museboxingring | There was a split moment to think.

There was a split moment to think.

It was another day just like how it has been. Connor did his rounds in the town and his job on campus, not in that order.

He was probably going for a few days, hardly speaking to people and it wasn't really on his own volition. When he was at work, he was like a locomotive, he would be running and trying to accomplish what he could with any amount of energy he had. Whatever time he had to rest, it was to assess what had been done and what should be done next.

Research, and what not.

These times were bad, the very town up in arms about the insects and the horrifying rip in the sky.

It was like a nightmare, a nightmare that decided to be real.

Connor had just returned to his dorm, a place he actually wasn't in much these days. He was covered in remnants of the shadow bugs, as he was fending them off from harming citizens.

He remembered his discussions with people, and he had tried to send off citizens to safety. He was trying very hard.

So what next? What could he do now? He had not heard from that mysterious man yet about the bombs, but surely whenever he was ready, he would be back in action to find action. This was the sort of thing you had to be ready for; those were bombs.

---

He unlocked his door to the dorm only to find it empty, which was okay. Desmond was surely busy too.

He decided he was to wash his face, suddenly feeling tired. The many days of working were finally getting to him, and he felt that it hit him hard. He turned on the faucet to splash the cold water on, and it felt a little better. Now he got a better look though, and he truly looked tired. Perhaps he needed to get his robes cleaned and go find something to eat. He needed to rejuvenate somehow.

It was already late evening, what else could happen?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

He knew that knock, and looked up from his sink to look toward the door.

The same people usually visited his dorm. Unlike his office, where it was probably easy to say that it was more public and strangers often came to him more often.

So that made it even easier to distinguish the knock. The knock was slow, polite, and hesitant at the end. It was like the other person on the other side of the door was afraid of disturbing him to some extent.

Of course, the other person wasn't doing such a thing; he welcomed this person no matter what. To be honest with himself, he could probably use this visit and it was a visit he needed to make in the first place.

He just looked disgusting, aside from his now clean face anyway.

"Come in."

She had no idea he listened to her so closely. But in the back of her mind Eirik had to wonder how many people even visited him. Other than Desmond and his mother, except the former lived with him. They were close, weren't they? Must have been. Friends of a sort, because they came from the same land. Like his mother, Connor wasn't alone. They all had each other and they all came from the same place.

And often, that made her insides ache. With envy, she supposed. Or a sense of being slightly heartbroken.

She forced her thoughts aside so she could show herself in. Slowly and carefully, she edged past his door, and closed it after herself. "...Connor?" she asked gently. "Are you feeling all right? Do you need me to get you anything?"

And as she looked around, she found Desmond wasn't present. Yet she had to wonder where he was at such a later hour.

All of that was a discussion for another time. Desmond was going to be brought up, it was inevitable.

Maybe not today, maybe not.

He turned around to face her, showing his filthy robes. He literally just got back, and hadn't even removed his weapons from his person yet. Still though, he welcomed her in as warmly as he could. Once she started speaking, he began removed those weapons and gently placing them on the table.

What had she been doing? They really haven't spoken for a while, so it was time to catch up.

Alright, so he was going to take the rest of the night off. Call him weird to do that now, but Eirik was worth any time to sit and rest. They were in his room, and not on the battlefield. They were going to use indoor tactics.

He smiled a little, but he felt she was going to start talking about the state of his person. Also unavoidable.

"I am alright," he said as he walked closer to her.

Always a man of few words. But then she had this suspicion that even if everything was going wrong, Connor would never tell her. Not because he didn't trust her, but rather the opposite. He trusted her to worry and to get concerned, and admittedly, he was right to think it. When she got worried, it sometimes took off and was difficult for her to curb and even more difficult for him to reassure her.

Even though she knew he had extensive training in weapons, she couldn't deny that a part of her felt ever so slightly wary. Force and power. Just his build said he had that about him. He'd admitted that he knew what it was like to feel attracted to strength and how it could corrupt someone. She never forgot that and if anything, she thought about it more and more where her future was concerned. Ultimate power was being in her position, she'd thought. But when would it corrupt her?

