That's very dramatic and gothic of him. At least he has Lefty to keep him company.
[If there was one positive that came to D, it was the fact that the guy had a trolling mouth attached right to him. The hows, whys, whens, and whats really didn't matter when the result was a potential for an amazing team-up on someone who kept far too stuffy and stoic to be left alone.
He twirled a hand in the air above his head before returning it to the window sill.]
The mystery makes people attractive, I guess. You're the curious sort, so I expect that knowing someone's motivations is something that keeps you coming back for more.
[And Reaper was a real sucker when it came to getting the upper hand on other people, and Luke made the reactions to those tactics worth their weight in gold. Hence why he continually showed up despite Luke's attempt to occasionally keep a distance from him.]
So you like 'em cold and stiff next to you. That explains a lot about you. [He was referring to dead people, mostly because it was a great vampire trope.
He knew all about nightmares though. These days Maul was one of the few that he slept near, otherwise, he'd just ignore the need for sleep to avoid the obvious nightmares that came from various traumas.]
What sort of shit have you seen to cause nightmares, hmm? Hero type like you probably doesn't compartmentalize well when you're alone.
[ Luke had a lot of questions, like who the kark was Lefty (because he certainly never saw anyone with D any time he met up with him), and why he had to be so damn gross. He wasn't into necrophilia, thank you very much, Reaper! ]
[ But he ends up clamping up by the end of it, leaning away slightly from the window as he asked about his nightmares. Part of him just wanted to shrug dismissively and say something to the effect of, "Just the usual," and hope he wouldn't question him further than that. He knew it wouldn't work though, if only because it was Reaper, and he wouldn't let it go. ]
[ It was a moment before he finally eased back a little, a solemn look on his face. ]
...a lot of things happen in war, especially when you're in the middle of it for years. There isn't any one thing I could pick out specifically.
[Behind his mask, Reaper was analyzing Luke's reaction and knew instantly that the subject of D went to the wayside in favour of nightmares. He knew all about them, and everyone had their own demons for specific life experiences. No one dreamed the same just as no one faced the same situation and came away with the same experience.
The fact that Luke almost recoiled from the window meant to him it was a painful subject and that made the importance of being able to sleep nightmare-free even more relevant.
He remained where he was at the window sill, not moving much but quietly watching Luke. He waited an extra few seconds in case the brunette wanted to dive deeper into the explanation, leaving the space open.]
War shows those involved in it the worst of everyone and shades of the best of some. [He had been at war in some capacity for decades, probably younger than Luke currently was.] It's the hypervigilance that is the hardest to break from. Little meaningless sounds in the night that could be the difference between life and death on a battlefield but are just noise in one's own safe bed. Body and mind don't always know the difference.
[Then he lifted a hand and waved Luke back inside.] Move, I'm coming in. Not a discussion for anyone with big ears.
[ Luke nodded absently at his description of what it was like to come down from war. How many times had he laid awake here, listening for familiar sounds? Expecting to hear the familiar clomp of stormtrooper boots or the telltale hiss of a respirator? Even now, months later, he would sometimes pause at a sound that mimicked something he knew from home, something that would be dangerous, and he had to take a moment to listen to the Force and let it draw him back to calm. ]
[ It worked. Usually. ]
[ He had been lost in his thoughts enough that Reaper suddenly waving him off gave him a start. Luke took a step back, absently offering a hand out, as if he expected to just enter the room the normal way. ]
[The fact that the kid couldn't bring himself to say something and seemed to be internalized made it clear that there was some reliving of old memories when it came to wartimes. Or perhaps some times beyond the war when the quiet was unbearable. It wasn't for him to say.
He looked at the hand and sigh as he shook his head. He turned to smoked and flowed into the room without touching any of the sides, so he made certain to lightly brush by Luke. No hand necessary, kid.
He returned to normal and folded his hands behind his back as he looked around Luke's living space.]
Quaint. So tell me, it is the sounds, the images or the smells that bother you the most when you sleep?
[ Luke let out a half hearted sigh as Reaper turned to smoke, though he managed a faint smile as the ghostly touch he offered before reappearing. He went to the window to close the screen, only to abort the attempt momentarily halfway through, hunching his shoulders. Finally closing it, his mouth opened several times, words on the edge of his tongue that just... didn't feel like enough. ]
[ A soft breath finally escaped from Luke as he turned around, leaning against the window sill. ]
It's... everything, and nothing.
