#no beta we die like loiusoix

[meximango]

Day 13 - check - G - Luvon + Nero 

Luvon tests something.

--

Three polite raps sounded at his office door--or the frame, anyway, since the door was wide open.

He knew who it was even before that soothing voice reached him. Most people barged right in even if the door was closed with a 'do not disturb' sign taped to the front in big red letters, because he worked with a bunch of rude ingrates with no sense of decorum or ability to read, apparently. Only one shining star of a coworker bothered knocking even when the door was open, would wait for permission to converse. Nero could kiss him for it (he wouldn't, because it may startle the poor anxious soul, but he had thought about it more than he'd care to admit).

"Good evening, Nero. May I come in?"

Luvon stood in the hall, patiently waiting outside the room entrance with a small smile on his face. He waved as Nero turned around, his chair squeaking loudly as it swiveled--note to self, use the squeaking to annoy the hells out of Cid when he next comes by.

Luvon had opted to wear shades today, the very same Nero had made for him after discovering his extreme sensitivity to light. It always filled the garlean with pride to see his inventions being put to good use. Luvon was able to go much longer these days before needing to don his usual blindfold. The lenses were polarized with a new technique he'd developed and specially crafted to filter out gaudy spell effects too, rendering them nearly invisible. They even lessened screen fatigue! Nero had a matching pair on, partial as he ever was to wearing sunglasses indoors. They made him look cool.

"Of course, Freckles. You're always welcome." Unlike certain someones that need not be named, lest it summon him. He motioned him forward, and Luvon acquiesced. "Now, what brings you here? Need my expertise on something?"

"In a sense, yes." Luvon pitter-pattered into the room, steps so light they could barely be heard. He stopped a few films away. With Nero sitting down, they were almost eye to eye. A rare viewpoint.

"Well? You were right to come to me, I am the obvious choice." If he wasn't the first pick, he'd need to up his game.

Luvon's smile shifted, suggesting he was holding back a huff of laughter. Not too strange; Luvon found Nero amusing, which was just another of his charm points: a sense of good taste. "It is an answer only you can provide, in fact."

Nero preened. He was terrifyingly smart, true, but something only he could answer? Whatever could it be? "Don't keep me in suspense, then!"

Luvon stepped closer.

Then closer still.

If he kept going, they'd end up nose to nose, and Nero would have a lap full of the other. Certainly not unwelcome, but he was getting confused now.

"May I touch you?" He tilted his head to the side sweetly, innocently. His hands were held behind him to appear less threatening--not that the guy who barely came up to his elbow had to worry about that, Nero couldn't imagine ever being scared of the soft soul in front of him.

Wait. Back up.

Touch him? Yes. Please do. Whatever for?

"Whatever for?"

"I need to check something. I already know the answer, but I promised to get evidence to confirm."

He was curious enough to go along with it. "I am all for the scientific method. So long as it won't hurt, touch away, shorty." He held his arms out and added, "My body is yours to examine." He grinned and winked, despite his eyes being hidden by the barrier of their two pairs of shades, so there was no way the other would know that.

Luvon, despite his appearances and general anxieties, was not shy. And in fact he was a very touchy-feely individual naturally. A pat on the elbow here, squeeze of the fingers there, etcetera. He was tactile and had stopped asking in general after the Ironworks crew gave him blanket permission, as his eyesight was still poor even with the aid of spells, tonics, or shades--though not so much that he needed a cane--and touch could be useful to orient himself.

All this to say that Nero didn't expect the man to blush. His grin only widened at that; maybe his feelings were reciprocated after all. Certainly something to look into later.

Luvon nodded, then leaned in.

Waitisthisactuallyhappening--

Instead of faces meeting, the other turned his head and ducked down to press one fuzzy ear to Nero's chest. A bit disappointing, but still nice. Still much closer tysn expected, nearly intimate. A pointer and index finger pressed to his neck where his pulse point was, pressure firm but claws gentle.

It took a lot of effort to keep his heartbeat steady--wouldn't do to trigger doctor mode out of the other, and it'd be embarrassing to explain why his heart was racing. He'd have to spell it out, Luvon surprisingly bad at figuring feelings out when he was the primary target of them. No thanks, not ready for that conversation yet.

After a moment, Luvon spoke again, taking away his hand, though he kept his head where it was. The rumble of his voice vibrated pleasantly through Nero's chest. "Mhmm. It is just as I expected."

"Yeah?"

"Indeed. You do have a heart. There it is, beating just fine." Luvon pulled back, giving his chest a few pats for good measure.

Nero was taken aback. Before he could find his words again, Luvon continued.

Well, he giggled, first. Honestly giggled. "I apologize, Nero, but this was a rather silly setup of a joke. Cid bet earlier that you did not have one, so I volunteered to get proof."

Nero groaned. Of all the ridiculous jokes. Of course Luvon would follow up literally. "Of course Garlond was involved. You tell that idiot--"

"I am certain he would rather hear it from you," Luvon interrupted him. Fair. His rants and creative insults about Cid could go on a while once he got started, best served personally for their colorful language and nuanced delivery. "But the next time he suggests you are lacking in a heart, I will remind him of my hard evidence to the contrary."

Nero did laugh at that, finally. "I'd love to see the look on his face of you defending me. Can't wait, really. Where is the old grump?"

"How fortuitous, then, we are going out to get dinner soon. You can accompany us!"

Oh, and a chance to ruin Garlond's date night, one he'd never be invited to if Cid hadn't put Luvon up to such a ridiculous joke of a challenge? His name day had come early.

"It would be my pleasure, Freckles. Lead the way." He held his arm out and Luvon took it as the invitation it was, hooked his own arm around his elbow as they left the room, merrily chatting all the way.