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"Music to my ears," The doctor responded with a smile, with the promise of the strongest black coffee, "That's why I like coming here. The younger generation has invented numerous types of caffeinated drinks by simply adding flavoured, sugared water to caffeine. But sometimes you just need a good old brew to remind yourself what a shitty day it can be." There is beauty in always preparing for the worst. At least that's why Elphyrio believes in, no matter how pessimistic it might sound.
"Have you seen Roy today?" As the dinner owner prepared the meal and plated the food, Elphyrio asked while reading a few quick work messages on his phone. "The young man kept talking about this place. Sometimes it feels like he might as well be a stray, constantly hanging out at places he thinks he belongs to. Perhaps it was because of his grandfather. Rebellious soul and all that. Ah, thank you." His eyes paused at the man's claws, but it didn't stop him from reaching for the cup of coffee for an almost desperate swig.
Elphyrio didn't waste any second. For someone who managed to maintain manners with the use of fork and knife, he consumed the food at an incredibly efficient pace. Doctor training, Elphyrio would say if someone comments on it. You never know how short your lunch break can be.
"So, what do you do when you are not behind the counter? Surely there must be something in this town that can squeeze a smile out of your foul mood."
zeke’s eyes flicked up briefly, just enough to catch the weight behind the words. a low hum rumbled in his chest—maybe a growl, maybe not—and then he let his gaze drop back to the counter, pretending the remark hadn’t fazed him. he leaned back just a little, eyes still sharp, corners of his mouth tugging into a faint smirk. “maybe not the worst… yet. careful where you step, doc.”
he let his dark eyes scan elphyrio for a beat, catching the exhaustion, stress, and faint sharpness that clung to him. the rumble in his chest grew low, almost instinctual, as he reached for a cup and the steaming coffee pot. “black. strongest you'll get in town,” he murmured, filling it carefully, fangs brushing his lower lip. sugar went in, then he slid down the bar, plucking a menu and sliding it under the cup with a flick of his claws.
“dealer’s choice on the food, huh? bold move.” he glanced at the prep line, muscles tensing as he moved with the precise, predatory rhythm he always carried when cooking. eggs cracked, bacon sizzled, and sausages popped under his careful watch and the faint, smoky aroma filled the air, mixing with the rich scent of grilled cheese and bread. methodical, exact, layering in just enough flavor to make it his own—sharp, messy, satisfying. meat, eggs and grilled cheese. a ode, if you asked zeke.
by the time he plated it, the steam rising off the food carried a warmth even zeke couldn’t ignore. he set it down in front of elphyrio, sliding the coffee over with a soft clink. claws traced the counter lightly, a subtle reminder this was his territory. “don’t know who dumped water on my mood. might’ve been the universe. might’ve been me. eat first, ask questions later.”
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Elphyrio felt his jaw tighten when his brain confirmed what he has just heard. The young man's smile was so bright and innocent, Elphyrio wondered if he has ever been taught about what could be an appropriate topic with an acquaintance or not. The doctor decided to ignore that comment, primarily out of respect for the innkeeper.
"We will put up a list and decide on one," Elphyrio said with a firm tone. The list seemed to be piling up, and they weren't sure whether Humberto would agree or not. "-After we obtain your father's approval."
The conversation over art therapy actually raised Elphyrio's interest. After all, art therapy has been proven to be a helpful form of psychotherapy treatment. The creative process of making art has been proven to help people express and explore complex emotions, experiences, and thoughts that may be difficult to put into words. Those are valuable pieces of information that can help plan a successful treatment.
"I thought I would work with animals. But my grades are good enough to get into medical school, so I made a decision." Elphyrio said, "I wouldn't think I can be a good model. I was asked once by someone from the university, but I declined. I am never good at putting my face in front of a camera. It feels like everyone is going to judge the person in the photo, and I am not sure I am comfortable with the idea."
"I do give good head! You asked me things I was talented at. I am talented at giving head. I think it's because it's nice to fist my hair while I suck them off. It's one of my many talents." Auri smiled brightly as if it was the most natural thing in the world to say, he had all the right elements to make him good at things like that. Despite his rather angelic look he could be insatiable when he was in the right mood. "Papa doesn't own me I'm not a slave. But you're right. I can teach a class. I am also good at wood working. I can show people to make a rocking horse. Or like. Picture frames." he said with a little hum thinking about what kind of class he could teach.
