firstworldproblem | IC Inbox (Imeeji)

At the moment. Get you to relax.

[He doesn’t lie down next to him because he’s trying to coax him on his stomach so he can massage his neck and shoulders.]

[ that actually surprises him, because he hadn't expected it, but he does lay on his stomach when prompted to and there's a soft, surprised noise once Emet starts.

Unsurprisingly, his shoulders are super tense ]

[He works the muscles in his neck and shoulders apply pressure so they move in that painful but good kind of painful way.]

Next time I’ll remember to bring over oils. Or if you wouldn’t mind me borrowing your phone, I could get them now.

[ Oh. That is nice. It's not the first time he's getting a massage but now he truly needs it and the fact it's Emet giving him one is, well. incredibly endearing in itself.

At the question, though, he actually has to pause to consider. And then he shifts so he can reach for his phone and give it to him ]

It already feels this good, it might as well get better.

[He gives him a quick kiss as he takes the phone.]

I know we just go dressed, my dear, but if you could strip down while I’m gone.

[He makes his purchase and goes to retrieve it ensuring he pays him back for all of it.

He comes back with lilacs, some which he puts on the nightstand and some he ticks away in Five’s hair.

And then he’ll begin oiling up his fingers.]

[ He'll strip down as requested, briefly considering whether he wants to keep his underwear or not but in the end he decides why bother, he and Emet are way past casual intimacy. So he's fully naked when Emet comes back, but still lying down on his stomach.

When he tucks the flowers in his hair and places them on the nightstand he's of course terribly charmed, heart beating fast and face going red, but he looks happy. ]

We really need to invest in that garden.

[He puts a towel over his lower half for ironic irony.

He brushes Five’s hair back with the back of his hand as he notes the smile. This man simply deserves to be happy.]

It would be lovely and even a little practical. Who knows how far they have to travel for all the flowers you and I purchase.

[He presses down firmly at the small of his back, hand and each side of his spine and he works his way up.]

I imagine a variety of colors would be your preference.

[ There's a soft noise escaping past his lips at that, and then he just crosses his arms in front of himself and rests his head on them, slowly beginning to relax ]

That would be better. I can't always convey the right message to you otherwise.

Now that is a sweet sound.

[He spends most of his time on his back and shoulders pressing down hard at the juncture at his neck.]

What is your favorite color, Five? I don’t think I’ve ever asked.

[ he's definitely relaxing under his touch, though the question does make him pause ]

... To be honest I've never thought about it. I suppose I like darker shades of blue.

I do enjoy guessing and being right, but from time to time I should try a direct approach.

[He shifts so he can work on his legs.]

So tell me about your new friend.

[ there's a soft laugh at the question, and he does turn a little to catch a glimpse of him ]

Are you that curious? Is it because I gushed about you with him?

He's pushy and irritating and annoying. But he is intetesting and I'm finding out he's quite thoughtful.

He caught my attention with a memory, and the fact he looked like an idiot trying to use chopstick.

Apparently he's from a big family as well.

Honestly, it is because you had not a negative word to say about him when you first spoke of him. Rarely do you latch onto a person so strongly, and I can see how it does make you incredibly happy.

How could I not be intrigued? This is exactly how I wish to see you thrive and grow.

[He pats his calf before moving up closer so he doesn't have to crane his neck. He also asks for his arm.]

I haven't latched onto him. He's the one who's been nagging me to spend time with him. Things just ended up like this entirely accidentally, it doesn't mean anything. Even if I enjoy his company.

[ he will move as requested, giving him his arm but he still looks so offended ]

To be honest initially he reminded me of Wildfire, a little. That's why I ended up helping him.

Five.

[He kisses his knuckle before he starts massaging his hand focusing on the palm and wrist. And he does seem so amused by his response.]

You can say you like him. The world will not end.

And that is also adorable. Though you help out more people than I think you realize. Especially the new ones.

