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[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

[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?

[wiseoldbartender]

[ Husk's eyes quickly drop to where Flins is hooking his claws into his glove. A wide grin crosses his features as he makes a point of very slowly pulling his claw forward, pulling the glove off with pointed slowness. ]

My, my, are you trying to woo me Kyryll? It feels like you're trying to woo me with your delicate wrists~

[ Husk has so many hang-ups about his cat features. He could list them all day. But if anyone can make him not hate them so much, it'll be Flins. All with little things like that, finding comfort and pleasure in the things Husk finds offputting and weird. Eventually, the message might just get through. ]

I don't feel the cold so it's fine for me. But the people you got coming back and two will feel it. Without insulation, that fire won't do much good. It'd be like having it burning with all the doors and windows wide open - all that heat just escapes and leaves everything damp.

[lanternae]

[Like a maiden being asked for her hand, Flins lets Husk pull off his glove, his pale, delicate fingers reaching to brush against Husk's arm fur. He had to behave, certainly, but a little tease couldn't hurt.]

Is it working?

[That would take time, for sure, but Flins had all the time in the world to soak in the warmth of this mans fur, or the glossy texture of his feathers. He wasn't worried about Husk disliking them for right now. He just needed to see just how dashing it all made him look.]

Mm. That's a shame. I quite like the drafty air.

Maybe I'll look into it, then. Sir AZ has returned to this city and has stated his worry about the lighthouse. I'll just...drop some hints. Possibly.

[wiseoldbartender]

[ Husk is pleased to remove the glove, carefully disposing it on the table. The fingers in his fur pull a contented hum out of him. They have to behave, but there is still plenty they can do while still behaving. Husk's eyes sparkly mischievously, before he pulls Flins hand gently to his face, where he presses a kiss on that exposed wrist. ]

Oh, yeah. [ It's rumbled out, low and smooth, his eyes flicking up to meet his partner's.] I am feeling very wooed right now. You're doing an amazing job.

[ At least they had nothing but plenty of time. And Flins was already doing such a good job of it.]

Hmmmm, I have noticed.

I'm not surprised. It's unhinabitable for anyone that's not you and Casimir. Honestly surprised he doesn't bitch about the state of the lighthouse more to you. [ The damp is not very cat-friendly, Flins. His smile widens. ] Well~ Look at it his way. You get that place less miserable, and maybe I'd be inclined to spend more time there. With you. Food for thought.

[lanternae]

And here I thought I simply fell into this scenario by chance. Perhaps I have a talent at flirting to get your attention.

[His eyes close at that kiss, his fingers cupping Husk's cheek and threading fingers through the fur there. He could only imagine how soft it'd feel once he started combing regularly.]

Alas, I can't understand his speech, but I'm sure he's more than once complained about it. That said, he takes his apprentice duties seriously despite.

...

That. Is a sound argument.

[wiseoldbartender]

I promise you that without a shadow of a doubt, you very much have that talent, Baby.

[He's been given a lovely little comb now for just that - soon he won't have to imagine it at all. He got the cat properly groomed, and he should be proud of that. Husk leans into the touch with a soft, happy him.]

Oh, I would put good money on the fact he's bitched about it. Serious as he takes his work, it's still cold as balls in there.

[ He chuckles, one hand moving to rest on Flin's chest, eyebrows raising. ]

Hmmmm thought that might help sway it. You throw in a good bed in the mix too, and you might even get me to stay the night if you play your cards right~