[ He waved a hand absently, as if to encompass the whole of Trench. ]
Some animal calls sound like blaster fire, the sound of heavy boots, someone breathing hard... they're all bad, but the quiet is always worse. Quiet means something could be coming, that you may need to pick up and run in the next second. It's... why it took me this long to find a building to claim.
[ Because staying still for any length of time was dangerous when you were a Rebel, especially when you had a massive "Alive Only" bounty on your head. ]
[The things that Luke described reminded him of both urban and desert combat quite honestly. Unless one was holding territory from an enemy, there was no usefulness in staying in one place, least of all when they were more territory to liberate. Much of war was days of waiting for combat to hours of combat to transitioning to constant combat that created a sensory overload that was difficult to escape.
He turned where he stood to regard Luke for a long time, just drinking in the explanation and considering how to answer. Mostly, he allowed Luke space to speak and, for once, he had no air of judgment or trolling about him. His body language was relaxed and attentive.]
The quiet is a case of what is coming next, isn't it? It's easy for the mind to play tricks of hearing, seeing or smelling something that isn't there. A hypervigilance you can't escape even with exhaustion.
[He slowly began to move around the space, examining things as he went because he was still a rather nosy person and liked to explore.]
Where I'm from, there are programs to assist soldiers to reintegrate back into society after experiencing what you describe. I doubt Trench has those things. You should rely on your Omen more like a service animal. You don't seem anxious to be around others, but you might find it useful in the quiet.
[He glanced at Luke.]
You lived with Maul for a time. How did you find having someone else moving around a home? Better or worse?
[ Other than the droid and the nest of blankets against the wall (keeping the door and the window in easy sight), there wasn't much in the room. Like when Reaper interrupted him at Maul's place, Luke clearly traveled light, keeping very little on him. Even now, despite having been ready to sleep, Luke was still mostly dressed in his usual clothes, with his vest folded on the floor next to the droid, with his belt curled up on top and boots resting next to it. The only thing that could be seen easily through the door was what might have been a reclaimed table and chair set, but not much else without actually moving. ]
[ At the mention of his Omen, the serpentine-like Krayt dragon appeared, like it melded out of the shadows themselves, curled around his feet. It's upper half pushed up, leaning against his legs, black scales glimmering in the faint light in the room and red eyes focused on Reaper like he was a threat. Luke let out a faint noise at the creature, reaching down to rest a hand on its head, as if to keep it calm. ]
I'm still getting used to that. I... haven't quite figured out how to summon him at will yet.
[ But... the creature always seemed to be more interested in protecting him, and had even appeared when he was in danger. Maybe it would help, having the creature around. ]
With Maul, it was better. Being in his place... it was small, just him and his brother, but it reminded me of being on base, with people around and only so much space. Not only that, but... being able to sense them around was a comfort as well.
[ He let out a breath, shaking his head. ]
...that's part of what makes this so difficult; the Force... I can sense if I'm actually in danger or not, but when my ears hear one thing and the Force tells me another, I don't know what part of myself I can trust. And yes, being around people and sensing others close by helps, but...
[ Luke paused again, before hugging his arms to his chest. ]
It comes back to the nightmares. I don't want to bother others when they get really bad.
[This was a sparse space that Reaper could appreciate the ability to pick up and move on quickly and without looking back. It didn't bother him that there were personal affects here, and it reminded him a little of his own room which had very few items that he coveted. This space also told him a lot about how Luke lived; no wonder the kid had been caught in the woods playing the hero and ending up with blood drained.
When the dragon showed up, he could tell it was Luke's Omen. Wraith exploded out of smoke from behind him and landed on his shoulder, long flashy tail flicking and if a peacock could smirk, Wraith held the expression as if daring the other Omen to make a scene of it. He had no intention of letting it come to a fight, and he even reached up and stroked the black peacock's neck with a finger. He received a sharp nip for his efforts.]
It will come with practice. You know once your Omen is out, you don't have to have it disappear again. Maybe you should speak nicely to make it feel welcome.
[He folded his hands behind his back, tilting his head enough to make it clear that he was listening. He also was thinking on what was told to him. Was it just Force users that would make the difference? Maybe it wouldn't matter at all actually.]
This place doesn't seem worth the claim that you have on it, not if you're living here alone and it creates more problems. You will come and live at Disaster House instead. There are three young ones and extra rooms. [By young, he meant young. Yes, Reaper minded children.]
