IC contact

[wiseoldbartender]

Husk

Fuck off.

VOICE | TEXT | VIDEO | ACTION

🔥 | NSFW

FROM: SUBJECT: FLINS Husk. I'm not sure I know how... FLINS Lottery Number, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth... ZEVRAN Were you, by chance, aware that your beloved... FLINS It is January 17th, 2025 CE FLINS January 10, 2026 CE FLINS January 3, 2026 CE FLINS December 27, 2025 CE FLINS December 20, 2025 CE ALASTOR Good day, old friend! FLINS December 13, 2025 CE FLINS December 06, 2025 CE SHROUD/HARU I was told you had a pest problem. FLINS November 29, 2025 CE ZEVRAN My dearest of furred friends! FLINS For the sake of convenience... FAMILY CHAT So we got a pig now. LAPIS I know you don't want a big fuss... EDWARD If you want to talk about it or... DIARMUID I heard what happened. CEREZA Knock knock, my little Sourpuss~ CAMILLA Say, Husk, you wouldn't happen to have any recommendations... LAPIS Father's Day SAMPO/LAPIS/JINWOO Husker Agapov. On the next night in... LAPIS Are you at your place right now? EUNIE how's this month's mission mildred

TO: SUBJECT: FLINS Y'know how you think shit can't possibly... ZEVRAN WEE WOO WEE WOO FLINS Okay Baby, I'm gonna need you to do me a solid... JUN Flins asked me to message you... JINWOO Jinwoo, get your ass here... SHROUD Whatever higher power is in control... FAM CHAT What does it mean when you dream DIARMUID So. Are we gonna talk about the thing. FAM CHAT Weird request. One of you needs to come... BLADE Got a sword from that sketchy shopkeeper. ELLIOT Hey, Elliot. Think shit's calmed down enough... DIARMUID Order came. At Jinwoo's place. LAPIS That FUCKING son of a BITCH HUA CHENG Shit's getting bad. LAPIS One of those flying boxes gave me a new phone EUNIE You might wanna stay away from your regular place for a while.

code by cawaii

Comments

[lanternae]

[Flins being on odd hours worked to his advantage. He sees this message rather quickly, and looks at Casimir to leave the lighthouse to him in his absence.

The cat blinks evenly and slinks off to take over the watch. He'll let Husk know of his arrival first, with a simple Be there soon., and Flins escapes through his own shadow once more, the flicker of his lantern disappearing last.

He arrives once more at the Agapov household, stepping out and right behind Husk once more.]

Merry Christmas.

[wiseoldbartender]

[ In his working-things-out time (in which he worked exactly nothing out), Husk has gotten dressed and headed into the kitchen. He has some tea brewing and is in the process of feeding Fat Nuggets when Flins appears out of his shadow. The little hell pig peers out around Husk's legs - snorting in confusion at the person who wasn't there a moment ago, but now is. Husk turns, and he can't stop the genuine smile that crosses his face when he sees Flins.

Stop it, you're sixty-four years old, this ain't a high school prom date. ]

Merry Christmas to you, too.

[ He puts Fat Nuggets' food bowl down, letting the little pig chow down, before stepping closer to Flins. He reaches a hand out so he can brush a clawed finger lightly around Flins' wrist by way of greeting- categorically not stopping it. Maybe he can indulge in the happy butterflies in his chest. Just a little.

There's a couple presents wrapped up on the table - they are not neat in any way, but Husk at least used wrapping paper, and they are... vaguely shaped. An attempt was made.]

Got some tea brewing if you want any.

[lanternae]

[Flins had been mulling over the message he left ever since he put the note in the box. In fact, it was still on his mind after the delivery, even more so when he gets that follow up text. He wasn't regretting what he put, or thinking he overdid it. Just more...amazement that those were his thoughts.

Once he arrives, his attention goes to the little pig at Husk's feet, offering a bit of a smile as he holds his hand out to the little creature. It looked different from your standard pig, and it didn't seem to shy away from him. So far the only animals that didn't were Casimir and the Pokemon that made their home around his lighthouse. He'd add this one onto the list.

