Johnny blinks at that, and despite himself is endeared, warmed by the words. Jack's different, he thinks; the man had believes in him, and that is very rare, precious feeling. Jack doesn't dismiss him the way others always have, relegated him to little more than a playboy with a host of bad ideas. No, he makes him want to be better. ]
Is it going to be weird if I kissed you here? I mean... maybe not the super intense making out, but I really want to kiss you right now.
[ Jack is more than that to him, so much more. He makes a soft noise, maybe apologises to Brennan because this is just inappropriate -- but the idea of having someone to share this moment with you, someone you really like; that's important, isn't it?
He tugs him forward, his hand curling around Jack's scarred wrist, the other curling around his chin to tip his face up to his. Johnny kisses him, soft and slow. Chaste but affectionate. ] You're amazing.
[ He says bluntly -- he hates when Jack is unreadable, but he knows him long enough to understand that it's a defense mechanism. Jack has plenty of them. ] And I won't.
[God, why do his fathers words keeping springing to his lips? It makes him remember, makes him hate him all over. But he can still see the stubborn glint in those blue eyes. An example is needed.]
Let's say that I'm taken prisoner. The Seelie have my head on a chopping block. But there's an attack on your spire and people are in danger. Which do you save? Maybe Morla even forbids you to help me, because the war as a whole is more important to her than any one of us.
[They're pawns, told that they're important but to be moved or sacrificed at any time. Jack realizes this.]
Or what if I go to the next royal audience and insult her to her face, and she forces me into exile. You can't help me, you can't harbor me, because you have responsibilities, ones that you brought upon yourself. These are just two of a thousand scenarios, and a solution to all of them just isn't possible.
[ Because fuck Morla, if the choice is Jack and the Spire. His lieutenants can take care of it; and Eren seems particularly capable in many respects. But it makes him think, pulls him back and puts him in that position -- and what he knows is this: the idea that Jack is with the Seelie turns his stomach, the lurch in his heart when he imagines it is real. Could he stand to lose the war to stop Jack from dying?
He doesn't know, he really doesn't, but he will go to save Jack, anyway, and whatever comes next, comes. ] I don't care what she says, I'm going to help you, and I'd choose you. I just --
-- we can figure out the rest along the way.
[ (this is also known as the dean & sam winchester way of Doing Things.) ]
It's not your call, Johnny. You do this and you answer to her first and foremost, and it won't do me any good to be dragged from the dangers of one court into the dangers of the other, only with you at my side.
[Jack shakes his head. He can't make him understand, Johnny just has to live it. But can he take living through it again, however vicariously?]
[ He catches a hold of his wrist and tugs, wanting to pull him close -- because even the idea of Jack exiled and alone somewhere rouses the most primitive instinct, the need to protect, to be where he is. He can't explain it, he can't understand it, but he knows, maybe, that he would move heaven and earth for him.
Or if that fails, stay in hell with him. ]
No, I don't think you understand what I'm saying. [ He's completely serious. ] I don't care if I have to answer to her. If you're in trouble, I'm going to be right there with you, so you won't be alone.
Then understand what I'm saying, this is not what I want.
[He doesn't know how much clearer he can make. He doesn't want Johnny to have to choose. He doesn't want him to be punished when he does. He didn't listen to him, not to Ariadne either, if he still thinks he can have his cake and eat it too.
If Johnny won't choose, maybe the best thing Jack can do for him is choose for him.]
I don't know that I want to be a part of this again. I was happier without it.
[ He was listening; the difference is that he rejects it. He won't choose, because when push comes to shove, he can give up being baron, pass it to someone else, someone who can take on that burden. But until then, all that is only conjecture, isn't it? They don't know what's going to happen next, whether he has to choose at all.
He frowns, the words striking a chord in him. He understands, and he knows. Jack was happier without the trappings of power, and what -- what did Johnny go ahead to do?
He feels guilt curl in his chest, and he bites his lip. ] I'm sorry. I'm not asking you to come back to this, not when you left it back home. You don't have to be by my side for this.
[Jack thought he still wanted it, thought he could pick up right where he left off on his first day. But in an entire lifetime of that, he can only recall a handful of happy days. He's had more of them here in a single year, so if he dies in the war or gets swallowed up by the Void, he'll die happy. It'll have been worth it.
But it was just a respite. Those carefree days are slipping through his fingers like sand. He looks at Johnny for a long time and snorts.]
Someone would kill you on your first day. I won't have your blood on my hands.
[Even if he has to shed someone else's to stop it.]
[ Johnny had been expecting some other response -- dreading to hear what comes next, because this is usually where people separate, right? He wouldn't want Jack to leave, especially when what they have together has grown to be more precious to him as the days pass. He doesn't quite understand how or why, still, but they've gone beyond superficial fun now, and all he sees is Jack beside him, a quiet pillar of strength when he needed him most.
He pauses, not quite able to fully grasp that yet. ] So... you're not going to move out and leave me?
[And he snaps it a little too sharply, like it should be obvious that he wouldn't, when it wasn't obvious to anyone but Jack. But it wasn't really an option, if only Jack alone knows it.
He takes a deep breath.]
There's still hope that you'll let me fuck you, after all.
[ Johnny's brows raise, and relief and delight dawns on his face like the rising sun. There's a long, difficult path ahead of them, but fuck that. He's flinging his arms around Jack and embracing him tightly, laughing.
He needs him. He knows this, he needs him and it's terrifying and exhilarating all at once, quite like flying. ]
You only want me for my great ass. [ He jokes, because he knows that's not true. ] I don't know what to feel about that.
[Jack smirks, lifting his arms to wrap around Johnny, his embrace softer and more protective. Idiot. There's still the promise of happiness like this. Without him, there's none.]
Watch out, my ass is a work of art. Not quite a masterpiece like yours, which is saying a lot. We both know how much I love me.
[ Johnny's not letting him go, not sorry, because he's lifting him up and carrying him to the bed, pushing him down on it before crawling over him.
But he rolls onto his back after, nudging his lover to straddle him as he looks up into his face, thumb rubbing over his lower lip. ]
I know I put you through plenty of trouble. I'm sorry. I want you to know that you can go whenever you want. I don't want you to -- but. You can. And I won't fault you for it.
[Yes, they both know how highly Johnny Storm thinks of Johnny Storm. He protests when Johnny picks him up, loudly, expecting them both to topple over onto the floor at any moment. But when they do fall, it's only onto his bed, and Jack's quickly in his favorite position.]
How could you fault me for it? I'm well on my way to sainthood. [Jack grabs both his hands, leaning forward to pin then down against the bed. He studies the other man's face for a few moments before smirking.] I might as well be seeing a Seelie for all the trouble you put me through. Now there's a thought. Do you think they get on their knees too?
[ Johnny lets his hands be pinned to the pillow, regarding Jack with affectionate amusement. He knows the other man loves to be in this position, and may be prepared to let him do what he wants, considering what he just put him through.
Johnny's still quietly uncertain about reversing their positions, but he trusts Jack, he's sure of it, and he's got time to acclimatise. That thought, however, is swiftly pushed to the backburner when Jack brings up the Seelie. Eyes gleaming with a budding idea, he says, ]
Let's play a game. What if I'm a Seelie and this is our last night together? You know, warring sides and all that. [ He leans up to kiss him, slow and sweet. ] And I'm your forbidden fruit. Never meant to be together, or we die terrible deaths.
[ He smirks, then wiggles his brows at him. ] I'm all... order-y and boring and rule-abiding and stuff. And I'm breaking so many just to be with you. Hail what's-her-name.
[Jack squints at him. He's lived a life of wanting what he couldn't have, sneaking around. But Johnny leans up just enough to kiss him, and suddenly the idea has a certain appeal. It's a game, and none of the dangers are real. There's nothing to lose in this. His lips curve against Johnny's mouth before he leans back a little.]
You're one of the Seelie king's own, brave and loyal and trusted. But tonight you're mine. I'm going to strip that golden cloak from your shoulders and prove it to you.
