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)
duvide2017-04-23 09:22 am
leatherdaddy) wrote in duvide2017-04-23 09:22 am
RV; Mission setting; Gladio/Suigetsu
[ Another mission, another night out under the stars. But the only difference is he's going it alone with Suigetsu, that sharp-mouthed and occasionally bratty oddball Gladio calls a friend. Don't judge, he's got his quirks but there's something about the guy that triggers some protective streak in him. Sometimes the universe conspires to bring the damaged some succor, companionship serving as a bright point one can orient themselves as they navigate a whole world of shitty people. The relationship is hardly so one-sided, because it's when Gladio was loneliest that he happened upon the most unlikely of friendships.
When he'd arrived, he was alone in a strange world and couldn't exactly be choosy about who he threw in with. Somehow it worked. Incredibly, at that. Funny how being out of your element brings you the strangest surprises. ]
Hey, don't just drink the broth. [ The Shield chastises from over his own cup of instant ramen. He's nearly polished off his, despite taking his sweet time savoring every bite. In contrast, all he's seen Suigetsu eat are various wet things. ] The noodles are good too.
When he'd arrived, he was alone in a strange world and couldn't exactly be choosy about who he threw in with. Somehow it worked. Incredibly, at that. Funny how being out of your element brings you the strangest surprises. ]
Hey, don't just drink the broth. [ The Shield chastises from over his own cup of instant ramen. He's nearly polished off his, despite taking his sweet time savoring every bite. In contrast, all he's seen Suigetsu eat are various wet things. ] The noodles are good too.
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or ordering him around. for suigetsu, even the simplest demands can provide direction for him. a godsend for the easily deterred and the ones who lack backbones.)
I'm saving them for last, so I can eat 'em all at once. (a rather chipper reply, face still inside of the cup, quite obviously enjoying himself.) I gotta soften the noodles up, after all, since they're difficult to digest otherwise. They're as good as you say, though, definitely on my list!
(and by list he means food list, the comprehensive list of things he yells at everyone when they ask him what his favourite foods are. not for the faint of heart, or for the tough steak and hard candy lovers. a glance over at how quickly gladio's taken care of his soup, before humming; the cup noodle love is endearing, decided by a yogurt lover.)
You're really passionate about this kinda thing.
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You bet I am. [ What's not to love? Also, don't get him started, he'll go on all day -- ] They're convenient, easy to make when you just gotta satisfy a craving for that hot, salty, savory goodness.
[ Just talking about it reminds him he needs another bite, and dips his head down to slurp up another mouthful, washing it down with a sip of steaming broth. The man breaths a sigh of ultimate satisfaction. That flavor, that heat... it really hits the spot! ]
That harmony of flavors - noodles, egg, shrimp - it's comfort in a cup. [ He sets his empty cup down and doesn't spend much time mourning it's loss before turning and adding brightly: ] You get what I mean, right? That's like yogurt for you. You probably can't get enough of the texture and taste. A little salty, a little sweet if you season it...
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(just thinking about yogurt makes him happy. he never imagined a food could do that until sasuke freed him and took him out for some — and despite that being a hunt for information, it was still one of the greatest days of his life. yogurt, to him, tastes like freedom; the first solid food he'd eaten in years.)
You're a good cook. (this sounds like a joke... but it is not...)
I think it's funny you get such a kick outta camping. It's pretty standard where I come from. You either camp out, or travel days to find an inn. Some of 'em don't want the patronage of wanted shinobi, either.
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Cook? You should try some of Ignis' food. He's a miracle worker.
[ Gladio settles back in his chair, letting his legs stretch out before the fire. Being so far from civilization sounds pretty exciting, but probably because he's generally had a home to go back to, even when the Crown City was overrun. ]
Wanted shinobi, huh? What for?
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that explains a lot.
leaning onto the fabric arm of the seat, suigetsu pulls a leg up and balances a heel on the edge of the seat, looking folded up and comfortable. the topic their conversation's turned to isn't all that much of a surprise, but he has a feeling gladio won't exactly like it — they are, after all, assassins.)
Sasuke's reasons are his own, but when you leave your village without permission, you're labelled a defector. I guess that's how they keep info leaks to a minimum. I left with my brother; we had plans bigger than the stupid missions they were giving us. (eyes finding the fire, lips quirking.) That and I killed a bunch of people.
(TACKS THAT ON THERE...)
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The good-natured smile vanishes slowly, first in the act of listening and absorbing the information Suigetsu gives him, and then thoughtfully as he lets the weight of those memories settle over him. Heavy stuff. Also, history that bears little relevance to the man he knows now except as to prove as a reminder of the kind of man Suigetsu was, and very well might become again. He sighs and lets his eyes go skyward, watching the unfamiliar constellations overhead. ]
...That would do it.
[ Look, if he can make friends with a Niff, he can let go of Suigetsu's past crimes. He hasn't committed any recently as far as he knows, and it's not exactly news to him either. They did, after all, play a certain game that revealed a hell of a lot. ]
It must have been pretty tough, to make you leave your home. [ To kill. ] Do you regret it?
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(looking away, wondering what exactly gladio wants him to say. but that wouldn't be the honest answer and he's always favoured the truth over some woven fiction. could end up biting him in the ass later, so why bother? especially when nothing more can hurt him in the same ways he has been?)
They were really crazy back then, though. My village was called the "Bloody Mist" for a reason. (leaning further over the arm of his chair, ready to tell an awful story.) They only stopped doing this when I was little, but they made the kids in the academy fight to the death to graduate. The last one standing got to move on. Spooky, eh?
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They made you fight to the death?
[ Gladio's appalled. It brings him back from his study of the stars to swing his face in Suigetsu's direction, his expression a mixture of disbelief, outrage and disgust. Who the hell does that? Who makes kids kill one another? ]
Who fucking robs a kid of their childhood for what? To make a soldier?
[ Who indeed? This is starting to sound a bit familiar in some warped way. War never changes.
What do you say to someone who has clearly had such a shitty upbringing? Sorry reeks of arrogance somehow, seems to hang uselessly like a suit two sizes too big. He's got nothing to apologize for and pity isn't really their style. Yet, there's something unnerving about how casually Suigetsu tells his story. He makes a small tch sound and glances away, staring instead into the campfire as he tries to think of what to say that isn't an apology. ]
...It's a good thing you're here, then.
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That's just how things are in our world, I guess. Either you carry out your clan's traditions, or become some boring civilian. (that would kill him, there's far too much excitement to be had when you're as fucked up as they are.) Don't you get it? You've been training your whole life too.
(the sentiment gladio imparts with him has to go ignored; he doesn't know what to say. good thing he's here? why? he feels nothing different about himself, except for the fact that he's had far more exposure to people he's never seen before — talking to them all was daunting, but they're getting the hang of it.
studying him for a moment, suigetsu's lips tug into a little smirk.)
Did you notice how alone we are out here, Gladio? Were you really comfortable with that, or are you just that secure in your abilities, ah? (leaning that much further over the arm of his chair, fork raising in a playful point.) I could steal that sword of yours right now, no one'd find you till next week...
(before twirling more noodles up with a wink.)
Juuust kidding.
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Who can say, there might be a world out there where such a man exists with the blood of his sister on his hands. It's an ugly thought. ]
But what do I know? Maybe somewhere out there, there's an alternate Gladiolus -- the last Amicitia and worthy Shield. Tch. [ He hides none of his contempt for the idea. This is as close Gladio can get to not judging your home life, Suigetsu. Your life sucks.
That scowl fades as Gladio slides his gaze in Suigetsu's direction, watching him. Then he turns and grins widely (and a little viciously - all teeth and not at all as pointed as Suigetsu's). ]
...Heh. [ Gladiolus has spent enough time with him to have gained a better understanding of Suigetsu's oddball antics. Death threats that would have made sweat crawl down his back are still no less intimidating, Suigetsu is like a razor tipped tool - handle him the wrong way and you'll pay for it. Handle him the right way and well... ]
Glad you're still so interested in my 'sword'. [ Gladio spreads his hands in a welcoming gesture. ] You're welcome to search me for it.
[ Good luck accessing his hammerspace though. But he's also careful to not have said 'greatsword' - because that's how you flirt, rookie. ]
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but there's a mood, it's indulgent, and suigetsu tilts his head at it.)
You don't have it, that's pretty brave. Unless you can summon. (so, he's stupid, that much he knows... but when it comes to combat and perception, suigetsu is whip-smart.) I wonder how... You've got that tattoo of yours, but no seal, so maybe I'm thinking too small...
(knuckles beneath a soft chin, finger pressing into his cheek. he recognizes the innuendo, doesn't know what to do with it. there's no experience to draw on, so suigetsu just watches him, unblinking.)
Are you talking about your dick?
(nailed it.)
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And speaking of punchlines... ]
...Tch. Really, kid?
[ He really has no business calling him 'kid', but he's already giving that ninja a flat stare, his mouth opening in what is universally a 'what the fresh fuck' look. Gladio's just gonna lift his eyes to the heavens in a silent, sarcastic prayer for strength or smiting or whatever it is those ridiculously powerful beings on high do to people with absolutely zero comedic instincts. ]
You know, it's not as funny when you gotta explain it so bluntly.
[ The hammer is his penis. Yes, cookie for you.
As for the tattoo, Gladio runs a hand over one shoulder where the bird of prey's head emerges to scream silently above his pectoral. ]
This? I just... did it. [ It had taken forever, hurt like hell too. But he considered it his modern-day equivalent to mastering one's endurance under the frozen weight of a waterfall crashing over one's back. Made him look more intimidating too -- a Shield can still serve to protect without so much as lifting a hand. ] It's nothing special, if that's what you're wondering.
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(gives him a look. a look that says "i have seen some shit".
that said,) It's not even funny to begin with, y'know? I can't understand you people and your weird fear of dicks. You guys have ones yourselves and you're all happy pretending nobody else's got one.
(and that's his dick talk done for today, throwing his hands behind his head when he sets his finished cup noodle down and leans back to relax. sinking into the chair, suigetsu's comfortable; gladio's camping equipment really is something. at least he proves himself an alright listener, eyes intent on his mission partner when he speaks, having been chastised by sasuke many times for interrupting.
there's a pause as he takes in part of the tattoo, brow quirking at where it disappears into gladio's shirt.)
Can I see it? (a nod at him,) The rest of it.
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That's not fear, it's modesty. What about that don't you get...
[ Says the man whose dress is by definition immodest and revealing.
But he quiets down, not really something worth fighting about, but it remains a constant misunderstanding - some things are harder to swallow when you're far removed from social norms. Gladiolus understands this and can't really fault the guy considering... considering.
He's warmed by the fire and the comfortable heat pooling in his stomach from his meal, craving and hunger satiated. So when asked about the tattoo, he flashes a confident smile. He's vain to a degree, even bearing his scars with pride. ]
Yeah, sure -
[ Heavy boots scrape against the ground as he folds himself back in from lounging in the chair, pushing himself out of it. As he walks past the bright campfire, he draws up the black tank top with it's Crownsguard logo emblazoned on the back and breast, balls it up and tosses it back into his empty seat. His skin is copper where the fire hits it, night-blue where it doesn't, and the ink decorating it ranges from ash to charcoal black.
He walks in front of Suigetsu, lifting his arms slightly and then dropping them. But he blots out the light from the fire from where he stands, casting Suigetsu in his shadow. ]
Feast your eyes, the artist was the best I'd seen.
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his view of the campfire's blocked and it cools the surface of his skin. odd that he's never admired a body for anything more than its strength and function in battle, but is now finding some merit in how gorgeous a person can get. suigetsu's out of his element, truly, finding it kind of fascinating in its own way. this feeling that settles in his chest.
he knows how to identify it — and it's possessiveness, a popular one for him. a common desire to monopolize time and attention.)
No kidding. (said far too close, tipping gladio off to the fact that he's silently risen from his chair to get a better look in the dim light, soft but bold fingers settling below a shoulder blade.) Is it that you like eagles enough to get one tattooed, or is there a certain story behind this? A meaning, maybe?
(fingers splay, spreading out over a warm back with an almost clinical examination. the closest they've been by far, despite the while they've spent in this place together.)
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But rarely is there a touch that isn't initiated by him, or friendly in nature. In that regard, he keeps a respectful distance even if he doesn't in any other way. That makes the unexpected warmth of another's hand startling, Suigetsu taking a more tactile approach to appreciation. This kind of thorough examination is... unsettling - it feels almost clinical. He fidgets, leaning his weight from hip to hip. Restlessly shifting under the shinobi's scrutinizing gaze. It makes him rotate his shoulders back before settling again, the muscles shifting as he moves. When he turns, light shifts over the dips and rounds over cords of muscle and feathers emerge from blue shadows as he turns to look at Suigetsu out of the corner of his eye.
Gladio finds himself taking in a deep breath and holding it, then releasing it as if steadying himself. ]
Honestly? [ He had kept it relatively simple, leaving few constraints. ] I just wanted something larger than life. I wanted to look like I could sprout wings and hunt my enemies down.
[ He sucks in a breath when he feels himself instinctively clench his fists, the feathers stretching over his arms shifting in a slow and silent rustle - too slow for any living thing. ]
Heh, turns out I nearly bit off more than I could chew. Couldn't get it done in just one session. I almost didn't make it.
The worst was here - [ Lifting his arm, he gestures beneath it where the skin is thinner, tender. After a pause, he lowers his arm and tucks it behind him to draw a line over the small of his back, underscoring the tail feathers. ] - here...
[ Lowering his arms, he glances down at the last place - looking down at the silent scream of the bird of prey on his pectoral. That one was a killer. Too many nerve endings, not enough alcohol to numb it. He should have listened to the tattoo artist, who cautioned against alcohol for the way it brought a flush to the skin and excited the nerve endings. It was probably twice as sensitive as he would have been otherwise. Still, he grit his teeth and bore the pain until he indulged in it.
Weird, he never talks about it, and here he is 'fessing up to it like Suigetsu's his goddamn doctor. ] If there's a story behind it, only the artist knows.