[ but his pride. it's unfair that the massage feels to good to be offended for too long, but he's still not going to admit it ]

Only from time to time, if they happen to do or say something so stupid it catches my attention.

[He gives him this arm back and takes the other, repeating the process. And it's cute. His pride. But even cuter is his new found friendship.]

As if we never did anything foolish around each other back when our faces were new. Actually, I believe we can thank our first appearance on your drinking and boldness.

Oh I'd hardly call that foolish. Considering it was the start of everything precious I have in here.

Not just you, but my relationship with Baritones as well.

[He shakes his head with mirth.]

Thank goodness, I have BARiTONES for games. Had I another unit, my hair would be no doubt white by now. At least we all realize that sometimes there are no good choices.

[He does finally lay down with him petting his hair.]

I did want to ask about your memory flashes. Those moments when you get stuck back in your memories. What triggers them if anything?

[ it's a good thing Emet has worked so thoroughly on relaxing him because he's at least a little less tense for this conversation. Once Emet is down with him and close, he'll move a arm around him and stay quiet for a moment as he just looks at his face ]

I haven't been able to figure it all out. Usually it's noises. If something falls down suddenly, or if I hear anything I mistake for crumbling.

Sometimes it's just the wind howling, or a source of heat nearby.

It's not all the time. And there have been some days in which I had none.

But they still happen.

[He wraps a blanket over both of them and tuck him in close.]

I was wondering if it was smell for you. Alas, there goes my idea of a daily supply of flowers and perfumes and lotions.

[Though he thinks about it more seriously as he combs his hair.]

Noises are much harder to deal with. Since the parasites, I find the sound of glass quite almost bone chilling. And I can hardly stop the wind.

Lahabrea was ahead of you with that. He's provided me with something I can wear on my neck and keep with me. I would likely not react positively if I had to smell burnt flesh, but the perfumes and flowers do help bring me back regardless. So by all means, feel free to continue spoiling me with them.

[ there's a pause at that last part, though. ]

You don't have to work so hard to fix this for me, you know. As difficult as it is to deal with them, they're temporary. It can be hard to distinguish what's real and what's not in the middle of it but I have a few physical reminders with me.

Lahabrea's present, your earring. The ring you gave me. Even when you're not with me, I can find ways. And I promise I'll call you if I get one so bad I won't be able to deal with it.

[ he leans in to kiss him on the lips, soft and gentle ]

Are you still suffering from the aftereffects of that game? Tell me about it.

Well, curse that old man. But no, a thoughtful and pragmatic gift. I had not considered making it portable. Ingenious truly. Well, I will stick with my school yard sweetheart message through flowers. Of that you should have little worry.

[He shakes his head.]

I don't have to, but I would like to if only to spare you suffering. I will not overburden myself if we can't think of a solution together. But I will always worry.

As for myself, luckily it seems to be localized to dreams. I have not had issue in the waking world. But once or twice I have lost control of the dream. Not for very long. Since it isn't a single occurrence, I do plan on telling Lahabrea. He might be back to a sleep schedule for my benefit rather than his in the short term.

But I find myself hardly being able to bear the sound of breaking glass. I'm quite sure this will also fade in time.

[ now he's the one that's worried, because Emet not being able to control his dreams even for a second sounds like it has potential for disaster. He frowns, looking at him like he's the one trying to find a solution, now ]

Breaking glass should at least be mostly avoidable, though that doesn't make it better. Are there any other noises that are unpleasant?

[He does recognize the look.]

For the dreams, I am utilizing Lahabrea. When they were at their worst right after the game, he was able to stave them off. A few flashes here and there should be trivial for him. But I will let you know if their frequency increases.

None that I am aware of. I am not overly fond of any sound glass can make. I plan on getting us both the most obstinate wooden mugs I can find to drink wine from. Maybe I'll carve our names on them.

IC Inbox (Imeeji)

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