bakerstreet | Only one bed

[Oh, that perking up? Quite nice. Only Liora and his closest coworkers do that. He has to subtly tighten his grip on his tail to keep it from wiggling more.]

Fine by me, for you to look without touching. As for this... "healing factor"? I did smell blood on you, earlier, when those claws came out, but the scent is gone now, aside from coagulation. Is that what you mean? If that is the case, you needn't demonstrate. Please don't.

[But, he does get up, hands moving to the seat as he pushes himself upright again, once more favoring one leg over the other for a moment. His weight shifts slightly, testing, slowly trying to push more weight onto the weaker limb. It takes a moment to find a decent, better balance; his knee gives a very, very faint tremor before stopping again. Slowly, he settles his hands into his pockets. Without the jacket on, only a hint of the hollow of his throat is visible at the lowest point, due to the strictly buttoned-up nature of his shirt.

[His center of gravity is also slightly different from a human's, given the counterbalancing nature of his tail. Even as it remains limp behind him (his scent, also, happens to be particularly well-concentrated near its base.)]

Feel free to look where you please. I don't mind ducking my head a bit if you need me to.

[Given that he's slightly taller than Logan...]

[ Logan doesn't stand up as well. He keeps himself scooched behind this man, leaning in close enough to examine the tail. His breath tickles the fur, he's that close. ]

I want to see where it connects. [ He was told to look where he pleased, wasn't he? So without thinking about it, he starts tugging at the fabric around the tail. What was that about not touching? ]

[Alivian has no time to react to the sensation of breath shifting the guard hairs on his tail, but he does have time to react to the sensation of his pants tugging against the base of his tail.

[He lets out an indignant noise that's definitely more wolf than human - his hands immediately slapping near his ass as if to guard it, and his tail making an abrupt jerk upwards (and, very likely, slapping Logan in the face if he doesn't move when he tries to turn around to face him again.)]

Stop fondling my ass!! Excuse me?!?!

[ Oops. Logan hadn't meant to go quite that far. He has the decency to look apologetic, even after getting slapped in the face with a tail. ]

You're excused.

[ Yeah, uh, he laughs nervously. He's not one to apologize. Getting up, he heads for the kitchen again, where he keeps his small stash of cigars. ]

You smoke?

[ He turns and gestures with his cigar before lighting it up. ]

No. Light up if you want, but don't get offended if I cough.

[Absently, Alivian fusses with his clothes a bit. Wow, first he's all over his ass, and now he's acting like he didn't do shit. What is he, a cat?

[For now, he reaches back to fumble with the ties holding that reinforced area in place. Once that's down, his tail comes free. His underwear is much the same - though closer to a thong than anything else, with the way it primarily is held in place by ties around the base of his tail. He also tugs his shirt up and off, because that's just easier to do than to just ruck up the back of it.]

You still wanted to see? Here.

[For now, he turns his back to Logan, one hand going to his pants to make sure that they don't completely fall off now that the other anchor keeping them on is undone. His back is about as broad as his chest, with a thick dusting of silver fur down the near-full line of his spine. The tail comes from the every end of it, its root decorated by the cords holding his underwear in place.

[A few old, irregular, not-well mended scars mark his shoulders and back, and from behind, it's even more clear that he definitely does not have human ears in any capacity.]

Just ask next time before trying to get at it. You probably wouldn't take kindly to that sort of sudden handling in turn from me, now would you?

[Fortunately, he understands the nature of Logan's touch wasn't to be lascivious, and so he refrains from making the tail=ass joke again.]

[ Logan scoffs at the comment about coughing, not hesitating to continue his journey to smoke. Putting the cigar in his mouth, he takes a deep drag then raises his eyebrows as the man starts to strip. ]

I've been handled in all sorts of ways, I'm used to it.

[ The sad thing is that's absolutely true. But he gets that it isn't true for everyone else, so he doesn't approach and try to touch again, he just puffs and studies from his little bit of distance. ]

Nasty scars.

Sharp rocks, glass, and other stuff. Couldn't reach much of it, and I never bothered to get help.

[Alivian shrugs a little, shifting his weight a bit. His chest flutters uncomfortably as smoke tickles it, but he does his best to try not to cough. Slowly, he moves his tail, doing his best to make the required muscles flex and shift with it. A small demonstration that, yes, it's a very real tail.]

...You shouldn't have to be used to being handled in ways you don't want to be. I'm not about to perpetuate that.

[Never mind that such words could always apply to him, too. But it's not about him.

[He attempts to at least stifle a cough that comes out, his eyes watering slightly from the pungent scent. Ugh.]

I don't know how you can stand that stuff...

...it bugs you that much?

[ Logan shrugs, eying him. He could just smoke it and not care, but Alivian is being decent to him. So he ends up turning to the ash tray and stumping it out. ]

It burns real nice. I like the feeling of the lung damage healing.

[ He's never admitted that sort of thing to anyone, not even Jean. But after spending 200-something odd years with an extensive healing factor, it'd make sense that it'd get a little addictive. ]

Why are you getting glass and crap in your back?

[ He's been good about not asking so far, but his curiousity is starting to get the better of him. ]

[Alivian's tail immediately stops and drops at the question, and then he's putting his clothes back on. His voice drops to a quieter note, hesitant, reserved.]

...Happens when you're a kid who hospitalized a bunch of people just by looking at them, and a bunch of your peers and teachers hated - and hate - you for it. I could have killed them just because I was too stunned to close my eyes. I don't blame them. I'd be scared of me, too, in that situation.

To be fair, a fraction of the population of my people have the same ability I do. I'm not different that way. But there's no reason that anyone should be able to use it without meaning to. It's activated with intent, normally.

The mask keeps it at bay. The only power I have control over is my voice.

[Finishing getting dressed, he lets out a rough sigh, and heads for the door.]

Gonna get some air.

...sounds kinda like my fr - teammate. He could kill a man with just his eyes. Killed a lot of people by accident as a kid.

Tends to work that way for people like us.

[ Logan watches him head for the door. He's considering whether or not to follow or give him space. In the end, he decides to do the latter, and takes a seat on a slightly broken barstool that creaks from his weight. ]

I'll be in here. When you're ready, we should go hunting for provisions.

[ Now that there's two of them. ]

[He's grateful for the space, even as he nods to acknowledge that they should hunt after. It gets him away from the cigar smoke, too, and he mulls over that he's opened up to this. Really, he wasn't expecting such... understanding.

[Though maybe receiving that from a guy who bleeds when his claws come out isn't so far-fetched....

[For a moment, he regards his surroundings. If he can make a bow and arrow or some snares, he'll be set enough for future-them. Hunting today, though...

[His voice will probably have to do a lot of the work.

[Eventually, he comes back indoors, his tail giving a listless little wiggle.]

I can make some snares and a bow and arrows later, but that doesn't necessarily make for good hunting today. And if we don't go while it's still light out, I'll be blind with the mask on.

[For a moment, he stares at his coat before tugging it back on, and absently pats the pockets to make sure their contents are still there. They are, and something still rattles when patted.]

Unlike my ancestors, I'm not as fast as them, and if I can't catch them, my teeth are useless. But...

[He gestures with a finger.]

I can still use my voice. It's... unethical, in my opinion, but if we can't find easy prey the normal way, I'm willing to convince something to come out by Commanding it.

I don't know if you noticed, but we're not speaking the same languages. You are, however, hearing what you need to hear to understand my words, and so, too, do I hear yours. The last human to arrive in our world was quoted saying that it was the "tongue of Babel." The ability to understand all languages, and speak all languages, without learning them.

Well, verbal ones, anyhow.

So long as something has a conscious mind, a language, and intact hearing, it can understand me.

It won't satisfy the act of hunting, but it will feed us. The only issue is... if it affects you.

[His mouth tips into a bit of a frown as he lowers his hand.]

If it does, I will have to work to make sure I can reverse it, because it affects the mind. So. I propose two options. Option one: we test it out briefly, here, before we head out, or, option two: we do without my voice's power when we hunt today.