As he approached, her hands lifted and she found herself trying to straighten out his robes. Further up she drew his hood over his head, in the way a groom would his bride with a veil. "You've been busy," she observed with no accusation. Merely pointing it out and acknowledging his efforts. He deserved that.

"You aren't hurt." It wasn't a question, but the raise of her eyebrows and her scanning gaze might as well have implied that it was.

He would've soon removed the hood on his own, but her removing it for him meant something.

It was getting more and more obvious that Eirik had wiggled in the small circle of Connor's personal propriety. They just seemed to get even closer when it came to personal trust of touch. No one had removed his own hood, that was a supreme symbol of something.

Like she was able to switch a side of Connor in an instant.

There was the warrior Connor, Assassin Connor, the Connor that fought. Then there was the loving, kind Connor.

She was worried, as he knew she would. He couldn't stop her from being worried. He was always out and moving, and here he was as filthy as can be. He kept smiling though, as if for some reason her worry gave him some kind of comfort.

It came with caring about each other, so very much.

"Not at all," he said, with a warm confidence. "I am sorry, I haven't seen you for a while. I should know better."

She shook her head almost immediately. "No. You have your own things to attend to and I have mine. None of that warrants an apology. As long as you're doing what you believe needs to be done, that is what matters to me." After a momentary pause, she continued, "If anything, I should be accompanying you more often."

But I have my own obligations I've given myself as well.

Eirik lowered her hands from him, as if maintaining a respectful line between them. Truth be told, she didn't exactly know how to talk to him after their last real dedicated run-in. Seeing him in passing and giving him a smile, or occasionally checking up on him was completely different. It wasn't as if she could address things so pointedly either. Thank you for that wonderful day where we did things that we probably shouldn't have done. No. That wasn't the right way to go about it.

So instead, she merely gave a subdued smile, but a smile all the same, for she couldn't say she was displeased. Because she wasn't.

He had given the notion a lot of thought; they could really be working together. The thought of Eirik hopping from one roof to the next along with him was a very humorous one, he wouldn't dare say that out loud. Hell, maybe she'd like to learn how to do that. He wouldn't know unless she asked. But they could do just as much damage on the ground. It would maybe seem like an odd thing for couples to do to some, but when did Connor really care about that? They were an odd couple from the beginning, why stop on the oddness.

Spending time sparring with rapiers, swords, and bow practice made for a lot of good times when they had such to spare.

Which brought them to now, after their last real...intimate moment.

He would always have smiled at her whenever they changed glances, he had truly meant to visit her appropriately soon enough. It was business first, then anything else though. So, he couldn't help but spit out, "I have noticed you have been keeping an eye on the Doctor."

Which really came from observation since he was basically everywhere in the school. Because old habits died hard, he had been kind of watching Eggman as well as Bowser; because both of them caused heinous things.

He kept an eye on her. Still. Something that shouldn't have surprised her because of course he did. He didn't need to say words to remind her that he wanted to protect her if and when he could, provided she'd let him. He respected that she didn't want to be viewed as a damsel in distress and there wasn't much more beyond that which she could request.

On the other hand, in some ways it made her feel strange to have him periodically checking up on her. Over a year prior she'd been confused about how she viewed him, considering that their relationship was quite akin to the one she shared with General Seth of the Knight Order. Connor acted as if he was her retainer and sometimes it had led to interesting conversations—usually when the jealous boyfriend persona got involved.

Not that he had anything to be jealous of where Eggman was concerned.

"Samus Aran had requested it of me," she explained. "She understands my need for a sense of vengeance against the man for what he did to me. I have not forgotten and I have not forgiven him. Until he pays consequences for those harmed and for what he did to this academy, he will remain an enemy and consequently, it's vital that I keep watch over him."

