onebetter | Inbox for daybreakacademy

[ Sheesh, Keith, why won't you indulge him and let him Find Out What You Smell Like Through A Wolf's Nose! Rude! But alright. ]

You can change into a wolf at will, I got that. How's turning back?

[Quiet and then:]

That one's harder.

[He drags in a deep breath and lets it out slowly, brow furrowed as he looks at James.]

Today was the first time I've been in that form for years. The part of me that's wolf probably thought it'd never get the chance to come out again, so..... it wasn't easy.

[ James stays quiet for a moment. This sounds more than difficult to go through and putting himself in Keith's shoes even in fantasy is distressing. ]

How'd you do it? Is it just... focusing really hard?

[A nod.]

Focus. Having more willpower.

[A beat]

Being a wolf just... feels good, you know? [...] ..well, you don't know. Easy to get lost in that.

[ Imagining to be a wolf feels anything but good, it's mostly just inherently terrifying to James, but once he takes a step back and examines it from a 'nature and instinct' point of view, he thinks he understands what Keith might be getting at. ]

But you have the self-discipline not to. That's pretty admirable.

[He holds eye contact for a moment, but then looks away again swallowing down his initial response.]

You were lucky there was a dragon out there that I wanted to get away from. Don't count so much on my self discipline next time, okay.

[ 'Next time'. What a weird prospect. What a weird likely-yet-unlikely prospect.]

I won't. Anything werewolves hate that'd be useful just on the off-chance something happens?

[He gives this one a little thought before responding, but his expression's not exactly optimistic.]

Look. I've only been a wolf twice my entire life. I don't exactly have a whole lot of experience with things like that.

[It's not a fact he wants to admit to outright. Not to James, not to anyone because he's aware that this sounds nonsensical and it's just going to invite more questions. His shoulders are tense again already.]

If I had to guess... foul smells? Dunno if that'd be a deterrent to attacking though.

[And isn't it just peachy that he's now solidly confident that James is not a foul smell]

[ Twice...? As in, this was the second time? Whoa there. Kudos to Keith on the self-control, once more. This is such a weird situation and James is dying to ask how the first time happened, but he refrains. ]

Better than nothing, if it comes down to it. Though... you barely ever transform, so it is probably not going to be necessary ever.

Probably not.

[Or at least, he thought he could skate by with just his flame abilities, but he's less sure of being able to get through Nightfall without relying on his wolf form to some extent. Of course, there is also the option of simply not running away from threats and well.... maybe he can train up to get to the point where he doesn't have to.

There's a pause and then:]

What are you even doing on my bed.

[ ... oh, right. They're still closely placed side by side. Keith has considerably calmed down from his erratic state to notice and point out like this, so that's nice at least. ]

Solidarity. This conversation would not have rung the same from across the room.

[At any other time, Keith might've shot him an incredulous look and countered with a "how is your stupid body being close to mine supposed to contribute to a better atmosphere" but this time, he doesn't. It'd been nice that James hadn't run from the room to tell Claire that he wanted a new roommate. It'd been nice that he wasn't acting like he was diseased and needed to be physically avoided. But still, he can't let James have that point. At least not in full.]

Well get off before I bite you anyway.

[ James raises his eyebrows at that. ]

No gratitude around here. I'm not scared of your human biters either.

[ Yet, he stretches his legs out, preparing to slip off the bed with deliberate slowness. ]

[Keith watches James slowly start to peel himself off the bed, eyes trained more on the other's arm than anything else. Finally, after a few seconds he reaches out, obviously hesitant, as he places his hand on James' shoulder.]

... thanks.

[ The touch is unexpected and makes James stop in his movement completely in order to simply look at Keith. This is.... fairly new, between them. Maybe they've gotten another step closer to a real bond? He doesn't want to be hopeful, but he smiles. ]

Thank you for telling me, really.

[The eye contact makes Keith want to retract his arm and look away immediately, but he holds it for another moment.]

...you sure you don't want to move out? I wouldn't exactly blame you

[ James gives a firm nod. ]

Certain.

[ Moving out would fix nothing about this situation. Keith would just be assigned to someone else, who would not know what to expect from him or have even the faintest clue what to do. Someone as oblivious as James had been until today. What would be the point there? James isn't in danger now any more than before, the only thing that functionally changed is his mentality. That's the only rational approach. ]

We've only just figured out how to be good roommates, it'd be a pity to give it up.

[Ducking his head slightly, Keith takes his hand off his shoulder. It'd be a pity, huh.]

That sounds kinda sentimental, James.

[But as he settles back more comfortably, there's a small smile on his lips.]

Well. It is.

[ James has been spending weeks now trying to get Keith to understand that he cares about their relationship and he's not going to waste Keith's acknowledgement by denying it. Quietly, he climbs off the bed and remains standing in the room for a moment. ]

[That gets a brief stare, then Keith looks back down at his knees.]

...that's a first.

No, not really.

[ James makes his way back to his own bed, flopping down without seeking any more eye contact to Keith. ]

It's been sentimental for a good while now, you're just a bit slow.

That's not -- [Then before he blurts anything else further, he cuts himself off.] Whatever.

[ James lets that stand in the room for a little, face on his pillow and relaxing into it. Involuntarily, he yawns. ]

... I think I'm going to turn in early, this was a lot of excitement in one evening.

[And with that, Keith breathes out and bites his lip.]

Sorry. Again.

[And then sinking down lower into his own bed, his voice goes quieter.]

Good night

Sleep well, Keith.

[ James makes a point to personalize this simple goodnight wish with his roommates' name. One last effort for today, to drive home that they have a personal connection and that Keith is safe within it. One last effort to cement the trust that Keith had finally begun placing in him, much to James' contentment. ]

Inbox for daybreakacademy

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject