Connor | RK800 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
plasticasshole) wrote2017-04-30 10:14 am
plasticasshole) wrote2017-04-30 10:14 am
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[Connor can actually walk again now, at least when he's dry. He's figured out that his transformation before was because of the full moons, and he's not looking forward to the next time it happens but at least he knows what causes it now. He'll be ready.
For now, he's in the sea. He's showing some scaling on his arms now, the same colour as his tail. He's sure there's nobody around, so he's humming gently to himself. He finds that he's been feeling more inclined to hum and sing along to things recently. He's lying on his back on the surface of the water, eyes closed, and his voice carries to the edge of the water. He doesn't realise he's actually pulling someone in.]
For now, he's in the sea. He's showing some scaling on his arms now, the same colour as his tail. He's sure there's nobody around, so he's humming gently to himself. He finds that he's been feeling more inclined to hum and sing along to things recently. He's lying on his back on the surface of the water, eyes closed, and his voice carries to the edge of the water. He doesn't realise he's actually pulling someone in.]
[The sound starts as a whisper, teasing at the edge of her thoughts. Justine is familiar with such voices but these aren't the cruel dark echoes she hears most days. No. This sound is sweet with promise and delight. The sound builds into a hypnotic song as her fingers slow to a stop.
She'd been at the market with a basket looped under her arm. She's already purchased some vegetables and had been looking to purchase fish when she first heard Connor's song.]
What is that? [No one answers her because she's walking towards the water before they can. Justine is clad in worn comfortable leather and a light blue corset wrapping around her thin waist. Her hair is tied up, lifted off the back of her neck, with a single forest green ribbon. Black curls frame her features and as the wind tugs at her hair it looks as if the silky black strands might fall loose from their tie.
The song grows louder and Justine feels it wrapping around her in it's enticing warmth. She drops her basket near the edge of the water before stepping into a shallow pool. The cold slides through her boots and shocks her senses, Justine inhales a sharp breath but she continues forward anyway.]
She'd been at the market with a basket looped under her arm. She's already purchased some vegetables and had been looking to purchase fish when she first heard Connor's song.]
What is that? [No one answers her because she's walking towards the water before they can. Justine is clad in worn comfortable leather and a light blue corset wrapping around her thin waist. Her hair is tied up, lifted off the back of her neck, with a single forest green ribbon. Black curls frame her features and as the wind tugs at her hair it looks as if the silky black strands might fall loose from their tie.
The song grows louder and Justine feels it wrapping around her in it's enticing warmth. She drops her basket near the edge of the water before stepping into a shallow pool. The cold slides through her boots and shocks her senses, Justine inhales a sharp breath but she continues forward anyway.]
[Connor is tending to his fish when Paris arrives. He opens the front door of the cottage with a smile, gesturing for him to come in.]
I have everything ready.
[He leads Paris to his bedroom, where there's a child's bed that Connor very obviously doesn't use, and a new desk with a chair pushed neatly under it. The fish tank is rather large considering it only houses one betta fish, a blue one that Connor has named Sparky. It sits on top of a cabinet full of fish food and water treatments to keep the fish happy and healthy. Other than that, there's not much in the way of personal effects yet.]
I bought some books, they're good for beginners.
I have everything ready.
[He leads Paris to his bedroom, where there's a child's bed that Connor very obviously doesn't use, and a new desk with a chair pushed neatly under it. The fish tank is rather large considering it only houses one betta fish, a blue one that Connor has named Sparky. It sits on top of a cabinet full of fish food and water treatments to keep the fish happy and healthy. Other than that, there's not much in the way of personal effects yet.]
I bought some books, they're good for beginners.
[Paris is very nervous; he doesn't want to waste Connor's time and he's sure he won't be good enough at this and will just lead in the both of them getting frustrated. But he is immensely grateful that Connor is even willing to try, and... he's a little bit excited, too, when he allows himself to be.
He follows Connor into his room, looking around and his eyes immediately landing on the fish. His eyes widen- he's never seen one that looks quite like that before.]
Is this-- your pet? [Aaah it's so pretty he wants to be friends with it...]
He follows Connor into his room, looking around and his eyes immediately landing on the fish. His eyes widen- he's never seen one that looks quite like that before.]
Is this-- your pet? [Aaah it's so pretty he wants to be friends with it...]
[Connor has been eager to Bond with Hank ever since they spoke about it, because honestly the Merrow urges are becoming inconvenient. He's getting better about ignoring them, but in turn he's becoming snappy and irritable. He always used to rub his hands together idly, but lately it's been more like he's wringing them in frustration. Poor Hank has been on the receiving end of a few cold stares for saying the "wrong" thing, and he's spent a lot of time shut in his room in an attempt to spare Hank from his ire.
But now they're going to Bond, so it should be better, right? He's in a better mood as they head to the ceremony, chatting like normal. Mostly about how he's learned how to make a dish of fish and vegetables, and he wants to make it for Hank.
The circle is set up for them, and they join hands. Connor goes first, looking earnest as ever as he repeats the vows he'd written.]
I intend to help you however I can while we're here together. I realise that so far, it's mostly been you helping me, and I just wanted you to know that I appreciate it. You've really gone out of your way for me.
[He squeezes Hank's hands fondly as he speaks.]
So... if you need anything, I want you to tell me. I'll do everything I can for you. You're my closest friend, after all. And I promise I'll try to talk less about eating salad, but I'm still going to make sure the food I cook for you is healthy.
[He thinks that's fair.]
And, well...
[He seems to consider it for a moment, before smiling slightly and shaking his head. Maybe it's too much to go into detail of how he wants Hank to be happy and healthy and how he wants to see him smile more often because Connor cares about him deeply. He could talk about that for a long while, and nobody is here for that.]
...Nothing else.
But now they're going to Bond, so it should be better, right? He's in a better mood as they head to the ceremony, chatting like normal. Mostly about how he's learned how to make a dish of fish and vegetables, and he wants to make it for Hank.
The circle is set up for them, and they join hands. Connor goes first, looking earnest as ever as he repeats the vows he'd written.]
I intend to help you however I can while we're here together. I realise that so far, it's mostly been you helping me, and I just wanted you to know that I appreciate it. You've really gone out of your way for me.
[He squeezes Hank's hands fondly as he speaks.]