Folding her arms over her chest, she continued. "With how things have been going, it was given to me as a possibility that he may choose to take advantage of the disarray. Anyone with villainous intent would find this to be the perfect time to hatch their own project. You are putting yourself on the front lines of danger, Connor, as you are like to do. It is only fair that I do the same, even when my own front line is behind yours."

Edited (TYPOSSSS) 2014-08-22 15:45 (UTC)

It was just something he noticed. His own agenda aside to feel at ease to see her safe, just because, he knew she could take care of herself. In the end of the day, he just hoped she believed that. Though, he knew his comment might make her feel otherwise. So, he decided to reel it a little and explain himself respectfully.

"That was wise," he said. "I cannot say I do not feel the same. In fact, there is also a monster here who is known to do the same thing; whom I have crossed paths with once. Perhaps you have heard of him, the townsfolk call him 'Bowser'."

He wouldn't forget what Bowser did, and he most certainly won't forget what Eggman did. Not ever. They were both monsters in their own right, and Connor still didn't understand why either were allowed to function here.

"I have been watching them both, I know the dangers behind it. But it is something that I, no, we must do. If we plan on keeping things as safe as they can be."

He wanted to make Eirik feel right in her judgment, truly. They both had an important role, after all.

"I've heard of him. Did you know he is the etiquette instructor at the academy? At least Eggman has a position that suits him. Bowser's is hardly anything more than a feigned attempt at lulling the masses into a false security. At some point he will slip up and when he does, you and I must crush him."

She sounded so determined, though she didn't specify on what she meant when she said 'crush.' Force had never been her cup of tea as it were, but sometimes what had to be done had to be done and there was no fighting against that.

"The same goes for Eggman and I know I don't need to say it. However..." The features in her face softened and she went from the leader and soldier back to the more demure and kindhearted princess rather than stone-faced. "That hasn't happened yet for either. We should enjoy what peace we can get now, even in the face of difficult times. Let's enjoy these moments we have."

"No one trusts him, nor do they trust Doctor Eggman."

Connor almost laughed, but instead he gave another genuine smile. Eirik, the proper princess she usually is, just used the word "crushed". So merciless, so bold, so great to hear.

"We could do that, and we will," Connor responded. They could do it together.

What a thought, and it was a thought he enjoyed; fighting alongside.

He softened even more as well, taking in that last statement. He felt his tiredness wear away, but then he started asking himself numerous things. Why not take this moment to just enjoy something? There was a small moment of peace, and Eirik was here; these two things lead to an automatic feeling of joy and not something he wanted to throw away. Just a moment in, without any distractions but each other. That sounded very nice.

Connor gave Eirik a gentle kiss on the forehead. "I like that idea. Let me get changed first, I am filthy. Not very befitting for a night with you."

Did he have to phrase it like that? "Not very befitting for a night with you." A night with her. He could have been caked in dirt and she wouldn't have given a damn. It wasn't the what, it was the who. Dirty or clean didn't make too much of a difference. If he wanted to clean up, fine. That would be more for his personal comfort, though she did appreciate that he thought of her enough to present himself in such a way.

He had no reason to impress her, however.

Eirik smiled a bit bashfully and turned her sights from him momentarily. "No rush. I'll stay for a bit, if you'd like. I didn't have any other plans." Because it was nice to know he wanted her to stay. And when he was mentioning spending the night with her, it was a good indication that he wanted to share her bed (or have her share his). Not routine by any means, but a rather pleasant exchange when it happened.

Even with the lingering proverbial intimacy elephant in the room.

It was even more so that it was shadow bug remnants with the dirt than dirt alone. He would not like to spend the night with that kind of filth. No remains of the defeated, none of it.

"Neither do I now," he replied, parting and making his way to the restroom. "I will be back, I promise I shall not be long."

