#👁the tales of two captains

[the-captain-of-the-tulpar]

“Yep, all sisters. I’m only a few years older then them, so I got to grow up and try to be a good older brother. Though my sisters are more of the rough and tumble type, it was fun but nowadays I don’t see them too often and it’s not just because of this job. Since one works in a theatre and the other is a lawyer.” He thinks fondly of his sisters, as he’s glad to not really talk about his parents.

At the next question Curly deflates slightly and he hesitates to continue speaking. “It was something.”

[Roll - 18] He might as well continue, it’s not like he can’t trust Pumpkin. “It was a big change, my parents wanted me to get out of Australia as it’s quite small compared to a few other places. So if I went to a high school in a different country it could lead to a better chance in a college in the same country and to eventually a job that lead to making a lot of money.”

“I don’t fault my parents for doing it, since I got to see the world a bit and meet a lot of new people!” He offers a nervous smile.

Restless as he is, Curly wanders aimlessly and sketches a rough diagram of the halls, pausing now and then to answer messages as he goes -- it's when the tablet's battery gets low that he decides to follow the map to backtrack to his room and take a break from wandering.

Except...when he opens the door, there's no familiar paperback on the desk, and the one person in room -- changing clothes, no less -- is definitely not Jim.

This isn't his quarters, clearly, which means...

He blinks at his double before averting his eyes, suddenly embarrassed. "Shit, sorry, I- I didn't mean to intrude, I got turned around."

Well. He'd meant to find his double to ask about the matter of nicknames and color-coding the crews, anyway. Not to mention discussing the uranium situation. He might as well stay for a moment. "...I did have a couple of things to ask about the next time I saw you, though. Do you mind if we talk? I, uh. I can wait outside for a minute, if you'd rather."

( @curlygrant44 )

At seeing his door suddenly opened by his double while he was getting changed does cause a small deer-in-headlights type effect before he blinks and quickly putting his shirt on properly.

"No worries, it happens with the state of the ship." He says as he moves to tidy up the room slightly as he didn't really expect anyone to ever enter the room besides himself.

"But you are quite welcome to come in. Don't mind the small mess? What do you want to talk about since I'm all ears." He offers a small smile before offering his bed to sit on.

[eggmarr]

a day of mourning

pairings: pantalone, arlecchino, childe x gn!reader (separate)

warnings: mentions of alcohol/consumption of alcohol, working with kids, aggressive behavior from a man, cass writes childe again when they know they can’t write childe

a/n: i was up very late finishing writing this on call w/ a friend and i am very much sleep deprived. we read tarot cards for our self ships and i got distracted. ik i still have two more event requests…but harbinger video 👁👁

“Detestable.”

A hand comes to rest on Dottore’s shoulder, indigo gems embedded in silver that glint in the ballroom light. The Regrator smirks at his fellow harbinger’s discomfort, inclining his head to the floor below of glitz and glamor.

“A great many things in this world are. But tonight,” He flourishes, winking at a nearby group of lingering women. “We have a captive audience, and a script to follow.”

The others are already mingling along; The Captain and The Puppet, The Knave and the Maiden, all those fools with masks of their own in this mock of a wake.

(If only Rosalyne could see us now.)

(I - as a visitor from afar.)

Your outfit seems ill-fitting in comparison to the fine silks and bespoke suits scattered around the ballroom. Silently sipping on a glass of champagne (that surely costs more than your yearly salary), you find the nightly snowfall outside the windows more entertaining than the poor soul trying to chat you up.

Admittedly, you feel a bit bad for tuning him out for so long - but when you start a conversation about money with probably one of the least-rich people in the room, it’s kind of anticipated. His tangent about work has gone on for so long, you’re starting to miss your own work. And bed. Archons above, it’s cold here.

“That uh, that sounds interesting!” You finally interrupt, stopping him quick before he gets into his grievances with lukewarm water on his many travels. “Unfortunately, it seems that someone else is calling for me, so….have a good day!”

