[As promised, Leon makes his way to the address Zack gives him around 10, getting there just a little past the hour. Since this is a sleepover, he's already in a comfortable looking pair of black sweats and an equally soft looking t-shirt with an out of place looking leather jacket on. He knocks on the door and waits for Zack to answer.]
[Zack sends a little smiley face emoji before he sets about cleaning his place which just means he's throwing a few things into a closet to deal with later. He doesn't have much yet but he did buy some clothes. Speaking of clothes he's going to put on the new shorts he bought and a silly loose shirt with three wolves howling at the moon on it.
After getting all his junk food out and taking out a nice warm blanket for the couch is around the time he hears a knock on his door and he rushes to answer it. Leon looks so cute all dressed down, very cozy too. He can't help but smile at him and opens the door for him.]
Hey! Welcome! I hope it wasn't too far to come this way. I like the jacket.
[Leon musters up a soft, lopsided smile when Zack opens the door and is practically beaming. It's ridiculously contagious.]
Not far at all. Five minute walk, tops.
[As he steps inside, he shrugs out of the jacket, now looking like he could just crawl into bed based on what he's wearing.] Thanks. It's the only one I've bought here so far, so it was an easy choice when I saw how chilly it was outside.
[But it's a nice temperature in Zack's apartment plus they'll be sitting close, he guesses, and then crawling into bed together.] Have you checked out what's on TV yet? It's all pretty... well, you'll see. [Like most things in Duplicity, sex seemed to be involved in everything.]
Whoa only five minutes? Where were you that you were so close??
[Zack heads over to his living room where a few bowls are filled with snacks of all kind and he grabs the bowl of cheese curls, tossing a few into his mouth before he brings it over to Leon and offers some to him.]
I haven't really watched tv yet but I mean it can't be all sex can it? [He had watched both videos at orientation and the first one had been sort of informative, so maybe there is at least a news channel or something they can watch. It can't possibly just be porn...right?]
you aren't chilly in here right? I run hot I've been told so I can hold you if you get cold.
[Leon follows him, glancing around. It's strange to see his place. It looks just like another Dominant apartment he'd been in. Identical. Down to the furniture.
He gives Zack a soft smile as he takes a few cheese curls, tossing them into his mouth with a quiet 'thanks'.]
It's not all sex, but everything has sex in it. If that makes sense. Like every sitcom, every movie, every reality show. Sex is gonna happen at some point.
[He continues into the living room and sinks down into the couch.] Nah, I'm good. You can keep me warm anyway. [He gives Zack a little smirk.]
Oh well that's not bad. I csn just skip those scenes or something or maybe just hide behind a pillow or something.
[Of course he'd still hear it with his hearing even if he lowered the volume but hes not thinking about that.]
Oh I can?
[Just like a dog given permission to jump on a couch, zack quickly puts the bowl back on the coffee table and is on the couch in moments. He moves over to Leon and so easily lifts the man as if he's weightless before putting him into his lap and hugging his waist.]
Nice and toasty right?? If you get sleepy you can fall asleep on me here. I don't mind at all
[there is zero personal space between them on this couch as Zack lays his head on Leons shoulder and grabs the remote to turn the tv on.]
Hide behind a pillow? [Leon asks, surprised. He thought he was bad about that kind of thing. He tended to get bashful and flustered when talking about the specifics of sex but he was pretty good otherwise. It's still rare for him to come across someone more shy about this kind of thing than he was.] I dunno. Some of the scenes can be kind of funny with how corny they are. And... well... sometimes some of the stuff can be kind of hot, too.
[He shrugs a little.
He can't help a soft laugh as Zack practically dives onto the couch though he immediately stops and goes stiff as he's lifted up suddenly and deposited on the man's lap. He's beet red when he finally finds his voice.] Uh... are you sure this is... comfortable for you?
[Still blushing furiously, he slowly relaxes, letting himself lean back and against Zack, feeling his warmth radiating through his back pleasantly.] This show's pretty ridiculous. The contestants are trying to win a date with the mystery person and they have to do a bunch of weird stuff.
[He turns his head slightly as he explains, their faces suddenly very close with Zack resting against his shoulder.] Which reminds me... you, uh... you promised me a kiss. [His face is burning again, cheeks and ears red and hot.]
It's totally fine! I'm really comfy actually, are you Leon? [Zack's honestly feeling better than he has since hes got here right now. Having someone in his arms just feels right. Since he put Leon in his lap he's felt butterflies in his stomach in the best of ways and has just been focusing on having that presence and warm scent surrounding him.]You're comfy.
[He focuses on the tv for a bit as they sit thwre and make small talk. The show actually isn't bad and kind of funny. He's invested already into it when Leon turns to look at him. He looks back, eyes glowing a little as he remembers he did say he'd do that over text.] oh..yeah um...yeah....we can.
[They are close, faces close enough for it but Zack pulls back a bit so he can lean more over Leon and look into his eyes. His own cheeks go a bit pink as his thumb presses down on Leon's chin, bringing him a little closer. He looks directly at those lips before him for a moment,taking a breath before he closes the distance and presses his lips against Leon's in a sweet kiss. His eyes close and his hand is still on the man's chin. It's not a bad kiss, hes had experience with kisses, its soft and sweet much like Zack.]
Yeah, I'm good. As long as I'm not too heavy. [But if Zack is good, he's good.
He catches the faint blush, still glowing himself but Zack leans in slightly, so he tilts his head for a better angle. He lets Zack lead, closing his eyes as their lips meet. It's slow and sweet, Zack's lips soft against his. He lets this kiss linger a moment longerbefore tilting his head slightly to rest his forehead against Zack's.
That had been very... feelings-ful and it leaves him conflicted, their initial conversation with Rude replaying in his mind.]
That was nice. You are a good kisser. [His voice is quiet, the words practically murmured against Zack's lips.] But I... I want... [He pauses, collects his thoughts, then tries again.] You should know, before we go any further, I'm not looking for anything more than friends with benefits. I don't want you to get the wrong idea, Zack. And I don't want to hurt you. If that's not okay, we can just hang out, y'know? [He searches Zack's eyes as he speaks, watching for flickers of emotion, needing to see how he'll react.]
[The kiss has him grinning when Leon pulls away. He kind of wanted to kiss a bit more but he's content with that, they can totally kiss more right? He hopes so anyway.] It was really good.
[Zack's happy to press his forehead against Leon's noses touching and his toes curling a little bit as he's assaulted with butterflies in his stomach at how nice this is. He really needs to kiss his friends more often, that's what he's taking from this.] You're soft Leon. [The man sort of feels a bit like a cozy teddy bear in his arms and he gives a squeeze, enjoying the short soft moment that he'll wish could last longer.]
[When Leon looks at him his happy almost dreamy expressions falters. Leon just wants to be friends who fuck is what he's hearing. He's sure that works for others but he wants to be more than that, not right now but to hear any possibility of more in the future be crushed so quickly has him pouting as he pulls back, his grip on Leon nearly nonexistent now.]
O-Oh...I thought...I mean... okay. [Leon had just said he liked the kiss so why would he say that now? Had he been lying and just been nice that maybe it wasn't good enough? Zack doesn't know but takes a moment to bring back his smile, just not as bright as it was before.] If that's what you want then I'll respect your wishes. We can just be friends then.
[He's not sure if he should have Leon in his arms now. He knows he used to sit like this with Angeal rarely so it might still be okay but maybe it's too much for Leon now.]
Ah...should we maybe um...do you want to sit at the other end of the couch instead? Is this still okay?
[It feels like he's just kicked a puppy. It hurts to see the way Zack seems to crumble, but that only makes him feel like he's made the tough but correct decision of saying something now.]
I'm sorry, Zack. I just... I can't. I can't do that. Not here. Not when people don't have control over themselves half the time and disappear without warning. I just... can't. [Whether he's actually succeeding at that is another story entirely.
Tilting his head he gives Zack a brief kiss to the corner of his mouth apologetically.]
I'm good with whatever you're okay doing. [He gives his shoulder a squeeze, a fat more 'friendly' gesture. Just friends. Yep.]