But after that quick acknowledgement, he turns his attention to Husk, his yellow eyes warming at his presence. His hand moves in to the touch of that claw, eyes blinking a little bit longer than he usually would, to savor that touch.

The presents didn't go unnoticed, either. Noting the best attempts at wrapping. He liked those attempts. It was cute.]

I'll kindly oblige. I've just finished my shift, so I could use a warm drink.

[wiseoldbartender]

[ Husk isn't used to getting words like that aimed at him, people generally... don't. But he knows better than to doubt the sincerity of them. Flins has stated more than once that he doesn't lie. So Husk knows they're honest, and now he has to let them swirl somewhere in his chest, trying to figure out what the fuck he's supposed to do with them.

Fat Nuggets is definitely not a normal pig, but he seems friendly enough. He seems utterly unbothered by Flins - snorting contently as he nuzzles against the offered hand. Turns out, to a creature born of Hell, a fae is nothing to be afraid of.

Husk's smile softens as Flins shifts into the touch. Perhaps a touch impulsively, his hand closes loosely around Flins, before he gently brings it to his mouth to press a kiss to the knuckles - sure Flins wears gloves, but the spirit of the gesture was there. ]

Not keeping you awake, am I?

[It's said in a low, deep murmur, eyes flicking up to Flins - holding the gaze just for a moment, before releasing him. He gestures to the table for Flins to take a seat - moving to get the tea finished.]

How was it? Any exciting sights on Christmas night? Rogue fuckin' reindeer? Anything like that?

[lanternae]

[Flins allows his hand to be pulled up into that kiss, his smile twitching at the corners as it tries to keep itself from spreading any wider. Instead, his eyes close, soaking in the kiss against those knuckles. For all this cat talks about being inelegant, he certainly had his moments. Quite many of them as a matter of fact.

His hand, once let go, moves to rest against his chest, right over his heart. As if transferring the kiss to that. ]

Oh, nothing too exciting. The sea was calm, and the wind was gentle. One could not ask for better weather on this important night.

[He follows behind Husk, thinking out loud.]

I did see some cargo ships and little fishing boats pass through to Kaisou's docks. It was quite fun to count the ship lights as they passed. Have you ever tried it? It's quite relaxing.

[wiseoldbartender]

[ Husk would actively deny his ability for any and all elegant moments. It's not really true, but he'll deny it all the same. He watches as Flins puts his heart to his chest, and take a moment to let that warm, happy feeling settle inside him.

Oh yeah, he's in so much trouble. ]

No kidding? That's better than the alternative. But then, December's usually pretty calm here. It's like the powers that fuckin' be decided we all deserve a break.

[November is usually when things go to hell around here - though admittedly, Husk's November went exceptionally well, so he really can't complain there. He goes to getting the tea sorted out, starting to busy around getting the tea bags out and stirring them - his ear flicks back at Flins' comment, listening. An easy smile crosses his face. It's becoming increasingly easy to smile around this man, his usual barrier of snark and bitterness a lot harder to keep going. ]

Can't say I ever have. [Cups in hand, he turns, offering Flins one- piping hot and plenty bitter.] Does sound relaxing, though. I might have to take you up on that sometime. Guess even Christmas Eve, people gotta go out there and make a living, huh?

[lanternae]

I have a theory, that perhaps the Spirit Vein can influence the waves, just like the moon can fluctuate the tide. I need to study it further, and it could very well be coincidence...but it feels plausible.

Imagine, the waves telling us ahead of time if something is going to happen, much like how the tide recedes before a tsunami. It could save so many.

[Flins would agree that he had quite a successful November himself. Perhaps it was the elemental advantage he had. But also...fate had been rather kind, hadn't it. He closes his eyes for another moment, smiling too himself before he can smell the warm scent of tea. His hands take the mug, relishing in its warmth as he lets the steam waft up to his face.]

There's as many reasons as there are shells on the beach. Some are returning home from a long, long voyage, just in time for Christmas. Others are simply patrol boats, making the last round before they return to their families. Then the fishing boats, getting their catch so they can do it all over again the day after the holidays.

