BLURRED
For most people, the lines between platonic and romantic are very clearly drawn. Not true for you two; friendship and romance intermingle in your relationship, and to be honest, it's hard to discern where one ends and the other begins. You're bosom buddies. There's a spark between you. You're lovers, too, maybe, or it could be completely innocent. You're love interests. You're intimate, you're close, you're ride or die. You don't understand why romantic and platonic can't coexist. You don't need labels.
HOW TO PLAY
- Comment with your character and preferences, i.e. no smut, etc. Feel free to include as much or as little information as you'd like.
- Reply to others.
- RNG for a prompt or choose your own.
PROMPTS
- Since Forever: You've always been friends, ever since you were young, so this closeness is an outgrowth of that.
- Natural Connection: Some people just click. You guys go together like peanut butter and jelly.
- Love Everyone: At least one of you is the type to shower love and affection on everyone you meet.
- No More Darkness: They drug you out of your not-so-pleasant path, so you cling to them.
- Owe Them Everything: You owe them a solid. You're now more than simple friends.
- No Big Deal: You don't understand romance as separated from friendship.
- Cultural: Your culture doesn't discern so heavily between "lover" and "friend," a la troll society in Homestuck.
- Closeness: Hugs, cuddles, and kisses, oh my!
- All My Secrets Away: They know everything about you and can be there if you need help.
- The Most Important Person: They're not merely a special person to you, they're The Person.
- UST: Just because your relationship is unconventional doesn't mean there can't be a few unresolved issues, can it?
- Intimacy: More like Friends with Benefits.
- Feel More Comfortable with You: So, you kinda want to try this whole sex thing. May as well do it with the one you trust implicitly.
- No One Understands Me Like You Do: In general, not many get you. But this person does and it's such a relief.
- Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood: Why do people keep thinking you're a couple? Okay, by some definitions, you are, but these guys are trying to limit you!
- Assisted Romance: One of you has a crush on someone outside the duo. The other is supportive...and wants to give some tips.
- Want to Be More: You want to actually be official and exclusive.
- Jealousy: All the attention your - well, not partner - sort-of-significant-bff has been giving other people really raises your hackles.
- Unspoken: You two don't have to speak or say anything about your status; you know what you are.
- Say You Love Me: ...still, you wouldn't mind hearing the l-o-v-e word.
- Realization: The person you want to be with forever, maybe even in a completely romantic context, is right in front of you.
- Bros Before Hos: You won't pursue or engage with someone outside the twosome because it bothers your special someone.
- Upgrade: You've decided to renegotiate the terms of your relationship.
- Romantic/Platonic Life Partners: No matter what happens, you guys are content to continue on as you are, even to life partner levels.
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bakerstreet2017-09-15 10:11 pm
Heather Chandler | Heathers
Gabriel Starling | OC | OTA
BECAUSE REASONS
So it is during one random afternoon, the two of them hanging out with more than a few books scattered between them (they did this a lot, piling blankets and mugs of coffee and tea on the floor with rare or new books to read through, occasionally reading the more ridiculous parts out loud) that Jez stops half way through the tome he has and just kind of stares at Gabriel.
It has been a long week, for them both, and there is a tightness to Gabriel's eyes and tension in his shoulders that makes Jezeræde worry in a way that he hasn't in a long while. Stretching his foot out, the mage nudges Gabriel with his foot, trying to get his attention, before: "Hey, jellybean."
THANK U BLESS U
Afternoons spent with books and fresh coffee and positive affection and nicknames...they were an escape now, no longer just something to look forward to.
Which was probably why, despite his best efforts, Gabe finds he can't relax the way he wants to, and why when Jez nudges him he almost startles. Immediately a bit of the tension leaves him; just enough to make it easier for him to react as though nothing's on his mind but 'The Picture of Dorian Grey'.
"Huh- what? What's up?"
NO NO THANK AND BLESS *YOU*
It should be worrying, perhaps more for Gabriel, but still.
"Mmm, the ceiling technically, but that really isn't the point of me breaking out of your staring contest with the book there." His voice is soft, teasing, as he rolls over, moving until he has his head pressed against Gabriel's knee as he stares up at him. "You..."
