'crush'--feelings on the matter. Rook is obsessed with beasts of all sorts who surely would admire any other merfolk with the same slack-jawed awe.
Though being admired so unabashedly... it stirs something in him. It's different when those foolish first-years stared he and Floyd down earlier in the year. ]
This form suits you, Rook-san. I will have to be careful not to admire you too closely.
Merci~ I find it quite agreeable as well. By all means, admire as closely as you'd like; I could certainly watch you swim you all night. Vraiment enchanteur.....
[One tentacle stretches out mock-sneakily to curl around Jade's free hand, grasp too slack to be even remotely threatening. After all, Jade being close to him means he's close to Jade, as well--and even stunned by the merman's elegance, he can't fully shake the desire to capture his prize to enjoy at his leisure.
His family would probably laugh if they saw him now, wouldn't they? What would it be, "boys will be boys" perhaps? Or maybe "it's only natural"? Even if they didn't share his aesthetic attraction, they would surely understand it, wouldn't they?]
[ At this distance most spells would work just as effectively against himself than just the 'merman' before him. It's a dangerous game he's playing today, but he would be lying if he claimed to dislike it. If he were to let Rook too close it would be easy to drive his pen into Jade's gills and twist--tentacles ensnaring the moray before he could even twist himself away.
That is if Rook could effectively control even a portion of those powerful new appendages with even a fraction of the prowess Azul can. It's a risky bet, but there is some safety in the knowledge that even if Rook wanted to injure or kill him it would be, as Cater often says, a 'bad look'.
Webbed fingers spread when the tentacle takes his hand so gently, almost as if the vice warden simply planned to kiss the back of it. Jade takes the risk to move effortlessly closer, though the hand holding his wand does move to flick some teal strands of hair from his face. Is it a subtle reminder that this could change at any moment? Possibly. ]
Would Vil-san be disappointed in you wasting your evening? I imagine the deadline for your 'project' is drawing near...
[ His tail moves then--edging in closer until it can brush against one of the cuttlefish's strikingly vivid tentacles. Like this can he feel how cool to the touch he is? It's sticky, but he isn't worried about that prospect of all things running Rook off. ]
[Taking Jade's hand like this certainly feels like he's kissing it, with that stimulating hint of salt tinging along his skin. He can't help but wonder, would it taste the same if he actually did kiss him? Would Jade even like that? He doubts his teeth are as sharp as Jade's, but he could probably do some damage, if he wanted to. If he had the chance to. Down here, his body is as new as though he were a child again. He might be able to clumsily latch onto Jade with those tentacles, might even be able to instinctively wield some impressive strength from them.....
Even so, it probably wouldn't be anything Jade couldn't effortlessly handle, especially with his magical pen at the ready. Right now, he's largely at the merman's mercy. Maybe that's why it feels as though he's pushing his luck, curling a few tentacles to caress the tail that nudges at them. How hard would it be to engulf him with these, with a little practice? Does this count as feeling him up?]
Heheheh..... Roi du Poison knows he can trust my process. When have I ever let my Queen down before?
[Read as: Vil probably would be disappointed, but odds are he won't pry that far unless Rook volunteers that information. Why should he, when he'll produce results whether he wastes his time playing with Jade or not? He'll just come back to the lake in a day or two to collect his prize while Jade is otherwise occupied, and Vil will be both happy and none the wiser.
Although..... it does feel a little sad, thinking that he won't need to dog Jade's footsteps so closely anymore. Just because he doesn't need to doesn't mean he doesn't still want to. Suppose he does keep going, once Vil has what he needs..... what should his new project be?]
[ Every instinct inside him tells him that letting those inexperienced tendrils bump against and coil in his space is a poor means of self-preservation. Fortunately, the logical side of himself wins out over instinct--a striking difference between himself and his twin.
Rook won't kill him and a little potential maiming doesn't concern him so long as they both can leave this mountain alive. Preferably still able to walk. ]
All of this for bloomed algae? It isn't here, you know.
[ Because while this lake does hold some wonderful algae that he enjoys to use in his terrariums... it's actually a small side pond a little ways off that the hunter is after. While Jade is certain Pomefiore doesn't need a substantial amount for their cause, it's much more amusing to enjoy their frustration from the sidelines. Plus it needed time to bloom and spread before collection. The small bit of it that Jade did attempt to transplant in the lake was taking so much time to bear hypothetical fruit he's already accepted it as a lost cause.
But the lake itself isn't wasted. Jade's tail brushes more firmly against the tentacles to admire their texture before coiling around a few... it isn't octopus, but it's only natural that he'd consider taking a bite. Would the delicate suckers on the edges of them leave welts the same way Azul's would? Could they squeeze him tight enough to make his ribs collapse from lack of room> No... it's more likely they could leave deep, aching bruises though.
His hand extends to rest on Rook's scarred chest, tip of a claw tracing over a mark long healed over. As calm as Jade's expression is, he can feel his cold, slow heart beating faster. Can that tentacle around his hand and wrist feel it? ]
[Rook just smiles mischievously, tentacles curling lovingly around the tail that ensnares them. There are plenty more where that came from, after all--and uncoordinated though they may be, they all seem very interested in touching him now that Jade is getting bolder, stroking and squeezing sleek muscles in clear admiration.