Your steps are frantic as he tries to follow your movements in his stupor, nearly catching your wrist when-

“Oh? What’s this, hm?”

Black, elegantly crafted gloves enter your vision, a gentle yet freezing hand on each of your shoulders. The voice behind you is close, almost deceptively charming. The man in front of you almost blends in with the snow outside at how pale he turns.

“M- My lord, I-“

The voice tuts disapprovingly.

“The Fair Lady would disapprove of such behavior, especially coming from one of her subordinates, no?” You brace yourself when a hand drifts across to your drink, lifting the bubbling amber out of your fingers with little resistance. “Remember your lady with the dignity and grace she carried in life.”

The Regrator steps into his spotlight, ready for a show.

“Fire and ice still burn, you know.”

It comes to your realization that the man in front of you wears the traditional mourning black, with a differing charm at his suit to signify his allegiance to Lady Signora.

It also comes to your realization, as the man slinks away and another takes his place, that your “savior” is at an entirely different level than the opulence that decorates the halls.

He takes your hand gently, the long-forgotten cup of champagne already gone in favor of your knuckles to his lips. The rings on his fingers shine, pale silver and aubergine against his midnight black and blue suit.

“It seems we have yet to be acquainted.”

Your words are tentative, step by step as you peer into the newfound abyss that grins so strangely at you.

“Well….I can fix that.”

May the Tsaritsa save your soul.

(II - as an ever-loyal servant.)

The children at your feet beg for more stories, more tales of faraway lands and endless oceans where the sun is everlasting. You laugh at their enthusiasm in their tiny suits and little skirts.

“Settle down, now.” Your eyes travel from each eager face, unable to suppress your own grin. “First, I want you all to go get something to eat, alright? It’s quite late, and I know you’re all a bit bored.”

Their heads nod in unison. So cute!

“Pair up, and be polite!” You call after their scuttling shoes and bubbly giggles.

A new pair of shoes enters your vision, ruby-jeweled and black and white heels that automatically make you drop to a bow.

“My lady, I-“

“It is no fault of yours for dealing with rambunctious children. Rise.”

Before you can blink, you’re eye-to-eye with Lady Arlecchino, red-crossed pupils studying your face curiously. You squirm under her scrutiny, but stand your ground in front of the harbinger you swore allegiance to so many years ago.

“I’m not familiar with you.”

The statement is blasé, bitingly plain and a shot through your pride as a servant of Arlecchino. “Not many people choose to seek those who busy themselves with children and their fantasies.”

She laughs at your retort. “Most of them will go their entire lives having never met The Fair Lady.”

“Yet,” You begin, breaking her stare to gaze after their faces. “They will remember what she achieved and what she sacrificed in the name of the nation. A lady of poise and intelligence to emulate as they devote their hope to our land.”

Your hands find purchase in her grasp, making you almost stumble into her arms with her ferocity.

A new brightness in her eyes appears, a frightening beauty in the everlasting blizzard.

“Thank you,” She whispers. “For remembering her right.”

(III - as a crack in the lens.)

You sit back in your chair, a fresh glass of sparkling…something in your hand and a keen ear out to the busy businessmen that whisper furtively between each other at the next table over.

All this buzz over a dead woman, hm? A new pecking order moves up…yet another mistress…failed experiments- utterly useless information like the last party.

Your eyes scan the crowds and schmoozers, following the glamorous patrons with a bored expression until you meet that oh-so stubborn sapphire blue smirk that makes you choke on your drink.

The Eleventh Harbinger is a demon of his own design, but archons above does he look remarkably tempting in his dark suit.

He leans back in his own chair, giving your disguise of the evening a careful appraisal. His nod of approval is greeted by your gaze of disdain as you turn to keep him in your peripheral. Of course he would be here…but why did he have to be so dammed observant?

You can practically hear his teasing tone, feel his curiosity creeping up your arms like spiders - even with the distance.

This waltz of yours is much more dangerous under the knife.

As he raises his glass in toast, you raise yours; praying that he’ll find you more interesting than your possible intentions.

[the-captain-of-the-tulpar]

A message arrives, without preamble.

I don't know if this is something we share or not, but just in case it is, happy birthday, Sunshine. I'm glad we made it another year. I'm glad I got to meet you. We'll have a lot more birthdays together once we're planetside again, I'm sure. I can't wait for that. :)

Short, sweet, and a little clumsy -- if only because every time he tries to write more, Pumpkin gets weepy and has to stop, overcome by longing. It's been weeks at least since they've made time to see each other, and with Pumpkin avoiding everyone, more or less...the chance of crossing paths accidentally when he only leaves his quarters for hia shifts is apparently low enough not to meet face-to-face for some time.

Still. He had to make time today of all days, because he had to make sure that Sunshine knows that he's loved. Not because of the holiday, but because he's him. Nothing more or less.

( @curlygrant44 )

Reading the message sent to him brings a smile to his face. Had he forgotten it was his (and by extension Pumpkin’s) birthday, yeah. But that was simply because he had been busy with…something. He wasn’t sure what he has been busy with but it was certainly something.

Sunshine was quick to send a message back. It would be kind to do so and to show he cared for the other back even when the two hadn’t seen each other in a bit of time.

It is indeed something that has been shared, happy birthday to you as well Pumpkin. Another year and many more to come with both of us by each other’s sides. Planetside or space, we’ll make it through it all. I’m also very grateful to have met you and to be who I am with you :). Hoping your day is well.

Also to maybe see you again on the ship somewhere soon :)?

And then he sends the message off without much more. Sunshine would be sure to prepare a gift for Pumpkin soon then, even if there wasn’t much to work with.

[the-captain-of-the-tulpar]

The whine from the other did surprise Sunshine slightly. “Then I’m happy to do it for you.”

[Roll - 10] For some reason he felt a bit nervous, he wasn’t exactly sure why. Was it because he felt quite a lot for the other? Or was it just general nerves that shouldn’t exactly be happening at all. Sunshine was quite hesitant and he didn’t like the fact he was, since this was a moment. A good moment, that had no reason to have him feeling like this!

“Is there any way you would want this all to go? Since I want this to be enjoyable for us both.” He asked, softly. “I wouldn’t want something that holds risks to not be as pleasurable as it could possibly be.”

The meal sits heavy in his stomach, weighed down by the dread he can't seem to shake.

He wants to believe Sunshine would never judge him, wants to trust that he'll be supportive, but...

It's always much easier to trust when you don't have something to lose, much less something so incredibly precious.

The whole time, as they wash the dishes together, and walk down the short hallway to Sunshine's quarters, he keeps glancing nervously at Sunshine. He knows that it gives him away, that every time he looks it just makes his insecurity more clear.

But how can he not, when he's afraid that tonight is the last time he'll get the chance to be together like this? The thought of it makes him feel sick...

He can't avoid this forever, though; Sunshine has accepted everything else, so maybe this will be okay. Maybe, somehow...he'll still love him...

"...should we go?" he prompts gently. "...if you're ready, that is..." He waits near the entrance to the kitchen, thinking for a moment about holding a hand out to take...

If this is going to be the end of things, he doesn't want any regrets.

Pumpkin steps closer, reaching out to grab Sunshine's hand and draw him closer, leaning in to give him a soft kiss.

"Let's go," he repeats gently, his resolve solidifying. Whatever fate he's walking towards, he's not going to try to avoid or run from it this time. He doesn't want to regret failing to act if this is his last chance at a moment of happiness.

( @the-captain-of-the-tulpar )

[the-captain-of-the-tulpar]

Sunshine wants to reach out and grab the other’s hand again but moves his hands to grab his own cutlery instead so he can begin eating.

“Oh yes, let’s eat then? We could talk in my room afterwards since it’ll be private and so.” He says as he then takes a bite of his food.

He wasn’t sure why the other looked so conflicted. Was it because the two were now something? Was the confliction because of something bad? Was it because of him?

