knifemonopoly | IC inbox

[....oh no.

Oh, no. They kept hunting dogs, thousands of years ago. Atem knows that's a dog thing.

He can't help it.]

--heh heh heh!

[It slips out, past his control, warm and sincerely tickled. Oh, no. It's like hearing someone's voice break for the first time -- not weird, but funny inherently.]

So, that happens even in your day form...

Edited 2021-11-30 05:55 (UTC)

[This is embarrassing. It's not the bad kind of embarrassing, like what happened on the network when he couldn't even type words correctly, but it is terribly embarrassing in a way that if he was still a shade, he'd probably just fade from the visible spectrum.

Instead, he pulls his leg in and wraps his arm around it, to prevent himself from doing that again.]

Atem, this is your fault!

[Which would sound accusatory and angry if he wasn't simply whining about it like a petulant child. The mood's lightened quite enough that he's behaving as he normally does when he's flirted with. This isn't really flirting though. He just feels dumb and out of his control and like a puppy. Noooooo.]

Mhm.

[Both hands come out now.

There's time to grab them, dodge or duck, or stop their approach.

But, if they are unstopped, they bury themselves deep in the thick hair at the base of Ryou's ears. This isn't an idle scritch. This is an attentive whole-head rub, all his fingers getting into it, like when you have an animal's head between your hands and absolutely go to town. No mercy.]

[Under normal circumstances, with his upgraded werewolf reflexes? This never would have gone so far. Furthermore, if it was anyone else, he probably would have kept his wits even more sharp.

But this is Atem. And Ryou's sleepy, so he's just a little bit too trusting.

...As it turns out, that was a mistake. The instant Atem's fingers start working at the base of his ears, he lets out a very different noise, and he can feel the fur on his shoulders bristle up, his skin breaking out in goosebumps where it's exposed because uhhhh...that feels very, very good.

Even his tail puffs up a little, and there's another mild kick of his leg out of reflex.]

Mmmmnh!! H-hey...

[Did Atem intend to activate his boyfriend a little? Because judging by the way Ryou's head slowly tilts so he can look Atem in the eye with a petulant, but somewhat interested expression...that's accidentally what happened. There's even a dusting of pink across his cheeks.]

You're doing this on purpose. That's not fair...you know...?

I'm still stuck on what Dandy said on the network once.I know the Fog followers can't claim moral superiority.

[ Annie stares at the screen. She's not sure what's going on. ]

He also has a habit of needling and provoking people. He used language and tactics that actually disturb me. I'm not talking about what it is or why his existence is so goddamn triggering for me. I don't even want to acknowledge it. Or for him to see it. This isn't private. Look. I can't talk about this. Come to the party or don't. I'm already on edge enough I don't need to add more to my plate.

[ As an after thought: ]

I don't want to be sacrificed again.

Edited (HAD A THOUGHT. ) 2021-11-30 07:40 (UTC)

[Oh, no. Oh, no, he's cute. Warmth, energy, that's been hard to summon up lately, curls around Atem's heart. He only sounds so repentant when he says:]

Sorry, sorry!

It's just that your ears are very soft. They're cute...it's hard to stay away!

If you really mind, of course I'll leave you alone...

[Ears, though. Atem's fingers still, but they don't leave Ryou's hair, and he leans in to plant a kiss on Ryou's nose.]

...or, we could talk about what might make it fair.

[Alright, well, everything else goes out the window.]

I shouldn't go. I'll be terrible company!

But, more importantly, what makes you think someone is going to sacrifice you?

[Is she in danger? The idea of being sacrificed is fraught as hell for Atem, and if she's serious...]

[Twas the night before Nearly Christmas, and all at the door, there was a hella loud knocking like never before-

wait] Ahrm.

[Noa isn't the one knocking, because he has better things to do with his paws. The things are keeping them tucked beneath him like he's some sort of strange orange spotty loaf, wrapped warmly in a kitty coat and surrounded by the black fur of something perhaps the size of a small bear.

