only then will we be free

[awakeninwonder]

They had planned to have another form before now. Of course, they're coming to understand that plans don't always go the way you expect, even if they've ended better than anticipated.

They had stayed with him in the apartment until the time came to return the body to its original owner. Even if they did put it off for a day or so, they knew not to push their luck and really did want to leave the person with no issues when they returned control.

Still, before they did, they picked up a collection of sweets and left it for the person to find when they were properly conscious again. It seemed polite.

They find another body quickly and decide that this time they're going to go through with their plan of finding something of their own before the time comes to give this one back. It's going to make things easier in the long run, and they'll be able to have exactly what they want.

For now, though, they walk through the door of the apartment in a small, lean body. One that seems like it would be both swift and able to get through all kinds of hard-to-reach places. They might go for something like this when they select their permanent form, but they're not entirely sure, so they're taking the chance to try it out. At the very least, they know this body will be able to pose a challenge for their companion if the two of them choose to go on a chase before they find a form of their own.

“I think this will do for now,” they say without preamble. “Though we need to find something more permanent before this one needs to be brought back. I'd prefer to not have to borrow a third body. Hopefully, we can manage that if we're less distracted.”

Comments

[fireinthesunrise]

"That is probably enough for now." He sounds more dazed than his words would imply. He can also feel that the water is starting to threaten to start cooling, so with some effort he disentangles himself from them and gets steady enough to help them both get a little cleaner than when they started.

[awakeninwonder]

They do their best to do more than stand there but aren't much help. After everything, they feel boneless and hazy and everything takes more effort than they had anticipated. Still, though, they manage to get out and get dry before leaning against him.

"I have to say," they start. "As far as engaging in sex, you're quite pleasant. You've gone above my expectations each time. Good job."

[fireinthesunrise]

He didn't expect their praise to make him feel a pleased flush, but he does. Smiling down at them he puts his arm around them. "Thank you, I want to keep being exceptional for you." If he wasn't also feeling unsteady he would carry them to the bed, instead he walks them both carefully there.

[awakeninwonder]

They give him a slight smile in return, then stretch out on the bed. It feels good, and they make a pleased sound before settling down again.

"I expect that you'll be exceptional in many ways," they say once he's joined them. They press themself against him, letting their whole body relax there. "For the moment you're an exceptional companion to share a bed with, and that's what I currently need." Their voice is sleepy and their eyes are already closed as they talk. Still, they make the effort to keep themself awake to pay attention to him.."

[fireinthesunrise]

He settles them against him, enjoying the way his body pulls him deep into relaxation. "You are also enjoyable to share a bed with." His voice is edged with sleep.

[awakeninwonder]

They make an agreeable sound, then pulls his arm around them so they can loosely hold onto him. "We do good work for the other," they mumble against his fingers. "I think other people would be disappointing. Not you though."

[fireinthesunrise]

"Even when I was human, I found people to be disappointing as a whole. Occasional people I liked." He tries to avoid thinking about how he killed the last person he liked.

[awakeninwonder]

They hum. "Well, if either of us find other people to like, we can figure out what to do with them. For the moment though, you are the only person on that list. If it changes one way or the other, you'll know."

[fireinthesunrise]

"Same goes for you. To be clear, most of my liking was a lot more friend and a whole lot more clothes." He extends his fingers to lightly touch them.

[awakeninwonder]

They run their hand over his arm, then reach back to touch his hip. "It would have been fine if that hadn't been the case," they say. "Though I have to wonder if it played a part in you feeling alone. It seems like that's something both parts of you might have have experienced."

[fireinthesunrise]

"I think this kind of intimacy is uniquely human, despite us not being truly human," he says with a little amusement. "I think not being able to connect, for different reasons, is part of the old alone feelings."

[awakeninwonder]

They nod. "There seem to be so many ways that someone can feel alone," they muse. "I'm sure it's something I'll experience eventually, though I haven't encountered it so far. You have much more experience with it than I do."

[fireinthesunrise]

He hums thoughtfully and leans his head to them. "You weren't a being that came up as a social creature. However, you've been influenced by them. I wonder what it'll be like if you do experience it."

[awakeninwonder]

"I don't know," they say. "But the potential is there. At some point it seems likely to come up, but I'm not sure if it's something I would be bothered by. I think the expectation is that I might be, but I couldn't tell you if that would actually be true or not."

They shift so that they can press a kiss against him, something lazy and soft. "For the moment you're keeping me from experiencing it, which I'm fine with."

[fireinthesunrise]

"And I am grateful for," he says and hugs them to him.

[awakeninwonder]

They press into him as close as they can, nuzzling into his neck and leaving soft kisses there. Their arm wraps around his side, fingers splaying against his back as they make a pleased sound against his skin.

"We'll see what comes up from here," they say, leaving another kiss, this one under his earlobe. "But for now, I expect we'll be doing that together. Neither of us will worry about being alone for a while."

[fireinthesunrise]

"Having a future is nice, and having it with you will be something to look forward to," he says.

[awakeninwonder]

I agree."

They press into him until they've got him tipped onto his back. Then they settle on top of him, their lips against his neck. They're still exhausted, but they decided that this is where they want to be right now.

[fireinthesunrise]

He chuckles softly and puts his arms around them.

[awakeninwonder]

They make a somewhat curious sound against his skin, then lift their head to look at him.

"Are you amused?" they ask as they rest against him again. They probably won't stay here the whole time, but for the moment they are deeply content and are not planning to move.

[fireinthesunrise]

"At your desire to lay on top of me," he says and gives them a little squeeze.

[awakeninwonder]

They give a little shrug, then kiss his jaw. "I enjoy this," they say. "Being close to you has yet to disappoint me and I didn't see a reason to not find all the ways I can have that. At least for now."

[fireinthesunrise]

"I am very glad for all of that," he says and relaxes his arms so his elbows rest on the bed and he can touch their sides.

[awakeninwonder]

They stretch over him, then tangle their legs with his as they share a kiss. "I didn't know what was going to happen when I found you," they say, their voice reflecting their exhaustion. "But I'm pleased with the result. You're better than I expected you to be. You were worth tracking down."

[fireinthesunrise]

"I'm happy I was worth the effort." He pauses to yawn and settles himself just a little more into the bed and pillow. "I'm not sure what would have happened to me if you hadn't brought me home."