terrariums | open; 2024

[ Is there much of a difference in hunting and 'courting', really? Other than vulnerability, anyway.

Which truthfully neither of them are the best at, though Rook is certainly the more stubborn of the two in that regard. For every bit of information that Jade has managed to scrap together through his own observations and casual one-sided conversations, he's been left with more questions about his intended's true motives, true self... but the little things like that don't matter when compared to this experience. Seeing Rook so raw and eager beneath him brings a pleasure with it that feeds Jade's heart as much as his arousal.

As he obtains his praise his strokes grow in speed, his own gills laboring with the effect of his enjoyment from Rook's body tempting him so sweetly. His own selfishness takes hold and his hips start to move. Pressing as deeply inside of the other with each slow, steady movement. It's agonizing for himself, but this isn't about him right now. He'd have his moment once Rook crumbles around him and spills over his hands.

He's beautiful like this. A mess of colors and such an intent expression even as he's filled and stretched to the brim. ]

Ah... Watching me so closely... I should be careful of what I do off trail, then.

[ It's difficult to have time alone back in the dorm, after all. Has Rook witnessed those rare occasions when he'd taken his human arousal in hand when he believed he was alone? Did he watch or was Le Chasseur D'Armour the type to give his prey some semblance of privacy? ]

[There are nearly no differences at all between the two, in his experience; once Cupid's bow bends, it never misses its mark. That's all part of what makes it so very thrilling, isn't it? Even the vulnerability of it all.....

He can't say he's not dreadfully stubborn about it, but he would at least claim to be more skilled. Because it is a skill to be honed, just like any other, isn't it? Intimacy, vulnerability..... You learn how to show them, to what degree, in what ways, for what reasons. In matters of the heart, he's not afraid to bare it all. He'll gladly speak his mind, pour out all his most tender feelings to those he cares about so deeply, without even the slightest hesitation. Even when it comes to his own body, he can embrace the danger of calculated risks with big pay offs, leaving himself exposed as he had when he joined Jade in this lake to begin with.

But when it comes to himself..... That's when it becomes so much more tempting to dance around the topic, to use his own vulnerability as a sword and shield. It's easy to bend most people's attention around him, like his own strange form of psychic camouflage. They can intimately know his feelings and opinions, without ever truly knowing him.]

You should. Unless you want company, that is.

[Because as much as he prizes his own privacy, Le Chasseur D'Amour has no compunctions about robbing anyone else of theirs. He has, in fact, watched Jade enjoy his hard-earned solitude. He'll probably continue to do so, for that matter, now with even less concern than before.

Of course, it's difficult to seem properly smug or sinister when every agonizingly slow thrust pulls his body taut against Jade's like a fully-drawn bowstring, when the reward for his words makes his words fail him entirely. Rook grinds desperately against him, tentacle soaked with the arousal Jade's touch has smeared so generously, breathing soft pleading noises against Jade's lips. Can he? Will Jade let him?]

Jade-kun--

[Has Jade ever heard Rook address him plainly before? Rook's claws hook into his shoulders as he clings, siphon tightening like a vise around Jade's cock. He crushes their lips together to muffle his cry as he comes undone in Jade's arms, completely overwhelmed.]

[ Hearing his name in his own mouth makes the effort of keeping himself calm worth it. Hips grind forward into the tight heat so desperately clinging to him and he lets himself enjoy it. Mouth overtaking Rook's in eager, sharp kisses with little regard to the way either of their teeth catch or nick at his tongue. The occasional tang of salt and copper only flavoring the experience as his pace grows strong and fast.

He's chasing a peak and it doesn't take long at all to fall over it when he can feel his hunter's tendril write under his hand while he cums. This time though he shudders heavily as he slides himself out. The overstimulating threat of staying sheathed inside Rook far too high to risk. It's no surprise that his mess so easily combines with the black ink, but as he breaks the kiss to place one against the blond's cheek he finds he likes it.

Even if he and Floyd used to make fun of Azul for 'inking' when he was scared when they were kids, it's a completely different feeling right now. ]

Mm...

[ After one final, slow and appreciative squeeze of the other's fading arousal he finally withdraws his hand in favor of settling down against the body below him. ]

'Jade-kun'... I believe that may be the first time I have heard that from you, Rook-san.

