[ and here he thought he might be able to get away from this beach outing without looking like a tomato. aguero loves his boyfriend more than he thought possible, but sometimes he forgets that he's capable of saying things so casually that it's nothing less than a murder attempt. ]
Tatara, we're not married—yet. [ he's not sure how those words drop from his mouth but they do, his insides liquid like the sea. if only he could stop he thinks, but that would require him wanting to first.
he sighs, mostly to try to hide how hard his heart is hammering in his chest. ]
I didn't think I'd ever be talking marriage, especially not when I was basically eighteen...
Because who cares if they've only known each other for a few months. They've been through a lot already, and Tatara's so deeply and hopelessly in love with Aguero that he has dedicated almost all of him (minus the part of his heart that still rests with his king, of course) to him. No matter what happens, he never sees himself separating himself from him for any reason.
So he presses himself against his chest, feeling his heart pound in concert with his— ]
[ fff yeah he's definitely getting hair in his face and there's a funny expression that goes with it, at least until he starts laughing. ]
I get that a lot. [ even when he was smol he was still adult coded. he's grinning, bringing one hand to cup his boyfriend's cheek, squeezing playfully. ]
If I'm being strictly honest, my birthday was right around when you summoned me here, but our months don't line up so I'm definitely eighteen now.
And how old is my future-but-actually-now fiance? [ now is clearly the right time to try this word out, why not he's already dead. ]
[ Tatara laughs a little sheepishly at that. Man. He had no idea, no way of knowing. Khun is so much sharper, so much more intelligent than he is—and he's taller, bigger in so many ways...
Fiance makes his heart skip in his chest (he'll take a little while to get used to this, too), but he has a question to answer. ]
Well, I died at 22, a couple of months before my birthday. My birthday's probably already passed by now, but I haven't really been counting... [ Because he thought he would die anyway, lol ] I still think of myself as 22.
[ he lets his expression soften as he continues, because even if they're past all of that the topic of tatara's death still makes him want to hold his boyfriend tight and never let go. ]
You can be twenty-two forever though, because I say so. But I still want to celebrate your birthday when it comes around and Valentine's Day.
[ he's placing a kiss wherever for this he's not picky, because he has a lot riding on that day now okay! ]
It'll just be a bit longer than you're used to because we have thirteen months and not twelve.
[ He definitely doesn't feel older. He's always just been the kid, and that Aguero acknowledges him as older makes him laugh, bright and sheepish. ]
Birthdays where I'll always turn twenty-two? You really are magic.
[ Logically, that's not how this works, but he's going to attribute his weird circumstances to Aguero and thank him for it. He returns the kiss to his cheek with one of his own, wherever he can reach. ]
I know the wait will be worth it, because that means I get to celebrate with you. Every year for the rest of my life.
That really will be a long time if I have anything to do with it, you know.
[ things he's sure tatara knows, but he has another little confession to make. he smiles, not looking sheepish but a bit...devious. this is something he's been holding for a while both because he hasn't been sure how to address it and then the whole being dead thing, but now's finally the time. ]
People in the tower live to well over five hundred. We stop aging once we get to our prime, whatever that is. It's an effect the Tower has on our bodies, so it would happen to you too.
[ Tatara isn't even ready for twenty-five. Much less fifty. Or even a hundred!
The smile he offers Aguero is small and sheepish; he takes his hat from his head and plops it on him. There, now he has more room for mischief. ]
I think I'll concentrate on getting to twenty-three first. [ He wiggles in his spot, pressing his back to Aguero's as he shimmies down, eventually so that he can nestle the back of his head on his shoulder. ] There's not a lot of point if I don't make it there first...
[ A beat, and he tilts his head up to look at his face again. ]
[ aguero in turn waits until tatara is settled, adjusting his new hat on an angle to shade them both from the sun and the rest of the world. his arms drape securely around his boyfriend, a reminder that those years will be theirs together, because they're inseparable now.
the smile he offers is assured and overflowing with confidence in contrast. tatara doesn't need to do a thing including worry, aguero will take care of it all. ]
It better be for my sake. If you get anymore irresistible I won't be able to control myself at all.
[ he can barely do that now. ]
What about me? Do you think I'll grow more than I already have?
[ There's a cheeky glint to Tatara's eyes when he grins. They both know, though unsaid, that Tatara is always tugging at Aguero's fetters of self-control. Maybe it's okay if he ages a little more, he thinks. He pictures a day where Aguero literally can't keep his hands off him and—
He sighs, and lifts a hand to cup his opposite cheek. ]
Of course you will. You're strong already, but I know you have so much more room to become even more powerful.
[ He still fully believes Aguero will rule the tower one day.
His hand sneaks up his cheek, like he's counting the inches that make up his face. ]
[ he'll have to get so much stronger to even face his father, let alone stand a chance of beating him, but that's alright. there's a new sort of conviction he carries in him to do so, as aguero has no intentions of disappointing his boyfriend.
the bright flash of blue says as much, as does the sly grin that plays beneath tatara's fingers. ]
Oh? Do you have that much of an appetite for climbing, Tatara?
[ The glint of coral speaks for him before he can answer, and all he does is chuckle.
Tatara's tastes are pretty obvious, at least he thinks. And Aguero fits right in that box in ways he's a little too embarrassed to say out loud. ]
What? Does that surprise you? [ He grins, pink dusting his cheeks, and his fingertips begin to play with the ends of Aguero's hair. ] I am going to the tower with you, after all.
Not really~. [ he thumbs over the dusting admiring the colors, choosing for once to let his real impulse sit until later. this isn't mercy, this is just being opportunistic. ]
My father's very tall, so maybe you'll get lucky. I've been told I mostly take after my mother, though. [ he tilts his head slightly, enough so that tatara will have to chase after the strands without being completely out of reach. ]
What about you? We haven't really spoken about your family outside of HOMRA.
[ His eyes flutter at the touch, and his grin widens as his fingertips chase. For one moment, he inhales deeply, calming the painful beating of his heart in his chest. Aguero is gorgeous. He's so lucky.
As he twirls a finger around a strand of blue, he laughs. ]
Is there much to talk about? [ He'd much rather think about Aguero's mother and father and thousands of siblings. ] I don't have parents anymore, and I don't know if I have brothers or sisters. HOMRA's my family.
If you don't think so, then no. [ mostly he's just curious and it feels like now is a good time to squirrel away all he can about the love of his life without the pressure of anything else. ]
But I had to ask, just in case. [ now it's his turn to sigh, just a little sheepish. ] Baam didn't have family in the biological sense either, so maybe that's part of my type too.
A cave? [ A surprised look of sympathy flashes over his features for a brief second. A cave is pretty destitute of all things, but knowing this shifts his perception of Aguero just ever so slightly. Tatara knows he grew up rich, yet that he could fall for Baam—and now him, even though he doesn't know—tells him that material wealth doesn't mean much to him when it comes to love.
Not that he ever thought Aguero might have an ulterior motive. Like he ever doubted their relationship as sage and wizard ever changed anything. It didn't, it doesn't, he never did, but it's nice to know. ]
We had a roof over our heads, but we couldn't afford food, much less heating or AC. [ Or, like, proper bedding. ] It may as well have been a cave. Maybe cavemen are part of your type, too.
[ aguero's alterior motive is to spoil tatara rotten.
baam's case is different in that he was literally trapped there and left alone, but that's not important right now. he looks down at tatara, entirely serious. ]
You know I'll never let you want for anything, right? Even when we have to move or if suspendium values crash, I'll make sure you're always comfortable and never hungry.
[ A bit of his silly edge softens, and his fingers shift to press gently into Aguero's cheek. Tatara sees it in everything he does and says, and that devotion sits firmly and comfortably in his stomach. ]
And I'd do the same for you. Even if we ran out of food, I'd teach you how to forage.
[ Mm, he's a little low for a kiss on the cheek, so he'll opt for gently pinching Aguero's cheek instead. ]
[ forage... in the wilderness maybe. in society he'd sooner kill a man and steal his wallet, but those are thankfully details he doesn't need to worry about now. instead he lets him most of his edges soften under the pinch, even if he looks a little pouty about it. ]
Tatara. [ he knows, though he'd rather be the one doing all the work. as many skills as tatara has (varied, random, surprising), aguero acknowledges and appreciates the support he offers him personally. he needs the teasing, the care, the blind optimism as much as he needs his skills with a knife and political machinations.
a poke of the hand that pinched him back, mostly playful but with a hint of stray contemplation. ]
I know you're not a fighter, but you're probably going to be stronger there than you were here or back in Japan. You'll be an Irregular, someone who was born outside the Tower, and that lets you bypass some rules and restrictions that normally apply to everyone.
[ His fingers dance on Aguero's cheek in retaliation (?) for the poke, serene gaze resting on his boyfriend. He's cute when he pouts. He likes hearing his name. ]
Hm? [ Tatara and stronger don't usually go together in the same sentence, so he doesn't actually get what he's trying to say at first. He was never strong, not even with his Aura, especially now as a regular human. He's not sure how any of that would change in a worst case scenario.
His lips twist in amusement, and he tilts his head up to get a better look at him. ]
I haven't given you a summary of how the Tower works, right? [ he smiles, more than a little sheepish. ]
I didn't tell anyone, because I never expected to think back on my time here let alone take someone back with me. [ ahh, he can't help but go for a kiss on the hand that's tickling him. that's better even if it's not enough. ]
But essentially each floor in the Tower is ruled by an administrator. They're not a person, but something more like the Spirits of each country here. Whatever rules they establish govern the entire floor, such as no fighting on a certain day of the week, and requiring an exam to gain access and leave. They also control the environment: some floors are completely aqueous and others are toxic unless you ingest local flora to gain immunity.
Everyone in the Tower has to follow those rules as the system compels them to do so one way or another. But Bam was an Irregular and you'll be one too—someone outside the system. It also means you could learn techniques someone like me couldn't, if you wanted.
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Tatara, we're not married—yet. [ he's not sure how those words drop from his mouth but they do, his insides liquid like the sea. if only he could stop he thinks, but that would require him wanting to first.
he sighs, mostly to try to hide how hard his heart is hammering in his chest. ]
I didn't think I'd ever be talking marriage, especially not when I was basically eighteen...
1/???
[ You know. Just making sure he gets that point!
Because who cares if they've only known each other for a few months. They've been through a lot already, and Tatara's so deeply and hopelessly in love with Aguero that he has dedicated almost all of him (minus the part of his heart that still rests with his king, of course) to him. No matter what happens, he never sees himself separating himself from him for any reason.
So he presses himself against his chest, feeling his heart pound in concert with his— ]
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[ Tatara's head whips to look at him (and sorry if he gets hair in his face in the process). ]
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oops done
HUH?? ]
I thought you were over 20...?
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I get that a lot. [ even when he was smol he was still adult coded. he's grinning, bringing one hand to cup his boyfriend's cheek, squeezing playfully. ]
If I'm being strictly honest, my birthday was right around when you summoned me here, but our months don't line up so I'm definitely eighteen now.
And how old is my future-but-actually-now fiance? [ now is clearly the right time to try this word out, why not he's already dead. ]
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Fiance makes his heart skip in his chest (he'll take a little while to get used to this, too), but he has a question to answer. ]
Well, I died at 22, a couple of months before my birthday. My birthday's probably already passed by now, but I haven't really been counting... [ Because he thought he would die anyway, lol ] I still think of myself as 22.
/2 actually
See, you are perfect for me. I've always had a taste for older women and now men.
[ not that he's looking anymore, but this is his very aguero way of saying he's totally fine with it, that he likes it even. ]
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You can be twenty-two forever though, because I say so. But I still want to celebrate your birthday when it comes around and Valentine's Day.
[ he's placing a kiss wherever for this he's not picky, because he has a lot riding on that day now okay! ]
It'll just be a bit longer than you're used to because we have thirteen months and not twelve.
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Birthdays where I'll always turn twenty-two? You really are magic.
[ Logically, that's not how this works, but he's going to attribute his weird circumstances to Aguero and thank him for it. He returns the kiss to his cheek with one of his own, wherever he can reach. ]
I know the wait will be worth it, because that means I get to celebrate with you. Every year for the rest of my life.
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[ things he's sure tatara knows, but he has another little confession to make. he smiles, not looking sheepish but a bit...devious. this is something he's been holding for a while both because he hasn't been sure how to address it and then the whole being dead thing, but now's finally the time. ]
People in the tower live to well over five hundred. We stop aging once we get to our prime, whatever that is. It's an effect the Tower has on our bodies, so it would happen to you too.
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[ Tatara isn't even ready for twenty-five. Much less fifty. Or even a hundred!
The smile he offers Aguero is small and sheepish; he takes his hat from his head and plops it on him. There, now he has more room for mischief. ]
I think I'll concentrate on getting to twenty-three first. [ He wiggles in his spot, pressing his back to Aguero's as he shimmies down, eventually so that he can nestle the back of his head on his shoulder. ] There's not a lot of point if I don't make it there first...
[ A beat, and he tilts his head up to look at his face again. ]
When do you think my prime will be? Now?
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the smile he offers is assured and overflowing with confidence in contrast. tatara doesn't need to do a thing including worry, aguero will take care of it all. ]
It better be for my sake. If you get anymore irresistible I won't be able to control myself at all.
[ he can barely do that now. ]
What about me? Do you think I'll grow more than I already have?
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He sighs, and lifts a hand to cup his opposite cheek. ]
Of course you will. You're strong already, but I know you have so much more room to become even more powerful.
[ He still fully believes Aguero will rule the tower one day.
His hand sneaks up his cheek, like he's counting the inches that make up his face. ]
Hmm, and maybe a few centimeters on top, too...
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the bright flash of blue says as much, as does the sly grin that plays beneath tatara's fingers. ]
Oh? Do you have that much of an appetite for climbing, Tatara?
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Tatara's tastes are pretty obvious, at least he thinks. And Aguero fits right in that box in ways he's a little too embarrassed to say out loud. ]
What? Does that surprise you? [ He grins, pink dusting his cheeks, and his fingertips begin to play with the ends of Aguero's hair. ] I am going to the tower with you, after all.
[ —Wrong "climb," but. ]
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My father's very tall, so maybe you'll get lucky. I've been told I mostly take after my mother, though. [ he tilts his head slightly, enough so that tatara will have to chase after the strands without being completely out of reach. ]
What about you? We haven't really spoken about your family outside of HOMRA.
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As he twirls a finger around a strand of blue, he laughs. ]
Is there much to talk about? [ He'd much rather think about Aguero's mother and father and thousands of siblings. ] I don't have parents anymore, and I don't know if I have brothers or sisters. HOMRA's my family.
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But I had to ask, just in case. [ now it's his turn to sigh, just a little sheepish. ] Baam didn't have family in the biological sense either, so maybe that's part of my type too.
Though he grew up in a cave.
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Not that he ever thought Aguero might have an ulterior motive. Like he ever doubted their relationship as sage and wizard ever changed anything. It didn't, it doesn't, he never did, but it's nice to know. ]
We had a roof over our heads, but we couldn't afford food, much less heating or AC. [ Or, like, proper bedding. ] It may as well have been a cave. Maybe cavemen are part of your type, too.
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baam's case is different in that he was literally trapped there and left alone, but that's not important right now. he looks down at tatara, entirely serious. ]
You know I'll never let you want for anything, right? Even when we have to move or if suspendium values crash, I'll make sure you're always comfortable and never hungry.
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[ A bit of his silly edge softens, and his fingers shift to press gently into Aguero's cheek. Tatara sees it in everything he does and says, and that devotion sits firmly and comfortably in his stomach. ]
And I'd do the same for you. Even if we ran out of food, I'd teach you how to forage.
[ Mm, he's a little low for a kiss on the cheek, so he'll opt for gently pinching Aguero's cheek instead. ]
Between us, we can overcome anything.
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Tatara. [ he knows, though he'd rather be the one doing all the work. as many skills as tatara has (varied, random, surprising), aguero acknowledges and appreciates the support he offers him personally. he needs the teasing, the care, the blind optimism as much as he needs his skills with a knife and political machinations.
a poke of the hand that pinched him back, mostly playful but with a hint of stray contemplation. ]
I know you're not a fighter, but you're probably going to be stronger there than you were here or back in Japan. You'll be an Irregular, someone who was born outside the Tower, and that lets you bypass some rules and restrictions that normally apply to everyone.
But you won't need to fight.
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Hm? [ Tatara and stronger don't usually go together in the same sentence, so he doesn't actually get what he's trying to say at first. He was never strong, not even with his Aura, especially now as a regular human. He's not sure how any of that would change in a worst case scenario.
His lips twist in amusement, and he tilts his head up to get a better look at him. ]
What do you mean?
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I didn't tell anyone, because I never expected to think back on my time here let alone take someone back with me. [ ahh, he can't help but go for a kiss on the hand that's tickling him. that's better even if it's not enough. ]
But essentially each floor in the Tower is ruled by an administrator. They're not a person, but something more like the Spirits of each country here. Whatever rules they establish govern the entire floor, such as no fighting on a certain day of the week, and requiring an exam to gain access and leave. They also control the environment: some floors are completely aqueous and others are toxic unless you ingest local flora to gain immunity.
Everyone in the Tower has to follow those rules as the system compels them to do so one way or another. But Bam was an Irregular and you'll be one too—someone outside the system. It also means you could learn techniques someone like me couldn't, if you wanted.
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