two angy boys in a jamjar

[azuremoon]

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[cynicfelixity]

It does not, and it's better than nothing.

[Felix stretches, unaware of Dimitri's dilemma as he fixes his gaze on the far side of the closet.]

...You don't like it?

[azuremoon]

[The judgemental tone is familiar, but there's just enough of a hint of actual curiosity to have Dimitri flustering. He folds his arms tightly across his chest and turns his back, shoulders visibly tight with tension.]

I was unaware that you cared about my opinion on that sort of thing. If you must know, no, I do not.

[He doesn't like that Felix was forced to wear it, and he loathes the reminder of the people who made him do so.

As for how it looks, he hates how distracting it is, so he sounds truthful enough as he huffs out an answer.]

[cynicfelixity]

[Those words get Felix to finally glance Dimitri's way, the bite of them unfamiliar as he narrows his gaze at that turned back.]

Then go buy me something new if it's that much of an eyesore, [Felix replies bitterly. Strange how it stings to know that it's something that isn't up Dimitri's alley, for however demeaning it is.]

[azuremoon]

[Felix... doesn't sound happy about it. That's not the reaction he expected, and it's enough of a surprise he's able to look over his shoulder and make eye contact without flinching.

His cheeks are still pink, though.]

You want me to dress you like you are actually my property? How unlike you.

[Dimitri pulls his palm reader out of his pocket and holds it up to the scanner, uploading the vouchers.]

Just pick whatever you like from the vouchers.

[cynicfelixity]

Isn't that what I am now?

[Felix is quick to tear his gaze away, trying not to think on how pink Dimitri's cheeks were, a likely phenomenon on Felix's end too as he starts looking through the vouchers. Unfortunately for them, the clothing included in the selection seems to always have a catch with them. There's a sweater that has enough room for his tail to peek out but is completely backless, shirts that bare his midriff, ridiculously short shorts, tights that leave nothing to imagination...]

"Bred for loyalty" and "belonging to you"... did you not say as much?

[He knows Dimitri said that just to get him out of there, but all the same, it doesn't stop him from being a little furious as he picks a few pieces out of the limited selection, resigning himself to looking like someone's sexy dress up doll for the time being.]

[azuremoon]

[Every damn thing included on that voucher is far too stimulating, and though Dimitri wishes he could look away, he's now worried about Felix choosing something outrageous out of spite. No doubt he'll be seeing some of those clothes in his dreams...]

You know there was no other choice. Either you were already "mine" or you were out of my price range. I said what they needed to hear.

[Goddess damn him for looking so good in that low-backed sweater. Felix has no right to look that good, he's still just a little brat! Dimitri won't survive if he actually selects that thing.

Which is why Dimitri steps up behind him, dragging his palm down Felix's back and giving his tail a little yank.]

That low back does make playing with your tail tempting, I have to say.

[cynicfelixity]

[The yelp Felix lets out is more cat than human, and it's embarrassing enough to his ears that he does not deign to throw a glance Dimitri's way, not at all ready for the smug look on his face as his tail stands on end.]

Then you'll just have to live with it.

[And there it goes in the selection, chosen partly out of spite.]

I'll scratch you the next time you do that.

[azuremoon]

[Felix's contrary nature should never be underestimated. The hint of playfulness in Dimitri's expression vanishes on the spot as he folds his arms, staring down his nose at Felix.]

That sweater lacks sleeves and a back. Are you planning to just sit on my lap when you get cold? I won't be changing the temperature settings — you can always put more clothing on, but I can only take off so much.

[cynicfelixity]

[That prompts another glance from Felix, who stares back just as balefully.

Then he smirks as he picks out more from the selection.]

Good thing your shirts are plenty comfortable.

[Next to go in the pile are some form-fitting leggings, a pair of boxers that open at the back for reasons Felix isn't sure he wants to think about, and some thigh high socks.]

Happy?

[azuremoon]

[No, he is not particularly happy, but Dimitri will lean in and reach around Felix to give his thumbprint to allow the clothes to start printing anyway. Felix tenses up as if he expects retaliation for that smirk. Dimitri doesn't do anything more, though. He's been beaten, he'll go lick his wounds and preemptively exhaust himself in the VR room before dinner.

Lunch, unsurprisingly, does not really occur to him.]

[cynicfelixity]

[There's his new "clothes", for however much they questionably fit that definition. He wastes no time in shedding the lace from yesterday and donning the underwear and leggings. For now, he spares Dimitri the mercy of wearing that sweater, preferring the comfort of this oversized shirt for now. Not knowing what else to do for now, he retreats to Dimitri's bed, curling up there for the time being as he ponders on what to do next.]

[azuremoon]

[If he were there, Dimitri would be wondering why Felix is choosing to continue to linger in his bedroom. There are two perfectly good guest rooms, and if he has to keep sleeping with Felix in his arms, he knows he's not going to be able to keep his attraction to him a secret for long. Fortunately for both parties, Dimitri chooses to throw himself completely into his training. He doesn't leave the VR room for hours, and by the time he's a couple of hours in, the simulation has him sticky with sweat and covered in virtual wounds. One of his eyes is covered, too — he doesn't trust that he'll retain his eye upon returning home, and he's not going to learn to rely on having two eyes all over again.]

