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[myriadeclipse]

Hugo Inbox

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]

[A rather small connection, but Percy was a force in his own right. He's wrestled complete engineering oversight of his legs after the first prototypes. He may not trust Zodiac themselves, but Percy, Rika, and their colleagues were different. His ears flick again at Lia's name, which all the more curious about his connection to this girl. Investigation on his own time, though a part of him thinks the man dropped those bread crumbs on purpose.

At the very least, he should thank her for being there for Hugo.]

Likewise, I'll contact Jacopo. You remember him, yes? That fledgling info broker from when we were young. He contacted me a few years back asking for work and I've kept him busy since. He was quite devastated to hear Mockingbird had split up.

[Bro's been using him as 4-6 hour Amazon Prime is what he's been doing.

Lycaon's eye keeps on Hugo as he makes his way to the bed, folding up the shirt he'd cast aside and went to remove his gloves. More casual ones than his gauntlets, but still properly aligned his hands. There's something very ethereal about the way Hugo moves. It's hard not to watch.

Though he will give a rather undignified snicker at Hugo's gift. Don't reach for the low hanging fruit, Lycaon. Don't do it. Be the bigger wolf.]

F-F..For your mouth, I assume.

[myriadeclipse]

[ Hugo's brows raise, nodding slowly. It had been some time since he heard that name, and it only slightly surprised him that Lycaon opened that line of communication with someone from their past. If he had his doubts about Lycaon truly wanting anything to do with it, they had been lessened by that admittance. Sometimes he forgets that Mockingbird was a thing that mattered to anyone but him. They didn't do it for the fame, after all. ]

That's a surprise. You almost sound like a real criminal talking like that.

[ Instead of the upstanding good boy the network seems to think of him as.

Hugo was in the middle of unbuttoning his cuffs and pulling the shirt fully off to lay down haphazardly in a way that was sure to bother Lycaon's need for order, when he fully froze. Slowly, the blond's head turned, mismatched eyes setting on the wolf as his ears catch that quip all too well.

His mouth? His mouth? ]

Did you know that some vampires have a bite that makes you feel pure sexual bliss when they feed from you?

[ Despite the seductive purr of his voice, Lycaon would be aware Hugo was definitely not one of those vampires. That wasn't the point. He has to defend his mouth! ]

[paraselenic]

[It'd been done on purpose, in some respects. Sure, he was quite loyal to his coworkers at the Vogue, and mostly kept his outward appearance squeaky clean, but some tasks that needed to be done sure couldn't go through entirely legal avenues. Some information wasn't on the lips of the average law-abiding citizen. He was no stranger to Undertown's wares, or the whisperings of the kitsune that lurked about.

Efficiency. It was simply all in a day's work at being a bartender.]

Did it now? How embarrassing...pay it no mind. I must've misspoken. [He did not.]

[His smile only widens, tail betraying the calm and collected face he's putting on with its methodical wagging. He WILL, however, go and fold that shirt. Hugo can you please not leave things so--]

I've heard of them...Vampires are truly fascinating in how they can turn the tables on larger prey.

[A bit humorous that Hugo wasn't one of the aforementioned vampires, and yet he could probably achieve the same result without any bite-induced toxins. At least...on him.]

[myriadeclipse]

I agree. Many love the sexual nature of the neck. What could be better than the brush of the lips and the piercing of teeth into such a visible body part. The robbing of innocence and mark of one's descent into sin.

[ Next was the jewelry. There wasn't much today, just a ring and a bracelet besides his gloves. One by one they were removed and taken held off to the side. His earrings cane after, tilting his head to reach up and unclasp them one by one. Into the pile with all the others they went. ]

That sort of classic romanticism doesn't suit us. Far more my father's age of influence. There are so many better places for that sort of thing.

For instance, the inner thigh. It has many perks. It's out of sight, there's a major vein that runs through the thigh, and still in a place the receiver can see and touch.

[ There was a pause, Hugo taking the wing clasp from his hair and placing it with the pile. ]

Well, that's what I often hear. I don't make it a habit of biting others. They're always strange about vampires.

[paraselenic]

[Despite the attention he's seemingly giving his gloves, his ears are completely swiveled in Hugo's direction, eyes cast to the floor as he pulls one of the gloves off to set on the nightstand. The now free hand goes to his lips in thought, imagining the scenario for a moment.]

Unconventional, but I am intrigued by the idea. [Understatement.] I've preferred the neck myself, but for us..the mark is the point.

[As if to show what he means, he goes to walk behind Hugo, a single nail lifting up that long hair to trace a circle at its base. Hugo's hair was so thin, silky and smooth and a golden colour that could rival the sun. When they were younger the man kept it so short, the same length as him. But now...the man was nothing short of 'beautiful'. He'd probably hate that term.

His nail traces that circle before he moves to the front, letting that hair glide through his fingers.]

The idea of blood loss may be a detractor, but there's always the fear what they don't understand. [A pause.] A few have expressed interest in me, but I do not think they realize the den they walk into. They tend to like the idea of a wolfman, but cower when the details are brought to light. So I warn them, and wish them luck.

[The allure of removing the restraints of the beast, but not realize the aftermath.]

[myriadeclipse]

[ For a short time, he had forgotten what 'the mark' was. He didn't make it a habit of running into wolves in his like of work, although it did happen here and there, but their love lives were never part of it. Feeling the drag of that nail across his skin sent a shiver down his spine.

Right. That mark.

Hugo listens. He wouldn't miss a single word after that teasing touch at the base of his neck. Taking a slow breath, his mind drifts to a memory of a time long past and a book he remembered Vivian reading. What a time to remember that suspicious thing, yet he couldn't help but wonder if such a bonding ritual happened in it. Was it really him and Lighter, or was it Lycaon? He didn't have enough memory of the book itself. Perhaps it was for the best. The last thing he needed was that infernal thing resurfacing. ]

Then, we should keep it traditional for the both of us. [ He said softly, looking down at the drag of the nail. ]

Something grounding. And Real. Marks so close to one another in placing, you'd think it was meant to be.

[ Oh, but he must smile afterward, eyes glittering in the light. ]

A few? I think you've managed to seduce half the city already. I've known demons who can't even work that fast.

[paraselenic]

[Something grounding and real. Lycaon wonders just how blurred the line of fantasy and reality became for Hugo in those years apart. He's not naive enough to think the man didn't find his own coping methods, especially now that he the truth behind Mockingbird's clipped wings came to light between them. Did the man think of him at any point during those times? What a selfish thought...

No matter the answer, he would just have to outpace those memories. Easy enough.]

You could use a bit of a reality check, in my personal opinion.

[That finger that traced his neck moves up to Hugo's chin. It's so cliche--this is absolutely an introverted girl's fantasy story playing out before them. The tip of his nail catches underneath it to tip it up ever so slightly. But this sort of blatant, almost cringey honesty is just what a man like Hugo needs. More indulgently, he also wants to see that smile get wiped off his face.]

Stars in the night are no match for the moon.

[Their face shapes were not 1:1 when it came to something like this, but Lycaon was no stranger to it, either. Angling his head to account for his longer snout, he cranes his neck down to press his lips against Hugo's. Elf lips were soft--softer than he prepared himself for. He wasn't sure what to expect--the usual comparison for something like this is fireworks, yes?

He tastes citrus. ..Well, that's somewhat endearing in its own way.

It doesn't last long, and yet it feels like he held his breath for hours when he finally pulls back, fangs catching on Hugo's bottom lip as his head raises up again. His throat clears a little awkwardly, trying to hide his smile.]

I-I digress, you're exaggerating. I have no natural skill in seduction.

[myriadeclipse]

[ There were a few moments where he wanted to ask if Lycaon was trying to start a fight. A reality check? Really? They had gotten along for a precious few hours, and how Lycaon was trying to pull the rug, as they say? For those few moments, he wondered if Lycaon had neighbors. If they had a fight right here, and how would they get the cops called on them? He'd like to avoid handcuffs in his first month.

It was the finger under his chin that stopped him from proceeding with that barely thought out plan. His eyes instead went up to Lycaon, tipping his chin up as the press suggested. He knew the scenarios in novels. The edges of his memory remembered Vivian delighting in salacious tales of boys in love, where the large, stoic man exercised his masculine desires over the shy, smaller one.

... That wasn't what was happening, but he was silenced, so it works the same way.

Oh. He's being ... romantic? Lycaon was being romantic.

The breath did not come until they were touching lips. Hugo wondered far more often than he would have ever admitted what it would have been like to have even small affections like this. The awkwardness of their shapes and the difference in their lips didn't matter when the act alone made some of the tension in his shoulders vanish. It felt like being melted and left vulnerable. A terrifying thrill, all with a simple, sweet kiss.

The fang pulling at his lips gave him the desire for an entirely different 'thrill', but he would push that aside to give Lycaon a sultry smile, licking at his lip. ]

I'm not exaggerating. I've seen your correspondence. If they don't want to date you, they want to adopt you.

[paraselenic]

[Enjoy peace while it lasts, Hugo. I'm sure there's something you two will pointlessly argue about that'll cause thrown frying pans and worried neighbors.

The kiss went over better than he expected. He had to admit it's new territory for him to initiate such things. Sure, he'd seen them in movies and PDA was rampant in a bar setting, but you may be shocked to find out Lycaon wasn't exactly on the dating scene give or take a one off here or there. His comments about people's tastes often ended at just 'tastes'.

At any rate, Hugo seemed to like it. If anything, that face meant he took it in stride. There's a little twitch of his own lips in return.

With his gloves completely removed, he sits back down on the bed, elbows resting on his thighs. His ears twitch, face turning away for a moment. Is he...flustered at the idea that he may be considered 'a catch'?]

Now I know you're making fun of me.

I won't deny that my...appearance has some affect on people. [He's seen Zulius watching his tail at work, the unmistakable urge to hug it.] It's in their nature to gravitate towards..softness.

...Is that why you were so cagey back then? [At the Korean Barbecue?]

[myriadeclipse]

[ With Lycaon seated, Hugo could cross his arms and remain standing, taking in the other's reaction to what he said. Embarrassment; well, that should be expected. Thinking Lycaon would do more than focus on what Hugo could only imagine are 'happy little butterflies' when someone is appreciative of his work would be laughable. Or maybe it was easier to notice these things when you are watching from the shadows. ]

You think it's your fur? Lycaon, please—

[ The second part stops him, Hugo blinking slowly as he tried to think back on what Lycaon was getting at. He was cagey ]

Remind me. When was I 'cagey' during that conversation?

[ He could feel the presence of his other, like the sting of ice on the back of his neck. Thanatos was not as chatty as some others, he would imagine. Whenever he felt that prickle, Hugo would turn his head to the side, as if listening to someone standing next to him. Then, without a word, look forward again.

When he did it this time, it was followed with a scoff and his gaze settling on Lycaon once more. ]

[paraselenic]

[Lycaon's breath pauses in that moment. He wondered briefly if this would start another argument, and considered backing away from it. After some thought, he came to one conclusion: Running from Hugo was the start of this whole thing. He just had to be honest, and think carefully about how to go about it.

A tall order when the man was so much better with words than he was. His eye looks to the side, a bit embarrassed, but in a much different way than Hugo's compliments about his alleged seductive behavior.]

When you asked about my courting habits, I had thought you were trying to antagonize me about it. That you found some weakness of mine to expose. When I elaborated, about the moon, your face changed, like you had accepted a fate worse than death. Was it because you thought you couldn't have me?

In hindsight, it was quite cruel of me to call you what I did with those thoughts in your mind. You'd already won the contest and yet you thought you weren't in the running.

[Hugo's side glance doesn't go unnoticed. As if his attention wandered to someone else for a split second. He'd almost forgotten about Thanatos. Sure, he'd believed Hugo, as outlandish as it seemed, but it was still something he had to reconcile. Lycaon didn't put too much stock in the belief of gods until now. He supposes he'll have to get used to that little party member.]

...Does Thanatos have something to share?

[myriadeclipse]

He thinks I was being cagey the entire time.

[ Hugo waves his fingers as if he could shoo away a being living in side his body. Fat chance for that. ]

He's mistaken. Thanatos simply lacks the experience of what is it like when we are around one another.

[ It was kind of strange to think about it. He had been carrying this thing that felt like a burning lump of ice in his chest for so long, that he had forgotten that it and Lycaon hadn't existed together in his life until now.

The reminder of what part Lycaon meant got him tipping his head up. Right, that part. His arms slide loose, resting on his hips instead as he thought about how to answer this. Now that he was reminded, he remembers what thoughts plagued him that day. ]

I very rarely feel such things as 'jealousy'. If someone thinks they can handle you better, be my guest. [ One of his hands lift in a wave. ]

I was ...frustrated. At myself. It had sounded to me that once we parted, you were able to find a life that was suitable to you. A job. A family with someone you loved. Friends and people who wished you well.

On the other hand, I had nothing to show. Much of that time wasn't even spent being 'Mockingbird'. No accomplishments or connections to show for the time. Barely any skills you wouldn't have already seen. The last thing that I expected was for you to both mock me and also declare something so boldly.

[ It wasn't entirely as bleak as he made it sound, but it had always been difficult for him to see the light when he dwelled in the abyss. Neither Lia nor Mollymauk were so insignificant to him. Yet even so, he knew he held them both at such a distance that he wouldn't lie about things he had been too fearful to nurture. ]

So no. To both of you. I wasn't 'cagey'.

[paraselenic]

[The smile that graces Lycaon's lips should be illegal. It's rare he lets himself move his lips into anything but a small smirk. But here...oh his eye's glittering too.]

You were. I doubt we will be allowed back there.

[And since he's being honest--]

A shame. I would've been happy if you were jealous. Had it been you, I would've never accepted they could do as good a job as I could, no matter how graceful I could make it sound.

[Dogs should really not be so honest.]

For what it's worth, I think Hugo Vlad, and Mockingbird, are outstanding things to be.

[myriadeclipse]

[ He should have honestly expected that Lycaon was going to say something like this. It was so very like him. ]

I've seen what you're like when you aren't trying so hard to be the perfectly put together Good Boy. I accept every annoying part of you, even the parts I hate. I don't need to be jealous. They'd return you.

[ Honestly, he's more sure it's the micromanaging clean freak part that would be the dealbreaker for others, but he digresses. ]

You used to be one of those.

[ He would make no difference to dwell on that after everything. His attention went down to Lycaon's legs and the state of the broken one. ]

... Has it been difficult? Living on your own and dealing with this?

[paraselenic]

[The Lycaon everyone knew wasn't exactly a lie, but it wasn't the whole truth. One could compare it to the dark side of the moon, if one used such metaphors. His much uglier traits--his jealousy, his possessiveness, his micromanaging, and the less refined stubbornness, those were things he'd tried to hide from others.

And Hugo accepted all of them. If anything, those parts belonged to him.]

And I accept--and welcome--all the parts of you. Your best and worst. Even at your ugliest, I won't make the same mistake I made years ago. You are the sun only I, the moon, can look at and not go blind.

[A pain jabs at his heart when Hugo softly makes that statement about Mockingbird, unable to hide a somber smile.]

I did, and despite my desertion, I am still proud of what we did.

[Especially now that the miscommunication has been cleared up. Mockingbird's reputation was never sullied, so how couldn't he be proud?]

... [Hugo's next question is a loaded one. The man's gaze drifts to his legs, and he immediately knows where this is heading. He can't see him getting angry, but he sure wouldn't be happy to know just where life led him after it.]

It would be a lie to say it was easy, but life always persists. Zodiac knows how to capitalize on the weak, and my prosthetics had a very high price. Learning to use them took some time and therapy, but I am now able to move as I always did. Ever since Master Percy took over in overseeing them, he's removed the...corporate part of the equation, so now I simply pay him for my upgrades. As for living alone...I miss the company.

[myriadeclipse]

Zodiac...

[ Hugo merely sighs. It was neither approval nor disapproval. What really could be done? In that situation, Lycaon had to deal with whatever good deal came his way. Hugo would have liked it if his tragic childhood didn't keep taking victims, but if Lycaon wasn't blaming him, then he supposes in this instance he couldn't either. Today. Right now. ]

Despite his affiliation, This Percy has been--

[ It took him a moment to think about why that name seemed familiar, and then he remembered, laughing at the realization. He didn't know much about that particular tragedy, but when you exist in the underworld, you hear a little of everything. ]

Surely not the de Rolo. That would just be hilarious. Regardless. As long as you feel you're being well taken care of.

[ The living alone, Hugo understood. It was more difficult to go from their noise and rowdiness back down to silence and a lack of presence. The little things vanish and leave holes where warmth once existed. ]

Your stubbornness must truly know no bounds for you to have been alone this whole time.

[paraselenic]

Mm. The very one. [He'd heard and seen the double take when whispers were heard. He doesn't have his claws sunk into too many sources, but their little info broker friend was enough to give the idea.]

He's been wanting to upgrade my legs to more robust ideas for ages. I believe he promised me the speed of a cheetah a few weeks ago. [He says it so calmly, but Hugo of all people could pick up on the hidden mirth in his voice.]

If that accursed board game showed me anything, it's my own weaknesses. I have spent long enough recovering. [If the wolf for all intents and purposes was going to protect anything, he needed to come out of 'retirement'.]

..Heh. You of all people know how stubborn I can be.

[myriadeclipse]

I do.

[ Hugo leans down, pressing a kiss to the top of his snout. At the moment, that stubbornness didn't seem to bother him. Knowing Lycaon could run through the city at the same speed as a vehicle was truly terrifying. Why would anyone choose to give him? Do they not know the terror they inflict?

With that horror on his mind, Hugo finally sat down, bending over to remove his shoes and the socks that go with them. ]

Either way, it sounds like you'll go back into proper training. If troubles like that continue to happen, It might be necessary, even for me. Something like what you went through isn't exactly what I've been honing my skills for.

[paraselenic]

[There's a soft thumping sound behind them as Hugo plants that kiss, his tail hitting the bed like a steady drumbeat. Again, that softness..he swears if this whole afternoon ends up as one big dream, he might throw himself into Blue Fish Lake. As the man sits down, he adjusts his weight and position to allow him more room. He's going to take this time to actually look at his legs, pulling out a stray stick or piece of debris from the monsoon out of the cracks before unfastening one from his thighs.]

I regularly frequented the gym to keep in shape, but it seems I'll have to double my efforts. My skills in ice magic only apply to water that already exists. I've yet to conjure it myself. [It doesn't surprise him. He's never been incredibly magically inclined.]

I agree. I had no reason to assume I would need anything on this level. It'd be in our best interest to prepare.

[myriadeclipse]

[ The mentioning of his ice magic brings to mind his own abilities. Most were just his natural abilities as an elf mixed with all the drawbacks of being a vampire. His shadow power, however...

Hugo reaches over, picking up one of the rings he took off, and holds it between his fingers. With just a little effort, the golden jewelry began to give off an aura of dark smoke and shadow. With a huff, he holds it out and puts it back with the pile.]

I can put the shadow power in other things, but I also can't summon them for other purposes. It helps when I'm carrying my scythe, but if someone were foolish enough to break in now, I am not left with many choices other than to imbue shadows into something ridiculous and hope for the best.

In short, we both have work to do.