Sunshine just decides to eat quickly, so whatever needs to be discussed can be done so quickly.

Perri stares miserably at their can of soup. They fish through it with a spoon, but every time they think to try eating it, a wave of nausea hits her. After a while of just sitting there sadly he drops the spoon and looks up at Wolfrum. "Want mine? I can't eat." He mutters.

He can't stop thinking of Jimmy, of watching the life and air leave him so quickly. Silently, he's glad for this moment of respite. They haven't meaningfully spoken to each other since sitting down, aside from occasional questioning about the food. They'll need to talk soon, though.

After all, there's a corpse on the ship, and captains to question.

She sighs and pushes the can over to Wolfrum. "We'll need to find them soon, figure out what they knew, and we'll need to..." Dispose of the body. He can't finish the sentence; the words linger unsaid and he buries his face in his hands. "We'll need to finish here soon."

In such a centralised area of the ship, it's probably more likely that the captains find them rather than the other way around, but it doesn't matter. It's not like they know what happened, yet.

( @surprise-its-safety-violations @curlygrant44 @the-captain-of-the-tulpar )

[the-captain-of-the-tulpar]

“Really? Well that’s lovely to hear, but it’s still a bit surprising to hear. Since I didn’t expect to be a guy you would miss.” Sunshine then shuts himself up.

Seeing how quick the other did all that did surprise Sunshine slightly but he offered a warm smile. “Things have been a little crazy here and there. I’ve assumed my crew has been well but it’s hard to tell exactly which is my crew nowadays. It’s getting a bit harder to tell, everything can get a bit fuzzy sometimes. Though I haven’t been checking in on my crew as often as I should be.” He then pauses as he thinks for a moment. “I haven’t talked to Odessa in quite some time.”

“Would you want to come with me to check in on her? Since I do feel a bit bad that I haven’t done so in quite some time but I also wouldn’t want to cut our time short so quickly.”

He's restless again.

The past few days have been a seemingly endless slog of pain and tragedy, and Curly is nearly at his limit. He's managed to hold off the urge to snap at anyone too badly, he hasn't picked any fights, and he hasn't had a sobbing breakdown...or really cried at all, besides a few stray tears in charged moments. He hates the thought of doing it in front of others, and by the time he's alone, he can't seem to find the tears to shed anymore.

If that's how it has to be, that's how it has to be...

...but it doesn't help him feel any less like he's going to crawl out of his skin in quiet moments where there's no one around and he has to be alone with his thoughts and memories.

It makes the decision an easy one.

There's a modestly sized box, like quite a few more modestly sized boxes in his locker; squat little things made of thin cardboard, printed in vivid purple fading to white.

His favorite tea, the taste of home -- and one of the few comforts he's willing to give up significant storage space to bring with him on these trips, as well as jumping through a rather shocking number of hoops to have them fully inspected by multiple parties to be certified free of contraband before he could ever load them into his crates of belongings to be brought aboard.

It's well worth it, in his mind.

Not to mention...it he happens to cross paths with a certain someone, he has been meaning to share some and see just how he likes the rich, deep flavor...

There's no reason he has to use his own ship's common room, after all. He could brew his tea in any of them and it wouldn't matter.

And if anyone makes a fuss...well, he'll just claim he got lost. It happens often enough.

Satisfied, Curly sets off toward what he hopes will make for a relaxing bit of personal time -- naturally, over on Sunshine's ship.

( @the-captain-of-the-tulpar @autumn-joyce )

[the-captain-of-the-tulpar]

Sunshine doesn’t exactly question much of what he’s seems, since he more or less just assumes it’s the effects of the cat-ification. Though Sunshine doesn’t really know the behaviours of cats too much, it’s been quite some time since he’s properly interacted with a cat.

Though he’s a bit worried for the other. “Yeah I asked if you’ve been like this for so long. Good to know it hasn’t been too long. There should be some nail clippers around somewhere, though I’m not sure where they could. We would have to walk and find them.”