The 'bear' is politely rapping at the door with her paw. And doing a great job of exercising about as much force as any human being would!

That will not be enough though.] ATEMMMMMMMmmMMmmMMMM!

[Caterwauling Will be necessary here, and he wouldn't do this but someone hasn't been responding to network messages, Or seen out and about, and that gets to a guy!]

[Network's upsetting. He can't stop putting his foot in his mouth in person or online. As such, Atem has decided to let matters rest.

.....until he hears WAILING.

He sits straight up, his ear-wings flaring out and up into his hair in surprise.

What on earth...? Is that Noa?

He calls through the door from the living room:]

What is it?!

Edited 2021-11-30 15:22 (UTC)

[Excellent it's working. While Newf politely ceases her knocking to lay down before the door, Noa loafs up harder as he inhales.

Know that this hurts you far more than it hurts him (in the pride).]

You have ignored my messages and I would like to go INSIDE. It is COLD!

[There's a much briefer pause there than there should be, considering how far from the door Atem sounded. Nephs are fast. The door opens almost before Noa is finished saying "cold", and a droopy-winged nephilim answers the door. Even the purple cloth floating around his shoulders seems listless.]

Come in, then. Of course I won't leave you to freeze on the doorstep.

....

....

Your dog's trained, right?

[Tybolt sticks his head out of one of his hides, sniffing the air curiously.]

Wait...unless it's a werewolf. Are you a werewolf?

[Shit, he didn't even consider this might not be a pet.]

Edited 2021-11-30 15:59 (UTC)

[Noa was just about to do another round- hold the glass of water now- when the door opens.

Newf stands, and politely sniffs.]

Ah, you're a nephilim. This explains a little, [he observes, tapping the dog and ushering her in. Newf in turn carefully gives a soft, quiet wuff at Tybolt, sniffs, and trots in.]

This is Newf. I need to find Judai and talk to him about her, as she normally gets fed by him; he looks after the treehouse her last owner was at, [he explains.]

She is a fully trained specialty service animal for both house assistance and emotional support however, so I am taking advantage.

Also she's warm. Now.

What are you doing tonight?

[Ryou knows that they've just had a couple of very uncomfortable conversations, and that things aren't perfect, but when Atem speaks, when he kisses Ryou's nose, that's the only thing that matters at all.

All he wants is more, so he shifts, gathering his legs beneath him on the couch while simultaneously wrapping an arm more securely around Atem's waist. Now, with the leverage and balance he needed, he presses their foreheads together.]

I...am going to kiss you. Then maybe we can discuss what's fair.

[He doesn't even make it transactional, as part of the tradeoff. No, Ryou's going to kiss his boyfriend for free. And before Atem can respond, that's exactly what he does, closing the distance and kissing the nephilim warmly.

...As he insinuated, his lips do have a mild taste of wine, a fruity, sweet variety. Because of course Ryou buys sweet wines.]

[Whew, okay. No werewolf social faux pas. Tybolt does the new-dog thing, where he sniffs, then jumps back crouched down, then belly crawls forward to sniff again.

Atem, in the meantime, shuts and re-locks the door.]

Nothing important. Reading, maybe. Why?

Because someone has done that to other monsters here? On both sides? Also I was almost a human sacrifice so I have opinions about that.

[Wine, to Atem, has associations with celebrations -- good times, fun, festivals, birthdays now. It's a special occasion drink, not like beer or water. He knows Ryou was drinking because he was sad this time, whether it started out that way or not, and that's why he feels a touch bad for finding that taste in Ryou's mouth hot.

Sorry, Ryou. He knows it was a bad time on the network. But Atem's mouth still parts against the kiss, and his fingers still slide through Ryou's hair, and he still makes a quiet sound in the back of his throat that's part want and part satisfaction. He won't be weird about it, it's just that you taste like wine is a pretty sensual idea, for him. That's basically dirty talk.