[ Luke glanced down at his Omen at the suggestion of not letting it leave. Honestly, the creature seemed to come and go as it pleased, and he hadn't even really had the time to even name it yet, not to mention he wasn't that great with coming up with names in the first place. ]
[ And that last part seemed to be a universal constant, considering his Imperial counterpart's droid was named DV-2. ]
[ Reaper's next suggestion snapped his attention back to him, eyes widening a moment in disbelief. He wasn't sure what was crazier in all of that: the fact that Reaper was offering him a room, or the fact that he lived with what sounded like kids from the way he said that. ]
[When it seemed that the dragon wouldn't attack but would remain protective then Wraith relaxed on his shoulder and made a point of preening feathers. It was all a ruse of course, since his Omen was ready to fight at any given moment, which amused him greatly.
For his part, he folded his arms over his chest and waited for Luke to process the offer. It seemed to him that there would be limited solutions living alone, and it had been proven already that Luke could gain some value and reintegrate better if living around other people. The children - and/or teens - were a nosy lot, and since Varian, Fern and Rapunzel left, it had been less lively.]
I don't make an offer like that in a situation like this without being serious. Luz and Ahiru will be nosy. Hard to say with the third. [Confirming yet again that he lived with children.]
[ It still seemed crazy that Reaper would offer such a thing. For one, he was almost certain he was making the offer just for the excuse to tease him whenever he wanted -- only almost, because of the seriousness of the current conversation. Not only that, but with kids around... ]
[ He suddenly became very conscious of the scars on his body, and he found himself hugging his arms tighter around himself. His Omen peered up at him again, the reptilian face almost looking concerned, despite it's limited ability to express itself in a way humans could understand. ]
[Reaper watched Luke closely, not that he expected the kid to agree right away. Luke seemed like the type to get in over one's head when it came to interpersonal connections but seemed far more resilient when it came to living situations. A part of him recognized that the kid was worldly more than some that existed in Trench.
The physical reaction made him wonder if it was for physical sake or if there was some kind of mental anguish going on. He shifted around the room with Wraith still on his shoulder and came to stand in one of the furthest corners and the most defensible.]
Fine. The offer stands. If it makes you uncomfortable, note that there are ground rules that everyone follows unless there is active distress. Room door closed means no one enters unannounced. Room door open means you are up for interaction. It's the only reason I live there. [Despite his bravado, he was an intensely private man.]
[ Luke opened and closed his mouth a few times, trying to come up with some reasonable excuse to just flat out turn him down, especially after such a generous offer of privacy. He finally gave up after a moment, glancing up at him with an expression akin to the puppy eyes he'd been accused of in the past. ]
[ After a moment, he reached up, undoing the magnetic clasps of his jumpsuit, letting the flaps fall open as he slid his arms out of it. In the next moment, he was grabbing the tank top he wore underneath, pulling it up over his head. ]
[ Due to the way the Lichtenberg scars formed, many of the scars the seared across his flesh glimmered faintly in the moonlight, though others were still faintly red, and the rest white and stretched out looking from healing naturally. Thick trunks traced lines of muscle, and clearly spread out everywhere, tapering off into gnarled branches that almost seemed like boney fingers clawing away at his skin. The worst of them were the pair on his collarbones, looking like they were reaching up to strangle him. ]
[ He didn't look up right away, afraid to see a look of disgust he often found reflected back in the mirror. A shuddering breath escaped from him after a moment, before he finally found the voice to say something. ]
You think they'd be okay if they saw this by accident?
[He would respect the kid if there was a refusal. He understood that living situations were personal and that everyone had the limits of what they could and would tolerate. He also knew that living with young ones often wasn't everyone's cup of tea no matter how mature they were.
He didn't expect that a denial would come with a strip tease though, and he folded his arms over his chest as he watched the show. He expected this wasn't for sensual show and tell but for another reason, and he immediately picked out the scars as they were revealed with the removal of clothing.
The life of any soldier was fraught with scars, many visible, but a lot not either. He was familiar enough to scars to understand the impact that they had on someone's psyche. After all, there were many reasons he wore a mask and not all of them were purely for esthetic reasons.
He issued a low sigh.] I don't believe they would experience anything other than concern for you. They are a bunch of bleeding hearts.