I figured it was something like that. [ Okay, he'd actually assumed it was more a psychic illusion, but that was just how his world went. He's not going to admit to getting it half wrong. As for the suggestion the power of his voice could affect him, his eyebrows raise. ]

Hell, even if we try not to use it, it might end up necessary eventually. Don't know what could be out there. So let's test it out.

[ Logan gets up from the barstool, which continues to creak in annoyance at him. He heads over, his scent changing to one that suggests slight trepidation, and perhaps a bit of excitement. ]

Try it.

[ He isn't making this an option. ]

...That's a fair assessment. Very well.

[Seeing as Logan's stood up the first idea that pops into his head is probably the safest. His own scent shifts - a touch of fear, and anticipation.]

Sit back down.

[The air slightly ripples near him with the words, carrying pressure with them. And, potentially, the promise of pleasure should Logan obey (or this could be a bad idea, go tits-up, and immediately be painful to hear.) In truth, Alivian just hopes that it does nothing for him.]

[ Logan finds himself sitting before he can even think about it, looking shocked at both the power of the command and the fact he can't help but follow it. At his most feral heart, he's just a bad dog who wants to find someone to be good for. So this helps power his response and lack of resistance.

And the fact it is so literally pleasurable to follow it? On more than just an emotional level? Well, that has him surprised too. He grips at the splintered counter, forcing the wood to give away just a little more. ]

What the fuck was that?

[At the immediate compliance, something in Alivian lurches in response. His whole body starts buzzing, fear melting into arousal, anticipation mounting. He swallows hard, past his suddenly-dry throat.]

That... is what I'm going to use to help get our dinner, if we need to.

[Still frowning, he starts to reach out towards Logan, but stops, letting his hand drop to his side again. He takes a rough, steadying breath, his heart pounding harder and faster, every part of him aching for more of this. Like tasting water for the first time in days. He's half-hard from this alone, his skin flushing brightly beneath the mask.]

You did well.

[Taking a deeper, shaking breath, he tries to calm down, and takes a half-step back to dissuade himself from doing anything more.]

It's called Dynamics. Secondary-gender expression. I gave you a Command, you followed it, and... now we've entered a feedback loop. I am what's known as a Dominant. I can use my voice to give Commands, and my eyes have a Glare power.

This is technically called "play." Indulging it creates physical and mental fulfillment that feels better than getting a good night's sleep, for people like me. And... possibly you, it seems.

I was hoping that you wouldn't be affected at all, but you've avoided the worst of it. It could have made you feel like shit, if you pardon my language. I would have had to work overtime to make sure your condition stabilized after. You would have felt a severe mood drop, and feelings of listlessness, numbness, and possibly desperation.

[For as calm as his words are, every part of Alivian's scent continues to howl for more. Relieved of some of his symptoms for the first time in years, it borders on sexual pleasure, and his pants feel slightly tight. He lightly adjusts it, as if it needs it to hide his physical reaction.]

[ Logan considers this. When told that he did well, in such a way, his damn claws nearly pop out in response to the pleasure. But he remembers how Alivian reacted to their presence previously and manages to restrain himself. It's only because of the feedback loop - he'd never be strong enough otherwise.

His chest is heaving a little as he tries to catch his breath against all of this, and he can tell from the man's own state from his damn scent. Let alone what he can see, him adjusting himself like there's a need to hide. He feels propelled on and he can't resist it. ]

What else can you make me do?

[ That's not just a hint of challenge in his words, his voice is practically dripping with it. ]

...Anything you consent to.

[For a moment, he turns his head away, still doing his utmost to calm down. With Logan panting so hard, it doesn't help. Looking at him just makes him want more. The older man isn't flinching, isn't looking like he's about to be sick. The more insidious part of him whispers that he can use this to save himself. Ditch the medicine for good.

[But, no. If they're to survive, he doesn't want to rely on this when their options are so limited.]

We still need to hunt. If you need a few moments to yourself, I can leave you be.

[As if he doesn't. His voice is still nearly as calm as before, if a little breathless.]

...We both need to clear our heads right now. But so long as I use Commands near you, I'll make sure you're well cared-for.

I'm not clearing my head from that, if I know it's going to happen again.