Jezeræde pauses a moment, teeth worrying at his bottom lip before he tries again. "You okay? I mean, like actually okay and not like 'oh yeah Jez, I'm fine!' kind of okay." There is an obvious attempt at making his voice sound a little deeper, a little more like Gabriel when he says that. "You are tense as fuck and, uh-- I'm just--"
Worried.
The word goes unspoken, the concern evident the mage hopes in the way he stays there pressed close.
♥♥
As Jezeræde moves closer to him, Gabe slowly closes his book around his bookmark, knowing what's coming next and not wanting Jez to ask. He doesn't like lying, but talking about his life he enjoys even less.
"Is that really what I sound like to you..?" It's a small attempt at stalling and only brings him a few seconds while his smile softens little by little. "I'm okay, honestly - I just haven't been sleeping well, that's all."
Technically true; he hasn't been. But there's a lot left out of his answer. There's a lot that wants to be said, like if it made itself heard things would get easier despite Gabe knowing they won't. It'd just mean Jez would worry more.
"Don't worry about me, really. You're helping just by letting me enjoy all this." 'This' comes with a gesture to the room, the blankets, the coffee, the books. "And, you know..the company's not terrible either."
no subject
"Yes, that is what you sound like, but with more of a growly quality that I can never hope to imitate." The blond huffs and rolls over, chin in his hand in Gabriel's lap as he stares up at him, brows quirked. "Now, that is a fine not-lie you have given me, but I think I am a little offeneded that you would think that I couldn't read past it."
True, usually he wouldn't bother, but-- well, Gabriel managed to worm his way past the defences that the mage had up and was now one of those few people that Jezeræde would actually fight for. Or you know, plot and potentially carry out mass murder for. He won't tell Gabriel that though, just in case.
"Mmmm, first off, would love to not worry about you, jellybean, but you're apparently someone I care about so that's not gonna happen, sorry." Laying his head against Gabriel's thigh, he pokes at his stomach, amusement mingling with the worry on his face. "And second, you know that this is always open to you. I mean, my amazing company included, wow. I feel like I should be offended that my company wasn't top of the list there, you wound me!"
Not really at all, but it has been a long time since someone has enjoyed him at all aspects of who he was, and not just the pleasant cheerful side of him. Not that Gabriel has gotten more than a glimpse of what else he can be like, but since that didn't scare him away...
"You can sleep here if you want?"
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"I was saving the best til last." He says with a little smile, eyes finally managing to look at the blonde properly. "You could make waiting in line at the bank enjoyable - it's almost unnerving."
He lets him poke him, lean on him, and yet he still hesitates before he returns any of the touches. Not as much as he used to back when they first met, granted - but it's..new to him. Being cared about by someone else who isn't 'family', having someone hug him and drape themselves over him. Having someone want to be close to him. So the offer for him to sleep there that night takes him a little by surprise.
As does his own answer.
"...That'd be great, actually. If you're sure..?"
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"Suuuure you were, fluffy. I totally believe you." Jez sniffs, dramatically of course, but it is ruined by the laughter that spills forth, honest and bright at the comment. "Standing in line huh? I will take that as a compliment above all compliments, thank you. Simply because I know how boring and annoying lines are, that is why we have cell phones you know that right?"
Despite his question, Jez still feels something warm settle in his bones at the compliment; he knows that Gabriel hard pressed to trust, to accept things that he does not think he is worth. It is a sentiment that the mage can understand far too well. So when Gabriel agrees to staying over, Jez might be a little surprised.
Surprised in a good way, of course.
"You know this means you have to cuddle with me, right?" More laughter, Jezeræde's hand curling against Gabriel's hip as he digs his fingers into the skin there, curiosity on his face. "I mean, I am more than sure, hell I can even come up with a few ideas on how to wear you out before bed. "The comment is emphasized with a wicked grin before he continues. "It is you that needs to be sure there, Gabbi-cakes. I am a known octopus with those that share my bed, and there is no way I am letting you sleep on the floor, so don't even."