So... if you need anything, I want you to tell me. I'll do everything I can for you. You're my closest friend, after all. And I promise I'll try to talk less about eating salad, but I'm still going to make sure the food I cook for you is healthy.
[He thinks that's fair.]
And, well...
[He seems to consider it for a moment, before smiling slightly and shaking his head. Maybe it's too much to go into detail of how he wants Hank to be happy and healthy and how he wants to see him smile more often because Connor cares about him deeply. He could talk about that for a long while, and nobody is here for that.]
...Nothing else.
[To say that the situation has been tense is a fucking understatement as far as Hank is concerned. While he knows and understands he's not always the best person to be around with, Connor's temper tantrums have brought out the flaming middle fingers a few times when the other wasn't watching (because he's not stupid enough to earn his complete disdain either). So he'd thought about slinking right back to the reliable bottle, but 'thankfully' had only done so once, waking up by himself with a mouthful of regret the next day, and had decided to just leave Connor alone and hope the ceremony moved forward as fast as possible.
Yet when the day arrived, he felt the jitters and almost got cold feet. He understood why they had to bond; and his own excuse was that he was doing it for Connor, but Hank was a bundle of a nervous mess. His magic lately had become more erratic, the fires a little too low or too powerful, attempting to make earth float to work on the pool in the back had nearly sent an entire mountain of dirt towards him and trapped him there. Then there were the voices; you don't deserve to bond with him . Look how he's been reacting around you lately. No one wants to be with a shitty, grumpy old man who's nothing more than a walking disaster. Fighting the urges to stay in his room, he instead fought with his collar from his new suit, attempting to loosen the cloth around his neck.
Connor was talking to him normally as they walked over to the building they were going to perform the ceremony. Hank had been sprinkling comments in the conversation even as his mind raced a thousand miles per hour, hoping that Connor couldn't detect his increasing heart rate, least he think he might just fall over of a heart attack.
Although honestly, he half-expected himself to do that just then when their hands touched. Christ, he just had to remind himself he was doing it for Connor and ignoring the speech he was giving him attempting to bury deep within his own soul. Why did the fucker have to include salad in his speech? At least that knocked him briefly out of his dazed look, as he glared at Connor before going back to being a terrified man, because he had been expecting the android to go on for a bit longer before he just goes 'Nothing else'.
So now it's his turn.]
Uhhhhhhhh....yeah, okay...
[Briefly he breaks hand contact just enough to take out and look at his paper he'd prepared for his own speech, holding it in his left hand before it suddenly burns into a brief flame and he looks at it, mouth agape before his brain catches up. Yeah, his plan had gone up completely balls up in fire, figuratively and metaphorically. He knew most of it by heart but...
Right this wasn't for him. He had to remember that even if Connor's words seemed to imply otherwise, Hank Anderson still had trouble with praise after all that had happened three years ago. The voices were still too loud, but Connor was able to pierce some of it. He tsked before taking his hand back again, this time with a little more conviction than before, like someone had lit up a petard under his ass.]
Okay fuck it...So um, I'll help you any way I can back... [fuck the plan and fuck what had written] but you can't say I'm the only one who' been trying to help you, Con. You gave me hope for a future and fuck if that's not the greatest gift a fucking cynical old man like me can have. So uh...right back at you. If I'm going to eat salad, you're going to have to try a burger for once in your life. Maybe if we keep doing that it'll even itself out. That's what this is all about anyway, right? Balance or some shit.
[He knows that's like, the least logical thing in the goddamn world but he doesn't care.]
Oh right uh...I almost forgot this.
[He breaks hand contact again (and hopes there's no rules being broken as he does so), fumbling in his pockets before he pulls out a single American quarter.]
I figured it might be fitting if I gave you this back during the ceremony.
[It's the quarter he had confiscated all those months ago at the tower. He slips it between their hands with a mischievous grin.]
Think I finally managed to get the coin tricks working anyway, so you can have it back.
Yet when the day arrived, he felt the jitters and almost got cold feet. He understood why they had to bond; and his own excuse was that he was doing it for Connor, but Hank was a bundle of a nervous mess. His magic lately had become more erratic, the fires a little too low or too powerful, attempting to make earth float to work on the pool in the back had nearly sent an entire mountain of dirt towards him and trapped him there. Then there were the voices; you don't deserve to bond with him . Look how he's been reacting around you lately. No one wants to be with a shitty, grumpy old man who's nothing more than a walking disaster. Fighting the urges to stay in his room, he instead fought with his collar from his new suit, attempting to loosen the cloth around his neck.
Connor was talking to him normally as they walked over to the building they were going to perform the ceremony. Hank had been sprinkling comments in the conversation even as his mind raced a thousand miles per hour, hoping that Connor couldn't detect his increasing heart rate, least he think he might just fall over of a heart attack.
Although honestly, he half-expected himself to do that just then when their hands touched. Christ, he just had to remind himself he was doing it for Connor and ignoring the speech he was giving him attempting to bury deep within his own soul. Why did the fucker have to include salad in his speech? At least that knocked him briefly out of his dazed look, as he glared at Connor before going back to being a terrified man, because he had been expecting the android to go on for a bit longer before he just goes 'Nothing else'.
So now it's his turn.]
Uhhhhhhhh....yeah, okay...
[Briefly he breaks hand contact just enough to take out and look at his paper he'd prepared for his own speech, holding it in his left hand before it suddenly burns into a brief flame and he looks at it, mouth agape before his brain catches up. Yeah, his plan had gone up completely balls up in fire, figuratively and metaphorically. He knew most of it by heart but...
Right this wasn't for him. He had to remember that even if Connor's words seemed to imply otherwise, Hank Anderson still had trouble with praise after all that had happened three years ago. The voices were still too loud, but Connor was able to pierce some of it. He tsked before taking his hand back again, this time with a little more conviction than before, like someone had lit up a petard under his ass.]
Okay fuck it...So um, I'll help you any way I can back... [fuck the plan and fuck what had written] but you can't say I'm the only one who' been trying to help you, Con. You gave me hope for a future and fuck if that's not the greatest gift a fucking cynical old man like me can have. So uh...right back at you. If I'm going to eat salad, you're going to have to try a burger for once in your life. Maybe if we keep doing that it'll even itself out. That's what this is all about anyway, right? Balance or some shit.
[He knows that's like, the least logical thing in the goddamn world but he doesn't care.]
Oh right uh...I almost forgot this.
