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[myriadeclipse]

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Home of Mockingbird and the voice in his head

Mockingbird

Please forgive me for missing your message. I'll be right with you.

The Other Me

He isn't that sorry.

Mockingbird

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[paraselenic]

[This was always going to be a contentious topic, and it probably always will. That day is something not one perspective can tell accurately, and unfortunately, when blended together does not provide any assuring answers. They were two young men who made terrible decisions and were now forced to live with them ten years later. There was no getting around that. Even Lycaon, who had the very image of 'put together', wasn't clear of being unable to let go of the past.

At least they could get through this without a shouting match, for once.

Watching Hugo struggle to sit upright makes him move one of the food containers over, to allow those little bat hands to perch on if he needs.]

That...[Wow, he is a bit glad he doesn't have his own little curse going on right now. Hugo's words leave him speechless. Even hearing Hugo's raw admission of his hatred for him somehow brings relief.] Mm. You were the biggest loss of my life. [His parents abandoning him were pennies compared to the pain this caused. His limbs and eye were proof his life persisted, but he couldn't bring back Hugo.]

I truly should have believed you. Our weakness was exploited that day.

[It's infuriating to think of how those ten years could've been spent differently. A hand runs through his hair idly, fingers tracing along his grayed out eye and down his scar.]

My injuries required Zodiac's expertise in prosthetics, so I had to go to America quite soon after the incident. [In the end, he couldn't even take that job, ironically.] From there, I worked as a bartender and took whatever high-end jobs I could get a hold of.

After all, that's where Mockingbird would show up.

[myriadeclipse]

[ Taking the chance provided to him, The hook of his winged hands reaches out to hold onto the container, using the leverage to pull his other wing up to continue to work himself upward. It was much easier to look up at him while he was clinging into the corner of a container, loathed as he was to admit it helped.

From his new position, he huffed. It almost felt worse that Lycaon waited, wanting to see him all of this time. ]

I did not want it. Mockingbird. Not for a very long time.

[ His voice was low, even while he was a bat, and most of his language was already pitching all over the place. Hugo truly wasn't used to having such extensive conversations in this form. ]

I didn't want to look at the name, nor wear it. The deep importance and meaning of it all was like a scar I couldn't cover up. It was only recently that I decided to pick it back up. Part of me wondered if you'd come back and take it from me. It always felt like it was meant for you instead and the ... chaotic seed of evil.

It grew harder to outrun the questions or the dark place I left myself in to rot. So I stopped. I picked it back up, dusted it off, and got back to work under the moniker once again.

[paraselenic]

[Lycaon watched Hugo readjust himself, hand reaching out to provide a little fallback security should he flop over. With him settled, he cast his eye around the island. Surely there was something he...ah. His gaze landed on a small mandarin orange in his fruit bowl. Reaching over to grab it, his claw sunk into the rind to peel it.

It gave him time to think about it all. So there was a time when Mockingbird for all intents and purposes was dead. He supposed that was to be expected. A part of him hoped it was merely just his location change, but Hugo clearly had his own demons that day. Starting with-]

So you heard that. [The warning Jack gave him. In hindsight, his mentor should have known better than to whisper secrets when Hugo had elf in him.] I didn't understand why he was giving me precaution about one of his own men. We'd all agreed to trust each other...maybe he knew I'd listen by how much I idolized him. Maybe that was my own seed of doubt that was planted, sown and reaped on the day of your family's death.

[That orange is peeled, and Lycaon dangles a little slice of the mandarin in front of him.]

I disagree, however. You were always the sun of Mockingbird, and I was just the pale light of imitation hoping to keep up. A moon can only reflect the sun's light. It can't match its radiance.

...

I may not deserve to have such feelings, but I am proud of the Mockingbird of today.

[myriadeclipse]

[ It was funny when people thought they could hide things from the senses of an elf. They were a proud race and some of the most arrogant beings Hugo's ever known, only to be topped by the audacity of The Fae. He heard a great deal more than people think he does. That still held true now that his statue was more diminutive.

