crashout | DICK;

[After everything and sometime before curfew, Junpei decides to go seek Dick out on his own. He's well-aware that the guy can take care of himself, but there's still part of him that wants to make sure he's actually okay.

Dick is somehow the type of person to shoulder everything himself, usually quietly, and get frustrated when he can't do that. He's the type of person who'll sacrifice himself if it means doing something greater and saving people. It's a concept Junpei's familiar with and something that makes him miss one girl more than anything in the world. It's also a concept that eats at him, digs under his skin and pushes all of his buttons that bring out a protective streak he thought he had under wraps.

Maybe he wasn't just kidding when he said that his type was "difficult."

It's not so much a check-in because he doesn't think Dick can handle himself. It's following up on some things that were said, and according to his watch it was starting to approach that time. They haven't proven that the force sleep is a pattern, but he doesn't trust it either. Instead he finds Dick wherever he is and approaches, gently nudging him with his shoulder without a word. Hewwo. It's a test to see where his head's immediately at.]

[ Dick isn't too hard to find, out on the deck and leaning against the railing to watch the (repeating, thanks ghost boat) horizon. He hears Junpei before he sees him, but he doesn't bother moving until he bumps against him in greeting.

Dick turns with a smile that's a little awkward-- because he doesn't... do big, emotional vulnerability moments, except he absolutely did yesterday, and there's something a little embarrassing about that. He'd thought he could handle it, but it was a lot harder to convince himself that the feeling griping him wasn't real when he wasn't entirely sure, and the idea of potentially putting someone in danger--

Well. The point is, he feels more than a little stupid, and he's grateful yet mad at the same time, because he doesn't do great being called out. But he doesn't want to linger on any of that, so after an initial pause he bumps Junpei's shoulder right back. ]

Don't tell me you're fetching me for bedtime already?

[ it's a joke-- in a low tone, like he's teasing. he's decided to linger on grateful instead of the other bad stuff. ]

[At least he acknowledges him this time instead of startling. That's progress. He's making himself comfortable against that railing, too.]

What, can't a guy just enjoy the view? [He's turned toward the water but he leaves the implications to hang. His watch-clad wrist dangles over the railing enough for him to see the time.] We don't really know if we're gonna be knocked out again, but that time's getting closer.

["I wanted to make sure I knew where you and Escha were" goes unsaid. He's not here to baby him because that's not his style and that's not Dick's style either. Instead, he stares across the ocean toward the ruins in the horizon.] Or, maybe I wanted to see you. Does it matter too much?

[ huh.

dick's turned to look at junpei now, openly curious for a second. that first one, he could've let go under just implications, but with the follow-up...

he glances down at junpei's watch to confirm the time for himself before looking back up at him with a wry smile. he's not one hundred percent sure he's reading the situation correctly or if he's just feeling-- needy, but-- ]

Careful, JT. [ it's light, still teasing. ] Keep talking like that and a guy might think you like his company.

[ and-- yeah, okay, he's going two levels implication there, because junpei giving him a withering look on the friend scale is an acceptable outcome. ]

[The time on the watch doesn't exactly match, but Junpei seems to know how to clock the hours. It looks like the watch is still keeping time though but from the point Junpei was at in his own universe.

Still...he chances a look from the corner of his eye.]

Surprised that guy hasn't figured that out already, but it's been a rough couple of days. I'll let it slide just this once. [This is about as open as he'll be to saying "we're friends, dumbass" even if he's still mostly facing the water.] Guess I'll have to show up more often.

Maybe he just likes hearing it.

[ it's as close to doxxing himself as dick gets, and he grins unabashedly when Junpei glances at him. he leans forward a little more, as if straining to see anything beyond the ruins in the horizon. ]

But I wouldn't object to hanging out more often. [ and he does mean it-- it's wound up that they mostly hang out with escha, which dick has no actual objections to, but he could do with more one-on-one time with both of his roommates. and if there are other possible connotations to "hanging out", well.

w e l l ]

[Needy little shit. But something in his face relaxes at that grin. It helps quiet his mind and stop thinking of the possibilities that could've come if they'd let things go the way Dick wanted them to, and even if it's not directly at him his own grin is light but happy for once.

Sometimes it's nice to actually do this.

His focus is on a set of ruins to the west even as the boat moves. Dcom is out there and he still doesn't know why. But those connotations are on his mind, too, when Dick replies and he finally pulls his gaze away enough to look up at him.]

Glad we can agree on that. [From this close, and being this honest about it, it's a little easier to see that he's...awkward? He feels awkward and looks awkward and it's kind of a weirdly suffocating thing. He folds his arms over his chest, leans his hip against the railing and continues to study Dick as nonchalantly as possible.] ...it's...been a while since I've really done this sort of thing. Even longer without life or death situations hanging over our heads. So...

[What are you trying to say, Junpei?] We've got time right now. Any suggestions?

[Or he can take the easy route. That's fine.]

[ Dick himself is looking at Junpei out of the corner of his eyes-- but he's got the advantage of the mask, so it's not immediately obvious. The slightest tilting of his head, maybe.

The awkward body language is-- interesting, for Dick. On the one hand he's very used to that-- the rough exterior and soft core is a large portion of his peer group-- but it doesn't usually apply to ... a situation like this. Then again, this isn't exactly a normal set of circumstances, is it?

dick stays as is, for a second, pretend looking out at the horizon ]

Well... I do think I owe you some thanks, for yesterday. [ if his voice is pitched a little lower, his smile a little slyer, it's nothing compared to what he follows it up with, turning to junpei fully and chirping it almost: ] And I have it on good authority I'm pretty good with my mouth.

[ because he is terrible, and he does want to see junpei flustered, a little. ]

[He kind of wants to rip the mask off and throw it in the ocean. Wonder if it'd come back. But he doesn't and instead he continues to stand still, quietly dying and tentatively hopeful for...something. It's a process of trying to trust people but considering he literally volunteered to possibly die for this dude maybe it should be easier.

(It's not, but he can dream.)

He also hears that pitch and he raises an eyebrow in response.]

You certainly run it a lot, so I'd hope so. [It's a quip right back, but he's trying not to grin in spite of himself, a shift in his stance being the one tell that yeah, okay, it worked a little.] I'm not one to turn down a free gift, but are you sure?

[ dick seems thrilled at the quip, and he bites at his lip through his grin when he notices the shift. he seems very pleased with himself, and isn't even trying to hide it. in response to the question, he takes off his mask-- remembering what junpei said yesterday-- and pointedly gives junpei a once over. ]

Why is it that when I offer, people always ask that? [ he knows why, obviously-- it's a rhetorical question, which is why he follows it up with pushing himself off the railing fully, before falling to his knees in front of junpei with no preamble, hands rising to rest lightly on his hips. the implication is there, but he makes no further move in case junpei wants them elsewhere, simply looking up at him through his lashes and that same, sly grin. ] What do you think?

[Well. For whatever reason the mask coming off means that Junpei's shoulders relax, and he gives him an equally pointed look.

He doesn't reply because he knows it's rhetorical, but when Dick drops to his knees he doesn't stop him. Hands are on his hips and for a second he's watching him and trying to let his head decide what he wants to do. On the one hand, it's a fuck or die situation and sleeping with people is understandable. It's a fuck-conomy, and money is earned to help them survive and give them an edge for whatever happens. But this is...different. This is someone actively propositioning him and he thinks about the ring in his pocket.

Maybe he needs to sort out his own issues later and not trip them up here. Besides, if he's honest, it's...probably better to establish a point of contact. And anyway they're friends? This is fine and yesterday was actually kind of stressful and scary and maybe having Dick Grayson suck his dick in a way that didn't involve potential demons wasn't the worst idea. As a holder of multiple timelines of memories, he can't say that he wouldn't like to replace yesterday with something better.

Also, if he's being honest, dude's pretty hot and one of the few people Junpei's even remotely comfortable around. So he's busy staring while he's running through all of this before a hand moves to cup Dick's face, holding his chin steady.]

Should I be surprised you're an exhibitionist? [That's as good as a yes from him.]

[ dick's grip on junpei's hips tightens a bit when he grabs his chin, face feeling a bit warm at the call-out. dick's always liked it best when people are confident, and he's glad that, the slight hesitation and awkwardness aside, junpei seems to be more than okay with this. he wants to not think about yesterday every time he sees junpei, and this is as good a start as any.

which is why he keeps grinning through the hold, though his voice is a little breathless when he speaks: ]

What can I say? I'm a performer at heart.

[ and he opens his mouth, a bit, mouthing at junpei's clothed crotch with dark eyes, keeping eye contact-- he can't quite reach if junpei won't let him, but the sentiment, the performance is there either way. ]

[Oh god what the fuck. Ohhh what the fuck. There's a low sound in the back of his throat as his hand releases Dick's chin, hand moving to the back of his head. There's an equally low laugh and there's an almost entranced look in his eyes as his fingers curl into the back of Dick's head.]

Then put on a show for me. [He doesn't exactly mean it, but it's an attempt to practice. He's not good at dirty talk or even flirting, but he's trying to show he's okay with this. What he does do, however, is use his free hand to reach forward and start to unbuckle his belt, working his fly open and pushing Dick's head forward. He's more than okay with this, and he's ready for whatever comes next. ]

[ what came next was a little breathless laughter from dick too, and then a really good blowjob. swallowing happened. the ocean is right there, dick, you could have spit it so easy.

once that's Done, he leans back against the railing, not quite ready to get up yet. he looks very satisfied with it, but whatever arousal he shared from that, he seems to be keeping to himself, stretching his legs from where he's sitting. hard wooden decks are not meant to be knelt on for any period of time, knee padding or not. ]

Good show, or?

[ he's right back to quippy, and if his voice is a little rough, well. eh. he's got his mask in one hand as if hesitating whether he should put it back on, now, but-- doesn't, for now. ]

[So that happened. That happened and when it's all said and done Junpei finds himself sliding down to sit next to him. He leans his head back against the railing, working on catching his breath and clearing his mind. With his eyes closed though, there's a satisfied smirk and he doesn't immediately answer.]

Might need an encore. [He opens an eye.] You good, or...[He lets his gaze slide to Dick's lap. He's apparently more than willing to accommodate. Equal opportunity and all.]

[ dick leans a bit into him when junpei sits down next to him, reflexively, but he shakes his head. ]

Nah. [ the arousal's there-- he'd be lying if it wasn't-- but it's bearable, and he wants-- he lets out a low sigh and moves his leg so it's touching junpei's just that little bit more. ] I'm good right now. Raincheck?

[ would he be willing to again later, is the implicated question, even outside circumstances ]

[Now that his brain's less fuzzy and he's less aroused he's paying attention to his surroundings. For someone who's been trained to pay attention to even slight movements, he sees how Dick moves and feels the shift of his leg. Wordlessly, he lifts one shoulder enough. It's an invitation to lean if he wants. Whatever. ]

...yeah. Is that weird? [It's a question he's been asking a lot lately, but now isn't the time to dissect everything. He's just kind of glad to be alive. ]

[ he does absolutely lean and, in fact, seeming to relax and unwind when he does. dick hums at the question, seemingly thinking it over before shrugging one shoulder ]

I don't know that I'm the right guy to ask, dude. I've got a few working "friends with benefits" relationships back home. [ he smirks a bit ] I wouldn't say it's any weirder than anything else that's happened to us on this ship, though.

[Well okay. He lets this happen, doing nothing to push him off and instead trying to accommodate for the extra weight to make them both comfy like this. He can't see the ruins behind him and instead he stares at the pool and the hot tubs in front of them.]

Of course it's a few. [He doesn't sound bothered or impressed. It's more like a fact.] You could be right. [There's a pause and he lifts a hand, gesturing to his own head.] It's a mess up here, so sometimes...it's hard to tell.

[He hates being anywhere near remotely vulnerable but after everything he figures he can at least say that.] It's been a long week and it's only Thursday.

[ he digs an elbow lightly into junpei's side for that matter of fact dig, but doesn't verbally defend himself. as for his comment about his head being a mess...

he knows a thing or two about that. not in the way junpei means, but. different messes, similar overthinking results, maybe. he's not sure what to say about it. ]

Ugh, don't remind me. [ so he concentrates on the part about it being a long week-- ] It feels like way longer. And we've still got the mess of the weekend to look forward to. [ there's an edge to his voice-- because someone will die and he can't stop it, and he's been on edge all week because of it-- before he sighs ] Anticipanxiety. That's what it feels like.

[ that's not a word. ]

[He feels the dig and there's a half-grin. It's well deserved on both parts. He doesn't mind Dick side-stepping the comment because as far as he's concerned it's his own mess to figure out, but the made-up word gets a short laugh from him.]

Yeah. Anticipanxiety is a great way to describe it. [Someone will die tomorrow and he wonders what it was all for then. What did they go through that entire mess for if someone was bound to die anyway? He's not going to lie and say that maybe it won't happen. He trusts Dick to be a realist.] ...whatever happens this weekend, we'll figure something out. Pretty sure you're safe and I'm safe, but...[...something's sticking in his head but he doesn't want to verbalize it and bring down the mood.] Ever feel selfish for just wanting everything to stop for five minutes?

[A subject change is fine.]

[ dick is. more than okay with the subject change, though he looks up a bit at the sky to think. ]

Superhero, remember? Constantly. [ it's a joke and a bad one, and he hesitates for a second before admitting, a bit quiet: ] I was-- before winding up here, I was taking a... a leave of absence. Not from the whole hero thing, but--a big part, that I'd-- that I'd been a part of for years. [ he grins, but it's mostly melancholy ] So much for that, right?

[Are they...bonding? He doesn't respond right away because it does, in fact, explain some things. He doesn't know how long years are but he assumes it's been a lot longer than his own stuff.]

...can't say I blame you, you know? [He kind of wants to ask why, but doesn't. Maybe it's not right for that.] I thought I was done playing the action hero, but...then we came here.

[...] You get why I prefer you to Nightwing, don't you?

You'd make a terrible Bruce Willis.

[ he can't resist the quip, even though he's glad junpei isn't asking, because he really doesn't want to talk about wally right now. or-- well, ever. still, the question throws him for a loop. ]

Not... really? [ he lifts his hands up a bit to stare at them ] I get the principle of it, but-- I'm the same. Mask or no mask. I kept it a lot more separate as a kid, but I don't... This is kind of my full-time job.

[ it's hard to explain, because so many other heroes have-- day jobs, or college, but the second he could dick went all in as nightwing. between his own city and the team, he didn't have a lot of spare time. ]

Maybe, but I'm a great Marty McFly. [It's equally thrown out there, if only because it's an easy comparison. On the other hand he didn't think he'd have to explain so he stares at his feet stretched out in front of him.]

...ah. I get it. [Whatever he gets, he doesn't share and he shakes his head.] Kind of one of those things where you accept all or nothing, then. Guess I'm still trying to figure out who you are.

W1, THURSDAY;

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