He could keep petting Ryou's ears, but he's regrettably distracted.]

when did a fog follower sacrifice someone

was it before I arrived?

[He doesn't usually type like this, either.]

[ Oh. Oh no Annie knows what this is. She's seen this before.

Atem is a nephilem right now. Instead of a boner for games it's for justice. ]

Atem. Did you ask Mana for help recently? Also I can't confirm that I just know that there's enough rumors about specific people to know given a chance they would gut someone for the Fog. I mean, AM was happy to throw people into the hole in reality. Is it a stretch for him to flay for the Fog?

no, it's not a stretch, but if it's actually happened, I want to know who did it.

I've temporarily switched monster types, yes. This type doesn't agree with me, but I don't have the coins to end it early...there's nothing to do but wait it out!

Until then, please don't exaggerate what other monsters might have done.

[He's having a hard enough time as it is, with things that actually happened, without getting his adrenaline and anger up over the possibility of a monster repeating what happened to him.]

Honestly I should have expected this. Also you need to be careful with swapping monster types. They can affect the mind as I'm sure you're aware. I'll try to avoid dramatics. The last time a friend swapped to nephielm he said really hurtful things to basically everyone. He decided we were ALL guilty. Actually. He was a jerk beforehand I just hadn't acknowledged it if I'm honest. I will miss you at the party. Honestly I do things like this to avoid thinking about myself. I know my hatred of Elias is irrational but I can't unpack it. I will try being open to seeing the good in his followers. It's not going to be easy.

Thank you for understanding, Annie. It's not as easy a monster to be as Yugi makes it look! It's like someone's turned the lights all the way up, and I can't look away from things that bothered me before, but that I told myself were necessary. It's hard to not be angry about the things that happen here when your mind won't let you forget about them.

Getting by in a place like this....you have to be able to do that. I got in fights with three different demons (one of them twice!), a manticore, and a werewolf. I was on good terms with four out of five, previously...

I can't think of anything you've done that I have a problem with, though. Besides exaggerating about sacrifices. You had me worried!

[Congrats on passing the Neph Test, Annie.]

One of Elias's followers hurt me very badly, in the name of one of his projects, so I don't like him, either. Either he didn't know what was happening, and he's a stupid god, or he did, and he's an evil one. Every time I've talked with him, I haven't been impressed, either....

I could tell you why I think otherwise good people follow him if that would help, but the truth is, I've been putting my foot in my mouth all month! Not paying close enough attention to other people's feelings. I don't want to upset you, so...

[So he won't get into it, if she's not up for talking about it.]

[Well. Well, well, well.

That is not quite the reaction Ryou expected...but he's not going to shun it. Atem started it, and Ryou may as well finish it. He hums appreciatively at the fingers working through his hair once more, then presses onward, deepening the kiss even though he knows the wine is probably overpowering.

He's not aware that Atem likes it. All he believes is that Atem was inviting him to make out a little, and as far as he's concerned, especially now that he's not in his night form, this is perfectly alright. Being a werewolf has its ups and downs...but one of the downs is definitely the fact that the form he's most comfortable in has a snout.

Ryou doesn't ruminate on it long though, because he's very busy exploring Atem's mouth since he was given permission, and pressing a hand to his chest, wanting to feel the heartbeat that was as temporary as Atem's wings. He can hear it quite clearly, sure. But feeling it is also nice.]

[Atem's figured out by now that Ryou is a seize-the-moment kind of guy. He has pieced together that it's very likely because Ryou spent a lot of important moments in terrible pain, which isn't great, and that a lot of things in Ryou's life didn't last, which is also not great, but it does mean Atem respects that Ryou has already weighed his hangover against his desire to kiss, if kissing is what he's doing. He'll take what he wants, rather than wait.

So, Atem doesn't act like Ryou's mother. Instead, he shifts so that he's facing Ryou more completely, and he floats an inch or so up so that his back-wings can pull themselves free from anywhere they're pinned between him and the couch, and they wrap around Ryou's back, big and gold and warm.

It's easy to not think of anything at all, like this. The taste in his mouth, the hand on his chest, feeling his heart -- his heart, beating and alive -- makes him feel molten again, warm and relaxed, all his hard edges melting away.

They're going to make out a little. One of Atem's hands is going to drift down to take hold of Ryou's jaw, and the other is going to get deep in his double-coat hair, close to the scalp, his thumb catching the base of one ear by accident as the rest of his fingers stroke and wind it. The kiss is going to break, and Atem's going to plant little kisses along Ryou's jaw, and murmur--]

You're beautiful.

[--without any shame at all against the side of Ryou's neck, above the collar. Why shouldn't he say it? It's true. Ryou looks beautiful, he feels beautiful, his heart's beautiful. For once it's in a language they both speak, but the tone's going to be familiar, used for similar but less intelligible endearments.]

Edited 2021-11-30 23:54 (UTC)

[Ryou tenses, just for a moment, as the wings enclose him. He's not scared of Atem, but there is something reflexive in the back of his mind, of clawed wings digging into his back, tearing, ripping--

No. Not today. Not right now.

He leans in closer, shifting his weight against Atem as if he's melting. The tip of his tail is wagging slowly, thoughtlessly, as he loses himself in the kiss. After everything else...Ryou really is desperate to take the good moments and hold them close to his heart.

When Atem brushes his thumb against the base of an ear, Ryou lets out a soft, pleased sound and his fingers curl in against Atem's chest, gripping at his clothing, holding him closer, if that's even possible.

By the time they pull away from each other, he's breathless. He's warm...being here with Atem is like curling up next to a crackling campfire that brings comfort. And of course he's perfectly happy to let Atem's lips travel along his jaw. He laughs softly when Atem tells him he's beautiful.]

You certain make me feel that way.

[Atem also makes him feel a couple of other ways with those words whispered against his neck, the warm breath tickling in the gap between the collar and his skin. It's...nice.

The hand that had been settled against Atem's chest traces upward, a clawed fingertip trailing along his neck, across his jaw...and then he reaches up to gently weave his fingers into the feathers of one headwing, running his padded thumb upward from the primaries without disturbing the arrangement...then back down.

It feels interesting. Like the snakes, he's sure he'll miss these.]

I don't know how I ever got along without seeing how beautiful you are...

[That touch going up his chest is welcome, and the way Atem shifts under it makes that obvious -- tilting his head out of the way, leaning his jaw in, eyes half-closed, feathers fluffing and then relaxing. The compliment's accepted, too: this body, at least, feels right to him, and right is the same thing as beautiful. Even if his mind isn't right, this basic shape is his, is connected to him more than the vampire one is, but even when he's a vampire...Atem's mouth pulls up in a slight, uncharacteristically gentle smile.]

When I'm with you...I feel at home with myself. No matter which body I happen to be in.

[Vampire, naga, nephilim -- none of them are quite what he used to be, but there are things to like about them all.

Which reminds him. Ryou's carrying a lot of smells with him, and he wants a shower. Wine taste is sexy; old dry alcohol smell, not as much. That's a problem, because drying out his tail takes forever, and Atem doesn't want to get up. What if...]

I wonder...

[Will it work? Or will it end up like some of his other ideas, like drying Ryou out? What if the purification spell accidentally kills all the bacteria in Ryou's body?

If Atem tries it, he should probably try to limit it, to just the parts that are covered in fur....surface clean only......]

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AT LAST.

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backfire :V

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DEC 1

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Looks ahead at the 4th and wheezelaughs

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r i p

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teen monster makeouts itt, sfw but pg13

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WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, PLAYER1. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 10.11.0.0.01 * PLAYER1 has joined 10.11.0.0.01 <PLAYER1>** If you're looking for someone you knew as Yugi before June, you've found him! It's Atem, leave a message.