[ The ache has already begun to set in, but he's comfortable all the same. Floyd would certainly interrogate him about this later the very moment he catches a whiff of him, but... ]

[How could he not spray ink when Jade is pounding him into the mud with such vicious strength that he struggles to breathe? When he's fucking him straight through a climax that he could only barely handle to begin with? Rook's voice rises to a fever pitch, tongue and teeth clashing against Jade's in blind need. Given how much seed he's leaving splattered over them both, Azul and Floyd will probably both know exactly what happened the moment Jade steps into the room, won't they? At least he can simply mask the scent with a little mud, and his human dormmates will be none the wiser.

That..... is a future problem though, not a present one. At present, all Rook can manage is curling against Jade, spent and exhausted, mind embarrassingly hazy as his suckers gradually release their iron grips. Easy, vulnerable prey, should Jade have anything unsavory in mind--but he just doesn't have it in him to do anything about it right now. Not when even his instinctive camouflage is so slow to overtake the brilliant spectacle of his arousal. What is Jade talking about? His name? Why?]

Is it.....?

[ The merman's (more) clean hand rises up to trace through the other's hair. A surprisingly tender act for someone like him, possibly, but considering what he has put the human and himself through tonight he feels it deserved. If they were going to play mates(? 'playmates'? He'd have to think on that one), then this sort of intimacy is important too. Besides, his own body is receptive to coiling a little more snuggly around them. Almost as if encircling them in a nest. ]

Mhm... I believe so.

[ Though he wouldn't mind particularly being wrong, but it feels like a triumph all the same. Would he have liked or hated being called Monsieur Prémédite when they were so thoroughly ravishing each other? It's something to ponder. ]

...It is getting rather late.

[ The sun by now having long decided to dip below the mountainside, though neither of them would struggle from something as simple as navigating their way back in the dark from a mountain so often frequented. ]

Is that a good thing?

[It's hard to reason through, in a state like this, when he could just nuzzle into Jade and bask in such an intimate embrace instead. As heavily as the soreness and exhaustion are starting to set in, he'll be glad to fall into bed tonight; even a mind that's so usually hyperactive has been thoroughly beaten into submission. ~~Be proud, Jade, you've literally fucked him stupid. That's one way to stop all the scheming.~~

There's even a momentary flicker of confusion when Jade mentions the time, glancing up and seeing nothing but the dark, murky curtain of algae covering the surface. Late..... that's right, the sun had already been setting when they'd begun their chase, hadn't it? If Jade had waited much longer, he might have hurt himself, trying to sprint through such steep, thickly forested slopes at full speed in the dark. At least a leisurely walk home should be fine though, right?

Rook nods in agreement, but the way he sighs still sounds thoroughly reluctant.]

I suppose people will start to worry if we don't get back soon.....

[ ~~Really the others should thank him for his service in saving them all from Rook's antics for at least a little while.~~ As much as he's also content to remain coiled up with his newly claimed mate, it would be in their best interest not to break curfew by too much. Lest their housewardens scold them for being bad examples...

Azul and Vil may not be Riddle, but Jade and Rook are no strangers to how their house leaders can be. ]

I imagine your potion is due to expire soon as well... It is a shame. I would have enjoyed spending more time here with you.

[ Jade's left eye glows brilliantly under the darkness surrounding them, pulling himself free from Rook to head up toward the surface to grab at his still floating clothing. Small bioluminescent lights flickering to life down his tail now that their cover has fully darkened as it drags slowly around Rook's form.

A lake really is nothing compared to an ocean for a merman he and Floyd's sizes. ]

Heh, you and I both..... Perhaps Roi d'Effort can find the benevolence to give you a day off sometime soon.

[Rook follows those twinkling lights up towards the surface, rather more slowly and clumsily--after how thoroughly he's been ravished, every jet of water he fires sends a delicious pulse of soreness shooting through him, deep enough it threatens to steal his breath away. Is he going to be weak-kneed once he changes back to himself? He hopes not; that might be a little hard to explain away.

