[ Basch had been so set on helping gather the ingredients to help others, he’d been reckless with his own health. Maybe some of it was that they were never in any real danger at the resort. Maybe it was falling back into the reckless ways of war. But he was paying for it. The nightmares were miserable, and while the worst of the transformation had receded, at least, he had no idea if he would be stuck like this permanently.
Both jeopardized being there for Sylvain in his full capacity. That was what had been eating at him.
It’s late now, well past midnight. The beach is quiet. Basch sits with his tentacled bottom half in one of the healing pools, staring out at the ocean. He doesn’t hate it. Maybe that’s why it’s stuck so well.
That only makes him feel guiltier, like he asked for this somehow. He misses the freedom to go where the other is. Maybe…maybe they need a house on the beach. He could make that work.
He doesn’t realize how deeply his brow is furrowed or the way some of his tentacles curl and uncurl, slapping the water lightly in thought and frustration. Overhead the sky is clear, dotted with stars and moonlight. A real breeze tousled his hair. Nature is something he missed, and he’s grateful for it. ]
[ Sylvain had been directed this way by one of the island's natives, hunting for the man he'd been told had returned to the surface. They'd been separated, down below, and Sylvain was late returning himself - and was still very much getting his land legs again.
His bright smile fades somewhat, however, as he takes in the tension in his lover's form and hurries in his direction. Then pauses in surprise when he hears a splash from the pool in front of Basch. ]
Basch? [ It's more concern than unease as he rounds the pool to approach where the man perches, and then takes in what most of the water had hidden up till now. he doesn't look alarmed by it, more worried as he studies his lover's face with a concerned wrinkle of his own brow. ] Are you okay? What's wrong?
[ His head whips toward his lover's voice, a mess of emotions fighting on his face. He was mostly sure the other was alright, but they'd been separated, and the thoughts he hadn't let himself have were what if something had happened? What if he hadn't been there and--
He tries, for a moment, to stand, and is reminded what he currently is. The splashing is louder as he moves awkwardly, a jarring crash in the quiet night. He grimaces, catching himself, tentacles splaying to stabilize him, and it's uncanny how easy it is to control them. How natural. He could get out and go to Sylvain, crawl on the beach like an octopus, and yet the idea is...shameful somehow. Embarrassing. Not the sexy kind. ]
The transformation...stuck... [ he says, gesturing vaguely. His lips press together, brow knit, gaze elsewhere as his chest tightens. It's been a long time since it was this hard to find words. ] I'm not hurt. Are you...?
[ That, and he can't help but seek his lover's face. Habit, more than anything, but he's grateful for it, because seeing Sylvain still eases something in him. So long as they're both alive, and both here, they'll figure something out. ]
[ When Basch almost falls into the pool, unusually unbalanced, Sylvain is lunging for him. Hands find his shoulders as he eases him back on the rock he'd been perched on, his eyes wide and worried. ]
Easy, [ he sooths him, being careful not to step on any of the appendages he can feel in the water around his ankles. He's not alarmed by it - after their time in the resort, they'd played with all sorts of strange things and this is still Basch. ]
I'm fine. Just worried about you. Stuck? Did something happen? Can we fix it? [ he figures Basch already asked these questions of someone, but he asks anyway, worried on his lover's behalf. Especially because he doesn't like the look of that expression on his face - one that hadn't been there for quite some time and Sylvain does not like its abrupt return.
He cups a hand against Basch's cheek, tipping his face back towards him as he holds his lover's gaze with an earnest look. ] Hey. Whatever it is, we'll figure it out.
[ Sylvain catches him, steadying him like he has a hundred times. There’s comfort in it, but anguish too. The worry on the other’s face stabs through him. It’s almost worse than this form repulsing Sylvain would have been.
His hands linger on the other, several tentacles absently brushing Sylvain’s ankle or gliding around his legs. The contact is soothing, even has he shakes his head once. ]
It was worse — this much has healed, but it has plateaued. They do not know if it can be fixed.