He keeps searching for just the right place, somewhere he can feel comfortable. Nothing is the right texture to lay on, and everywhere is too noisy by far -- he needs to relax, and Curly doesn't have a clue how he can possibly do that, as things stand.

There's only one place he's felt truly at peace.

His feet carry him lightly through the halls, as delicate as can be since even his own footsteps are uncomfortably loud now, taking him toward the place he wants to be the most.

Hopefully Sunshine won't be bothered when he sees the new appendages...although as kind as he is, Pumpkin has a feeling he won't mind even if he were genderswapped again...

( @the-captain-of-the-tulpar )

[the-captain-of-the-tulpar]

Seeing a message from Pumpkin leads to Curly quickly abandoning what he was doing to check on it. He hadn’t expected the OSHA team to be boarding so soon.

He’s quick to send a message back.

Sounds good. On my way.

And then he was on his way to the cargo bay. Not because he was excited to see Pumpkin, he wanted to see the OSHA team to get the issues sorted out.

[ The fax machine whirls and spits out a message. ]

Captain Curly,

An emergency response team has been dispatched for an inspection regarding the reported anomalies regarding your vessel. The team has now arrived at your location. Prepare for boarding.

We'll figure this out, Grant.

Regards, Grant V. Wolfrum Pony Express, Safety and Security Department

(@surprise-its-safety-violations)

The question of just which ship they're going to dock with is a concern, but at this point the only thing to do, without any way to give directions, is to go and see for himself -- Curly taps out a message to Sunshine, just a brief summary of

OSHA team boarding, meet near cargo bay?

before setting off in his chosen direction.

He'll have to hope that they find the group they're looking for quickly, and no one picks any fights with the newcomers or makes a fuss before that point.

( @the-captain-of-the-tulpar )

[the-captain-of-the-tulpar]

With the suddenness of being snuggled up by his other self it did cause Curly to tense up slightly before easily just relaxing. In fact, Curly even loosely wrapped his arms around his duplicate.

It was nice, it’s like hugging yourself but even better. It’s almost familiar, it’s also warm so it brings a nice layer of comfort that eases most of his thoughts.

…Where had this sort of feeling been when this situation happened last time? Why was it better this time around?

The arms wrapped around his other self tightened slightly as he buried himself more into the snuggling. Something nice, something new. Maybe it was worth eating a tainted pie for a moment like this.

@autumn-joyce @curlygrant44

[Oh hey, Odessa's running in! She looks absurdly panicked, though.]

Captain, put that pie down NOW.

I'm well aware you've already had some, but do NOT consume any more! There's 200mg in that whole thing! -☆

[Seeing the other run in did give Curly a tiny bit of a scare but also at what he got told made him panic a lot more. So Curly just tries to calmly place his plate down.]

Well shit. That explains the weird taste, which I was thinking was a weirdly baked pie.

[the-captain-of-the-tulpar]

“All of that sounds pretty good to do. Maybe even do a few of them at the same time could be fun. I would love to overstimulate you since that could be quite easy to do?”

When the other did mention that they couldn’t truly die, it caused Sunshine to go quiet and his hold on the other tighten slightly. Sunshine wasn’t truly adjusted to the thought of death being so casual on the ship, it plagued him slightly. He didn’t really enjoy the thought others have experienced it or the fact he himself may die on this ship eventually. He didn’t want to know what death was like. “I wouldn’t be opposed to fucking you properly but I would want to take the precautions of nothing going wrong of sorts. Wouldn’t want the inspectors finding out and going crazy about it!” Sunshine lightly joked to lighten his own mood back up.

“Good. You had me worried for a moment there.” Sunshine loosened his hold on Pumpkin to how it was before. “I’m also curious on how we could fit together, so it wouldn’t be too bad if we tried with all the proper precautions and so.”

Sunshine tries to simmer his thoughts down but it wasn’t exactly working. So he tilts his head to place a kiss to the other’s forehead or at least where he seemed was the other’s forehead. The darkness wasn’t helping too much.

