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[She sighs, finishing up those last little bits of stubble before setting the razor down and (somewhat theatrically) rubbing the bridge of her nose.]
I knew I shouldn't've said anything.
[But look, he's doing this on his own recognizance. And at least he isn't (she's pretty sure) the type to tease her about it.
And so she turns off the speaker so that she can launch into something--well, something fittingly grim.]
Remember everything I told you
Keep it in your heart like a stone
And when the winds have blown things 'round and back again
what was once your pain will be your home
All around the table, white-haired men have gathered
spilling their sons' blood like table wine
Remember everything I told you
Everything in its own time
[Her voice was programmed for pleasantness--it's maybe a little soft for the material--but she's got no reason to be embarrassed. Even though she totally still is.]
I knew I shouldn't've said anything.
[But look, he's doing this on his own recognizance. And at least he isn't (she's pretty sure) the type to tease her about it.
And so she turns off the speaker so that she can launch into something--well, something fittingly grim.]
Remember everything I told you
Keep it in your heart like a stone
And when the winds have blown things 'round and back again
what was once your pain will be your home
All around the table, white-haired men have gathered
spilling their sons' blood like table wine
Remember everything I told you
Everything in its own time
[Her voice was programmed for pleasantness--it's maybe a little soft for the material--but she's got no reason to be embarrassed. Even though she totally still is.]
[ If we're talking theatre, Rex has her beat the way he closes his eyes and absolutely soaks up her singing. There's one thing better for Rex than a new version of a song he's heard before and that's a song he's never heard at all. This is like both at once, a single performance just for him. It's heaven! The dark topic doesn't bother him- is that so surprising, considering it's him?
His eyes open only so that he can, very gently and ready to stop if she expresses the slightest distaste, stand up to drape his arms around her shoulders and give a soft squeeze. It's a little more forward and openly affectionate than usual, but it's all a little overwhelming, everything together. Being cared for so diligently, the intimacy of the blade on skin that was more trust he showed others, the teasing and now the singing... ]
Thank you. So much.
His eyes open only so that he can, very gently and ready to stop if she expresses the slightest distaste, stand up to drape his arms around her shoulders and give a soft squeeze. It's a little more forward and openly affectionate than usual, but it's all a little overwhelming, everything together. Being cared for so diligently, the intimacy of the blade on skin that was more trust he showed others, the teasing and now the singing... ]
Thank you. So much.
[ It probably says a lot about Rex that he doesn't even think of pulling the 'yeah but being a prince comes with so many plus sides dude' arguments, even as an orphan who lives in a van. Problems are problems, yah feel? Don't judge. Just help. ]
Well, court duties sounds like a job. I've always thought training and studying were pretty fun.
Regardless. If you're going to blow off work, I'm sure we can find something far more rewarding to do. Monetarily and in terms of character enrichment.
Uh, I dunno. Probably?
[He rarely feels like tackling the buffet at these things, unless it's going to help him avoid talking to people.
And also...]
Yeah. A cut across the throat if the Crownsguard ever gets a hold of my phone and reads these messages. And you're supposed to acronym that, loser. LOL.
[He rarely feels like tackling the buffet at these things, unless it's going to help him avoid talking to people.
And also...]
Yeah. A cut across the throat if the Crownsguard ever gets a hold of my phone and reads these messages. And you're supposed to acronym that, loser. LOL.
You have to check next time. What's the point in all that bother if you don't get to fill your stomach?
They'd have to find me first.
[ How exactly a legally non-existent orphan who lives out of a van became friends with a prince is a mystery. Don't worry about it. ]
Besides, I've plans for such eventualities... though admiteddly not for that reason.
They'd have to find me first.
[ How exactly a legally non-existent orphan who lives out of a van became friends with a prince is a mystery. Don't worry about it. ]
Besides, I've plans for such eventualities... though admiteddly not for that reason.
[Surprisingly enough, he's made friends with total plebes before. Noctis doesn't stand much on ceremony, except when he's forced to.]
Ignis makes better food. You should let me ask him to make you up a care package.
Do I even want to hear these plans?
Ignis makes better food. You should let me ask him to make you up a care package.
Do I even want to hear these plans?