Maybe he should take a minute to just..... catch his breath and readjust to his own body before he tries to stand, just in case. Rook releases his transformation as he drags himself up onto the lake's edge, sprawled awkwardly on his side until he manages to get his legs under him and crawl the rest of the way. Now, to squeeze the water out of his hair and wipe away as much mud and algae as he can..... If Jade wants to take a good look at him in his human shape before he hides behind his uniform again, now is certainly the time.]

Doubtful.

[ Considering how often he and Floyd have to barter their days off?! He'd have better luck having Rook kidnap him. Crawling out of the water with his soaked clothing tucked under his arm is a little more complicated for Jade. Unlike Rook he can't simply 'release' his true form, so his arms and tail are put to work raking through the mud to help him settle on the shore. It's time to start wringing out his clothing even though he plans to wear his spares. He can't have them ruining anything when he shoves them in his spare backpack buried behind a rock just a little further away.

Though Jade's eyes do linger on the hunter's body now. Taking in the sight of well-toned muscle, healed scars and also, really, just admiring him like this. Filthy and ravaged. If he weren't so spent himself it would be tempting to crawl on top of him to add new bites to that pale neck that seems cruelly fine after the abuse he's given it.

He doesn't stop a clawed hand from reaching out to brush against the side of Rook's throat. ]

That is a shame... I had hoped at least one of my bites would have stayed.

How unfortunate. I'm sure it will be harder on him to find you a replacement mid-shift, after all. If only he had anything I wanted enough to consider as a ransom.....

[As concerned as he sounds for Azul's convenience, Rook's smirk is anything but repentant. Is he asking if Jade wants to be spirited away? Absolutely not. That would ruin the entire point of kidnapping someone. He might start hinting that it will happen soon, but the exact timing should be a surprise.

Just like he should confiscate Jade's phone, to answer Azul and properly dismiss him before turning it off entirely. As a diligent and capable student on his own terms who isn't hurting for friendship, reputation, or money, (or for love, now) what exactly could Azul's contracts offer him that his own hard work couldn't? Oh, Azul is going to be so deliciously aggravated to have someone so difficult to sink a hook into, meddling with his carefully planned schedules on a whim.....

That mischievous smirk only lingers at Jade's touch. What a charming sentiment..... It's far more convenient for him this way, of course. But doesn't this introduce the fun little game of Jade needing to sneakily steal a bit of untransformed time around campus to mark him properly? He simply can't wait to see what Jade manages to come up with.]

Heh..... I would encourage you to try harder next time, but I fear I might not walk away so easily if you did. This shape may not satisfy you so readily, but I'm sure you'll have ample opportunity to fix such a mistake.

[ Unfortunately for Azul, Jade enjoys mischief a little more than the average person. While he is a very hard worker who happily provides his time within the Lounge, he still prefers to have time to himself. And their new dish has provided him with less free time in the past few days... He hadn't realized it at the time (nor to this extent), but he needed this time with Rook.

The thought of being snatched away while the Lounge is at its busiest is more enjoyable than it should be---even if he and Rook did nothing at all together once they were alone. ]

Certainly. I doubt I will be quite as lucky as you are.

[ His hand comes up to the bites on his own neck and shoulder before he starts the process of crawling himself further from the shore, tail projecting him forward with strong muscles as he digs into the dirt. He finds what he needs quickly enough and pops the cork before taking a drink with a sneer.

It isn't a pleasant feeling to have his tail split in two, his gills close up... bones and organs shifting and changing into something smaller and more fragile. Not painful, but he has had plenty of experience with it now. Standing, however, he finds is almost as shaky as the first time he ever took to land. His muscles pleasantly sore in a way that foreshadows a more intense reminder once he bathes and settles into bed for the night.

On the plus side, Rook can take in the sight of this form at its barest---if he hasn't already, that is. ]

Do forgive me for being unable to invite you to spend the night. My brother and I still share a room, after all.

No? I hadn't realized how easily differently brewing the same potion might give it different side-effects like this.....

[How interesting. Instead of a marine biology textbook, maybe he should brush up on his potionology to grasp these nuances better. It could be fun, if he grows skilled enough to specialize his recipes with finesse. He props his chin in his hand where he sits, watching in open admiration--both at getting to watch Jade transforming into his human shape in such detail, and getting to once again enjoy drinking him in while fully bared. Jade's natural shape is undeniably more beautiful, of course--but what kind of philistine wouldn't argue how gorgeous he is like this, as well? Jade makes a fine human.]