Jade's pulse thrums beneath the tentacle wound around his wrist--quicker even than it had been during their chase, he suspects. That's a little thrill in and of itself, isn't it? That this kind of closeness can be even more exciting, even if they aren't struggling for their lives? Rook hums appreciatively under the delicate touch of a claw, leaning in to touch their noses together. Silly Jade, doesn't he realize by now that the algae is the pretext he'd needed?]
Algae or none, I think tonight has been tremendously fruitful~ ♥
[ He wants to taste Rook's skin between his teeth. Maul his face so that everyone would know how much of a mistake tangling with one of the twins is, but as he smashes their mouths together he decides this is good enough. Though just because his intentions are kinder doesn't translate to his needle sharp teeth being any less of a danger. Jade wants to bury them into bioluminescent flesh to suck him dry and sate the only drive he can even begin to equate what he's feeling to.
His tail tightens harshly around the tentacles in its grasp, even as the others so lavishly curl and brush against his far too long body.
It's short-lived and when it breaks his mismatched eyes linger on Rook's face with a familiar curiosity. Like he's watching a struggling fish rather than a living breathing (sort of) person in front of him. His hand slides up a well-toned chest until he can hook his arm around the hunter's neck to edge him closer. ]
[Oh, he thinks he likes this. It's overwhelmingly satisfying to have more than two hands to touch with, and the way it feels when Jade squeezes him..... It's a strange, alien ache, distinctly different to feel himself merely being compressed, rather than the pain of such strain being taken by his bones. But the way Jade kisses--
That sort of primal hunger sends a shiver straight down his spine, frightening and thrilling in exactly the right ways. Vil is going to be distraught if he comes home torn to ribbons, isn't he? He still has Pomefiore's image and reputation to maintain. Rook does his best to be careful, to spare himself from those deadly sharp teeth; even so, it's hard to be mindful when it suddenly feels like they're trying to devour each other whole.
Rook swallows back a whimper of protest as Jade pulls back, instead letting out a shuddering sigh as he allows Jade to reel him in close. Should he regret this? It's hard to believe so, when he mostly just doesn't want "this", whatever it is, to be done as quickly as it had started. What's with that expression, anyway.....?]
By all means, enlighten me. Why would I regret it?
[ From this distance Rook's eyes are enchanting. Such a striking green in comparison the darker, chilled waters they find themselves coiled up together in... it almost makes him feel a little nervous.
Webbed fingers slide through blond hair, curling what strands he can around their clawed tips. It's selfish to do something like this, but he doesn't wish to pursue this any further with only his assumptions.
This close and this intimate... and with that striking green looking directly into his own gaze. Briefly he ponders using his own unique magic here--to ask the vice any question he pleases (and there are many...)--but that would likely drive a wedge between this contact he doesn't want to end.
Jade tears his eyes away with a sigh as his hand comes up to cup his own cheek. ]
Merfolk are very particular and possessive regarding their mates. I would loathe for you to regret stepping into such a commitment unknowingly.
[ His tail tightens again, this time inching up Rook's elongated torso in hopes to collect more of him to hold.]
[It would be a waste to spend his unique magic so recklessly, wouldn't it? He might get one of the answers he seeks, but this playful hunt of theirs might also turn deadly serious. Or would it be stranger if there was no hunt at all? Would it be worse to see his ever-present smile wiped away, or to look into the eyes of someone so fascinated by everything, and see no interest or regard reflected in them at all?
There are other, more pleasant ways to coax answers out of each other, if it comes to that. Jade looks away, and Rook tucks his face against Jade's shoulder to muffle his giggles, relaxing into the coils sneaking their way ever higher. It might be a little sticky, it might be a lot dangerous--but it's hard to deny how cozy Jade's embrace is. How often is it that anyone trusts him enough to let him be this close?]
Oh lร lร , I had no idea merfolk moved so fast! Humans usually spend a while making up their minds. But it wouldn't be unknowing if you told me all about it, would it?
[How interesting, he's probably the last person anyone should look to for a commitment, at this point in his life. Is he going to get a crash course on merfolk romantic cultural customs?]
[ Perhaps it's a foolish teenager's excitement pushing this on so quickly, but the possibility of leaving the College without even a thorough exploration of what humans have to offer feels like a disservice.
But separating ideals from home and embracing ones from another is difficult to do completely. The twins would need to find their own mates someday and while Jade had originally resigned himself to the very real possibility that he would need to find someone to carry on the family business first, he doesn't think Floyd would mind if that time came now rather than later.
Well. He might have some complaints, but that was more Floyd's personal judgment on what Jade could possibly see in such a noisy seagull. ]
It differs depending on the species...
[ Jade's neck cranes to give Rook access, tail settling comfortably around the blond's waist with more than enough length to spare for tentacles to cling or attach to. Tips of claws toy with blond strands--such a rare color back home. ]
But with my own, we are rather particular. We prove ourselves to our partner through battle, acts of bravery, or elimination of the competition... I have always found my Father's scar caused by Mother's claim of him to be rather romantic.
[And not entirely dissimilar to beastmen practices in some parts of Sunset Savannah, now that he thinks about it. Maybe that's why it feels almost unnervingly comfortable and familiar--why he had apparently nearly slipped into that role without even meaning to. Of course Jade is going to assume he's coming on ridiculously strong, after how heavily he's stalked him--to say nothing of the knife and arrows that had been exchanged mere minutes ago. He may as well have kicked down the door with a bouquet of roses in hand. Hah, does stopping short of hitting Jade mark him as sappy and sentimental, then? Or merely weak-willed and unserious about his pursuit? What must Jade assume about his relationship with Vil in that case, going to such lengths simply to please him?