[ There's a longer delay here than there has been for the rest- even his quietly romantic and more in-depth comments came much more naturally to him than this. ]
I don't see why not.
[ It encapsulates everything Lin said. Wanting to be around someone sounds like the definition of romance to him- but maybe other people wouldn't understand how much that means coming from him. Despite his calmness, he doesn't ever stop, doesn't ever surrender and will do anything to achieve his goals. Doesn't matter if that's saving the world or being by the side of someone he loves.
And killers are people too. ]
[ he's ready to check out of this conversation, and he nearly does. he tosses his phone away, flips through a few dramas on the tv, wanders to the kitchen to stare into the small fridge. he wants to reply with something acidic, like of course an idiot like you wouldn't or fuck off, because there's an uncomfortable pressure in his chest that he needs to relieve. but he doesn't think saying any of those things will make it go away.
he flops back down onto the couch, hair sprawling over the edge. ]
say we were locked in a cage together. there's no way to break out. there are guards pointing guns at you from across the room, and they tell you only one person in the cage can leave. and if you want to be that person, you have to kill the other one.
you would kill me.
he flops back down onto the couch, hair sprawling over the edge. ]
say we were locked in a cage together. there's no way to break out. there are guards pointing guns at you from across the room, and they tell you only one person in the cage can leave. and if you want to be that person, you have to kill the other one.
you would kill me.
I don't play games like that.
[ Rex, on the other hand, grows more invested with each comment. The only sort of love he knows is unconditional. It doesn't matter if that's between parent and child, two friends or lovers. Part of the reason he kept so far away from everyone else for so long is that that love hurts terribly. But it's also more beautiful than he deserves. But Lin deserves to know it. ]
I'm not naive enough to say something empty like I'll always be there to protect and you're not naive enough to believe me if I did.
But no matter what happens, I'll do everything in the scope of my abilities to keep you alive. I know that too sounds empty because I can fail. But there is nothing I won't do if it means success.
[ Nothing, even if it leaves scars on his heart that will never fade. What value is the black heart of a worthless man like him, compared to what needs to be done? ]
[ Rex, on the other hand, grows more invested with each comment. The only sort of love he knows is unconditional. It doesn't matter if that's between parent and child, two friends or lovers. Part of the reason he kept so far away from everyone else for so long is that that love hurts terribly. But it's also more beautiful than he deserves. But Lin deserves to know it. ]
I'm not naive enough to say something empty like I'll always be there to protect and you're not naive enough to believe me if I did.
But no matter what happens, I'll do everything in the scope of my abilities to keep you alive. I know that too sounds empty because I can fail. But there is nothing I won't do if it means success.
[ Nothing, even if it leaves scars on his heart that will never fade. What value is the black heart of a worthless man like him, compared to what needs to be done? ]
it's not a game.
[ that's a lot to take in. lin thinks, naturally, that he has to be lying. but rex doesn't really lie. he's too blunt for that. his next thought is that he's trying to run some kind of con on him, but, again, that's not rex's style. so why would he go to such lengths to keep him alive? lin certainly wouldn't do the same for him. he'd stab him in the cage.
but he's been in that cage before, and he couldn't make the first move, or even the second. so he knows that's not true, either. the only way he'd really hurt him is if rex turned on him first. ]
the only reason i'm alive is to take care of my family. i don't need your help. you're always leaving anyway.
[ that's a lot to take in. lin thinks, naturally, that he has to be lying. but rex doesn't really lie. he's too blunt for that. his next thought is that he's trying to run some kind of con on him, but, again, that's not rex's style. so why would he go to such lengths to keep him alive? lin certainly wouldn't do the same for him. he'd stab him in the cage.
but he's been in that cage before, and he couldn't make the first move, or even the second. so he knows that's not true, either. the only way he'd really hurt him is if rex turned on him first. ]
the only reason i'm alive is to take care of my family. i don't need your help. you're always leaving anyway.
That's good. I think the worst thing you can do to someone is making them rely on you. Because there will surely be a time you are not there.
[ And the pain of that is what has made Rex who he is. He has always had a very distinct sense of need, and so understands the suffering of being without the people you need more than most. ]
I never want to be needed by anyone. I can't do this.
[ This comes with a picture of his hands, calloused and gnarly as they are, fingers linked with one above the other like it's holding someone up. ]
I only want this.
[ The next image is of his hands again, now turned side by side. Linked, but neither held up the other. ]
[ And the pain of that is what has made Rex who he is. He has always had a very distinct sense of need, and so understands the suffering of being without the people you need more than most. ]
I never want to be needed by anyone. I can't do this.
[ This comes with a picture of his hands, calloused and gnarly as they are, fingers linked with one above the other like it's holding someone up. ]
I only want this.
[ The next image is of his hands again, now turned side by side. Linked, but neither held up the other. ]
[ it’s alarming to hear it said so plainly, because he thinks this has been his biggest mistake. his mother needs him, sickly and poor as she is, and lin’s greatest fear is that he won’t be enough. even after everything he’s done, after signing his entire life away, there’s going to come a time when he just won’t be there. he’s already missed the last nine years of her life.
but it’s something of a relief to hear those next words. rex doesn’t want anything from him, which is monumental, because he doesn't think he can take the pressure of having to be someone else for someone new. the pictures pop up then, and. okay. this is a metaphor with some thought behind it to come with visuals. how stupid. how pure. ]
i have a hand mask i can give you.
[ just because they’re killers doesn’t mean they can’t have baby soft hands. ]
i can’t do that, either. be needed. not by anyone else. but i guess i don’t mind someone who lets me drink too much and draw on myself.
but it’s something of a relief to hear those next words. rex doesn’t want anything from him, which is monumental, because he doesn't think he can take the pressure of having to be someone else for someone new. the pictures pop up then, and. okay. this is a metaphor with some thought behind it to come with visuals. how stupid. how pure. ]
i have a hand mask i can give you.
[ just because they’re killers doesn’t mean they can’t have baby soft hands. ]
i can’t do that, either. be needed. not by anyone else. but i guess i don’t mind someone who lets me drink too much and draw on myself.
[ It’s not quite that. It’s not that Rex doesn’t want anything, it’s that he wants it to be mutual. Equal. He wants to admire and be admired, though he’ll always think of any admiration he is given as a trick he’s played. It’s so curious that to Lin, he’s considered a bastion of honesty who will bluntly state the truth and can be trusted implicitly. Rex can’t understand why- despite that fact that’s what he’s been doing and cultivating since they met. ]
Being rough makes it hurt less.
[ A statement both of his hands and their demeanours, apparently. ]
Alright then.
Let’s go on a date, now that’s settled.
Being rough makes it hurt less.
[ A statement both of his hands and their demeanours, apparently. ]
Alright then.
Let’s go on a date, now that’s settled.
[ lin isn't used to honesty, not this kind. he's used to deception and being kept in the dark until someone wants to drop a bomb on his head, because they know that's the best way to control him. if he doesn't have time to plan, they don't have to worry so much about his claws.
he doesn't trust anyone, really. maybe there's a part of him that still doesn't trust rex wholeheartedly. he trusts him not to lie. but he would never cross the line and put his life in anyone else's hands. ]
well, they'll never be as soft as mine. but we can give them some moisture. have you ever used lotion in your life??
[ he's hunting through his box of masks, an absurd amount of them for every possible body part, when rex's next message comes through. what. ]
we're not going on a date, fuck off. that's for losers who believe in stupid things like getting married and growing old together.
[ who would want something so terrible.
he doesn't respond for a few extra minutes, then picks up his phone again. ]
have you ever been on one?
he doesn't trust anyone, really. maybe there's a part of him that still doesn't trust rex wholeheartedly. he trusts him not to lie. but he would never cross the line and put his life in anyone else's hands. ]
well, they'll never be as soft as mine. but we can give them some moisture. have you ever used lotion in your life??
[ he's hunting through his box of masks, an absurd amount of them for every possible body part, when rex's next message comes through. what. ]
we're not going on a date, fuck off. that's for losers who believe in stupid things like getting married and growing old together.
[ who would want something so terrible.
he doesn't respond for a few extra minutes, then picks up his phone again. ]
have you ever been on one?