He walked there slowly and calmly, looking back at her for just a moment. He gave her just one more smile before retreating back into the restroom, feeling an odd sensation. This was like way back when, when Eirik returned from Magvel. How he cleaned in her restroom to just a tunic after the heavy rains. Most importantly, their first night in a bed together. He remembered waking up that morning feeling more rested than he had in years.

Sleeping peacefully did that, sleeping happily.

He washed his face again, feeling the tiredness be completely gone by now. The robes were taken off and hung on the shower rack, he'd wash them later.

He emerged from the restroom in that simple tunic like that one night, and met with her again.

She waited patiently, almost uncertain of what to do with herself during so. It wasn't like she hadn't visited him room before, for she certainly had. It just felt different and maybe that was because she knew Desmond was there as well. She didn't want to leave behind a trail. She didn't want to cause Connor to face any awkward situations without her to endure them as well.

Through joy and pain, she wanted to stand with him.

Yet he didn't make her wait long and with how simple he looked, she felt overdressed. But she usually did when she stood beside him. She always had earrings, always had her pendant, almost always had her own tunic and skirt ensemble. But in his eyes, she probably simply looked 'nice,' and he probably didn't give a damn as to what she was wearing. Having her there was likely more the way he wanted to put things, even if he didn't say it.

"You look better," she observed with a gentle smile when he returned. "I would have been fine just visiting with you for a few minutes. If you're tired, you should rest, Connor. Lest you overwork yourself."

He was feeling refreshed, so he shook his head and said, "I feel fine, better actually."

He always looked so simple compared to Eirik, divinity in royalty compared to the rustic natural Native. It just made sense to him she might have more than him, and he was fine with that by now. He was happy with all he had, and took pride in his own heritage and the values that came with it.

"I am alright as long as you are," he continued. "Because you were right, I want to take advantage of the peace we have."

His reward was a genuine smile, and not one of the diplomatic sort. Soft and gentle by comparison. He was alright as long as she was? Was that truly the way of it? By how confident he looked, strong facial features that showed an age she was foreign to, she had a hard time contesting his words.

"Is that your way of saying you wish me to stay the night?" she asked him, a sly curve at the corner of her mouth. "Not that I have any complaints, mind you. Simply that usually we are in my room and I did not bring a change of clothes with me or any robes."

Although in hindsight, Connor probably wouldn't completely dislike her being without garb. If their last encounter was any indication.

That wasn't where he was really going. Sure, they have spend many nights together, but it was perhaps hard to still ask of her if she wanted to. Of course though, he enjoyed those nights and wouldn't turn it down if it were to come up.

But the choice on her end was always there, never would she forget that.

"Only if you want," Connor said. "I merely meant that I do not think we have to force a short visit. As busy as we tend to be, I always want our meetings to be meaningful."

Briefly, she looked a little disappointed. Not because of his reaction, for she knew what he was doing and what he meant. But mostly that after all of the time that had passed between them, he still wandered about like he was a scared little puppy, afraid of whatever noble wrath she had concealed beneath her regal bearing.

It's okay for you to say things you want, she thought as she stared at him, wordless for many moments. Or can you only say those things when you've got your hands on me? And she knew better than to say, but how she wanted to in those moments.

"I understand," she found herself replying gently with a short little nod. "I think length of time may not necessarily be of issue. We always cherish one another, no matter how short or long we may see one another."

He bashfully looked to the side.

What was his deal then? He assumed he was really just hoping he never overstepped any boundaries. After the last night they spent together, it was a wonder if there were any boundaries to begin with anymore. They were still shy of...intercourse, their top halves exposed and them enjoying each other's touch in a way that was unlike anything Connor had experienced.

It was truly a moment of something special.

So then, why this? I do not want you to think I am a 'hungry' man. I do not want to impose any pressure. Though I am possibly not helping with that right now.

He was perhaps nervous when he shouldn't be. In an effort to relax, he sat back on the sofa, keeping his eyes on her. He was attentive to her, after all. So he noticed how somewhat disappointed she looked.

