nobody knows how i got here [o p e n]

[muskeg]

who: Sage Abernathy and YOU
what: Catch all and such for April
when: April 10th onwards
where: EVERYWHERE.
warnings: Swearing, drinking, mean words, uhhh... violence maybe. IDK. I will update if it changes.



i. the streets of Riverview

Since managing to settle himself down in this place Sage has started to take the time to wander around the streets of Riverview, finding new places to pick up odds and ends, food, ingredients for his potions and experiments, and whatever else might catch his eye. He has acquired a few new rings in his wanderings, a new tarnished earring that he plans on imbuing with a spell, ideas for more that he might be able to sell or give to those who work in the area.

There is no real point to his wanderings today, just idle browsing to see what else might be around. He has a few things in the bag that is strapped to his thigh, some plain silver rings, a bottle of a herb that is supposed to replicate bay leaves in some potions, and a coffee clutched in his hands. At the present moment he is staring, head cocked, at a row of books that he thinks are written in English, but he actually can't tell because he swears the letters are moving... okay, maybe not English.

Feel free to approach the confused looking witch at any time you want.

ii. streets of Riverview two-point-oh.

Eating is not something that Sage is all that good at remembering to do, no matter how much he might set reminders (no he doesn't) or how often there is food available to him (there isn't). There are occasions where he snacks and remembers to at least consume something other than coffee, but today he has actually set out to find something to eat. He has heard whispers in the halls of the research facility of someplace that makes delicious sweets and-- well if he is going to eat, might as well be something that he doesn't need at all.

So there is one curious swamp witch wandering the streets, following his nose more or less, looking for a bakery. Help a witch out?

iii. double bubble toil and trouble-- [ closed to Aeacinos ]

The one thing that Sage has slowly started to learn about this place is that he really, really should not go out into the woods alone. Not that he doesn't still do so, short little trips that don't travel too far beyond the wall, but nothing like he might have taken up if he were at home in his swamp. He has learned that, while home might have wendigos and incubus, shadowy wraiths and redcaps, this moon has things that put those to shame.

So yeah, he has made a few tentative friends along the way, one of the more entertaining ones being Aeacinos. The man (snake? being?) had a personality that Sage found both refreshing and amusing, and also seemed to have little qualms with trekking out into the depths of the wilds in order for the witch to find new ingredients for his potions, and perhaps even happen across a swamp that he could use for his, well, existence.

Today though, they were just out foraging. Sage had a list (with some very detailed pictures) of flora that he was looking for in order to try making some new potions, and he had agreed to meet with the guard in order to head out. Sage meets him at the edge of the wall, two cups of steaming coffee in his hands, dressed a little more suitable for forest adventures than he usually is. Meaning that he isn't wearing leather pants and a jacket, but rather something that looks more like combat attire and combat boots.

"Morning, grabbed you a coffee if you want it. Black." He holds out the cup, small quirk of a smile at the edge of his lips.

iv. get stronger from the blows [ closed to Minsu ]

Since the first explosion of emotion that Minsu managed to elicit from Sage, the witch had half a mind to avoid the hell out of him. Which, honestly, would have been a great idea if it weren't for the fact that Minsu made the best coffee on this damned moon and, well, Sage found him both intrigued and charmed by the other. Not just because he knew that in some future of his the barista managed to love him, flaws and all, but because Minsu seemed to be a genuinely nice person. He was always smiling (even if Sage wasn't so stupid to not be able to see the hurt buried in behind it), and tried to give Sage space even when it was hurting him in some sense.

The witch couldn't help but be more than a little curious about the barista filled with bright smiles and brilliant coffee.

Which is why, when Minsu texted him with offers of a thermos of coffee and a picnic, the witch agreed to meet the other. And not just to grab the food and run (though he would be lying if he said he didn't consider it). Dressed in his usual skinny jeans and leather jacket, Sage heads towards the closed coffee shop, fingers fiddling absently with the new, blank rings that he had picked up in town partially to try and get a feel for what spells would work best with the metal and-- well mostly to give himself something to do with his hands.

The barista wasn't lying when he said he would wave when he caught sight of him. The over-enthusiastic waving makes Sage huff a quiet laugh despite himself as he shoved his hands in his pockets and approaches.

"Mmm, I am not about to forget what you look like any time soon, you know that right?" A small, barely-there smile. "But thanks."

v. all these flashing lights giving rise to shadows [ closed to Magnus Bane ]

As soon as he was told about the warlock and his magical bar by Alec, Sage knew that he had to visit the place. It was a lot more, uh, well put together than the types of places that Sage would usually visit, but that really didn't matter; there was a magical bar. That was something that he would never have come across back home because no matter how well aware people were of magic and witches and mages, they would never allow such an establishment to exist. So Sage puts a little effort into himself (meaning he doesn't smell like mud and ash, woo!) and makes his way to the place with more than a little curiosity in the curve of his lips.

His first impression of the place? Elaborate. Luxurious. Way out of his paygrade to be honest, but he doesn't turn on his heel and head out, rather he heads towards the bar, eyes wide and alert as he makes his way through the bar.

vi. w i l d c a r d

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Comments

[muskeg]

There are stories that Sage will enjoy rewriting when he knows all the characters, will enjoy laughing at those that were so hellbent on burning the witches and killing the monsters. But now is for him to watch Minsu with a faint smile, the ease with which he unpacks food and sets it up. The witch doesn't care if the food is handmade or not, he really cares most about the coffee after all.

Well, the ice cream is pretty delicious too, honestly.

He holds out the treat, offering Minsu a little more as he laughs. "The frogs? That... I guess I miss them a little. They make for nice ambient noise." And apparently, they also make good cuddle buddies, something that Sage takes note of, tries not to linger too long on because it makes the ice cream seem a little less sweet, the sun a little less warm. He isn't quite there yet, not ready to think of Minsu as much more than friend, even if that might just be more of a lie to keep himself sane.

Sage isn't quite ready to deal with the tangle of everything Minsu brings. Not all at once.

"Rice balls huh, I don't think I have-- well haven't had once in a long while." He quirks a brow at the smell comment as he takes the offered ball, squeezing his knees together to make sure that he didn't spill his coffee in the process. "Do you eat them often? Or would you prefer your giant sandwich there?"

Idle conversation, something that allows Sage to learn, slowly, and for Minsu to build trust.

And feed Sage.

[foxtrots]

"Mm."

Minsu's a little less shy about taking a bite of the ice cream this time. The flavor is nice, not too sweet, and it smells as good as it tastes. He licks a little of the stickiness from the side of his hand where it dripped.

"I can't remember the last time I had one." Minsu knows that he's eaten them before, but only as part of an act when he was pretending to be a human who ate things like rice balls. It's idle conversation, something light and easy between them, but Minsu is thoughtful as he contemplates his sandwich.

"Lately, I feel like I haven't really been enjoying food the way that I should." It's a thought that would've terrified before, the fear that even his best efforts aren't satisfying the hunger inside of him and he's doomed to fail. Now he feels more secure in himself - maybe the meditation has been working after all. Minsu looks over and smiles at him. "You make me want to try new things."

He wants to offer Sage more than just more of the same. Oh, his old favorites still taste good on his tongue, but there's so many other options, and memories to be made around them. Minsu takes half the sandwich, takes a big bit and chews it thoughtfully.

"Oh. I didn't realize that sardines were so tasty. I should've added more."

...Or less, depending on a person's tastes. He glances over at the witch again and smiles.

"We don't need to try skate though. We can stop there."

[muskeg]

Attention caught with that flicker of movement, the removal of ice cream from skin, Sage finds himself blinking rapidly and trying to catch up with the conversation that Minsu has continued. Tries to make sure that he remembers the little things that are being revealed to him about what the barista likes and enjoys (mostly, unsurprisingly, food, though Sage finds himself believing that the other also enjoys his company for its own sake).

