[He's not sure where he is, or what's happening. Is he dreaming? He's never felt this sick. Awful, like he's burning up with the worst fever, like nothing would ever be okay, like he's lost--]
[He heaves a breath. Pants into something soft. He blinks back to himself, and that awful scent vanishes. He's buried his face in Brocade's palm, like a bird hiding in his hand, terrified.]
[ His ears lay low, and there's just this rush of air across Yingxing's skin as Brocade just, keeps testing his scent. It's still him?? It's definitely him now?
Then what just happened?
Fuck did BROCADE imagine it? ]
Uh, Lith, [ The name is awkward in his mouth. He uses it all the time with other people, sure but... it doesn't FEEL right. ] I already asked?
What? You were just remembering something. Maybe I didn't hear?
[Why are you being weird? He tips his head to offer the unbandaged swathe of his neck. He doesn't understand why he feels vaguely uneasy, bringing one hand - down? From Cade's hair? Huh?]
You haven't called me Lith in ages, did I do something wrong?
[ Some of Brocade's hair is still between his fingers, pulled loose. When did that happen?
For his part, Cade just stares for a moment, feeling the collar tight on his neck. Was he just remembering something? Spacing out? Is this some additional punishment that the Showmaster didn't talk about? Fuck.
Dude, if he freaks out, is he gonna ruin everything. Slowly he shakes his head and then nuzzles that offered patch of skin. The stubble scraping it before his sandy tongue does the same. There's a light kiss, and murmurs- ]
No, no you didn't do a damn thing wrong. I dunno, maybe this game loss is messin' with me some.
[He scrapes blunt nails against Cade's scalp, leans into his chest, an apologetic curve tucked against him. He can taste copper faint at the back of his throat, maybe- maybe he drank something weird? He shifts closer, seeking comfort.]
Well, let me mess with you instead? [He slips a finger under the collar.] Say 'yes, Yingxing'.
Re: Spice heh
Cade forces himself to stay steady, not panic, not yet. ]
Lithium. Hey. Love. Breathe, okay?
1/3
Re: Spice heh
Brocade?
Re: Spice heh
Yeah, I'm breathing. What's up?
Re: Spice heh
I...
[ The words die. Was it something in the vision or the dream? Could he make it worse? What the fuck is going on?? ]
You were burning up for a second there.
Re: Spice heh
[He snorts, holding that hand to his cheek but putting his own hand over it, lacing their fingers together.]
You were asking me something?
Re: Spice heh
Then what just happened?
Fuck did BROCADE imagine it? ]
Uh, Lith, [ The name is awkward in his mouth. He uses it all the time with other people, sure but... it doesn't FEEL right. ] I already asked?
Re: Spice heh
[Why are you being weird? He tips his head to offer the unbandaged swathe of his neck. He doesn't understand why he feels vaguely uneasy, bringing one hand - down? From Cade's hair? Huh?]
You haven't called me Lith in ages, did I do something wrong?
Re: Spice heh
For his part, Cade just stares for a moment, feeling the collar tight on his neck. Was he just remembering something? Spacing out? Is this some additional punishment that the Showmaster didn't talk about? Fuck.
Dude, if he freaks out, is he gonna ruin everything. Slowly he shakes his head and then nuzzles that offered patch of skin. The stubble scraping it before his sandy tongue does the same. There's a light kiss, and murmurs- ]
No, no you didn't do a damn thing wrong. I dunno, maybe this game loss is messin' with me some.
[ Maybe that's it. ]
Re: Spice heh
[He scrapes blunt nails against Cade's scalp, leans into his chest, an apologetic curve tucked against him. He can taste copper faint at the back of his throat, maybe- maybe he drank something weird? He shifts closer, seeking comfort.]
Well, let me mess with you instead? [He slips a finger under the collar.] Say 'yes, Yingxing'.
Re: Spice heh
But maybe it's that he wants comfort too.
So the command burns through him. His mouth is dry and he straightens a little. ]
Yes, Yingxing. [ Maybe that's what adds the gratitude to his voice when he uses his private name again. ]