[All of Leon's words make sense to him but yet he still can't help but feel kind of sad that they have to make this choice between the two. Their conversation with rude had made him hopeful that he could still find love in a world like this, he thought it would be even easier here but maybe he was wrong.]
No it's okay. I get it I think. I don't think I could do the benefits part really. I don't want things to be meaningless. I spent so many years not telling people how much I loved them or what they meant to me but I see it now and I don't want to waste something so intimate just to fulfill a task, even if it gets me in trouble.
[The kiss to his cheek doesn't really help but he does keep his faded smile up and doesn't go back to holding Leon either but he also doesn't move him from his lap.]
You can stay here if you like. I won't do anything I promise but could you maybe pass me the bowl of chips over there?
[ He does lean forward and snags the bowl, passing it Zack.] Here, this might be more comfortable and you'll be able to see better.
[Leon slides off his lap and nestles in beside him pressed into his side, his head leaning against his chest.] This okay?
[He looks reluctant to bring up what he's about to bring up but Zack's comment about getting in trouble has him worried again.] Zack... speaking from experience... you do not want to end up in jail here.
Please, if you think you might not make quota please, please consider getting help from someone. It doesn't have to be me but I am willing to help. As long as it's someone.
[Zack takes the bowl and distracts himself by munching on the chips, not really wanting to have this conversation anymore. He just wants to have a friend sleepover and focus on that and maybe get Leon to sleep somehow. He's not sure how cuddling in his bed is going to work anymore though.]
Yeah it's okay. You can lean on me whenever you like. You're so light. [He tries not to move too much once Leon's all settled on him but he does go to pet his head with his clean chipless hand, a soothing touch for maybe the both of them right now.]
I'll think about it Leon, but I won't reach out to you for that. I appreciate the concern but I'll figure it out. You just worry about your own self meeting quota okay? [He doesn't offer himself to help with Leon's Quota in return, instead he just takes a few more chips and munches on those as he pets Leon's hair and focuses on the wall in front of him rather than the tv. He doesn't really feel in the mood to watch that gameshow anymore. He's got too many worries in his head.]
That's fine, but it is really important you find a person or two. [He really hopes he does. Leon isn't sure how messed up a trip to SLUT would leave Zack but he knows it wouldn'tbe good.
He reaches out to steal a chip, munching quietly as he watches the sequence on the TV which may actually just be poorly disguised foot fetish stuff. It's definitely... something.
It seems to be a marathon of episodes though and halfway through the next one, he can't help but close his eyes. It's warm and comfortable curled against Zack and he hasn't slept more than short catnaps for days.]
I will Leon, I will [He just keeps petting the blonde against his chest as he says things he knows Leon would prefer to hear. He doesn't want him worrying about him. Zack's never liked people worrying about him. He's the one who is supposed to do all the worrying for others and make sure they are okay.
The moment does pass and the entire time they watch this weird foot show he starts to feel Leon become a little heavier as he hears his breathing even out. When Zack looks down he sees the man asleep against him and he can't help but blush a little as he moves some stray hair out of his face. He stays there for a bit to make sure Leon is totally asleep. Once he hears the heavier breathing he turns the tv off and carefully to not wake him up he picks up Leon bridal style, letting his head still lean against his chest and carries him to his bedroom where he lays the man down gently. Zack carefully gets in behind him and tucks them both in, letting Leon rest against both his chest and the pillow as he wraps an arm around his waist and tries to sleep himself.]
[Leon is exhausted. He's always exhausted. So, once he's asleep, he slips into a deep sleep. The slight jostling isn't enough to wake him and Zack is careful not to wake him. As the bed dips when Zack gets in beside him, Leon ends up curling against him, loosely draping his arm across his chest.
And he's good like this for a few hours, heavy, even breaths falling into a kind of rhythm with Zack's as they both sleep peacefully.
But his dreams are starting to turn nasty like they always do. His fingers twitch against Zack's chest as his breath catches and then speeds up for a moment before he goes quiet again. He makes a quiet noise, close to a whimper.
His dream is realistic, they always are. He and Zack are still watching TV when it suddenly flickers out and seconds later the power as a whole goes out. Zack says something about how he'll keep him safe, leaning closer to kiss him. Leon chuckles until he feels pain burn through his shoulder. Shoving Zack, the man has changed, eyes blank and glassy, the veins in his face black as he opens his mouth wider than he should be able to, lunging at Leon.
With an abrupt cry, Leon wakes up, his hair plastered to his forehead in a cold sweat, eyes wide in the darkness, scrambling to get away, his heart beating loudly, breathing rapid.
[Zack had learned how to be a light sleeper in his time at ShinRa. After all the time he spent sleeping in mako for years his sleeping got even worse. It was hard for Zack to get tired enough to sleep and when he did it usually didn't last too long either.
With Leon he is content in his sleep for once. He was so used to having Cloud at his side for months that it was hard to sleep with no one else around him. Of course it had been rare him and Cloud shared the same bed, but yet sharing with Leon felt right. The man's scent had lulled him to sleep more than the cozy weight at his side had.
The whimper is what starts to rouse Zack from his sleep. He yawns and stretches, still tired but slowly becoming aware of things. Rubbing his eyes in the dark room he looks around and remembers Leon is here. His eyes are glowing bright in the darkness, the only sort of light as he sees the man tossing a bit in his sleep. He starts to get a little worried and then suddenly Leon is up and awake and trying to get out of the bed.
Zack knows exactly what's going on, none of the details but he knows this is a night terror. He quickly turns to his nightstand to turn on a light and then is looking at Leon. He wants to hold him but he doesn't want to spook him more than he already is.]
Hey buddy, it's okay. You're okay, we're okay. Take a few deep breaths for me, alright?
[He has a hand extended to the man, taking a few calming breaths as example. If Leon takes his hand is on him but he's offering the touch to him.]
It's around three in the morning, I moved you to my bed since you fell asleep. It's just us, nothing will hurt you in this space, okay?
[Leon is wide eyed in the dark, rapid breath a clear indication that he's still panicking. He looks around, eyes darting, breathing shaky. As scared as he is, he's coiled tighter than a spring, ready to defend himself.
When nothing happens except Zack's quiet, soothing voice slowly pushing through the things he'd seen and felt in his nightmare, reality steadily filtering in.
Instead of taking his hand, Leon reaches out to touch Zack's face. In his dream, half of his face had been gone, ripped away before he'd turned. He looks fine now. Whole.] Zack?
[It's all coming back now. The sleepover, the terrible TV show. He lets his hand drop to his side again before rubbing it over his face, his breathing steadily evening out.] Sorry... I told you this would happen... [He sounds disappointed. Embarrassed. He hates that this is a thing.] I'm alright.
[Zack is expecting Leon to either pull further back or take his hand but he doesn't expect to be touched and not with such a shakey hand. The man is clearly very upset and this is very out of the normal protocol but he can adapt and so he leans into the touch, closing his eyes for a moment and smiling.] Yeah, it's me buddy. It's Zack. I'm here.
[He opens his eyes once more and places his own hand over the one on his face but Leon drops it before he can. Instead he does now reach for that hand and entwine their fingers together.] It's fine, I'm okay with this Leon. You aren't the first I've seen have issues sleeping like this. I'm actually trained in it, that's why I invited you over. I just thought if I told you that earlier you might avoid it but I want to help you. Is it okay if I hug you? Tell me what you need right now and keep the steady breathing okay? You're doing great.
[He keeps encouraging him, smiling the entire time as a way to show how honest he is in this moment. He does mean it that Leon's doing good. He wishes he could just wrap him in his arms and take all the pain away right now.]
[His gaze lowers to Zack's hand over his, resisting the urge to pull his own away. The nightmare is still fresh in his mind, Zack turning, half ripped apart, trying to mindlessly attack him.]
I thought you were a soldier? You're a shrink, too?
[He shakes his head, flashes of how Zack had looked, pressing in closer trying to rip his throat out.] No. Please don't. [His voice is quick and quiet, pulling his hand away to tuck his knees up against his chest and wrap his arms around them.]
I'm fine. I think I might get up for a bit. [If he was in his own place or even his Dominant's, he'd grab a drink right about now. Drinking was one of the only things he found that really helped him stop thinking. He's guessing Zack doesn't have anything.]
Not a shrink, just someone whose had similar issues and helped others with theirs.
[He makes sure to take a step away from Leon and get off the bed himself. He goes to his closet to grab another blanket and holds it up so Leon can see.]
I'm going to make us something to drink, can I put this blanket on you? I want you to stay and don't move too much alright? I'll be in the kitchen if you need me.
[He has a feeling Leon wants to flee and while it might help in the here and now of things it won't if he flees so Zack wants him stayed and comfortable while he makes them both hot chocolate. He has a feeling though that Leon really doesn't want to look at him right now and that hurts a little but he isn't going to say anything on it, Leon's already stressed enough.] Do you like whipped cream?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
winterfish
no subject
Date: 2023-11-01 10:32 am (UTC)Can I kiss you? That counts right?
If you want I mean. I dont wanna make you uncomfortable around me.
You can come over whenever you're tired.
no subject
Date: 2023-11-02 03:10 am (UTC)what?
you want to kiss me?
[There had been some hints that Zack might like men and women, but he's still surprised Zack would want to kiss him of all people.]
yeah, that'd count if you wanted to
i haven't even been here that long but already... that doesn't come close to making me feel uncomfortable. i'm just surprised.
how about i come over around 10 and we can watch TV or something?
no subject
Date: 2023-11-02 03:38 am (UTC)I think
[He never kissed Cloud but he did know Genesis and Angeal were best friends and he saw them kiss, so it must be a thing.]
Well we can if you want or we can just watch tv too. I'll get snacks ready!!
no subject
Date: 2023-11-02 05:54 am (UTC)i'll see you soon
[As promised, Leon makes his way to the address Zack gives him around 10, getting there just a little past the hour. Since this is a sleepover, he's already in a comfortable looking pair of black sweats and an equally soft looking t-shirt with an out of place looking leather jacket on. He knocks on the door and waits for Zack to answer.]
no subject
Date: 2023-11-02 12:21 pm (UTC)After getting all his junk food out and taking out a nice warm blanket for the couch is around the time he hears a knock on his door and he rushes to answer it. Leon looks so cute all dressed down, very cozy too. He can't help but smile at him and opens the door for him.]
Hey! Welcome! I hope it wasn't too far to come this way. I like the jacket.
no subject
Date: 2023-11-04 03:28 am (UTC)Not far at all. Five minute walk, tops.
[As he steps inside, he shrugs out of the jacket, now looking like he could just crawl into bed based on what he's wearing.] Thanks. It's the only one I've bought here so far, so it was an easy choice when I saw how chilly it was outside.
[But it's a nice temperature in Zack's apartment plus they'll be sitting close, he guesses, and then crawling into bed together.] Have you checked out what's on TV yet? It's all pretty... well, you'll see. [Like most things in Duplicity, sex seemed to be involved in everything.]
no subject
Date: 2023-11-04 03:05 pm (UTC)[Zack heads over to his living room where a few bowls are filled with snacks of all kind and he grabs the bowl of cheese curls, tossing a few into his mouth before he brings it over to Leon and offers some to him.]
I haven't really watched tv yet but I mean it can't be all sex can it? [He had watched both videos at orientation and the first one had been sort of informative, so maybe there is at least a news channel or something they can watch. It can't possibly just be porn...right?]
you aren't chilly in here right? I run hot I've been told so I can hold you if you get cold.
no subject
Date: 2023-11-05 05:24 am (UTC)He gives Zack a soft smile as he takes a few cheese curls, tossing them into his mouth with a quiet 'thanks'.]
It's not all sex, but everything has sex in it. If that makes sense. Like every sitcom, every movie, every reality show. Sex is gonna happen at some point.
[He continues into the living room and sinks down into the couch.] Nah, I'm good. You can keep me warm anyway. [He gives Zack a little smirk.]
no subject
Date: 2023-11-05 12:30 pm (UTC)[Of course he'd still hear it with his hearing even if he lowered the volume but hes not thinking about that.]