He might look a little awestruck when Minsu turns and smiles at him like that. Might try to hide it by stuffing half the rice ball in his mouth like some kind of child with little regard for social cues.

Why did he think this was a good idea again?

"Mmmfmm." Mmm, rice. Though he looks a little disgusted at the sardine comment, tries to chew and swallow so that he can tell Minsu that sardines on a sandwich is a blasphemy of some sort. Ah, he is a work in grace as he finishes that too large bite. "Why did you even put sardines on that?"

It doesn't sound as judgemental as he thought it would, more actual curiosity than anything.

"I don't-- well I used to know how to skate, not very well but," he licks a stray grain of rice from his lip. "We could try skating. Be less embarrassing than dancing I think."

A pause as he considers Minsu while he eats his sandwich.

"Well, less embarrassing for me at least. I feel like you are good with dancing. "

[foxtrots]

Minsu finds it perfectly acceptable when Sage shoves food into his mouth like a little hamster. It's how he eats more often than not, and honestly, it's just good to see Sage eating. Even he knows that alcohol and coffee aren't very nutritious.

The bite that Minsu takes from the sandwich is also too large, especially considering its contents. He pushes what can only be assumed is part of sardine between his lips before answering.

"Wanted to eat more fish." And speaking of, he realizes his mistake after the fact, that he should've clarified the skate fish that some people consider a delicacy, but might be a little much even for Minsu. It doesn't matter now, because it lead to Sage considering the idea of them doing something together. This must be serendipity.

Something warm curls through the fox's body, makes him want to squirm and slide himself across Sage's lap, makes him want to cling and kiss and put on a very public display of affection underneath the cherry tree.

His whine is so soft that Sage's ears might not even pick it up. He takes another bite instead.

"I'm good with my body." Dancing or running or anything else that's physical. There's a grace to Minsu when he's trying those things. "I like the way you dance. But I've never skated either, so if you'd like to do that instead, we can."

[muskeg]

At least he isn't making a complete fool of himself then. Or choking half to death on a rice ball. Thankfully that doesn't happen either. Sage is so focused on finishing the rice ball that he barely notices how Minsu nearly shoves the whole sandwich in his mouth or the way he seems to light up at the prospect at spending more time with Sage. The witch is finding that this is enjoyable, easy in a way he didn't expect, and he would really have no issues with spending more time with Minsu.

Honestly, Sage is getting to the point where he should probably stop trying to deny the fact that he enjoys the other's company. But-- well, there are still echoes of fear and misgiving in him, habits that are hard to break.

"That--" Why are you telling him things like that? Why. The thought of Minsu doing anything like the dancing that he is used to makes a flush rise to his cheeks. He needs to-- not think about that. Especially when he remembers how damned warm Minsu is, how solid he is, the weight of him and--

His hazy memories are broken when Sage does choke a little, on nothing more than air and his words and memories.

It takes a moment for him to clear his airways, but eventually, he manages to speak. "We can try both?"

More time together. Which might be a mistake, considering how Sage already can't figure his damn thoughts out but--

"Shit!" The curse is directed at the remains of his ice cream which, during his coughing fit and thought process, has managed to get all over his hand. And jeans. Damnit. Lips curving downward just a bit, Sage tries to lick what he can off his hand before shooting Minsu a look. "You don't happen to have napkins, do you? "

[foxtrots]

Minsu looks up when the witch starts to choke and cough, offering an awkward pat on the back that turns to rubbing before he realizes it. He withdraws when Sage is able to breathe (and speak) again, but he still feels a happy tingle from the contact.