The meal sits heavy in his stomach, weighed down by the dread he can't seem to shake.

He wants to believe Sunshine would never judge him, wants to trust that he'll be supportive, but...

It's always much easier to trust when you don't have something to lose, much less something so incredibly precious.

The whole time, as they wash the dishes together, and walk down the short hallway to Sunshine's quarters, he keeps glancing nervously at Sunshine. He knows that it gives him away, that every time he looks it just makes his insecurity more clear.

But how can he not, when he's afraid that tonight is the last time he'll get the chance to be together like this? The thought of it makes him feel sick...

He can't avoid this forever, though; Sunshine has accepted everything else, so maybe this will be okay. Maybe, somehow...he'll still love him...

"...should we go?" he prompts gently. "...if you're ready, that is..." He waits near the entrance to the kitchen, thinking for a moment about holding a hand out to take...

If this is going to be the end of things, he doesn't want any regrets.

Pumpkin steps closer, reaching out to grab Sunshine's hand and draw him closer, leaning in to give him a soft kiss.

"Let's go," he repeats gently, his resolve solidifying. Whatever fate he's walking towards, he's not going to try to avoid or run from it this time. He doesn't want to regret failing to act if this is his last chance at a moment of happiness.

( @the-captain-of-the-tulpar )

[the-captain-of-the-tulpar]

“That lovely to hear. Getting to know what you like and so is helpful.” Sunshine says as he makes a few mental notes for later.

This open discussion brought some ease to Sunshine as it meant the two were discussing things instead of rushing into something. “I enjoy praise, it’s just nice and shows I’m not screwing something up I guess. I’m the type to sort of take a bit more charge though I can also give it up if a partner wants me too. Whatever makes a partner feel more comfortable really.” Sunshine loosely wrapped an arm around Pumpkin.

“Do you have anything you would want to do? Like anything you dream highly of?”

The meal sits heavy in his stomach, weighed down by the dread he can't seem to shake.

He wants to believe Sunshine would never judge him, wants to trust that he'll be supportive, but...

It's always much easier to trust when you don't have something to lose, much less something so incredibly precious.

The whole time, as they wash the dishes together, and walk down the short hallway to Sunshine's quarters, he keeps glancing nervously at Sunshine. He knows that it gives him away, that every time he looks it just makes his insecurity more clear.

But how can he not, when he's afraid that tonight is the last time he'll get the chance to be together like this? The thought of it makes him feel sick...

He can't avoid this forever, though; Sunshine has accepted everything else, so maybe this will be okay. Maybe, somehow...he'll still love him...

"...should we go?" he prompts gently. "...if you're ready, that is..." He waits near the entrance to the kitchen, thinking for a moment about holding a hand out to take...

If this is going to be the end of things, he doesn't want any regrets.

Pumpkin steps closer, reaching out to grab Sunshine's hand and draw him closer, leaning in to give him a soft kiss.

"Let's go," he repeats gently, his resolve solidifying. Whatever fate he's walking towards, he's not going to try to avoid or run from it this time. He doesn't want to regret failing to act if this is his last chance at a moment of happiness.

( @the-captain-of-the-tulpar )

[the-captain-of-the-tulpar]

Being suddenly kissed was an amazing feeling but it also threw Sunshine off a bit as he wasn’t entirely sure why it happened for a moment. “We do need to figure out what’s good for us. But it’ll take time and I wouldn’t want to ruin what you want to do Pumpkin.”

“To me it sounds okay because I trust you and I love you. Since to me I can’t seeing you do much wrong. But holding each other and talking sounds good. I can do that easily. Let’s be brave together and just talk.” Sunshine’s hands move to gently hold the other’s face. Did Sunshine feel like he’s done something wrong and possibly upset the other? Maybe. But he was up for talking, it would do some good after all.

“It’s okay. You didn’t try and rush anything, we were both just eager for something I guess? But I can understand the fear. Let’s start what we both might like. Is praise something we both like?” Sunshine decided to ask the first question, mainly to see if fear he felt could be curbed slightly if he threw something out there.

