Inbox for duplicity

[chopoffyourhead]

Username: rosehearts

Comments

[eelusive]

Mngh, I can’t understand you when you sleep mumble…

[Floyd grumbles before sitting up a bit and trying to scoop Riddle into his arms like a freshly harvested geoduck.]

I’ll just tuck you in.

[chopoffyourhead]

[A small, startled noise escapes his throat when he's picked up. With a little huff, he crosses his arms and looks up at Floyd.]

I said I like you too.

1/2

[eelusive]

[He’s busy tossing pillows aside and pulling open the sheets while simultaneously holding Riddle, so excuse him a moment…]

Yeah, yeah–

2/2

[eelusive]

[–then just before he eases Riddle down, Floyd abruptly stops.

Dammit, don’t just look at him like that…

More shifting, and this time he tries to maneuver Riddle so he can hook his arms and legs around him instead. Floyd hopes that allows the other boy to bury his face in his shoulder or stare at anything else but him.

Quietly,]

… Can you say that again?

[chopoffyourhead]

[...heh. He really is too cute.

He shifts his face to place a couple of kisses along his jaw, murmuring between each one.]

I - like - you.

[eelusive]

[… Floyd awkwardly pats Riddle’s back to try and keep his hand occupied.

It’s just…

He didn’t anticipate getting this far. Or getting anywhere, really. … Why did he do this again?

Finally after another few moments of silence,]

Well… I like you.

[Can Riddle hear the gears clanking away in his head?]

… Now you say it again.

[Sorry, Riddle. Merfolk have a thing with noise and repetition, you see. He’s totally not doing this to confirm he’s not hearing something totally different. Totally!]

[chopoffyourhead]

[Riddle can't help but give a little laugh, nuzzling into his neck.]

Silly eel.

[His smile gentles and warms as he stays tucked there.]

Of course I like you. You make me feel powerful and desired. You try so hard for me... You've been extremely patient and understanding.

It doesn't matter that sometimes you make mistakes and mess up. What matters is that you recognize your shortcomings and always strive to improve, no matter how frustrating it is.

That's the mark of an amazing person.

[eelusive]

I do?

[Well… that’s good then, isn’t it? It’s really good, at least compared to the shit he’s done in their past and all that…

Floyd won’t even bother contesting the whole “person” thing again. He’d rather not ruin the mood.]

I know you didn’t like me before. So it feels weird hearing you say it.

[he mumbles thoughtfully, hand pausing at Riddle’s back. Before long, Floyd heaves a sigh and allows his eyes to slip shut.]

But… I don’t mind making you feel powerful. We can fight and you can throw me around if you want.

[Another pause, then,]

I wouldn’t let anybody else do that.

[chopoffyourhead]

[A nod of confirmation.]

That's true. But neither of us are the people we were before.

[Floyd has become gentler and more empathetic. Riddle has become calmer and less regimented. With their extremes softened, they actually complemented each other quite well.

There's a soft, amused noise at the next part, and he kisses Floyd's jaw.]

Well, I certainly wouldn't be opposed to a bit of roughhousing. But I also meant... simply the way you've talked about me and to me. The way you've reacted to my displays of skill and strength.

You make me feel as if I could take on this entire city.

[eelusive]

[Floyd has a long way to go with empathy, but at least he can sit through a conversation like this without calling it cringey. And at least he can look at a flower and want to give it to Riddle not because it’s pretty, but because he genuinely thinks Riddle will want it.

Matters of the heart sure do take a lot out of an eel though… With a hum, Floyd rests his chin on Riddle’s shoulder.]

You’ve always been a strong goldfish.

[A pause to yawn, and it’s clear he’s barely holding on to consciousness]

You’d burn the whole city down… Mmn… ‘n lemme watch…

[chopoffyourhead]

[A softened chuckle as he gives a squeeze to the one holding him, feeling rather drowsy himself. He presses a kiss to Floyd's cheek.]

How about you sleep with me tonight?

[eelusive]

Mmn… ‘kay.

[Floyd nuzzles into Riddle’s neck, clearly not opposed to this idea. Lately it seems he sleeps everywhere but in his own bed most nights.

Flopping over onto his side, Floyd tries to take Riddle with him so they can situate and cozy up.]

‘s quiet…

[he mumbles, his heartbeat steady. For once, it seems, the noise in his head is settling down, even if only for a moment.]

[chopoffyourhead]

[A small noise of surprise escapes when Floyd flops over like that, but then he gives a contented hum as he cuddles close.

He listens to that heartbeat slowing down, finding the sound incredibly soothing.

He murmurs:]

Goodnight, my Moray.