"Okay." His quick acceptance and the bright smile that comes with it are evidence that "both" would've been his choice, if he hadn't been too worried about pressuring Sage and his own greed to suggest it. The sudden curse surprises him, but then he looks down at the ice cream on his hand, eyes wide and dark as Sage licks it from his own skin. It would be easy, even in the sunlight, to imagine Sage licking him off of his fingers instead, tongue sweeping across his stomach-

"Oh - yeah." He's a messy eater, that something he's learned to sacrifice a little food space for. Minsu's face is still burning as he pulls a napkin out, reaching over to rub at Sage's hand with it.

"...I like your fingers."

[muskeg]

The constant touch on his back, soft and caring, just makes the witch's cheeks heat up even more as he finishes coughing, tries to ignore the heat on his cheeks and the lingers heat on his back. The agreement gets a nod from Sage, his attention then taken with trying to remove as much ice cream from his skin as he can before--

Before Minsu has his hands wrapped up with the napkin against his skin and his movements soft.

This is a thing that he doesn't always get, still, just how gentle Minsu always is. It rattles him the same as is it did the week prior when Sage called him drunk and ended up a tangle of warm limbs and strange contentedness in the early morning light. Sage watches, oddly still, as Minsu wipes the ice cream away, eyes dark and fixed and, not for the first time, the witch wishes he knew what the other was thinking.

"...um. Thanks?" Well, that sounded ridiculous. Sage huffs and runs his free hand through his hair hoping that there is no ice cream on the skin to get stuck in the strands, letting his other hand curl ever so slightly against Minsu's. There is a beat of quiet between them, easy and tolerable, before Sage, pushing his tongue to the corner of his lips and tries for a little bit of vulnerability and honesty.

"And thanks... thanks for last week." Sage never said thank you then, instead drank his coffee and tried not to melt from the blush on his face before vanishing off to work. "I never said thank you but--" A sigh, fingers flexing to brush against Minsu's wrist. "It meant a lot. And not just the coffee."

[foxtrots]

Don't worry Sage, Minsu is feeling much the same way about complimenting his fingers. Because who does that? No one compliments a person's fingers, no matter how true it is. He keeps his head down, a little embarrassed as he wipes Sage's hand clean over and again. And then those beautiful fingers curl against his palm, just a little too much for it to be an accident.

Minsu glances up and smile, gently cupping Sage's hand between both of his.

"You don't have to do that." Thank him. And it's more than Minsu just being generous, or doing the things that you should do for someone you care about. "It meant a lot to me too - all of it. That you called me, that you let me stay the night with you. It made me happy. Being with you makes me happy." Sage can't see, of course, the difference between when Minsu's with him and when he's not. The fox tries to be friendly, cheerful. But there's a brightness that only the witch can bring to him.

Minsu lifts his head to look him in the eyes, less shy than before.

"Next time, call me before you go dancing."

All the rest of it can be the same, from Minsu carrying him home to being tangled up in Sage's bed together. After a night of grinding against each other. Because that wouldn't lead to suffering and/or make-outs at all.

[muskeg]

Okay but Sage does have to thank him, has to make mention of the kindness and the gentleness because up until this point, it isn't something that he has experienced. He honestly does not know of anyone else that would have carried his drunk ass home at stupid o'clock, would have put up with his annoyance about not getting sex, would have treated him so fucking special when he was such a mess.

It did a great deal for the witch to see that maybe, just maybe, Minsu meant what he said. Sure, he knew a lot about Sage, but-- that was a kind of proof he didn't know he needed until it was given to him.

Sage huffs a quiet laugh, lets his head drop a little as he looks at their hands tangled between him before looking up to catch that smile on the barista's face. Maybe it was also worth it to see that look.

"Will you actually go dancing with me? Because-- that could be fun." Could be dangerous, if the way he still gets flustered at thinking about Minsu just cuddling with him is anything to go by but... whatever. "You can come to Lux with me, meet Magnus and possibly even Alec."