He wonders what other humans in the college might even be emotionally capable of giving Jade (and Floyd, presumably) what he would want. (Speaking of competition. It really is so easy to simply step back and reframe things.....) Wouldn't they be more comfortable looking to Savanaclaw's rough and ready student body, particularly the beastmen? A scion of Pomefiore surely must seem disappointingly frail and frivolous in comparison to someone like Leona or Jack.
Or maybe he's simply overthinking all this. It's all too easy to let his mind wander, wrapped up so snugly and enjoying the taste of him on his lips while Jade plays with his hair.]
Humans aren't usually prone to such grand gestures, in my experience. Although, so many of the books and plays I loved as a child were absolutely full of them..... I suppose that must make merfolk relationships sound like a fairytale romance to me.
The lack of obvious interest is something that surprised me upon coming to land, though I had never thought I would find someone that captured my interest.
[ And who seems to be interested in him. Grand gestures aside so many humans seemed so ashamed or embarrassed by their affections.
It's true that Rook's antics came off as more frustrating to most people--blatantly annoying or frustrating... but to Jade they are simply parts of his charm. A strong hunter is a provider, and he hadn't even noticed anyone in his part of the sea who quite held a candle to Rook's prowess yet. Initially it was difficult to dismiss Rook's antics due to nature, but as Jade grows to know him more he finds it impossible to ignore.
His tail tightens more, silently amused at the feeling of Rook's lower body molding to his hold. It's easy to imagine his human bones splintering beneath it, but perhaps that could come another day. Jade leans in to brush his own lips against Rook's vibrant colored neck, his teeth quick to follow with a gentle nip to test the waters. ]
Although... my kind's commitment might be outside your preferences.
[ If Rook's intense passion for so many is anything to go by, though Jade at least has enough common sense now to know that Rook's interest and personality is quite different than outright attraction. ]
It's silly, isn't it? So many of us fear rejection so deeply, that plenty of humans can spend years testing the waters and hesitating to jump in.
[Even he finds it absurd, from the inside looking out. Doesn't even unrequited love has a bittersweet beauty to it, painful though it may be? Or has he simply watched so many tragedies unfold on the stage that his views on the matter are permanently skewed? They may not be romantic in nature, but he still faces rejection so often he's learned to brush it off with a smile.
Not that he's facing rejection now. Far from it, given the strength with which Jade grips him; Rook purrs appreciatively at the exploratory touch of lips and teeth, fingers threading through Jade's hair as though he means to hold him there. This really is a dangerous passion, isn't it? They both know full well what he's like. How does someone so easily enchanted measure up against the possessive commitment of a merman? Is it wrong that some deep, dark part of him is curious how much he would suffer, if it all went wrong?]
Well..... who knows? I daresay it's worth a try to see how it goes, so long as you don't expect anything binding right away. Maybe you'll even surprise us both, and win me over completely?
[Now wouldn't that be a shock to everyone who knows him? Even Rook genuinely isn't sure if he's capable of the sort of depths of devotion that has eyes for nothing and noone else. Or is that an absurd role reversal, given he's been the one pursuing Jade so doggedly until now?]
[ All of that is far too wasteful. While Jade might struggle with expressing his true self often (something Floyd and Azul have been working on with him ever since Azul's... incident), hesitating over something so impractical for so long seems incredibly foolish. At worst they would receive a rejection and be able to move on. Or perhaps the object of their affections already holds them on a pedestal they're too cautious to shake.
It's different than this case where Jade simply bided his time to ensure that they were in a suitable setting to make the proposition. Surely. Not at all nerves that he misunderstood Rook's demeanor as actual hunting mishaps.
The next nip to the hunter's throat is sharper and quickly followed by a dark teal tongue before Jade speaks against his skin. ]
I understand land dwellers do have different courting methods...
[ Another sharp nibble. If they were both merfolk perhaps he'd take that type of comment with more offense, but all things considered it is a fair request. Rook's heart is so overwhelmingly full all of the time, though it wasn't impossible for noone else to be interested in him. Admittedly, Jade doesn't consider that as a possibility for himself, either. ]
So long as you do not intentionally make me jealous.
[ His grip in Rook's hair relents, but only so his hand can trail down to his neck. Clawed fingertips pressing just lightly above where, were he still human now, his jugular vein would reside. ]
[Oh, now this is nice. Dangerous, but nice; he wonders if Jade would so readily bare his throat for him, the way Rook does now. Rook squirms a little in his hold, breath catching sharply as Jade's attention grows more sinister focused; his tentacles flex and cling instinctively where they're curled around him, tooth-ringed suckers latching onto sleek scales.]
Perish the thought. And if I want you to punish me, even without ruffling your scales?
[Does that mean he should stop his observations of the others? Floyd, Azul, even Leona or the fae in Diasomnia..... Hah, as if those two wouldn't complain to Jade about him lurking to watch over them. As if someone like Leona would ever give Jade cause to be jealous. Far more likely that he would start sending Jade texts along the lines of "come pick up your damn hellbeast he's ruining my nap". Even his relationship with Vil has a completely different tenor.
No, he doesn't think they're likely to run into any problems in that regard. If anything, it's far more likely that others would have eyes for Jade, considering how often people find Rook even just expressing himself to be off-putting. How many people might already have their eyes on a seemingly perfect gentleman like him?]
[ Oh, certainly not. A large part of Jade's day-to-day amusement comes from Rook's semi-regular rotation of stalking researching his brother and good friend. While Jade finds the act charming, he enjoys the anguish it brings onto everyone else.
Though if he'd heard of Rook pursuing Floyd or Azul like this... well, it would be a different story. One that they would certainly inform him of immediately with the full intent of seeing Rook broken and bloodied.
Jade laughs against the chromatophores beneath his lips. Would the bite he so wants to use to claim Rook's throat ruin their color changing properties? ]
You did ruin my notebook...
[ His tail tightens more harshly in response to the small teeth finding their way into his skin. It would be only fair, wouldn't it? If Rook can latch on with teeth then he should be allowed to in turn.
Breaking skin is effortless and the taste that fills his mouth is euphoric. The copper tang of blood finally meeting his tongue is like a rush of adrenaline, urging his nature to dig in his claws to keep his prey against his cold, slick body. ]
[Why in Twisted Wonderland would he ever feel the need to hunt Floyd or Azul so actively? Floyd might be athletic enough to be a workout, and Azul might be cunning enough to be a challenge, but..... Jade is the best of both worlds, and appreciates the art of the hunt in a way he's inclined to suspect that neither of the others do. No, it's far more interesting (and entertaining) to simply learn what he can with a little poking and prodding, knowing how easily he can get the information he wants.]
I--!
[There's a notebook, hmmm? Full of what? Surely it can't be ruined enough by a single arrow that he won't be able to read it. (Because he does still intend to read it. If Jade wants his things back, he'll either have to scale that tree before Rook can fetch everything himself, or he'll have to come get it from him--whether that's simply asking for it, or retrieving it from his room.) Already his curiosity is piqued to see the fruits of Jade's labor of love, combing the mountains for his precious specimens.
There's not enough time to ask, or explain himself, or even protest before needle sharp teeth bury themselves in his throat. Rook moans outright, back arching to press bodily against Jade. Considering the circumstances, he manages a perhaps shocking level of strength for such a newly minted merman, tentacles clenching thoughtlessly around Jade. The heartbeats thrumming against his chest might stay as stubbornly steady as ever, but there's no mistaking the scent of adrenaline and arousal perfuming the water along with his blood. So this is his punishment, hmmm? Maybe he should think of a few ways to harmlessly needle Jade, if that's the case..... Is this fresh injury even going to stay, when he transforms back to himself?
Maybe if things really do get serious, he should invest in a water breathing potion instead of a transformation potion, just once. Wouldn't it be something special, letting Jade claim him and deliberately leave whatever sort of mark he desires? He doesn't have to use his skin care products to help soothe away a specific scar, if he doesn't want to.....]
[ Would Rook be disappointed in a book full of imprints of mushroom gills, extensive field notes and the occasional writing about the hunter himself? Watching Rook watch him and carefully notating his own observations on it. It's not the best thing for a hunter to get ahold of...a firsthand account of the little things his prey notices when being stalked.
Jade, truthfully, cares more about his field notes and mushroom afterimages than the last part, though. ]
Mmm...
[ His tongue appreciates the wounds his fangs leave, the tip of it brushing against the thin holes they leave behind. A cloud of blood taints the water in a way so comfortably familiar to the merman. The squeezing around himself earns the same in kind--what all could those tentacles do? The sharp, small teeth would easily leave small rings of punctures he would need to keep an eye on, but beyond that he's curious. Could Rook hold him down, choke him or break him open? To coil around his ribcage and squeeze him so hard he'd see white... it's more appealing than it should be, but it's just another part of his own nature.
Tooth for tooth. Squeeze for squeeze. Dominate or be dominated.
His webbed hands start to roam--through blond hair, down Rook's throat, a squeeze at a shoulder blade as his chest presses against an equally strong one. He'd agreed not to jump into anything binding, but a smooth grind of his body against the other's makes him consider being reckless. Even if things don't work out then at least won't have any regrets when he returns home. ]
I want you.
[ When was the last time he truly asked for something for himself? Rook is an inconvenience to Azul and Floyd at his best and worst, but... surely they would understand. ]
[He'll be over the moon to get his hands on it, once he makes it home with his prize. How often does a huntsman get to see the world from the eyes of his prey? How often is he gifted with the sort of field notes and art he favors of flora he's not already familiar with? Maybe there will be a way to fix the damage; it would be a shame for such treasures to go to waste.
It's impossible not to squirm when Jade's hands start moving, touches all too fleeting to be even remotely satisfying. For now, at least, he has very little interest in struggling; it's obvious how overwhelmingly outmatched he is, underwater in an unfamiliar body. Later, though..... Who knows what he'll be capable of, once he's practiced enough to put up the sort of fight Jade deserves? Maybe he really will be able to leave Jade begging for mercy.]
Then what are you waiting for? I believe first blood goes to you.
[He could argue that his arrow had landed first..... But that had never actually been meant to injure. When was Jade ever allowed to be selfish? Surely he had earned the right to be a bit greedy, and savor his victory tonight.]
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Then again, in the end, is he really anything more than a reckless fool who loves the dangerous thrill of the hunt? He already has everything he needs, but not everything he wants. He wants an excuse to use his potion. He wants to become something, someone entirely new. He wants to see Jade up close in his all his natural, true beauty, existing as he should where he belongs.
Funny how he almost never seems to bare any skin from the neck down, yet Jade's first time seeing any of it, he gets to see all of it. A touch of magic is all he needs to divest himself of his clothing in moments; Rook abandons his uniform in the branches with Jade's bag, already nude and shameless as he drops down from his perch. He brings nothing but his magical pen and a potion, knocked back in one gulp as he slides into the water.
What a strange feeling. He feels..... almost too buoyant, expansive, as though his body is unfurling like a sigh of relief. The water tastes green and musty even before his head is anywhere near the surface, a pale blue bioluminescence rippling instinctively over his skin the more he immerses beneath such murky water. He may have to start fighting for his life within moments, but until then? He actually feels surprisingly good. It's almost as though this is already natural. What must it feel to turn into a beastman? A fae? A ghost? A direbeast? Maybe he should invest in studying how to make these potions for himself.....]
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As Rook's clothes fly from his body in an flash Jade doesn't resist the urge to examine him. The various scars freckled across his form are nearly invisible, but the picture they paint sends a rush through Jade long before the potion touches the hunter's lips--he knows how to struggle.
Skin is painted in vibrant colors to bring Rook's form both closer and impressively different from his own. A dark teal tongue brushes over a plethora of too sharp, too many fangs as Jade allows himself to sink back beneath the water's surface. His natural tone might be suited perfectly to the ocean, but less so for a beautiful mountain lake. Fortunately the abundance of fauna, moss, and aquatic plants gives him potential to hide. Though from the familiar shape of the tentacles replacing his target's lower limbs (although their size is remarkably skewed) brings him pause.
Would Rook understand how to use his new appendages? The power that the merman has witnessed real ones use to avoid capture or to ambush and entangle their own prey?
Had he practiced? When would he even have the time? ]
Oya, oya... What an interesting form you've been given, Rook-san. May I ask what you intend to do with me?
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Oh, he's positively breathtaking. Jade has always been handsome, but this is the missing piece he'd always known of logically, but could never quite grasp emotionally. His heart (hearts? Now that he thinks to focus on the sensation, it's bizarre) feels as though it's skipping a beat. He had had something he'd been planning to do, hadn't he? Some sort of playful banter for Jade? Something? In a rare instance of Rook actually finding himself at a loss for words, all of it floats away as effortlessly as he and Jade bob beneath the water now, before any of it ever manages to reach his lips. Rook simply openly stares instead, silent and captivated.]
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Speechless? Fufu~ I had not thought it possible.
[ His tail flicks, easily moving the water around him as if it wasn't there at all. Jade knows better than to slither closer, but it's tempting when his reward would be the chance to admire such a spectacle. ]
I imagine your hearts are racing.
[ He'd torn apart enough cuttlefish in his time to know exactly how their unique organs look, feel and taste. Would Rook's blood have the same salted tang? ]
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This is an extremely inconvenient time to have a monsterfucker crisis over how his friend is secretly obscenely hot. Somebody help him, this is the one situation he actually wasn't prepared for.Just sitting here gaping at him like some witless trout..... He must look like an absolute buffoon. It's impossible not to follow Jade's claws with his eyes, lingering over powerful muscles, elegant and adaptive coloring, a sleek tail that seems to stretch on for miles..... Every inch of Jade is perfect. Perfectly gorgeous, and perfectly deadly. He can't imagine changing a single thing.Rook can't help a soft self-deprecating laugh once he finally finds his voice again, spreading his hands; his tentacles fan out along with them in a helpless full-body shrug. Caught red-handed, is he?]
You read me like a book, Monsieur Prรฉmรฉditรฉ. Forgive me, I hadn't realized you would be so beautiful.
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[ Because in Jade's mind that's what it is, despite his own--
confused, questioning--come to think of it, is this technically interspecies? Would his parents find that attraction shameful? Surely, it was nothing more than a passing silly human 'crush'--feelings on the matter. Rook is obsessed with beasts of all sorts who surely would admire any other merfolk with the same slack-jawed awe.Though being admired so unabashedly... it stirs something in him. It's different when those foolish first-years stared he and Floyd down earlier in the year. ]
This form suits you, Rook-san. I will have to be careful not to admire you too closely.
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[One tentacle stretches out mock-sneakily to curl around Jade's free hand, grasp too slack to be even remotely threatening. After all, Jade being close to him means he's close to Jade, as well--and even stunned by the merman's elegance, he can't fully shake the desire to capture his prize to enjoy at his leisure.
His family would probably laugh if they saw him now, wouldn't they? What would it be, "boys will be boys" perhaps? Or maybe "it's only natural"? Even if they didn't share his aesthetic attraction, they would surely understand it, wouldn't they?]
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That is if Rook could effectively control even a portion of those powerful new appendages with even a fraction of the prowess Azul can. It's a risky bet, but there is some safety in the knowledge that even if Rook wanted to injure or kill him it would be, as Cater often says, a 'bad look'.
Webbed fingers spread when the tentacle takes his hand so gently, almost as if the vice warden simply planned to kiss the back of it. Jade takes the risk to move effortlessly closer, though the hand holding his wand does move to flick some teal strands of hair from his face. Is it a subtle reminder that this could change at any moment? Possibly. ]
Would Vil-san be disappointed in you wasting your evening? I imagine the deadline for your 'project' is drawing near...
[ His tail moves then--edging in closer until it can brush against one of the cuttlefish's strikingly vivid tentacles. Like this can he feel how cool to the touch he is? It's sticky, but he isn't worried about that prospect of all things running Rook off. ]
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Even so, it probably wouldn't be anything Jade couldn't effortlessly handle, especially with his magical pen at the ready. Right now, he's largely at the merman's mercy. Maybe that's why it feels as though he's pushing his luck, curling a few tentacles to caress the tail that nudges at them. How hard would it be to engulf him with these, with a little practice?
Does this count as feeling him up?]Heheheh..... Roi du Poison knows he can trust my process. When have I ever let my Queen down before?
[Read as: Vil probably would be disappointed, but odds are he won't pry that far unless Rook volunteers that information. Why should he, when he'll produce results whether he wastes his time playing with Jade or not? He'll just come back to the lake in a day or two to collect his prize while Jade is otherwise occupied, and Vil will be both happy and none the wiser.
Although..... it does feel a little sad, thinking that he won't need to dog Jade's footsteps so closely anymore. Just because he doesn't need to doesn't mean he doesn't still want to. Suppose he does keep going, once Vil has what he needs..... what should his new project be?]
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Rook won't kill him and a little potential maiming doesn't concern him so long as they both can leave this mountain alive. Preferably still able to walk. ]
All of this for bloomed algae? It isn't here, you know.
[ Because while this lake does hold some wonderful algae that he enjoys to use in his terrariums... it's actually a small side pond a little ways off that the hunter is after. While Jade is certain Pomefiore doesn't need a substantial amount for their cause, it's much more amusing to enjoy their frustration from the sidelines. Plus it needed time to bloom and spread before collection. The small bit of it that Jade did attempt to transplant in the lake was taking so much time to bear hypothetical fruit he's already accepted it as a lost cause.
But the lake itself isn't wasted. Jade's tail brushes more firmly against the tentacles to admire their texture before coiling around a few... it isn't octopus, but it's only natural that he'd consider taking a bite. Would the delicate suckers on the edges of them leave welts the same way Azul's would? Could they squeeze him tight enough to make his ribs collapse from lack of room> No... it's more likely they could leave deep, aching bruises though.
His hand extends to rest on Rook's scarred chest, tip of a claw tracing over a mark long healed over. As calm as Jade's expression is, he can feel his cold, slow heart beating faster. Can that tentacle around his hand and wrist feel it? ]
I am afraid you have wasted your time today.
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[Rook just smiles mischievously, tentacles curling lovingly around the tail that ensnares them. There are plenty more where that came from, after all--and uncoordinated though they may be, they all seem very interested in touching him now that Jade is getting bolder, stroking and squeezing sleek muscles in clear admiration.
Jade's pulse thrums beneath the tentacle wound around his wrist--quicker even than it had been during their chase, he suspects. That's a little thrill in and of itself, isn't it? That this kind of closeness can be even more exciting, even if they aren't struggling for their lives? Rook hums appreciatively under the delicate touch of a claw, leaning in to touch their noses together. Silly Jade, doesn't he realize by now that the algae is the pretext he'd needed?]
Algae or none, I think tonight has been tremendously fruitful~ ♥
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His tail tightens harshly around the tentacles in its grasp, even as the others so lavishly curl and brush against his far too long body.
It's short-lived and when it breaks his mismatched eyes linger on Rook's face with a familiar curiosity. Like he's watching a struggling fish rather than a living breathing (sort of) person in front of him. His hand slides up a well-toned chest until he can hook his arm around the hunter's neck to edge him closer. ]
You might regret this, Rook-san.
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That sort of primal hunger sends a shiver straight down his spine, frightening and thrilling in exactly the right ways. Vil is going to be distraught if he comes home torn to ribbons, isn't he? He still has Pomefiore's image and reputation to maintain. Rook does his best to be careful, to spare himself from those deadly sharp teeth; even so, it's hard to be mindful when it suddenly feels like they're trying to devour each other whole.
Rook swallows back a whimper of protest as Jade pulls back, instead letting out a shuddering sigh as he allows Jade to reel him in close. Should he regret this? It's hard to believe so, when he mostly just doesn't want "this", whatever it is, to be done as quickly as it had started. What's with that expression, anyway.....?]
By all means, enlighten me. Why would I regret it?
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Webbed fingers slide through blond hair, curling what strands he can around their clawed tips. It's selfish to do something like this, but he doesn't wish to pursue this any further with only his assumptions.
This close and this intimate... and with that striking green looking directly into his own gaze. Briefly he ponders using his own unique magic here--to ask the vice any question he pleases (and there are many...)--but that would likely drive a wedge between this contact he doesn't want to end.
Jade tears his eyes away with a sigh as his hand comes up to cup his own cheek. ]
Merfolk are very particular and possessive regarding their mates. I would loathe for you to regret stepping into such a commitment unknowingly.
[ His tail tightens again, this time inching up Rook's elongated torso in hopes to collect more of him to hold.]
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There are other, more pleasant ways to coax answers out of each other, if it comes to that. Jade looks away, and Rook tucks his face against Jade's shoulder to muffle his giggles, relaxing into the coils sneaking their way ever higher. It might be a little sticky, it might be a lot dangerous--but it's hard to deny how cozy Jade's embrace is. How often is it that anyone trusts him enough to let him be this close?]
Oh lร lร , I had no idea merfolk moved so fast! Humans usually spend a while making up their minds. But it wouldn't be unknowing if you told me all about it, would it?
[How interesting, he's probably the last person anyone should look to for a commitment, at this point in his life. Is he going to get a crash course on merfolk romantic cultural customs?]
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But separating ideals from home and embracing ones from another is difficult to do completely. The twins would need to find their own mates someday and while Jade had originally resigned himself to the very real possibility that he would need to find someone to carry on the family business first, he doesn't think Floyd would mind if that time came now rather than later.
Well. He might have some complaints, but that was more Floyd's personal judgment on what Jade could possibly see in such a noisy seagull. ]
It differs depending on the species...
[ Jade's neck cranes to give Rook access, tail settling comfortably around the blond's waist with more than enough length to spare for tentacles to cling or attach to. Tips of claws toy with blond strands--such a rare color back home. ]
But with my own, we are rather particular. We prove ourselves to our partner through battle, acts of bravery, or elimination of the competition... I have always found my Father's scar caused by Mother's claim of him to be rather romantic.
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[And not entirely dissimilar to beastmen practices in some parts of Sunset Savannah, now that he thinks about it. Maybe that's why it feels almost unnervingly comfortable and familiar--why he had apparently nearly slipped into that role without even meaning to. Of course Jade is going to assume he's coming on ridiculously strong, after how heavily he's stalked him--to say nothing of the knife and arrows that had been exchanged mere minutes ago. He may as well have kicked down the door with a bouquet of roses in hand. Hah, does stopping short of hitting Jade mark him as sappy and sentimental, then? Or merely weak-willed and unserious about his pursuit? What must Jade assume about his relationship with Vil in that case, going to such lengths simply to please him?
He wonders what other humans in the college might even be emotionally capable of giving Jade (and Floyd, presumably) what he would want. (Speaking of competition. It really is so easy to simply step back and reframe things.....) Wouldn't they be more comfortable looking to Savanaclaw's rough and ready student body, particularly the beastmen? A scion of Pomefiore surely must seem disappointingly frail and frivolous in comparison to someone like Leona or Jack.
Or maybe he's simply overthinking all this. It's all too easy to let his mind wander, wrapped up so snugly and enjoying the taste of him on his lips while Jade plays with his hair.]
Humans aren't usually prone to such grand gestures, in my experience. Although, so many of the books and plays I loved as a child were absolutely full of them..... I suppose that must make merfolk relationships sound like a fairytale romance to me.
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[ And who seems to be interested in him. Grand gestures aside so many humans seemed so ashamed or embarrassed by their affections.
It's true that Rook's antics came off as more frustrating to most people--blatantly annoying or frustrating... but to Jade they are simply parts of his charm. A strong hunter is a provider, and he hadn't even noticed anyone in his part of the sea who quite held a candle to Rook's prowess yet. Initially it was difficult to dismiss Rook's antics due to nature, but as Jade grows to know him more he finds it impossible to ignore.
His tail tightens more, silently amused at the feeling of Rook's lower body molding to his hold. It's easy to imagine his human bones splintering beneath it, but perhaps that could come another day. Jade leans in to brush his own lips against Rook's vibrant colored neck, his teeth quick to follow with a gentle nip to test the waters. ]
Although... my kind's commitment might be outside your preferences.
[ If Rook's intense passion for so many is anything to go by, though Jade at least has enough common sense now to know that Rook's interest and personality is quite different than outright attraction. ]
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[Even he finds it absurd, from the inside looking out. Doesn't even unrequited love has a bittersweet beauty to it, painful though it may be? Or has he simply watched so many tragedies unfold on the stage that his views on the matter are permanently skewed? They may not be romantic in nature, but he still faces rejection so often he's learned to brush it off with a smile.
Not that he's facing rejection now. Far from it, given the strength with which Jade grips him; Rook purrs appreciatively at the exploratory touch of lips and teeth, fingers threading through Jade's hair as though he means to hold him there. This really is a dangerous passion, isn't it? They both know full well what he's like. How does someone so easily enchanted measure up against the possessive commitment of a merman? Is it wrong that some deep, dark part of him is curious how much he would suffer, if it all went wrong?]
Well..... who knows? I daresay it's worth a try to see how it goes, so long as you don't expect anything binding right away. Maybe you'll even surprise us both, and win me over completely?
[Now wouldn't that be a shock to everyone who knows him? Even Rook genuinely isn't sure if he's capable of the sort of depths of devotion that has eyes for nothing and noone else. Or is that an absurd role reversal, given he's been the one pursuing Jade so doggedly until now?]
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It's different than this case where Jade simply bided his time to ensure that they were in a suitable setting to make the proposition. Surely. Not at all nerves that he misunderstood Rook's demeanor as actual hunting mishaps.
The next nip to the hunter's throat is sharper and quickly followed by a dark teal tongue before Jade speaks against his skin. ]
I understand land dwellers do have different courting methods...
[ Another sharp nibble. If they were both merfolk perhaps he'd take that type of comment with more offense, but all things considered it is a fair request. Rook's heart is so overwhelmingly full all of the time, though it wasn't impossible for noone else to be interested in him.
Admittedly, Jade doesn't consider that as a possibility for himself, either.]So long as you do not intentionally make me jealous.