[He lifted a hand from where it was folded and unhooked the mask from the locking mechanism, revealing his badly scarred face. Old burn scars littered his skin, deep scars of lacerations on his cheek and even down his neck and disappeared into his clothing. It also very clearly revealed that he was much older than most Sleepers.]
Besides, they accept me, even if I don't show my face much to anyone.
[ Luke looked up when he heard the click, and felt his breath hitch in his throat at the sight of the face behind the mask. He wasn't expecting that kind of... trust? He supposed that was the right word, and not from Reaper of all people. For a moment, his hand drifted up, almost wanting to touch, but he pulled himself back before he got close. ]
[ ...weird, he didn't expect this at all. He didn't know how to feel, but... there was some comfort there. ]
...save a room for me, then? I'll stop in sometime.
[ His voice was soft as he accepted the invitation, and he turned around slightly, pulling his tank top back on. ]
[Reaper saw that hand raise as if wanting to touch his scars, and he curled a lip to show sharpened canines in response. It was good that Luke abandoned the unconscious thought to touch his face or else he would have stopped it himself. Maul was one of the few that had earned the right to touch him whenever - though his lover respected his privacy in public.
The scars he bore were body-wide, not that he expected Luke to know that given how little actual skin he displayed. There was a reason he was almost covered head-to-toe. His white goatee twitched as he lowed his lip again.]
No one has to know you come and go as a cat. If the rooms are taken up, you can sleep in my room. [He sighed and moved to affix his mask again.] I don't sleep much anyway.
[He turned his head to give Luke the illusion of privacy when it came to getting redressed. He knew what that was like and knew that small gestures went a long way. It's what he would have wanted if their positions were reversed anyway.]
Nightmares won't harm you in my room. I'm the only nightmare that exists there. [Dramatics to cover either one of their discomfort.]
[ Luke glanced over his shoulder, treating Reaper to a gentle smile. ]
No wonder Maul likes you so much; you're just as over dramatic as he is.
[ His tone was teasing, even though it was probably entirely true. ]
[ He slipped his arms back into the sleeves of his jumpsuit, but didn't button it back up, leaving it loose as he turned back to Reaper. Now, he looked as tired as he felt, and... he wasn't entirely sure why, but he felt like he would sleep well after this conversation. ]
Don't insult me. I'm far more dramatic than Maul is. He's learned a thing or two from me. I suppose he's told you the tale of how we met, yes?
[That seemed like the kind of story that Maul liked to tell. Besides, a good story was also a good distraction to the fact that Luke was so bothered by bodily scarring. It gave them something to bounce to at this exact moment.
He tugged at his hood to make certain all of his hair was hidden under it now that his mask was back in place. He noted that the kid was probably going to at least attempt sleeping, though how successful was time that would tell.]
Go lay down, boy. I'll tell you a bedtime story. [He was jesting. Or was he?]
[ And there it was; the smart ass that he knew Reaper to be. At least now, after that moment of understanding, all it got out of Luke was an eyeroll and a faint smirk, before... ]
Sure thing, daddy.
[ He froze immediately after the sarcastic words were out of his mouth, the look on his face clearly stating in loud, bold, capitalized letters that he did not think that through before he spoke. He stared at Reaper for an overly long moment, eyes wide, before he simply said: ]
[Reaper's head definitely tilted to show that he was watching and definitely judging Luke for the 'daddy' comment, but mostly, he was enjoying the younger man's discomfort. That was just something this kid jumped both feet into on nearly every occasion they met lately, and the thought 'bi-disaster' rang in his head.
He gave a clap of his hands in front of him, and a low growly chuckle emerged from behind his mask.]
You don't get to Don't me after that one. You're thirst is so obvious, you're practically dewy.
[He and Maul had definitely gotten distracted from any sort of conversation that involved some form of initiation with this kid, but he felt the need to take Luke under his wing for the entirety of bi-disaster learning curb. He'd been there, but his confidence had been far more certain.]
Get ready for a lay down, Sugarplum. Daddy's going to make a Naughty and Nice list of all the people you can thirst after. I'm thinking someone big and dominant. I bet you'd melt under a strong hand but still try to throw your weight around... which would just lead to you squirming wonderfully.
[ Luke's mouth worked, trying to form words, but all that came up was the faintest of squeaks as his face turned a vivid shade of red. He finally plopped down onto his nest of bedsheets, looking up at Reaper with a look akin to a wounded puppy, before he slumped as he let out a defeated noise. ]
...I... guess it's better we have this conversation sooner rather than later...