[ Oh, there they go. He can see Jack warming up to the idea after the kiss, the reassurance that this time, they're only playing. There is little risk here, and all the pleasure in the world they can bring to each other. When the lights come on, there's no reason for either to leave. Not anymore.
He hums with approval and thinks Seelie thoughts. ] The bravest and most noble. Breaking my loyalties to be with you. [ Briefly breaking character --] I think I have a golden cape somewhere. Do I need to wear it?
[ Johnny laughs before he sits up and gets out of bed, peeling his shirt off, then his pants, making sure Jack is watching when he shimmies out of his boxers.
Happily naked, Johnny strolls towards one of the drawers, giving Jack a great view of his ass before he fishes out a crumpled yellow-gold towel cape thing. Fastening it around his neck, he turns around and puffs up his chest, hands on his hips. He's already half-hard and it's obvious. ]
How do I look? Orderly and proper? Do I need to think boring thoughts? [ He adopts a deeper, lower voice. ]
I've caged my inner beast for you for the longest time, baby. No longer.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
action.
Johnny blinks at that, and despite himself is endeared, warmed by the words. Jack's different, he thinks; the man had believes in him, and that is very rare, precious feeling. Jack doesn't dismiss him the way others always have, relegated him to little more than a playboy with a host of bad ideas. No, he makes him want to be better. ]
Is it going to be weird if I kissed you here? I mean... maybe not the super intense making out, but I really want to kiss you right now.
action.
So what's stopping you?
action.
He tugs him forward, his hand curling around Jack's scarred wrist, the other curling around his chin to tip his face up to his. Johnny kisses him, soft and slow. Chaste but affectionate. ] You're amazing.
action.
[Jack pulls back before Johnny can feel inspired to go for another, taking his hand instead.] Let's go see to the Baroness.
(after THAT discussion)
I know you're upset with me. Do you want to talk?
(after THAT discussion)
I've already talked. I'm not sure what the point would be in doing it again.
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[ He says bluntly -- he hates when Jack is unreadable, but he knows him long enough to understand that it's a defense mechanism. Jack has plenty of them. ] And I won't.
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[God, why do his fathers words keeping springing to his lips? It makes him remember, makes him hate him all over. But he can still see the stubborn glint in those blue eyes. An example is needed.]
Let's say that I'm taken prisoner. The Seelie have my head on a chopping block. But there's an attack on your spire and people are in danger. Which do you save? Maybe Morla even forbids you to help me, because the war as a whole is more important to her than any one of us.
[They're pawns, told that they're important but to be moved or sacrificed at any time. Jack realizes this.]
Or what if I go to the next royal audience and insult her to her face, and she forces me into exile. You can't help me, you can't harbor me, because you have responsibilities, ones that you brought upon yourself. These are just two of a thousand scenarios, and a solution to all of them just isn't possible.
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[ Because fuck Morla, if the choice is Jack and the Spire. His lieutenants can take care of it; and Eren seems particularly capable in many respects. But it makes him think, pulls him back and puts him in that position -- and what he knows is this: the idea that Jack is with the Seelie turns his stomach, the lurch in his heart when he imagines it is real. Could he stand to lose the war to stop Jack from dying?
He doesn't know, he really doesn't, but he will go to save Jack, anyway, and whatever comes next, comes. ] I don't care what she says, I'm going to help you, and I'd choose you. I just --
-- we can figure out the rest along the way.
[ (this is also known as the dean & sam winchester way of Doing Things.) ]
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[Jack shakes his head. He can't make him understand, Johnny just has to live it. But can he take living through it again, however vicariously?]
Do what you want and see.
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Or if that fails, stay in hell with him. ]
No, I don't think you understand what I'm saying. [ He's completely serious. ] I don't care if I have to answer to her. If you're in trouble, I'm going to be right there with you, so you won't be alone.
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[He doesn't know how much clearer he can make. He doesn't want Johnny to have to choose. He doesn't want him to be punished when he does. He didn't listen to him, not to Ariadne either, if he still thinks he can have his cake and eat it too.