[ his grip tightens, an echo of fear seizing in his chest. ] I’m sorry. I made a poor decision, and I — I was so worried I was going to leave you.
[ His voice is so low, so brittle. He can’t voice more than a vague euphemism. Dying doesn’t scare him. Being transformed doesn’t even really scare him. Betraying Sylvain’s trust or leaving the other behind, no support and no trace, absolutely terrifies him. And it nearly happened so fast he could hardly stop it. ]
[ Sylvain interrupts him again, eyes widening when Basch starts apologizing. Clearly he'd missed something, and he drags the other man close, threading fingers in his hair as he tucks Basch's face against his throat. Wraps arms around him in a comforting gesture they've shared so often before. Sylvain just holds him, arms warm and secure as he brushes his cheek against the top of the man's head. He's distantly aware of the feeling of those appendages twining restlessly around his ankles, but he's not bothered by it - that is so far down on the list of concerns with this moment that it barely even registers. ]
You didn't do anything wrong. It's alright, we'll figure this out, okay? Just because it slowed down doesn't mean it'll stay this way. it might wear off when the magic holding it in place does. And if it doesn't... we can figure that part out, too. I'm right here, no one's leaving anyone, okay?
[ That stark fear he can hear and see in his lover right now is like a stab to his heart. ]
[ He crumples into Sylvain’s hold and the familiarity of it, gripping altogether too tightly. His tentacles shift too, twining around legs and back, wrapping them together, shielding Sylvain as much as he pulls him close. ]
I made it back [ he whispers, as much to assure himself as Sylvain. The danger is passed. The transformation is incidental. But the specter of his nightmares lurk too. Hallowed out halls, war torn buildings, mist soaked ghosts. That city beneath the waves struck something deep and unhealed in him.
He tries to focus on the hands in his hair, the familiar smell of skin and sweat, the sound of Sylvain’s breathing. ] You made it out. It’s alright.
We're both alright. [ Sylvain softly reassures him, murmuring the words against his hair as he feels the other man wrap around him - in far more ways than usual, but he's not worried about that, not really.
Although he's now mentally cursing himself for ever letting them get separated down there, especially when he knows Basch hadn't been in the greatest state of mind when he'd last seen him. ]
You're back and so am I. We're both whole and relatively healthy and I'm not letting go of you anytime soon. I'm right here, love. Feel me. I'm real. This is real.
[ That finally dislodges a quiet, choked out sob and with it the fear he had been too rattled to name.
He was happy. He was looking forward to the future. Of course it would be taken from him.
But Sylvain is right. This is real. They’re here. He lifts his head only to find the other’s mouth, kissing him like he needs it to breathe, not caring that there are tear tracks on his face, not entirely aware of how completely he has Sylvain wrapped in the grip of his new appendages. ]
[ Sylvain doesn't resist or pull away, meets him easily as he keeps fingers tangled in his hair and an arm twined about his waist. And while Basch's kiss might be frantic and needy, Sylvain's kiss is softer, coaxing him deeper into his embrace. Steadying him, because Basch seems to need that more than anything right now. And he's been that so many times for Sylvain when the redhead's been falling apart.
In between kisses and the soft choked sounds of Basch's emotions, he murmurs against his lips. Soft reassurances, words of love. Reminders that this is real.
because he knows that fear all too well. How many times has he woken up from a nightmare in the middle of the night and immediately reached to make sure Basch is in the bed beside him? How many times has he sought him out in the middle of an otherwise mundane day, just to remind himself that he still has this, has them. When it all still feels too good to be true. ]
[ That’s the piece of this Basch is missing, his body and his reactions out ahead of his mind. He’s never been the entirely vulnerable one, never let himself fall apart entirely. He so deeply never meant to put that on Sylvain, even as he always wanted the other to seek shelter in him.
Right now, falling apart like this is the most natural thing in the world. He is so grateful for the steady affection, the calmer demeanor to match his too. His stuttered breathing evens, his kiss slowing, his death grip easing to caress. ]
I still want to build you a house, but it may have to be on the beach. [ It’s murmured and shaky, the laugh a little sharp, but he’s calming. ]
[ Sylvain blinks at this abrupt change in topics, even as he tries to follow whatever train of thought Basch has been riding wild on. He pulls back to search his lover's face, hands lifting to cup his cheeks against warm palms. ]
Is that what you're worried about? Love. Home is wherever we can be together. A house, a ship, a lonely stretch of beach where we can fuck in the sand under the stars. Even if that's actually probably highly uncomfortable, considering sand gets everywhere.
[ he kisses him again, quick and fierce, directly on the lips, still gripping his face in his hands. ]
As long as I can be with you - in whatever form you happen to be taking - that's all I need. Understand me?
[ His eyes are wild still, searching Sylvain’s face as the other holds his face. His own hands come to hold Sylvain’s wrists, anchoring himself.
The emotion is still running rampant, making his face crumple even as his chest is feeling lighter. It’s like he has to let this out, get the poison purged before it starts to rot. He even manages a choked laugh at Sylvain considering the practicalities of sex on the beach. ]
No I — yes, all of that. I was afraid — I almost — if I’d died down there I would have never forgiven myself for leaving you.
[ There’s a crack in his voice, a hitch as he says it, like he’s daring it to happen by admitting it. ]
And then I got out, but I thought I was going to lose myself, be that creature — forget everything and stay down there.
We haven’t really been mortal for so long. The resort wouldn’t let us. I — I forgot, and it almost cost us both.
[ he tips their heads together, his forehead resting against each other as he keeps his hands warm on Basch’s face. ]
But you’re here, and you’re alright. You didn’t leave me. You didn’t forget me. You haven’t lost anything, love.
I can't say how the resort did what it did, or how the magic in this place is so different. We’re both going to have to learn as we go. But I also don’t doubt for a moment that no matter what magic you might get wrapped up in, or what danger you feel the need to fight, that it could make you forget to return home to me. Not after what we’ve been through together. I trust you, Basch. I know your heart, and I’m not worried.
[ He has a thousand protests to that, but he's calming enough that he does not want to reject Sylvain's comfort, does not want to sit in what could have happened. ]
It is not my heart I am worried over. It is my head being too slow or too naive.
[ There's less bite to it, though, and his lips find Sylvain's again. Less desperate, if no less demanding. His tentacles shift, wrapping around the other, brushing hair, finding any way to touch ]
I love you [ he whispers. It is a plea, a reminder, a promise -- and a fear. ] I am afraid -- I am afraid you will be ripped away from me too.
[ Because every other thing he had ever loved was. ]
[ A quiet chuckle, even if Basch's concerns are far from funny. He understands them, all too well. But he's also aware of those extra appendages now wrapping around him, in a way that's... almost familiar. Then again, this isn't the first time...
He presses another kiss to Basch's lips, warm and soothing, hating the way the man's voice had cracked on that confession. ]
I love you, too. And I can be just as afraid of that at times. Perhaps you shall just have to hold onto me extra tightly to make sure nothing can tear me from your grasp.
[ his own hands slide back until he can tangle fingers in Basch's hair, gripping firmly as he keeps the other man held close. ]
[ It helps that Sylvain isn't flinching, physically or emotionally. It had been one thing to be like this at the resort, but facing that it might...be permanent...was frightening and threatening in ways he couldn't voice.
His breath catches, too, at how easily Sylvain returns those words. They still don't use them often, and he still treasures what it means for Sylvain to give them back. ]
I do have the means to hold you extra tightly [ he says, hoarse and low, but a genuine tease to it. It turns to a sigh, almost a whimper as Sylvain buries his hands in Basch's hair and pulls him close. ]
I...want to pleasure you. I do not know the rules here. It is not the resort, and we cannot go anywhere private with me like this.
