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 Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2024 7:55 pm
After all of the vivid memories Michael had shared in the turbulence of the Code piece at Sessrumnir, it was difficult to unpack everything. He knew he had questions, but he didn’t want to be insensitive about them. He knew he witnessed things as a third party, and Devyn had, for the most part, been thrown into direct memories of his life. His life during a time where someone he loved and treasured was still alive to share it with him.
Michael knew he could never compare to Percy, and he knew Devyn didn’t compare them. He believed Devyn when he said he loved them both, and that he helped heal immeasurable damage within Devyn. Just as Devyn had done so with Michael, although he had only decades to make up for, whereas Devyn had centuries.
That night, pizza was shared in the kitchen so they could make sure some was set aside for Atticus and Elliot if they happened to wander home, looking for food. Lucien also seemed to be out, but would likely come home at some point. After leaving three pieces of tiramisu in the refrigerator, Michael and Devyn retreated to the bathroom to enjoy their dessert while lounging in a hot bath.
A sweet dessert wine was poured into glasses as well, because why not? Michael had received it as a gift and it had been sitting in the refrigerator for a while now. He thought it was appropriate for them to celebrate their lives together. Even if it had been a short while, comparatively.
“You had quite a number of um… spirited people you surrounded yourself with,” Michael cautiously broached the subject. “I can see why you were surprised when you met Chris, knowing he’s Valhalla’s reincarnation.”
He had a plate resting on the edge of the bath so he could wrap his free arm around Devyn. Although he was pretty sure it only ended up this way because he jumped into the water first. Not that he wouldn’t mind resting against Devyn, but he wanted to pamper his husband a little, and he wanted to start off by not letting him put his back against the hard tub.
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Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2024 8:08 pm
Devyn had not parted with his plate, and in fact had brought a few extra snacks to guarantee that he wouldn’t be tempted out of the bath because of a growling stomach. He’d finished half his tiramisu almost before he’d even undressed, and now that he was in the bath it had been only temporarily spared while he adjusted to the warmth.
His head was tipped back and his eyes were closed; he held the plate and his fork close to his chest, just above the water, as he rested against Michael.
Michael was spoiling him but he’d resolved to shift positions as soon as his plate was empty so he could return the favor. It was only because Michael spoke that he cracked an eye to see him.
“Oh, yeah.” Maybe he could tell that Michael was testing the waters, but Devyn had promised him answers and he had no intention of backing down. The water was the perfect temperature and Michael was too comfortable for him to feel anxious or dread this conversation.
“Spirited is a nice way of describing it,” he laughed. “Serge had his good days. Sometimes. Usually not while I was around, but more often than not we were only ever in the same room when something was going wrong so I can’t hold it against him. I wish he’d been nicer to Percy. I think Serge thought he was helping but he and Percy were very different. I never doubted how much he cared, though. Even if I didn’t always agree with how he went about things.”
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Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2024 8:11 pm
It was nice hearing Devyn laugh, even if their conversation had the potential to go to places that could still be painful. He rubbed Devyn’s chest as he held him, his thumb brushing over the most prominent scar across his torso. He couldn’t help but wonder how many of his scars were due to stubbornness.
“I imagine he’d be difficult to get along with. Seemed very uh… set in his ways,” Michael hummed, before taking another small bite of his dessert.
“Do you think Lucien would be able to regain his other, human form? I don’t know what stasis does to a Mauvian. I almost didn’t believe it when he said who he was, but… thinking about it, I can see the similarities. His mannerisms are relatively similar. I bet he indulged you a lot,” Michael teased, but kissed the back of Devyn’s head to make sure he knew he wasn’t trying to be mean about it.
“And Marius really made things difficult for you. What’s up with that doctor of yours? Was he that good to keep around?”
It seemed as though it was easier for Michael to ask questions after the first didn’t go poorly.
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Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2024 8:14 pm
While Devyn couldn’t read Michael’s mind, he had an idea. He was relaxing now, and the steady rhythm of the necklace around Michael’s neck was not entirely perfect. He wasn’t pretending to be calm. He was just genuinely at peace in that moment.
Michael had a lot of questions, but far from being annoyed, Devyn was endeared. Amused, he couldn’t help but smile and Michael’s enthusiasm.
“I wouldn’t say Lucien indulged me. We were good friends, we went way back. He knew me back when I was small enough to ride on his shoulders, and he wasn’t small enough to ride on mine. I think he pitied me, at first. Being a Senshi was hard for me, and my world expected a lot from me right up front. Maybe he thought I wasn’t going to last long so he was extra kind to me. But,” he shrugged, “I wound up living longer than anyone expected, so the damage was done. We were already friends, no going back. He wanted me to succeed so he tried to give me the resources to make sure that could happen.”
Maybe he wasn’t taking it completely seriously but he was enjoying reminiscing, at least. “I know he’s still having a hard time getting back to himself.” Honestly, Devyn didn’t know if Lucien would ever be exactly who he knew. Of course he still had hurt feelings–by no fault of Luicen’s–to see the shape of his friend but know that nearly every moment they’d shared together was gone, lost to time. The feelings were there, the bond hadn’t faded. Things were just different in some ways. “I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before Lucien figures out how to access that form, too. I’m glad you had that memory,” he said after a few seconds. “...I have a lot of memories that are known only to me, these days. But it’s like you got to live a part of my life with me.”
He didn’t want to move from where he was resting against Michael but he didn’t want to hold his plate forever. He took a bite but spoke around it, like he didn’t want to dwell on a topic that could have gotten heavy so early in their conversation.
Instead, he carried on. “Serge was one of the most stubborn people I ever knew. But it kept him alive. And others, too. Don’t judge Dr. Eld too harshly, he was the best doctor I’ve ever known. He didn’t have an easy life, he was overcompensating in a lot of ways. He was young when he got drafted into war. Him and Virgil. And Tieran.” A pause, and then he explained, “My past life. I didn’t like to have his memories, but I heard a lot of stories about him. Don’t be too hard on Marius. He did a lot for me in his lifetime. I was too hard on him back then.”
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Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2024 8:16 pm
“You don’t mind?” Michael asked, still a little cautious. He had his plate set down, and focused on gently moving some of Devyn’s hair off his shoulder and tucked to the side so he could see him easier as he leaned back on him. “That I’ve seen those memories -- or any memories. I know you were okay with whatever I saw of Percy’s but…”
This was a little more than that. He felt like it wasn’t something that happened often, if ever. It was maybe a fluke that pulled the memories of those within Sessrumnir, and those who were close to Percy and Devyn. He wasn’t complaining. It was good insight. But it felt like it was cheating a little.
“I’m glad you ended up living longer than anyone expected, if that isn’t obvious,” Michael sighed and leaned close to press a kiss to Devyn’s temple.
“Okay, so I’m doing my best to keep track of everyone. Virgil… I think I only saw briefly. So he was friends with your past life? And was now there to make sure you were okay and keep Dr. Eld in check…? I’m not judging him, I promise,” he was quick to reassure. “There was someone else they were talking to. The one who gave you those earrings?”
He had to pause to make sure Devyn had a chance to respond, otherwise he would just keep asking.
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Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2024 8:16 pm
The pampering was welcome, and Devyn occasionally, slightly, maneuvered to make it easier for Michael. He enjoyed the way Michael moved his hair, the little kisses.
Michael just had a lot of questions, so Devyn took one last oversized bite of his tiramisu so he could finish off the plate. He moved away just enough to set the fork and plate down on the ground, but then he settled back against Michael immediately.
He had spoken in great lengths about the people in his life and was eager for the opportunity to share more–especially since Michael had a unique insight now that he hadn’t had before.
“Atrius. You’ve seen his statue in Arista. There’s a few portraits in City Hall and the office, too. Even after he passed he still left a legacy that warranted respect. And it was nice to go into town and still see a friendly face. It probably helps that Marius took over after him. He had a thing about legacy. Atrius’ birthday is a holiday in Arista, you know. That was Marius’ idea. You’ve met with Atrius, and Virgil, and Dr. Eld. Madison,” he clarified. “Sort of. When we went out on Virgil’s boat, with the wishing flowers. They only grow there, I’m not sure why. But it was a legend from their hometown. Atrius wasn’t from there, but Virgil and Dr. Eld were, and Tieran. They’re supposed to be rare, but you’ve seen how they grown on that hill. I don’t know who planted them.” If anyone. “Marius might have. He was sentimental like that. But maybe it was Alastor’s tribute to them. They were very important to me. Their passing was difficult.”
The price of living longer than anyone expected. But, he was glad he was here with Michael, too.
And how could he mind Michael’s questions? Devyn loved talking about ancient history. There were so many stories he had yet to share, a jumping off point just gave him an excuse to talk about more.
“I’m glad Sessrumnir shares things with you. And Percy, too. I won’t ever mind. I just hope you only get the good memories.” Michael had enough bad memories of his own, he didn’t need anyone else’s to carry, too.
“Anyway. Virgil was there to help, but also to make sure Dr. Eld was okay, I think. Virgil was always more of a fighter. But you saw him, he was in shape. I think you two would have gotten along very well. Especially when it came to sailing. He’d be very proud that you have his boat now, just so you know. He took such good care of it. I can’t believe it’s lasted this long. He probably came to make sure Dr. Eld was okay. I didn’t really know it at the time, but Atrius and Virgil had been together since before I met them. Virgil and Dr. Eld had, apparently, been together before that, but after Tieran died,” he shrugged. “Things got a little complicated. They were both hurting and didn’t know how to heal. And then Atrius got tired of them pining over each other and set everyone up together. That’s why they’re all buried together. So they can keep watch over Arista, together. I like to think–I hope–that in another life, they found each other again. With less hardship.”
Maybe it was too much to ask for. But, he could dream.
“I’m sorry, Michael. I think I’ve forgotten the question.” But, obviously, he didn’t mind answering what he could. Devyn turned his head just slightly so he could see Michael a bit better.
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Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2024 8:17 pm
Michael nodded as he listened and rubbed at the tension that always seemed to linger in Devyn’s shoulders, even if he seemed peaceful now. Although he laughed when Devyn confessed to forgetting the question, which of course earned Devyn a kiss. There were a lot of questions that he had! He didn’t mind.
Some of what Devyn spoke of he already knew, but he was quite content to be reminded. He liked listening to Devyn talk, and if he could give him something comfortable to talk about, then maybe when they got to less comfortable topics, it wouldn’t be as difficult.
“Ah, that handsome man in the town. Yes, I remember him. I’m surprised you don’t have more statues of yourself around,” he hummed, but he knew it was probably more complicated than that. If Atrius was well liked by all, then of course the people would be fine with a statue. Devyn had the legacy of the Senshi in his past, despite being so long lived. He had to suffer through being without Percy for most of that time.
“Virgil kept his boat in very good shape. I really do hope he doesn’t mind that I’m using it now,” he laughed softly, knowing how picky he was about his own sailboat. “That’s a nice thought, though. That they found each other. Who knows. You found me,” Michael pointed out, hoping it would bring at least a little bit of ease to Devyn’s heart.
“Did things get better?” he prompted cautiously. The memories were still so fresh, it might have been too painful to think about. “With Alastor and getting things settled down?”
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Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2024 8:17 pm
Even with the pampering, it took Devyn a moment to answer. It wasn’t that it was a difficult question, there was just a lot to take into consideration.
“Yes,” he finally decided. “Things did get better, it just took some time. Perce and I had to work hard to earn our peace. But we weren’t alone. My Council was doing its best. Atrius–he was clever, one of the smartest men I ever knew, was pulling his own strings. Marius might have done the most,” he admitted.
“It was easier to like him after I found out what he was up to. He had this thing, where he was always sneaking around. It was easy to assume he was up to no good, especially when I was looking for a reason to be mad at him. But even back then, I remember it was hard to be mad at him. I was just mad and didn’t have an outlet.”
He sighed, partly dramatic, and partly because he was trying to get the weight off his chest so he could continue. He sank below the water just a bit more, not because he was trying to escape but because the warmth felt so good on his muscles. Especially with how Michael had worked at some of them already.
“Nothing stayed good forever, but for all the trouble Marius gave me in Villefort, I think he made up for it in surplus. I bet I could still find some of his old essays. He learned dramatics from me, but he perfected them on a totally different spectrum. That boy could pull at your heartstrings and sucker you into anything and you’d never even know you’d been had. If you met him, if you knew him, he was a stubborn, independent young man with the weight of the world on his shoulders. He was prideful, he was confident, he was clever. Determined, and ambitious. He was scheming, but I don’t think it ever crossed his mind to use any of that for himself. He was humble, to the very end. When we spared his life, he promised to spend the rest of it making sure we didn’t regret it. I don’t think he owed any of us that much, not after what he’d been through.”
Devyn clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. “He liked to play up how sick and weak he was for pity points. If you knew him like Perce and I did, and you saw the way he could just butter people up with his pathetic little play, oh. He’d only let people see this sweet, innocent, grateful side of him, and then he’d go back in his room and brood and have his dramatics. He was always a little jaded. Very snarky. But he worked hard to make a persona that would appeal to the masses, and he did. Back then, after what happened on Sessrumnir, he knew how hard this was on Percy. He knew how miserable we were, and he knew it was because of Villefort. So he started reaching out–sorry, Michael, it’s a long story–started reaching out to the villages I hadn’t been to in a while. He got the Council to pull up notes from my travels and he started writing to all of them, reaching to touch base ‘on my behalf’.”
Though he sounded just faintly exasperated, Devyn sounded appreciative. “He’d ask how they were doing, tell them I was thinking about them and wanted to know how they were doing. He’d research problems in the areas, or check in on whatever aid they’d gotten in the past to see if they needed more. He coordinated with my Council–and Atrius–to get them what they needed. It refreshed a lot of bonds and saved me a lot of time. And did a lot of good, too. But he was–unsurprisingly–biased for all those small towns. He didn’t want anyone to be forgotten. I can’t even imagine how much time he spent writing those letters or pulling up the information he needed. He was smart, Michael. For a sick little kid who nearly ruined my life and legacy, by the end of it I don’t know what I’d have done without him. Worked myself to the bone. If it hadn’t been Villefort to be my downfall, it would have been something else. Only, I wouldn’t have had him there to help. I still have some of his essays. He used to publish them in local papers. For a while, when the whole Villefort story was hot, he really rode that wave. He talked about his culture, his life, the flora and fauna. Medicine, recipes, lore. He made a lot money off of those papers. All of it went back to Villefort, or to pay for the help he was sending out on my behalf. Marius expected to die young, so every day he had, after the Blackrot was out of his system, was a day he spent trying to do some good.”
And, he had. A lot of it. Devyn was clearly proud of him, and though he found his mouth parched he didn’t just sip at the warm bathwater. He reached for the wine and sipped for a few seconds before he continued, “He helped change the public opinion back in my favor. With that sweet, innocent, fragile facade of his. He wrote essays about how kind and charming I was, how hard I worked. How considerate and compassionate, how dedicated. How just and fair. I don’t know if I believed all of it, but he had a way of convincing people and painting a nice picture. So, yeah. Things got better. And that’s just what Marius was up to, I had a lot of people helping me. But that’s why you can’t be too hard on him. I didn’t know what he was doing back then, but I appreciate it. He was always writing. I’d like to find some of his books, I know I’ve got copies of everything back at the Hall. If you were ever interested, I could read them to you. He had a lot of good stories. And he wrote about the people in his life, too. Not just me. I have some of his personal books, too. The ones he wrote but never published. They talk about Dr. Eld, and Virgil, and Atrius. Lukas, Lucien. Percy. Even Serge and Celyn.”
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Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2024 8:19 pm
Michael smoothed his hand through Devyn’s hair for a moment, pausing from massaging Devyn’s shoulders, in order to reassure him that he didn’t mind long stories. He was quiet as he listened, although he made the occasional noise to make sure Devyn knew he was listening.
“I would really like that,” Michael agreed when Devyn offered to read him some of Marius’ books. He couldn’t help but smile -- maybe smirk a little in amusement, “I’d like to hear all the impressive things he wrote about you. You must have had a huge impression on him, for him to go to such lengths. Sure, maybe he felt guilty for what he did, but he didn’t have to do all of that to help you and Percy.”
It was sweet, although he could only imagine the stress they must have been under. It was also a relief to know that Devyn had help back then. Sure, it was a thousand years ago, but that didn’t mean Michael liked thinking about Devyn suffering.
“I’d agree that you are considerate and compassionate and dedicated. I’m glad things were able to get better for a bit.”
He paused, cautious about saying too much. He stroked Devyn’s hair again, and wrapped his arm around him once more, just to hold him.
“You don’t feel like it still weighs on you, do you? Having to kill people?” He knew it was maybe a jump from Devyn talking about how much Marius took care of things for them, but Marius had made Devyn kill people too, and not by his own will.
“I think about it sometimes. It was hard. It was war. I switched to a rescue and evac team soon after realizing I couldn’t live like that. I just wanted to do my part. Maybe I was too naive. We saved people. But ended up with everyone dying anyway. Sometimes particularly loud thunder sounds like the shell hitting the helicopter.”
And hopefully that explained why he froze up when things were too loud sometimes.
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Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2024 8:20 pm
Devyn had supposed such was the case for Michael’s aversion to loud sounds. He’d gotten enough of the story from Peter but hearing it from Michael earned him a soft kiss on the cheek. Devyn readjusted his position so he could wrap his arm around Michael’s shoulder now.
“It doesn’t weigh on me quite like it used to. When I was younger, I was terrified of falling into the same trap every other Senshi before me had. Like if I got too much blood on my hands then one day I’d just snap, same as them. I was afraid that no matter how much I fought it, I wouldn’t be strong enough to overcome the same sickness that took them. I never liked killing people. I’m glad I haven’t had to in a long time. But some people can’t be saved.”
He brushed his thumb over Michael’s arm. “It’s not your fault. I know you’ve probably heard people tell you that, but sometimes even doing your best isn’t enough. It doesn’t mean you didn’t try hard enough. It doesn’t mean anyone else could have done it. It doesn’t mean it’s your fault.” He kissed Michael’s temple but shifted so he could see Michael, to make sure he knew how serious he was about all of that.
“I won’t lie, though. I can’t pretend like those things don’t still bother me, too. Sometimes I remember, and sometimes they weigh heavier than they should. I don’t know why some days are worse than others. Back then, I used to wonder if I made the right decision, I used to think about what else I could have done. I used to criticize everything I did. Even when things were well out of my control I was tearing myself apart for it. It was ignorant to think I’d have ever lived a life without having to kill someone, not on my world. Marius made things harder for me, but there were plenty of times where I acted myself. After I lost Perce, I stopped regretting it. But then, I stopped caring about a lot of things. I just did what was necessary. I fought the good fight. I tried to save who I could. In the end, I lost them all too. So maybe, I think, I can understand a little of what you feel. Of trying your hardest to save everyone else and still failing. Of trying to make sense why they’re gone and you're still here, maybe?”