[foxtrots]

"I want to!" Minsu's grin brightens even more. "I think it would be fun. I could show you my moves" He thinks he would genuinely enjoy it, especially with Sage. "I always just wear my work apron and whatever I'm wearing underneath it. It might be fun to dress up for a change. Will you help me pick something out? Maybe even make-up." Images of Minsu in leather pants, just the two of them in a dressing room, glitter sticking to sweaty skin...all for Sage.

"Oh, the husbands." Minsu looks and sounds the way that Sage feels about them - awed. A little bit in love with their love for one another. And the idea of Sage introducing him, like he's someone special...

The fox squirms a little.

"I'm glad that they're here together. John and Clarice too. It's a much nicer place that way."

[muskeg]

There is an embarrassing snort of laughter from Sage at that, the way that Minsu is so pleased with this idea. Though Sage has the inkling that maybe, just maybe, it might be a dangerous idea. He knows that he finds Minsu attractive on the worst of days, what kind of torture is he signing himself up for by agreeing to go dancing with him?

Well, Sage is gonna find out one day.

"Mmm, we can do that yeah. Do you have a lot of clothes here?" Because his clothing sure as fuck won't fit you. Well, the shirts might but it would be A Problem for Sage's control and concentration.

"I really like them. And yeah... I'm glad they have each other. They-- they seems like a great match, they balance each other." The red on his face gets a little deeper, Sage focuses on his coffee now, tries to will the heat away. "I mean, from what Magnus has told me at least. I don't know John and Clarice though, who are they?"

[foxtrots]

It'll be something for both of them to suffer through. Minsu is doing his best to stay patient, to prove that he's not wanting Sage's magic or body for his own purposes. He wanted him the night he carried him home and crawled into bed with him. He'll want him when they're breathless and pressed together in some darkened club.

But his desires are more than just the most primal, physical. He wants to do this for the fun of it, for the memories, for spending time with him, for being there if Sage needs him. Those things mean more than getting off.

Fucking sap.

"Not nice clothes." Minsu's clothes are normal, functional. They don't really stand out. "We can visit some shops before we go, if you want. You can put me in anything." A n y t h i n g. Think about that.

"Ah! John taught me to meditate. He comes in for coffee sometimes and he has this amazing body." From a strictly clinical standpoint. Minsu notices these things, but they don't inspire any feelings in him. "He's really cool though...you know, like he's the guy who could win any fight if he wanted to, but he seems more like the type who'd be breaking the fight up. I've told him a lot about you." Gushed, possibly. Minsu laughs, not nearly as embarrassed for admitting that as he probably should be. "Clarice is his girlfriend. I don't know her as well, but I know that she likes to eat, and she seems really nice, and she gets the same glow when she talks about John as he does when he talks about her."

[muskeg]

How about Sage doesn't think about dressing Minsu up. Or undressing him, because that seems to be an integral part of his thought process of all this. And that-- well abandon all hope. The witch shakes his head because yeah, can't think about Minsu in leather pants and a fancy shirt because that would ruin his concentration completely, thank you.

The noise that Sage makes in response to that as he tries to down some of his now tolerable coffee might give his train of thought away though.

"Um, okay? That-- yeah that could be interesting." Disasterous, he means disastrous. "We can make a day of it, I should probably get some new clothes too..."

He has a few things, mostly the leather pants and jacket he came in, a few basic shirts and a pair of jeans. He could do with more though, things that are a little less skin tight and a little more work appropriate. Perhaps. Though the thoughts about shopping are easily displaced with the other information, Sage is curious about the people that Minsu is friends with, about meditation (and also he is pointedly ignoring the weird curl of jealousy that flickers to life when Minsu comments on the body that John has because he doesn't get to have that feeling, not yet) and the fact that Minsu has told people about him.

That is-- huh.

"Likes food huh? That sounds familiar." There is a small smile on his lips as he slides Minsu and his sandwich a look. It is endearing, honestly. "So, John is with Clarice then? Did they meet here or...?"