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'I can come up with a few ideas on how to wear you out'. Pfft. Gabriel actually laughs there, if only because it's so obviously a joke. Yet there's something in that grin that tells him Jez may be serious.
And something that makes Gabriel want to find out, one way or another. He has no idea how he would, if he'd be brave enough to ask...probably not. Jez was kidding, wasn't he? Yeah, no; he could get anyone he wanted to. Gabe can't see how he'd be on his radar in the first place.
"I'm sure I can live with that; but you should know I have a nasty tendency of crushing the people I spoon, so...I don't know. I give you permission to kick me if you wake up suffocating."
no subject
It is no secret that he is a tactile creature, indulging in touch and physical aspects of things more than most people, it was something that, at first, Gabriel seemed to have a little bit of difficulty adjusting to. But now-- he seems more than okay with it, almost as if the touch soothes something in him that he wasn't aware he needed. For the mage, touch was just one more way of not living in his head, not living in the shadows that were around every corner, and while he was more than okay with mindless sex... he wasn't sure that was on Gabriel's list of things to do.
Not that it would be mindless, not really. There are emotions here, Jez has come to care for Gabriel, which is probably why he ignores the comment about being suffocated to sit up, nearly in Gabriel's lap, to just stare at the other man, green eyes bright and clear and curious, as if he might find answers in the lines of Gabriel's face.
"Hmmm." It's an amused sound, his head tilting as he reaches out to tug at a piece of Gabriel's hair. "What would you do if I said I wasn't joking. About finding ways to wear you out. I mean, totally as platonically and friendly as possible." The last part is said with a quirk to his lips, amusement clear. "Because as long as you don't punch me for saying it, I was totally not joking. You're kinda hot as hell and, well..."
The mage shrugs, still sitting close, smile on his face that holds only the faintest traces of apprehension. He doesn't want to fuck this friendship up, but he also feels as if Gabriel is one of the few people that might understand this offer as it is meant.
no subject
"People who count cuddling as a deal breaker are not people you need in your life."
Sure, he doesn't have a lot of cuddling on his record, but it's still a statement he'll stick by. "It's just a nice thing to do, why wouldn't anyone want to.."
His sentence trails off somewhat when Jez sits up suddenly, looking at him, inspecting him, all inquisitive eyes and cogs turning. At first Gabriel's unsure of what's on his mind, not assuming it's at all to do with what he said before until Jez carries on, gently tugging at his hair like his hand needs something to do. He smells really good is the thought that crosses his mind first. Like that's the easiest way to process what Jez is saying to him; point out the obvious first and go from there. He smells nice, he's rather unfairly good looking, he's expressing an interest in sleeping with him...
Gabriel becomes aware then that the surprise is probably showing on his face, but he can't help it. He's not entirely sure how to reply at first - it's confusing and exciting and out of left field, but he's not shaking his head or refusing.
"...I'd say you're more likely to get worn out than I am. Heightened endurance and all that..." A line that could have been flirtatious if it wasn't delivered in such shy surprise. "And then I'd let you know I'm pretty much as inexperienced as they go, so I don't know how much you'd enjoy it..." He smiles then, "...but no. I wouldn't punch you for suggesting it."
The second part, as shy as Gabriel can be, isn't said with any real embarrassment or shame. The combination of just resigning himself to the idea that he's not worth much of anyone's time and the lack of opportunity have meant he's neatly made it to his mid-twenties with his maidenly virtue intact. Not something that bothers him really; he figures it'll happen when it happens, if it happens.
Which, if this conversation is anything to go by, could be sooner than he thought.
no subject
Humming at the sentiment (one that he wholly agreed with, honestly) Jezeræde take a moment to focus on the points of contact, just in case Gabriel did tell him to fuck right off. "Some people are heathens, that's why. Heathen's I tell you!"
And it was true, they were not people that were needed in your life, but neither were people who pushed too far and too fast and-- well, at least Gabriel doesn't punch him right off the bat for suggesting it. Though, the look on his face is almost as if Jez punched him; something shocked and a little confused and--
"Uh, you okay there, Gabbi?" Swaying forward, Jez moves his hand from the whorls of dark hair to poke him against his cheek, an easy smile on his face that didn't give away just how freaked out he was. Because, yeah, he was one of those people could have casual sex, could love and leave with no problems at all. He could also easily not sleep with Gabriel, could take a no without pushing it at all, because of consent goddamnit.
