Gladiolus Amicitia (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
leatherdaddy) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
riverviewlogs2017-06-22 07:52 am
leatherdaddy) wrote in riverviewlogs2017-06-22 07:52 am
AU Plot: Gladiolus (FFXV spoilers within)
who: AU Gladio and various people (let me know if you want in)
what: Please refer to the AU plot announcement and below for deets.
when: June 15-24
where: Various locations
warnings: Possible discussions of death, suicidal thoughts, some adult situations, subject lines will have content warnings!
The Background:
Okay so basically in 10 years of darkness (we're talking no sun, no stars and pretty much non-stop monsters/demons running rampant over Eos) Gladio's undergone some significant changes - some of which are only insinuated and not well explained. He and the other Chocobros initially stick together but eventually go their separate ways - effectively joining the hunters in protecting the last bastions of mankind.
i. Self Medicating; Closed to Genji
ii. Coming Home; Closed to Ignis
iii. Placeholder; Closed to Líadan
iv. Placeholder for Victor
what: Please refer to the AU plot announcement and below for deets.
when: June 15-24
where: Various locations
warnings: Possible discussions of death, suicidal thoughts, some adult situations, subject lines will have content warnings!
The Background:
Okay so basically in 10 years of darkness (we're talking no sun, no stars and pretty much non-stop monsters/demons running rampant over Eos) Gladio's undergone some significant changes - some of which are only insinuated and not well explained. He and the other Chocobros initially stick together but eventually go their separate ways - effectively joining the hunters in protecting the last bastions of mankind.
- He's 33 years old, his skin is paler, his tattoos slightly faded in parts, his hair is blacker and longer, tied into a half ponytail.
- The portal pulled him shortly after the sun returned; as dawn broke, it revealed that he was the last man standing... his friends dead.
- For those who know him, he is notably less easy to smile, tends to slip into quiet brooding or stoicism.
- The loss of his friends hit him very hard, but not so hard as his loss of mission/purpose - without a King to be Shield to and without anyone to protect, he's completely lost. He doesn't know what to really do with himself, since Demon Hunting is all he's known for the last 10 years.
- He engages in more risk-taking activity; harder missions/hunts, heavy drinking, sex. He's not a train wreck of self-destructive behavior but for anyone who knows him it's a pretty stark change and hints that he's a man who has nothing else to lose (except his sister).
- He still cherishes and dotes on his sister, but she's busy doing her own thing as a Hunter and doesn't want to burden her with his baggage.
- He's no longer able to use his arsenal or hammerspace, this power was lost with the line of Lucis. He still carries his best weapon and shield, although he has to lug them both around now.
- THIS IS A LOT OF ANGSTY HEAVY STUFF but really this just means he's less boisterous, less inhibited. He's almost out of out of fucks to give. That said, I won't just have every thread be sad and upsetting, he's fully capable of experiencing joy and amusement, he's SEEN SOME SHIT and obviously this has diminished him quite a lot.
i. Self Medicating; Closed to Genji
ii. Coming Home; Closed to Ignis
iii. Placeholder; Closed to Líadan
iv. Placeholder for Victor
no subject
Interesting argument.
But like I said, I'm not looking to get tied down.
[ He can't help the occasional pun, low hanging fruit like that is the kind of banter he lives for. Gladio changes his posture, using the arm he had been leaning on to brush the scarf on his way to that exposed neck. He slides his hand along the back of it, a calloused thumb tracing his jawline. ]
I'm back after a long trip. At least it's good knowing the view has only improved.
[ 'The usual'. What an impressive non-answer. Gladio's been too long in the business of watching for threats to safeguard his king not to instinctively size up every creature within line of sight at least enough to observe them for signs. Genji seems... normal. His build suggests martial arts, subtle signs leading him to think he might be like every other adventurer here. Which is a surprising number, actually. Some of them have weird abilities he never thought possible, and he's seen a lot of weird. Gladio's smile widens for a moment. ]
You'd think winding up in some kind of alternate universe would be the perfect cure for boredom.
[ Gladio's used to things heating up rather quickly after making the moves on someone, has nearly suffered from mental whiplash from the swiftness of some eager individuals to get laid. Genji seems content to tease and flirt and that's really more his pace. A turn here, a touch there, moving toward each other inch by slow inch, closing in on each others' personal space in increments. Gladio puts his hand on Genji's side, thumb finding the definition of his hip beneath his clothes and tracing it, running his hand up his slide lightly as he speaks. ]
Guess when it comes down to it, it's the same song... different beat.
no subject
[ The hand on his jaw is oddly tender, something Genji doesn't typically get, but he's not opposed at the moment. He'd cut people's fingers off for less, but this guy isn't demanding his attention like some foolish people tend to.