"Oh um. No? My dad will be around forever so I don't need to take it over?" Auri of course knew that wasn't the case but something deep in his soul told him it was so. His father would never leave him so he had no reason to take over the inn. "But I guess if he wanted me to I could? Um I think one day I want to do art therapy with people." he said with a smile. "Or be a model. Because I'm very pretty."
"What was your dream when you were my age? You're really handsome I bet you could be a model too."
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"Of course, Gretel, I always treat my volunteers well. They are giving up their time for something good and rewarding, after all." Elphyrio offered a comforting smile, one that seemed sincere enough to show his appreciation of the approval.
An eyebrow was raised one-sided when the question struck. "Children? No, but I have worked with a wide range of people. So I suppose you weren't wrong to say I have flown and fallen. But everyone deserves a chance to fly, don't you agree? But of course, your boys are young, and father surely knows best."
The matter has settled, and Elphyrio figured Auri should be happy enough with the result of this conversation. He changed the subject as he walked toward the next stall with the innkeeper. "You know, I can't say I have the opportunity to meet everyone in town yet. You seem to be well-known to and by many. I am curious about your opinion of this place." He paused and looked at an innocent banquet of yellow flower arrangements for a moment, "Or people, perhaps."
sometimes, humberto thought that his son was a little too bright. too trusting of others. even if the doctor had stayed with them while he was in between moves, what did they really know about him? so he would have to keep an eye on him for the both of them. "bubbly isn't everyone's cup of tea. he's a good guy though. if you tell him you don't have the energy for the conversation, he won't push." was he just trying to reassure that someone would end the interaction? maybe.
"do you have any children? seems like you're talking from experience of someone flying off a cliff and falling down." it wasn't that he didn't value the man's opinion. he did, somewhat. he was just wary when anyone tried to give him parenting advice. that was always a concern in the back of his head since biologically, auri wasn't his. just adopted. "good to know that you seem to have a good eye. that'll pair well with a nice machego or comté if you want some cheese to go along with it." he knew a thing or too about making some boards.
so that's where all of this was leading towards. auri leaving the nest to go specifically into the man's arms. "i'll pitch in any way that i can. zeke also owns luna's if you want something a little more filling for the patients." humberto needed to make it clear that he would be involved in some way. this was a group effort. "auri has had real world experiences, but he's always been interested in medicine. i don't see the harm in taking a couple hours out of his week to do that. as long as he's managing his time correctly." not letting any of his other responsibilities fall through the cracks. that would be the deal.
"speak freely around me. i'm not one to judge." he was, but he could always keep it respectful to say the least. "just don't overwork him. i know where to find you and him and lochlan are my whole world."
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If Therion did notice the way Eugene's eyes roamed over his exposed body, he clearly didn't mind being looked at. The gym owner maintained a casual posture. The firmness of the handshake hinted at his strong grip strength, especially when the veins along his forearm popped with more definition as their hands locked.
"Good choices. Picking the two parts that most people love and hate the most." Therion grinned as he moved his hand over his chest and gave it a firm grip. "I have done chest earlier already, but I will be more than happy to provide you with a spot. Although climbing straight after pushing legs might be a bad idea." Therion nodded as he gave the idea a more serious thought.
"So I will suggest picking one between them. I suppose I should dry myself. I assumed you would want to get straight into the chest workout? Maybe we can start with bench press."
Noting how the younger man gave his pec a light jolt, Therion let out a laugh. "Well, you can't build your body like this in one day. It takes time and dedication. But I have always found working out an excellent way to distract myself from bad habits, among other things." Theron's smile widened at the grin, licking his lower lip in response.
Eugene shakes the hand back, eyes roaming over Therion to his hearts content.
"Happy to be here, man. I was thinking chest..." his gaze settles for a moment on Therion's massive chest. "And a bit of legs." He lets his gaze wander further, taking in his thighs that he imagines splitting open a watermelon.
He shakes himself out of his staring.