But now that he has thought about it? He--
Whatever train of thought and half-formed apologies that he started to form vanish as soon as Gabriel says that, talks about endurance like it was a bad thing and, sweet Mages of Dis, he was too precious for words. Jezeræde cackles, bright laughter that is relieved and happy at it's core, and leans in to rest his forehead against Gabriel's cheek.
"Oh my fuck, you are-- that is like a challenge for me, you know that right?" He breathes, takes a chance and runs his nose along the lines of Gabriel's jaw, humming as he places a barely-there kiss just below his ear before pulling back, smile sharp and eyes bright. "With that endurance of yours, we have lots of time to get to the fun stuff. Not like I'm not going to enjoy it, you really have to see it from my perspective here, jellybean. You're hot, incredibly sweet, and you care. That-- there's no way I won't enjoy it."
There is an uncharacteristic softness to that, that Jez tries to overcome quickly with a waggle of his brows, arms curling around Gabriel's neck. "Besides, I have no issues with you considering this learning. Hands on learning that we will keep at until you feel confident. I might surprise you with my endurance."
no subject
Hugging, draping, poking - all this he's been getting accustomed to and has been enjoying. Being kissed though, that's something Gabriel tries not to think about much. He loves it; giving them, receiving them, but doesn't get to do either...at all, really. So when Jez is suddenly that much closer and placing one in one of his favourite places to be kissed, Gabriel's almost annoyed at how quickly he can feel himself blushing, at how his pulse quickens just a bit.
He laughs through it though, and at the comments that follow. He's nervous - tangibly so, you can practically taste it - but these nerves he can run with. They're not the ones that settle and roll and coil in his gut before he's beaten; these flit between his ribs, light and hummingbird-quick. Anything he opened his mouth to say has pretty much evaporated into thin air, because now that this has been pushed into motion, he doesn't want it to stop.
It's probably a little sad how he feels he's been spoiled already with one small kiss, but the less thinking about sad his existence is, the better.
Taking a chance of his own, the hand that was settled against Jez' side now settles some inches further down on his hip, while the other finds it's way to the side of his face. Each touch is delicate, almost wary at first, like he's unsure of what's acceptable and what isn't. But Jez is smiling that stupid, handsome smile, and telling him that he doesn't mind that this is a learning curve - a combination which makes it easier for Gabe to brave now.
Closing the relatively short distance between them, he presses his lips to Jez'. Not deeply or too firmly, not until it's reciprocated.
no subject
The laughter that is shaking in Jezeræde's chest isn't directed at Gabriel, but more at the incredulity of the whole situation. He has no idea how he ended up here, in Gabriel's lap with him being perfectly sweet and shy and-- yet something in Jezeræde recoils at the thought of how much he doesn't deserve this from Gabriel. How Gabriel has no idea what he is agreeing to when he says that he is okay with that. Doesn't know about the blood and stardust in Jezeræde's past, how he has been taught how to draw people in and pull them apart and ruin them.
Doesn't really know anything about him, honestly. And while lying is something he is more than okay with-- he likes Gabriel, thinks so very highly of him, and he doesn't-- this isn't--
It is warmth on his face and the grounding touch curling warm around his hip that chases away any of the ghosts of his past, has Jezeræde pressing into the touch and heat, letting the kiss deepen and curling his fingers around Gabriel's jaw to keep himself steady. Breaks the kiss with a laugh and bright eyes to climb more fully into Gabriel's lap, hands bracketing his jaw as he kneels, thigh to thigh, and looks down at Gabriel with more honesty than he has had in a long while.
"We do whatever you want, mmm'kay Gabriel?" It is a rare thing, for him to use a given name and not a nickname, but he wants to be sure that Gabriel knows this is on his terms, not Jezeraæde's.
no subject
Well, yes he does - Jezeræde has no real idea of what personal space is and Gabriel's learned to enjoy that about him. Learned to accept it and learned to let himself enjoy it. That's how they got here, all gentle touches from him and confident, assured ones in return.
The hand at Jez' hip eases itself up under his shirt, movements considering and curious as his kiss is before Jez pulls away again.
It's surprising, hearing his proper name for once. The nicknames are another part of this he's gotten used to, though those he's taken to far more easily. 'Jellybean' beats 'Dog' any day of the week.
'Whatever you want'...really, he's not sure he really knows what he wants here. An experience. Something everyone gets to experiment with, something people put so much stock in. He knows love and sex don't have to go hand in hand, that you can easily have one without the other. He's not in love with Jezeræde and he doubts even now that this'll change that. But he does care for him. He trusts him. And it's that trust that makes this easier for him to encourage, makes it easier for him to imagine telling Jez 'no' if he wants to stop.
Really, it's that that gives him any sense of apprehension. The Cranes take what they need from him or do what they want to him, that's just how it is, how it's been since he was thirteen or so. His body is his as far as fuelling it and keeping it healthy goes, but past that...this is new. Giving it over to being loved instead of damaged is scarier than he gave it credit it for.
His smile comes easier now - still nervous, but more relaxed than a moment or so ago. His reply doesn't arrive for a few moments, his mouth otherwise engaged in exploring the area just below Jez' jaw line and the length of his throat.
"Yeah...yeah, that sounds good."
no subject
When it comes to tactile things like this, he is more than happy to just not think at all and go with the movement and flow of things. So when Gabriel's hand seeks out skin, Jez doesn't think twice about pulling his shirt off entirely. And when Gabriel leans in for another kiss, Jez doesn't hesitate to moves into that either.
He trusts Gabriel, trusts that he will tell him to stop when he wants, that he will listen and respond and that this isn't going to damage their friendship in any way. Emotions and physical things were not intertwined for him, not at all, so he doesn't have a fear of this making things weird between them. He trusts that Gabriel feels the same, or he wouldn't have let it go this far without saying something.
Once Gabriel agrees, tells Jez that he will be as honest as possible, Jezeræde sinks into the pleasure. It is crests and waves and the tight coiling of white-hot fire along his spine, it's laughter between breathless kisses and the two of them learning about each other in a way that you can only get through this.
And, honestly? It is really, really good. Jezeraæde certainly isn't going to complain and certainly isn't about to say no to any repeat performances because, for the first time in a long time, he manages to fall asleep and stay asleep for nearly eight hours. No nightmares, no claws and bloody teeth in the dark, just-- silence and rest. He might have mumbled something about Gabriel almost wearing him out into the curve of Gabriel's shoulder at some point, but he isn't sure.
What he is sure about is that he wakes up well rested (and a little sore in all the best ways), and way too fucking warm.
Because Gabriel really is attempting to smother him.
It makes the blond laugh as best he can into the lycan's chest, the noise rough and sleep laden as he squirms, nudging at Gabriel with his elbows and then, when he doesn't wake, biting at his collarbone.
"Gaaaaabe, I can't breathe....!" Well, he can but-- whatever. There is more wriggling and movement, the blond biting at warm skin a few more times as he tries to get some room. "You're totally the little spoon next time oh my god."
no subject
One thing that helps him fall into a much heavier sleep though is having someone with him, curled close and happy to have him keep them that way. There's something about knowing someone's with him, platonically or otherwise, that lets his mind rest easy. Like having someone there that he can keep safe even whilst completely passed out gives his subconscious enough to occupy itself until he wakes up again.
Unfortunately, one part of that is the whole...hugging thing. His strength he spends a lot of time reining in and being wary of, and during the day this is generally not an issue. But at night, it's a different story.
The combination of these two facts means that Gabriel doesn't wake straight away, even after Jez says his name and starts biting him. If anything the wriggling makes him more inclined to hug him tighter, until something in the back of his mind clicks and he groggily opens his eyes.
He's with Jez...he's not home- wait. Right, of course he isn't...last night--
That trail of thought is derailed a moment later as he realises what's happening again.
"Oh-" Immediately loosening his hold on Jez, Gabe makes himself blink a few times, trying to come-to a little faster. "-sorry, sorry..." And then, with a sleep heavy smile and a lazy nuzzle against the top of Jez' head, "I did warn you, if I recall correctly..."
no subject
Honestly, Gabriel did warn him about this being something that happened.
The mage is still laughing into Gabriel's skin as he starts to wake, slowly, with the help of some more fidgeting and a few more bites to his collarbone. There isn't a fear of being crushed, he is made of sturdier stuff than that, but he does want to get up and use the washroom. Even if having Gabriel loosen his hold and nuzzle at his head makes him want to just go back to sleep a little bit too.
As Gabriel wakes, and apologizes, Jez rolls his eyes and digs a finger into his ribs. "Oh hush you, it's not a bad thing, stop apologizing."
There is more wriggling, another playful bite at the skin he can reach before he starts to extract himself slowly. " You didn't crush me, so no warning was needed! And honestly, very comfy. Ten out of ten would cuddle again, and will actually, right after I use the washroom and brush my teeth. You want coffee while I am up?"
no subject
The continued wriggling is met with Gabriel playfully not quite letting him go, before eventually releasing the mage to the less-than-warm outside world of his bedroom. If he must leave, he must. But Gabe will be filling the recently emptied space, thank you very much.
"Looking forward to it already." And then, with a voice raspy with sleep, and half muffled by pillows as he rolls onto his front, "Yes, please - coffee would be amazing."
no subject
He doesn't sound sorry at all. Especially when Gabriel looks so damned content to just... laze around in his bed. It is a good look on the lycan, the contentedness and easy trust, and it makes something tighten in Jezeræde's chest a little as he is nearly smothered again against his chest. It is worrisome, in a sense, that there are people here that he has actually come to consider friends. Tries not to think about Sharde and how that ended, how--
Jez huffs when he is finally released and then all but slithers out of bed, pulling on a pair of discarded sweatpants from the floor.
"One delicious coffee coming right up! And more cuddles, obviously."
With a sleepy laugh he slides out the door and down the hall to the washroom and, after that, the kitchen. He isn't gone too long, maybe fifteen minutes, and when he comes back he has two espresso mochas with him, topped with whipped cream and tiny marshmallows. Because sugar is the breakfast of champions.
That and straight coffee was gross and who even?
"Here you go, darling. I put like... five shots in yours to balance the sweetness, you weirdo." He sits on the edge of the bed, holding out the cup that has considerably less sugar content out towards Gabriel.
no subject
This though...this is a fort of comfort. A black hole of blankets and warmth and comfort that he's more than happy to let swallow him. So when Jez returns, it takes a little more effort than usual to make himself sit up and take the mug offered to him.
Whipped cream and marshmallows; something else he hasn't had in years. Can he stop time for a while and just stay here please?
"In my defence, it's not weird to want to actually taste the coffee as well as the sugar." He says, nudging Jez with his foot from under the covers, giving him a smile. "But thank you. You're a coffee-bearing angel."
no subject
The mage just makes sure that the coffee is in Gabriel's hands and then moves to sit comfortably on the bed again himself.
"Mmm, see that is where you are wrong because, one, coffee is gross and ew." He makes a face, pausing a moment to take a sip of whipped cream (and maybe a bit of mocha). "And two, I am sure as hell no angel. That is the bed and caffeine withdrawal talking I think."
But he doesn't look all that upset about it, more amused than anything else as he tries to get comfy and not spill his sugar. "Also, I have decided that we are doing nothing today. I am kidnapping you. We are doing nothing. "
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The casual mention of them doing nothing though, that makes his smile waver just enough. He'd hoped if he didn't think about the fact that he should've been back already anyway, then time would stop until he got back.
Like being in Jez' company could keep things from carrying on until he could go back and face home.
"..Trust me, I'd love to do nothing with you, but...I can't. The longer I'm here, the deeper the hole I'm digging." And yet, as he says this, there's no rush from him to get up and get dressed again. He's not running out the door and throwing himself into the next passing taxi.
"Unless you officially kidnap me. That could be fun."
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