If Johnny won't choose, maybe the best thing Jack can do for him is choose for him.]
I don't know that I want to be a part of this again. I was happier without it.
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He frowns, the words striking a chord in him. He understands, and he knows. Jack was happier without the trappings of power, and what -- what did Johnny go ahead to do?
He feels guilt curl in his chest, and he bites his lip. ] I'm sorry. I'm not asking you to come back to this, not when you left it back home. You don't have to be by my side for this.
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But it was just a respite. Those carefree days are slipping through his fingers like sand. He looks at Johnny for a long time and snorts.]
Someone would kill you on your first day. I won't have your blood on my hands.
[Even if he has to shed someone else's to stop it.]
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He pauses, not quite able to fully grasp that yet. ] So... you're not going to move out and leave me?
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[And he snaps it a little too sharply, like it should be obvious that he wouldn't, when it wasn't obvious to anyone but Jack. But it wasn't really an option, if only Jack alone knows it.
He takes a deep breath.]
There's still hope that you'll let me fuck you, after all.
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He needs him. He knows this, he needs him and it's terrifying and exhilarating all at once, quite like flying. ]
You only want me for my great ass. [ He jokes, because he knows that's not true. ] I don't know what to feel about that.
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[Jack smirks, lifting his arms to wrap around Johnny, his embrace softer and more protective. Idiot. There's still the promise of happiness like this. Without him, there's none.]
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[ Johnny's not letting him go, not sorry, because he's lifting him up and carrying him to the bed, pushing him down on it before crawling over him.
But he rolls onto his back after, nudging his lover to straddle him as he looks up into his face, thumb rubbing over his lower lip. ]
I know I put you through plenty of trouble. I'm sorry. I want you to know that you can go whenever you want. I don't want you to -- but. You can. And I won't fault you for it.
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How could you fault me for it? I'm well on my way to sainthood. [Jack grabs both his hands, leaning forward to pin then down against the bed. He studies the other man's face for a few moments before smirking.] I might as well be seeing a Seelie for all the trouble you put me through. Now there's a thought. Do you think they get on their knees too?
no subject
Johnny's still quietly uncertain about reversing their positions, but he trusts Jack, he's sure of it, and he's got time to acclimatise. That thought, however, is swiftly pushed to the backburner when Jack brings up the Seelie. Eyes gleaming with a budding idea, he says, ]
Let's play a game. What if I'm a Seelie and this is our last night together? You know, warring sides and all that. [ He leans up to kiss him, slow and sweet. ] And I'm your forbidden fruit. Never meant to be together, or we die terrible deaths.
[ He smirks, then wiggles his brows at him. ] I'm all... order-y and boring and rule-abiding and stuff. And I'm breaking so many just to be with you. Hail what's-her-name.
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[Jack squints at him. He's lived a life of wanting what he couldn't have, sneaking around. But Johnny leans up just enough to kiss him, and suddenly the idea has a certain appeal. It's a game, and none of the dangers are real. There's nothing to lose in this. His lips curve against Johnny's mouth before he leans back a little.]
You're one of the Seelie king's own, brave and loyal and trusted. But tonight you're mine. I'm going to strip that golden cloak from your shoulders and prove it to you.
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He hums with approval and thinks Seelie thoughts. ] The bravest and most noble. Breaking my loyalties to be with you. [ Briefly breaking character --] I think I have a golden cape somewhere. Do I need to wear it?
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[Jack moves to the side, the grin on lips nothing less than wicked as he lets him free.]
But only after you take everything else off.
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Happily naked, Johnny strolls towards one of the drawers, giving Jack a great view of his ass before he fishes out a crumpled yellow-gold towel cape thing. Fastening it around his neck, he turns around and puffs up his chest, hands on his hips. He's already half-hard and it's obvious. ]
How do I look? Orderly and proper? Do I need to think boring thoughts? [ He adopts a deeper, lower voice. ]
I've caged my inner beast for you for the longest time, baby. No longer.
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