"Don't really need a trainer, but I wouldn't mind a spot. Not all of us have pecs of steel."
He bumps the chest.
"Then maybe we can do that wall together. See who's the better climber."
He winks.
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TYLER HOECHLIN Teen Wolf 1.12 "Code Breaker"
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The sudden voice didn't startle the gym owner. After all, the gym is open, but Therion hasn't really seen anyone come in this early before, especially when the gym has only just been opened several weeks ago.
He turned, didn't shy away from the pair of eyes. After all, Therion has worked hard to build his physique, there was nothing on his body that he should be ashamed of.
"Hey, Eugene! I did see your name being added to the register. Thanks for signing up, man." He grinned brightly and stepped out from the shower water, approaching the other man to offer a firm, friendly handshake as a gesture of greeting. "Honestly, this means a lot. A lot of townfolks are giving this place and me a chance, which I am honestly excited for."
One hand combed over his hair and swiped it backwards, water dripped down slowly along the curves of his definition. "So, what are you looking to do today? Chest or arms? Or do you want to try out that climbing wall? I know we only have one wall at the moment, but there is enough space to expand once in the future. Hey, if you need a hand with anything, I am here to help out. Since I am just getting the ball started rolling, happy to give out a few free sessions, especially for newcomers."
Eugene enters the gym, not really expecting much though being pleasantly surprised by how nice it actually all looks. He's used to dingy bars and cramped apartments for his usual haunts. But the price for membership looked reasonable online so he figured he should branch out. Besides, looking this good does take effort.
He stands at the front desk for a bit but no one comes. Weird.
He shrugs and decides he'll show himself around, then talk with someone later when they're hopefully there.
He mostly skims over all the equipment, checking that he's at least familiar with most of it. Gives the small but no less useful climbing wall an impressed nod, then heads to the locker room. The amenities will be the deal breaker.
Walking in, he is impressed by it, the lockers, the counter space. But the showers catch his attention. Or rather the hot body in the wide open space.
Oh, so it's that kind of a gym?
He smirks, leaning against the door frame and just watching the nude man wash himself.
"If I had known there'd be this much eye-candy, I'd have come sooner."
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There was this rage that was suddenly unleashed deep within Therion's spirit. It wasn't like an erupting volcano or a destructive explosive, unshackled in the most violent way. Instead, it was like a brewing storm, suppressed by a mixture of confusion and self-control that manifested in the sights of others that he cares about.
"Stay with me, Florian, stay with- Look, just-" Therion tried to get a physical hold on the other man. As two branches of memories fought for dominance in his mind, he finally lost patience with the other man, who was clearly also struggling with the mental conflict.
"-LISTEN TO ME!"
The sudden roar made even Therion himself shaken. He didn't think he would lose control and shouted in such a way, especially when he was sober. Has the rage always been buried deep within him, waiting to be released? Heads were turning toward him, and for the first time in a very long time, Therion felt like he was being looked at like a... monster.
But he got a grip and threw a glare at everyone around them.
"OUT. NOW."
He grabbed Florian's arm and yanked him toward the first room he could find, slamming the door behind them and shutting the rest of the world away. He grumbled loudly, breathing loudly as he tried to calm himself. He turned, checking on Florian and holding both sides of his cheeks with his hands.
"Okay...Talk to me, Florian- Whatever is happening...I am your friend, we can...trust each other. Fuck-"
𝕺𝖓𝖈𝖊 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖈𝖚𝖗𝖘𝖊 𝖎𝖘 𝖇𝖗𝖔𝐤𝖊𝖓 ... the charmont estate.
“ hey … hey! d-don't come in here. this is still p-private property. my family's house … my h-house … ” florian says, his voice slurred and unsure, as the confusion refused to settle in his head. one day, he was the chief of police of this town. the runaway socialite, who is still looking for himself. but now … now, he is also a prince. he used to hold a sword in his hand, and fought curses and enemies with the power of true love. he knows both of these to be true … but why does his mind reject it?
outside, he could see the confused faces of other people as well. are they also experiencing what he is experiencing right now? he should be out there … helping people, and calming the situation. be the stalwart sheriff they know him to be. but right now, he just wants it to stop. “ please, just … leave the house. ” he continues. “ tell everyone to go home. i will fix this tomorrow. please. ”

closed starter for @wickedtaled.
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"He wasn't," Elphyrio reassured the father. "Auri was...delightful. Although I must admit, I am not very good at handling someone with such a bright and open personality." Once again, he chose his words carefully. But he also trusted Humberto to have the intellect to understand the meanings beneath the polite exchange. They respect each other, and Elphyrio found no reason not to deliver deferential words with masked honesty.
"But here's the thing about a young man his age, you know. They step into society and suddenly think they are all mature. They see a path and suddenly decide they have wanderlust. It's essential to...carefully and delicately expose them to the real world. Enough to satisfy them, but not too much that they will jump straight off the cliff and run off with some random lover. Ah, look. That cold cut looks excellent. They even have duck prosciutto." He picked up a package and turned it a few times, looking at the description.
"He seemed to find some of the charity works I am involved in interesting. That could be a suitable controlled environment for him to use as a window to peek into the real world. He does have so many skills to share, after all. And with your involvement, it will be a great opportunity to generate extra income and a positive reputation for your venue. People might come and pay for the class in the name of charity, but they will also need snacks and drinks that your lovely inn can surely provide." It would be a win-win situation, especially during seasons when there are fewer travellers in the area.
"Just an idea. Don't mind me, I am just speaking out from my mind. But I dare say Auri might see this as an act of fatherly kindness, you know. It does feel like he yearns for something more."
"i suppose that i couldn't gate keep it for too long. especially since you seem to have good taste and now some free time on your hands." humberto also had the chance to slip away. the purpose of the trip was to grab a couple of things for the inn. auri and lochlan could keep everything running while he was gone.
the polite nod was also returned, but the older man made sure to stay on his side of the conversation. he didn't want to cross any boundaries. his own included. they were cordial, so there was that at least.
"there are a couple of guests that we've had with us for a while, so i'm actually getting them a gratitude gift. a thank you for keeping me in business." a small laugh from his side. maybe it was going to be a way to ensure that they extended their reservation once more. always working some angle. "what about you? winding down after a long shift?" oh, so the man and his son were familiar? good to know so he can keep that in the back of his mind. "one of his newest hobbies. hope he wasn't a bother." not that he ever thought he would be.
"he has a lot of things that would make a father proud. his work being one of them." although he was making a mental note to remind auri not to be so open. just because they knew the doctor didn't mean he had to know everything about their lives. still, a proud and small smile formed on his face. "he does both here and there. the craft shop lets him spread his wings a little bit without me hovering all the time."
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"I don't think I should be selling a date with you without your father's consent. And- Did you really just say you give good head?" Elphyrio had a confused look on his face. He wondered what sort of things the boy's father would say if he heard how this conversation had turned. "...I think we should stick with classes." He said carefully, "I will...ask your father the next time I see him. Pellar isn't exactly a prominent place, so I'm sure I will run into him eventually."
Confidence is good, but a logical filter would also be preferable to Elphyrio's taste. In all fairness, Elphyrio has started to think that perhaps Gothel was right to keep a closer eye on this one.
"So...Do you think you will take over your father's inn someday?" Elphyrio once again turned the topic in an entirely different direction. He really is trying to remain polite. True, Auri is bright and friendly. But the naiveness can be...a little much. "Or do you have bigger plans for other things? Hopes and dreams, I suppose."
"See! I knew it." Auri said proudly his chin stuck up happily as he shuffled the cards again, those nimble fingers working them with an expert touch, truly the marvel was his card shuffling abilities and not the trick itself. Auri shuffled them like he had been a card dealer for years.
Auri laughed and showed off what he was wearing, sure it was a little big but measurements were hard, and he did things by feel mostly. He had no lack of confidence though. The way his father had raised him meant he was brimming with self confidence he never doubted that he was beautiful and talented. "Oh I have lots of talents. Obviously I am very good at magic tricks. I can do oreganomi. I can knit, and paint, and do wood working." he said counting off his skills. "I'm also very pretty." he said with a little laugh.
"I like painting all kinds of things! I like watercolors the best. Lots of landscapes, some portraits. Um sometimes I just paint my feelings." he said wishing he had some photos to show the other man.
