[confusion replaces that strange mix of happy and annoyed.
he doesn't know what to make of that look on his face. seems dangerous.]
... Are you now? That seems backward. [Robin uses his fingers for emphasis. one held up for one point:] You want a prize [and another, on the other hand, held up for the opposite point. and held apart, like the two points can't go together.] but you're gonna pay me back?
[If that smirk hasn't clued Robin in, maybe his laughter will. His second drink is empty now, and maybe it's the exhaustion from the holidays wearing him down, but he finds himself leaning over the counter earlier than usual. His hand is the only thing keeping his head propped up with a semblance of endurance and dignity.]
Sounds like someone's forgotten how money works around here. All that chroma you've been making's gotta come from somewhere, right?
Uh, yeah, my job as the teacher Mr. Komadori at the school for a bunch of brats. I still can't believe that damn principle really took me back, to be honest...
[two beers in and higher brain functions aren't working. Robin's instincts have always been sharp, however, and he narrows his eyes at the lackadaisical posture he takes at the bar.]
[Slowly, like a tiger sizing up its prey, he pushes himself off the counter and begins to lean into Robin, taking him by the wrist before he can escape.]
Now, I won't make you do anything you don't want to. If you don't like it, just say no.
[Yet his grip is tight. As he tugs Robin in, the tilt of his head signals what is about to come. All Yan Qing needs to do is close the distance.
He smiles.]
But let's be real: from a moral perspective, this is much better than stealing, don't you think? I know shit about philosophy, though.
wait, actually, he does feel like laughing nervously when Yan Qing says something like that. "won't make you do anything you don't want to"? "if you don't like it, just say no"?]
.... Eh?
[when he said Moonlacing, he thought Yan Qing might have wanted a bro hug but you can't mistake the tilt of his head. that language is universal.
honestly, he's speechless.
some mermaids have their faces pressed to the glass, watching...]
Yan Qing can feel the gaze of an audience, and while he normally wouldn't mind, he's also wary of the unsavory people mixed in the crowd. If they recognize him here, they might target Robin... Robin's cute when he's shy, but he's really hoping he'd cooperate soon. He doesn't want to spend more on the holidays than he already has. Unlike some people in this bar, he's not a gambler! He's not about to be stupid with money!]
If you hate it so much, why don't you push me away? You can do that, can't you? [Yan Qing is the stronger one, but that's not the point. Or maybe it is, because he reaches out to trace Robin's jawline and pull him closer.] Come on, just ten seconds—
[Hopefully Robin's ginger hair is also hiding Yan Qing's face from whoever is watching now!]
[BUT HE'S GAMBLING BIG TIME RIGHT NOW BY COMING ONTO ROBIN?!
he makes a good point about pushing him away. he should. like, first of all, he has a girlfriend. he's in a relationship!! his first one!? not pushing him away could mean he could fuck up one of the best things (if not The Best) that's ever happened to him. particularly because he's pretty sure he doesn't deserve it?!
second of all, this is hella gay.
Yan Qing may be aware of his surroundings and Robin really should be too but he can't comprehend anything besides his own thoughts and the question marks exploding in his head at the sort of shit that's being done to him by another man. and how... he doesn't.... hate it.
and how it's not the FIRST TIME he hasn't hated it.
[ Monogamy? On this planet? Tsk, tsk, Robin. It's not like he's about to make pancakes for you in the morning. He only does that for the girl he doesn't even know he's in love with. Anyway!
The first kiss is on Robin's neck, warm and tender as he moves up his skin, tastes it. He doesn't speak until his mouth has left red marks in its wake: ]
[maybe if he offered pancakes he would be more willing. no, that's not true. that's Ibaraki's type of convincing.
Yan Qing's already kissing his throat, besides.]
O-o-o-oioioioi.
[some sort of sensation crawls up his back and across his shoulders. after that, his face erupts in a bright flush as he puts his hand on a shoulder in front of him and the other claps on his neck.
what
the fuck is going on. he had joked before about it. I'll smooch ya! he said. that's why he thought he was joking again. he's not joking now.
HE'S NOT JOKING.]
We can and we are?! [ah.] Listen, I know I'm redheaded like Ritsuka but two beers can't have you mistaking me for her already!