No need to worry about that, go ahead and give him my regards. I do have a room to myself, but..... Heheh, you'd probably rather not see Roi du Poison in this state, would you?

[After all, Vil is probably far more likely than Azul to be immensely critical of someone who isn't him slinking into the dorm muddy and disheveled at some Seven-forsaken hour of the night. Even he might get an earful, but can Vil really be too annoyed, when this mission was ostensibly for him to begin with?

He probably could spare himself some grief even if he just scrubs down some before he got dressed, or magicks the worst of the grime away..... But he thinks he'd rather go home like this, actually. If Jade can't leave him littered with bites, then at least he can take some satisfaction in knowing he's made such a typically polished person absolutely filthy, when anyone still might be able to see him.]

These days, I brew my potions myself. I take extensive care in how they transition with me.

[ And as he stretches he feels the words fall from his mouth easily. The temperature of the base, where the herbs were harvested, how he hand-picks just the right leaves at different stages of their lifecycle to study their effects. It's easy to talk about something he's passionate about, even if his voice is as normally subdued and calm as it always is.

Potions, tea, mycology, hiking, this particular forest's native flora compared to other parts of this very mountain... truthfully, he could talk about them all night. Though as he opens his bag to pull out his replacement clothing he catches himself. ]

My apologies. I am afraid I may have overspoken... Azul would put me to work for a month straight if I embarrassed him in front of Vil-san in such a way.

[ Because he feels that it would come up one way or another... even if the thought of ~~poking around~~ visiting Rook's room is more than appealling. ]

Truthfully, he has already been working Floyd and myself to death with the Lounge's current promotion.

My, my..... I hope you'll tell me all about it, the next time we get the chance? I would love a lecture from a real expert.

[Note to self: Make sure he finds Jade's potion notes to look through, if he happens to keep written recipes on hand. Finding his way into Jade and Floyd's room is a when, not an if--the opportunity will present itself, probably sooner rather than later. And in the meantime..... he thinks he will look forward to that talk. Even if he wasn't genuinely interested in Jade's specialties, Jade might find him a perhaps embarrassingly attentive audience, captivated by the sight of the merman lighting up with his passions.

As for Jade dropping by..... he's certainly welcome to. Or at least, welcome to try. He might find the prospect just a bit more perilous than he had anticipated, should he visit unescorted. Finally, Rook gathers himself to stand, groaning softly as he stretches; he may be miraculously unmarked, but he can still feel that ache lingering in his legs, and deep in his core. Not enough to shake his stance, perhaps, but he'll definitely be feeling this in the morning.]

I'm sure he won't mind a visit when you're a little more presentable? I certainly wouldn't. We really will have to think of a way to carve out a little time, if Roi d'Effort is truly being so demanding on you.....

[Heh. He wonders if Jade might not be relieved at the prospect of just handing over some of his stock, if it meant that the workload Azul was burdening them with would lessen. It wouldn't be quite as fun as hunting it down himself, of course--but Vil would be happy, wouldn't he? Even if it did ironically end up being that simple, after all the work he's put in..... He could still always hunt down the algae's breeding grounds solely for his own satisfaction, and enjoy the closure of a job well done.]

Edited (Fuck these nicknames OMG ) 2024-04-09 22:42 (UTC)

[ The last visit that Jade had to the dorm was as profitable to Vil as it was to Octavinelle, so he doesn't doubt he wouldn't be welcomed. Even if it might be with a scrutinizing glance and the questioning on if he was planning to 'abandon' Octavinelle again. ]

Perhaps if I bring a gift Vil-san will accept me warmly.

[ He did manage to procure him rather valuable shoes and lipstick, after all. And do all the paperwork that Rook chooses not to waste his valuable time on (which Jade personally feels doesn't fit the vibe of vice-warden well, but that's just another delightful difference between them). ]

Short of being fishnapped, I will likely need to sneak off after my shifts to see you. I do hope you are a light sleeper.