[ Even if he was going to be humiliated through the whole thing. ]
[While he wouldn't judge such a bed given he had slept in similar in the past, he still clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth in faint disapproval. It was interesting that Luke wasn't fighting him, but perhaps the kid was too tired and too resigned that Reaper could just follow and natter the story as he pleased.
He eased himself into a crouch in front of where Luke was flopped into the nest, resting his elbows on his knees. It was a poise he could hold for long periods of time, and he planned on doing just that right now.]
Once upon a time a few years back, there was an angry space gremlin who had been drugged and tied to a dead animal and placed in a house to be burned. Now that adorable little space viper was so very helpless and couldn't escape on his own.
Suddenly in ghosted the most powerful lifedraining dark prince. This prince murdered a bunch of the crazy cultists and pulled his future princess from the flames and off of the dead beast. The prince held his princess against him and under the shadow of flames, death and the screams of the dying and wooed the tattooed space gremlin to instantly loving him.
They danced death to the cultists together, and it was a magical time. They parted ways both knowing they would meet again.
[Behind his mask, he was smirking. So maybe it was an abridged version and he had embellished Maul's emotional state at the time, but hey, it was a good story.]
[ If Reaper was hoping Luke would be agonizing over such a ridiculous story, he was damn near in tears from keeping back a laugh. He didn't want to interrupt it, just to see how completely ridiculous it got. ]
[ That was why when he stopped to ask if he wished to be asleep yet, he finally gave up and bust out laughing, leaning back against the wall, his arms wrapped around his stomach as he near laughed until it hurt. ]
[Look at that, Luke was no longer sad or feeling self conscious about the scarring or inevitable nightmares. Reaper counted that as an all around win, which was the whole point. See, he could be a comforting presence when he wasn't biting necks and giving the kid awkward boners.
He remained in his crouch and let Luke laugh, though he did subtly pull out his Omni to take a picture. One might never know when they need a "is it laughing or dying?" set of photos in the future.]
No doubt, my space gremlin would be very offended at you laughing at his overwhelming instant infatuation with the future love of his life.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
chiming
no subject
Date: 2022-07-26 09:48 pm (UTC)From:[If there was one positive that came to D, it was the fact that the guy had a trolling mouth attached right to him. The hows, whys, whens, and whats really didn't matter when the result was a potential for an amazing team-up on someone who kept far too stuffy and stoic to be left alone.
He twirled a hand in the air above his head before returning it to the window sill.]
The mystery makes people attractive, I guess. You're the curious sort, so I expect that knowing someone's motivations is something that keeps you coming back for more.
[And Reaper was a real sucker when it came to getting the upper hand on other people, and Luke made the reactions to those tactics worth their weight in gold. Hence why he continually showed up despite Luke's attempt to occasionally keep a distance from him.]
So you like 'em cold and stiff next to you. That explains a lot about you. [He was referring to dead people, mostly because it was a great vampire trope.
He knew all about nightmares though. These days Maul was one of the few that he slept near, otherwise, he'd just ignore the need for sleep to avoid the obvious nightmares that came from various traumas.]
What sort of shit have you seen to cause nightmares, hmm? Hero type like you probably doesn't compartmentalize well when you're alone.
no subject
Date: 2022-07-27 01:03 am (UTC)From:[ But he ends up clamping up by the end of it, leaning away slightly from the window as he asked about his nightmares. Part of him just wanted to shrug dismissively and say something to the effect of, "Just the usual," and hope he wouldn't question him further than that. He knew it wouldn't work though, if only because it was Reaper, and he wouldn't let it go. ]
[ It was a moment before he finally eased back a little, a solemn look on his face. ]
...a lot of things happen in war, especially when you're in the middle of it for years. There isn't any one thing I could pick out specifically.
no subject
Date: 2022-07-27 01:57 am (UTC)From:The fact that Luke almost recoiled from the window meant to him it was a painful subject and that made the importance of being able to sleep nightmare-free even more relevant.
He remained where he was at the window sill, not moving much but quietly watching Luke. He waited an extra few seconds in case the brunette wanted to dive deeper into the explanation, leaving the space open.]