And yet...all of it is quite. Peaceful. I like that.

[His eyes glitter as he looks into the tea, sipping it gently.]

So you enjoyed the sand dollar I found. It's not every day I find one so well preserved. I wonder just what kind of life that one lived.

[wiseoldbartender]

[ Husk considers that with a soft hum. ]

Can't say I've ever had a lotta understanding how the Spirit Vein works, that's something the more nerdy folks in the Order dealt with. My job was either mentoring youngsters or kidnapping new recruits.

[ And they both know how well he did that last one! ]

...But I guess that makes some kinda sense. I've never heard anything from the waves, but then again, I was never really listening, either. It ain't a bad theory to work on, and like you said, if you're right, it could save a lotta people a lotta stress.

[It's got to be better than the disjointed visions Kaisou seers get, anyway. Husk is water element, but he's never really studied the sea before. Something to consider for the future. He takes a sip of his tea as Flins speaks, ears turning to the sound of his voice, clearly enjoying just... listening to him.]

Y'know... that's kinda nice. All peaceful-like. S'like far-away people watching, or something. Sounds like a nice way to spend an evening.

[Look! He's willing to spend an evening away from his comfy chair and TV for you, Flins. Not many people can claim that. His smile grows at the mention of the sand dollar. ]

Yeah, I liked it a lot. Only ever heard a bit about them, but it was real fuckin' pretty. And what? You think it went to little sand dollar raves under the sea? Or little nerdy sand dollar book clubs?

[ He's (mostly) teasing. He reaches out to put a handle gently on Flin's elbow, leading him over to the table to sit down, once they're there, gesturing to the couple of presents sitting there waiting for him. ]

And here's yours. Like I said, they ain't much.

[ One of the gifts is a coin magic trick - he's even provided a little coin for Flins to use. The other is a stined glass playing card- the Queen of Hearts, something Husk isn't making a lot of eye contact over. And finally, there is a little lantern charm.]

The uh... last one is technically a Santa thing. It's less insane than it sounds. Should let you alter your gemstones if you wanna- asked him to add a bit of regenertation in there too. Because... y'know.

[Flins has chosen to sleep with a guy with claws that Freddy Kruger would be jealous of. Much as it's clear Flins enjoys that, Husk would rather give him a way to heal a little bit better from their rolls in the hay. ]

[lanternae]

Ahh...I suppose they didn't share information all too freely. Keeping those under you in different silos prevents communication among the subordinates.

[His hips lean against the counter as he sips his tea, contemplating.] It's a lot like reading the weather: you see a dark cloud, and you know a storm will be on its way. Now imagine if before every disaster, rough seas would be recorded. That would be a breakthrough.

[He smiles behind the lip of his mug.] It's just a passing thought. If anything, it makes for more interesting reports.

[He can't help but chuckle brightly at Husk's musing about the sand dollar.] Not quite so extroverted, I assure you. But I do wonder how many storms it weathered. If it knows that it will be treasured long after its death by people who never even knew of its existence while it was alive.

[He thinks its quite poetic, really.

He felt the gentle touch on his elbow, being ushered over to the table to take a seat where the wrapped gifts lay. His eyes were wider than usual, as large as doe's as they look over the items. All of these were for him...?

The coin trick...once Flins had gotten it to work, made his eyes sparkle. What an adorable little contraption. He was going to be amused by this for weeks to come. It was a perfect gift from Husk, too. A little bit of himself, shared.

The card he gently twirls in his finger, taking in the suit and the position. Queen of Hearts...That insinuated so much. Husk had plenty of heart-like markings on him. his pads on his hand, his nose, the little markings in his ears. If he was the queen, then Husk must be...

Without delay, he puts that card to his lips, giving it a silent kiss and putting it to his heart a moment before setting it next to the coin trick.

The final thing is...a lantern charm. His lips part into a smile as he listens to Husk describe it. So...he'd used his gift from Santa for him. That certainly made things easier.

The powers in the little charm do make him laugh, running his finger along all the details.]