He knew Michael felt that guilt. He knew he questioned it. Devyn had, too. But when the questions had gotten too tough, when he didn’t have anyone else, he’d just trudged on. He’d let himself forget. It kept him alive. It got him here. That was enough.
Michael didn’t get to have that escape. He’d had to carry all of it. Alone, for most of it. Maybe all of it.
“Sometimes the universe doesn't make sense. I’ve seen people go mad trying to figure it all out. I’m a bit guilty of it, too. But I’ve had a lot of years to make mistakes and lose myself. It’s easy to do when you’re hurting.” Michael had his demons. He’d overcome all of them to get here.
“When you get stuck in those thoughts, what do you do when it starts to weigh on you? You’ll come to me now, I hope. If you want company for it.”
Or just someone to keep the house cool and quiet, or to bring him snacks and water every now and then. Devyn would stay with him through any of it if he was welcome to, but he was mindful about not wanting to crowd him, either. Michael brought him no shortage of comfort and relief, but he knew how it was. Sometimes you just needed to be alone, even if you couldn’t explain it.
It was just always easier when you knew you had someone to go back to at the end of it all.
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Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2024 8:20 pm
As Devyn adjusted himself to be closer to him, Michael shifted as well to make it easier. He wanted to give Devyn enough room to be comfortable, but he couldn’t deny being relieved to have Devyn so close to him.
He knew Devyn was right. He knew others were right. He knew he had a bad habit of keeping everything inside, refusing help. But now he had Devyn to help him work through things, so at least he wasn’t alone.
“When I get stuck in those thoughts?” Michael laughed, but there was no humor.
“Well, before you came into my life, I used to drink a lot more. Ah, I tried stopping before, but… sometimes when I couldn’t get the images out of my head, the only way I could manage was to drown them out. I’m not proud of it, but… it’s not just thoughts, you know? I can still feel what it was like,” he said quietly, like he wasn’t sure he wanted to dig up memories or feelings, but wanted to make sure Devyn knew he was being open with him.
“Sometimes it’s like I can feel the fire or shrapnel,” he mumbled, although he refrained from touching the scars that went down his side and leg, because he didn’t want to disrupt Devyn.
He shook his head after a moment, and turned to press a kiss against Devyn’s cheek.
“I go to you now. Or, this helps at least,” he gestured to the necklace he wore. “It helps, more than you know. Not as good as the real thing, but when you’re away, it helps.”
Thankfully, Devyn was never away for long. And Michael knew he could always message him and he’d come right back. And they’d talked about what he needed before, when he was overwhelmed or felt like he needed to take a moment to breathe. A dark room with headphones helped. Devyn already carried some with him in his subspace.
“You’ll come to me when you feel like you start losing yourself, won’t you?” Michael knew he would, but he wanted to make sure Devyn knew for sure.
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Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2024 8:21 pm
Devyn was sympathetic. Alcohol had never had much of an effect on him but he could see the appeal if it did. He had a strong stomach, or ate too much, to ever benefit from the side effects. He could understand why Michael wanted an escape. He nodded as he listened. Michael didn’t have to describe it, he could envision it clearly. He knew how real the memories could make things. Even when you were somewhere safe and far away.
Michael didn’t touch his scars, but Devyn instinctively reached down to brush his hands over the skin for him. Gentle, tender, lovingly.
“I will,” he promised. “I’ve gotten pretty good at telling when things are shifting in my mind. I don’t always understand what sets it off, but I know when they start to feel wrong. It’s only ever been that bad since I got here. And I’ve always just been able to spend some time with you to chase the worst of it away. I hope it doesn’t ever get bad. But if it does…”
He shrugged, but there was a soft, understanding smile on his face. “I know you’ll take care of me.”