War shows those involved in it the worst of everyone and shades of the best of some. [He had been at war in some capacity for decades, probably younger than Luke currently was.] It's the hypervigilance that is the hardest to break from. Little meaningless sounds in the night that could be the difference between life and death on a battlefield but are just noise in one's own safe bed. Body and mind don't always know the difference.
[Then he lifted a hand and waved Luke back inside.] Move, I'm coming in. Not a discussion for anyone with big ears.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-13 03:09 am (UTC)From:[ It worked. Usually. ]
[ He had been lost in his thoughts enough that Reaper suddenly waving him off gave him a start. Luke took a step back, absently offering a hand out, as if he expected to just enter the room the normal way. ]
no subject
Date: 2022-08-13 03:27 pm (UTC)From:He looked at the hand and sigh as he shook his head. He turned to smoked and flowed into the room without touching any of the sides, so he made certain to lightly brush by Luke. No hand necessary, kid.
He returned to normal and folded his hands behind his back as he looked around Luke's living space.]
Quaint. So tell me, it is the sounds, the images or the smells that bother you the most when you sleep?
no subject
Date: 2022-08-13 04:09 pm (UTC)From:[ A soft breath finally escaped from Luke as he turned around, leaning against the window sill. ]
It's... everything, and nothing.
[ He waved a hand absently, as if to encompass the whole of Trench. ]
Some animal calls sound like blaster fire, the sound of heavy boots, someone breathing hard... they're all bad, but the quiet is always worse. Quiet means something could be coming, that you may need to pick up and run in the next second. It's... why it took me this long to find a building to claim.
[ Because staying still for any length of time was dangerous when you were a Rebel, especially when you had a massive "Alive Only" bounty on your head. ]
no subject
Date: 2022-08-13 07:41 pm (UTC)From:He turned where he stood to regard Luke for a long time, just drinking in the explanation and considering how to answer. Mostly, he allowed Luke space to speak and, for once, he had no air of judgment or trolling about him. His body language was relaxed and attentive.]
The quiet is a case of what is coming next, isn't it? It's easy for the mind to play tricks of hearing, seeing or smelling something that isn't there. A hypervigilance you can't escape even with exhaustion.
[He slowly began to move around the space, examining things as he went because he was still a rather nosy person and liked to explore.]
Where I'm from, there are programs to assist soldiers to reintegrate back into society after experiencing what you describe. I doubt Trench has those things. You should rely on your Omen more like a service animal. You don't seem anxious to be around others, but you might find it useful in the quiet.
[He glanced at Luke.]
You lived with Maul for a time. How did you find having someone else moving around a home? Better or worse?
no subject
Date: 2022-08-15 03:37 am (UTC)From:[ At the mention of his Omen, the serpentine-like Krayt dragon appeared, like it melded out of the shadows themselves, curled around his feet. It's upper half pushed up, leaning against his legs, black scales glimmering in the faint light in the room and red eyes focused on Reaper like he was a threat. Luke let out a faint noise at the creature, reaching down to rest a hand on its head, as if to keep it calm. ]
I'm still getting used to that. I... haven't quite figured out how to summon him at will yet.
[ But... the creature always seemed to be more interested in protecting him, and had even appeared when he was in danger. Maybe it would help, having the creature around. ]
With Maul, it was better. Being in his place... it was small, just him and his brother, but it reminded me of being on base, with people around and only so much space. Not only that, but... being able to sense them around was a comfort as well.
[ He let out a breath, shaking his head. ]
...that's part of what makes this so difficult; the Force... I can sense if I'm actually in danger or not, but when my ears hear one thing and the Force tells me another, I don't know what part of myself I can trust. And yes, being around people and sensing others close by helps, but...
[ Luke paused again, before hugging his arms to his chest. ]
It comes back to the nightmares. I don't want to bother others when they get really bad.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-15 04:50 am (UTC)From:When the dragon showed up, he could tell it was Luke's Omen. Wraith exploded out of smoke from behind him and landed on his shoulder, long flashy tail flicking and if a peacock could smirk, Wraith held the expression as if daring the other Omen to make a scene of it. He had no intention of letting it come to a fight, and he even reached up and stroked the black peacock's neck with a finger. He received a sharp nip for his efforts.]
It will come with practice. You know once your Omen is out, you don't have to have it disappear again. Maybe you should speak nicely to make it feel welcome.