Watching Lycaon so casually start peeling and feeding him orange slices sent his little brain buffering. Was he really feeding him? Now? He was taken in by this absurd fluffy cuteness that easily? How ...ridiculous. And maybe touching, but mostly embarrassing. Shouldn't a wolf be more predatory or something? .

There was a small pause of consideration before he lifted himself and set to biting the orange slice and chewing it in his mouth while Lycaon continued to speak.

He was well through swallowing when Lycaon expressed his pride, Hugo letting one wing lift and point the tip of it at Lycaon while he hung from the other.]

I was your sun. There was no one else who thought of me like that but you, Lycaon. There are plenty who can't stand the destructive nature of the sun, but there are few who don't appreciate the beauty of the moon. The moon... makes the sun palatable. It softens it.

When they are together is when they bring the world to a standstill; watching their hearts align.

[paraselenic]

[You underestimate a wolf's need to take in smaller, fluffy animals, Hugo. Trust him, he'll be predatory when he needs to be.]

Ah.

[This is exactly what he was talking about. Hugo just had such a way with words that he couldn't match, no matter how much he practiced and honed his skills as a gentleman. What was years of hard work was as natural as breathing to this man.

He placed another slice next to Hugo as he ate one himself, looking more like a peanut in comparison to what was an entire dish to the bat.]

I'm fond of that thought. The moon is but a rock without the sun to shine its light on it, and the moon is the only one who can look directly at the sun's light.

[His dog-like curiosity gets the better of him, and he starts to poke at those ears a little.]

Poetic even in this form...

[myriadeclipse]

Are you... mad? Do you want to be bitten again?

[ Hugo's bite could hardly do anything lasting to any part of this massive predator, but my the gods he would do what was bat-ly possible if Lycaon kept provoking him. ]

I've been reduced in size because of your unfortunate level of charm; I haven't lost my mind, You Mutt.

[ It felt correct to both compliment how charming Lycaon could be and then insult him in the same breath. ]

I was ready to tell you...

[ Hugo scoffs, unhooking himself from where he was and taking to the air. He didn't go far, circling in the air and disappearing into another puff of shadows. A light thud heralded his return, standing to his original height once more. His hands settled on his hips as he leveled a look on Lycaon, stepping forward to pick up that orange slide he was offered just earlier. That was still his. ]

I was going to say. I'm willing to work on this. We will both benefit from getting use to this [ He makes a motion between them with his fingers. ] again.

[paraselenic]

[A small chuckle escapes Lycaon's lips as he watched Hugo struggle against his curious fingers. A bite wouldn't be the worst for this little teasing, after all.

Even Hugo's backhanded compliment seemed more like a return to their status quo. He functioned better like this, their jabs masking the real affection underneath, reserving those moments for when they were important.

His eye tracks Hugo's flight, following that uneven flittering around until the puff of smoke appears again, bringing the man's true form back. His tail puffed out a little at the transformation--that's not something he'll get used to quickly.

Making some room at the island for Hugo to grab his spoils, a hand goes to his chin as he looks up at the ceiling again.]

So I'm to understand that you accept my feelings. [He probably should've said confession, but they're both still trekking through this with their emotionally damaged hearts. It doesn't stop his tail from wagging a little, tip of it brushing against Hugo's shins.]

Then I too would like to work on this. Though...we have to discuss what exactly 'this' is.

[myriadeclipse]

[ He's going to eat the mandarin slice before he does anything else. Yes, he's accepted the feelings. Thanks to the time passed and the influence of the board game, some sentiments may have been tested faster than Hugo anticipated. Feeling the way soft fur brushes against his legs, he didn't regret the place it brought him. ]

I'm not truly sure. I don't think we're comfortably able to use the terms humans usually do yet.

What do you suggest?

[ This sort of thing was out of his usual range of expertise. It was Lycaon's feelings that kicked this off, he might as well let Lycaon figure out this part. He was going to seat himself down once more as if the whole bat intermission never happened. ]

And until your leg has been seen, I'll be here daily to make sure you haven't tripped and died. [ It was more hinged than saying he was just going to stay. He had hinges. ]

[paraselenic]

[Lycaon certainly didn't go into his reunion with Hugo with the intent to confess, that's for sure. The pent up time away must have really made him afraid of that visit being the last. And with the boardgame fiasco...well. That did speed things up.

Hugo was right, though. While they were on the same page with each other...it's not your standard relationship.]

Miss Belle and the others seem to be under the impression that we are..ah. What's the term. 'Bitter exes.' I heard her making noises of distress when you decided to make your presence known on the app. It's possible she remembers us from our previous life, and it seems to be a common assumption by many who don't.

[His eye glints a little.] ...Shall we see how long it takes them to notice?

[Lycaon's playful, toying-with-prey side is coming out a little. He loves Belle, and the others. But if they're all so eager to rule them as eternally bickering...he would like to see how long before they can piece it together. But since this involves both of them, he will leave that final say up to Hugo.

He does snort indignantly at that last comment, though.]

You think of me like an injured horse. If I fell I could get back up. [He won't remark on how Hugo had snuck in the fact that he was going to stay. He'll let this bat have that victory. And speaking of victory, he'll go grab that wine Hugo brought. This WAS a victory in its own way.]

...And if I may offer a suggestion. I would invest in turtlenecks. [He won't elaborate.]

[myriadeclipse]

[ The way his face lights up at the notion of not telling them should be illegal. That was a fun idea. Everyone could continue to have their own ideas of what was occurring between them. Hugo himself hadn't done a lot of elaboration on their relationship past what it used to be. Did people usually believe him? No, but he really hadn't done anything to confirm or deny.

The dark laugh followed the look. He was clearly on board for not telling anyone.

His delight didn't last, his eyebrows climbing as he listened to the suggestion. All the answer as to why that he could think of were... well, he didn't want to assume.]

Turtlenecks? Why something so covering? What are you going to do, Lycaon? [ Hugo would prefer he did elaborate. ]

And Wha-What if you fell somewhere you couldn't just get back up from? You're plenty capable on your own, and I'm aware of that. I won't be here all the time. Unless you would prefer that I did stay a few days to nag you.

[paraselenic]

[He had a feeling Hugo would enjoy that. It saves them from having to explain that they were, actually, adults who could talk things out. And...well, maybe a part of him enjoys the idea of acting the part everyone thought they were playing on the app.

The Mockingbird wasn't completely out of this wolf yet.]

Future investment. Nothing more. [But Hugo seems to need a little help in seeing just what exactly he means, so when he limps back around to the island to set the wine down, he brushes a hand to pull back Hugo's bangs. Something he'd only really done in the back of his mind, in daydreams he wouldn't even give his consciousness the light of day. He moves closer, dipping his head down and pressing his teeth to his neckline. Their presence just enough to get the message across before he pulls back, a sly smile now adorning his wolfish lips.

He'll play nice for now--you have a little...flying rat situation that could re-trigger after all.]

Of course I want you to stay.

[myriadeclipse]

[ If Hugo had it his way, the world wouldn't be without those part of him that are Mockingbird at all.

Hs gaze remained on Lycaon as he approached. It had been a long time since they stood this closely, and touches like this were new. Maybe in the depths of those shameful dreams was the only time Lycaon had touched him so gently. He could feel it now, watching him with a softened gaze. A slow breath was taken when he could feel the brush against his neck, his eyes looking toward the ceiling.

Horrible. Horrible dog. The flying rat situation didn't resurface, thankfully. Although his pale skin did have a bit more color than usual, he remained relatively calm. Hugo could even raise a hand to rest against Lycaon's chest to help him, and he leaned up to turn his head and press a touch of his own along Lycaon's snout before they were drawn out once more. ]

Then I will stay for a few days. And. Ahem. I'll also look into higher collars. You're fortunate to be covered in fur. I doubt any damage I could do would really show up.

[paraselenic]

Hugo's soft reciprocation to his actions sent him reeling inside. How often had he imagined this situation...more times than he'd dare admit. Nights of staring at the ceiling fan and letting his mind replay the same fantasy.

He has to keep himself in check. He has a busted leg right now, after all. Too much movement would be bad.

It does not stop him from being smug, looking at the man in the same way one looks at a 3-course steak dinner. He pours the wine into the two glasses, gently handing one to the man in front of him.]

That makes me happy to hear. And for what its worth, they'd look good on you. [The shirts? Or Teeth marks? The answer is Yes.]

I could remove a small section from my neckline if it would help. [Someone put that muzzle back on this dog, he's being so obnoxious now.]

[myriadeclipse]

[ He reaches out to take the glass, his attention on how much it seemed like Lycaon was a bit happier now, brighter and more open. It was the sort of normal between them that had been missing for a very long time, and almost made Hugo regret the space between them.

Almost. He couldn't help blinking, lowering his glass from mid-sip. ]

Absolutely not. Even normal, mundane people know what a vampire bite looks like, and your job is extremely public. Someone would notice. [ Part of him really does want to put that muzzle back on him, but he was enjoying the return to their normal banter too much. Why does he like this bastard? ]

If I'm going to bite you, I'll be sure it's somewhere easily hidden.

[ That glass was raises and brought down once more as he fully processed what Lycaon said before that. ]

You've never gotten to do those things to me before. How would you even know?

[paraselenic]

[To say he missed this was an understatement. Maybe it was that wolves were social creatures at their core, but being able to return to a fraction of what they had...

His tail has not stopped swishing since he brought that wine over. He couldn't stop it even if he tried at this point.]

Mm. You're right. And if Sir Zulius finds out...I'd probably never know peace again. [Not that he'd be against a...whatever it is they just had. A make up? But Zulius would want every detail.

Lycaon takes a sip from his own glass, swirling it after as he looks at the contents idly. True, he'd never really done anything with Hugo when they were younger, but in their time apart he'd have plenty of time to let his mind wander into that dark abyss of sinful thoughts only to mentally slap himself after.]

Because it's you. [He says that so confidently, no hesitation whatsoever.] That's all I really need to be sure of it.

[myriadeclipse]

You're... right.

[ Hugo never hesitated to hype himself up. It was part of being a vampire to act seductively and use your looks to your advantage. There wasn't the same flood of warmth with others said it, and Hugo would effortlessly smile back and flirt. Lycaon was different. He wasn't one to waste words or feelings that could be expressed more succinctly. It made the compliments real, even when he was fishing for them. ]

You're excited.

[ He said, instead of the words on his mind, he comments on the energetic sway of Lycaon's tail. Hugo knew everything was real, but the physical reminders helped remind him that it wouldn't disappear this time. Not yet. He hadn't cursed this reunion yet. ]

I've thought of these things while we were apart, too. Perhaps my imagination was a bit crueler than reality, but it was the only way back then. [ His voice was a low, slow purr as he swirled his wine. ]

... Those pitiful, yearning thoughts.

[paraselenic]

[In some ways, he did always wonder about the feud between wolves and vampires. Destined to be bitter enemies, unable to reconcile their differences. When if you boiled down their basic needs, they complimented each other quite well. Wolves were so sure of their feelings, and vampires could use the unfiltered, genuine affection. Societal differences, he supposes.]

It's your imagination.

[It's said as a defense, but in such a tone that's obvious that he's not hiding it too terribly. He was excited, in a way he never really allowed himself to be before. He lets Hugo's words sink in, though, and that tail moves up to settle behind the man's back on that chair, wrapping around onto his lap.]

We were both pitiful in that respect. Learning of our feelings too late and filled with regret of the sand slipping through our fingers. Clinging to what we could as it fell.

...

It's not an issue anymore. I'll make sure those are forgotten.

[myriadeclipse]

[ If he was going to complain about Lycaon's tail wagging being his imagination, it was gone from his recollection when he felt that same tail touch him. His head dipped, pausing until he felt the tip settle against his lap. Hugo's free hand fell over the soft fur, idly petting down the fluff and looking up to him again.

Instead of commenting on Lycaon's poetic declaration to correct their sordid past, Hugo snorted softly. The wine glass was finally set down on the counter, deciding a better place for it was around Lycaon's arm. He could drag his fingers down his forearm and across his wrists, looking at how much bigger Lycaon's hand was than his own. ]

It doesn't have to be all on you. We're both here now. Surely realizing Your Moon was a murderer couldn't have been easy all of these years? I also have a duty to replace those daydreams with solid memories.

...no matter what salacious acts I was doing in them. [ It was light teasing, even if he wasn't one to talk. ]

[paraselenic]

[Hugo wasn't wrong. Looking back on it, heartbreak was a light way of saying what he went through. In a lot of ways, he preferred the pain of losing his legs--at least those could be replaced. Nothing took away the demons that constantly reminded him the moon had left the sky.

His tail swishes against Hugo's fingers as he thinks that over, accepting that this was their cross to bear together, and something that was both their responsibility to repair.]

Aiming to be low-maintenance now?

[A light tease back, as he watches Hugo's thinner, more delicate fingers trail his arm. There's a slight drop in his expression as he does so, watching them catch over some recently scabbed scars and scrapes from the past few days. He'd made it out better than some in his group, but the whole ordeal wasn't one he was looking back on fondly. He'd hoped they'd completely heal and be completely covered by his fur.

His hand turns over, palm up, to curiously touch Hugo's fingertips with his own. The size difference between them really was more apparent now.]

I should show you around, if you're going to be staying here. [And stopping by often.]

[myriadeclipse]

Certainly not. I never aim to be forgotten.

[ Hugo grinned up at him as their fingers touched. He had seen the evidence of his time in the bubble around Random Play and could feel its weight on his mind. What if something worse had happened. That ridiculous Korean Barbecue date, if you could even call it that, would have been their final time seeing one another. It was a thought that remained in the back of his mind since everyone learned about the bubbles. His hand could spread and splay again Lycaon's larger one now, but what if.

He pushed that unnecessary regret away, tipping his chin up at the proposition. ]

Probably a good idea, so long as you feel able to give me the tour.

[ He could find everything on his own if he wanted to spare Lycaon the pain of having to limp around, but why would he deny himself the ability to laugh if he did laugh in a particularly hilarious way. ]

[paraselenic]

Good.

[He likes his Moon high-maintenance, after all. It was what started this whole thing. The idea of leaving Hugo on that line only to perish at the hands of a calamity-inducing board game was never an option. He'd 100% intended to come back from it, no matter what. As Hugo smiles up at him, he snaps the container shut on the food he'd picked at--he'll come back for it later.]

I am able, if you'll spot me. [It was about time he started placing trust in someone again. Lycaon leans down to press the tip of his nose to Hugo's temple before he straightens up, making his way around behind Hugo and starting to head towards the hallway that designated the bedrooms. Even limping, he maintains that obnoxious air of dignity as he walks.] Follow me, your room is this way.

[Spoilers: it's also his room. And he may or may not want to pass out on the bed in a nap.]

[myriadeclipse]

[ It almost insulting how a simple nose touch nearly shut down all the thoughts that had been running through his brain. Hugo watched him for a few more moments, turning as Lycaon began his stride. A faint look was given to the kitchen island, and then he was on his feet. If Lycaon was willing to leave a mess, then he had better keep up.

He would spot him as asked, falling in pace when he caught up, his gaze going everywhere as they made their way down the hallway. Lycaon's poise reminded him of his siblings, strangely. They were violent, horrible brats, but they were also utterly clueless when it came to such grace. Even in such a state, Lycaon's perfection outclasses so many elites he's known over the years. ]

To the bedroom already... [ He teased in a purr, beyond amused that he called it Hugo's instead of his own. ] My, you are in a mood today.

[paraselenic]

[Don't worry, he'll come back to put that food away once his brain's stopped getting high off the sudden shot of endorphins.

Lycaon's living arrangements were certainly not humble, by any means. Despite the high prices for both the existence of and maintenance on his legs, he was able to afford some spacious housing. The kitchen had been white and minimalistic, the island and cabinets black to contrast it. Nice wood floors, with classy furniture that didn't scream price tag over function. There was a staircase that led up, but even just from the looks of it, it seemed hardly used. A place Lycaon would go when insomnia took over, to look out at the sky.

Paintings hung perfectly spaced at equally perfect angles, and there were even sconces on the walls that looks like Lycaon added himself and giving the place a warm glow. Everything was spaced out due to his size and the extra bulk his legs provided. The hallway, the closets, the windows. In essence, it was Lycaon.

It did make it look a tad spacious for just one person, though. Even for this wolf.]

It is of the utmost importance to be hospitable, is it not? [He hid his smile against those wolfish lips, his ears flicking at the way Hugo's voice practically melted the air. He can't help but tease back.] I could always shove you into the wardrobe if you'd like to mix it up a little.

[That had its own appeal, too.

The bedroom was no different. Spacious, Master bedroom sized, even, with a large bed and nightstand, lamps emitting the same glow as the living area. He wasn't even going to hide that this was his room--they both knew the moment he said 'Hugo's' what he meant. There was a wardrobe in there that didn't quite seem to match the same style as the rest of the room, and Lycaon himself seems a bit perplexed at its existence.

Hm. Well. He'll deal with that later.]

Here we are. [Not 'you'. 'We'.]

[myriadeclipse]

You could, but I thrive in dark, cramped spaces far more than you do.

[ Lycaon really hadn’t changed much, but the look of the place surprised him in a different way. It reminded him in part of the place they occupied when they were younger. That thought ruminated in his mind as he saw how little the stairs up was used, wondering if it was difficult for him too, and that’s why those stairs seemed like they had little company over the time.

Lycaon was a big person, but did he really need so much space? Or was he always thinking of more than just himself?

The bedroom was as expected save for the strange wardrobe. A glance up at Lycaon’s face showed him what he expected. That wasn’t put there by him. It seemed wildly out of place, but what sort of force would drop a wardrobe of such make into someone’s home? It certainly wasn’t a mysterious gift, as Lycaon’s past would surely mean he’d have known if someone broke in. Plus he was so precise with everything up to that point it that the wardrobes haphazard existence was puzzling.

What’s more, his elf senses told him of the magic within. ]

We. That’s a dangerous word. You may never get rid of me if you talk like that.

[ He was fond, stepping in closer to put a hand at the back of Lycaon’s elbow. Hugo looked up at him and then passed on his way to the bed. The blond man stopped short, turning and looking at Lycaon in consideration. ]

This whole place feels like someone who never intended, nor wanted to be alone.

[paraselenic]

[Guilty as charged, Lycaon made no move to defend himself from Hugo's deduction. Its not like wolves were lone as a choice--it was often a circumstance that brought them there. His home and all the space it had was always intended as a 'what if', in itself. And once again, Hugo had saw through it as if it was wet tissue paper.

The man's been in his house for an hour or two and he's already been figured out. He can't help but chuckle at how obvious it looked in hindsight.

The gentle brush of Hugo's hand against his furry elbow made his heart leap a little, eye tracking him as one would watch a bee dance around a flower.]

I suppose you're right. I had talked myself into this place saying that I would leave it open it to anyone who had a time as unfortunate as my childhood, or even humored the thought of a roommate. [As if many could live with his level of micromanaging the place. Even he knew what the real reason for its purchase was.]

[He watches Hugo's body language like a hawk, trying to read exactly what the man's thinking.]

For what it's worth, I do have a house plant now and have been suggested I name it.

...

I hope it does not come across like I am trying to coerce you, but you have a safe perch here if you wish to land on it.