[Yan Qing doesn't let him finish. He pulls Robin close once more despite the struggle, their cheeks almost touching as he whispers into his ear:] They're behind us.
[And if Robin keeps talking, they won't be able to leave unscathed — if they can. Yan Qing's grip on Robin's sweater loosen as the alcohol makes him sway and lean into his companion, but the urgency in his voice is dreadfully sober.]
[just like that, Robin is far soberer too. the blush is gone. whatever that sensation was that made his skin tingle? gone. starkly, his blood runs colder. "they're" could mean anybody. down here on Level 3, he has a pretty damn good idea on what could make Yan Qing nervous like this.
there's only one person he would want him to turn into but it would be an injustice to her.
and he knows what turning into people does to Yan Qing.]
Don't bother. [his tone is more even and certainly more hushed, like he's finally been convinced to go along with it.] Shit. You owe me big time for this.
[that's the last thing Robin says before he's tilting his head. before he's got his fingers in something -- in Yan Qing's hair and pressing against the small of his back to haul him closer to his own body. they fall a bit more into the bar counter behind them.
positions have switched. Robin is kissing Yan Qing on the mouth.]
[He was ready to turn. For a shapeshifter like him, it's far too easy. As easy as the flip of a switch, he could turn into anything Robin desired. Then, he could slip away from the bar without being seen. Then, he wouldn't cause more trouble than he already had. Paying for their drinks was one thing, but the danger looming over them posed a much bigger threat. He didn't have a Master. He should have known his enemies would be here. But Robin has been so kind that he couldn't possibly refuse, and now...
Robin is pressed against his chest, his hands rough against Yan Qing's smooth, painted skin as they follow the deepening arc of his back while he tastes his lips. Yan Qing has to apologize. He's sure this would feel better if he were someone else, but he's not sure how to stop when the world has begun to spin. What does Robin care if Yan Qing loses his mind from his transformations? He already told Ritsuka he'd have it under control. But when Robin kisses him in all his kindness, he thinks he's already lost his grip. Everything is a blur, and all he can feel is this, liquor still on their tongues, and the heady sensation from sharing breaths and drinking in the pleasure.
They should end this.]
Sorry—
[But his hands are in Robin's hair now, and as he tries to steady himself against the counter, logic and reason begin to slip from his grasp. A moan escapes his throat. Why they're doing this, he can't remember, but he'll be damned if he has to pull away.]
[what's ironic is this isn't the first time they've had to fake something like this to get out of trouble. Yan Qing had called him Robert and there was a hand between their mouths to make sure there was no contact between mouths.
Robin isn't really sure... why he didn't do that again. later, he'll likely blame the booze. he'll blame Yan Qing for getting himself mixed up in something stupidly dangerous with no escape plan. he'll blame him for always involving him in his problems, too. he'll blame him for making it feelโโ
there was no accounting for hands gripping his hair. a surprised groan rumbles in his chest, not caught in time and much to the Archer's chagrin. as if he needs to reveal any of his weaknesses at a time like this. apologize for that, Assassin, not that you're not someone else.
Servants don't need to breathe but Robin still breaks away with a gasp. he presses Yan Qing's face to his shoulder and then moves to whisper in his ear in a voice that is not even,]
Let's, make a break for it. On the count of three. One, two...
[a second later, when one of the Umbris backs are turned Robin grabs Yan Qing's hand and bolts for the back door. dragging him through a hallway that leads to the bathrooms and shouldering his way through and into the alley. he doesnt stop there, he keeps running and keeps his hand tight on the hand he grabbed.]
that's not the only hole he's getting tonight I MEAN god I'll show myself out
[It's ridiculous how his heart's begun to race at the sound of Robin's voice, at the feel of Robin's warmth as he pulls him close, at the depth of Robin's whisper when he tells him what to do. He hopes it's the adrenaline. It's silly to feel these things now that he has someone else he holds dear. He's never had those childish fantasies and he's not about to start. But when Robin takes his hand and dashes out the building, he forgets to breathe. He's always been the one rescuing others. He doesn't think anyone's held his hand like this before: desperately and earnestly. For a second, he thinks he wants to keep running, just to keep the feeling.
But he's not a child. He never was.]
Robin, stop. [He tugs on his hand, slowing him down after they take another turn.] I... I think we lost 'em. Are you okay?
[if Yan Qing feels that desperate earnestness, then it's because Robin has made no steps to hide it. nothing was done to stop the tiny voice that still cries to be a knight, that still somehow influences him to do the righteous and just thing, that wants to be a hero. the danger he felt like a breath down his neck, like he felt another type of breath in his mouth just moments prior.
they slow and he doesn't let go as he catches his breath, feet dragging and his head tilting back as he gasps at the cold air. it's a question towards his well-being that has him dropping the grip and rubbing at his face roughly.]
No. [HE'S NOT FINE. what the hell was that...? all he wanted was to go out and drink a bit to have some fun for the holidays.]
That was the Umbris, right? Why are they after you?
Not the Umbris. Their enemies. I foiled their operations a while back, but they got magic of their own... I can't take them on alone again.
[Not tonight. And definitely not with Robin.]
It doesn't matter. Let's just go somewhere else.
[Yan Qing tugs on his hand again. He can tell Robin's angry, and as much as he knows he's annoying, he doesn't want to cause more trouble for him than he already has. That's always been the case, though, hasn't it? No matter how hard he tries, he'll screw up one way or another.]
Edited 2020-01-08 08:42 (UTC)
all i remember is it's a comic where his bird died ((((:
[oh. even better, Robin thinks with a lot of sarcasm as his shoulders sag.
there's a different question on his mind, then. why is Yan Qing making enemies of all the Big Boys here? there's no reason to, is there? Ritsuka out there fighting all by herself, he said.
if anybody knows how to leave this place, he supposes it would be groups just like those.]
The two of us can't take them on when we're sober, let alone one when he's drunk.
[it's stating the obvious but he feels like it needs to be said. before his hand is tugged.]
... Yeah. Fine, okay. [Level 3 might be off limits. leaving the residential Middle Lunatia or high-class Level 1.
he'd pick 2 over 1, any day. actually.]
Seeing as you gifted me with some rice wine and I keep my cupboards stocked, let's just go back to my apartment. I've had enough excitement.
[Robin is really out here offering to take Yan Qing back to his place after fake-but-not-really making out.]
[He tells himself not to smile, but he's there grinning like an idiot for a second. All because a guy was nice to him for a night. Stupid. Impressing Robin isn't the reason he was late, and he sure as hell won't be impressing Robin now. But it seems like Robin's not too concerned about that.]
That's too bad! It doesn't sound like you have, if you're taking me home like that. [Then he gives him a light punch to the shoulder.] I'm just kidding. Lead the way, pretty boy.
[There's something different about the way he says that now, almost like he means it. Does he? He walks ahead to keep Robin from guessing.]
C'mon, let's go. And... Thanks for earlier. It was good.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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pretty boy...
but, no, actually. not many people have seen Robin laugh semi-openly like that. now, there's a strange mix of happiness and annoyance on his face.]
Oi oi, I've already bought two of your drinks. What else do you want?
no subject
[His drawl is more pronounced the more he speaks, each syllable like a tongue of fire on one's skin.]
Since you won't shut up about the tab, I've been thinkin' about a way to pay you back.
no subject
he doesn't know what to make of that look on his face. seems dangerous.]
... Are you now? That seems backward. [Robin uses his fingers for emphasis. one held up for one point:] You want a prize [and another, on the other hand, held up for the opposite point. and held apart, like the two points can't go together.] but you're gonna pay me back?
no subject
Sounds like someone's forgotten how money works around here. All that chroma you've been making's gotta come from somewhere, right?
1/2
[two beers in and higher brain functions aren't working. Robin's instincts have always been sharp, however, and he narrows his eyes at the lackadaisical posture he takes at the bar.]
no subject
... Oh, you mean Moonlacing.
[wait.......]
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Now, I won't make you do anything you don't want to. If you don't like it, just say no.
[Yet his grip is tight. As he tugs Robin in, the tilt of his head signals what is about to come. All Yan Qing needs to do is close the distance.
He smiles.]