The meal sits heavy in his stomach, weighed down by the dread he can't seem to shake.

He wants to believe Sunshine would never judge him, wants to trust that he'll be supportive, but...

It's always much easier to trust when you don't have something to lose, much less something so incredibly precious.

The whole time, as they wash the dishes together, and walk down the short hallway to Sunshine's quarters, he keeps glancing nervously at Sunshine. He knows that it gives him away, that every time he looks it just makes his insecurity more clear.

But how can he not, when he's afraid that tonight is the last time he'll get the chance to be together like this? The thought of it makes him feel sick...

He can't avoid this forever, though; Sunshine has accepted everything else, so maybe this will be okay. Maybe, somehow...he'll still love him...

"...should we go?" he prompts gently. "...if you're ready, that is..." He waits near the entrance to the kitchen, thinking for a moment about holding a hand out to take...

If this is going to be the end of things, he doesn't want any regrets.

Pumpkin steps closer, reaching out to grab Sunshine's hand and draw him closer, leaning in to give him a soft kiss.

"Let's go," he repeats gently, his resolve solidifying. Whatever fate he's walking towards, he's not going to try to avoid or run from it this time. He doesn't want to regret failing to act if this is his last chance at a moment of happiness.

( @the-captain-of-the-tulpar )

[the-captain-of-the-tulpar]

Sunshine is quiet before he properly responds again. “…I was hoping we could? Since I think I’ve been getting a few mixed signals about what we’re doing at this point anyway. But if you prefer we can just snuggle instead, I don’t really mind.”

Maybe he had misunderstood something along the lines or maybe he was just a bit too hopeful. Either way he was ready to backtrack if he said something wrong or so.

The meal sits heavy in his stomach, weighed down by the dread he can't seem to shake.

He wants to believe Sunshine would never judge him, wants to trust that he'll be supportive, but...

It's always much easier to trust when you don't have something to lose, much less something so incredibly precious.

The whole time, as they wash the dishes together, and walk down the short hallway to Sunshine's quarters, he keeps glancing nervously at Sunshine. He knows that it gives him away, that every time he looks it just makes his insecurity more clear.

But how can he not, when he's afraid that tonight is the last time he'll get the chance to be together like this? The thought of it makes him feel sick...

He can't avoid this forever, though; Sunshine has accepted everything else, so maybe this will be okay. Maybe, somehow...he'll still love him...

"...should we go?" he prompts gently. "...if you're ready, that is..." He waits near the entrance to the kitchen, thinking for a moment about holding a hand out to take...

If this is going to be the end of things, he doesn't want any regrets.

Pumpkin steps closer, reaching out to grab Sunshine's hand and draw him closer, leaning in to give him a soft kiss.

"Let's go," he repeats gently, his resolve solidifying. Whatever fate he's walking towards, he's not going to try to avoid or run from it this time. He doesn't want to regret failing to act if this is his last chance at a moment of happiness.

( @the-captain-of-the-tulpar )

[the-captain-of-the-tulpar]

Receiving a compliment back made Sunshine smile, mainly as he didn’t really expect one to be thrown back. “Thanks!”

He did notice the other’s quick glance down, but he couldn’t really fault the other for exactly doing so. They were both in boxers and Sunshine is currently wearing some brightly coloured boxers. So he sort of did expect some sort of staring.

When the question got blurted out, it snapped Sunshine’s attention back to the moment. “I’ll turn off the lights now, saves us time for if we got comfortable or so.” His movement is quick to reach the light switch before flicking it off. He then makes his way back, knocking something over in the journey back before sliding into bed and laying next to Pumpkin. “Snuggling still on the table or are we doing something else now?”

The meal sits heavy in his stomach, weighed down by the dread he can't seem to shake.

He wants to believe Sunshine would never judge him, wants to trust that he'll be supportive, but...

It's always much easier to trust when you don't have something to lose, much less something so incredibly precious.

