anothercontinuity | Red vs Blue pt 2

Lulling for both of them- the repetitive stroking, the silken glide of hair through his fingers? Being trusted with this? Quiets that small, needy part of him in the back of his mind. That thing he's trying to stomp down every time Locus smirks because even if they are bound and bonded-

He's not sure how deep into the scene this guy has been.

he's not sure if there's even a scene now that he can get into safely.

But little things like this? He can do.

Each stroke, and he can feel the faint tug against his scalp. But York is gentle, so very gentle, and it's easy to simply focus on the feel of it. The various sensations and sounds.

"You've done this before."

"I dated a few girls, and one guy, with long hair in my misspent youth. They'd always bitch about how much of a chore it'd be and I loved taking care of it for them because it was something I could do that was nice, showed that I cared, and then I'd get to play with hair. And if they were feeling nice sometimes they'd play with mine afterward." Give and take and mostly give on his end because he has plenty to give-

And takes whatever he's offered back gladly. "I could never grow mine out. I tried but it just looked kind of sad."

"Mm. Perhaps for the best. Shorter hair suits you."

And he'd cut his off, once upon a time, but this appeared to be the style that suited him best. Perhaps it was fitting, now. Regardless, it had given them this opportunity.

'Showed that he cared' indeed.

He finishes with a few long strokes from crown to tip, setting the brush aside to braid it quickly. "This'll keep it from tangling in your sleep."

Also- fun to have his hands in hair for a little bit longer.

There's just a noise of acknowledgement as he waits, patiently allowing York to continue his work. Nothing wrong with being dedicated to doing something correctly.

"Often a concern." He peers back, as much as he really can while not disturbing his work. "Depending on how restful that sleep is."

"...I kind of passed out hardcore because, um. Dying and changing and all of that so I guess this'll be my first real night of 'sleeping'." He ties off the braid with all the care he'd given everything else and sits back, hands dropping down to his lap. "Is it like passing out or...is it different from human sleep?"

"It is sleep like any other," Locus answers, finally turning back towards him. "You could stay awake if you liked, but it would eventually take a toll on you. Just as if you were living."

Sleeping is just the most efficient way to pass the day, as it happens.

"So this isn't gonna be a magical cure for my insomnia." Which is probably only going to get worse now that he can think about as fast as Delta about everything that can, has, could, and probably will, go wrong in the future.

Oh how fucking fun.

Helpful as ever, Delta opens the door to York's quiet anxiety- not like it isn't visible on his face but- reassurance, please.

"No."

A frown tugs at his mouth before he reaches a hand out. Carefully, those fingers sink into his hair, combing through the short strands. York had already mentioned how he felt it was calming. No reason not to return the favor now, when he seemed to need it.

"But if you need help, I can assist. In my own way."

Most of the tension eases with that. One stroke through his hair and his shoulders are drooping, two has his weight tipping into Locus' hand. It's- grounding. As much as brushing Locus' had been earlier. "Really? Because I'd appreciate that. I don't generally sleep unless I'm too tired to function and exhausted beyond my capacity to stay awake, or I'm drunk. And one of those options isn't available anymore."

So any help Locus can offer? He'll take and take gladly.

"We could run laps until you tire yourself out," he suggests, with an air that says he's not entirely serious but it is possible. No. There are other ways to tire him out and settle his mind. He knows them well.

As it is, this seems to be working to calm him, for the moment, so Locus does not stop. He even allows his nails to curl slightly, to offer York's scalp a mild scratching while he's at it.

"I have no idea if that'd be safe-" Just considering how much or little time they've got left till don and how much energy he feels like he's got left but- Locus is teasing and that's a little bit of a comfort. Just as much as the nails in his hair, the warm burr of his voice.

"What've you got in mind?" Vampire magic? His presence and contact?

"...come lie down with me."

Some combination of the two, actually. Close proximity and touch couldn't hurt, as far as bridging that connection with warm, soothing thoughts. At least until one of them fell asleep.

Dropping his hand, Locus moved towards the bed. Still hadn't retrieved a shirt, either.

That is not as restful as locus thinks it is, but Taylor follows all the same. Curls up on his side facing his...whatever, his sire? Partner. He knows locus has no need for delta and that makes sleeping while facing him easier. "Now what?"

Once settled, Locus reaches across to take up his previous hair-stroking. While those pale eyes stare at York, he focuses across that calm, lethargic feeling, letting it wash through their connection.

All the while watching to see what would come of it.

Maybe this is why he couldn't ever sleep- no one to help him wind down. Every stroke had him going more and more boneless, melting into the pillows as that langour sets in. Warm down to his bones he shuffles closer on instinct. He might not end up tucked against Locus' side again but he'll be close enough.

The important thing is that he finds rest. No need to let that anxiety ball up inside of him again. He deserved rest, some measure of assured safety and security, and the soothing wash continued through their bond like a softly hummed lullaby.

Be at ease, York. He's here. He's not going anywhere.

Having this- that borrowed warmth radiating off locus, the pipeline to lazy, sleepy contentment in his mind silencing his usual anxieties, the band in his hair? All roll together in an overwhelming need for rest he usually can't find on his own. Safe.

He's safe here. He doesn't need to worry so much, it'll be okay. He slips forward that last little bit, forehead pressing against Locus' throat, lost in the sensation of security and comfort provided. His end of the bond fills with sleepy affection and gratitude.

Red vs Blue pt 2

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