They're all perfect. Gifts that really show who you are and why you're giving them. I'll be certain to put them to use. Especially that last one.

[wiseoldbartender]

Yeah, well. They liked everyone to be in their little fuckin' boxes. Easier to control us if we don't start talking to each other, y'know? I think that's why the rebellion happened when it did - we all got into Kaisou and got onto a network where we could talk to each other. It was inevitable, in the end.

[ Husk considers it - he's been in the city long enough to see some gnarly things happen, so- ]

It's not a bad thought. Might be worth bringing up with one of the scientist types around here. There's a few of them. They'd probably froth at the mouth at the thought of a project like that.

[He snorts lightly at the description of the sand dollar. ]

Kyryll, I'm pretty sure only you can make the bones of a freaky sea creature poetic.

[And then Flins gets to his own gifts. Husk watches him, sipping at his tea - chuckling softly at the wide-eyed wonder he has for getting gifts. He may have to dryly explain the trick a couple of times, but he's a patient enough teacher- snarky as he might be about it. Magic was the first true love of his life - maybe if things hadn't happened the way they had, he could have really been something with it. But life didn't work out that way, so now he has to settle for sharing this great joy with the people who matter to him. It really was sharing a little bit of himself. The best part. The part that had existed in him long before his life was mired in tragedy.

The card was a different matter, and Husk can't stop the awkward little blush that crosses his cheeks as Flins examines it. He figures the guy can work out the meaning. It's not exactly subtle. That much is very clear as Flins kisses the damn thing and puts it to his heart. Husk sucks in a breath, suddenly finding the contents of his mug very interesting. Shit shit shit shit. He did this to himself and he still didn't anticipate how it would make him feel.

At least he has the little charm to help buffer... all that. An easy smile comes back to his features. ]

Yeah, well. Let it never be said I'm fuckin' sloppy when it comes to giving gifts. [His grin widens, just a touch. ] Hmmmmmmmmmm figured that'd be the case. I know you like the claws and the teeth and all, but it might make life a little easier for you.

[lanternae]

[Flins will have to make a mental note on that later. He didn't particularly enjoy dealing with those who hovered so close to Zodiac, or the Black Order, but it was important enough to bring up. Maybe the Duke would be a good place to start...he'd have to consider once he had more substantial proof.

For now, he'll put that away to deal with later. He's taken great care into studying this coin trick, his eyes lighting up when he finally gets it to work himself. He also may have been simply enjoying Husk leaning over to teach him. That fur brushed against his nose in just the right way.

Setting the card to the side like it was made of glass, and hooking the little lantern onto his belt, he starts to stand up. He glides to Husk, which admittedly isn't the furthest walk, and presses his lips right between the cat's ears, nosing into that fur just a little.]

Thank you for these, Husk. It truly has been a wonderful Christmas.

Though, I do have one more gift. I had planned on giving it to you later, but since you called me over, I may as well give it to you now.

[It seems that Husk wasn't the only one who had put in an order with Santa for his partner. Flins reaches into his coat, pulling out a jet black comb. Just from the look of it, there's no trace of plastic at all.]

I had asked Santa if he would fashion you a comb made of obsidian. I chose the most well worn, well traveled piece from my collection and handed it to him as material. He then blessed it with a spell that will always keep you warm...in case my lighthouse becomes too cold for you. I also asked him if he could infuse it with luck magic.

He complied with my request.

[Before he hands it over, he takes the comb and gently uses it on Husk's cheek fur, gently combing it out a few times before handing it to him.]

[wiseoldbartender]

[At least most of the app users were... largely sane and might not make this a whole thing.

Husk is only too happy to teach him how the trick goes - perhaps leaning in a little closer than he strictly needs to in order to do so. Perhaps he likes having an excuse to get closer to Flins... even if he strictly doesn't really need one anymore.

He blinks owlishly as Flins glides over, his ears folding back contentedly as Flins presses that kiss right between them. The soft nuzzling at his fur starts his purring off again, soft and low, deep in his chest - so fucking embarrassing. He tries to ignore it. Instead, trying to focus on the fae.]