But let's be real: from a moral perspective, this is much better than stealing, don't you think? I know shit about philosophy, though.
no subject
this happens.wait, actually, he does feel like laughing nervously when Yan Qing says something like that. "won't make you do anything you don't want to"? "if you don't like it, just say no"?]
.... Eh?
[when he said Moonlacing, he thought Yan Qing might have wanted a bro hug but you can't mistake the tilt of his head. that language is universal.
honestly, he's speechless.
some mermaids have their faces pressed to the glass, watching...]
Y-you're kidding? Hahaha, good one...
no subject
wow i wishYan Qing can feel the gaze of an audience, and while he normally wouldn't mind, he's also wary of the unsavory people mixed in the crowd. If they recognize him here, they might target Robin... Robin's cute when he's shy, but he's really hoping he'd cooperate soon. He doesn't want to spend more on the holidays than he already has. Unlike some people in this bar, he's not a gambler! He's not about to be stupid with money!]
If you hate it so much, why don't you push me away? You can do that, can't you? [Yan Qing is the stronger one, but that's not the point. Or maybe it is, because he reaches out to trace Robin's jawline and pull him closer.] Come on, just ten seconds—
[Hopefully Robin's ginger hair is also hiding Yan Qing's face from whoever is watching now!]
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he makes a good point about pushing him away. he should. like, first of all, he has a girlfriend. he's in a relationship!! his first one!? not pushing him away could mean he could fuck up one of the best things (if not The Best) that's ever happened to him. particularly because he's pretty sure he doesn't deserve it?!
second of all, this is hella gay.
Yan Qing may be aware of his surroundings and Robin really should be too but he can't comprehend anything besides his own thoughts and the question marks exploding in his head at the sort of shit that's being done to him by another man. and how... he doesn't.... hate it.
and how it's not the FIRST TIME he hasn't hated it.
shit. fucking Duplicity.]
You're... not joking.
no subject
The first kiss is on Robin's neck, warm and tender as he moves up his skin, tastes it. He doesn't speak until his mouth has left red marks in its wake: ]
We can't stay here.
me, with galaxy bg:
Yan Qing's already kissing his throat, besides.]
O-o-o-oioioioi.
[some sort of sensation crawls up his back and across his shoulders. after that, his face erupts in a bright flush as he puts his hand on a shoulder in front of him and the other claps on his neck.
what
the fuck is going on. he had joked before about it. I'll smooch ya! he said. that's why he thought he was joking again. he's not joking now.
HE'S NOT JOKING.]
We can and we are?! [ah.] Listen, I know I'm redheaded like Ritsuka but two beers can't have you mistaking me for her already!
same
[Yan Qing doesn't let him finish. He pulls Robin close once more despite the struggle, their cheeks almost touching as he whispers into his ear:] They're behind us.
[And if Robin keeps talking, they won't be able to leave unscathed — if they can. Yan Qing's grip on Robin's sweater loosen as the alcohol makes him sway and lean into his companion, but the urgency in his voice is dreadfully sober.]
I'll turn into anyone you want. Just help me.
floats farther into space
there's only one person he would want him to turn into but it would be an injustice to her.
and he knows what turning into people does to Yan Qing.]
Don't bother. [his tone is more even and certainly more hushed, like he's finally been convinced to go along with it.] Shit. You owe me big time for this.
[that's the last thing Robin says before he's tilting his head. before he's got his fingers in something -- in Yan Qing's hair and pressing against the small of his back to haul him closer to his own body. they fall a bit more into the bar counter behind them.
positions have switched. Robin is kissing Yan Qing on the mouth.]
flies toward the sun
Robin is pressed against his chest, his hands rough against Yan Qing's smooth, painted skin as they follow the deepening arc of his back while he tastes his lips. Yan Qing has to apologize. He's sure this would feel better if he were someone else, but he's not sure how to stop when the world has begun to spin. What does Robin care if Yan Qing loses his mind from his transformations? He already told Ritsuka he'd have it under control. But when Robin kisses him in all his kindness, he thinks he's already lost his grip. Everything is a blur, and all he can feel is this, liquor still on their tongues, and the heady sensation from sharing breaths and drinking in the pleasure.
They should end this.]
Sorry—
[But his hands are in Robin's hair now, and as he tries to steady himself against the counter, logic and reason begin to slip from his grasp. A moan escapes his throat. Why they're doing this, he can't remember, but he'll be damned if he has to pull away.]
gets sucked into a black hole
Robin isn't really sure... why he didn't do that again. later, he'll likely blame the booze. he'll blame Yan Qing for getting himself mixed up in something stupidly dangerous with no escape plan. he'll blame him for always involving him in his problems, too. he'll blame him for making it feelโโ
there was no accounting for hands gripping his hair. a surprised groan rumbles in his chest, not caught in time and much to the Archer's chagrin. as if he needs to reveal any of his weaknesses at a time like this. apologize for that, Assassin, not that you're not someone else.
Servants don't need to breathe but Robin still breaks away with a gasp. he presses Yan Qing's face to his shoulder and then moves to whisper in his ear in a voice that is not even,]
Let's, make a break for it. On the count of three. One, two...
[a second later, when one of the Umbris backs are turned Robin grabs Yan Qing's hand and bolts for the back door. dragging him through a hallway that leads to the bathrooms and shouldering his way through and into the alley. he doesnt stop there, he keeps running and keeps his hand tight on the hand he grabbed.]
that's not the only hole he's getting tonight I MEAN god I'll show myself out
But he's not a child. He never was.]
Robin, stop. [He tugs on his hand, slowing him down after they take another turn.] I... I think we lost 'em. Are you okay?
you alreADY SAID IT
they slow and he doesn't let go as he catches his breath, feet dragging and his head tilting back as he gasps at the cold air. it's a question towards his well-being that has him dropping the grip and rubbing at his face roughly.]
No. [HE'S NOT FINE. what the hell was that...? all he wanted was to go out and drink a bit to have some fun for the holidays.]
That was the Umbris, right? Why are they after you?
Why is he bleeding in that icon wtf
[Not tonight. And definitely not with Robin.]
It doesn't matter. Let's just go somewhere else.
[Yan Qing tugs on his hand again. He can tell Robin's angry, and as much as he knows he's annoying, he doesn't want to cause more trouble for him than he already has. That's always been the case, though, hasn't it? No matter how hard he tries, he'll screw up one way or another.]
all i remember is it's a comic where his bird died ((((:
there's a different question on his mind, then. why is Yan Qing making enemies of all the Big Boys here? there's no reason to, is there? Ritsuka out there fighting all by herself, he said.
if anybody knows how to leave this place, he supposes it would be groups just like those.]
The two of us can't take them on when we're sober, let alone one when he's drunk.
[it's stating the obvious but he feels like it needs to be said. before his hand is tugged.]
... Yeah. Fine, okay. [Level 3 might be off limits. leaving the residential Middle Lunatia or high-class Level 1.
he'd pick 2 over 1, any day. actually.]
Seeing as you gifted me with some rice wine and I keep my cupboards stocked, let's just go back to my apartment. I've had enough excitement.
[Robin is really out here offering to take Yan Qing back to his place after fake-but-not-really making out.]
LMAO FUCK
[He tells himself not to smile, but he's there grinning like an idiot for a second. All because a guy was nice to him for a night. Stupid. Impressing Robin isn't the reason he was late, and he sure as hell won't be impressing Robin now. But it seems like Robin's not too concerned about that.]
That's too bad! It doesn't sound like you have, if you're taking me home like that. [Then he gives him a light punch to the shoulder.] I'm just kidding. Lead the way, pretty boy.
[There's something different about the way he says that now, almost like he means it. Does he? He walks ahead to keep Robin from guessing.]
C'mon, let's go. And... Thanks for earlier. It was good.
[As in, it was a good call.
Don't get ideas!!!!]
LAKJLDKJG I LIKE HOW YOU LAUGH ABOUT IT
with a scowl, Robin rubs his shoulder. how is he supposed to lead the way when Yan Qing walks ahead? whatever. he'll follow behind, anyway.]
You're talking about the beer, right? You're thanking me for the beer.
[HE DOESN'T WANT TO GET IDEAS.]
Don't mention it.
[NO MATTER WHAT HE MEANT.]