Oh I can?
[Just like a dog given permission to jump on a couch, zack quickly puts the bowl back on the coffee table and is on the couch in moments. He moves over to Leon and so easily lifts the man as if he's weightless before putting him into his lap and hugging his waist.]
Nice and toasty right?? If you get sleepy you can fall asleep on me here. I don't mind at all
[there is zero personal space between them on this couch as Zack lays his head on Leons shoulder and grabs the remote to turn the tv on.]
no subject
Date: 2023-11-08 03:32 am (UTC)[He shrugs a little.
He can't help a soft laugh as Zack practically dives onto the couch though he immediately stops and goes stiff as he's lifted up suddenly and deposited on the man's lap. He's beet red when he finally finds his voice.] Uh... are you sure this is... comfortable for you?
[Still blushing furiously, he slowly relaxes, letting himself lean back and against Zack, feeling his warmth radiating through his back pleasantly.] This show's pretty ridiculous. The contestants are trying to win a date with the mystery person and they have to do a bunch of weird stuff.
[He turns his head slightly as he explains, their faces suddenly very close with Zack resting against his shoulder.] Which reminds me... you, uh... you promised me a kiss. [His face is burning again, cheeks and ears red and hot.]
no subject
Date: 2023-11-08 09:57 am (UTC)[He focuses on the tv for a bit as they sit thwre and make small talk. The show actually isn't bad and kind of funny. He's invested already into it when Leon turns to look at him. He looks back, eyes glowing a little as he remembers he did say he'd do that over text.] oh..yeah um...yeah....we can.
[They are close, faces close enough for it but Zack pulls back a bit so he can lean more over Leon and look into his eyes. His own cheeks go a bit pink as his thumb presses down on Leon's chin, bringing him a little closer. He looks directly at those lips before him for a moment,taking a breath before he closes the distance and presses his lips against Leon's in a sweet kiss. His eyes close and his hand is still on the man's chin. It's not a bad kiss, hes had experience with kisses, its soft and sweet much like Zack.]
no subject
Date: 2023-11-08 04:35 pm (UTC)He catches the faint blush, still glowing himself but Zack leans in slightly, so he tilts his head for a better angle. He lets Zack lead, closing his eyes as their lips meet. It's slow and sweet, Zack's lips soft against his. He lets this kiss linger a moment longerbefore tilting his head slightly to rest his forehead against Zack's.
That had been very... feelings-ful and it leaves him conflicted, their initial conversation with Rude replaying in his mind.]
That was nice. You are a good kisser. [His voice is quiet, the words practically murmured against Zack's lips.] But I... I want... [He pauses, collects his thoughts, then tries again.] You should know, before we go any further, I'm not looking for anything more than friends with benefits. I don't want you to get the wrong idea, Zack. And I don't want to hurt you. If that's not okay, we can just hang out, y'know? [He searches Zack's eyes as he speaks, watching for flickers of emotion, needing to see how he'll react.]
no subject
Date: 2023-11-08 05:13 pm (UTC)[Zack's happy to press his forehead against Leon's noses touching and his toes curling a little bit as he's assaulted with butterflies in his stomach at how nice this is. He really needs to kiss his friends more often, that's what he's taking from this.] You're soft Leon. [The man sort of feels a bit like a cozy teddy bear in his arms and he gives a squeeze, enjoying the short soft moment that he'll wish could last longer.]
[When Leon looks at him his happy almost dreamy expressions falters. Leon just wants to be friends who fuck is what he's hearing. He's sure that works for others but he wants to be more than that, not right now but to hear any possibility of more in the future be crushed so quickly has him pouting as he pulls back, his grip on Leon nearly nonexistent now.]
O-Oh...I thought...I mean... okay. [Leon had just said he liked the kiss so why would he say that now? Had he been lying and just been nice that maybe it wasn't good enough? Zack doesn't know but takes a moment to bring back his smile, just not as bright as it was before.] If that's what you want then I'll respect your wishes. We can just be friends then.