You're welcome. I sure got no complaints so far.

[Oh, but that's curious. His ears perk up again, his head tilting slightly. He really hadn't expected any more from Flins - what he had was... pretty damn sweet, actually. But here he was, surprising him with something else.

And that something else ended up being something genuinely special. He stares at the sheer black of the comb, listening to Flins explanation. That he gave up a part of his collection for this - something he knows the man treasures so very much. Not only that, but clearly gave up a part he'd had for a long time. That made the gift all the more precious in Husk's eyes. The explaination it's blessed with warmth and luck, two things Husk tends to have a great need for...well, that just ties a perfect ribbon around it all. He lets Flins brush the comb through his fur without protest - his purr rumbling louder in his chest as a result. Oh. He likes that very much. ]

Ha ha, hell of a way to get me to brush my fur more. I see your game. I see what you're playin'. You think you're so slick.

[The tone is filled with deep affection, though, despite the words used. And... well, Flins is right here and Husk wants to. So he reaches up to rest a hand on the front of Flin's shirt, claws lightly hooking in so he can bring him in for a proper kiss on the lips. It's a chaste, gentle thing (they ARE in the family kitchen after all) but the feeling behind it is without doubt. Still purring, Husk breaks the kiss to nuzzle softly against Flin's cheek. Just a little nuzzle. No big thing. Just a nuzzle. (It's such a big thing, he's never nuzzled anyone in his entire life).

When he pulls back proper, his smile is genuinely happy, his fingers moving to play in Flin's hair, crawls lightly trailing through the longer locks. ]

Thank you, Kyryll, seriously. It's a real nice gift, I know I'll get plenty of use with it. Who knows, between this and the sand dollar, maybe my luck'll start evening out at least.

[lanternae]

So you have caught on to my tricks...

[It's playful, as Flins gently runs that comb through his fur, already seeing the sheen start to show on it. He keeps himself from reaching out to pet it, for fear of losing all his self control, but he smiles nonetheless.

As he holds out that comb to him, his eyes widen just a bit as Husk pulls him in, gently pressing his lips to Flins' own. It's soft, gentle, and fleeting, but as sweet as any other from the cat. It warms what the tea cannot, and when Husk nuzzles against his cheek, he can't help but return it in kind.

He can't imagine Husk has done this with many, so he'll consider himself special for the moment, feeling the soft fur brush along his skin. Oh, how he wishes he could just spend an evening running his fingers through that fur. Maybe some other time.

Those yellow eyes meet Husk's, squinting in delight as he leans his head into the touch of him threading fingers through his hair.]

I agree. Luck is a fickle thing, so if one wants to have some sort of control over it... Well. You must colour outside the lines, as it were.

[wiseoldbartender]

I have. I know what you're about, Kyryll. Can't get shit past me.

[ His grin is easy, genuinely happy. He's had more moments of real, genuine happiness in the past month than he has in living memory. Flins does something that makes his chest feel light and warm in ways he didn't think was actually possible.

He makes a happy soft into the kiss - and is loathe to move away once Flins starts nuzzling him back. That warm, happy feeling in his chest expanding, threatening to swallow him whole. And maybe he'll just let it sometime. Maybe he'll just let himself keep feeling this good all the damn time.

A little impulsively, he presses a little kiss on the tip of Flins nose, enjoying his fingers in his fur. Oh, he could do this all day. Probably shouldn't. The kids will be getting up before long and he'll be expected to partake in family christmas celebrations. But oh, the temptation to just take Flins by the hand and take him upstairs is very much there. His eye crinkle in happiness, chuckling low. ]

Hmmmmmm, that's one way of saying cheating your way around it, but I like it. Makes it sound fancy. [His hand shifts, to cup Flins' cheek softly.] Hey, if you don't gotta be anywhere... you can stay here for the day. For Christmas, I mean.

[He clears his throat, shrugging his shoulders, trying to come off as easy about it and failing miserably. ]

...If you want. I'm sure the kids won't mind. And if you need to nap, my chair's real comfy for that.