"You could sell a date with me! Or I could paint them a picture. Or I give good head."
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Once Upon A Time...
[Who: Griffin Riddell @griffinsmiles] [When: Before The Curse Breaks] [Where: Their two-bedroom apartment] [Why: Housemates]
It seemed like a practical idea at the time to have a housemate. After all, Elphyrio has an unrealistic schedule. Having someone to share a house meant there would be someone taking the mail or going to the shops when the doctor couldn't. And in exchange, he was more than happy to pay a little more on his share.
But he didn't quite expect to be living with someone like...Well, Griffin Riddell.
"So...You run an occult shop," Elphyrio said as he sat on the couch, the television playing a movie in the background, something his housemate picked. But his primary focus was on the newspaper crossword. He clicked his pen twice, finally added 'elusive' to number seven across. "What does that even mean? Like you sell...Tarot cards? Trinkets? Or is it like one of those witchy vibe bookshops that is trending somewhere on the internet? And pass me that tub of ice cream, it was meant for sharing." He didn't really know what a witchy vibe bookshop meant, but he had overheard some young nurses talking about it when they were browsing Pinterest.
"How did you even come up with that idea? One day, you just went: Hey, that seems like a good idea in a small town like Pellar? I bet the mayor loved the idea when you pitched the business project."

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Three minutes were quick to pass.
Elphyrio entered the stock room as if that was the most natural thing to do. He shut the door quietly behind him, turning the lock before he gazed almost lazily at the younger man. "You see, Eugene, that's what I don't understand about the younger generation nowadays. So eager to rush through things that you don't get to learn how to truly enjoy it."
The man was already in a perfect position. Elphyrio grabbed Eugene by his wrist and pulled those two fingers out, throwing the hand aside. The same hand reached up, this time taking a firmer grip of the man's hair to arch Eugene's back to his desired angle.
"I don't want to hear a sound coming out from you pretty, charming mouth," Elphyrio whispered into Eugene's ear, lips caressing the younger man's earlobe. His middle finger caught a drip of lube that was sliding down along the curve, the tip travelled up until it reached the ring, circling around it in a teasing gesture. "Except for when you say thank you."
He built up enough anticipation before he pushed the long, middle finger in. Turning it slowly, but added a quick, unexpected thrust when the ring began to swallow each joint. He didn't intend for a quick dance; instead, the motion was slow and deliberate. Elphyrio was exploding, searching for every single nerve that would trigger the man. He took his time, but when he found the spot, he did not hesitate to toy with it.
"Do not touch yourself," Elphyrio said in a low voice. Not loud, but commanding. When he finally got to knuckle deep, he pulled out slowly, until only the first section of his finger was still buried inside the hole. "Until I give you permission."
His hand on Eugene's hair pulled harder, tugging down until the man's hips began to move, making the bartender sink his weight down to sit on his finger. Soon, he added the second, all while he trained Eugene to move his hips on his own with firm control over the pace and rhythm.
"What are they going to do? Fire their only bartender in the middle of their event?"
Eugene scoffs and finishes his drink before Elphyrio starts touching him like that. His mind immediately zeroes in to where the hand move from his collar to the nape of his neck and- oh fuck!
It's not even that hard of a tug but it has Eugene breathing heavy and getting hard already.
As if he'd say, 'no' to anything said to him like that.
He swallows and nods in his understanding.
He rounds back to the bar and tells the crowd he'll be back in a minute, and that he needs to restock some stuff. More groans but he couldn't give any less of a shit.
He hurries into the back room, leaving the door open a crack. He frantically searches through his satchel until he finds the lube he always carries.
He shoves his slacks down to his knees, lubes up two fingers, reaches behind to shove them both into his twitching hole. He bites his lip to keep his moan quiet though it barely does.
Quick and dirty he preps his hole, ass pointed to the doorway as he fingers himself.
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Once Upon A Time...
[Who: Anyone @talednewsletter] [When: Before The Curse Breaks, Early Morning] [Where: The Gym's Shower] [Why: The Owner of the Gym finished his morning workout, and your character walks into him while he was having a shower]
Admittedly, there are still a few areas in the gym that can use some work. But the place is fully functional. A spacious area for weight lifting. A row of running machines faces the bright industrial open window at the cardio section. Three dedicated spaces for classes. Therion is proud of his gym. And he truly hopes this will become a place where other townfolks can better themselves. Both mentally and physically. But he does have to work on the shower area eventually...When he has a bit more cash flow in hand.
The space is open. Some might even call it rustic, perhaps. He managed to install new flooring and shower tiles, but that was when the funds got a little tight. And that meant no shower dividers. Privacy will have to come with a price in the near future, in the form of a hefty bill. At least it doesn't entirely look like a prison shower.
Therion had an early start. He began to lift weights at six in the morning, working on his chest for an hour before he moved on to arms. Half an hour later, he spent another half at the cardio section. By the end of his workout, his tank top was soaked with sweat. And he quickly made his way to the shower.
Hot water fell over his muscular form. Therion let out a satisfying sigh as he felt fresh and renewed. He looked at the mirror from the other side of the wall- Of course, he installed a full mirror wall. There is nothing wrong for hard-working men to look at the labour of their hard work. He placed a hand over his pectoral muscle, feeling the pump in his muscles as someone else walked into the area.
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Tale as Old as Time.
The Beast
tyler hoechlin , homosexual, cis male + he/him → isn’t that therion adam? the story claims that they're the beast from beauty and the beast. i hear they’re 37. in the cursed town they're a gym owner, but back in the fairy tale realm they were a prince and master of the castle. they seem to be upbeat & romantic, but also selfish & temperamental. their aesthetics include untamed beast roaring with pride, forgotten rose behind a locked basement door, dancing with moves adorned by gold and blue.
I was the One Who Had it All.
Born with a Golden Spoon
Personal Information Name: Therion Adam Gender: Cis Male Hair Colour: Dark Brown Colour: Green Titles: The Beast Species: Cursed Human / Were-bear
I Rage Against the Trials.
Recovered Alcoholic
Background Therion was born into a wealthy family, famous for dealing with high-quality furniture inspired by vintage charm. Therion was supposed to be the next successor of the business. However, with the abandonment of his parents' attention, Therion has heavily relied on alcohol to numb his pain and eventually become a problematic alcoholic. His enraged display while drunk has quickly led to his family cutting ties with him. The golden boy soon found himself left with nothing except the last bottle of his whisky and thirty-seven dollars in his bank account. It took several years, but Therion eventually got rid of his alcohol addiction and stayed sober. With hard work, he managed to save up a decent amount of money and bought the old warehouse building, which he then refurbished to be the new town gym. With a new sense of purpose, Therion put effort into his new business. In his free time, Therion also dedicate himself to helping those who are cursed by alcohol addiction like he once did.
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It didn't take long for Elyphrio to put his doctor coat away and retrieve his backpack. He found Rory in the hall, tilting his head at the man's choice of clothing for the night before. "Young people these days, and I am not even that old." He shook his head, but still reached out to ruffle Rory's hair before he gave him a playful shove toward the exit.
"I am sure there are plenty of sausages at the diner." The doctor said, fully aware Rory was eyeing his private part. "Maybe good old Zeke will give you an extra. He does have that look on his face like he is waiting for trouble to step into his diner all the time. And you are, of course, like trouble manifesting itself." He walked toward his motorbike and unlocked the storage space at the back, tossing Rory one of the helmets before he put on his own.
His motorbike, a Harley-Davidson Nightster Special, is one of Elyphrio's proud possessions. Despite his usual sensible look, the doctor surprisingly enjoys speed. The thrill when everything blurs out around you is something that makes Elyphrio's heart beats fast.
"Come on, let's fly."
Rory pouts as the doctor moves out of his touch. He keeps the pout up even as he calls his grandpa, making up some excuse about staying at Will's for the night and how he's got a migraine and yada yada. He doesn't care if his grandpa buys it at this point but he is off the hook for now.
He quickly gets dressed, though his mesh shirt doesn't hide anything, his thong is well, a thong, and his jeans are so tight, they might as well look painted on. The only thing not just super slutty is his boots but doesn't make them any less sexy.