[cynicfelixity]

[Felix dozes off for about an hour and a half, waking up to an empty stomach. It leads him to the printer, but remembering how it required some authorization of sorts--just like his clothes from earlier, why did Dimitri approve them even if he disliked them so--he pads towards the VR room where he's heard some noises.

For the moment, his hunger is forgotten, and he stands by the doorway in fascination as Dimitri goes about his training, far from the prim and proper duelist that Felix once loved to cross blades with.]

[azuremoon]

[There's no doubt that Dimitri is everything Felix has accused him of being anymore. Anyone could see it — the way he moves from opponent to opponent is all instinct, cold and brutal. But there's a wild sort of grace to it too, not unlike the lion their class was named for.

After a few more minutes, the console chimes to indicate that the encounter with those traitorous Dukedom soldiers is over. Dimitri briefly takes stock of his wounds, mentally comparing them to the ones he took in the past. Pleased to note he's improving, he allows the simulation to erase the illusionary injuries and lift the covering on his eye. He finally looks to Felix then, panting for breath.]

I am surprised you did not run, [he says with a hint of bitterness.]

[cynicfelixity]

[Felix bristles at that comment, no matter how well-deserved it is.]

I'm hungry.

[He rubs his nose, annoyed. A truth, one he'd rather think about than the bitterness in Dimitri's tone. Or the way his chest heaves, bringing to attention his impressive musculature and those broad shoulders that have held Felix close the night before.]

It's not like I can make my own food here.

[azuremoon]

[It's not like either of them were ever great cooks to begin with, and Dimitri is about to argue that he can just print his own damn food when he recalls that Felix, in fact, cannot. With a heavy sigh, he strips off his shirt and taps the wall, tossing it down the chute that opens up.]

My apologies. I did not intend for you to go hungry, I simply do not think about food that often.

[The reminder is probably good, anyway. With his whole body aching with the residual sting of those virtual wounds, Dimitri genuinely didn't notice he was getting hungry as well. He pulls his sweat-slicked hair back into a half ponytail and moves to exit the VR room, pondering if he cares enough to wash up before he eats or not.]

[cynicfelixity]

[Now it's Felix's turn to stare as Dimitri strips, the sight of his bared torso confirming what Felix simply eyeballed earlier.]

You should. You can't just train and train without thinking about your stomach.

[Inexplicably flustered, he trails after Dimitri exactly like a good pet would--a fact that rankles at him as he waits for Dimitri to act.]

[azuremoon]

I eat when I wake and before I go to bed. It is enough.

[But probably not ideal considering his calorie expenditure. Dimitri pads into the kitchen, bringing up the interface for Felix with a small wave.]

Go ahead and order. I will confirm it.

[cynicfelixity]

[Here they go again. Felix sighs as he rapidly goes through the selection and picks out some sort of meat-based curry, waiting for Dimitri to confirm that.]

If you're not going to look out for yourself then I will. Give me access to the food printer.

[He's not sure if it's even possible for Dimitri to do that given how limited pet rights seem to be, but it's probably worth asking.]

[azuremoon]

[Why? he almost asks, but now that he's a little older and far less naive, he can tell that Felix doesn't hate him as he once thought he did. He cares, even if it's only for the memory of the friend he once had instead of the monster that took his place. His demeanor softens as he reaches out to confirm the order. Once it's done, he cycles through the options until he finds the instructions to grant access.]

Your hand, [Dimitri says, holding his own out palm up.]

[cynicfelixity]

Wha--

[Felix tells himself that part of it is to ensure he doesn't go hungry in case Dimitri forgets about him like he did earlier, but it's hard to deny the part of him that is, admittedly, concerned. He's made a habit of watching out for worrying changes in the boar's demeanor after all, and why stop now, really?]

Alright.

[He'll hold his hand out in the same way, expectant.]

[azuremoon]

[Dimitri takes that hand in both of his, pressing his prints up against the silver band on Felix's finger. He gently strokes that same finger with his thumb once it flashes to indicate that permission has been granted, frowning to himself.]

It did not move at all... did this fuse to you somehow?

[He should probably read up on pets more.]

[cynicfelixity]

[Satisfying as it is to have Dimitri listening to him for a change, the voiced observation is less than comforting, and he ends up mirroring that frown, suppressing a shudder.]

It seems to have.

[Felix touches it with his other finger, heart sinking as he notices how there's no give when he nudges at it.]

I'm... not sure if it's a good idea to try and take it off.

[There was that odd tingle from before--who knows what might happen.]

[azuremoon]

Only the "master" can remove this ring, but it would not be safe to do so. Still, I thought it would merely provide a shock, not that it would become a part of you...

[With a brief squeeze, Dimitri lets go.]

If it somehow remains on your finger when you return to your own time, ask me to kiss the ring. It will be able to be removed then. Do not tarry, though — before too long, I will be separated from all of you.

[cynicfelixity]

[Felix sighs as he tucks his hand away, ears flattening against the side of his head as he reddens while considering those words.]

I-it's not any worse than going back as a cat.

[Which is, all things considered, the more troubling possibility of the bunch.]