[lanternae]

[Husk may not realize just how much of a difference all of this has been on Flins' life. A life of a cold lighthouse, standing stalwart in the rain, sea spray and storms finally had something soft, warm. Something as simple as fur brushing against him and a warm body to huddle close to. Had you asked him more than two months ago if he'd ever imagine himself with this sort of life, he would politely tell you no.

But then again, he'd thought this cat was lost to him.]

Is it? Last I checked you could not prove luck. You can't blame cheating on it, certainly.

[He wants to spend just a little longer running fingers through that fur. It is Christmas, after all. He could likely spare some time for it if he just asked, right?

Turns out he didn't even need to.

Husk, with a chaste kiss to his nose, is the first to bring it up, and his eyes close slowly. With a soft, relaxed sigh, he leans forward to put their foreheads together.]

There won't be many ships today, so I find my schedule quite free. Should I surprise the kids when they come out? I could hide in your shadow.

[That chair does sound comfy, too. Maybe he could steal Husk away to it later for a nap.]

[wiseoldbartender]

[ Grouchy and standoffish as he is, Husk would be pretty damn honoured to be a warm, comfy place for Flins to return to. Something to beat back the chill like it was nothing. Because he likes being that for Flins. That the man could look behind all the prickly walls he puts up around other people and cuddles in regardless. There's something real nice about that.

He chuckles ruefully. ]

Oh, I dunno. I got pretty good at fixing my own back in the day.

[He closes his own eyes as their foreheads rest together, just for a moment, letting himself enjoy this. This was... nice. Comfortable. He could very much live with more of this in his life. The comment does make him chuckle. ]

So you're sayin' you wanna give my kids a jumpscare for Christmas? Sure, why not. It'll keep 'em on their toes.

[ Husk has big plans to get Flins into his napping chair. Maybe not the most seductive thing in the world, but maybe he just wants to have a nap cuddled up to someone who matters a lot to him. So sue him.]

[lanternae]

[And Husk himself could look past the eerie sentinel's exterior to see the warm heart, filled with fondness and love for the living inside. Flins was truly such a caring individual. If you can look past everything to see it.]

Well, you are the Overlord of Gambling. Surely I can't compete with your skill in that area.

[As they stand their, foreheads touching and soaking in this moment they have to themselves, Flins' lips curl into a smile.]

Just a momentary fright, and then we can all join in the festivities. I could never thank you enough for sharing this part of your world.

[He means that. This is a piece of Husk that was so close to his heart, so vulnerable. And he let Flins in to it. Maybe its the sentimentality, but he wants to curl up with this cat and soak in the warmth of the household.]

[wiseoldbartender]

[ If he were honest about it, Husk finds something very charming about Flins' exterior. Sure, it's weird and unsettling, but that's part of the charm. Though he does like the interior an awful lot. He could get very used to having that interior in his life. Having that warmth despite the (literally) cold exterior. It's truly wonderful to be around. He lets out a low rumbling chuckle.]

I dunno. I might be able to show you a couple of my tricks sometime. Give you half a shot.

[ Husk's family are the most precious thing he has. They mean considerably more to him than he could ever mean to himself. They're the tiny sliver in his heart he keeps protected at all costs. The one thing he knows without a shadow of a doubt that he's done right in this world. He can and has gone to war for them. Thrown everything he has into the fire to keep them safe. They mean absolutely everything to him...and he's letting Flins into it. Letting him be a part of it.

And perhaps if he's lucky enough, the man will stay and be counted amongst Husk's most precious people. The things he's done right. He hums softly, he's playing a dangerous game letting the fae get this close. He knows it. It means a level of vulnerability he doesn't allow most people to see. But he can't help himself.]

Sometimes, they just need a little scare to wake 'em up all good and proper like. [His smile softens.] 'Course. You belong here. Better than being in that damp-ass lighthouse all by yourself, anyway.

[lanternae]

What is the saying...'a magician should never reveal his secrets'. I believe I'm getting special treatment.

[Not that he minds. They had 42 years of making exceptions for each other, after all.

The trust Husk is putting in him would not be betrayed, on his oath as Lightkeeper. He would do his part to protect Husk's family, and Husk himself for as long as he walked this plane of existence. That went for everyone in Kaisou, but this...was especially important.

They were as important to him as his wards over the years. And he would let Husk into those parts of his life in turn.]

You...don't say. [He tries to be more casual about Husk saying he belongs there than he actually is.] My lighthouse is quite cozy, I'll have you know.

[But he doesn't move, keeping their foreheads pressed together and enjoying the last bits of darkness before the sun starts to creep across the horizon.]

[wiseoldbartender]

[ A rumbling laugh bubbles out of Husk's chest at that comment, grinning ear to ear, his claws finding one of the longer strands of Flins' hair, to tangle lightly around it. ]

They do say that. 'S a big rule and everything. But maybe you've earned a little treat after all this time. I don't hear you complaining.

[They're pretty well practised in letting each other be the exceptions to their rules, it's true. At this point, what's a few more?

Husk may feel a little uneasy about being protected himself - two lifetimes of self-loathing working hard against him - but the fact Flins is willing to help protect his family really does mean everything. Further proof that he made the right choice in letting his man into the most precious part of his life.

And he will repay that in kind. Flins wards will become his, and woe betide anyone who brings them harm. ]

Hmmm, I do say. [ This is so damn comfortable, he doesn't think he's felt this relaxed in... ever. He has no intention of moving any time soon.] Uh huh. If you call sitting in damp air cozy.

[lanternae]

[Flins bites his lip, listening to that deep laugh reach his ears. How did this man's mere voice manage to capture him so. It should be the reverse.]

Oh, I'm not. Merely surprised that I get such special treatment, is all.

[He could stay like this forever, chuckling with this man and basking in his warmth as they wait for Christmas morning to truly start. Being a little indulgent, he leans just a bit closer to peck Husk on the nose.]

Don't give them all away at once. There's no fun in that.

[He chuckles at the mention of his lighthouse.]

Hey now. I'm making efforts to...add some quality of life. You should be proud of me.

[wiseoldbartender]

[ Husk is very aware of the effect his baritone has on people. Especially Flins. He feels no small amount of pride in catching the fae bite his lip. Good. Struggle. ]

You get a free pass on account of the fact you let me see you naked.

[ It's not just that, not by a long shot. He's more than happy to stay here as long as he can get away with, too - it's nice, it's so nice. The kiss to his nose brings a smile to his lips, a crinkle around his eyes as the smile reaches there. ]

Alright. I reckon I can drag them out a while for you, make them worth waiting for.

[ That pulls a snort of laughter out of him. ]

Oh yeah? This I gotta hear. What, pray tell, have you done to the ice box to add some quality of life to it?

[lanternae]

[You are cruel, indeed, Husk. He'll remember this the next time he waxes poetry.]

Is that all it took? To think how far I could've gone in your Order days if I had simply shown my wrists.

[Flins' hands find the claws of his cat, threading their fingers together as he chuckles, refusing to remove his forehead from his.]

I'll have you know I have a fireplace that never goes out. It merely has to be tended to, and even then it will keep burning.

[wiseoldbartender]

[ He has to have some ace up his sleeve to defend himself from Flins everything. If that means being a little cruel? So be it. He snorts out a laugh. ]

You're so right. A little show of your pale Victorian wrists and I woulda been putty in your hands. More fool you for missing out on that trick.

[Oh. Husk likes that a lot. He lets their fingers thread together, giving a little squeeze in response too. That's nice. This is nice. As the rest their heads together the purr starts up again, and he'll let it happen without complaint this time.]

Well, alright, Kyryll, I'll give you that one, that sound cosy. Still ain't insulated, though, is it?

[lanternae]

[As if to playfully prove their point, Flins moves his hand in that grasp so that Husk's claws hook to the edge of his glove, letting it be pulled on. Slowly.]

You still can be, my favourite feline.

[He could listen to that purr for hours. He has, actually. It's lulled him into a post coital nap quite a few times.]

Is the fire not enough?