[foxtrots]

Make a day of it. Minsu's quiet for a moment, but he hides his thought process behind bites of food so big that he wouldn't be able to speak anyway. It sounds like...well he imagines it as a date, going from place to place together, stopping for snacks and meals along the way, and that's before they even get to the dancing part. Minsu can picture it all...they look good together. He imagines other people seeing them and thinking the same thing.

"Huh?" Minsu snaps out of his thoughts, catching up with Sage's words and the pointed glance that he gives his food. It makes the fox laugh. "Yeah, I think John noticed the same thing! And no, they were together before they came here, and came here together. Ahh this place can be really romantic!"

He is sitting here with Sage, sharing a picnic lunch under the cherry blossoms, for fuck's sake. It's straight out of one of his dramas. Minsu's smile softens as he watches him.

"Are you enjoying this too, Seiji? Am I...Am I doing this right?"

[muskeg]

If Sage notices that Minsu is trying not to answer, he says nothing of it. Just drinks more of his coffee and enjoys the ambience of everything that is going on. This is-- nice. More than nice really, but he doesn't quite know how to process anything beyond nice so, yeah, nice is what he is going for. It is clear that Minsu put thought into this, that he was trying for Sage. For them both.

That means a lot more to him than he thought it would.

As Minsu speaks, Sage hides a soft smile behind his hand, because he wouldn't call an alien moon that kidnaps you romantic, especially with the things that were out in the wilds, and yet-- Yeah okay, he can see it. Especially right now, because they are totally on a date and there are blossoms everywhere and that is a little bit ridiculous but also kinda romantic and wow, Sage needs to not think about that too hard if he wants to not turn tail and run with a red face.

Though that thought goes as quickly as it came when Minsu looks at him, something fragile and terrified on his face.

The witch doesn't hide his smile this time.

"I dunno if you are doing this right, I don't have a lot of experience but-- yeah, I am enjoying this. A lot." He looks down, at the remenants of his ice cream, the rice ball, the coffee in his hands, turns the same colour as the blossoms as he laughs. "Never thought I'd have a picnic under fucking blossoming trees honestly. But I'm not gonna say no to another one."

Whether he means picnics or 'dates' he doesn't really clarify. Maybe both.

[foxtrots]

Minsu's head drops, the wide line of his shoulders softening with relief. Sage reassured him in the best possible way, less about minsu doing anything 'right' or 'wrong' and more about enjoying it himself. Doing it their way even if it's not the 'normal' way. They've always been about that life.

He really wants to keep dropping his head, until he places it right in the witch's lap, but once again he summons every ounce of restraint in his body to keep from chasing Sage away with Too Much. Minsu lifts his head again, peeking at Sage through the fringe of his bangs when he says that he wouldn't refuse another. Picnic or 'date', he'd be happy with either.

"We could do it again. Every month if you wanted to. It could be our...'thing'."

Ohgodsohgods he could have a 'thing' with Seiji. He wonders if the witch can actually hear his heart pounding in his chest.

[muskeg]

There is a part of him that wonders if this kind of thing is something that the usually do, something that they take part in back where Minsu has come from, but-- there is something about the way Minsu all but melts at the offer of another picnic that makes the witch think maybe not. Maybe this is something that he only does here, with this version of him, and that--

Well fuck, that means a lot to Sage.

The witch tries to will the flush he can feel creeping onto his face away as he nods.

"Our thing, huh?" He is not going to mentally flail like a three-year-old, he is not. "I think we can do that. Make them themed picnics. I mean, if you like that idea?"

Fuck, how did he get here? To the point where he was on an alien moon with a beautiful guy that he apparently marries in some future talking about picnic dates under blossoming trees? This is-- this was not supposed to be his life. And there is part of him that is quietly reminding him that it isn't his life, it is some other Sage's life, but right now, with Minsu looking at him like that, the witch can ignore that thought.

"Maybe, favourite local dishes next time?"