[He's not sure if he should have Leon in his arms now. He knows he used to sit like this with Angeal rarely so it might still be okay but maybe it's too much for Leon now.]
Ah...should we maybe um...do you want to sit at the other end of the couch instead? Is this still okay?
no subject
Date: 2023-11-08 05:35 pm (UTC)I'm sorry, Zack. I just... I can't. I can't do that. Not here. Not when people don't have control over themselves half the time and disappear without warning. I just... can't. [Whether he's actually succeeding at that is another story entirely.
Tilting his head he gives Zack a brief kiss to the corner of his mouth apologetically.]
I'm good with whatever you're okay doing. [He gives his shoulder a squeeze, a fat more 'friendly' gesture. Just friends. Yep.]
no subject
Date: 2023-11-08 05:59 pm (UTC)No it's okay. I get it I think. I don't think I could do the benefits part really. I don't want things to be meaningless. I spent so many years not telling people how much I loved them or what they meant to me but I see it now and I don't want to waste something so intimate just to fulfill a task, even if it gets me in trouble.
[The kiss to his cheek doesn't really help but he does keep his faded smile up and doesn't go back to holding Leon either but he also doesn't move him from his lap.]
You can stay here if you like. I won't do anything I promise but could you maybe pass me the bowl of chips over there?
no subject
Date: 2023-11-08 06:11 pm (UTC)[Leon slides off his lap and nestles in beside him pressed into his side, his head leaning against his chest.] This okay?
[He looks reluctant to bring up what he's about to bring up but Zack's comment about getting in trouble has him worried again.] Zack... speaking from experience... you do not want to end up in jail here.
Please, if you think you might not make quota please, please consider getting help from someone. It doesn't have to be me but I am willing to help. As long as it's someone.
no subject
Date: 2023-11-08 06:42 pm (UTC)Yeah it's okay. You can lean on me whenever you like. You're so light. [He tries not to move too much once Leon's all settled on him but he does go to pet his head with his clean chipless hand, a soothing touch for maybe the both of them right now.]
I'll think about it Leon, but I won't reach out to you for that. I appreciate the concern but I'll figure it out. You just worry about your own self meeting quota okay? [He doesn't offer himself to help with Leon's Quota in return, instead he just takes a few more chips and munches on those as he pets Leon's hair and focuses on the wall in front of him rather than the tv. He doesn't really feel in the mood to watch that gameshow anymore. He's got too many worries in his head.]
no subject
Date: 2023-11-08 09:11 pm (UTC)He reaches out to steal a chip, munching quietly as he watches the sequence on the TV which may actually just be poorly disguised foot fetish stuff. It's definitely... something.
It seems to be a marathon of episodes though and halfway through the next one, he can't help but close his eyes. It's warm and comfortable curled against Zack and he hasn't slept more than short catnaps for days.]
no subject
Date: 2023-11-08 09:33 pm (UTC)The moment does pass and the entire time they watch this weird foot show he starts to feel Leon become a little heavier as he hears his breathing even out. When Zack looks down he sees the man asleep against him and he can't help but blush a little as he moves some stray hair out of his face. He stays there for a bit to make sure Leon is totally asleep. Once he hears the heavier breathing he turns the tv off and carefully to not wake him up he picks up Leon bridal style, letting his head still lean against his chest and carries him to his bedroom where he lays the man down gently. Zack carefully gets in behind him and tucks them both in, letting Leon rest against both his chest and the pillow as he wraps an arm around his waist and tries to sleep himself.]
no subject
Date: 2023-11-10 04:53 am (UTC)And he's good like this for a few hours, heavy, even breaths falling into a kind of rhythm with Zack's as they both sleep peacefully.
But his dreams are starting to turn nasty like they always do. His fingers twitch against Zack's chest as his breath catches and then speeds up for a moment before he goes quiet again. He makes a quiet noise, close to a whimper.
His dream is realistic, they always are. He and Zack are still watching TV when it suddenly flickers out and seconds later the power as a whole goes out. Zack says something about how he'll keep him safe, leaning closer to kiss him. Leon chuckles until he feels pain burn through his shoulder. Shoving Zack, the man has changed, eyes blank and glassy, the veins in his face black as he opens his mouth wider than he should be able to, lunging at Leon.
With an abrupt cry, Leon wakes up, his hair plastered to his forehead in a cold sweat, eyes wide in the darkness, scrambling to get away, his heart beating loudly, breathing rapid.
no subject
Date: 2023-11-10 03:36 pm (UTC)With Leon he is content in his sleep for once. He was so used to having Cloud at his side for months that it was hard to sleep with no one else around him. Of course it had been rare him and Cloud shared the same bed, but yet sharing with Leon felt right. The man's scent had lulled him to sleep more than the cozy weight at his side had.
The whimper is what starts to rouse Zack from his sleep. He yawns and stretches, still tired but slowly becoming aware of things. Rubbing his eyes in the dark room he looks around and remembers Leon is here. His eyes are glowing bright in the darkness, the only sort of light as he sees the man tossing a bit in his sleep. He starts to get a little worried and then suddenly Leon is up and awake and trying to get out of the bed.
Zack knows exactly what's going on, none of the details but he knows this is a night terror. He quickly turns to his nightstand to turn on a light and then is looking at Leon. He wants to hold him but he doesn't want to spook him more than he already is.]
Hey buddy, it's okay. You're okay, we're okay. Take a few deep breaths for me, alright?
[He has a hand extended to the man, taking a few calming breaths as example. If Leon takes his hand is on him but he's offering the touch to him.]
It's around three in the morning, I moved you to my bed since you fell asleep. It's just us, nothing will hurt you in this space, okay?
no subject
Date: 2023-11-11 07:17 am (UTC)When nothing happens except Zack's quiet, soothing voice slowly pushing through the things he'd seen and felt in his nightmare, reality steadily filtering in.
Instead of taking his hand, Leon reaches out to touch Zack's face. In his dream, half of his face had been gone, ripped away before he'd turned. He looks fine now. Whole.] Zack?
[It's all coming back now. The sleepover, the terrible TV show. He lets his hand drop to his side again before rubbing it over his face, his breathing steadily evening out.] Sorry... I told you this would happen... [He sounds disappointed. Embarrassed. He hates that this is a thing.] I'm alright.
no subject
Date: 2023-11-12 04:18 pm (UTC)[He opens his eyes once more and places his own hand over the one on his face but Leon drops it before he can. Instead he does now reach for that hand and entwine their fingers together.] It's fine, I'm okay with this Leon. You aren't the first I've seen have issues sleeping like this. I'm actually trained in it, that's why I invited you over. I just thought if I told you that earlier you might avoid it but I want to help you. Is it okay if I hug you? Tell me what you need right now and keep the steady breathing okay? You're doing great.
[He keeps encouraging him, smiling the entire time as a way to show how honest he is in this moment. He does mean it that Leon's doing good. He wishes he could just wrap him in his arms and take all the pain away right now.]
no subject
Date: 2023-11-13 05:30 am (UTC)I thought you were a soldier? You're a shrink, too?
[He shakes his head, flashes of how Zack had looked, pressing in closer trying to rip his throat out.] No. Please don't. [His voice is quick and quiet, pulling his hand away to tuck his knees up against his chest and wrap his arms around them.]
I'm fine. I think I might get up for a bit. [If he was in his own place or even his Dominant's, he'd grab a drink right about now. Drinking was one of the only things he found that really helped him stop thinking. He's guessing Zack doesn't have anything.]
no subject
Date: 2023-11-13 02:02 pm (UTC)[He makes sure to take a step away from Leon and get off the bed himself. He goes to his closet to grab another blanket and holds it up so Leon can see.]
I'm going to make us something to drink, can I put this blanket on you? I want you to stay and don't move too much alright? I'll be in the kitchen if you need me.
[He has a feeling Leon wants to flee and while it might help in the here and now of things it won't if he flees so Zack wants him stayed and comfortable while he makes them both hot chocolate. He has a feeling though that Leon really doesn't want to look at him right now and that hurts a little but he isn't going to say anything on it, Leon's already stressed enough.] Do you like whipped cream?
(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From: