open to EVERYONE, even those he hasn't met yet

[narcolepsy]

[ baein has been busy the past weeks, cooping himself up in his little cottage when he hasn't been to the treehouse to welcome the new life into the world along with everyone else. and he already left something behind for the little one, but the truth of it all is that's not the only gift he's been preparing.

it feels like it's the only thing he can do.

christmas isn't really something he ever celebrated back when he was still just baein, stuck going to a university for a degree he didn't care for. when jasper and princess were the only bright things in his life, and thinking back on that time now it feels so long ago and a little faded, if not a memory with his boyfriend in it. now... now jasper is there, but also not, and baein is so melded with the forest he never quite feels alone in a sense of the word. (until he does feel a little lonely sometimes.)

the ruinwood is his home. and it's made him part of it in a way he'd never anticipate in his life. and yet, it still doesn't feel like it's finished with him.

back to the present, it is yuletide, christmas, or more importantly now than ever, it's the time around the winter solstice, and baein emerges from his hidey-hole with a bundle of soft things in his arms, heading for the treehouse. (maybe it's also to steal a hug from someone. what? he's touch starved half the time he's alive and he just wants a cuddle please and thank you.)

this time around, he knocks on the door with his elbow instead of walking right in, hands too occupied trying to balance the load in his arms. ]

Whoouups—

[ he stumbles slightly with wide eyes before righting himself, and then calls out. ]

Knock knock~!

Comments

[narcolepsy]

I belong to others?

[ baein laughs, unoffended, light and comforting. the kiss is just that too, light and simple, comforting. just a sense of existing. and baein enjoys it for what it is. ]

I belong to myself first and foremost. And you're not in the way, Koa. I very much enjoy having you here with me.

[koafox]

Your heart does.

[narcolepsy]

My heart is as large as I want it to be.

[ implying he's making space for whoever he wants there. ]

[koafox]

[ his eyes soften for a moment before sharpening. ]

This world doesn’t deserve you.

[narcolepsy]

[ baein blinks up at the fox, taken back by the sudden change in his voice. ]

Ah?

[koafox]

There are people that don’t deserve that much. Be careful who you let in.

[ he sighs softly. ]

I could just bite them, though, I suppose.

[narcolepsy]

[ baein's expression falls into something soft and almost vulnerable before he closes his eyes for a second and nods. ]

... I'll be careful. But I have full faith in everyone I know.

[ then his lips curl up and he chuckles. ]

And I'm sure any ill-meaning creature will think twice before doing something bad, knowing you're here to protect me and all.

[koafox]

[ for a moment he isn’t sure if he’s making fun or him or not but, no, he wouldn’t do that.

He steals one more kiss and leans around him to take his tea back so he can finish it. Stays closer than they had been before. ]

Ill-meaning creatures don’t think.

[narcolepsy]

Mm... perhaps you're right about that.

[ yes, bae has fought the darkness from beyond the forest, and it doesn't seem to be having a conscious mind in that way, but then again, it's doing what it knows: it devours.

he returns the kiss lightly, and then relaxes against the fox beside him. ]

[koafox]

[ the last few sips of tea are taken and he sets the cup aside again before he slouches against the pillows comfortably. ]

You’re strong enough to take care of yourself but I’m here just in case.

[narcolepsy]

[ baein's taken his own cup to finish his tea in the meantime, but he smiles brightly at koa at that. ]

That's mutual.

[koafox]

[ there’s a brief little nod and he reaches out to lightly ruffle some of the others still damp hair. ]

You’re cute.

[narcolepsy]

[ baein leans into it, and sing songs his voice. ]

Hello pot, I'm kettle.

[koafox]

[ koa smiles softly and gives Baeins hair a gentle tug. ]

Hello Kettle.

[narcolepsy]

Ow.

[ there's no heat behind it, and baein drains the last of the tea in his cup before he puts it away on the table before he goes to gently jab koa in the side. ]

[koafox]

Oh, no. Do I need to kiss it better?

[ there’s another little tug before he jolts away from the little jab with a tiny yelp. ]

[narcolepsy]

Hmm, maybe.

[ baein blinks up at him, and then he smirks. ]

Oho. Are you ticklish?

[koafox]

No.

[ Yes. He absolutely is ticklish. Don’t exploit this in front of strangers, please and thank you. ]

[narcolepsy]

No? You sure about that?

[ he holds up both hands his time, wiggling his fingers. ]

[koafox]

Baein.

[ it’s said in that You wouldn’t dare tone and he’s already slowly creeping further away on the bed. ]

[narcolepsy]

Koa.

[ baein grins brightly, unmoving, hands still in the air as he cocks his head to the side innocently. ]

[koafox]

[ the swish of his tail is unintentional. He’s trying to look like he doesn’t want this…weird…innocent…flirty thing they’re doing BUT…

…dammit he’s too interested. ]

You won’t chase me.

[narcolepsy]

[ his eyes dart to the tail and then to koa's ears before he meets his eyes again. ]

Oh? You want me to chase you now?

[koafox]

Absolutely not. Why would I want that?

[ don’t LOOK at it!

It just moves a little faster as he slides a little more away… ]

[narcolepsy]

Hmm, no, why would you.

[ baein purses his lips in thought, hands slowly lowering sheepishly(?). ]

Silly of me to think that.