[paraselenic]

[Lycaon watches as the shadowy smoke engulfs that ring, head tilting slightly out of curiosity. Truth be told, he could imbue ice onto his gloves and legs as well, but it was so fleeting that it was much easier to just hope for the water source.

His eyes drift to his arm, with the row of spiky puncture wounds going up it.]

Back in the barrier, I am certain that my success was partially due to the elemental alignment being in Water's favor. I can't rely on such a handicap.

[After unclasping the second leg, he lets himself ease back onto the bed, staring at the fan that lazily spun above them.]

We could spar monthly. I know you're quite busy.

[myriadeclipse]

[ Turning to watch Lycaon lay back, he merely watches for a few, long moments. Then, he blinks slowly and leans over, laying himself half on top of him. He settled his head against Lycaon's chest, looking up at him as he slid his arm across him. The puncture wounds were carefully avoided in the way he laid. The idle thought spinning around in his head lagged a little, enjoying being with him for those quiet moments. ]

I'm not that busy. The Art Gallery will have employees and the trips are merely Mockingbird work. I can control how much or how little I do. I won't put anything important aside, but ... time with you is still important. We can spar.

We're trying to get stronger. Who better to test that on than the person who knows you best?

[paraselenic]

[It's like no time had passed at all. Lycaon feels that head slot against his chest, feeling how it perfectly lies in his fur. Memories of when they had to share a bed back in the day, where he'd always find Hugo resting his head in this exact spot.

He angles his head down to look back into those mismatched eyes. Though honestly, they did match one exact pair at his moment. His clawed hand reaches up to brush some stray hair out of his face to look at them better.]

Perhaps I'll have an 'epiphany' during my forced house arrest. That I should regularly use my PTO. [Lord knows he has a ton of it.]

If anyone knows my weaknesses, it's you.

[He pauses a moment, though, nails trailing long blond hair.]

Is something on your mind? [He might be mistaken, but..]

[myriadeclipse]

Yes...

[ It takes him a bit more time and thought to say it out loud. They did match. In all of their flaws and troubles, looking at Lycaon was like looking in a mirror sometimes. Even as his fingers drew a pattern in white fur, it took him time to focus again on words and not the way it felt when Lycaon was being so tender with him. ]

I thought about the last time we shared a bed like this. Even into ages where it would have benefitted us to find better to find better accommodations, we still slept like this because ... I couldn't sleep alone.

[ His shortcomings always inconvenienced others. It was making do, but it was doing it in such a way that benefitted him more than Lycaon. ]

Afterward, I would find small places to rest. The smaller, the better. Even while I was on the run with Lia or... with Andouille [ Clearly a nickname for a mysterious third person who has not earned name status. ] I would stay awake, or put myself in the closet if I was exhausted.

I don't think I've 'rested' in a long time. Even Molly hasn't seen me at rest.

[paraselenic]

[Ah. Nostalgic warmth spreads through him thinking about it. He remembers when it had been necessity to share--when their living quarters didn't accomodate two beds. Then, when the chance to have their own presented itself, he still felt Hugo crawl onto his bed to huddle against him. Sure, in the summer it made him reconsider living with his undercoat trapping all that heat, but he didn't regret it once.

It felt empty any other way.

The hollow feeling of staring at an empty bed..even now it gripped his heart in ice.]

I liked it. Though I complained when we were told to share, I slept a lot better having someone with me. [What he'd thought was encroaching on his space was...security. A sense to protect.] After that, I never saw a reason for us to sleep apart.

[He'll never forget the nights he would wake up only to see Hugo buried deep into his tail. ...Slowly, he lifts it up to drape across Hugo's back.]

Perhaps you just needed to return home. [Home. Presumptuous of him, but it was something he was realizing about himself too. Those many, many nights where sleep would evade him, only for him to walk outside to stare at the moon, as if she'd soothe him to sleep. He wanted to go home, too.]

You look tired. Should it benefit you...I would be happy if you rested here, as long as you need.

[His thoughts drift to the food containers he'd left on the counter. No doubt they probably should be put away. ...But his priorities are here.]