And then his compliment gets a little smirk. Flattery could get you places, absolutely. ] Good to know. I think I quite like the view in this place myself... [ Genji is the master at non-answers. He knows when people know who he is, usually a sniveling sycophantic type trying to get a debt lessened or the pressure from the clan off their backs. Never works.
But the mention of 'alternate universe' makes something stutter in Genji's head, although he doesn't show it. He is also the master at avoiding problems and he hasn't been letting himself think too much about this place he's stuck in. (What if nobody is actually sending for him? What if they don't care that he's gone? All such pathetic and weak thoughts. It's too close to a kind of self reflection that Genji wont be capable of for a little over a decade.)
Enough of that. This slow build is nice and hopefully it'll end in something even nicer. He presses his hip into his hand and lets his finger gently trail across Gladio's arm. Genji notices the tattoo, not quite able to make it out specifically, but it looks like it covers a vast expanse of skin. Even more than the tattoo on his own back. ] That's a good way to put it.
[ He leans in more. ] What kind of 'beat' do you think it'll be tonight then?
no subject
Besides, running his thumb along his jawline was supposed to take the edge off the fact he was putting a hand on his neck. Thankfully, he hasn't had a drink thrown at his head yet, but hey - the night is still young. ]
I'm thinking something a little heavier. [ The innuendo clearly isn't lost on him, but after all that dancing around the topic of tying up, he's got the impression that his green-haired companion isn't looking for the boyfriend experience. ] Honestly, anything that gets my blood pumping will do.
[ Gladio looks at the finger tracing feather-light lines on his forearm and takes his hand away from the side of the other man's neck, hooks a finger onto the loop of his scarf instead. His eyes watch the smirk on Genji's face, his mouth so close that his breath ghosts on his skin. He's practically playing kiss chicken with him, but neither one of them is closing that scant distance. ]
...You wanna get out of here?
[ There's a hotel he passed by, a hell of a lot more comfortable and private than one of those play rooms in the cordoned off adults-only section of the club. ]
no subject
And he isn't much of the drink throwing type, usually the 'stabbing' type. He's always armed but he doubts he'll have to use it on his newfound companion. Unless the man is amazing actor, this seems like a genuinely carnal pursuit on both their parts. But, the night is still young. Always room for a little blood and guts if needed.
He leans into Gladio's hand before he pulls away and hooks a finger there. Genji trails his own hand up and to his bicep, gripping it gently but not quite harsh enough to leave a mark. (Yet.) ] That's about the speed I was wanting as well.
[ He gets closer and Genji's still smirking, amused by the breath brushing across his face. It was always more fun when the other person wasn't so damn eager. Genji played around but if there was one thing he wasn't, it was a bad time. ] I'd like that. [ He thinks of the same hotel he saw when he was heading this way, making a mental note. ] There's a place just a block away.
[ Genji moves his hand, trialing his index finger up his shoulder and to the man's chin. He grazes a finger across his beard, mirroring the movement he did to him a moment ago. ] Let's get going then.
[ In more ways than one. ]
no subject
Interest causes his pupils to flare open briefly at the vaguely aggressive touch that matched that smile with too much teeth, straight and gleaming. There's a distant alarm in Gladio's honed senses, his perception lining up the points of interest - the hard body he's caught glimpses of down the plunging v neckline and felt beneath cloth, the familiar callouses on fingers and hands that no amount of gentleness can hide - hands familiar with martial arts, bladed weapons - the palpable swagger in his voice, either skilled enough or young enough to think he was master of his own destiny... and of those around him.
Gladio doesn't care what his intentions are as long as he doesn't get knifed, so long as the dangerous portrait he sees emerging from those connected points continues to be interesting. He smirks as he feels that finger rasping through his beard. ]
Yeah.
[ He collects his coat on the way out, covering the only color he's got on him from the body powder offered at the club and looking nothing like his flashy, orange and green companion he walks beside. It's a short walk, they don't even need to see anyone to exchange money and obtain the key. It's just a matter of tapping his communication device against a panel and the rent is paid, the room number appearing on his display. It'll serve as the key too - all of the convenience and anonymity technology can enable.
On the elevator ride up, he pulls his hands out of his pockets and turns to Genji, regarding him carefully. The slow burn from earlier seems to have cooled a little in the more public setting, but he breaks his silence by frowning in thought and folding his arms over his chest. ]
Hm. [ He's thinking back on some of the choice phrases and words exchanged between them, needs to break the ice - however thin that might be - that's forming over the quiet between them. ]
...Still trying to figure you out. [ He quirks a (very large) brow, a smile lingering on his mouth. ] That whole bondage thing... should I be worried?
no subject
He lets his companion deal with the hotel (ever so selfish, as always) and follows behind (getting a good look at what's tucked into those tight pants,) leaning against a side of the elevator. The air around them isn't as heady for the time being, but he knew of plenty of ways to get the mood rolling again once they were finally alone.