Ahahahaha! Oh, you have no idea. Sensitive soul that I am, it can be difficult at times to get my beauty sleep. You've no need to worry about the hour when you come to visit, I don't mind.

[Yes, sensitive. That's a good way to put it. Definitely not "irrevocably wired to snap out of even a dead sleep and immediately be prepared to fight for his life". Just ignore how inordinately funny he finds the question.

A flourish of his magical pen, and the clothes dangling in the tree rush down to greet Rook even while he finger combs his hair back into some semblance of order. A few strange moves (is that ballet? After getting fucked like that?) to seamlessly slide back into pants and boots, and he almost, almost looks like he belongs in Pomefiore again. A battered, filthy member of Pomefiore, but a member nonetheless. ]

[ Jade can relate. Other than the ~~Eldrich terror~~ sounds his twin makes, he is rather quick to startle awake at the smallest noise. Perhaps it's because the water down below is so quiet compared to the surface. In addition to the ocean always being a dangerous place...

Maybe Rook slept in the dry grass of the Savannah and would have his bow drawn to shoot an antelope through the eye without even a blink.

The merman can't help but watch as Rook so ~~gayly~~ effortlessly dresses himself. Those clothes would certainly need to be cleaned, but Rook himself would need a soak and a shower after getting mud and algae all over himself. Though fortunately none of the foliage in this lake should have a negative effect. Jade dresses himself before pulling his backpack on and checking his watch. ]

I do not suppose you will be returning my other bag to me tonight?

[ He steps toward Rook, a rarely bared human hand resting upon his chest as he speaks. ]

Mmmm, I don't know..... why don't you come get it yourself when you visit? Au revoir, Monsieur Prémédité~ ♥

[A mischievous wink and wave as Rook steps back to stay out of his reach, and for the finishing touch to accessorize his outfit..... Jade's bag soars down to settle over his shoulder as though it belongs there, cell phone and notebook and all. A fine little prize to hold hostage, isn't it?

With a sway of his hips, Rook turns to saunter away, voice rising in a song from one of his beloved stage plays as he goes. Hard to believe not too long ago, he had been hunting Jade down in the dark and pelting him with a hail of arrowfire, isn't it? Surely Trey would be sighing in utter defeat, if he only could see him now.]

[ The deep sigh that escapes Jade probably can't be heard by the fleeing huntsman, but Jade still feels it in his sore core all the same. Mentally he tallies all that he's he will lose access to over the next few days: his phone, his newest field notes, a transformation potion, the small stuffed eel his brother gave him... and some actual plant matter he'd gathered for his terrariums tonight. Not to mention his foraging knife that he's fairly certain the blond tucked away somewhere after he threw it.

It's a pain, but the reward of a job well done at least soothes over the sting a little.

...

It takes a few days for Jade to manage to gather himself for what he knows he needs to do. Not for lack of wanting to see Rook, but because of the other factors that came with it. Making himself presentable, giving his body time to rest from such intense stimulation, classes and then the matter of the Lounge's current promotion leaving him exhausted by the end of most days. In the end, it is nearly a week that he has had the chance to see Rook in more than just idle passing.

Truly, it almost feels like it was a dream.

He waits until evening rolls around. Fortunately, Jade has spent enough time in Pomefiore's dorm during his brief previous visit that sneaking his way inside (with a little assistance of magic) feels practiced and comfortable. The ~~gaudy~~ lavish entryroom feels bright even when all of the dormitory has retired to their respective rooms thanks to its elegant, light colors--even as the deep purple hues so readily coat the walls. Such a respectable, long-term dorm also holds the benefit of having high-quality floors and, more importantly, stairs. Each step of his well-polished shoe is met with plush carpet that nearly completely eliminates the sound of his footsteps.

Though as he approaches the hunter's room, he pauses. Gloved fingers hovering over his magipen as he reaches for the doorknob to slowly, as quietly as he can muster, take hold of it. As it twists he has a familiar sense of foreboding. ]

...

[It's almost anticlimactic that absolutely nothing happens when Jade takes hold of the knob, isn't it? Not even the stubborn rattle of the lock being engaged; as Rook had promised, he's been expecting him. Unless Jade is looking carefully ~~for the stalker photos hidden near his bed~~, the room probably looks much like he'd imagined it: beautifully appointed and neatly maintained, hunting paraphernalia proudly on display, shelves absolutely packed with books, even little decorative mats on either side of his doorway to wipe his boots so he doesn't sully the plush carpet and pristine rug that dominates the center of the room.....

The trouble is, of course, that nothing happened. No reaction to his magic as familiar, no acknowledgment of its master suppressing the spell to let him in harmlessly. Jade has just enough time to close the door behind him and look around, (Rook is already sitting up in bed, wearing a silky dark violet nightgown and matching robe, with his magical pen and a very familiar knife in his lap) before he steps directly into the trap.

There's no warning at all before ribbons explode out from beneath the mat underfoot, snaking around his legs to bind him tightly from ankles to knees. Still more pour from the seams in the ceiling tiles overhead, writhing like living things as they reach for him. It's not too dissimilar from what his tentacles might be capable of, once he's sufficiently practiced with them; it's almost uncanny how well they seem to understand the shape of the human body they're swarming around. Loop after loop coil around his chest and waist to support his weight while yanking him off his feet, around his arms to force them behind his back, held together from wrists to elbows, around his eyes and forcing themselves into his mouth to blind him and silence any screams..... Even his legs aren't left to dangle, instead forced to bend until his heels are nearly pressed against the backs of his thighs.

Even if he isn't struggling, the sheer force with which he's being manhandled and tied is still enough to leave Jade swinging wildly. Rook watches in silence, enjoying the show; he'll give Jade a little time to get settled, before he properly welcomes him in.]

[ Truthfully, Jade had thought himself to be relatively well-prepared. His breath hitching as the first ribbons lash out at him, his first thought is snakes somehow trying to defend their nest. Akin to a pack of ravenous fish ambushing him from a hidden burrow.

It's his instinct to struggle and thrash wildly against the literal ~~high thread count~~ threads binding against him. Yet despite his best efforts, he finds himself dangling and dizzy. His breath labored as the darkness of the room comes into focus--and he spies his captor looking pleased as punch. ]

My... this is a rather excessive security system, is it not?

[ Mismatched eyes turned toward the floor and Jade clicks his tongue in mild disappointment at the sight of his own magic pen gracelessly lying on the floor. ]

Edited 2024-04-10 02:33 (UTC)

Excessive? You really think so? I've been lamenting how tricky it is to do anything of substance here, when nothing can be permanent or dangerous.

[Rook sounds positively mournful at that. How disappointed must he have been during his previous years, when he hadn't had an entire room all to himself to play with? He slips out of bed and pads over to meet Jade, reaching up to caress his cheek--clearly content to just admire him, rather than release him, given the way he leans in to steal a kiss.]

Although..... I have to admit, you wear it very well. I'm impressed.

Is this always how you treat company, Rook-san?

[ The kiss earns a quirk of a brow and a small, sharp-toothed smirk. Though it doesn't last quite as long as he'd like, he feels some relief in knowing that their romp the other night was indeed not some cruel dream or joke.

Or just a one-time whim from the hunter that has him so in his grasp now. ]

I suppose purple is my color. You flatter me.

[ His arms flex a little to test the ribbons--nothing. His legs produce the same. ]

Company that fails to knock, yes. You would have been just fine if you had let me answer the door, you realize?

[Rook only smiles wider at the protest, and the way Jade wriggles in his bonds. He really could just sit back and watch him all night..... But that wouldn't be honoring how difficult it is for Jade to carve out the time to come see him, would it? This time, his kiss is pressed to the tip of Jade's nose, smoothing a hand over the merman's dangling form in pure admiration.]

Is it really flattery if it's the truth?

Where would the fun in that be?

[ Even though Rook clearly was expecting him here--probably from the moment he started to prepare himself for the trip. At the very least from the time he entered Pomefiore's dorm tonight.

The hand that brushes over him causes him to still. Appreciating the way Rook's palm feels even through layers of his own clothes and the sturdy yet silky fabric of the ribbons wrapped around him. Being in the air like this isn't his favorite thing, but there's some security at least in knowing that his first thought that the ribbons were going to ~~yeet~~ throw him out the window was nothing more than a panicked thought. ]

You wear less to bed than I expected.

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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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