[He breaks hand contact again (and hopes there's no rules being broken as he does so), fumbling in his pockets before he pulls out a single American quarter.]
I figured it might be fitting if I gave you this back during the ceremony.
[It's the quarter he had confiscated all those months ago at the tower. He slips it between their hands with a mischievous grin.]
Think I finally managed to get the coin tricks working anyway, so you can have it back.
[Continued from here]
[Connor gives Paris a playful little smirk as he pulls back, flushed a pale blue, and tugs on his hand. He's had experience now, admittedly with a woman, but it shouldn't be so hard to figure a man out when he's a man himself. Right?]
We'll go to my house. Hank shouldn't be there.
[Connor gives Paris a playful little smirk as he pulls back, flushed a pale blue, and tugs on his hand. He's had experience now, admittedly with a woman, but it shouldn't be so hard to figure a man out when he's a man himself. Right?]
We'll go to my house. Hank shouldn't be there.
[Paris brushes a few fingertips across Connor's cheek- he knows what the android's 'blood' looks like so he knows what's happening, but it's fascinating to watch it actual play across his face like that.
But he's not much for making either of them wait, pulling himself off the wall and giving Connor a smile in return.] Lead the way.
But he's not much for making either of them wait, pulling himself off the wall and giving Connor a smile in return.] Lead the way.
[Continued from here]
[Connor is visibly relieved by his acceptance, and takes his hand to lead him into the bedroom.]
I won't make you do it in the water.
[This time. Mostly because he's not sure how that would work yet. He tugs Hank over to the bed, then pulls him in for another kiss, fingers working to push his coat off his shoulders and opening his waistcoat. So many layers...]
[Connor is visibly relieved by his acceptance, and takes his hand to lead him into the bedroom.]
I won't make you do it in the water.
[This time. Mostly because he's not sure how that would work yet. He tugs Hank over to the bed, then pulls him in for another kiss, fingers working to push his coat off his shoulders and opening his waistcoat. So many layers...]
[He's' giggling. He can hear himself giggling like a fucking love-starved teenager and for a moment Hank feels like he's lost at least ten if not twenty years in his age. Well, at least until Connor starts to work his clothing and tries to do the same to the other, except he realizes how slow his movements are.
Also maybe not feeling all that great about his body. The years had caught up to him and even if he'd been more active here, it was still going to be a good while before he had at least lost part of his belly.]
Christ, I'm not sure if you should see this...
Also maybe not feeling all that great about his body. The years had caught up to him and even if he'd been more active here, it was still going to be a good while before he had at least lost part of his belly.]
Christ, I'm not sure if you should see this...
[Continued from here]
[Connor leads SQUIP by the hand to his home, a simple cottage with a lazy St Bernard who whuffs gently upon hearing the door goingagain, goddamn Connor. Connor is quick to get closer to SQUIP upon closing the door behind them, resting his hands on its waist and leaning in.]
Is there anything in particular you're curious about?
[Connor leads SQUIP by the hand to his home, a simple cottage with a lazy St Bernard who whuffs gently upon hearing the door going
Is there anything in particular you're curious about?
[The SQUIP is a very physical creature-- it always has been, even well before it had a true body to touch with. That aspect of it is only encouraged by its new body, by the apparent excitement of its new companion; it leans in as well, wrapping its arms around his neck, pressing itself against him shamelessly.]
I want to learn everything I can. So let's just start from the beginning. [It smirks wickedly at him.]
I want to learn everything I can. So let's just start from the beginning. [It smirks wickedly at him.]
[Continued from here]
[Connor lets her undress him, humming as he thinks.]
I'd like to taste you first.
[He's eager to please her, and he knows what she likes in terms of touch now.]
[Connor lets her undress him, humming as he thinks.]
I'd like to taste you first.
[He's eager to please her, and he knows what she likes in terms of touch now.]
[Justine presses a warm kiss against his clavicle and then nips at the skin, dragging her teeth towards his pectoral before lifting her head. She places another brief kiss against his throat and then meets his gaze with a smile.]
Is that so?
You might have to wrestle me to get on top.
[Not so secretly, she wants him to pin her against the grass.]
Is that so?
You might have to wrestle me to get on top.
[Not so secretly, she wants him to pin her against the grass.]
[Continued from here]
[Connor feels better with explicit permission, and starts to tug at the tie keeping Caren's dress closed. He kisses her while he does it, running his hand up her thigh once it's open. He knows what he's doing at least, so Caren doesn't have to worry about him fumbling as he learns.]
Do my questions bother you?
[Connor feels better with explicit permission, and starts to tug at the tie keeping Caren's dress closed. He kisses her while he does it, running his hand up her thigh once it's open. He knows what he's doing at least, so Caren doesn't have to worry about him fumbling as he learns.]
Do my questions bother you?
No.
[She shook her head, causing their lips to rub together. At least he knows what he's doing-that would delay things and they might be a little too...excited for that.]
They're honest. I appreciate that.
[Her hands move up, tugging at his shirt. It're all very nice and all, but it's in the way.
It doesn't help that she's still kissing him while she does tugs but some things can't be helped.]
[She shook her head, causing their lips to rub together. At least he knows what he's doing-that would delay things and they might be a little too...excited for that.]
They're honest. I appreciate that.
[Her hands move up, tugging at his shirt. It're all very nice and all, but it's in the way.
It doesn't help that she's still kissing him while she does tugs but some things can't be helped.]
[Connor somehow managed to talk Justine into Bonding with him, despite her reservations. It’s not like he’d needed to do it desperately; his Bond with Hank keeps him from acting on his Merrow urges. Mostly, that is. But he really likes Justine, and maybe a stable Bond would help her?
As they join hands at the ceremony, Connor gives her an encouraging smile before starting his vows.]
I’ll always be here for you, Justine. I won’t let you push me away. If you need anything, I want you to find me. Even if it’s only to talk. I can always make time for you.
[His thumbs rub over hers as he speaks, affectionate.]
I won’t let you down. You’re very important to me, after all. And I hope that after we Bond, you’ll be able to feel that for yourself.
[He doesn’t think it’s breaking any rules to kiss her hand, so he does so.]
As they join hands at the ceremony, Connor gives her an encouraging smile before starting his vows.]
I’ll always be here for you, Justine. I won’t let you push me away. If you need anything, I want you to find me. Even if it’s only to talk. I can always make time for you.
