hypomeneo | Open Post

Ye ol' general open post. Memes, PSLs, game divergence, Fate AUs... all of it finds a home here. NSFW. PM me or hit me at

Kerimeos for more plotting.

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[There's soft chuckling. At least Iskandar had enjoyed the flight, long as it was. A good long read, a hand held game, fairly decent inflight movies - there was plenty to pass the time when Iskandar wasn't looking out the window. Gordius Wheel doesn't travel so high.]

The return flight will be better that way. Hopefully.

[They're both staring. There's another tiny yawn as Waver turns, giving Iskandar a good view of his backside, and saunters to the bathroom.]

I'll get the water a nice temperature, then, in the meantime.

[There's the slight creak of a tap and the steady patter of the shower starting up a few minutes later. The slight sound of protest in the bathroom says it all. Waver just got jolted awake by a blast of cold water. Iskandar doesn't need to see to know his husband's face has suddenly gone sour as he fiddles with the taps for something more pleasant. He knows how he is when he's forced to wake up too suddenly.]

[It is true he spent most of the time when it wasn't pitch black dark yet glued to the window. Books, movies, games, that was later. How could he not? The view from above was unbelievable. Never before he saw land, cities and rivers almost unrecognizable, from such height.

Iskandar's eyes follow Waver as he leaves for the bathroom. He moves only when he can no longer see his husband. He chuckles hearing the protests, half expected them given none of them is exactly fully awake. He heard those kinds of yelps before. Surprisingly, somehow he finds that other bag almost instantly. Exactly where he remembered packing it. It's a bit baffling he couldn't find it before dinner but then his mind was on other things then so maybe that's not so surprising after all.

Having acquired what he was looking for Iskandar follows Waver to the bathroom. He taps on the glass before joining him in the shower.]

I've read that long flights are terrible for the hair. [He wraps his arms around Waver's waist and leans down to kiss his neck. It has only been minutes but he already yearns to touch him.] So I brought something special.

[Waver is covered in suds with his hair plastered down his back by the time Iskandar taps on the glass, a washcloth in his hands. Scrubbing himself down to remove the earlier evidence of their activities and probably giving a hell of an unintentional show while he's at it. The water is pleasantly temperate (not hot) and the Caster is luxuriating in it.

He smiles as Iskandar's arms wrap around him and his husband leans down to start kissing his next and hums as his own arms come up and he brings up the washcloth to begin sudsing up Iskandar's back. Really it's as much as an excuse to get his hands all over his king as much as to start cleaning him up.]

You read right. They're awful, especially in coach. [Which they thankfully avoided. Though Iskandar was curious to see what the other classes were like, and got a good look at cattle car class during the stretch where he got up to stretch out. There's a nostalgic chuckle.] Gray used to fret whenever we got off a red eye seeing me. She didn't fare too well either.

[Hoods and long hauls in economy do not mix. Period.]

Special? [Smiling up, curious.] What did you bring? Or is it a surprise?

Edited Date: 2020-05-26 09:26 am (UTC)

[The water is indeed the ideal temperature. Clear evidence that contrary to that first shock Waver was able to tame the alien faucet arrangements. Iskandar chuckles feeling Waver's hand reaching to his back. It might not be the most efficient way of cleaning themselves but it definitely is pleasant. Now that they are not in a hurry they can opt for pleasant. Which is exactly what he intends to do.]

Oh, that I can understand completely. There's a lot to fret about.

[Iskandar might have never met Waver's young apprentice and almost-a-daughter but from all the tales his husband shared with him, he knows he'd have liked her very much.

One thing he and the girl shared was an appreciation for Waver's hair. He has a feeling she would have agreed with him being constantly on the lookout for new products to keep them in good shape. Which brought him back to the topic in question.]

Nah, no surprise at all. Just something I got recommended when I admitted to the cashier lady that we'll be going on an international flight.

[Because he is himself Iskandar can't resist talking with all sorts of people. Sometimes it doesn't but most of the time it works to his benefit.]

It's a hair mask, 90% aloe plus some exotic algae. [He had tried a similar product in the past to rather disappointing result.] Of course, there are many of those but I have been recommended a very specific brand. [The lady had marvellous hair so it was easier for Iskandar to believe her advice to be valuable.]

[Waver smiles as he works the cloth in slow circles from Iskandar's ribs, down his flank, and to his hip. The hotel soap has a certain scent to it that's hard to place... fresh. Almost powdery on the nose. Like fresh linen.

Different than the soaps they use at home. Iskandar was known to treasure incense, perfume, and spice in history, and a text could go on about his and his army's love affair with saffron. The trend continues into modern day. Iskandar always smells good, especially after a shower.]

At the salon supply store? [Cashier lady.... cashier lady... they've come across many cashier ladies. At the market (grocery shopping for their household is always an entertaining affair). At various other stores and restaurants. At the sex shop where Waver can't help but dissolve into an embarrassed mess every time they set foot in it. Wherever they go, Iskandar has no trouble striking up a rousing conversation.] Or was it when we were shopping for luggage? Or...?

Wait. I think I know the one. At the international currency exchange, right? [Long, glossy, silk for hair.] That's what you were talking about, huh? [Waver had been distracted by passport matters at the time.] I was wondering how she got it that way.

Yes, exactly that one!

[Any moment he might think Waver is not paying attention, he'll be dead wrong. The lady wrote down the recommendation on the back of the exchange receipt, they chatted for a moment and she bid him a good flight. It wasn't that long but still Waver noticed. Iskandar forever marvels how observant his husband is. Nothing escapes him.]

You were busy with the passports and there was no line behind me so I didn't hurry and chatted with her for a while. You must agree she had splendid hair.

[Not unlike certain someone. Iskandar is sure she must have noticed that while he was chatting with her, he was also checking how Waver was doing. So she could have guessed the conditioner won't be for him. He was already content that he told her about their plans. He'd be even more content if the recommended product truly turned out as miraculous as described.]

Not as splendid as yours, of course.

[He wraps a strand around his fingers. There are so many things he loves in Waver but his hair are certainly very high on that list.]

Hm, I might be imagining things but they do seem a bit drier after the flight.

[He might. He is also plenty distracted by the most welcome of distractions. The washcloth is tickling his skin and next time he'd opt for a different choice of soap but it all matters little. As much as Iskandar loves to touch his lover, he equally enjoys being touched by him. There is grace in the subtle movements of his hands, long, elegant fingers, his wrists. It is mesmerizing.]

I wonder if they organise a dance night here.

[Managing a classroom and detective work trained that ability to split his attention well. It comes in handy in his godhood. And yes, Waver was paying attention particularly there. He didn't know if he had to call Iskandar over to help in the continuing saga of getting all the documentation established in order to get a passport and then go through everything required to obtain that pain in the ass piece of credentials that allowed a person to get through airports and borders.

Given they were non-native to the world gods, establishing everything was hellishly difficult (and of questionable legality, let's be honest). But even gods could get tripped by a lack of the right paperwork these days.]

Close though. [There's a slight smile as he accepts the complement, even though there's an internal and somewhat visible struggle with the instinct to immediately self depreciate. Be kinder to yourself. That's the mantra.] She obviously gives hers a lot of care.

The cabin was pretty dry. It's probably not. Your skin also feels like it got parched a little.

[Those elegant fingers sweep the washcloth along the front of Iskandar now, lingering strokes along his abs. Sweeping lower carefully. Both of them are probably still sensitive after their last bout of lovemaking.]

They might. I haven't had a chance to see their full program of events yet. But there's a good chance of it.

[There's a lot of outdoorsy offerings, transport to a nearby winter sports resort, an icebreaker cruise... but that's on the adventure side and had all the fanfare on the website when he was looking through what the resort had to offer. The quieter, more intimate activities didn't have the same level of advertisement, but all they had to do was ask to find out.]

That would explain why I felt so itchy on the last part. I swear, I thought I've got bitten by some insects while we still were in Japan.

[He doubts mosquitos could survive at any airport. Not with all the air conditioning, filters and UV lights. It might have been only mild irritation but it was still annoying, contributing to his overall restlessness. Maybe he should invest in some balm for the return trip. But that's a thought he has before his attention gets redirected.

Iskandar growls, catching the hand sliding down his body, keeping it in place for a brief moment before releasing. Sensitive, yes, but also very willing to repeat the act that had made him so. Maybe not this very moment, for at this moment he is still content, his hunger satiated, like a lion fresh from the feast. But it takes a few deeper breaths before he can to continue the conversation. It also makes him chuckle as he realises leaning down to kiss Waver's neck - and reach for the shampoo at the same time - how little it takes to ignite his hunger anew.]

We should definitely check that tomorrow then.

[Iskandar's initial plan was to wash Waver's hair not to make love in the shower but now he doesn't rule out either option. Still, hair washing goes first. He did not hunt this special conditioner, and most likely brutally overpaid buying it in an airport shop, for it to sit on the bathroom shelf now.]

Edited Date: 2020-06-21 03:01 pm (UTC)

Ugh. That sounds maddening. Maybe they've left something complementary in the cabin that can deal with any lingering itch.

We should get some lotion when we hit Helsinki on the way back. I didn't manage to get a one way flight on the way back, so we're going to be in the air longer returning.

[He will help rub it in of course. Waver will not pass up an opportunity to get his hands all over Iskandar regardless, and speaking of just that...

Waver's eyes darken in sudden interest as Iskandar catches his hand and keeps it there for a moment while his husband growls. There's another slow sweep of his hand before he relents for the moment, pressing into Iskandar as he pushes up on his feet for a moment, baring his neck more kisses. There's a throaty purr as he angles to capture his King's lips for a few of his own.]

We're both impossible, aren't we?

[He's not sure if it's because of how wonderful Iskandar is, or if his own sex drive has always been this way when not suppressed by depression, but they're well matched in hunger. But he's more looking forward to the intimacy and comfort of this particular ritual. Later. Nothing says they can't make love in the shower after if they feel up to it then.]

Tomorrow. Yes. [He hums.] Just be warned that I'm not a very practiced dancer. You might end up with some sore toes by the end of it.

[He might have the same agility stat as Iskandar, but physicality and co-ordination is a skill that's always an ongoing learning exercise, be it in fighting or dancing.]

Bah! It's just irritating. Nothing for you to worry about.

[Lotion might be a good idea. Getting help applying it is even better...

That alone speaks of where his mind is going at the slightest provocation. And not only his as Waver pushes back at him in response, exposing more of his beautiful neck for Iskandar to ravage. As his purr matches Iskandar's in hunger, every thrill of them flooding his veins with fire, making his body tremble with need. Iskandar lets himself get lost in their kiss.

But this flare-up of passion is as short-lived as it is pleasurable and sudden. It's time will come. Later. Still, Iskandar smiles when they part. Impossible, huh?]

We are but my husband is irresistible. What's your excuse?

[He releases Waver from his embrace without regret. What's to come will be as enjoyable albeit in a completely different manner. He opens to shampoo bottle, pours some on the palm of his hand, and then starts to gently massage it into Waver's scalp. It's not one of the aggressively foaming ones, that's rarely an indicator of quality and when it comes to his husband's hair, Iskandar won't tolerate anything even mildly inferior. Only the best things for his love.]

Hm, doubtful. You're clearly exaggerating. [Iskandar chuckles. We're not trying to enter competition, love. Just enjoy some music.] I don't know any modern dances but music is music. It can't be hard or people would stop doing it.

[There's a shiver of absolute want. Waver settles down back on his feet, pleasure thrumming through him thanks to the kiss, with lingering traces of heat thanks to that flare up of desire.]

Mine? The usual. My husband is being devastatingly handsome, charming, and alluring as always. How can I ever resist?

[There's a content sigh as Waver presses into his fingers like a cat seeking more scritches. This is always relaxing and pleasurable. It's going to take some time as he has a lot of hair to be scrubbed, but honestly that makes it better.]

Maybe I just need the right partner, then.

[Relenting with a smile. You've been warned. You know he can be a klutz.]

I think it depends on the dance, though. [He doesn't know - his knowledge is limited to the occasional episode of... er, Dancing with this or that, and his own fumbling attempts at ballroom while people snickered and he tried to figure out the moves and be a little less of an embarrassment. He's serious about the toes.] Some of them have fancy footwork. [... like fighting can have fancy footwork, his mind supplies.] ... aaaah, we'll figure it out.

[That shiver doesn't go unnoticed. Impossible? Yes. Utterly, completely hopeless. And he rather preferred it stayed that way.]

I see. Then we both have completely valid reasons and it simply cannot be helped.

[Iskandar snickers as he works his way slowly down from Waver's forehead to the base of his neck and then up again. Behold his flawless logic.]

It might be.

[Yes, he knows, but darling, you're light as a feather and he's sturdier than most people. He'll live.]

Remember when we went to Peru? I really liked the music they had there.

[Peru. For all the creepy disappearances, the masks, the cultists, air so thin you could barely breathe there, Iskandar liked one thing. All the people dancing on the street. Young and old. Tango, pasodoble, and a few other that he didn't have the faintest clue what they were.]

I wonder what is popular here.

How could I ever forget? That was a time.

[With a chuckle, and not thinking about the obvious cause of forgetting. He remembers. A massive ayakashi spider (and hopefully they won't encounter any here without their shinki, the biggest risk they're taking for this desperately needed vacation.) that was incredibly troublesome to Rend. The way Iskandar had been affected, the way Waver wasn't picking up cultist magic, and the long talk they had after about many things. Waver had truly thought his memories were influencing Iskandar; it hadn't helped that Eirene looks practically identical to Hishiri, something that had come up as the conversation progressed.

Air so thin that he had been winded easily despite the Caster upgrade hadn't been fun either.

But Peru had been fascinating culturally. Lush. And the music had been very catchy.]

We'll have to find out. [There it is. Iskandar has his heart set on dancing. So one way or another, they're going dancing.] But if I had to guess, it's probably some kind of ballroom.

[Waver groans in pleasure as Iskandar keeps massaging from his forehead to the base of his neck and back again.]

Mmm... that feels so good. [And now there's fingers rubbing his tension spots.] Especially right there.

Edited Date: 2020-06-24 06:37 pm (UTC)

[He's been so stupidly jealous. He knew it was stupid and yet he couldn't help it. It wasn't fair to neither of them. Not to Waver, not to his shinki. But they talked about it because that's what they do. Since the moment of Waver's ascension, there was nothing hidden, no secrets between them. Iskandar preferred it that way.

It didn't mean they had to tell each other everything. Not all things must be shared. There were details of their days, prayers, errands, that would be too boring to do so. Still, most often then not they told each other about how each of them spent their day anyway.]

You think so? [He hopes not. He saw how ballroom looks. Too much complication for too little or close to none physical contact. Completely not his style.] I hope it's nothing as formal.

[Iskandar shakes his head at how predictable Waver's reaction is. He gets him every time in the same spot but today it's worse than ever.]

Now, now. Don't squirm. I've got you.

[He rubs the offending spots with his thumbs applying pressure evenly in small circles.]

I really need to take care of you more often. I swear you've got knots for muscles.

[Iskandar moves his hands lower to massage Waver's neck and shoulders. They really need to take breaks more frequently. No matter what mayhem unfolds in both of their Temples. This is not healthy.]

Mmmmm... [Probably. But then again, he's only familiar with what's common in Mage Society.] Same.

... [Oh? Is he? Maybe a little.] ...

Hmph. Hard to when you're determined to make me a puddle on the floor.

[A bit of performative grumbling - made very weak by the moan his voice tapers into. Did he mention that feels good? It feels very, so very, good. But Waver holds still obediently.]

You've more than enough of your own that I want to work out. These last few months...

[Giving his husband massages is a great pleasure (the injuries when he overdoes it, Servant healing or not, not so much...) especially after training. That said, Waver? Waver is the one that shows the stress far more easily.

They've circled back to the topic they were talking about earlier, though. How they need more time together. How frantic the last few months have been. It going to get worse. With the Olympics for instance coming to Japan, prayers will be on the increase, and that doesn't count for their steadily increasing popularity.]

Do I really? I might stop.

[Of course, he won't. Who is he fooling? Doubly so when that moan makes the hair on the back on his neck stand up. He's trying to wash your hair, love... don't tempt him with unscheduled breaks... Not before hair mask at least.]

It's been rough, I know. I just ...

[Iskandar applies more shampoo to now wash the whole length of Waver's hair. It's almost painful how much he missed doing it.]

I don't want it to continue like that.

[Waver gets stress cramps. Iskandar just drinks away all his problems. Neither is a great coping mechanism.]

Mmmm... you do. [Fooling no one, darling.] But you're enjoying yourself. In a bit.

[Not before the hair mask. But you are due some pampering too, Iskandar.

Waver hums under his breath a bit. Here is a question that neither of them can really put off much longer. It doesn't mean Name more shinki... although it could and it might eventually mean that they'll need to (again something neither of them are at all thrilled about) ... but it does mean exploring ways to lighten the load, even if it means making deals with other Temples.]

Neither of us do. Do you think we should get some more help for our Temples? Or...

Edited Date: 2020-06-27 02:10 am (UTC)

[Iskandar chuckles.]

I do.

[Iskandar takes the shower head off its handle. Good thing it's one of the detachable ones, he hates when it's basically just a showerhead mounted on a stick. He needs some range of movement to rinse Waver's hair properly and don't risk getting all the shampoo into his eyes.]

I don't want to drop prayers for Ebisu. I like keeping good relations with his Temple. Besides they're fun. [They let him hit things. That's always fun. He can take all the tasks that require physical action or combat without any problems, just don't make him do paperwork.] And they are doing the legal stuff for us and I would hate to deal with that personally when it's a breeze for them.

But at that, you are completely right. We need to get some help. The Olympics would be a nightmare otherwise. This is definitely something we should think about. However, we can do this when we won't be on vacation. [Iskandar inspects the result of his work and finds it satisfactory. Now just the hair mask and they'll be done.] There will be plenty of occasions to worry about everything but right now I want us to relax and enjoy our free time.

[Iskandar is painfully aware it might not be in his power to stop Waver from worrying completely but at least he doesn't want to add fuel to that particular fire. Not when there are so many more pleasurable uses of their time.]

Could you turn the water off? I think it's time to see if the magical algae are really as magical as advertised.

[That... and previously mentioned unscheduled break can happen too...]

[That's the problem with having as much hair as he has. It's more of a challenge to get completely clean without missing a spot. Waver tilts his head to help get it all out; today is not a day when the suds manage to get everywhere anyway.]

I wouldn't want you to either. Your hunts make you happy. There's not enough gods willing to spar hanging around the Heavens, anyway. [Not to say there are none. They're not the only war gods hanging around. It's more the fact that the Old Gods generally don't like mixing with the New, even if there are exceptions to the rule.] They've been good to us. There's no reason to change things there.

[That said, of them, Waver can't escape the dreaded paperwork. Ever. Even if he has to deal with less than in his Lord days.]

God, the Olympics... I remember London's in 2012. Madness. [Sigh. There's a slight smile. Okay, okay. It's on the backburner for now. Waver's content it will be dealt with later.] When we get back, then. We'll see what our shinki have to say about things first.

[Waver twists slightly to turn the tap off. The water stops raining down, reduced to a drip from the showerhead. He moves closer, pressing into Iskandar and seeking a little warmth, despite the bathroom air being anything but chilled.]

There.

[Waver's fingers press into Iskandar's back, running up and down, seeking those knots and rubbing briefly before relenting to allow him to grab the bottle and crack it open. Promising some attention once the hair masque is working its magic.]

Mmm. It smells good. I wonder what the other ingredients are.

Edited Date: 2020-07-04 04:01 am (UTC)

[Iskandar would argue that length of hair is never the problem. Idiotic shower design on the other hand, yes, that's a real problem.]

Yes. It could be good to hear their opinions.

[For those that have them ... Iskandar shakes his head banishing the uncomfortable thoughts. They are here to relax, he'd deal with problems when they get back home. Besides he can do absolutely nothing about the problem from half-way across the world. So he can as well stop wasting time thinking about it. He wasted enough already.

Ultimately Waver's slender fingers massaging his back chase away all the remaining thoughts of trouble. Iskandar sighs with contentment. It feels so good.]

Let me check. It should have list of ingredients on the back.

[Iskandar flips the bottle lifting it up so they can both see the label.]

Why do they always have to write it in such tiny letters? [He frowns.] Right, there's aloe. 90% like it's written on the front. Water. Fine, makes sense. This ... huh? I won't even attempt reading this name but I think it's the algae. But what on Earth is Melissa Officinalis?

[Yes, Ada and Eirene would agree with anything they said. Not that they don't encourage their soulless to voice their own opinions all the time (the trick Waver finds is to have the other ask what they think is best for their own god - it works with their natures to serve and protect) but it's... difficult. The rest of their shinki... there's other difficulties, but not that.

Mmm, but the hair mask distracts from those thoughts as Iskandar flips up and displaying the bottle, and Waver makes a curious sound as he peers forward, squinting. Which is then followed by a 'hrmph!' and a peeved frown. Talk about the fine print!]

Tell me about it. You almost need a microscope to read that. [A slight exaggeration, but he's grousing for the sake of their eyes.] Melissa Officinalis? Sounds like a scientific name.

[Waver's brow furrows as he thinks.]

Ah... hell. Officinalis is... lord, it's been a while since I did anything to do with Latin... means officially used as a medicinal plant. Melissa? Something to do with bees.

Botanical extract, in other words. Probably something herbal. We should google it later.

[If they remember. They probably won't.]

[It requires no small amount of mental gymnastics to wrangle any opinion from either of their soulless. A harrowing process which Iskandar hates. Waver is so much better at it than he is. He seems to always know how to steer the conversation to get the answers he wants in the end.

The other shinki...eh. Those do not lack personal opinions. The way they express them however... Iskandar decides he really doesn't want to think about it now. He's on vacation.

Hair mask then!]

Hm, so they write here you have to wait 20 minutes after application for it to work.

[Iskandar squeezes a small amount of the product into his palm. The consistency surprises him. He's used to conditioners, and hair masks especially, being heavier. This one is a clear and transparent gel. Huh? Would it even work?]

Any ideas what could we possibly do during those 20 minutes?

[Iskandar knows what he wants to do and judging from Waver's reaction, his husband has a similar plan. Still, he really likes to hear from Waver what Waver would like his king to do to him.]

[Any further thoughts on their shinki die as his husband squeezes the gel into his palm. The Caster tilts his head curiously at it too. Gels aren't usual for hair masks - not commercial or the ones Waver makes to help store mana in his hair. This is going to be interesting.

Waver groans in pleasure as Iskandar begins to massage the product into his hair, working his fingers over his scalp in deft strokes. He draws one finger down his King's chest before going to work out those aforementioned knots in Iskandar's shoulders and back.]

I believe we both pointed out that each of us has far too many knots. [As he kneads one particularly stubborn one right at the base of his husband's neck. Is he rising on his feet to do so? Maybe a little. Is he pressing into Iskandar, being absolutely distracting? Absolutely.] I say we get rid of all that tension.

[Unusual it is. It looks as if it would just slide off but surprisingly, the gel stays in place and while Iskandar can't swear he's not imaginign things but it seems to soak in.

Iskandar chuckles in response to his husband's delighted groans. Oh he knows, you like it. He likes it too. But Waver does more than just groan. And Iskandar is equally delighted by what he proposes.]

A marvellous idea.

[He leans into those fingers with a low growl rumbling from deep inside his chest.]

How unfair to distract your King when he has both hands occupied and can't respond in kind. Please, don't stop.

[Waver chuckles as he keeps massaging that spot, working his fingers slowly down Iskandar's spine. That low growl causes his heart to skip a beat, and he shivers, shifting his hips against his husband teasingly. No fair? Of course! That's part of the fun winding Iskandar up, as his love winds him up in turn.]

Are you saying I should be the one with my hands... mm... 'tied up'? Is that it? [Dirty talk, dirty talk. He's trying here and utterly red.] I'm game later, if we can find something appropriate for that.

[You and Iskandar both brought ties. You're set.]

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