Genji meets his gaze when he speaks, raising both of his own thick brows a tad. Then he grins and snorts, tossing his head back. (The view of his neck is entirely intentional.) ] That was just to get your attention, big guy. [ He runs a hand through his hair. ] And I'm— flexible.
[ Wink. ] And not that complex.
yikes I thought I hit this up a while ago, I'm sorry!
[ Gladio lets him look, he might have been more of a peacock in his younger years, but he still knows he's got it. He flashes smiles less readily, his ultimate finishing move to someone eye he know he's caught. But when he's looking, like now, for someone to make sure he doesn't stare at the ceiling with nothing but his thoughts all night, he'll do what it takes. Gladio leans against the opposite wall and tucks his thumb into the front of his belt. Assesses what he can of the man by his mannerisms, his dress, his inflection and tone. ]
Flexible? I hope you mean that literally and figuratively. I like variety.
[ Leaving him with that thought, the corner of his mouth curves as he drops his head. The elevator chimes and the doors slide open. Gladio slips out - Complicated things aren't what he's looking for, although taking strangers home with you can create complicated explanations the morning after. Just another bridge to burn once he gets to it.
It's the last time he'll tap his device on a panel for tonight so when he gets to the door, he tucks it into his pocket and opens the door. Wastes little time in kicking off his shoes to the side. ]
I'm going to wash this off.
Make yourself comfortable, join me, whatever you'd like. I don't want the sheets looking like a box of powdered dye was spilled on it.
no worries bb!
[ He follows after him easily once they leave the elevator and enter the room. Genji toes off his own shoes and sashays over to the bed. It's not the worst hotel room he's been in for this kind of thing, and the bed seems big enough. He presses a hand to it before hopping up onto it, legs over the side.
Genji waves a hand as he mentions going to bathe. ] No problem on my end, I'll be waiting. [ Stripping down and being alone with a stranger in a small shower is the one thing he won't do. Far too many ways to lose the upper hand; it's not like he still isn't a worthy fight without a weapon, but it was a pain in the ass to smash someone into tile or rip the shower head off, he learned the hard way.
Once his companion heads into the bathroom, he peels his scarf off and haphazardly tosses it over to a chair. And then after only thinking about it for probably half a second, he pulls his shirt off easily and tosses it on top of the gaudy orange thing. Considering tall, dark and handsome had been shirtless all evening he might as well make it even~
Genji flops back on the bed, arms behind his head, and waits. Probably the only time he's ever patient, much to his family's chagrin. ]
no subject
Behold, instant glistening Gladio: just add water. ]
Nice ink.
[ Gladio has a Thank you for doing the honors of getting more comfortable and shedding some layers, it has the intended effect - Gladio's brows pull up in interest, his smile widening. He can't get a good view from this angle, so he unfolds his arms and gestures to him. ]
Come here and turn around. This warrants a closer look.
[ He drops down and sits on edge of the bed. As appealing as he looks languishing in bed in all his bare-chested glory, Gladio thinks that winding tattoo around his arm and shoulders is difficult to appreciate without having him turn his back to him. And of course, he intends for his investigation to be hands-on. ]
no subject
[ Aw, giving orders, that's cute. Genji slowly sits up when he gets on the edge of the bed. ] Well, I could say the same to you. [ Now that the lighting was better and the blotches of powder were gone, he could tell the man's ink work was pretty intense. A bird and feathers and it seemed to go all across his back.
His own was much like his brother's, except in shades of green instead of blue. One of the claws of the dragon curls around his shoulder and bicep, but the rest is in full glory all across his back. (Far more easily hidden than his brother's and he's wondered, in the back of his mind, if it was intentional.)
Genji turns and leans back, stretching so his back muscles ripple a little. ] You can, but that better not be all you plan to do. [ Said playfully enough. ]
no subject
Very nice.
[ Gladio watches the movement of his muscles beneath the green ink and it almost makes it look alive. His hands, calloused from a lifetime of training and combat, run up the green dragon's body and Genji's, his other hand sweeping around to touch his stomach. He wastes little time in visual study, dips in to brush his beard against sensitive skin on Genji's back before he breathes out and kisses up his spine towards the back of his neck. ]
Can't say I've seen that design before.
[ His world doesn't really have Yakuza in it, so the implication is lost. He sees a unique tattoo and a story possibly behind it. If Genji's willing to tell it or not matters little, since a moment later he's drawing that warm, wet body of his closer to him, the towel-wrapped waist bumping against his. He noses into the green hair at the back of his head, presses his mouth on his neck as he pulls his body closer. ]
no subject
Or, well, maybe his companion had other plans. The hot mouth on his spine sent all the right kind of jolts to all the right kind of places, and Genji's toes curl for a moment. He lets out a pleased hum from the back of his throat and his voice is just barely rougher when he speaks again. ] Family tradition.