Yes, it was because of that one time. What was she expecting him to say? Something appropriate, akin to what had happened then? He was very close to offering on of his tunics if she wished to sleep in something more comfortable-

"You could...borrow a tunic if you wish," well, he blurted that out. Happy now, Eirik?

Edited (graggh) 2014-08-28 01:25 (UTC)

He sat. She didn't. Because she was still nervous, naturally. It wasn't her room and she didn't frequently come to visit. Maybe because subconsciously she remembered that she was a princess. Princesses didn't go see people; it was people who were supposed to come see her. Consequently, there was a difference between checking in on Connor every now and then and genuinely paying him visitation.

It probably would have been the same in Renais.

Her hands laced together. Her posture straight. Her very air speaking everything noble about her. No wonder he got intimidated around her. There was over a decade between them in age, but she had a penchant for carrying herself with a wisdom that was beyond her years.

His offer rendered a pause from her and she looked down to herself as she considered the invitation. "If I wouldn't look too silly to you, then that would be fine. I'm sure it'd fit me as well as a gown."

"Of course not," Connor gently remarked, perhaps a little off put by her nervousness. He always hoped that he made her feel comfortable but then the princess airs shown up and he wasn't sure.

Then he would tell himself that that really wasn't the case here, it was just respect and upholding her title. He was reminded constantly that the princess side would always be there. So he had to accept it; and he did.

They were both nervous, and Connor wanted to rid of that feeling. He thought of the tunic again, and did picture how large it would actually be for her. He was much, much larger than she was. It was amusing to think about in principle.

"You never look silly," Connor remarked again.

Edited 2014-08-29 16:30 (UTC)

"If you get me one, I'll change."

It was as simple as that, really. She wasn't going to turn him down. For her, it was something of a great privilege that he would want her so close. Some time before they'd established that Connor's rule of 'no touching' had somewhat gone out the window. They respected one another and that was really what mattered. If there were boundaries, one could easily tell with the other, and until then, they'd each have to tread carefully.

She laced her hands together and tipped her head in his direction, as if to encourage him. "On the other hand, if you tell me where your tunics are, I'll fetch one myself. You look so restful, after all. A shame if I disturbed a man at rest."

One one hand, he could just be a gentleman. Though she may find that too overbearing, maybe. On the other, telling her where he kept such things may be testament to more trust. Those were personal belongings, and Eirik could have right to his quarters and search what she needed.

He felt he could really trust her enough, there was nothing in his bedroom he felt he should hide. Nor did he really NEED to hide.

He titled his head toward his bedroom, finally making up his mind. He was going to go through with this. This was something he should do, and he was still smiling at her mannerisms.

"In the closest, you can pick which ever you want."

Yeah, wear whatever article of his clothing you want.

It was a pleasant surprise to hear his response. He was inviting her to his apparel. However she pleased. Whatever she wanted. Surprise faded into softness and wordless to begin with, she moved toward his closet and shuffled through it carefully.

She did settle on a tunic, well enough aware that anything she wore was going to be hideously large on her. But perhaps he'd find that appealing. It's this or nothing, she thought as she picked out something white, not too unlike what she was accustomed to seeing him in.

Turning, she lifted it to show him. "I'll go change," followed next with a small smile. Bashful, in an endearing fashion. Because it was a first for her. She'd worn Innes's clothes once and that was when she was a boy thanks to the hot springs. This was completely different.

It really was different, but it was done so...casually. Was this all meant to be casual now? It was fine for her to wear his clothes, they could visit each others' rooms, everything was just coming along so naturally. Every time they saw each other, another line was crossed. As nerve-wracking as that could be, it wasn't something he could regret.

What a life he led now.

For once, he completely stayed put. Not moving a muscle, actually listening for once. Eirik wasn't ever silly, she was endearing; just like the smile she gave.

Tonight may be interesting, Connor couldn't predict that. As of now, he was just letting her borrow his clothes to sleep in. He smiled at her some more, and took a deep breath. Completely relaxed.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject