cellkey | mockmurder beguiledcard byanyother

From:

[Kurama settles next to Ren and reaches to take his hand, gently coaxing it to uncurl. The invitation to join them came as a bit of a surprise, but he couldn't say anything but yes.]

...how bad was it?

From:

beguiledcard

[ He takes Kurama's hand, but he actually struggles to straighten his fingers enough to do so. He's leaning his head against Akira's, reluctantly responding. ]

It... could have been worse.

[ No, he's not trying to play anything off. He eases in a slow breath. ]

Akira had to keep me handcuffed and blindfolded... so I wouldn't have a chance to try-

[ There's a grim smile. ]

... brainwashing him into letting me go.

[ Ren's jawline is tightening, and there's a moment where his body jerks. Then his expression softens a tiny bit. ]

But, I never actually wanted to try anything. The whole time, it was more a matter of fear and the awful reminder of that hunter. So, maybe... it'll be fine, after all.

[ He's shifting his head to look at Akira, and he might be aiming to meet his gaze...?

... Still questioning why you were invited, Kurama? ]

From:

cellkey

[Akira is quiet as Ren explains, thumb swiping over his cheek. After a few moments, he turns his head and presses a soft kiss to his temple before leaning his head against the other's again, gaze drifting over to Kurama.]

Even with my powers, it was hard to keep him calm. But... maybe with you here, it won't be so bad.

[There's a small smile, and it's just on the edge of helpless; he couldn't blame Ren for being so stressed over something like that. He just.. wishes he could've done more. Hopes this will be enough.

When Ren starts to shift and look at him, instinctively, he starts to turn his head towards him. But— there's a sinking feeling in his stomach, all of a sudden...? So even though he does turn his head a bit, his gaze remains locked onto Kurama.]

Edited Date: 2019-04-11 05:30 pm (UTC)

From:

byanyother_name

[Kurama catches that small jerk and it concerns him. The softening expression, the explanation... It could be natural? It's small enough to be natural.

If it is, he can apologize to Ren for his lack of trust later.

His free hand lifts to block Ren from catching Akira's eyes. It's subtle, but his body is wound tight as a spring under the gentleness.]

I'll do everything I can to help.

From:

beguiledcard

[ There's a tiny gasp as the hand moves to block his view. It's only after a few seconds, he gives a smile that's a little... too sweet. ]

Don't trust me, huh?

From:

cellkey

[The disappearance of Ren's feelings altogether is utterly chilling, and Akira can't help the shudder that runs through his body. Immediately, he's looking over to the clock... and tensing considerably himself.]

You know, there's a point where coming early stops being reasonable and starts being obnoxious. Want to guess which side you're on?

[He's definitely starting to shift away and moving to get those restraints.]

From:

byanyother_name

[The hand Kurama had curled around Ren's in comfort moves to hold his wrist. It isn't a harsh grip but it's definitely firm. And inhumanly strong.

That too sweet smile is the nail in the coffin.]

You forget I've been through this before. I don't trust anyone on Thursday nights.

[And Kurama's return smile is sharp as a knife.]

From:

beguiledcard

[ There's the hint of a small grin as the free hand is shooting out to grab Akira. There's no sign or warning before this.

In the same moment, he's going to be yanking his wrist free, hurriedly moving away. ]

Well, if I'm unwanted, I could go see if... Hmmm...

[ He's going to be trying to make eye contact with Kurama as he attempts to get to the door. ]

Why don't I see if Ritsu would like to spend time with me? Or... maybe Hiei?

Edited Date: 2019-04-11 06:40 pm (UTC)

From:

cellkey

[Akira's breath catches as he's caught, and for a brief moment, he tries to pull away—

... but it's... actually a very tender sort of hold, even if it's firm?

... well, time for plan B.

He's turning around and bringing his other arm up, aiming to press his hand over Ren's eyes.]

No you don't!

From:

byanyother_name

[Kurama is already moving to avoid eye contact, but it's easier with Akira moving to cover Ren's eyes.

He almost wants to bristle at the threat to Hiei but...

That first part. It stings in all the places that aren't sure how much the two sides overlap. So Kurama's voice is more fierce than gentle-]

I never said you're unwanted.

From:

beguiledcard

[ The hand over his eyes has him going still, and then...? There's another brief jerk of his body.

Without warning, the body is dropping to the floor, though he's catching himself in time to simply land on his knees. He's keeping his head ducked, a frustrated sound slipping out. With shaky hands, he's yanking a bandanna from his pocket and hurriedly tying it around his eyes.

All the while, it's like he's performing some apologetic ritual: ]

... I'm sorry. I'm so sorry... [ threat of a sob ] I tried...

From:

cellkey

[...ah. The jerking. He'd felt that earlier, too.

A small noise escapes his throat as Ren suddenly drops away, and he drops with him after a moment, brow furrowing as he scrambles to put the blindfold on.]

Hey...

[He touches his back gently, then looks to Kurama, giving a nod. Help him out here?

Meanwhile, he's going to try dampening that guilt some...]

It isn't your fault, Ren.

[Once Kurama is close enough, he will be moving to go grab the cuffs off the nightstand.]

From:

byanyother_name

[Kurama is quick to join them, kneeling next to Ren. He touches Ren's arm to let him know he's there before pulling him into a hug.

He returns Akira's nod, lips briefly pressed tight. His voice is gentle when he speaks to Ren.]

It isn't. You never wanted any of this to happen.

And you didn't hurt us. We're both fine.

From:

beguiledcard

[ The attempt at dampening the guilt helps, but he does jump a little at each touch - that kind that, unfortunately, is that of someone expecting to be hit. He doesn't lean into the touches or the hug - not at first, at least. It isn't until the reminder that he didn't actually hurt anyone that he seems to have calmed enough.

Very, very hesitantly, he leans against Kurama, a slight tremble in his form. ]

Y-... I know, but...

[ He very slowly holds both wrists out for Kurama to take. ]

It will be safer if you don't let me have freedom of movement.

From:

cellkey

Kurama's right.

[He's coming back over with the restraints, and kneeling next to them both.]

Actually... even though that other side of you had a really good grip...

[He reaches out, running a gentle hand down Ren's arm.]

It was really gentle. Even... loving.

From:

byanyother_name

Not only did you not hurt us... Ren, you didn't even try to.

[Kurama lets go of Ren with one arm but only for a moment. Instead of holding Ren's wrists himself, a couple of vines snake out of his sleeve and tangle firmly but gently around them.

It's only temporary, anyway. He'll remove them when Akira is ready to put on the restraints.

Kurama's hand moves after that to run through Ren's hair tenderly.]

From:

beguiledcard

[ His breath quietly catches as he feels the vines. Slowly, he lowers his arms to his lap, letting his head very gently nuzzle into Kurama's shoulder. ]

Thank you...

[ Ren's relaxing a little and doesn't even flinch when he's touching by Akira. He's... safe. They're safe. ]

.. Was it, really?

[ His head shifts a little, towards Akira, his voice quiet. ]

From:

cellkey

Yeah... Maybe that other part of you... isn't so terrible. But it's going to have to earn our trust if it wants even a little bit of freedom.

[He turns his head, gently nuzzling Ren.]

Hey, Kurama... how strong are those vines?

From:

byanyother_name

[Kurama continues stroking Ren's hair, fingers briefly sliding down far enough to brush the back of Ren's neck. The way Ren relaxes under the grip of Kurama's vines makes his chest tighten.]

With my ki running through them? Stronger than steel.

From:

beguiledcard

[ There's a tiny shiver at the brush from Kurama's fingers on the back of his neck. His hands curl into slightly tighter fists.

But, he leans into the nuzzle. He remains mostly relaxed - as much as he could be, anyway. He is just... going to be quiet for now. His facial features are softened as he listens to them. ]

From:

cellkey

Does it take a lot of energy to do that?

[His hand slides down Ren's arm and comes to a stop on the fist, thumb running over the knuckles.]

Ren's really calm right now, so... maybe it'd be better to use those than the cuffs. What do you think, Ren?

From:

byanyother_name

No, it's one of my most basic skills. My primary weapon is a length of thorny rose vine strengthened this way. It barely takes any energy at all.

[Kurama lets his fingers tangle gently into Ren's hair, thumb pressing gentle, massaging circles at the base of his skull. He waits for Ren's answer thoughtfully.]

From:

beguiledcard

[ He shifts both hands so he can gently take Akira's hand, thumbs ghosting over the skin. His voice just sounds tired at this point. ]

... Yeah. [ swallowing thickly, and then very lightly tugging the vines prior to moving to stand ] Let's go... back over to the bed.

[ Assuming nobody will stop it, he will be trying to start that way. ]

From:

cellkey

[Akira gets up with him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.]

It's okay, Ren... You're worth it. You're worth doing this a thousand times over.

[He turns his head and presses a gentle kiss to his cheek, gently trying to instill security and hope in him.]

From:

byanyother_name

[The vines are soft and gentle around Ren's arms, but there's no give to the tug. His wrists are very securely bound together.

Kurama gets up along with them, following them towards the bed.]

As many times as we must. It doesn't matter. We won't give up on you.