#also he's SO valid. artair loves swimming but he's way less free about it xDDDD

[townofcadence]

@gunslinginnhogtyin from x!

Ever the bold one, Butch had never minded changing in front of others. Nudity to him wasn’t inherently sexual until it was made that way and it wasn’t like he had anything to be ashamed of, so when an opportunity presented itself—like coming upon probably the clearest lake he’s ever seen on he and Artair’s hike—he’s quick to suggest taking a dip, especially if it meant cooling off as it was incredibly hot outside. With that, he begins to shed his vest and button up, as well as his signature scarf and gloves. He pauses though when he feels a finger graze his lower back. It’s an old scar, faded but very much present with the discoloration that stands out amongst his natural sunkissed skin. It’s large, with permanent divets indicating that he may have been bitten by something far larger than the average beast at some point. Large enough that it’s partially hidden beneath his pants near his hip. Despite the amount of time that had passed, it was still relatively tender and for that reason, he knows why Artair has touched him there. This wouldn’t be the first time Artair had pointed out one of his scars, not that he’s bothered any by it. Usually, he would make up stories about them just to entertain himself—maybe even to partially bury the traumatic incident that had resulted in the scar somewhere deep in the recesses of his mind…but with Artair, there’s really no need for him to hide anything. He’s one of the very few people he feels completely at ease around.

“It’s ugly, ain’t it? Heh—y’shoulda seen it when it was fresh.” A hand of his moves to run his fingers over it. He’s unable to see it without the aid of his reflection but it still felt pretty gnarly. “Would ya believe me f’I told ya a dragon bit me?”

Artair-- wasn't as used to nudity so casually. He didn't mind it, didn't necessarily see it as sexual, but surprise nudity would take him by--- well.

When Butch had asked to take a dip, he really should've realized what that'd entail. But he didn't, and he'd gone red when the shirt came off 'suddenly'. There was a difference between caring for a sick friend and having them strip so casually in front of him, so this time had him a bit more flustered as it happened, if only temporarily.

But.... similar to last time, seeing Butch without his shirt on had him distracted, noting the mottled patterns of damage. In the daylight, it was easier to see how they marred his skin. He can't help it with Butch so close, and his fingers brush against the largest, most noticeable scar, where it peeks over the hem of Butch's pants. He feels tingles that elicit a shiver, but it's not his-- something subtle that came from something sensitive being touched.

"..... I don't think it's ugly." He protests. "But.... it does look like it was painful." His fingers follow the divots where they concave into his skin. He swallows, and then laughs. "A dragon, huh? Same lady who chased us before, or do most of them just not like you all that much?" He pulls his hand away, and it comes up to squeeze Butch's shoulder.