He steps out into the hall and sees the doctor getting ready to leave.
"Ready when you are, doc. I'm starving. Craving some sausage."
He smirks and looks to Elphyrio's crotch, showing just how ready he is to "thank" the doctor.
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Once Upon A Time...
[Who: Humberto Gothel @rewritingtales] [When: Before The Curse Breaks] [Where: Sunday Farmer's Market] [Why: Elphyrio and Humberto walk into each other in front of a stall]
"Ah, Gothel. I suppose I should not be surprised to see you here. I believed you were the one who mentioned the market to me while I was staying at your inn." In that sense, it was more surprising that they haven't seen each other at the market sooner. But then, the doctor doesn't always have the Sunday off.
Elphyrio gave the man a polite nod as they crossed paths. He wouldn't go as far as a hug or a handshake. They respect each other, but friendship would take a lot more than that.
"Shopping for the week? Perhaps treating yourself and Auri with something you both enjoy?" Elphyrio asked, more of a polite small talk. But with the mention of Humberto's son, he remembered the young man did ask if he could ask Gothel for permission to join one of his charity events. "I actually met Auri last Tuesday at the cafe. He was showing me videos and magic tricks." He decided to leave the details out. He wasn't sure how Humberto would feel if Auri was showing a random person a video of a raccoon and a failed performance.
"He also told me about his lizard pet and his cousin. He was excited about working too. That's a big step. I am sure you are proud of it." Unsure about what their relationship was like, Elphyrio chose his words carefully. The corner of his eye lingered on Gothel to keep an eye on his reaction. "I thought he would be helping you out at the inn instead of working at the craft shop."
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"There was a commotion from the other side of the woods last evening. It was said that a unit of soldiers was sent by the owner of the land, escorting some talking animals safely to another realm at the Wizard's request. Something ambushed them. It must have made some rather loud noises. Disturbing enough to scare off the wildlife." Elphyrio said it as if it were someone else's business. The talking animals have crossed the portal indeed, but certainly not the way the Wizard wanted. "Inconvenience, I know."
There was something about a man who could appreciate a moment of silence. A few glances were exchanged as they began to eat. The fact that the man wasn't the kind of companion who would talk his ears out has earned him a small smile.
"No. I'm afraid not. But I will be just fine." Noted how the man's eyes widened slightly at the sight of cheese. Elphyrio quietly added an extra cube to the other man's share of bread when he prepared a second batch. The grill was small and could only fit so many slices. "There is no need to offer your assistance. As I said, people who show kindness toward me don't tend to get the good ending they deserve."
Without a warning, Elphyrio reached out with a hand and gripped the hunter's jaw with a firm hand. He gazed into the man's eyes for a few seconds, then his thumb slowly caressed the left side of Gwyn's lips to brush away a piece of bread crumb that was trapped by his thick facial hair.
"Curious," Elphyrio said the word like a whisper. "A lone hunter with a good heart." He released the hunter's jaw, but his hand moved up to brush a strain of hair away from the man's eyes. "I wonder if your story holds any dark secrets."
Gwyn never asked many questions. He figured someone who was out here at night to watch the moon, and who stuck to the shadows, didn't want a bunch of questions about their scars or their business. It did not put him off. On the contrary, he found it sort of alluring, in its way. It added to the feeling Gwyn had that he did not to get on the stranger's bad side.
"You like it? Comes in handy. Usually I have the supplies and food but..." Gwyn paused a moment, rubbing his hands together by the fire. "Something in the woods is causing the fauna to flee, move outside their usual patterns. I've been patrolling, trying to see what's going on." When he saw the cheese, Gwyn's eyes widened. Actual cheese. He hadn't had cheese in months. At the offer of the flask, Gwyn shook his head and took out his own. "We all have our stories, don't we?" He raised a brow, drinking down some whiskey from the tin vessel.
Quiet moments passed and Gwyn let them, watching the flames, stealing glances at his sudden companion for the moment. He looked up at the sky, narrowing his eyes, seeing the thick bloom of clouds in the distance and he sighed. "Looks like a day of traveling wet..." He grumbled, annoyed. "Do you live close? I could help get you back quickly. I know these woods well." He offered, looking back at the other.
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