[He folded his hands behind his back, tilting his head enough to make it clear that he was listening. He also was thinking on what was told to him. Was it just Force users that would make the difference? Maybe it wouldn't matter at all actually.]
This place doesn't seem worth the claim that you have on it, not if you're living here alone and it creates more problems. You will come and live at Disaster House instead. There are three young ones and extra rooms. [By young, he meant young. Yes, Reaper minded children.]
no subject
Date: 2022-08-15 10:28 am (UTC)From:[ And that last part seemed to be a universal constant, considering his Imperial counterpart's droid was named DV-2. ]
[ Reaper's next suggestion snapped his attention back to him, eyes widening a moment in disbelief. He wasn't sure what was crazier in all of that: the fact that Reaper was offering him a room, or the fact that he lived with what sounded like kids from the way he said that. ]
Y-you can't be serious.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-15 01:36 pm (UTC)From:For his part, he folded his arms over his chest and waited for Luke to process the offer. It seemed to him that there would be limited solutions living alone, and it had been proven already that Luke could gain some value and reintegrate better if living around other people. The children - and/or teens - were a nosy lot, and since Varian, Fern and Rapunzel left, it had been less lively.]
I don't make an offer like that in a situation like this without being serious. Luz and Ahiru will be nosy. Hard to say with the third. [Confirming yet again that he lived with children.]
no subject
Date: 2022-08-15 10:07 pm (UTC)From:[ He suddenly became very conscious of the scars on his body, and he found himself hugging his arms tighter around himself. His Omen peered up at him again, the reptilian face almost looking concerned, despite it's limited ability to express itself in a way humans could understand. ]
I... don't know. Let me think about it.
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Date: 2022-08-16 04:34 am (UTC)From:The physical reaction made him wonder if it was for physical sake or if there was some kind of mental anguish going on. He shifted around the room with Wraith still on his shoulder and came to stand in one of the furthest corners and the most defensible.]
Fine. The offer stands. If it makes you uncomfortable, note that there are ground rules that everyone follows unless there is active distress. Room door closed means no one enters unannounced. Room door open means you are up for interaction. It's the only reason I live there. [Despite his bravado, he was an intensely private man.]
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Date: 2022-08-29 02:14 am (UTC)From:[ After a moment, he reached up, undoing the magnetic clasps of his jumpsuit, letting the flaps fall open as he slid his arms out of it. In the next moment, he was grabbing the tank top he wore underneath, pulling it up over his head. ]
[ Due to the way the Lichtenberg scars formed, many of the scars the seared across his flesh glimmered faintly in the moonlight, though others were still faintly red, and the rest white and stretched out looking from healing naturally. Thick trunks traced lines of muscle, and clearly spread out everywhere, tapering off into gnarled branches that almost seemed like boney fingers clawing away at his skin. The worst of them were the pair on his collarbones, looking like they were reaching up to strangle him. ]
[ He didn't look up right away, afraid to see a look of disgust he often found reflected back in the mirror. A shuddering breath escaped from him after a moment, before he finally found the voice to say something. ]
You think they'd be okay if they saw this by accident?
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Date: 2022-08-29 04:55 am (UTC)From:He didn't expect that a denial would come with a strip tease though, and he folded his arms over his chest as he watched the show. He expected this wasn't for sensual show and tell but for another reason, and he immediately picked out the scars as they were revealed with the removal of clothing.
The life of any soldier was fraught with scars, many visible, but a lot not either. He was familiar enough to scars to understand the impact that they had on someone's psyche. After all, there were many reasons he wore a mask and not all of them were purely for esthetic reasons.
He issued a low sigh.] I don't believe they would experience anything other than concern for you. They are a bunch of bleeding hearts.
[He lifted a hand from where it was folded and unhooked the mask from the locking mechanism, revealing his badly scarred face. Old burn scars littered his skin, deep scars of lacerations on his cheek and even down his neck and disappeared into his clothing. It also very clearly revealed that he was much older than most Sleepers.]
Besides, they accept me, even if I don't show my face much to anyone.
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Date: 2022-08-31 02:05 am (UTC)From:[ ...weird, he didn't expect this at all. He didn't know how to feel, but... there was some comfort there. ]
...save a room for me, then? I'll stop in sometime.
[ His voice was soft as he accepted the invitation, and he turned around slightly, pulling his tank top back on. ]
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Date: 2022-09-01 07:13 pm (UTC)From:The scars he bore were body-wide, not that he expected Luke to know that given how little actual skin he displayed. There was a reason he was almost covered head-to-toe. His white goatee twitched as he lowed his lip again.]