[ Logan is not good at dealing with anticipation. It's the animal side of him, which tries to deal with things in terms of gratification and rewards. Knowing something is going to happen makes it an immediate compulsion to try to get it again now. This will definitely be no exception. ]

You might have to take responsibility, here.

[ What does he mean by that? He's not quite sure. But he's not the one that's dealt with this all his life. ]

[Alivian turns back to him, frowning slightly.]

...Fine. Tell me your safe word.

[His hands settle into his pockets as he watches him.]

That way, if anything becomes too much, I'll stop and give you aftercare.

[A thrum of anxiety hits him along with another wave of aching heat. He's talking a big game, for never having done this before. He's always offloaded it to any trustworthy dominant who wasn't himself. Unfortunately for the both of them.]

And don't feel like you must follow a command that you dislike. That's not the point of this.

[ Logan considers this, tilting his head. It doesn't take long to think of a safe word - the name of someone who's always been able to stop him in his tracks when he gets too carried away. ] Charles. It's Charles.

[ The man would be horrified at the use of his name in such a way, which makes this even better. ]

Not even fucking sure how I'd tell it was one I disliked, considering what I felt when I followed.

You'd feel it. It won't feel good, because it's something you don't want to do.

And I will feel it. Your gratification reverberates through me. As it did when you sat down on my word.

[Want, anxiety, need, it all starts to ball up together; he swallows past the knot in his throat. What if he messes up? What if--

[Reaching into his pocket, he procures a neatly-folded kerchief and uses it to wipe at his hand a bit, especially his fingers, and then offers his hand near Logan, two fingers extended more than others. He also pockets the kerchief.]

Lick.

[His pulse jumps hard, voice trembling slightly as he gives the command.]

[ He's a wolverine, dammit, so why does he feel like some sort of dog? One that has been trained all its life and now has to show its tricks? Feral is going sideways in ways it generally doesn't. He listens to that pulse jump, the tremble of the man's voice, and it's almost enough to push him out of this. To find logic again.

But only almost. He applies tongue as told, thorough about bathing the fingers, at least until he's stopped. The shock back of pleasure is even more intense than the first time and he reels again. ]

[The moment his tongue reaches his fingers, Alivian's breath catches, staring intently at Logan while the latter licks his fingers. Should he ever lick between them, Alivian obligingly spreads them for him, but otherwise, is content to hold still and watch, each lave of hot tongue firing off every pleasure-center he has in his brain.

[His face is bright pink by now, lips slightly parted as he struggles to keep his breath even, to retain even a fragment of self-control.

[However slowly, it's a losing battle.]

Good. Just what I was hoping for...

[Listless, he wets his lips with his tongue and draws a deeper breath. With his free hand, he gently reaches up, tracing fingertips from Logan's hand to his shoulder, where he gives him a gentle squeeze to show his approval, if Logan doesn't shove his touch away.]

I feel like I'm going to lose it in a moment. No one's ever reacted to me like this before. I only know what to look for from observation.

[Briefly biting his lip, he takes a chance, and gently nudges his fingers further against Logan's tongue, heart hammering away as nervousness slowly melts, and pleasure takes the lead.]

If you want to stop, you can.

[ Logan might be acting like a good dog right now, but that doesn't stop him from having his usual attitude. Raising his own hand, he extends one singular claw in the middle. It's his basic way of flipping the bird without actually doing it. Part of it's a test to see if using them again will be enough to shake this out of happening, or if Alivian will be able to handle it.

People need to be able to handle him. ]

Not fucking stopping. [ He mutters this against skin and nips lightly at the pads of the fingers before continuing on with the licking. He's getting... hmm. The pleasure feedback is almost too much, almost too raw, and he definitely can't hide the reaction between his legs at this point. But he's not even trying. ]

[Alivian does snap somewhat out of the trance at the scent of blood again, at the extension of even a single claw. But when Logan doesn't do anything with it but extend it, he relaxes again.]

Hah... that's... valid...

Good.

[It's hard not to add "boy" to the end, but... Logan's not a boy. He's a man. And fuck, does he smell like one.]

I can smell you, you know. Show me. I want you to touch yourself.

[He doesn't have to stop licking if he doesn't want to, so Alivian doesn't pull his hand away.]

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