The whole time, as they wash the dishes together, and walk down the short hallway to Sunshine's quarters, he keeps glancing nervously at Sunshine. He knows that it gives him away, that every time he looks it just makes his insecurity more clear.

But how can he not, when he's afraid that tonight is the last time he'll get the chance to be together like this? The thought of it makes him feel sick...

He can't avoid this forever, though; Sunshine has accepted everything else, so maybe this will be okay. Maybe, somehow...he'll still love him...

"...should we go?" he prompts gently. "...if you're ready, that is..." He waits near the entrance to the kitchen, thinking for a moment about holding a hand out to take...

If this is going to be the end of things, he doesn't want any regrets.

Pumpkin steps closer, reaching out to grab Sunshine's hand and draw him closer, leaning in to give him a soft kiss.

"Let's go," he repeats gently, his resolve solidifying. Whatever fate he's walking towards, he's not going to try to avoid or run from it this time. He doesn't want to regret failing to act if this is his last chance at a moment of happiness.

( @the-captain-of-the-tulpar )

[the-captain-of-the-tulpar]

The small feeling of being pricked does surprise Sunshine but he doesn’t have time to question it as the other has already circled around him.

Then it suddenly clicks as the other spoke. The other had cat features, it wasn’t accessories. He blinked a couple of times but then assumed it could be a result of the anomaly or the anons. “It’s fine, don’t worry. But this has been happening for quite some time? Are you doing well with them or is it a bit annoying?” Sunshine was a bit confused as he wasn’t sure how he had missed events happening on the Tulpar.

“I would be happy to help you trim your nails, wouldn’t want you accidentally hurting yourself with your nails after all!” He offers a smile.

He keeps searching for just the right place, somewhere he can feel comfortable. Nothing is the right texture to lay on, and everywhere is too noisy by far -- he needs to relax, and Curly doesn't have a clue how he can possibly do that, as things stand.

There's only one place he's felt truly at peace.

His feet carry him lightly through the halls, as delicate as can be since even his own footsteps are uncomfortably loud now, taking him toward the place he wants to be the most.

Hopefully Sunshine won't be bothered when he sees the new appendages...although as kind as he is, Pumpkin has a feeling he won't mind even if he were genderswapped again...

( @the-captain-of-the-tulpar )

[the-captain-of-the-tulpar]

Feeling the heat from the other when he pressed a kiss to his double’s forehead causes Sunshine to chuckle. “I’m not overheating you at all I hope?” He teased slightly.

He listened to what the other said. If there no risk to do it for today or the next few days then the two could. “Would you be willing to let me fuck you? Would you want me to do that?” Sunshine asked quietly.

He lets his hands roam the other’s body lightly, being careful in case the other may not enjoy the sudden touch. “You’re stunning.” He whispered, idly.

The meal sits heavy in his stomach, weighed down by the dread he can't seem to shake.

He wants to believe Sunshine would never judge him, wants to trust that he'll be supportive, but...

It's always much easier to trust when you don't have something to lose, much less something so incredibly precious.

The whole time, as they wash the dishes together, and walk down the short hallway to Sunshine's quarters, he keeps glancing nervously at Sunshine. He knows that it gives him away, that every time he looks it just makes his insecurity more clear.

But how can he not, when he's afraid that tonight is the last time he'll get the chance to be together like this? The thought of it makes him feel sick...

He can't avoid this forever, though; Sunshine has accepted everything else, so maybe this will be okay. Maybe, somehow...he'll still love him...

"...should we go?" he prompts gently. "...if you're ready, that is..." He waits near the entrance to the kitchen, thinking for a moment about holding a hand out to take...

If this is going to be the end of things, he doesn't want any regrets.

Pumpkin steps closer, reaching out to grab Sunshine's hand and draw him closer, leaning in to give him a soft kiss.

"Let's go," he repeats gently, his resolve solidifying. Whatever fate he's walking towards, he's not going to try to avoid or run from it this time. He doesn't want to regret failing to act if this is his last chance at a moment of happiness.

( @the-captain-of-the-tulpar )