[ It isn't a lie, but it's all he'll say. He doubts the man can summon a mighty bird from his own tattoo, so the less said about that the better.
Genji presses into his toweled hips, let's him scrape his hot mouth all over his neck. All good signs this wouldn't be a boring evening, that's for sure. He turns his head so he can press his own face into Gladio's neck, licking a hot stripe with his tongue. ] You gotta thing for birds?
[ Well, clearly. Genji was Sparrow for a reason. ]
no subject
[ This Gladio has become less patient about this sort of thing. Gets straight to the point and goes beyond suggestive. Gladio holds his breath when he answers him, suddenly self-conscious as he lavishes his attention on the tattoo and it's bearer, his teeth drag on his skin as he closes his mouth and pulls away, the exhale catching in his throat. Family tradition, huh? That's... interesting. Also hitting a touch too close to home. Gladio closes his eyes and huffs a laugh. ]
Heh. Talk about relatable...
[ Amber eyes lose focus in the wake of that lick, and he realizes he needs for air and sucks it in. He rakes his fingers up Genji's thighs, over his pants while he noses into the green hair that ends at the nape of his neck. ]
It's the last time this tradition will go on, though. Last of the line and all.
...Birds. Yeah, I like them. [ He's only missed them because he hasn't seen them in ten years, but being here where there's so much sun during the day, so much light - it's the little things he's noticed. The way leaves play with sunlight, the coolness of the shade, the way the air feels alive with flying creatures. Even the night sky is a sight to behold.
Gladio rests his chin on Genji's shoulder, relishing the warmth of that mouth on his skin. ] Why... do you?
no subject
Genji nips at his neck since he's pressed up against it easily and trails his teeth back down. ] Got a stuck up family too, huh? [ Makes sense, he supposes.
But he also has no desire to be talking about that boring shit. It's the entire reason he's about to get naked with a stranger, to forget about all the apparent responsibility being shoved onto his shoulders.
"Last of the line—" makes something in Genji stutter, a nasty and fleeting thought of "I wish" goes through his mind. It makes his thick brows furrow and he goes to make another mark on Gladio's neck as the moment passes. ] I guess.
[ And then he pulls away just enough so he can shift his weight, turning himself around so they were now facing each other. Genji intends to climb onto his lap, right against that precariously held up towel. He trails a hand across one of the inked feathers on his skin, down to the head of the bird on his pec. ] But I think you're the only one I'm interested in now. So let's continue.
[ Too close to talking about feelings. He doesn't want to get to know him or whatever his sob story must be; he's just a warm, sturdy and handsome body for the night. That's all. If he's particularly good he might even ask his name in the morning.
(Genji Shimada, in his youth, was an incredibly lonely young man.) ]
no subject
What, don't think a guy who takes strangers home with him comes from a well-adjusted and happy family? Actually, no. He's not going to ask that, doesn't want him to answer it either.
He laughs away the comment, but he neatly side-steps any details. He'd rather not talk about his family, but the best way he's found to side-step around personal shit is to crack a joke and then distract. When Genji climbs into his lap, this presents him with ample opportunities to do so. Excellent, because this now allows him to cease all further questions that are off-topic. Meaning, anything that doesn't eventually lead to sex. ]
Not exactly. [ He doesn't bother elaborating, instead just seeks out some cluster of nerve endings to set things back on track, starting with a kiss to his clavicle that ends in another hungry scrape of teeth, followed by mouthing his way down his chest. He closes his eyes as if the taste of his skin is the best thing he's ever tasted - he's showing off, of course, and like the peacock that he still is after all these years, he opens his eyes and looks up through his lashes as plush lips capture the pale cap of his nipple and sucks.
Gladio must have worked some kind of towel tying magic on this thing because even with pulling Genji the rest of the way onto his lap, the thing miraculously stays on as he grips his hips. There's an audible pop as he pulls off and grins. ]
You gonna keep asking questions? Or should I find a better way to shut you up?
no subject
He tilts his head back a bit when he scrapes his teeth, feeling warmth roll down his body. Ah, yes, very nice. More of this—
And, well. When he does that Genji swallows thickly (but doesn't moan, not yet anyway, he has enough self control for that) and feels his toes curl again. Well damn. If he keeps that up he's definitely going to end up being one of Genji's regular booty calls. He's very much into it.
He looks back down, grinning as well, eyes hooded and pupils starting to widen. ] You asked just as many, pretty boy. [ Genji reaches up and puts a hand on Gladio's neck, against the newly blossoming mark he'd left. He presses his thumb not hard enough to hurt, but enough to feel. ] Let's see if you can impress me.