asgardeventide | 009 || voice

[Is he going to mention anything that happened during the power failures? Definitely not. Not when he could distract himself with something else. Anything else. And his voice now is as cheerful as it's ever been.]

Hey-o, Asgard! Super quick poll time. How many people here would skin me alive if given the chance?

[No reason. Actually, several reasons, but. He follows it with a laugh.]

Not that I'm volunteering... yet. But hypothetically. No consequences, no turnabout, just a good, straightforward flaying of Henrys!

...Or anyone, for that matter. If you could slaughter absolutely anyone here with absolutely no backlash, would you go for it? I mean, it's not like anything you do is gonna follow you back home, so you might as well go wild with it! Doesn't even have to be for any reason, though you can imagine one if you'd like. Maybe you're just curious as to how it feels! --It feels great, by the way.

I've asked before whether anyone had murdering experience, and was kinda surprised at the answer- but I'm wondering if that's changed at all for anyone, just from being here. A lot of folk haven't been in a war before, and I see a lot of people asking or offering lessons in fighting. Which is great and all, but how many have experience in killing? It's a totally different field! And it's kinda the one that counts when it comes down to it.

But getting back to the important question here: skinning of Henry, yes or no? I'll even return the favor, if you want, though I'm a little out of practice. But if anyone wants a gory death for any reason, I'm your guy!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I'm not worried at all.

[Once he sees where he's moving, he shifts to follow along, holding onto his arm as he curls against him. Apart from the grip, he seems relaxed enough, and it's only after a delay that he finally concedes-]

But I guess I can try to keep my skin in one piece.

...thanks.

[He combs his fingers through Henry's hair, his other arm still wrapped around him, and exhales a long, slow breath.]

I know soon as we end up with another fight you're going to be in the middle of it, but- at least let me try to keep you safe, yeah? Not that I've done a great job of it so far, I guess, but- I'm working on it.

[Though there's an encouraging sound at the hair touch, he tilts his head to look up at him with one eye, even if he can't quite meet his gaze.]

What do you mean, you've done a great job. But are you sure you want to come along? My fighting can get kind of messy!

[Which had nothing to do with his reluctance to see him in battle, but it was a lot easier to say.]

What, you think I'd rather sit at home and wait for you to come back?

[Not hope, wait. He's not going to let himself think of it any other way.]

If you go anywhere like that, I'm going with you. ...Not that I'd really complain if you stayed, either, but I don't figure you'd ever want to.

Will you fight, though? 'Cause if you're not going to, we're both likely to get killed while I'm looking after you.

[It's so matter-of-fact that it's nearly light.]

You're right that I want to be in the thick of things, felling foes right and left- and I dunno if I can really do that if you're there.

--I can try to.

[It's a little more hesitant this time; Henry's right, he knows he is, but he still doesn't like the idea of not being with him. His power's useful for stopping an attack, keeping an enemy still, and if Ryan weren't there to do it-- well, who else was going to?]

You know I can at least help hold them off, that counts for something, doesn't it?

It totally counts, I wouldn't want another control user with me.

[His grip tightens for a few seconds, and he sighs. If he was entirely honest, he didn't want to be apart either.]

--I guess you can come, if you're sure. But you've got to run away if I ask you to, okay?

Wh-- no, I'm not.

[His fingers slip from his hair to below Henry's chin, trying to tilt it up gently to get him to meet his eyes.]

I'm not going to just run off and leave you there, you can't ask me to promise you that. I'm not abandoning you.

[Though he lets his face be moved without resistance, his attention flickers off to the side instead.]

Yes you are, if it means you not dying on me. And maybe it won't come up at all, it's more of an emergency thing.

You think I'm any more okay with you dying on me?

[It comes out stronger than he meant, and he quickly tries to back off from that near-outburst, fingertips sliding along his jaw to rest at the nape of his neck while Ryan collects himself again.]

...we'll just have to make sure it doesn't come up, because I'm still not leaving you behind. Whatever happens- it's just going to have to happen to both of us.

[Henry doesn't react to the outburst, apart from staying quiet for longer than necessary, still avoiding looking at him when he finally responds.]

Sure thing. I'll try to protect you. And it's not like I've ever died in battle with the enemy, maybe I'll keep being as lucky as I have been!

[It's still a pleasant tone, without a flicker of deviation.]

...I'll make sure you don't, alright? It's what my power's best for. You handle the fighting, I can keep an eye out for anything that tries to sneak up on you.

[He's fidgeting a little, brushing Henry's hair into place over the neck of his sweater, adjusting the collar of it.]

And we'll both be fine.

Of course we will! I'll cut everything down before it even has the chance to look at you.

[And he laughs at the fidgeting, bringing his hands up to either side of Ryan's face, leaning up to kiss him. It's gentle- too gentle, with an edge of restrained something. Possessive, desperate for the affection; paranoid, fearful of doing anything to hurt him.]

[It's not quite the sort of affection he expects from Henry-- it's nice, definitely, and he does appreciate whatever gentleness he gets from him, but the feeling's very nearly unfamiliar. Ryan's not entirely sure whether he ought to be worried at it or simply enjoy the gesture, eventually settling for a little of both; his own end of the kiss comes with a little more possessiveness, a bit more pressure, hands clinging tight to the fabric of Henry's clothes. Not quite pushy, but encouraging, trying to nudge him just a bit.]

[Even with the encouragement, he's reluctant to do more than continue the touch, nuzzling quietly over his lips as he brushes into his hair with one hand. There's no hesitation in the closeness itself, the nearness welcomed and encouraged in its own way, but every touch is deliberate, gentle and controlled.]

009 || voice

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