No one has to know you come and go as a cat. If the rooms are taken up, you can sleep in my room. [He sighed and moved to affix his mask again.] I don't sleep much anyway.
[He turned his head to give Luke the illusion of privacy when it came to getting redressed. He knew what that was like and knew that small gestures went a long way. It's what he would have wanted if their positions were reversed anyway.]
Nightmares won't harm you in my room. I'm the only nightmare that exists there. [Dramatics to cover either one of their discomfort.]
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Date: 2022-09-25 10:48 pm (UTC)From:No wonder Maul likes you so much; you're just as over dramatic as he is.
[ His tone was teasing, even though it was probably entirely true. ]
[ He slipped his arms back into the sleeves of his jumpsuit, but didn't button it back up, leaving it loose as he turned back to Reaper. Now, he looked as tired as he felt, and... he wasn't entirely sure why, but he felt like he would sleep well after this conversation. ]
...thank you.
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Date: 2022-09-26 01:57 pm (UTC)From:[That seemed like the kind of story that Maul liked to tell. Besides, a good story was also a good distraction to the fact that Luke was so bothered by bodily scarring. It gave them something to bounce to at this exact moment.
He tugged at his hood to make certain all of his hair was hidden under it now that his mask was back in place. He noted that the kid was probably going to at least attempt sleeping, though how successful was time that would tell.]
Go lay down, boy. I'll tell you a bedtime story. [He was jesting. Or was he?]
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Date: 2022-09-27 12:43 am (UTC)From:Sure thing, daddy.
[ He froze immediately after the sarcastic words were out of his mouth, the look on his face clearly stating in loud, bold, capitalized letters that he did not think that through before he spoke. He stared at Reaper for an overly long moment, eyes wide, before he simply said: ]
Don't.
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Date: 2022-09-27 02:00 pm (UTC)From:He gave a clap of his hands in front of him, and a low growly chuckle emerged from behind his mask.]
You don't get to Don't me after that one. You're thirst is so obvious, you're practically dewy.
[He and Maul had definitely gotten distracted from any sort of conversation that involved some form of initiation with this kid, but he felt the need to take Luke under his wing for the entirety of bi-disaster learning curb. He'd been there, but his confidence had been far more certain.]
Get ready for a lay down, Sugarplum. Daddy's going to make a Naughty and Nice list of all the people you can thirst after. I'm thinking someone big and dominant. I bet you'd melt under a strong hand but still try to throw your weight around... which would just lead to you squirming wonderfully.
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Date: 2022-10-01 03:54 am (UTC)From:...I... guess it's better we have this conversation sooner rather than later...
[ Even if he was going to be humiliated through the whole thing. ]
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Date: 2022-10-01 10:20 pm (UTC)From:He eased himself into a crouch in front of where Luke was flopped into the nest, resting his elbows on his knees. It was a poise he could hold for long periods of time, and he planned on doing just that right now.]
Once upon a time a few years back, there was an angry space gremlin who had been drugged and tied to a dead animal and placed in a house to be burned. Now that adorable little space viper was so very helpless and couldn't escape on his own.
Suddenly in ghosted the most powerful lifedraining dark prince. This prince murdered a bunch of the crazy cultists and pulled his future princess from the flames and off of the dead beast. The prince held his princess against him and under the shadow of flames, death and the screams of the dying and wooed the tattooed space gremlin to instantly loving him.
They danced death to the cultists together, and it was a magical time. They parted ways both knowing they would meet again.
[Behind his mask, he was smirking. So maybe it was an abridged version and he had embellished Maul's emotional state at the time, but hey, it was a good story.]
Wishing you were asleep yet?
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Date: 2022-10-01 11:28 pm (UTC)From:[ That was why when he stopped to ask if he wished to be asleep yet, he finally gave up and bust out laughing, leaning back against the wall, his arms wrapped around his stomach as he near laughed until it hurt. ]
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Date: 2022-10-02 03:02 am (UTC)From:He remained in his crouch and let Luke laugh, though he did subtly pull out his Omni to take a picture. One might never know when they need a "is it laughing or dying?" set of photos in the future.]
No doubt, my space gremlin would be very offended at you laughing at his overwhelming instant infatuation with the future love of his life.
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