It was hard to show any weakness; he’d been like that for a long time. It wasn’t so black and white when he was with Michael and he’d have been hypocritical to ask Michael to open up when Devyn couldn’t.
“We’re not in this alone. I’ve got your back and you’ve got mine. And I know I’m in good hands with you. You’ll be in good hands with me, too. Promise.”
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Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2024 8:22 pm
He felt a little silly for the way his heart fluttered as he listened to Devyn. He knew Devyn would take care of him if he needed it, and it was a nice reassurance to know that Devyn trusted him as well.
“I know. Thank you,” he nodded, lifting a hand to caress his thumb over Devyn’s cheek and tuck some hair behind his ear that probably didn’t even need it, but it was a good excuse to touch him. He didn’t mind Devyn touching him. He welcomed it, and relaxed a little as he could focus on Devyn’s hand instead of the prickling sting of fire that lingered like a ghost.
“I know what happened was a long time ago, but I’m impressed by how quickly you acted. Decisive and confident. It’s very attractive,” Michael admitted, although he had to laugh softly at himself because he could feel the warmth in his cheeks.
“Skilled, too. I didn’t know you could use a sword so easily. You’re just full of surprises I’m still learning about. I’m glad I got to share that memory with you, even if it was horrible to experience. What exactly did you do to get there so fast?”
He couldn’t help himself. After everyone made such a big deal about Devyn racing to get there, he didn’t get to hear the full story about how he apparently cut down an incredible amount of time.
“Did you just run extremely fast? Do you secretly know how to fly?” he teased, hoping to chase away any persisting bad thoughts about what happened.
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Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2024 8:23 pm
Once more, Devyn was spoiled. He leaned into every little touch Michael graced him with. Michael was cute, as if Devyn could miss the color to his cheeks. He knew that wasn’t from the wine. “If I tell you, you’ll be very disappointed in me,” he laughed. “I suppose it might depend on your definition of fly? I think it was more ‘very coordinated falling’. I ran very fast, and I took shortcuts when I could. There were a few steep edges on the mountain. You couldn’t climb up them but you could jump down them. I was reckless, but I was desperate. And what that memory doesn’t show you is that I hurt so badly, Michael! Once my adrenaline wore off I didn’t want to get out of bed for days. I’ve never been so happy for Alastor to rain enough to make me cancel plans. I’ll take you to the mountain sometime, I need to check on it anyway. It’s the one I told you about from my last visit.”
He never stopped stroking lightly up and down Michael’s side. It wasn’t exactly an effort to distract him; it was soothing for Devyn and he hoped it was for Michael, too.
“Do you want to see my armory when we go, too? I can show you all the weapons I know how to use. Well. Used to know. I’m a bit rusty,” he admitted. “But I’m sure I can put on a good show for you. We could spar some.” Or he could just show off for Michael. He liked seeing the faint splash of color on his face. Michael could be so serious sometimes, so Devyn enjoyed these moments whenever they came to pass. Especially when he was being showered with flattery and compliments, although it really only made him want to try and impress Michael more.
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Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2024 8:24 pm
“Oh, Devyn,” Michael laughed and grimaced as Devyn explained the reckless way he cut down so much time between where he was and the Hall. He knew it was a long time ago! There was no point in nagging Devyn about it now! He could just imagine how dangerous it was for him to go that fast.
“You’re lucky you didn’t hurt yourself worse. If you broke a leg, landing wrong, what then?” he wondered, but leaned close to press a kiss against Devyn’s temple. Okay, maybe a few kisses.
“I bet it was painful. But it’s good that you got there to help out. Was it weird seeing Percy’s memories like that?” Ah, maybe he was jumping back into things too quickly when he didn’t want Devyn getting upset.
“But… seeing the armory would be interesting. I’d like to see what you can use. Maybe you can teach me,” he suggested, but shrugged. “I’ve only used a sword once. And that was to provoke the Negaverse,” he admitted, frowning as he did so. “Turned out pretty bad in the end.”
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