[ There's a plea to it, a frustration. How can he have his lover in his arms and still feel blocked from him? All he wants is to melt into the closeness they've shared so many times. ]
[ He pulls back a moment to search Basch's face, because that grief and desperation he can sense in his lover is still worrying him, even if he knows its the lingering effects of fear, of uncertainty. The thing they both fear more than anything else - losing the other, one way or another. But at that sight of frustration, it settles something in him, too. This, this is something he can do something about, even if the stuck magic leaves them both in a sort of limbo for now. ]
Come here.
[ he urges instead, wading deeper into the pool of water, drawing Basch along with him. ]
We've got this place to ourselves - there was no one around when I came looking for you. We can do anything you want, right here, alright?
[ Basch is suddenly shy, even if he lets Sylvain lead him. Despite everything they did at the Golden Peacock, it's different here; there's no way to mask his desire behind the rules of the place, the suggestions they both know are coming. It's absurd, really; Sylvain has wanted him through everything, in every scenario they've had.
That's the fear, isn't it? That somehow he'll find the combination that breaks this.
It doesn't help that he's never been entirely himself when in this form before. What if he doesn't have the parts that make it work for Sylvain? What if all he is now is this? It's a thousand worries, much closer to the man he was when Sylvain met him than who he is now.
He doesn't eve realize the way his tentacles are curling around the other, seeking and releasing in nervous want. He's learned enough to at least not bolt, leaning his head into the other's. ]
I want...to feel close. [ To feel stable. To feel okay. To be as carefree and confident as he'd been for those months. To still be enough for Sylvain. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
Nsfw: August beach transformation
Date: 2025-08-30 01:11 am (UTC)Both jeopardized being there for Sylvain in his full capacity. That was what had been eating at him.
It’s late now, well past midnight. The beach is quiet. Basch sits with his tentacled bottom half in one of the healing pools, staring out at the ocean. He doesn’t hate it. Maybe that’s why it’s stuck so well.
That only makes him feel guiltier, like he asked for this somehow. He misses the freedom to go where the other is. Maybe…maybe they need a house on the beach. He could make that work.
He doesn’t realize how deeply his brow is furrowed or the way some of his tentacles curl and uncurl, slapping the water lightly in thought and frustration. Overhead the sky is clear, dotted with stars and moonlight. A real breeze tousled his hair. Nature is something he missed, and he’s grateful for it. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-30 01:24 am (UTC)[ Sylvain had been directed this way by one of the island's natives, hunting for the man he'd been told had returned to the surface. They'd been separated, down below, and Sylvain was late returning himself - and was still very much getting his land legs again.
His bright smile fades somewhat, however, as he takes in the tension in his lover's form and hurries in his direction. Then pauses in surprise when he hears a splash from the pool in front of Basch. ]
Basch? [ It's more concern than unease as he rounds the pool to approach where the man perches, and then takes in what most of the water had hidden up till now. he doesn't look alarmed by it, more worried as he studies his lover's face with a concerned wrinkle of his own brow. ] Are you okay? What's wrong?
no subject
Date: 2025-08-30 01:31 am (UTC)He tries, for a moment, to stand, and is reminded what he currently is. The splashing is louder as he moves awkwardly, a jarring crash in the quiet night. He grimaces, catching himself, tentacles splaying to stabilize him, and it's uncanny how easy it is to control them. How natural. He could get out and go to Sylvain, crawl on the beach like an octopus, and yet the idea is...shameful somehow. Embarrassing. Not the sexy kind. ]
The transformation...stuck... [ he says, gesturing vaguely. His lips press together, brow knit, gaze elsewhere as his chest tightens. It's been a long time since it was this hard to find words. ] I'm not hurt. Are you...?
[ That, and he can't help but seek his lover's face. Habit, more than anything, but he's grateful for it, because seeing Sylvain still eases something in him. So long as they're both alive, and both here, they'll figure something out. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-30 01:38 am (UTC)Easy, [ he sooths him, being careful not to step on any of the appendages he can feel in the water around his ankles. He's not alarmed by it - after their time in the resort, they'd played with all sorts of strange things and this is still Basch. ]
I'm fine. Just worried about you. Stuck? Did something happen? Can we fix it? [ he figures Basch already asked these questions of someone, but he asks anyway, worried on his lover's behalf. Especially because he doesn't like the look of that expression on his face - one that hadn't been there for quite some time and Sylvain does not like its abrupt return.
He cups a hand against Basch's cheek, tipping his face back towards him as he holds his lover's gaze with an earnest look. ] Hey. Whatever it is, we'll figure it out.
no subject
Date: 2025-08-30 01:56 am (UTC)His hands linger on the other, several tentacles absently brushing Sylvain’s ankle or gliding around his legs. The contact is soothing, even has he shakes his head once. ]
It was worse — this much has healed, but it has plateaued. They do not know if it can be fixed.
[ his grip tightens, an echo of fear seizing in his chest. ] I’m sorry. I made a poor decision, and I — I was so worried I was going to leave you.
[ His voice is so low, so brittle. He can’t voice more than a vague euphemism. Dying doesn’t scare him. Being transformed doesn’t even really scare him. Betraying Sylvain’s trust or leaving the other behind, no support and no trace, absolutely terrifies him. And it nearly happened so fast he could hardly stop it. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-30 02:01 am (UTC)[ Sylvain interrupts him again, eyes widening when Basch starts apologizing. Clearly he'd missed something, and he drags the other man close, threading fingers in his hair as he tucks Basch's face against his throat. Wraps arms around him in a comforting gesture they've shared so often before. Sylvain just holds him, arms warm and secure as he brushes his cheek against the top of the man's head. He's distantly aware of the feeling of those appendages twining restlessly around his ankles, but he's not bothered by it - that is so far down on the list of concerns with this moment that it barely even registers. ]
You didn't do anything wrong. It's alright, we'll figure this out, okay? Just because it slowed down doesn't mean it'll stay this way. it might wear off when the magic holding it in place does. And if it doesn't... we can figure that part out, too. I'm right here, no one's leaving anyone, okay?
[ That stark fear he can hear and see in his lover right now is like a stab to his heart. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-30 02:23 am (UTC)I made it back [ he whispers, as much to assure himself as Sylvain. The danger is passed. The transformation is incidental. But the specter of his nightmares lurk too. Hallowed out halls, war torn buildings, mist soaked ghosts. That city beneath the waves struck something deep and unhealed in him.
He tries to focus on the hands in his hair, the familiar smell of skin and sweat, the sound of Sylvain’s breathing. ] You made it out. It’s alright.
no subject
Date: 2025-08-30 02:28 am (UTC)Although he's now mentally cursing himself for ever letting them get separated down there, especially when he knows Basch hadn't been in the greatest state of mind when he'd last seen him. ]
You're back and so am I. We're both whole and relatively healthy and I'm not letting go of you anytime soon. I'm right here, love. Feel me. I'm real. This is real.
no subject
Date: 2025-08-30 02:38 am (UTC)He was happy. He was looking forward to the future. Of course it would be taken from him.
But Sylvain is right. This is real. They’re here. He lifts his head only to find the other’s mouth, kissing him like he needs it to breathe, not caring that there are tear tracks on his face, not entirely aware of how completely he has Sylvain wrapped in the grip of his new appendages. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-30 02:54 am (UTC)In between kisses and the soft choked sounds of Basch's emotions, he murmurs against his lips. Soft reassurances, words of love. Reminders that this is real.
because he knows that fear all too well. How many times has he woken up from a nightmare in the middle of the night and immediately reached to make sure Basch is in the bed beside him? How many times has he sought him out in the middle of an otherwise mundane day, just to remind himself that he still has this, has them. When it all still feels too good to be true. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-30 03:03 am (UTC)Right now, falling apart like this is the most natural thing in the world. He is so grateful for the steady affection, the calmer demeanor to match his too. His stuttered breathing evens, his kiss slowing, his death grip easing to caress. ]
I still want to build you a house, but it may have to be on the beach. [ It’s murmured and shaky, the laugh a little sharp, but he’s calming. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-30 03:12 am (UTC)Is that what you're worried about? Love. Home is wherever we can be together. A house, a ship, a lonely stretch of beach where we can fuck in the sand under the stars. Even if that's actually probably highly uncomfortable, considering sand gets everywhere.
[ he kisses him again, quick and fierce, directly on the lips, still gripping his face in his hands. ]
As long as I can be with you - in whatever form you happen to be taking - that's all I need. Understand me?
Your icons are killing me
Date: 2025-08-30 04:01 am (UTC)The emotion is still running rampant, making his face crumple even as his chest is feeling lighter. It’s like he has to let this out, get the poison purged before it starts to rot. He even manages a choked laugh at Sylvain considering the practicalities of sex on the beach. ]
No I — yes, all of that. I was afraid — I almost — if I’d died down there I would have never forgiven myself for leaving you.
[ There’s a crack in his voice, a hitch as he says it, like he’s daring it to happen by admitting it. ]
And then I got out, but I thought I was going to lose myself, be that creature — forget everything and stay down there.
We haven’t really been mortal for so long. The resort wouldn’t let us. I — I forgot, and it almost cost us both.
that’s what they’re here for ;)
Date: 2025-09-01 03:43 am (UTC)But you’re here, and you’re alright. You didn’t leave me. You didn’t forget me. You haven’t lost anything, love.
I can't say how the resort did what it did, or how the magic in this place is so different. We’re both going to have to learn as we go. But I also don’t doubt for a moment that no matter what magic you might get wrapped up in, or what danger you feel the need to fight, that it could make you forget to return home to me. Not after what we’ve been through together. I trust you, Basch. I know your heart, and I’m not worried.
Re: that’s what they’re here for ;)
Date: 2025-09-06 04:22 pm (UTC)It is not my heart I am worried over. It is my head being too slow or too naive.
[ There's less bite to it, though, and his lips find Sylvain's again. Less desperate, if no less demanding. His tentacles shift, wrapping around the other, brushing hair, finding any way to touch ]
I love you [ he whispers. It is a plea, a reminder, a promise -- and a fear. ] I am afraid -- I am afraid you will be ripped away from me too.
[ Because every other thing he had ever loved was. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-09-08 07:37 pm (UTC)He presses another kiss to Basch's lips, warm and soothing, hating the way the man's voice had cracked on that confession. ]
I love you, too. And I can be just as afraid of that at times. Perhaps you shall just have to hold onto me extra tightly to make sure nothing can tear me from your grasp.
[ his own hands slide back until he can tangle fingers in Basch's hair, gripping firmly as he keeps the other man held close. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-09-10 10:19 pm (UTC)His breath catches, too, at how easily Sylvain returns those words. They still don't use them often, and he still treasures what it means for Sylvain to give them back. ]
I do have the means to hold you extra tightly [ he says, hoarse and low, but a genuine tease to it. It turns to a sigh, almost a whimper as Sylvain buries his hands in Basch's hair and pulls him close. ]
I...want to pleasure you. I do not know the rules here. It is not the resort, and we cannot go anywhere private with me like this.
[ There's a plea to it, a frustration. How can he have his lover in his arms and still feel blocked from him? All he wants is to melt into the closeness they've shared so many times. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-10-14 02:01 pm (UTC)Come here.
[ he urges instead, wading deeper into the pool of water, drawing Basch along with him. ]
We've got this place to ourselves - there was no one around when I came looking for you. We can do anything you want, right here, alright?
no subject
Date: 2025-10-27 05:54 pm (UTC)That's the fear, isn't it? That somehow he'll find the combination that breaks this.
It doesn't help that he's never been entirely himself when in this form before. What if he doesn't have the parts that make it work for Sylvain? What if all he is now is this? It's a thousand worries, much closer to the man he was when Sylvain met him than who he is now.
He doesn't eve realize the way his tentacles are curling around the other, seeking and releasing in nervous want. He's learned enough to at least not bolt, leaning his head into the other's. ]
I want...to feel close. [ To feel stable. To feel okay. To be as carefree and confident as he'd been for those months. To still be enough for Sylvain. ]