A DGM Lucky fic
By SisterWicked
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Well, this is a birthday fic for Hakoro. It's pretty late (as usual) but hopefully she'll still be pleased. AU, and all that that entails. Happy Birthday, Minion #1!
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Ignoring the persistent scratch of the normally thigh-high grass against the side of his neck, Tyki reminded himself again that his profession of choice was both worthwhile and lucrative.

When the damn coaches ran on schedule.

Shrugging away from what felt suspiciously like a curious insect, he eyed the barren strip of roadway sourly, wondering if he should risk standing to stretch his crouch-stiff muscles. Deciding that the situation could hardly get much worse, he pushed himself upright, groaning faintly at the crackling ripple of his now-straightened spine. Lifting his arms over his head, he blinked in surprise as the crackling intensified with the motion, mildly alarmed by the sound.

Glancing down at himself speculatively, he cursed at the sight of a fast-approaching vehicle, snorting belatedly at his misidentification of the noise. Taking hold of his smallish crossbow, he stepped to the side of the track, making certain that he was clearly visible to the brown-cloaked driver.

His weapon of choice was based on previous experience, as was his by-the-wayside stance, both having been proven valuable to the waiting brunette. Recalling several near-misses by determined drivers and a similar number of jammed and misfiring pistols, he winced. Yes, however awkward to carry and restring, the crossbow was eminently preferable to powderburns and ridicule. As was not standing in front of a hurtling wood-and-metal object.

Seeing the driver's face harden, he lifted his arm steadily, loosing a bolt only just above the crown of his head. The man hauled backward on the reigns in startled fear at his accuracy, his eyes wide as the brunette calmly reloaded. "The next won't miss, Sir." He called loudly. "Do be so kind as to dismount, I'd hate to have to bury someone as large as yourself tonight." Smiling at the other's quick nod, he kept his weapon leveled as he approached, mindful of the dangers of loosened horses as well as human desperation. Indicating the side boxes with a jerk of his head, he stretched out a hand expectantly. "The keys, if you would. And don't stand there gawping as if you expect to be murdered outright, I rarely kill cooperative people. Just toss me those and step to the side, yes?"

Deftly catching the weakly thrown keyring, he located the lock hasp by feel, still attending to the other man's position. Feeling the tumblers unlatch, he pushed open the lid, risking a quick glance inside.

Nothing.

Inhaling quickly, he allowed the lid to drop, striding rapidly around the front of the carriage to the opposite box. Repeating the process, he blinked at the small parcel of what appeared to be clothing inside, a rapid shifting assuring him that no items of value were concealed within the material.

"What the Devil is this.." He muttered to himself, looking again at the now-crumpled garments. While ornately textured and free of wear, they were hardly opulent in a way that would suggest sales value alone, and some even sported faint nicks and pulled threads here and there. Eyeing the driver warily, he took a breath to calm himself. "Where is your cargo, Sir?"

The man shook his head mutely, his eyes widening even further as the brunette stepped closer. "You saw yourself! There's none, just my clothes-"

Tyki snorted incredulously, shaking his head. "Yours? Oh, let's not be ridiculous.. If you could squeeze either cheek of your ass into any of those, I'd kiss it." Sobering, he gestured the man further into the brushline. "If not in the trunks, it must be either under the seat or inside. My guess is on the latter, hm?"

The other's face went almost impossibly pale, his hands waving frantically. "Nossir, I'm on my way to get it, that's why.. I have my passage fees, you can have them-"

Waving off his blubbering, Tyki reached for the door's handle, smiling at the thought of what could possibly unnerve the driver so. "No, you'll need them for the tolls once you leave, won't you..?" Flinging open the door, he faced forward, his smile widening in anticipation. "Let's just have a look-"

He faltered at the sight that met him, unaware of his still-moving mouth as he stared.

The boy could hardly have been a minute past twenty, his bright hair drawing the man's eyes upward despite his shock. Shaking off his startlement, he inhaled sharply, glancing belatedly over the rest of the boy's half-hidden figure. He was thin, but not in a way that suggested weakness, and his skin was lightly tanned where it appeared outside the cuffs and neckline of his casual clothing, healthy and unblemished though mildly pallored with anxiety. His garments were a close match in both size and style to the ones he'd previously discovered, but were obviously much newer and of a finer make.

His tightly fisted hands sported a few largish rings, the stones glinting in the faint light. He exhaled shakily, bringing the man's attention to his wide-eyed face. His features were soft without the femininity so commonly found amongst the higher nobility, but the stubborn tilt of his finely rounded chin belied his obvious anger at the intrusion. His mouth was flattened into an irritated line, but Tyki thought that his lips were much more accustomed to smiles and laughter.

Humming quietly, he weighed the obvious benefits and detractments of taking on a living prize, his gaze fixing on the boy's wide green eye. For the first time, he noticed that one was covered by a simple black patch, the other's fiery hair half covering the accessory until one looked closely. Smiling faintly, he inclined his head, stretching out one hand. "Good Evening.. Would you mind joining us out here, Pretty? I'd like to have a better look at you."

To his credit, the boy's hand was steady, but rather than accepting the proffered arm he took hold of the doorframe, glaring at the other as he stepped into the sunlight. "Don't call me that. And what do you need to see me for? We don't have anything you'd want." He patted his obviously empty pockets, flicking one hand at the bemused highwayman as if to shoo away a mosquito. "Now, why don't you run along and find something else to do? We have people who aren't degenerates to meet soon."

Tyki laughed at his bravado, gesturing at him briefly. "I'm sure you have plans for the evening, but I wouldn't go so far as to say your associates aren't degenerates." Smiling narrowly, he shrugged. "If they're anything like the nobility in this district, they're as much cutthroats and scoundrels as anyone else." Waving him in the general direction of the forgotten driver, he smirked at his tense stride. Giving in to a moment of foolery, he patted the boy's retreating backside firmly, laughing at his indignant squawk. "Now, I could completely believe that this ass is the one the clothes were intended to fit."

His humor faded at the murderous gleam in the redhead's eye, unwillingly backing up a halfstep when he whipped around to face him. "Don't do anything unfortunate, now. I would hate to scuff the merch-"

The boy advanced to match him, his bejeweled hands fisted by his sides. "Touch me again and I'll show you a scuff. You keep your thieving hands to yourself or I'll break them off." Spitting abruptly in the vicinity of the brunette's feet, he took a quick breath. "It's lowbrow vigilantes like you that make the upper class the way they are. If there weren't hundreds of moneygrubbing bastards like you spread out over the entire country, there wouldn't be any need for people just as vicious to deal with you." He laughed shortly at the man's rapidly coloring face, shaking his head. "Does that hurt your feelings? Too fucking bad. As long as you have a choice in what you do with your life, you're no better than garbage if you make a living off of other people's suffering."

Resisting the urge to slap him, Tyki mentally counted to ten before replying. "And how do you make your living, Pretty?" He deliberately stressed the word, snorting at his enraged expression. "Do you tend your Mother's flowers? Or maybe you help Daddy plan his tax collections.. Or perhaps you make good use of your looks and entertain the guests? What use are you, and exactly what do you contribute to this world, rich boy?"

The redhead drew back visibly, his cheeks regaining their previous pallor. "I do what I'm told."

Averting his face, he nodded at the increasingly shaken driver, his voice only loud enough to be heard. "He told you the truth. There's nothing of any real value aboard." Indicating himself negligently, he sighed. "You won't get a ransom either, if that's what you're thinking. The only people who'd pay for me are where we're headed.. And they wouldn't pay you, because the money is on hold until they're sure that they've gotten what they're paying for."

Hearing the brunette's disbelieving snort, he nodded. "You don't have to take my word for it, but if it's money you want, you'll have to sell me to someone. Are you going to kill him?" The change of subject and his matter of fact tone surprised the other, but he continued as if asking about the chance of rain. "You don't need to. He's only hired to take me out and bring a letter back, I don't even know his name."

The aforementioned man stepped timidly forward, his hands clasped nervously. "It's Carter, Sir... Granville Carter. And I was hired to ensure your safe arrival, not hand you off to some-"

The brunette eyed him sharply, glancing from one to the other in thought. At last, he sighed, digging a hand into his hair. "He's unarmed, as are you. No matter what you may think of me, I've never stooped to needless killing." Taking hold of the boy's nearest arm, he pulled him in the direction of the still-open lockbox, nodding at the clothing within. "Get that out of there and close it." Shouldering the door closed, he waited while the redhead gathered his possessions, wondering if he was making as big a mistake as he suspected he was.

Watching him bundle the items clumsily into what looked like an open shirt, he shook his head. "It doesn't need to be perfect, boy. Just manageable." Looking at the fidgeting driver, he jerked his head toward the front seat. "Go. The nearest town is hardly more than a handful of huts, so it'll be quite some time before you can drum up any trouble for me." Frowning at his imminent protest, he lifted his weapon decisively. "Go. Unless you want to spend the night digging a bolt out of yourself."

The man swallowed noisily, looking from the stern brunette to the silent redhead. "Sir-"

The boy cut him off with a sickly smile, shaking his head. "It'll be all right, just go. Please."

Still clasping and unclasping his hands, the man mounted the step, taking the reins with clear reluctance. "I'm sorry, I should have ducked and run him over, Sir."

The brunette's eye twitched faintly at the remark, his arm lowering slightly before rising to aim. "Move along, before I change my mind. Run me over, indeed."

Watching the carriage as it trundled out of sight, he turned to regard the boy at his side, frowning at his emotionless face. "Well, I suppose it's just you and I now, hm? Let's at least attempt some show of civility." Inclining his head, he smirked. "My name is hardly famous, but I'll give it all the same.. Tyki Mikk, at your service. And you are..?"

The redhead eyed him blandly for the span of several seconds, making no effort to return his introduction. Then he sighed tiredly, shrugging. "Nobody you would have heard of. Are we just going to stand here until someone else comes along..? It'll be hard to rob a carriage with a hostage, won't it?" Gesturing at the opposite side of the road, he pulled his arm away deliberately. "You've got a horse over there, don't you? I'd hate to think you're so bad at this that you have to walk around the countryside.."

Tyki scowled at him, shaking his head. "I do well enough. What's wrong, are your tender little feet not suited to walking?" He spared a glance at the other's footwear, mildly surprised to find him wearing rather serviceable boots as opposed to the expected fashionable but useless shoes of the upper class. Somewhat at a loss to explain the open conflict of the other's manner versus his appearance, he carefully stored the matter away for later musing. "Let's get to it, then. No foolishness from you, or I'll have to tie you to the horse.. I doubt you'd like that very much."

The redhead snorted in reply, allowing himself to be led into the brambles by the wayside. Pushing through them, the man whistled quietly, nodding in the direction of a faint whicker. "You can ride, can't you? The last thing I need is some pampered fop of a boy spooking the beast.."

For the second time he found himself facing the other's blazing eye, the impression only slightly softened by the first instance. "Don't talk to me like that. You don't know the first thing about how I've lived, let alone what I can and can't do." The redhead's tone lowered to a growl, the hand holding his possessions closed with whiteknuckled force as he spoke. "If all you know how to do is insult people, then keep your fucking mouth shut. You make yourself look even worse by taking your jealousy out on me." Taking a breath, he shook his head at the brunette's clear anger. "You don't even have any reason to be jealous of me. I've taken a bath in the last week, and I have nice clothes. Big deal."

Incensed by the reference to his hygiene, Tyki hissed sharply. "Are you implying that I don't bathe, boy? Exactly what are you basing your bigotry on?" Seizing the redhead's shirtfront, he hauled him forward until they were almost nose to nose, ignoring the quiet thump of the other's hastily dropped parcel. "Take a nice, long sniff. Do I smell unpleasant, or look as if I spend my days wallowing in filth? Answer!" He shook him roughly, his ire fueled by the lack of fear in the boy's face. "I'm no dirtier than you. Every word you speak only enforces your own stupidity, assuming that you know anything of me."

The boy jerked away with a quick snarl of anger. "I didn't say you stink, I only said that there's nothing for you to be jealous of! I would rather smell like an honest day's sweat than reek of perfume and rose oil!" Pointing at himself, he shook his head rapidly. "Do you have any idea how uncomfortable some of this shit is? Hooks, ties, buttons.. My God, you really must be remedial if you think I want to wear clothes that you can't even move in!" Glaring at his raised hands as if seeing them for the first time, he snorted. "And these things, what use are they? I can't hold a quill without cracking the damn things against each other, and they feel like they weigh ten pounds! Do you want them? Here. Hold out your hand, we'll call it a favor." Yanking the rings free, he dropped them one by one into the startled man's cupped palm, flexing his fingers with a sigh. "Now I'll just wait to see if the sensation comes back. Do whatever you want with those, I don't care if you fling them in the bushes. They aren't even mine."

Turning in the direction of the now almost curious sounds of equine response, he stepped forward. "Come on, it'll be dark soon, right? I don't mind walking, but I really don't want to stumble through stickerbushes at night." Hearing the other's quiet agreement, he peered ahead, humming at the quick sense of motion nearby. "Of course it would be black.."

Tyki placed a restraining hand on his elbow, moving to stand in front of him. Regarding him seriously, he pointed at the now visible horse. "It has a name, and also a very particular temperament. If you raise your voice or squirm to excess, he may do something extremely painful." Motioning for the redhead to stay put, he stretched a hand toward the creature's muzzle, stroking along one side of it with obvious affection. "Sleipnir was a gift, but he has more value to me than a hundred stolen or purchased mounts.. And he more than lives up to the name when need be. Treat him with respect and you'll be fine."

Glancing at the boy, he smirked at his raised eyebrow. "Or you could find out how sharp his teeth and hooves are. Whichever you prefer." With a final pat to the animal's lowered head, he urged the other forward, indicating that he should sit to the front. "Up you go.. And remember, no foolishness." Holding the horse's bridle, he nodded approvingly at his easy mounting, noting that the boy settled firmly into the saddle. "A moment-"

The redhead wrapped one hand into the reins, kicking the animal's flanks with both heels. For a moment, there was no response, and then the horse exploded into motion, its forefeet leaving the ground as its back arched with vicious intent. The boy found himself abruptly in contact with the damp ground, his backside smarting even as he struggled to catch his breath. Blinking upward at the shape between himself and what could only be a demon in the shape of a common animal, he wondered if the horse shared the brunette's sentiments.

Apparently it did, as he lived long enough to remember how to inhale. Coughing to clear his throat, he pushed himself backward carefully, halting when his back met the firm surface of a tree trunk. Levering himself to his feet, he groaned at the lingering soreness of his muscles. "Oh, God.."

Assured that the horse understood his intervention, Tyki rounded on the boy fiercely, stalking forward to take hold of his arm. "Damn it, I told you didn't I? If you'd tried that stunt without me holding him, I'd be finding a soft patch to plant you in." Jerking the redhead back to the animal's side, he boosted him roughly back into the saddle, joining him immediately. Nudging at it's sides, he allowed it to proceed without direction, continuing to berate the still-dazed other waspishly. "Don't ever do that again. And stay away from him unless I'm with you, he tends to hold a grudge."

The boy nodded faintly, shaken by the rapid course of events. "Won't.. Sorry I kicked 'im so hard." Closing his eye against a surge of nerves, he laughed brittly. "We going far? My ass is killing me already.."

Tyki snorted quietly, shaking his head tiredly. "Quite a ways, I'm afraid. And I think it serves you right." Patting the horse's shoulder, he sighed. "How would you feel, if someone just up and kicked you like a pack mule? You had as much reason to do that as you say I have to take out my irritation on you, Pr-" He frowned, cutting himself off. "You never gave me your name, you know. Unless you want me to call you by something of my choice, you should see to that."

The redhead sighed, shifting awkwardly in search of a comfortable position. "Considering that you're on your way to sell me, I don't think it matters what you call me." He stiffened at the other's low laugh, inclining his head without turning. "I'm glad you think it's funny. That's all the more reason to keep my name to myself, right? At least no one will be able to carry the tale of my poor, pitiable state to the gossipmongers."

The brunette hummed curiously, leaning to one side to avoid a badly placed branch. "What makes you think I'm off to market with you, boy? I could intend to keep you for my own purposes." Hearing the other inhale sharply, he shook his head. "Setting that aside, I don't find it particularly amusing that you expect to be mistreated. I would also expect quite a bit more complaint at the notion of servitude.. You seem more bothered by the chance of discovery than anything." The redhead's renewed shifting made him sigh, one hand moving to press against his lower chest firmly. "Move back, if you need to. The saddle is hardly meant to accommodate more than one."

The boy resisted his hold, leaning forward. "I'm fine right here. And you selling me off doesn't bother me because that's pretty much what I was heading for, anyway." He growled at the man's persistent tugging, whipping his head around angrily. "Stop it! If I get any closer, I'll be in your lap."

Tyki laughed, shrugging. "That would probably be more comfortable.. But suit yourself, it isn't as if I mind having you right where you are." He smirked at the other's instant stillness, lowering his hand fractionally. "You should have a care, though.. All this wiggling about may cause an entirely different reason for discomfort."

The redhead's eye widened, then narrowed in renewed anger. "I already told you not to touch me. You're not doing yourself any favors by being crude, either. Of course I expect you to do what you want with me, because that's what you do, isn't it? You take whatever you can get your hands on and sell it off to whoever's willing. Things or people, it doesn't matter to you." He faced front abruptly, his shoulders hunched to create as much space between them as possible. "You're just like the people you make fun of. Nothing matters to you but getting what you want, even if other people have to suffer for you to have it."

He shook his head in disgust, brushing at the man's hand. "You'll get more for me if you keep your hands to yourself. And you won't have to worry about my being mistreated, since I'm sure that people didn't buy household help on the open market.. The only ones who get bought and sold that way are slaves and whores. Neither of those are particularly well done by, are they?"

Tyki reigned in his horse sharply, turning the other's head forcibly to meet his gaze. "So which are you claiming to be, then?" He ignored his mount's restless stamping at the rough halt, fixing the redhead with serious eyes. "You said that being sold was what you were heading toward, so are you expecting me to believe that a slave or a whore would be so well accounted for, let alone so obviously educated? I may be a thief, but I'm not stupid, boy. You hardly have the look of either one of those things."

Seeing the redhead's cheeks color, he snorted. "The very suggestion is ridiculous, when your reaction gives you away. So, out with it. Who are you, and what was the purpose of your little jaunt? Even your driver claimed that he would only be compensated upon your safe delivery to wherever.. Perhaps a bit of honesty would sway my intentions for you."

The boy glared back stubbornly, wrenching his face away from the brunette's hand. "Oh, of course that makes perfect sense. I should spin you off some sad story, and you'll immediately sympathize, see the error of your ways and release me. Then we'll be the very best of friends, your horse will start to shit gold nuggets, and you'll never need to steal again. How wonderful it must be, to live in such a deluded state."

The man laughed outright, waving a hand at the redhead's angry sound. "You have the most wonderful way with words, really.. If not for the circumstances, I think I would actually enjoy your company." Still chuckling, he nudged the horse's flank with one heel, guiding him to turn down a barely-visible side trail. "I really would like to hear your explanation, but if it troubles you, don't bother about it.. All but your name. Could I at least have that?"

Slumping tiredly, the boy sighed. "Lavi. Nothing to go with it, I'm afraid. Satisfied?"

Tipping his head curiously, the man nodded. "Indeed. No surname..? What if I promise not to tell it to anyone?"

Laughing softly, the redhead shrugged. "That doesn't matter. I don't have one, and I won't until I get to the place I was going." Averting his face, he ducked away from a thick spiderweb that loomed from the edge of a small cluster of branches. "Even then, I won't have it unless they see fit to give me one."

Avoiding the same webbing, Tyki again urged their mount to one side, seemingly unconcerned with their slow progress. "That makes no sense, Lavi." Humming quietly, he repeated the name slowly, as if testing the sound of it. "Lavi.. It suits you, really." Sobering, he turned the boy's head carefully despite his obvious reluctance. "Will you keep your silence, then? I hardly think it would hurt to tell me."

He allowed the other to free himself, wondering anew at the complete oddity of the situation. Seeing a thinning of the brush ahead, he gestured vaguely. "We'll stop here, I think.. As you said, the forest is best travelled by daylight." Entering the small clearing, he dismounted smoothly, lifting a hand to assist the redhead. Sighing at his initial refusal, he waited patiently for him to maneuver himself to the ground, smirking faintly at his obvious relief. Pointing to a nearby patch of grass, he set about removing the horse's saddle and bridle, setting them carefully atop a handy log. "Sit, there's nothing to worry about.. I stayed here myself last night."

Lavi nodded absently, sinking down with a stifled hum at the welcome softness. Glancing from the brunette to the darkened treeline, he briefly contemplated making a go of it, but the quiet stomp of an ironshod hoof reminded him of certain implied consequences. He eyed the almost invisible animal with wary respect, wondering if it could indeed live up to it's given name. The conformation spoke of both good breeding and regular exercise, but the spark of intelligence in its dark eyes gave him a distinct feeling of unease, being used to the duller stare of most riding horses.

Looking at the rest of the open space around him, he noticed a carefully concealed satchel at the base of one large treetrunk, as well as a blackened area well away from the overhanging foliage that could only have been host to a fire sometime in recent history. A low noise from the side drew his attention to the older man, his eye widening at his changed appearance.

The saddle and bridle had been joined by the brunette's coat and vest, both folded somewhat carelessly. He had also worked the thin strip of his hairtie free, the loosened strands decidedly longer than the boy had supposed they would be. Without his heavier clothing, the man seemed much slighter of build and younger than before, but the strength of his muscles would be unchanged, he knew. Seeing the other's amused expression, he looked away quickly, annoyed to be caught staring no matter what the reason. "Great, you're all nice and cozy in the woods at night. Do you think I could get a drink of water before you truss me up to sleep?"

Tyki laughed, approaching the hidden parcel with familiar ease. "Of course I am, being that I'm outdoors for most of my time.. And whyever would I 'truss you up', Lavi? I doubt you'd be so foolish as to roam through the forest at night." Pulling out several objects, he sat them aside to rummage deeper, humming in satisfaction as he removed a container from the assorted contents. Working the lid open, he took a slightly battered cup from the small pile beside him, filling it carefully and reclosing the bottle. Making his way back to the watching redhead, he offered him the cup, smiling when he raised an eyebrow questioningly. "It's a bit warm, but fresh. I'll show you where I got it in the morning, if you like.. No doubt you'd want to clean up after being on the road."

Accepting the offer, Lavi took a cautious sip, surprised at the sweet taste. "At least you know the difference between good water and not." He grumbled quietly, taking a longer drink. Ignoring the brunette's expectant smirk, he finished the remainder, handing the cup back. "Thank you. Are you sure you don't want to be sure I won't go anywhere? I wasn't really pleased with my destination, but it's better than being sold off to some stranger.."

The man nodded in agreement, returning to the assortment he'd set aside. Gathering the objects carelessly, he replaced them quickly, lifting the entire bag and carrying it back to the other's place. Joining him on the ground, he ignored his deliberate movement to one side, taking a cloth wrapped package from some inner compartment. "I'm sure that's true, Lavi, but as I said before, you don't really know what my plans for you are." Unwinding the thin material, he glanced at the redhead's sceptical face. "You puzzle me, and frankly.. I'm very curious by nature. Are you hungry?"

He frowned at the boy's surprised expression, offering him the unwrapped object. "I almost think I'm offended by your expectations of me, Lavi. Do you really believe that I would starve you..?" The replying silence made him sigh, his hand still raised. "I may not be worthy of your esteem, but I'm not completely heartless. If nothing else, I will see to your needs until we part ways."

Lavi swallowed roughly at the strange sensation of guilt brought on by the man's low voice, reminding himself that the other was most likely skilled in deception of all kinds. "I don't expect anything from you, and I'm not asking for anything, either. Just drop the 'I'm suddenly a nice guy' act and wait for your payout."

Tyki inhaled sharply, his eyes narrowing angrily. Carefully recovering the proffered food, he sat it aside with almost mechanical efficiency, turning back to the boy with barely contained irritation. The redhead looked away immediately, but he was having none of it. Raising one hand, he gripped the other's chin firmly, forcing his head to turn as he leaned close enough to watch his uncovered eye widen in astonished pain at the strength of his grip. "My payout, Lavi..? What if I really do mean to keep you for myself?" He loosened his fingers slightly, moving from chin to jawline and beyond, cupping the back of his neck as he moved nearer still. "I would be a fool to not even consider it, wouldn't I? You are very pretty, no matter how horrid your personality.. With you so certain that I would make no great profit from your sale to persons unknown, perhaps I would be better served to take what bounty I already possess."

For the first time, the redhead's gaze became openly fearful, his mouth opening and closing silently before words would form. "No.." He flinched away from the man's opposite hand as it rose to mimic it's mate, shaking his head jerkily. "You can't-"

Regarding him grimly, the brunette hummed. "Of course I can. I can do anything I damn well please, since I have no morals or motivation to deter me. I could strip away every bit of your supposedly unwanted finery and have my way with you until you begged me to simply let you die.. I wonder how it would feel, to bury myself inside of your sweet little highborn ass."

Lavi shuddered at the vivid imagery, his mouth dry as he continued to shake his head in denial. "Don't- I..I'm sorry, please.. Please don't-" Lifting his hands to press against the man's chest, he leaned backward with a wavering sound, his pulse deafeningly loud in his ears as the brunette pursued him deliberately. "Oh God, please no.."

Tyki halted just shy of actual contact, one knee planted squarely between the boy's own. "And why not, Lavi? You believe so readily that I'm capable of it, that I would take you by force at a moment's whim.. Why should I disappoint you, when you assume so much?" Pulling the other up to meet him, he sighed at the frantic pace of his breaths. "Perhaps my intentions are not at all what you think." Bending his head, he brushed the boy's mouth with his own, murmuring softly against his lips. "This is the most I would have without your permission.. No matter how little you think of me, I have never taken an unwilling partner."

Lifting his head, he gentled his hold on the other's nape, smiling humorlessly. "I don't intend to start with you. Honestly, I don't know what I'm going to do with you at all." Releasing the redhead completely, he winced at the faint trail of wetness along his cheek, wiping it away with a careful movement. "I'm sorry that I frightened you, but there needs to be a limit to your animosity, Lavi. Any mistreatment you receive will not be from my hands, unless it is to defend myself."

He moved back to his former place beside the other, again offering the small parcel of food. "I may not be the best of men, but even I have enough manners to be sure that my companions do not lack for the things that they must have. I've travelled the road you were on many times, and I know exactly how far it is between one hostel and another.. You couldn't possibly have eaten since midmorning, if that. Since there was nothing with you save for your clothing, I would assume that you might like something before we set in for the night."

Still unnerved by the other's actions, Lavi nodded faintly, accepting his offer. Frowning at his mildly shaking hands, he carefully averted his gaze as he tore off a section of what appeared to be homebaked bread. Biting into it, he was surprised to find it neither stale nor bland, and he suddenly realized just how long it had been since he'd eaten. Taking a second bite, he wondered abruptly if the man had brought more than was strictly needed for himself, but a quick sidelong glance at the other's midsized satchel assured him that the brunette was hardly the type to pack heavily. Swallowing, he cleared his throat, looking up at the silently watching man. "Are you going to eat..? You've probably been.. Working all day, right?"

Tyki shrugged noncommitally, leaning back on his elbows. "I'm fine for the moment. I've gone much longer than a single day between meals, so it's really not mmm!" Bolting upright, he glared at the redhead as he chewed the hunk of bread in his mouth, swallowing it quickly. "Damn it, you could have choked me! I said I was fine, didn't I?"

Lavi hummed in reply, offering him another piece. "Yeah, I heard you when you lied the first time. Do I need to do it again?" The man muttered something clearly unflattering in nature, but took the bread nevertheless. Watching him closely, the redhead noticed that he seemed uncommonly tidy with both himself and his habits, from his neatly packed gear to his longish but still well-groomed hair. Seeing him lift a questioning eyebrow, he flushed hotly, helping himself to another section of the bread before holding a new bit toward the other. "Here. And thank you, it's good."

The brunette accepted his comment with a quiet hum, chewing thoughtfully before continuing. "I've never seen the sense in wasting money on less than satisfying things, so I usually try to find the best places when I stock up." Waving away the next offering, he smiled when the boy ate it himself, accepting the now-empty wrappings and tucking them away inside one pocket of his satchel. "It may not be quite what you're used to, of course, but I will see that you don't go hungry. Are you thirsty, Lavi?" He riffled through the pack briefly, carefully removing a tightly folded length of cloth and then a second, setting them aside as he refastened the bag with equal care. Shifting it far to one side, he stood, shaking out the first piece of cloth and lying it on the ground. Assured that it lay flat, he repeated the process with the thicker material, folding the top back with practiced movements. Sitting back down, he set about removing his boots, indicating that the redhead should do the same.

Placing both pairs beside the pack, he settled himself beneath the top covering, tipping his head at the boy's low hum. "Coming, Lavi..? It isn't very cold, but I doubt you'd want to wake up covered in dew.."

The redhead's eye widened almost comically, his gaze skipping from the man's amused face to the spot currently being patted invitingly, his cheeks coloring and paling in turn as he spluttered. "You want me to- That- With you? But-"

Tyki laughed softly, nodding. "Yes, of course. And preferably soon, as we have quite a ways to go in the morning." Patting the groundcover again, he sighed at the other's clear anxiety. "I already told you that I have no intention of abusing your person, Lavi. There's nothing to fear from sharing the only sleeping arrangements available." Reaching for the boy's arm, he tugged him forward and down firmly, lifting and replacing the blanket in turn. Frowning at the distance between them, he draped an arm across the redhead's middle, pulling him backward despite his abortive protests. Stretching his free arm outward, he slipped it beneath the other's head, shifting carefully until they were aligned in the center of the bedding, his chest flush with the boy's tense back.

"This is also why there's no need to restrain you, Lavi.. I'm an extremely light sleeper, so there's really no way for you to leave without waking me." Sighing deeply, he raised the arm around the redhead's waist slightly, his palm pressed against the clear thud of his heart. "Just ignore the situation and go to sleep. I give you my word that you'll be completely safe."

Feeling him exhale forcefully, he hummed reassuringly. "It won't be like this tomorrow, if we can make enough headway.. I'm not overly fond of lying on the ground myself, so I try not to do it when there's an alternative." Hearing the boy's low mutter of agreement, he smiled. "Rest well, Lavi. Your future may not be so bleak as you suppose."

The redhead's soft acknowledgement was heavy with sleep, and his relaxation was evident before the man could count fifty, his breathing slow and even by the time he numbered one hundred. Closing his eyes, he was faintly surprised at the level of comfort, the boy's back warm against him despite their various layers of clothing. Shaking off the thought, he allowed himself to drift into the half-aware state that passed for his own rest, not entirely sure of when it deepened into the first true sleep that he'd had in years.

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