Hector (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
petcromancer) wrote2021-06-10 06:55 pm
petcromancer) wrote2021-06-10 06:55 pm
IC Inbox (Abraxas)
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[I am probably working, but leave a message if you must.]
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[I am probably working, but leave a message if you must.]
code credit[His brows furrow. What has he learned? Probably not as much as he should have, but there are at least a few lessons, hard won as they are.]
Yes, I... think I have. And if you think the story's worth telling... it should have them. Otherwise, listeners might think I'm still in the market, or they might want to try their hand at what I did.
[Or, Jaskier might decide to stick with his bread-and-butter, songs about witchers, and not worry about Hector's mess of a story. Hector wouldn't blame him. But with his newfound realization, he wants to offer it.]
Yes, I... think I have. And if you think the story's worth telling... it should have them. Otherwise, listeners might think I'm still in the market, or they might want to try their hand at what I did.
[Or, Jaskier might decide to stick with his bread-and-butter, songs about witchers, and not worry about Hector's mess of a story. Hector wouldn't blame him. But with his newfound realization, he wants to offer it.]
[He takes it so seriously. Which, you know, Jaskier appreciates -- there are not as many as he'd like who should take his craft seriously -- but he never meant to so set the tone to somber.
He gives him a smile, tucking a bit of hair behind Hector's ear. Why wouldn't it be worth telling?]
I would be honored to hear your story, my dear heart, let alone tell it to any who will listen.
[What sort of lover should he be if he didn't want to? Besides, what he had was... bits and scraps, pulled from both Hector (and mostly from that terrible reaction with the ring), and Alucard.] You needn't tell it now, unless that's how you wish to christen your new pool. Trust that I am always here to listen.
He gives him a smile, tucking a bit of hair behind Hector's ear. Why wouldn't it be worth telling?]
I would be honored to hear your story, my dear heart, let alone tell it to any who will listen.
[What sort of lover should he be if he didn't want to? Besides, what he had was... bits and scraps, pulled from both Hector (and mostly from that terrible reaction with the ring), and Alucard.] You needn't tell it now, unless that's how you wish to christen your new pool. Trust that I am always here to listen.
[By the time that pet name passes Jaskier's lips, Hector's tension has relaxed. He's never found such easy, sincere acceptance anywhere else.
His arms twine around Jaskier and pulls him close, and even though they aren't in their physical bodies, his heart must be hammering hard enough for Jaskier to feel it.]
It's yours whenever you wish it. But, uh, I brought you here to help you relax, not for you to work.
[He pulls back. Jaskier had cited pains in his arm, before they came here. His massaging won't actually help in the real work, but maybe it will serve as a placebo when they return.]
Turn around, I'll get your shoulders next.
His arms twine around Jaskier and pulls him close, and even though they aren't in their physical bodies, his heart must be hammering hard enough for Jaskier to feel it.]
It's yours whenever you wish it. But, uh, I brought you here to help you relax, not for you to work.
[He pulls back. Jaskier had cited pains in his arm, before they came here. His massaging won't actually help in the real work, but maybe it will serve as a placebo when they return.]
Turn around, I'll get your shoulders next.
[The marvel of all marvels in the Horizon, that he can feel it. And he takes the touch in deep appreciation, warmed far more by it than even the water. Perhaps he's made terrible mistakes. Done terrible things. But for all whatever has happened to him, he is the man here, now, who is kind and gentle where it matters to Jaskier. It's good enough for him. Simple as that.
His hands skate down Hector's arms as they part, just to steal the feel of them. They are lovely, after all. His appreciation since their first time has hardly yet to wane.]
You know, they say a bard's work is never done. [To be fair, he already considers himself far more relaxed than he's been in a month. Still, he turns around, bearing his shoulders, tucking wet hair behind his ears.] Fine, fine. You know I can't say no to your direct orders.
His hands skate down Hector's arms as they part, just to steal the feel of them. They are lovely, after all. His appreciation since their first time has hardly yet to wane.]
You know, they say a bard's work is never done. [To be fair, he already considers himself far more relaxed than he's been in a month. Still, he turns around, bearing his shoulders, tucking wet hair behind his ears.] Fine, fine. You know I can't say no to your direct orders.
It helps that I only ask you to do things you want to do anyways...
[Hector hopes that if that wasn't the case, Jaskier would summon up some protests. He likes taking care of Jaskier. It's... symbiotic. They both benefit one another.
He rubs at the bard's shoulders, working away imaginary knots. Without knowing which arm was the sore one, he'll just have to pamper both.]
[Hector hopes that if that wasn't the case, Jaskier would summon up some protests. He likes taking care of Jaskier. It's... symbiotic. They both benefit one another.
He rubs at the bard's shoulders, working away imaginary knots. Without knowing which arm was the sore one, he'll just have to pamper both.]
[He snorts.] There's very little with you I wouldn't want to do.
[He would. Make no mistake, Jaskier is very inclined to make it known when he does not want to do something. It's only that Hector is very sexy, does not ask for much, and what he does ask for, Jaskier is more than willing to give.
His shoulders stiffen at the first touch, the same knots he has out there in here, too. If only to give Hector plenty to work with. Slowly, they loosen. Slowly, he breathes again, letting go of the breath he held. He sinks his arms into the water, rubbing at the scar up his arm.] You know, you can ask me for more, too. It's only fair.
[He would. Make no mistake, Jaskier is very inclined to make it known when he does not want to do something. It's only that Hector is very sexy, does not ask for much, and what he does ask for, Jaskier is more than willing to give.
His shoulders stiffen at the first touch, the same knots he has out there in here, too. If only to give Hector plenty to work with. Slowly, they loosen. Slowly, he breathes again, letting go of the breath he held. He sinks his arms into the water, rubbing at the scar up his arm.] You know, you can ask me for more, too. It's only fair.
[Between the steam, the soak, and the pressure of his fingers, Hector makes headway on Jaskier's stiff muscles. It's nice, to have a task he can see to completion that helps his lover.]
I don't need to ask. The things I like, you just do.
[Affection and praise flows freely from the bard, and he takes interest in Hector's work, and dotes on his pets. Maybe Jaskier thinks of that as 'not much', but for Hector, it is so much.]
I suppose I could ask you to get drunk and hate-read some of the awful philosophy books they have here. Or ask you to teach me an instrument as an unsubtle excuse to demand hands-on guidance. Some day when you're not exhausted from lugging your witcher around.
I don't need to ask. The things I like, you just do.
[Affection and praise flows freely from the bard, and he takes interest in Hector's work, and dotes on his pets. Maybe Jaskier thinks of that as 'not much', but for Hector, it is so much.]
I suppose I could ask you to get drunk and hate-read some of the awful philosophy books they have here. Or ask you to teach me an instrument as an unsubtle excuse to demand hands-on guidance. Some day when you're not exhausted from lugging your witcher around.
[He sighs, though it's terribly fond. Who knew it became a challenge to give to a man who never seems to ask for much? He's right, of course. Jaskier doesn't think of it as much as all. It is what he gives to anyone who catches his eye, whether they sleep together or not. It feels inadequate for someone who means something more than a pretty face.
(It is a very pretty face.)]
Ahh, but you barely need to ask me for that. I am known to drink and hate-read anything I can get my hands on if it's worth the ire. [He looks over his shoulder at Hector with a laugh, attempting not to move his shoulders too much so he doesn't muss up his work.] I'll make time for you. And what instrument would my newest protégé be interested in learning? Something difficult, with many holes, which requires many memorized fingerings? I'm sure I can think of one that suits.
(It is a very pretty face.)]
Ahh, but you barely need to ask me for that. I am known to drink and hate-read anything I can get my hands on if it's worth the ire. [He looks over his shoulder at Hector with a laugh, attempting not to move his shoulders too much so he doesn't muss up his work.] I'll make time for you. And what instrument would my newest protégé be interested in learning? Something difficult, with many holes, which requires many memorized fingerings? I'm sure I can think of one that suits.
[And now Jaskier knows Lenore's struggle. What to offer a man who wants so little?]
I could see some merits to learning the flute. [He's already hopefully proven to Jaskier that he has a talented mouth.] That would be easier to acquire than something like a pipe organ, too.
I could see some merits to learning the flute. [He's already hopefully proven to Jaskier that he has a talented mouth.] That would be easier to acquire than something like a pipe organ, too.
[He grins. A bevy of innuendos come to mind, but they're all far too easy. Besides, he's already well-acquainted with Hector's talented hands and particularly-shaped things.
And, of course, his mouth.]
A forgemaster, scholar, and flautist. Not the combination I would have expected. [Among other things. Animal collector. Blacksmith. General. The man really got around skill-wise, didn't he?] Then your first official gift shall be a well-crafted flute. We can't go for any old thing.
And, of course, his mouth.]
A forgemaster, scholar, and flautist. Not the combination I would have expected. [Among other things. Animal collector. Blacksmith. General. The man really got around skill-wise, didn't he?] Then your first official gift shall be a well-crafted flute. We can't go for any old thing.
[To be fair, most of his skills did somewhat align. To be a forgemaster, he needed magical knowledge and specialized tools, and practice reigniting life from death. Music would be a branching off from that, but a new challenge might be nice.]
I should have known you would be an instrument snob. What if it turns out I'm rubbish? You'll have wasted good coin on a nice flute for nothing.
[Well, not nothing. Hector suspects Jaskier could use the flute himself. It probably wouldn't be his preferred instrument because it precluded him from talking or singing, but perhaps it could be a back-up.]
I should have known you would be an instrument snob. What if it turns out I'm rubbish? You'll have wasted good coin on a nice flute for nothing.
[Well, not nothing. Hector suspects Jaskier could use the flute himself. It probably wouldn't be his preferred instrument because it precluded him from talking or singing, but perhaps it could be a back-up.]
[He smiles to himself, looking down at his hands. Practicing the flex and clench of his fingers he'd done when he was first dealing with the pain in his arms.] I'm not a snob, how rude. A poor instrument can still make good sound in talented, well-taught hands. We're simply going to boost you along.
[And it's his chance to spoil his lover, considering the total failure of his ring idea (still tucked in its box, in the drawer he keeps his songbook.)]
Nothing? It isn't nothing! Besides, under my tutelage, there is absolutely no way you'll stay rubbish. [He glances over his shoulder again.] Every time you get something right, I'll give you a taste of something wonderful. It should be enough encouragement, shouldn't it?
[And a taste gives him so many options to tease him with.]
[And it's his chance to spoil his lover, considering the total failure of his ring idea (still tucked in its box, in the drawer he keeps his songbook.)]
Nothing? It isn't nothing! Besides, under my tutelage, there is absolutely no way you'll stay rubbish. [He glances over his shoulder again.] Every time you get something right, I'll give you a taste of something wonderful. It should be enough encouragement, shouldn't it?
[And a taste gives him so many options to tease him with.]
[Hector, in general, lacks ambition. But he's not dumb enough to pass on a deal that good.]
Done. [Maybe he says it a little too quickly. But he likes to learn and the thought of Jaskier teaching him, of Jaskier sexily teaching him...
Well, Hector wouldn't have identified it as a kink of his before, but yes, yes he is definitely hot for teacher. Professor Jaskier... (or maybe Maestro Jasier?).... He gulps.]
That's even more motivation to keep you in good working order. Was this the side giving you trouble tonight?
[He moves his hands to the scarred arm, fingertips brushing gently against the raised skin.]
Done. [Maybe he says it a little too quickly. But he likes to learn and the thought of Jaskier teaching him, of Jaskier sexily teaching him...
Well, Hector wouldn't have identified it as a kink of his before, but yes, yes he is definitely hot for teacher. Professor Jaskier... (or maybe Maestro Jasier?).... He gulps.]
That's even more motivation to keep you in good working order. Was this the side giving you trouble tonight?
[He moves his hands to the scarred arm, fingertips brushing gently against the raised skin.]
[He laughs with a shaking of his shoulders, politely holding a hand over his mouth even though the water bobs with the movements. He doesn't know how Hector's managed it, but he does... he does feel better.
It may just be those hands of his, strong and warm. Talented. Surely he'll be a remarkable flautist.]
Who knew I only needed to tease you to make you so agreeable? [Well. It wasn't a tease, really.] Or promises, I should say. [He scrubs a wet hand through his hair, pushing the shorter bangs out of his face. Ah, he can hear the tremble in Hector's breath. What could he be imagining already?
Jaskier offers his arm out, turning it over the bear the scar in its entirety.] Unfortunately, it often does. Far better than it was a month ago, however. [He watches Hector's fingers move over it, a flare of heat going through him. Gods, it's beautiful to be around those who don't balk at scars. Hardly a soul has even commented on it.] All the ointments Ciri has been forcing upon me, I imagine.
It may just be those hands of his, strong and warm. Talented. Surely he'll be a remarkable flautist.]
Who knew I only needed to tease you to make you so agreeable? [Well. It wasn't a tease, really.] Or promises, I should say. [He scrubs a wet hand through his hair, pushing the shorter bangs out of his face. Ah, he can hear the tremble in Hector's breath. What could he be imagining already?
Jaskier offers his arm out, turning it over the bear the scar in its entirety.] Unfortunately, it often does. Far better than it was a month ago, however. [He watches Hector's fingers move over it, a flare of heat going through him. Gods, it's beautiful to be around those who don't balk at scars. Hardly a soul has even commented on it.] All the ointments Ciri has been forcing upon me, I imagine.
[Hector pauses against Jaskier's scarred arm.]
Are are teasing? [Gods, he hopes not. Hector will be such a devoted student if Jaskier gives him a chance. He will earn those rewards. An absolute teacher's pet.]
It looks like it's healed cleanly, but she's right. Keep treating it so it stays supple.
[He massages around the scar, not putting pressure directly on it as he assesses. Jaskier works with these arms, so it's important they stay in working order.]
Are are teasing? [Gods, he hopes not. Hector will be such a devoted student if Jaskier gives him a chance. He will earn those rewards. An absolute teacher's pet.]
It looks like it's healed cleanly, but she's right. Keep treating it so it stays supple.
[He massages around the scar, not putting pressure directly on it as he assesses. Jaskier works with these arms, so it's important they stay in working order.]
[The question has him shake his head. No. Not like that. All his teasing is only potential. Promises, as he said.] Honestly, I would love to teach you anything I could, Hector. And I will happily give you the pleasure you earn afterward.
[Honestly, he doesn't even need the teaching part. But that's fun, too.]
Not terrible for not taking it to a healer, is it? [He turns his arm over, sighing again. His head falls back against Hector's shoulder, and he cannot recall a time he was more content. Not so easily. He really is coaxed as simply as a cat is with cream.] Do you have experience with this sort of thing? I imagine you know plenty about the sort of injuries that leave one dead.
[Honestly, he doesn't even need the teaching part. But that's fun, too.]
Not terrible for not taking it to a healer, is it? [He turns his arm over, sighing again. His head falls back against Hector's shoulder, and he cannot recall a time he was more content. Not so easily. He really is coaxed as simply as a cat is with cream.] Do you have experience with this sort of thing? I imagine you know plenty about the sort of injuries that leave one dead.
I'm holding you to that. [By that, he means he'll give Jaskier sad puppy eyes if he forgets it. It's a wonder anyone was scared of Hector back on his world.]
Not as much on the living, though I know the theory of it. [He tilts his head to press his lips to Jaskier's cheek, since the bard is within range. This is one body he is glad is so full of life in his arms.] I do more patching up of bodies post-mortem, so they are ready for revival.
[He's seen plenty of mortal wounds, but that's not the kind of thing you talk about to your sweet musician boyfriend while you're cuddling in a bath together, Hector is at least 70% sure.]
It should make for an impressive scar. Think you'll put it into one of your songs?
Not as much on the living, though I know the theory of it. [He tilts his head to press his lips to Jaskier's cheek, since the bard is within range. This is one body he is glad is so full of life in his arms.] I do more patching up of bodies post-mortem, so they are ready for revival.
[He's seen plenty of mortal wounds, but that's not the kind of thing you talk about to your sweet musician boyfriend while you're cuddling in a bath together, Hector is at least 70% sure.]
It should make for an impressive scar. Think you'll put it into one of your songs?
[Honestly, Hector can hold him against whatever he'd like.
His lips turns up at the kiss, a soft hum vibrating in his throat. He listens and relaxes and imagines it. Hector's hands moving over a corpse, finding bits and bobs to fix. Somehow, as morose an image as it is, it isn't horrible. Of course, Jaskier's imagination lovingly whitewashes away blood or organs or large, gaping wounds.
He thinks it must be rather nice of him, fixing them up before bringing them back. Or is it only practical?]
I imagine they're quite thankful for it. [Look, it's not the most horrible topic. Besides, Jaskier has seen plenty of terrible wounds. Not inflicted upon himself, luckily, if one ignores that time the djinn almost killed him by swelling his throat.
He doesn't count it. Obviously.]
Oh, of course. I have to find a very thrilling explanation for it. I thought, at first, a gift I took after surviving a bandit raid, but that... [Well, it became a bit too close to the truth, after he and Ciri found the bandits in Geralt's camp. After Ciri took care of them.] Maybe a wound I picked up while learning potion-making. Mixing volatile ingredients too casually in a lesson I will never forget. It'll make for good imagery when pressing the importance in reading recipes.
His lips turns up at the kiss, a soft hum vibrating in his throat. He listens and relaxes and imagines it. Hector's hands moving over a corpse, finding bits and bobs to fix. Somehow, as morose an image as it is, it isn't horrible. Of course, Jaskier's imagination lovingly whitewashes away blood or organs or large, gaping wounds.
He thinks it must be rather nice of him, fixing them up before bringing them back. Or is it only practical?]
I imagine they're quite thankful for it. [Look, it's not the most horrible topic. Besides, Jaskier has seen plenty of terrible wounds. Not inflicted upon himself, luckily, if one ignores that time the djinn almost killed him by swelling his throat.
He doesn't count it. Obviously.]
Oh, of course. I have to find a very thrilling explanation for it. I thought, at first, a gift I took after surviving a bandit raid, but that... [Well, it became a bit too close to the truth, after he and Ciri found the bandits in Geralt's camp. After Ciri took care of them.] Maybe a wound I picked up while learning potion-making. Mixing volatile ingredients too casually in a lesson I will never forget. It'll make for good imagery when pressing the importance in reading recipes.
They can get quite testy if they start their new lives with untreated wounds.
[Well, the animals don't mind as much, so long as it no longer hurts them, but the ones forged with human souls inside were more picky. So Hector's process quickly came to involve pre-revival treatment.
He smiles over the rapidly changing mythos of the scar. Why stick with the truth if a better profit, and a lesson as well, could be eked out of a falsehood?]
A potion made in haste to spare the life of another, perhaps? People like stories of heroics, don't they?
[And Jaskier sings so many songs about other people's exploits, why shouldn't he get some attention himself?]
[Well, the animals don't mind as much, so long as it no longer hurts them, but the ones forged with human souls inside were more picky. So Hector's process quickly came to involve pre-revival treatment.
He smiles over the rapidly changing mythos of the scar. Why stick with the truth if a better profit, and a lesson as well, could be eked out of a falsehood?]
A potion made in haste to spare the life of another, perhaps? People like stories of heroics, don't they?
[And Jaskier sings so many songs about other people's exploits, why shouldn't he get some attention himself?]
Oh, gods, please. They do love tales of heroics, Hector, but you give me far too much credit.
[He laughs, and leaning in, he kisses him for it. A life-saving potion? That he should so selflessly nearly sacrifice an arm for? He bends the truth, but he's not an utmost liar. The change of this story, for one, is more to protect Ciri than anything. They already know Cadens now has an eye on her for their deaths.]
I am only a humble bard. I'm no healer, life-saving or no. Though I have been dabbling in potions. A little. By, er, reading about them, prior to attempts.
[Since his thoughts have been so chaotic as of late, it felt more suitable he doesn't... attempt. Yet. Until he can calm whatever this is in his heart. (This fear he has lived with for weeks.)] Mostly for little things, like -- oh, you know, one I read about was for vitality. It claims you needn't sleep except every third day on it. I was thinking of trying it out. Only for fun.
[He laughs, and leaning in, he kisses him for it. A life-saving potion? That he should so selflessly nearly sacrifice an arm for? He bends the truth, but he's not an utmost liar. The change of this story, for one, is more to protect Ciri than anything. They already know Cadens now has an eye on her for their deaths.]
I am only a humble bard. I'm no healer, life-saving or no. Though I have been dabbling in potions. A little. By, er, reading about them, prior to attempts.
[Since his thoughts have been so chaotic as of late, it felt more suitable he doesn't... attempt. Yet. Until he can calm whatever this is in his heart. (This fear he has lived with for weeks.)] Mostly for little things, like -- oh, you know, one I read about was for vitality. It claims you needn't sleep except every third day on it. I was thinking of trying it out. Only for fun.
[If the truth is being stretched anyways, why not just lie? But if Jaskier is laughing and smiling, he's welcome to do whatever he wants. Hector's not wrapped around his finger, it's fine.]
Oh, need to stay away for a project?
[Hector assumes that is the reason Jaskier would want to pull all-nighters. Nightmares or hyper-vigilance or something more sinister don't occur to him.]
I could help test it out. I'm used to keeping odd hours. [He'd offer to help make the potion, but he doesn't want to encroach on a man's pet project.]
Oh, need to stay away for a project?
[Hector assumes that is the reason Jaskier would want to pull all-nighters. Nightmares or hyper-vigilance or something more sinister don't occur to him.]
I could help test it out. I'm used to keeping odd hours. [He'd offer to help make the potion, but he doesn't want to encroach on a man's pet project.]
For those nights when I'm most inspired. You know, when all your ideas come to you the moment you start to fall asleep?
[It's happened more than once, especially on the road. It's why, even when he's sleeping in a bed in an inn, Jaskier keeps his songbook right next to where he lays, with a full ink well and a quill. He's lost too many good lyrics by being too comfortable to get up to write them.
But. Yes. Also nightmares. They're not as terrible as they could be, however. Not now that Geralt has returned.]
Ah! Would you? Perhaps we can mix up something together. [He doesn't mind the help at all. He's no witch; there's no misguided pride to place in the potions he makes alone.] You know, I think I found a recipe for a potion for another sort of vitality.
[He wiggles his brows.]
[It's happened more than once, especially on the road. It's why, even when he's sleeping in a bed in an inn, Jaskier keeps his songbook right next to where he lays, with a full ink well and a quill. He's lost too many good lyrics by being too comfortable to get up to write them.
But. Yes. Also nightmares. They're not as terrible as they could be, however. Not now that Geralt has returned.]
Ah! Would you? Perhaps we can mix up something together. [He doesn't mind the help at all. He's no witch; there's no misguided pride to place in the potions he makes alone.] You know, I think I found a recipe for a potion for another sort of vitality.
[He wiggles his brows.]
Have you spent any time looking into Nocwich since we left Thorne?
Oh yes, falling asleep, or in the middle of a bath. Ideas love to flock whenever there's no pen and paper at hand.
[Nerd problems. They are both slightly different flavors of nerds.]
Sure. I'll need to read over the recipe first, make sure I know what I'm doing. [It would be much too embarrassing if he talks a big talk and then the potion blows up in his face.
He raises an eyebrow at Jaskier.] Oh, do you think we need one of those on hand? It's been my experience that you've never failed to rise to the occasion.
[Nerd problems. They are both slightly different flavors of nerds.]
Sure. I'll need to read over the recipe first, make sure I know what I'm doing. [It would be much too embarrassing if he talks a big talk and then the potion blows up in his face.
He raises an eyebrow at Jaskier.] Oh, do you think we need one of those on hand? It's been my experience that you've never failed to rise to the occasion.
No. I got distracted by a commission from our witcher friend.
Why, did you find something?
Why, did you find something?
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