[ That’s probably the biggest difference between how Rex deals with Lin and others- he likes the claws. He’s always been able to work out what Lin means. It’s fine. They’re both strays, dealing with things in their own way. If two strays stand together, neither owns the other but they’re both better off for it. ]
I’ve never used lotion, nor been on a date.
[ Because surely they’re of equal importance to answer, because why else would Lin ask? ]
Growing old has always been a dream of mine. Doing it with someone I like would me more pleasant now that you say it.
[ As in he never thought about it until just now. ]
I’ve never used lotion, nor been on a date.
[ Because surely they’re of equal importance to answer, because why else would Lin ask? ]
Growing old has always been a dream of mine. Doing it with someone I like would me more pleasant now that you say it.
[ As in he never thought about it until just now. ]
[ never used lotion. never been on a date. wants to grow old. lin has never felt so affirmed in calling rex a freakshow. ]
you need to start using lotion if we're going to go on a date.
[ there is no real correlation, but it needs to be said. if there's anything lin is going to do, it's help rex take care of his hands. ]
why do you want to grow old? your skin will get all wrinkly and your hair will turn gray. i don't want to be ugly. besides, what are we supposed to do when we get old?
[ casually glossing over the fact that rex said he liked him so plainly. ]
you need to start using lotion if we're going to go on a date.
[ there is no real correlation, but it needs to be said. if there's anything lin is going to do, it's help rex take care of his hands. ]
why do you want to grow old? your skin will get all wrinkly and your hair will turn gray. i don't want to be ugly. besides, what are we supposed to do when we get old?
[ casually glossing over the fact that rex said he liked him so plainly. ]
Edited 2019-02-22 04:10 (UTC)
A small price to pay. You may have to teach me what to use.
[ He could look it up. But he's already enjoying the mental image of Lin getting mad at him doing things wrong and helping him.
Before he addresses the rest- ]
You can never be ugly.
Anyway, I don't mean I want to grow old quickly or anything. I just want to live a long life. I want to live as long as possible.
I'm already going grey, anyway. My facial hair at least. I think I saw a grey one at my temple too.
[ Rex is a very stressed out individual. He'll probably be completely white-haired by the time he's 25. ]
[ He could look it up. But he's already enjoying the mental image of Lin getting mad at him doing things wrong and helping him.
Before he addresses the rest- ]
You can never be ugly.
Anyway, I don't mean I want to grow old quickly or anything. I just want to live a long life. I want to live as long as possible.
I'm already going grey, anyway. My facial hair at least. I think I saw a grey one at my temple too.
[ Rex is a very stressed out individual. He'll probably be completely white-haired by the time he's 25. ]
[ he’ll have to buy him something a little more heavy-duty than what lin normally uses, but. he’s not exactly mad at the excuse to shop. it’s practically charity.
he snorts to himself at the compliment. he can be. he was, once. dirty and starving, in tattered clothes. his boss reminds me that it could still happen again, but lin knows that’s not true. he has a lucrative skill now that will keep him from ever going back there again.
live as long as possible. he turns the thought around in his head, frowning. so much of his time has been spent living day by day with no thought of an unattainable future. the future had never been a concern when every day brought a new way to face death. ]
seems like a long time to have to fill up with stuff to do.
[ for someone who’s dedicated his entire life to taking care of other people, lin can’t even begin to imagine how he’s supposed to tackle that amount of time. caring for his ailing mother and making sure his sister gets a job where she uses her brain instead of her body, he supposes.
maybe watching rex’s hair turn streaky with gray. going on dates and teaching him to use lotion like a normal person. that. seems daunting. but not entirely unappealing. ]
well i can help you color your hair if you want, but i think it looks fine how it is. even if it gets more gray, it’ll look fine.
you’ll still look gloomy anyway. but... it works. for you. i kind of like it now.
[ please kill him. ]
what do you like to do for fun?
he snorts to himself at the compliment. he can be. he was, once. dirty and starving, in tattered clothes. his boss reminds me that it could still happen again, but lin knows that’s not true. he has a lucrative skill now that will keep him from ever going back there again.
live as long as possible. he turns the thought around in his head, frowning. so much of his time has been spent living day by day with no thought of an unattainable future. the future had never been a concern when every day brought a new way to face death. ]
seems like a long time to have to fill up with stuff to do.
[ for someone who’s dedicated his entire life to taking care of other people, lin can’t even begin to imagine how he’s supposed to tackle that amount of time. caring for his ailing mother and making sure his sister gets a job where she uses her brain instead of her body, he supposes.
maybe watching rex’s hair turn streaky with gray. going on dates and teaching him to use lotion like a normal person. that. seems daunting. but not entirely unappealing. ]
well i can help you color your hair if you want, but i think it looks fine how it is. even if it gets more gray, it’ll look fine.
you’ll still look gloomy anyway. but... it works. for you. i kind of like it now.
[ please kill him. ]
what do you like to do for fun?
[ He suspects Lin would take the compliment that way. But it's not what Rex meant. His quiet objective appreciation of Lin's physical beauty isn't what he was referring to. Lin's fearsome personality is what he likes. But since Lin values his good looks, Rex does his best to be supportive of it. He hopes one day that's clear. ]
I've never struggled to find something to occupy my time.
Thank you. I think I'll let it grey, so I'm glad you won't mind. Do you want to me not shave for a few days so you can see what my facial hair looks like?
[ And equally, while he doesn't put much stock in his own appearance, knowing Link likes it makes him feel... warm. Wanted. He'd be quite happy to be Lin's dress up doll when the mood strikes, though sadly he's sure he'd not look even half as good cross-dressing. Besides, being 7'4 in a skirt would be begging for trouble. ]
I study. I enjoy learning new things. [ He's a fucking nerd, you knew this already Lin. ] What do you like to do for fun?
I've never struggled to find something to occupy my time.
Thank you. I think I'll let it grey, so I'm glad you won't mind. Do you want to me not shave for a few days so you can see what my facial hair looks like?
[ And equally, while he doesn't put much stock in his own appearance, knowing Link likes it makes him feel... warm. Wanted. He'd be quite happy to be Lin's dress up doll when the mood strikes, though sadly he's sure he'd not look even half as good cross-dressing. Besides, being 7'4 in a skirt would be begging for trouble. ]
I study. I enjoy learning new things. [ He's a fucking nerd, you knew this already Lin. ] What do you like to do for fun?
[ he has never in his life been complimented on his personality. that's new. ]
yeah. sure. i want to see it.
[ imagining rex in a skirt is only a mildly horrifying image. lin has nothing that would fit him anyway, unless he's okay with baring his midriff and other unmentionables. he's never actually seen rex not dressed like the grim reaper. ]
studying isn't for fun.
[ god. his own schooling had been unorthodox at best, fitting in strict lessons between rigorous physical training. he likes to read, sometimes, but mostly fashion magazines and cookbooks. ]
i like eating and watching tv. [ a true couch potato. the trashier the drama, the better. ] and i like shopping. mostly window shopping, because i don't have money to waste.
but none of this helps plan our date.
[ he doubts rex wants to sit around and watch lin catch up on all his soaps, nor would he enjoy being dragged around every department store in the city. lin doesn't have any experience with romance, really, and he spends a moment wracking his brain to come up with the most romantic thing he can remember seeing on tv. ]
why don't you take me to the beach at night so we can sit around and eat and look at the stars? you have to make a fire or it won't be a date.
yeah. sure. i want to see it.
[ imagining rex in a skirt is only a mildly horrifying image. lin has nothing that would fit him anyway, unless he's okay with baring his midriff and other unmentionables. he's never actually seen rex not dressed like the grim reaper. ]
studying isn't for fun.
[ god. his own schooling had been unorthodox at best, fitting in strict lessons between rigorous physical training. he likes to read, sometimes, but mostly fashion magazines and cookbooks. ]
i like eating and watching tv. [ a true couch potato. the trashier the drama, the better. ] and i like shopping. mostly window shopping, because i don't have money to waste.
but none of this helps plan our date.
[ he doubts rex wants to sit around and watch lin catch up on all his soaps, nor would he enjoy being dragged around every department store in the city. lin doesn't have any experience with romance, really, and he spends a moment wracking his brain to come up with the most romantic thing he can remember seeing on tv. ]
why don't you take me to the beach at night so we can sit around and eat and look at the stars? you have to make a fire or it won't be a date.
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