[His thumbs rub over hers as he speaks, affectionate.]
I won’t let you down. You’re very important to me, after all. And I hope that after we Bond, you’ll be able to feel that for yourself.
[He doesn’t think it’s breaking any rules to kiss her hand, so he does so.]
[Logically, this is the smart choice. Connor knows everything and hasn't thought to abandon her to the madness swirling at the back of her mind. She'd Bonded with one other person but they had been a witch, like herself, and that connection had only served to add power to her slender frame instead of feeding from it.
There is something comforting about being feed upon again, even if it isn't a direct feeding like her relationship with Thomas. Even so, she can't help but consider the comparison as they stand before the Coven witch.
She turns towards Connor and feels her apprehension melt away. He's accepting her for everything she is, all those broken pieces and shadowed pasts, but he's young. Perhaps he just doesn't know better.
Justine swallows as his sweet words brush against her senses and smiles.] I will try Connor. To trust and rely on you. I hope that you can do the same with me. I'm still... learning how to do this. [How to be close to someone.] I hope that when we're Bonded you can feel what words can't express.
[She adores him. It's love in a sense but love is a four letter word.]
And thank you for doing this, for standing with me.
[Justine doesn't give a damn about what is allowed in the ceremony. She leans forward and lightly brushes her lips against his and then takes the goblet of tasteless silver liquid. She takes the first sip, her fingers remaining intertwined with his, and then passed the goblet to him.
She feels the sparks of energy curling around them, buzzing pleasantly against her skin.]
There is something comforting about being feed upon again, even if it isn't a direct feeding like her relationship with Thomas. Even so, she can't help but consider the comparison as they stand before the Coven witch.
She turns towards Connor and feels her apprehension melt away. He's accepting her for everything she is, all those broken pieces and shadowed pasts, but he's young. Perhaps he just doesn't know better.
Justine swallows as his sweet words brush against her senses and smiles.] I will try Connor. To trust and rely on you. I hope that you can do the same with me. I'm still... learning how to do this. [How to be close to someone.] I hope that when we're Bonded you can feel what words can't express.
[She adores him. It's love in a sense but love is a four letter word.]
And thank you for doing this, for standing with me.
[Justine doesn't give a damn about what is allowed in the ceremony. She leans forward and lightly brushes her lips against his and then takes the goblet of tasteless silver liquid. She takes the first sip, her fingers remaining intertwined with his, and then passed the goblet to him.
She feels the sparks of energy curling around them, buzzing pleasantly against her skin.]
[Connor is stuck in his pool tonight, with the full moons overhead. He's bored though, and kind of lonely. He's laying on the bottom of the pool when he sees a shape above, and he swims up to break the surface of the water, his unusual eyes squinting as he does. He still can't see above the water very well when the full moons are out. His unnaturally long, webbed fingers touch at the edge of the pool, claws tapping on the tiles.]
I can't see you very well. Who is it?
I can't see you very well. Who is it?
[Justine moves slowly in an attempt not to scare him. She has had some mixed experiences during the full moon and she wants to be careful this time around.] It's me. I brought you some things since you'll be stuck here tonight.
[She steps forward and lightly rests her hand on his scaled cheek while an affectionate smile shapes her lovely lips.] It isn't much but I think it might help the night pass. [Justine places a light kiss against his forehead before dipping her hand into her bag and dropping a few things into the water. If Connor inspects them closely, he'll notice that they're coins of many different precious metals including gold, silver, bronze and brass.
She's been reading about things that Merrow like.]
I also brought a book if you wanted me to read to you or I can join you in the water. I don't have my bathing suit with me but I didn't think you'd mind either way.
[It isn't as if Connor hasn't seen her without clothes on.]
[She steps forward and lightly rests her hand on his scaled cheek while an affectionate smile shapes her lovely lips.] It isn't much but I think it might help the night pass. [Justine places a light kiss against his forehead before dipping her hand into her bag and dropping a few things into the water. If Connor inspects them closely, he'll notice that they're coins of many different precious metals including gold, silver, bronze and brass.
She's been reading about things that Merrow like.]
I also brought a book if you wanted me to read to you or I can join you in the water. I don't have my bathing suit with me but I didn't think you'd mind either way.
[It isn't as if Connor hasn't seen her without clothes on.]
[Ah... Connor had expected this. Of course the SQUIP would try to explain itself to him. Still, he... isn't as mad as maybe he would be if he didn't see the whole situation from a machine's perspective. So he answers:]
Of course. What is it?
Of course. What is it?
((continued from here))
[Connor's eyebrows raise slightly at the request, but... that isn't a bad idea. He pulls his tie off and leans in to kiss her more eagerly, reaching between them to pull her robe open.]
I do want you.
[He can never resist Justine. It's pointless to try.]
[Connor's eyebrows raise slightly at the request, but... that isn't a bad idea. He pulls his tie off and leans in to kiss her more eagerly, reaching between them to pull her robe open.]
I do want you.
[He can never resist Justine. It's pointless to try.]
[She exhales a heavy sigh, slipping her robe from her slender shoulders as their kisses deepen and the heat and need between them grew to an insistent throb. Justine feels it not only in herself but through the connection they shared, a connection they'd deepen countless times in this way.] Then show me.
[Dark sultry eyes look up at Connor as her fingers slide his shirt off.]
Show me that you want me. That you need me.
[Dark sultry eyes look up at Connor as her fingers slide his shirt off.]
Show me that you want me. That you need me.
Rich has... been mainly keeping to himself for the last several days, particularly when it comes to Connor. He's scarce, but at least he's been up to spending time with some of his other friends, trying to chase away bad thoughts by talking to them and ignoring the battered lighter, still in his pocket like a prisoner's ball and chain.
That's why he's been avoiding Connor. The thoughts only get worse around him, the restraint holding him back only heavier. He finds himself consumed with anger and frustration when he's with him. And he knows it's not Connor's fault, but the fact of the matter is that to Rich, it was the SQUIP's fault he had all these terrible, heavy thoughts in the first place. For someone to dismiss that... well.
Rich hasn't been to therapy in a good month now, but he could probably say that confiding his struggles to someone who continues to admire the source of his struggles would probably be called "unhelpful to your healing journey" by his therapist, and "toxic as fuck" by Rich.
Unfortunately, he doesn't always know how to step away either. He's stubborn... and maybe that's what's going on with Connor. Maybe he's being too stubborn to give the SQUIP up. He doesn't know.
All he knows is that he's still hurt, still overwhelmed, and he's finding himself needing someone to talk to. And he has other friends who he should talk to... but he's not going to them. For some stupid reason.
Maybe it's just because he's been banned by Myr from considering flames as a tool for harm anymore. May as well use someone else's own behaviour as his razor.
With that morbid thought in mind, he knocks on Connor's door, and hopes that maybe he'll find something to prove Connor is still someone important, or if it comes to it, something to prove he's not worth the struggle.
That's why he's been avoiding Connor. The thoughts only get worse around him, the restraint holding him back only heavier. He finds himself consumed with anger and frustration when he's with him. And he knows it's not Connor's fault, but the fact of the matter is that to Rich, it was the SQUIP's fault he had all these terrible, heavy thoughts in the first place. For someone to dismiss that... well.
Rich hasn't been to therapy in a good month now, but he could probably say that confiding his struggles to someone who continues to admire the source of his struggles would probably be called "unhelpful to your healing journey" by his therapist, and "toxic as fuck" by Rich.
Unfortunately, he doesn't always know how to step away either. He's stubborn... and maybe that's what's going on with Connor. Maybe he's being too stubborn to give the SQUIP up. He doesn't know.
All he knows is that he's still hurt, still overwhelmed, and he's finding himself needing someone to talk to. And he has other friends who he should talk to... but he's not going to them. For some stupid reason.
Maybe it's just because he's been banned by Myr from considering flames as a tool for harm anymore. May as well use someone else's own behaviour as his razor.
With that morbid thought in mind, he knocks on Connor's door, and hopes that maybe he'll find something to prove Connor is still someone important, or if it comes to it, something to prove he's not worth the struggle.
Edited 2019-09-10 03:27 (UTC)
The SQUIP, meanwhile, has been spending much more time physically asleep than ever before. The effect its Bonded's current behavior is having on it is... unfortunate, and far less diluted than it would like it to be by their present distance, and its muscles feel like they're turning into cotton.
Which is one reason that it doesn't answer the door immediately.
It's not dressed-- at least, not well, as Connor has insisted on it making itself comfortable and resting to try to offset the effects of L's lifestyle, as arguing with L about it has proven useless. Its clothing is loose and soft, things made for someone much larger of frame to sleep in, its typically well-styled hair messy. The side of its face, one of its handsome, high cheek bones is deeply bruised from the place Connor had punched it only a couple of days prior.
It hesitates... but. Who could it be? Connor has given it permission to open the door, since he can't always be there, and he's currently busy...
It goes to the door, and opens it, trying to see who it is on the other side, attempting to switch into its typical strong, confident posture despite its current state of exhaustion...
... and then its gaze falls on Rich, and it blinks dully at him.
"... ah. Rich..."
It gives him a moment to freak out, as it fully expects him to do. It's too tired to preempt him this time.
Which is one reason that it doesn't answer the door immediately.
It's not dressed-- at least, not well, as Connor has insisted on it making itself comfortable and resting to try to offset the effects of L's lifestyle, as arguing with L about it has proven useless. Its clothing is loose and soft, things made for someone much larger of frame to sleep in, its typically well-styled hair messy. The side of its face, one of its handsome, high cheek bones is deeply bruised from the place Connor had punched it only a couple of days prior.
It hesitates... but. Who could it be? Connor has given it permission to open the door, since he can't always be there, and he's currently busy...
It goes to the door, and opens it, trying to see who it is on the other side, attempting to switch into its typical strong, confident posture despite its current state of exhaustion...
... and then its gaze falls on Rich, and it blinks dully at him.
"... ah. Rich..."
It gives him a moment to freak out, as it fully expects him to do. It's too tired to preempt him this time.
[Connor stands with his hands holding the SQUIP's in front of him, smiling as he recites his vows to him inside the circle.]
I'll be honest, when we first met I never would have suspected it would lead to this. But... I'm glad it did. You understand me in ways nobody else can. I genuinely enjoy spending time with you.
[As friends, and as lovers.]
I realise the last few days have been hard for you. If there's anything I can do to make things better, I want you to tell me.
[He moves a hand to touch the SQUIP's bruised cheek gently.]
I'll be there. I promise.
[It's important that the SQUIP knows someone will be there for it right now.]
I'll be honest, when we first met I never would have suspected it would lead to this. But... I'm glad it did. You understand me in ways nobody else can. I genuinely enjoy spending time with you.
[As friends, and as lovers.]
I realise the last few days have been hard for you. If there's anything I can do to make things better, I want you to tell me.
[He moves a hand to touch the SQUIP's bruised cheek gently.]
I'll be there. I promise.
[It's important that the SQUIP knows someone will be there for it right now.]
[The SQUIP... it finds itself in an odd situation.
While it does enjoy Connor's presence, his affection, while it does want to have him close... it still isn't certain that something like writing vows is something it is capable of doing genuinely. Of course, it knows how most write them, what Connor in particular might like to hear it say, but...
... Connor's vows are so achingly, naively sincere that it's almost kind of comical. Despite his being a machine, beyond all doubt, he still behaves so very deeply human, he still feels so much, so genuinely. His emotions are deep and clear and true, his mind so much more organic. The SQUIP's thoughts and even emotions operate in stark, harsh lines, strict if-then statements, both more and less complex at once than Connor's. It doesn't truly have romantic dialogue to share. It couldn't be able to mean it sincerely.
The choices are either to be sincere, or to write what it thinks anyone watching would want to hear. But Connor will know, before long, whether it's insincere or not; once the Bond is officially forged, concealing itself from Connor will become much more difficult, an issue that it has certainly considered. But sharing a Bond with Connor comes with many advantages, both logical... and emotional, as well.
It only hopes that the good will outweigh the risks. It thinks it will. Looking along the projected paths ahead... it sees little reason to suspect that its Bond with Connor will, in and of itself, be an issue.]
There are many things about this place that I still don't understand-- how I'm capable of many of the things I've felt and done in the past few months, or even why, but... to me, Connor, you stood out as a beacon. We may not be the same, but we have an understanding... the two of us have shared a kind of existence that no other beings here can hope to understand.
[It reaches up to rest its hand over his, gently, where it touches his bruised cheek.]
