>>@ENTERTHEDRAGON | @ALL
Anyone else getting a massive wave of culture shock? It's totally kicking my ass right now. I got a nice little gig set up here above a bar, but the catch is I gotta work. But yeah, people are coming and going like crazy around here. Weird outfits, weird hairstyles. Seeing everyone go crazy about freedom is pretty freakin' cool. Nobody needs some stuffy old dude sittin' in a golden high chair sucking his royal thumb and giving out orders all the time.
Not gonna lie, I've seen some pretty big palaces before, but I totally wanna raid the hell out of Versailles.
So anyway, is it like this all the time when you guys get a new mission? I've never been to Paris before, but I kinda know what it looks like from pictures back in my own time? Universe? Good luck getting your head around that shit, it's way too deep for me. I was all excited to see the Eiffel Tower, but apparently it's not gonna exist for like... a hundred years.
Not gonna lie, I've seen some pretty big palaces before, but I totally wanna raid the hell out of Versailles.
So anyway, is it like this all the time when you guys get a new mission? I've never been to Paris before, but I kinda know what it looks like from pictures back in my own time? Universe? Good luck getting your head around that shit, it's way too deep for me. I was all excited to see the Eiffel Tower, but apparently it's not gonna exist for like... a hundred years.

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He feels the abrupt shove against him, and it's way stronger than he would've thought it should be. What the hell?]
... dude, you're really weird.
[Rubbing his cheek, he looks at Achilles dejectedly.]
I ain't some piece of meat that you can just go 'n tenderize, y'know.
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Then you should go back into the hole you hopped out of, little rabbit.
You'll get devoured otherwise. [ Instead of reaching for his cheek this time, he places a strong hand over the top of his head, rubbing at his cropped hair. ]
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Rabbits? Holes? Why is it that everyone that time travels talks really oddly? But then there's a hand at his head, and he secretly hate-loves-loves when he's being doted on like that, so he gives up and loosens his posture. It does feel nice. He hasn't been given physical attention since coming here... aside from an absolutely terrifying old man.
Oh well, he'll play along.]
Are you supposed to be a lion or something? If you think I'm a rabbit.
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That's right! [ Now he's ruffling his hair pretty roughly, enjoying himself as he makes a mess of it. ]
But this lion's full tonight, so don't go worrying about getting eaten while you sleep.
[ Yeah, maybe there's a bit of a sexual undertone to his jokes. He has no clue it's going over Ryuji's head. ]
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The lion is full tonight? [Does he even want to know?]
I wasn't worrying about sleepin' but man, you're giving me a cold wind over here!
[He doesn't dare push him again. He doesn't know if his HP can survive another flank attack.]
Thanks, by the way.
For savin' my ass.
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No, he's smiling fondly because he's partly fascinated by the way in which he's receiving this thanks. It isn't packaged with the typical reverence he'd usually get when being thanked by someone he saved. It kind of makes him realize how different the culture of today is. ]
We're comrades, aren't we?
It's only natural we look out for each other. [ And he believes this in earnest despite... what legend says. His myrmidons had been important to him because they belonged to him; since then, he's learned to appreciate his comrades as much as his underlings. As long as one proves their goodness, he'll do anything to protect them and and their integrity.
Moving up on his feet finally, he stretches long arms up towards the ceiling, shifting and rolling his shoulders as a way of limbering up. ]
I'm going to get Keraunos here something to eat. And I suppose you'll need to fill your stomach before you sleep as well.
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But he shares that sentiment. He would have died for them if it meant saving them. They didn't have to prove anything in particular, he just... feels it at the core of his being. He trusts...trusted... every single one of them without batting an eyelash.
It feels like forever ago that he almost did, making a risky move at Shido's palace to put the rest of his friends out of harm's way, and he would do it again even with lesser odds of survival. That's the type of boy that Ryuji is- and Achilles will eventually figure that out on his own.
Watching Achilles get up, he notices the sheer amount of muscular strength that he has. If it looks like a small window of admiration, it's definitely there. Ryuji wanted so badly to fix the problems with his leg, to compensate by building muscles elsewhere and being the exact type of hero that came to his own rescue tonight. Creepiness aside, he is thankful. Without even realizing it, he had started what would eventually become a certain respect and appreciation for the other. For now, he just feels it as a heat in his cheeks.]
Huh? Yeah. Some food would be... really 'effin nice right about now. I hate to be a bother, though. [He feels his stomach rumble, not sure if it's the mention of food or the pain that's still shooting through it from that punch.] I uhm... I don't really have much, but. [And he rifles through his pocket, taking out a few scant bills. He's already been enough of a burden for one night.]
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He pockets the money. ]
You're right, it's not much at all. [ He pokes him right in the forehead. ] It might be enough for a loaf of bread, but you're not going to get any butter to go with it.
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Man, why couldn't we be in Italy or something, instead? Then we could at least have, like, pasta or something. [Be careful what you wish for, Ryuji...] I take it back. I don't want to hate pasta.
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[ Waving him off, he'll start approaching the exit. ] I'll be back. Look after Keraunos for me.
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[In the end, he won't. He's not that ungracious of a guest to do that sort of thing. Even if he has not-the-best-manners in the world, he knows that he was raised better than that. His eyes follow Achilles to the door. Something about seeing him leave makes him a little dismayed. He's not alone; he has the horse to keep him company, but after spending a year with people, seeing them almost every single day, it was weird to be thrust into these missions where he had to learn to be by himself again.
He makes himself comfortable, at least for now. Untying the cloth belt around his waist to let himself have breathing room, he reclines in bed and places his hands behind his head. Even with the window open, he feels a slight bit of warmth tickle up to his chest, so he unbuttons the top fold of cloth of his loose fitting shirt and starts to feel the air getting inside him.]
Rider, huh?
[It doesn't take incredibly long for him to doze off. It wasn't even what he intended to do, but once his eyes close, he feels consciousness for a few more moments before it's suddenly not there at all anymore. His body must have been tired after everything- which was weird, since Achilles being in the room made him feel far more alive, more energetic. But here he was, in some stranger's bed, in a strange land, a strange time, but the sheet smell nice and the soft sound of the horse not far away is reminiscent of the white noise he used to fall asleep to back in Tokyo.]
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So he doesn't go to just any bakery; not that any bakeries would be open at this time of night. Instead, he ventures into a rowdy tavern close to the hotel he'd left the boy at, and makes a few extravagant purchases.
A bottle of wine, a hunk of cheese, a loaf of bread, and a few apples.
He carries them back to the hotel, expertly opening the door leading to their room with his foot on the handle.
Luckily for Ryuji, Achilles isn't so much of an asshole that he'll just wake him up for the hell of it. He'll arrange all of the food and the bottle on the table in the corner of the room and proceed over to his horse to feed it about two pounds' worth of apples. ]
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It looks... a lot nicer than what his own money could've procured. And sure enough, no butter. Still rubbing one eye, he looks out over Achilles.]
Huhn... weren't kiddin' about the butter...
[Another small yawn, and he cracks his neck. Eventually sitting upright, he works to fasten his cloth wrapping again, just so that they don't threaten to fall off when he actually gets out of bed.]
Sorry. Were we s'posed to have like. Some sorta romantic dinner 'cause I think I might've overslept and stood you up. [Over to the corner he goes, looking at the... cheese.
That's cheese.
Actual cheese.]
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Also... why all these mixed signals. Achilles is starting to think he's completely dense. ]
You won't be stealing my heart anytime soon like this. [ Playing along... carefully. ] If that had been your intent...
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He incorrectly guesses as such, and takes the piece he had cut off for himself and cuts that in half, offering it to the spirit.]
Well. Uh. They do say that the key to a man's heart is through his stomach. [Have some bread, Achilles?]
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You're gonna have to do a lot better than bread that's not even buttered.
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okay, he understands the type of fire he's playing with now.
He stares at Achilles. That is somehow the greasiest and most elegant thing he's heard all night. As if challenging him, he comes closer and coaxes the bottle out of his hand before taking a sip. He doesn't know why, but sure. He'll play along.
Side note, it's the first time he's ever had wine. He doesn't know if he likes the taste or not. Gingerly, he holds the bottle back out to him. This little shit.]
Huh. Guess I'll have to save up my tip money, then.
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He takes the bottle gratefully, placing his lips against the opening and letting the wine slide between and down his throat. ]
There's no need for that. Just ask and I'll gladly hold you for a night. I'd be grateful for the mana.
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None of that made a whole lot of sense to Ryuji. His gaydar is going through the roof right now, and he feels like he needs a whole lot of more wine swig to get that kind of swag. He furrows his eyebrows in contesting for a moment.
But actually.
He'd almost been abducted tonight. That thought, as if suddenly, starts to creep up inside him as much as the alcohol stirs in his virgin stomach (virgin because he's never had booze before, not like that, Achilles). It puts things into perspective, and casting aside the rampant amount of "no homo" that usually makes up the composition of Ryuji's thoughts... it wouldn't be bad having someone near him tonight. Things could be so, so much more worse. If had been awoken by the sound of the door opening, would he have been a mess, thinking that all of this was some longer con? Would he be able to be sitting here, eating bread and teasing Achilles?
It's like it's finally settling in. And god, it's fucking terrifying.
Truth of the matter is... yeah. Maybe he'd like that. And he's straight forward enough to tell the green haired hero how he feels.]
I... uhm. Would you... [He holds his arm, looking the other way.] Would you mind staying with me tonight? I just. I don't wanna wake up in the middle of it, scared I'm gonna get taken away or anything.
Listen, this sorta stuff ain't really my style. But. I'm still kinda shook up.
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So romantic. Achilles is so pleased.
He isn't dense, but he is a man who'd been wanted all his life, by men and women alike. In his time of glory, just suggesting his interest could drive anyone to throw themselves into his arms, eager to be taken by his legendary power and strength.
Ryuji doesn't know who he is, but it seems his charm has not lost its touch despite the the variation of era and culture. He listens to the younger man's plight, eyes softening in silent understanding as he considers his words. Because he hasn't refused him, his request is processed way differently than it was intended to be received.
Gently, he reaches forward, looping his arms around him so he can drag him into the space between his spread thighs. He ... basically hugs him, resting his forehead against the middle of his chest. ]
I'll stay until morning, if that's what you want. Until then, I'll hold you gently...
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And then Achilles is pulling him forward, closer to him, between his legs. He's about to raise his voice, to yell at him, scream profanities about how he shouldn't be doing this- and then he simply places his head up against his chest.
Ryuji looks down at the mess of spiked back strands of hair below him. Fuck. This was weird. All of this was. Feeling conflicted, he stands there, not knowing what to do with this situation. What the hell was the right thing to do in this situation? With a sigh, he awkwardly raises his hand up. With some level of trepidation, his eyes affix downward at the man whose currently got him fixed in position.
It's not what he meant by asking him to stay with him. It's not even fucking close.
And yet, still, his hand moves as if to betray him, and he pushes back Achilles' bright emerald locks until his hand is softly rifling through his hair. Just once, just straight back to the undercut beneath the sway of tinted hues.
Whatever.
Rationalize it all he wants, but... it's not the worst thing in the world to feel his chest tighten up like this. He doesn't want to be left alone tonight, even if that means compromising a part of how he views himself that he thought he knew for the short sum of the last 17 years of his life.]
Yeah. Okay. [Gulps.] I'd kinda like that.
omg
He sighs appreciatively at the fingers carding through his hair, pulling Ryuji closer so he can tuck his face closer against the slender column of his throat. Having a physical body has allowed him to indulge in exploring his senses, whether he's inhaling the pungent stench of gore or breathing in the sweet scent of a lover. He relishes it, but he enjoys the sensation of touch even more.
Achilles is too hot... He is a beautiful man with beautiful eyebrows. It only makes sense that this horny teenage boy would give into his advances.
Given his acceptance, Achilles lifts his head, craning his neck in an effort to catch the boy's lips in a sure kiss. His hands are pushing underneath his shirt... already, blunt fingernails scraping at his back as he tries pull him down and coax him into his lap. ]
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He should feel sick to his stomach. He should be pushing Achilles away, should be telling him that this isn't fucking right, because he's not into dudes that way. But, that attention, that careful, slow acknowledgment of Ryuji as a person that could actually be desired by someone, makes him feel something that he hasn't before. It's not just a weakness to it, it's a fucking sledgehammer against his heart, and he feels himself being swept up into it, letting it just envelop his body. Maybe this is Achilles' wicked charm, but for a moment, when he's this close in Achilles arms, he actually feels like he's worth being someone to be held. It's probably pathetic. He's probably done this with so many people before, centering the focus on himself so strongly, so enchantingly, that the individual ego starts to dissipate and Ryuji is just... there, somehow okay with these advances.
Achilles is a hero. One of the greatest heroes in the annals of history. Even though Ryuji only knows him as Rider, there's this charismatic draw to him. He's not horny. It's not just the hormones that rage through his body. Something about being held by this man makes him feel stronger, like the limelight focused on him has its own radiant path that makes him feel like he's worth enough to be in a hero's arms. That's the type of current that drags Ryuji into the undertow, drowning him whole.
When he's kissed like that, his face blooms into a flurry of heat. From this angle, he must look so innocent, so unsullied, and for all the tough boy image that he tries to exude, the reality of it all is that he's just a regular person who's been dealt a really shitty hand in life. The taste of wine is inlaid against those lips, and the room suddenly feels like it's ten times smaller than it was just a second ago. It sends chills down his spine, both scared by and comforted by the thought that this is something he actually likes, and as he raises his hands up to Achilles' chest, he half-heartedly pushes at him in protest, at the same time that those skilled hands make blunt warnings against his back, almost like they're scolding him to not bend away from this. He doesn't. He presses his lips more firmly against the other's, indulging himself into it like he's walking straight into the grape-stained darkness of the evening.
And Ryuji arches his back forward, his posture realigning itself as he's moving, forward, dangerously, coming to Achilles' call like a war horn. But he accepts it, because, fuck. He wants all the affection and intensity of that attention on him.]
I... uh... fuck, you're a good kisser.
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He holds him up by his arms, letting his body relax and slump against his broad chest. With one hand drifting to the outside of his hip, he tries to coax him again, to lift his leg and hook it around the hard post of Achilles' own thigh. He takes his time, understanding that his hesitance is based on his lack of knowledge, and pushing him would only make him rigid.
At the murmured praise, he lets out a pleased chuckle, dropping his hands... to his ass... so he can pull his hips flush against the hard wall of muscle at his abdomen. ]
I'm good at many things. I'll gladly show you.
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Achilles is shoving Ryuji off of his lap before the man has even landed on the floor on the other side of the room, summoning his spear in preparation for an attack.
Sorry, Ryuji. ]
i'm so sorry
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