IC Inbox for lastvoyages

[cephalopunk]

Comments

[perfectly_average]

... And I figured you only brought the contract out because you assumed I'd refuse to sign it. Seems you underestimated my stubborn curiosity.

[There's a small smirk as he starts undoing his hair, moving over to the nearest mirror/reflective surface as he considers for a moment. Very casually, he starts putting his hair into a sort of high ponytail, using magic to give it a natural wavy look.]

In any case, you still have your end of the deal to keep.

[cephalopunk]

[Azul is staring for awhile longer...

And then suddenly Jamil will find himself being hugged from behind again. Much firmer this time as Azul buries his face in his shoulder.]

[perfectly_average]

[Thanks to the reflective surface, he's able to brace himself, but that does nothing to stop the blush from forming, all over again. A soft sigh escapes before he reaches over to lightly pat the mer's head.]

... It really means this much to you?

[Frankly, that's such a strange concept to Jamil. But then... he did have someone like Kalim in his life, until recently. So, unfortunately, the significance is a bit lost on him. As he lowers his other hand, he shifts so that he can glance over at the head on his shoulder.]

[cephalopunk]

[He nods wordlessly into Jamil's shoulder. He takes a steadying breath, and when he pulls back, his eyes have a hint of a shine to them.

He turns his head away, and transforms.]

[perfectly_average]

[There's a hint of surprise in his gaze, but he's quiet for a moment. He shifts his stance, aiming to turn around so that he can face Azul. At first, he simply looks at Azul's face, though one hand lifts to curiously touch one of the mer's shoulders and the respective upper arm.

And then he looks down, one hand brushing over the top portion of one limb.]

I'm admittedly having trouble understanding what you dislike about this form...

[He smiles up at Azul, though there's just the hint of an unimportant blush.]

Personally, I find it enjoyable to look at.

[cephalopunk]

[He's quite stiff as Jamil touches him. The only movement he makes is for one hand to clutch anxiously onto the opposing forearm.

A small noise escapes his throat at those words, a blush rising to his own face.]

I don't see how...

[perfectly_average]

[There's a moment of consideration before he reaches up, taking Azul's face into both hands. He gives another smile before lowering those hands, and then gesturing to the side with one of them.]

For me, it's... exotic. There's a certain charm to it. From the color scheme to the texture, it's all very pleasant to the senses. Combined with the fact that I now associate this form with my continued existence...

[He gives the hint of a teasing smile before leaning forward, lightly pressing his lips against Azul's. He doesn't pull back very far, pointedly letting his lips brush against the opposite pair when he speaks.]

I like it.

[cephalopunk]

[Azul refuses to make eye contact at first, even as his head reluctantly turns into the touch. After a moment, though, he does, rounded pupils met with oblong ones.

His face darkens the more Jamil talks, and another noise escapes him. For a moment, he doesn't return the kiss, but... then he does, pressing back tentatively. His breath wavers at the brush.

He can't even argue the "continued existence" part, as much as he wants to. What if Jamil had fallen into a coma? There's no way of knowing if anyone here had the means to revive an individual like that, and no guarantee death would "reset" his brain.

He closes his eyes, and gives a sigh.]

...if you say so.

[He's definitely going to need a lot of work in this area.]

[perfectly_average]

[A soft hum is given as he reaches up to lightly tug on Azul's hair.]

And I do say so.

[With that, after a short pause, he shifts closer to rest his forehead on Azul's shoulder. His arms slide around the opposite form as he closes his eyes. The next words are quietly said.]

I think I can understand, though. Thank you for showing me.

1/2

[cephalopunk]

[There's not much response to the tug. In stark contrast to his usual behavior, Azul seems rather subdued.

There's a blink, however, at the actions that happen next. His gaze softens, and after a moment, he returns the hug. Just a regular one with his humanoid arms.]

Only because it's you.

2/2

[cephalopunk]

[Then, he pulls back, transforming back to his two-legged form. He brushes a grateful kiss against Jamil's cheek.]

Alright. May I try the anemone?

Just as a warning, it can be painful.

[perfectly_average]

[He's a little confused by the touch of disappointment he feels once Azul's changed back, but he doesn't show any of it. There's a quiet hum-like sound as he nods in response to the question.]

... Alright. Go ahead.

[Jamil takes a couple of steps back, waiting quietly. Pain, in general, doesn't pose too much of a threat, in his opinion.]

[cephalopunk]

[He raises a hand, tensing the muscles slightly. His brow furrows a bit in concentration.

After a couple moments, he sighs, dropping his hand.]

Well, it seems this spell's all but useless. There's no response whatsoever to my beckoning.

[perfectly_average]

It can still serve as a fun threat, in the right situation.

[He gives a small smile, shrugging one shoulder.]

You could tell someone it'll explode, for instance, should they go against the terms of the contract. We are the only two from our world.

[So, it isn't as though anyone would have evidence that he's bluffing.]

1/2

[cephalopunk]

[That startles a small laugh out of him.]

And this is why I like you.

2/2

[cephalopunk]

[A small smirk, and then his expression returns to neutral as he considers the anemone.]

... normally, you shouldn't be able to pull it off, but...

[perfectly_average]

[He lifts his eyebrows, and then he reaches up to undo his hair, letting it fall wherever.]

Do you want to try?

[Since he has no way of knowing how it should or shouldn't react to being tugged on by the one inflicted with it.]

[cephalopunk]

You try it.

[Since it's more important to him if the one inflicted with it can pull it off. He crosses his arms loosely and expectantly.]

[perfectly_average]

[He reaches up, grasping the anemone with a firm hold...

Then, without hesitation, he yanks.]

1/2

[cephalopunk]

[It pops off compliantly. The sound effect it makes when it does is almost cartoonish.

Azul stares as it disappears into sparkles.]

2/2

[cephalopunk]

...what...

[He grits his teeth, fists clenching at his sides as he trembles a bit.]

What is this absolute mockery of my powers?!

[perfectly_average]

[He lets out a quiet sigh and gently gestures to the side.]

At least you were able to keep any of it... I don't even have a tiny fragment of mine. I imagine you'll find a way to work with what you have. You're very resourceful, after all.

[Of course, Azul doesn't even know what Jamil's is... but details.]

[cephalopunk]

I think I'd rather not have it, at this point!

[A very passionate gesture.] Not only is it stripped of its power, that— that noise!

[angrily!!! shifts up his glasses!]

It's as if that utter bastard went and spat right in my face.

[He very nearly stomps his way over to his desk.]

Oh, the Admiral will rue the day he messed with my Signature Spell, mark my words.

[perfectly_average]

[He can't really blame Azul, so he only gives a tiny smile of understanding, waiting until Azul's finished speaking and moving.

Quietly, he follows after the mer... and then he slowly slides his arms around him, from behind. Time to see how he responds to being squeezed - affectionately.]

[cephalopunk]

[He doesn't quite finish moving— he's a flurry of movement at the moment— but he does stop walking long enough for Jamil to take hold of him.

When he does, a tiny noise of surprise escapes his throat for a moment, and he stands there for a moment... before slowly deflating.]

...that's really not fair...

[Is he sulking? Maybe a little.]