[ His grip in Rook's hair relents, but only so his hand can trail down to his neck. Clawed fingertips pressing just lightly above where, were he still human now, his jugular vein would reside. ]
Or I may have to punish you.
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[Oh, now this is nice. Dangerous, but nice; he wonders if Jade would so readily bare his throat for him, the way Rook does now. Rook squirms a little in his hold, breath catching sharply as Jade's attention grows more
sinisterfocused; his tentacles flex and cling instinctively where they're curled around him, tooth-ringed suckers latching onto sleek scales.]Perish the thought. And if I want you to punish me, even without ruffling your scales?
[Does that mean he should stop his observations of the others? Floyd, Azul, even Leona or the fae in Diasomnia..... Hah, as if those two wouldn't complain to Jade about him lurking to watch over them. As if someone like Leona would ever give Jade cause to be jealous. Far more likely that he would start sending Jade texts along the lines of "come pick up your damn hellbeast he's ruining my nap". Even his relationship with Vil has a completely different tenor.
No, he doesn't think they're likely to run into any problems in that regard. If anything, it's far more likely that others would have eyes for Jade, considering how often people find Rook even just expressing himself to be off-putting. How many people might already have their eyes on a seemingly perfect gentleman like him?]
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stalkingresearching his brother and good friend. While Jade finds the act charming, he enjoys the anguish it brings onto everyone else.Though if he'd heard of Rook pursuing Floyd or Azul like this... well, it would be a different story. One that they would certainly inform him of immediately with the full intent of seeing Rook broken and bloodied.
Jade laughs against the chromatophores beneath his lips. Would the bite he so wants to use to claim Rook's throat ruin their color changing properties? ]
You did ruin my notebook...
[ His tail tightens more harshly in response to the small teeth finding their way into his skin. It would be only fair, wouldn't it? If Rook can latch on with teeth then he should be allowed to in turn.
Breaking skin is effortless and the taste that fills his mouth is euphoric. The copper tang of blood finally meeting his tongue is like a rush of adrenaline, urging his nature to dig in his claws to keep his prey against his cold, slick body. ]
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I--!
[There's a notebook, hmmm? Full of what? Surely it can't be ruined enough by a single arrow that he won't be able to read it. (Because he does still intend to read it. If Jade wants his things back, he'll either have to scale that tree before Rook can fetch everything himself, or he'll have to come get it from him--whether that's simply asking for it, or retrieving it from his room.) Already his curiosity is piqued to see the fruits of Jade's labor of love, combing the mountains for his precious specimens.
There's not enough time to ask, or explain himself, or even protest before needle sharp teeth bury themselves in his throat. Rook moans outright, back arching to press bodily against Jade. Considering the circumstances, he manages a perhaps shocking level of strength for such a newly minted merman, tentacles clenching thoughtlessly around Jade. The heartbeats thrumming against his chest might stay as stubbornly steady as ever, but there's no mistaking the scent of adrenaline and arousal perfuming the water along with his blood. So this is his punishment, hmmm? Maybe he should think of a few ways to harmlessly needle Jade, if that's the case..... Is this fresh injury even going to stay, when he transforms back to himself?
Maybe if things really do get serious, he should invest in a water breathing potion instead of a transformation potion, just once. Wouldn't it be something special, letting Jade claim him and deliberately leave whatever sort of mark he desires? He doesn't have to use his skin care products to help soothe away a specific scar, if he doesn't want to.....]no subject
Jade, truthfully, cares more about his field notes and mushroom afterimages than the last part, though. ]
Mmm...
[ His tongue appreciates the wounds his fangs leave, the tip of it brushing against the thin holes they leave behind. A cloud of blood taints the water in a way so comfortably familiar to the merman. The squeezing around himself earns the same in kind--what all could those tentacles do? The sharp, small teeth would easily leave small rings of punctures he would need to keep an eye on, but beyond that he's curious. Could Rook hold him down, choke him or break him open? To coil around his ribcage and squeeze him so hard he'd see white... it's more appealing than it should be, but it's just another part of his own nature.
Tooth for tooth. Squeeze for squeeze. Dominate or be dominated.
His webbed hands start to roam--through blond hair, down Rook's throat, a squeeze at a shoulder blade as his chest presses against an equally strong one. He'd agreed not to jump into anything binding, but a smooth grind of his body against the other's makes him consider being reckless. Even if things don't work out then at least won't have any regrets when he returns home. ]
I want you.
[ When was the last time he truly asked for something for himself? Rook is an inconvenience to Azul and Floyd at his best and worst, but... surely they would understand. ]
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It's impossible not to squirm when Jade's hands start moving, touches all too fleeting to be even remotely satisfying. For now, at least, he has very little interest in struggling; it's obvious how overwhelmingly outmatched he is, underwater in an unfamiliar body. Later, though..... Who knows what he'll be capable of, once he's practiced enough to put up the sort of fight Jade deserves? Maybe he really will be able to leave Jade begging for mercy.]
Then what are you waiting for? I believe first blood goes to you.
[He could argue that his arrow had landed first..... But that had never actually been meant to injure. When was Jade ever allowed to be selfish? Surely he had earned the right to be a bit greedy, and savor his victory tonight.]
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you are so much stronger than me re: nicknames lol
I swear he does this on purpose, STOP......................
He'll use their real names just often enough to be upsetting. Horrible little domesticated man.
HORRIBLE. Ideally he gets them conditioned to be all hot and bothered over it for torture purposes.
this song slkdfj
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