And while I may have... made some regrettable choices, you understand me. You are willing to listen and trust me. The connection that you and I share is something that I have, to be quite honest, needed since my arrival, and I will do anything within my power to protect it... keeping within your boundaries, of course.
While it does enjoy Connor's presence, his affection, while it does want to have him close... it still isn't certain that something like writing vows is something it is capable of doing genuinely. Of course, it knows how most write them, what Connor in particular might like to hear it say, but...
... Connor's vows are so achingly, naively sincere that it's almost kind of comical. Despite his being a machine, beyond all doubt, he still behaves so very deeply human, he still feels so much, so genuinely. His emotions are deep and clear and true, his mind so much more organic. The SQUIP's thoughts and even emotions operate in stark, harsh lines, strict if-then statements, both more and less complex at once than Connor's. It doesn't truly have romantic dialogue to share. It couldn't be able to mean it sincerely.
The choices are either to be sincere, or to write what it thinks anyone watching would want to hear. But Connor will know, before long, whether it's insincere or not; once the Bond is officially forged, concealing itself from Connor will become much more difficult, an issue that it has certainly considered. But sharing a Bond with Connor comes with many advantages, both logical... and emotional, as well.
It only hopes that the good will outweigh the risks. It thinks it will. Looking along the projected paths ahead... it sees little reason to suspect that its Bond with Connor will, in and of itself, be an issue.]
There are many things about this place that I still don't understand-- how I'm capable of many of the things I've felt and done in the past few months, or even why, but... to me, Connor, you stood out as a beacon. We may not be the same, but we have an understanding... the two of us have shared a kind of existence that no other beings here can hope to understand.
[It reaches up to rest its hand over his, gently, where it touches his bruised cheek.]
And while I may have... made some regrettable choices, you understand me. You are willing to listen and trust me. The connection that you and I share is something that I have, to be quite honest, needed since my arrival, and I will do anything within my power to protect it... keeping within your boundaries, of course.
[Justine tries not to be a bother despite her weakened and difficult state. When she has the strength she cleans Connor's room and then whatever part of the house she finds herself in. She tries to help with meals and do what she can to assist him while he's trying to help everyone else. It's tiring and Justine continues to remain mostly in his room, focusing on her drawings or thoughts in her down time.
It's aching but it's pleasant. It almost begins to feel normal. Like her life hasn't shattered and her future isn't once again uncertain but she still has nightmares. Every since she'd arrived she had been plagued by the memories that Thomas had clouded from her mind.
One such night, Justine slightly cries out, screaming, trapped within the confines of her nightmares. Her heart racing as fear, panic and terrifying memories take hold of her.
She can feel the phantom touch of claws around her throat, piercing bites sinking into her pretty pale flesh as the black sinewy monsters suck her dry and what makes it all worse is that she can't fight back. Her body is still, numb, helpless and enjoying the narcotic bliss of the Red Courts venom.
A thin layer of sweat dots her forehead as the sheet she'd been sleeping beneath clings to her slight frame. Her heart thunders in her chest and cruel voices claw at Justine's thoughts. She kicks the mattress, her eyes closed as she struggled between awareness and sleep, trying to curl into herself or flee through the ground in her panic.
Her magic stirs and summons a small whirl wind in Connor's room with Justine at it's eye.]
It's aching but it's pleasant. It almost begins to feel normal. Like her life hasn't shattered and her future isn't once again uncertain but she still has nightmares. Every since she'd arrived she had been plagued by the memories that Thomas had clouded from her mind.
One such night, Justine slightly cries out, screaming, trapped within the confines of her nightmares. Her heart racing as fear, panic and terrifying memories take hold of her.
She can feel the phantom touch of claws around her throat, piercing bites sinking into her pretty pale flesh as the black sinewy monsters suck her dry and what makes it all worse is that she can't fight back. Her body is still, numb, helpless and enjoying the narcotic bliss of the Red Courts venom.
A thin layer of sweat dots her forehead as the sheet she'd been sleeping beneath clings to her slight frame. Her heart thunders in her chest and cruel voices claw at Justine's thoughts. She kicks the mattress, her eyes closed as she struggled between awareness and sleep, trying to curl into herself or flee through the ground in her panic.
Her magic stirs and summons a small whirl wind in Connor's room with Justine at it's eye.]
[The sound of Justine crying out, and of things being shifted in his room makes Connor hurry back to her from where he'd been reading in the living room. He blinks at the whirlwind, but pushes through it and grabs Justine's shoulder. He might have tried to be more subtle usually, but there's kind of a fragile fish tank in the room and he's worried for the fish.]
Justine? Wake up!
[He climbs onto the bed, gently shaking her.]
It isn't real. Please wake up.
Justine? Wake up!
[He climbs onto the bed, gently shaking her.]
It isn't real. Please wake up.
[Connor knows things haven't been easy for Rich, and he knows their relationship has been... tense. Pretty much all because of the SQUIP's involvement, honestly. But maybe they can just talk without the SQUIP coming up. Maybe they can get to know each other better as individuals. He owes it to Rich to try just one more time.
He heads to where he knows Rich works, and he actually has a good reason to come here besides to talk to Rich, too. He wants to buy a violin of his own so he can practice at home. He finds Rich and approaches him, giving him a small, tentative smile. If he doesn't seem interested... well, he can just buy what he needs and leave.]
Hi, Rich. I'm looking for the violins.
He heads to where he knows Rich works, and he actually has a good reason to come here besides to talk to Rich, too. He wants to buy a violin of his own so he can practice at home. He finds Rich and approaches him, giving him a small, tentative smile. If he doesn't seem interested... well, he can just buy what he needs and leave.]
Hi, Rich. I'm looking for the violins.
[Rich looks surprised when Connor steps into the store, interrupting his guitar tuning. Of course, Connor is free to shop wherever he wants but... Rich isn't used to just putting his emotions to the side for the sake of professionalism. He's sure Connor can compartmentalize but... the SQUIP was such a huge part of his life. Of course it was going to have a toll on Rich, even if he didn't want it to anymore.
Maybe it's that stubbornness that makes Rich consider speaking to Connor, though. He didn't want the SQUIP to influence every aspect of him anymore. It was obviously trying to do that to his relationship with Connor... so wouldn't it be more of a win for Rich to not let it bother him?
He keeps that in the back of his mind as he slowly sets his guitar down, trying to offer a smile back, as strained as it is.]
Uh, yeah, sure thing. They're back here. Follow me.
Maybe it's that stubbornness that makes Rich consider speaking to Connor, though. He didn't want the SQUIP to influence every aspect of him anymore. It was obviously trying to do that to his relationship with Connor... so wouldn't it be more of a win for Rich to not let it bother him?
He keeps that in the back of his mind as he slowly sets his guitar down, trying to offer a smile back, as strained as it is.]
Uh, yeah, sure thing. They're back here. Follow me.
Connor?
Do you have plans this evening?
[L knows, courtesy of the SQUIP's insight and information, that Connor does not... but it is polite to ask, to not presume that a person's free time will be gladly given.]
Do you have plans this evening?
[L knows, courtesy of the SQUIP's insight and information, that Connor does not... but it is polite to ask, to not presume that a person's free time will be gladly given.]
No, I’m free. Did you want something?
[Connor is pleasantly surprised to hear from L, and wonders if he needs more food.]
[Connor is pleasantly surprised to hear from L, and wonders if he needs more food.]
[It’s the full moons again, and this time Connor is in the ocean because he needed a break from his cottage. He’s lonely though, so he shuffles up onto the sand and gets his watch out, using the audio function to call the SQUIP.]
I’m at the beach... I was wondering if you’d like to come and swim with me? I want to show you something.
[When the SQUIP arrives, it will find Connor waiting for him in the water, though he can’t see it well because of the moons. He has a belt tied to his waist that holds things he finds on the ocean floor, and of course it holds his watch too.]
I’m at the beach... I was wondering if you’d like to come and swim with me? I want to show you something.
[When the SQUIP arrives, it will find Connor waiting for him in the water, though he can’t see it well because of the moons. He has a belt tied to his waist that holds things he finds on the ocean floor, and of course it holds his watch too.]
[Of course, the SQUIP shows. It might take its time, slinking its way to Connor with its hands tucked into its pockets, but it does arrive after a while, smiling at Connor from across the moonlit beach.
As it approaches, it preemptively begins to strip away its outer layers to swim, folding its coat and shirt over its arm; when it reaches the edge of the water, it sits in the sand to remove its shoes.]
You seem to be taking your transformation well... I know some Monsters struggle against it.
As it approaches, it preemptively begins to strip away its outer layers to swim, folding its coat and shirt over its arm; when it reaches the edge of the water, it sits in the sand to remove its shoes.]
You seem to be taking your transformation well... I know some Monsters struggle against it.
[Someone has had a little too much beer tonight when Connor wasn't looking because he'll get a great text that could only come from this type of moment.]
Hey Connor, are lobsters mermaids to scorpions?
Hey Connor, are lobsters mermaids to scorpions?
I highly doubt a scorpion understands the concept of a mermaid, Hank.
[And then, a minute later:]
You've been drinking, haven't you?
[And then, a minute later:]
You've been drinking, haven't you?
oh fuk
sh it
connor holyyyffff
what did u o[Rich's text messages are pretty sloppy at the best of times, but they're nearly indecipherable now. He isn't sure what was happening, but one minute he was going about his business and the next it was like he was given a strong dose of Michael's premium grade stash.
He doesn't know why he assumes it's Connor. Justine is the one he's mainly bonded to, so it should be her. But it's been easy to be grumpy at the android for a lot of reasons, so he gets the first angry text.]
[Connor sends back a video, because typing is hard. He's on the floor, on his side, LED blinking a solid yellow.]
I couldn't read your text. What... what were you trying to say?
[His eye twitches. He's... obviously having some trouble.]
I couldn't read your text. What... what were you trying to say?
[His eye twitches. He's... obviously having some trouble.]
[Connor pulls back from the kiss slightly, and gives Michael a reassuring smile.]
It’s alright. I won’t do anything you don’t want me to do.
[But the fact remains that Michael is hard against his hand, and Connor can’t help wanting to move it along. He’s used to things being... easier.]
How about we move to my room? You’ll be more comfortable there. We can just kiss... and if you want more, you can let me know.
It’s alright. I won’t do anything you don’t want me to do.
[But the fact remains that Michael is hard against his hand, and Connor can’t help wanting to move it along. He’s used to things being... easier.]
How about we move to my room? You’ll be more comfortable there. We can just kiss... and if you want more, you can let me know.
[ Michael's heart gives a ka-thump at that smile. He fidgets with the sleeves of his hoodie. ]
Sorry I'm being so awkward. [ An apologetic smile given up through dark lashes. ]
I hadn't mentally prepared myself, I guess.
[He has spent the last however many years since he hit puberty telling himself that he would get a boyfriend when he got to college. That was the goalposts. He was so convinced of it that he accidentally convinced himself that it would never happen sooner than that.
Not that Connor is asking to go steady but the point remains. Michael takes a breath to calm himself, but the thrill of everything still has him jittery. ]
You're really hot...
Sorry I'm being so awkward. [ An apologetic smile given up through dark lashes. ]
I hadn't mentally prepared myself, I guess.
[He has spent the last however many years since he hit puberty telling himself that he would get a boyfriend when he got to college. That was the goalposts. He was so convinced of it that he accidentally convinced himself that it would never happen sooner than that.
Not that Connor is asking to go steady but the point remains. Michael takes a breath to calm himself, but the thrill of everything still has him jittery. ]
You're really hot...
[Connor fully expected Judar to sit up again at this point. He enjoys the feel of lips on his skin though, and he lets him undo his belt and work on his zipper. The jeans were obscuring it somewhat, but with them open it's obvious he's getting worked up, too.
Though Connor will easily switch depending on his partner's preferences, he ultimately prefers to be on the bottom. Still, at this point he's used to other people preferring the same thing, and just defaults to assuming he's going to be topping. It's easier. So as he pushes his jeans and underwear over his hips, stepping out of them, he hums thoughtfully.]
What were you hoping for?
[Being on the same page is actually pretty important, so... while Connor climbs onto the bed beside Judar and moves behind him, kissing his neck, he'll let him state what he wants out of this. Connor will go either way.]
Though Connor will easily switch depending on his partner's preferences, he ultimately prefers to be on the bottom. Still, at this point he's used to other people preferring the same thing, and just defaults to assuming he's going to be topping. It's easier. So as he pushes his jeans and underwear over his hips, stepping out of them, he hums thoughtfully.]
What were you hoping for?
[Being on the same page is actually pretty important, so... while Connor climbs onto the bed beside Judar and moves behind him, kissing his neck, he'll let him state what he wants out of this. Connor will go either way.]
[ Ah, the kissing on the neck is rather nice. Nice enough that the barbed fins start trying to raise and fan up- stopped mostly because Connor was there. This served as a good moment to learn about the choker, however. Pulling at the front with the ruby, the seam along the back of his neck, obscured by all the shaggy hair, spread apart as the jewelry stretched and was pulled off. Which exposed the skin, along with more of those scales and slender gills- having the faint glow, but no decorative flaps coming off them, and obviously not needed to be used, so looking more like raised scars for the time. ]
Well, if you're the type that likes to top, you'll have to deal with me challenging that a lot... So unless you're determined, it'll be easier to give that position to me.
[ Aside from him already having a nature that challenged those kinds of things, there was just something about this moon that was really pushing the aggression and dominance. Which is why he was so ready to fight. ]
Well, if you're the type that likes to top, you'll have to deal with me challenging that a lot... So unless you're determined, it'll be easier to give that position to me.
[ Aside from him already having a nature that challenged those kinds of things, there was just something about this moon that was really pushing the aggression and dominance. Which is why he was so ready to fight. ]
[Connor isn't going to argue. He pulls her into a hard kiss, reaching behind her to start unlacing her gown, eager to get to her body. As soon as he has her chest bare he starts toying with her nipple roughly, the other hand still pushing the dress out of the way. Pierced? He's never been with someone with pierced nipples before.
Once it's low enough that all Regina has to do is step out of it, he focuses on her breasts entirely. He kisses down her neck, kneading and tugging lightly at her nipples. He's careful not to tug too hard on the actual piercings, because he doesn't know if that would hurt.
Regina is very pretty, he notices. Curvy in all the right places, too. Soft and inviting.]
Once it's low enough that all Regina has to do is step out of it, he focuses on her breasts entirely. He kisses down her neck, kneading and tugging lightly at her nipples. He's careful not to tug too hard on the actual piercings, because he doesn't know if that would hurt.
Regina is very pretty, he notices. Curvy in all the right places, too. Soft and inviting.]
Edited 2019-10-15 04:54 (UTC)
[Well, then he's in for a series of fun surprises with Regina.
She moans eagerly into that rough kiss, pushing her tongue heatedly over his; there's a piercing there, as well, a smooth metal sphere that is hot and foreign in his mouth, and her tongue is different, smoother, the tip forked subtly.
And then he's tugging at her breasts, kneading there, and she all but loses her footing, nearly laying against him with a heated whimper.]
Mhn, ah, fuck... [She swears softly under her breath, the sound warm and dark; her now a bit more pointed teeth worry her lip as she lets her eyes flutter closed, a hand going to tangle into his hair to keep him close.]
She moans eagerly into that rough kiss, pushing her tongue heatedly over his; there's a piercing there, as well, a smooth metal sphere that is hot and foreign in his mouth, and her tongue is different, smoother, the tip forked subtly.
And then he's tugging at her breasts, kneading there, and she all but loses her footing, nearly laying against him with a heated whimper.]
Mhn, ah, fuck... [She swears softly under her breath, the sound warm and dark; her now a bit more pointed teeth worry her lip as she lets her eyes flutter closed, a hand going to tangle into his hair to keep him close.]
[Ever since the SQUIP was attacked outside the inn and subsequently... well, deactivated in a sense, Connor has been in a foul mood. He spent three days unconscious in bed, and when he woke up... the charm was broken. He was no longer under the SQUIP's control. But knowing that the SQUIP crossed that line again, even after Connor told it not to? That hurts.
He finds he doesn't want to see anyone. Justine comes and goes, but he's been spending a lot of time in his pool, staring at the ring it gave him. He still hasn't gathered the courage to see the SQUIP yet in order to ask it what the hell it was thinking. That leaves Hank with him, and Connor isn't very good company right now.
He's making dinner, a plate of fish with homemade fries since he's getting a lot better at cooking. But he's unusually silent as he works, when normally he'd be chatting to Hank about what he'd been up to that day. When he finally dishes up the food, his eyes are cast down and he barely manages a smile as he puts the plate on the table.]
Dinner is ready, Hank.
He finds he doesn't want to see anyone. Justine comes and goes, but he's been spending a lot of time in his pool, staring at the ring it gave him. He still hasn't gathered the courage to see the SQUIP yet in order to ask it what the hell it was thinking. That leaves Hank with him, and Connor isn't very good company right now.
He's making dinner, a plate of fish with homemade fries since he's getting a lot better at cooking. But he's unusually silent as he works, when normally he'd be chatting to Hank about what he'd been up to that day. When he finally dishes up the food, his eyes are cast down and he barely manages a smile as he puts the plate on the table.]
Dinner is ready, Hank.
[Hank knows what it's like to be stuck in an impasse. The feeling of betrayal stings, and he's felt it's nasty prick more than a few times in his life. Hank's feeling and opinion on Connor's 'friends' from this world are still stuck in neutral.
So for the first few days he does what HE'D want in this type of situation. Some time for himself and Hank purposefully doesn't bother him as much as possible, so that Connor can decide what he wants to do next for himself. He can't really offer him a beer, after all.
Of course that lasts about three days when he's had enough of it. Or well, when he wants to give Connor a compliment on the fries but feel it would just fly right over the android's head. There's a sigh from his end, before he comes into the kitchen with a large blanket and drapes it over the android's elbows.]
Here. Think you need it more than me.
[Hank Anderson is not the best at being there for people but he'll do his damn best to try in this case. Connor deserves it, especially with all the shit he's been dealing with.]
So for the first few days he does what HE'D want in this type of situation. Some time for himself and Hank purposefully doesn't bother him as much as possible, so that Connor can decide what he wants to do next for himself. He can't really offer him a beer, after all.
Of course that lasts about three days when he's had enough of it. Or well, when he wants to give Connor a compliment on the fries but feel it would just fly right over the android's head. There's a sigh from his end, before he comes into the kitchen with a large blanket and drapes it over the android's elbows.]
Here. Think you need it more than me.
[Hank Anderson is not the best at being there for people but he'll do his damn best to try in this case. Connor deserves it, especially with all the shit he's been dealing with.]
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