[ AW ] The Show Must Go On

T

he snort that emanated from the man at nearly calling him 'Mr. Stallion' once more coaxed a bit of laughter past his lips. "Please, you can call me Valerian. Or Val, for short. You can call me whatever you'd like, Grigori..." He smirked, enjoying the way the name felt on his tongue. “I like that name...it suits you." peered back at his reflection as there came a knock at the door with a woman dressed to impress. She was dropping off a drink and a tray of various meats arranged in an aesthetically pleasing manner, as instructed. “Thanks a ton, Nell. You are quite a darling."

“Uh-huh...break a leg out there...Ponyboy."

Valerian shot her a glare, the intensity of his gaze followed her until she left and he huffed. “Sometimes I worry that she actually means what she says..." He muttered with a frown, leaning his perch to carry the tray over to the bed where his guest seemed to begin to comfortably recline. He went back for his beverage before plopping himself next to Grigori and taking a swig.

He swirled the drink around in his mouth before swallowing and released a sigh. “Hell of a lot better even if it is lacking the amount of alcohol I'd particularly hope for, but...better than nothing." Val lifted his glass then, meeting silver eyes with his own as he offered a toast. “Cheers...to new friends."

He tossed back the drink a bit too easily, but he savored the sensation of his body soaking in the alcohol. Valerian closed his eyes and hummed then moved to lay out out across the bed, arching his neck as he he seemed to be forcing parts of his body into stretches. He blinked over at the man who claimed himself a soldier of the Highlands. “Were you there, then? For that first battle?"

He moved his shoulders in a particularly painful rotation, hissing as a spasm worked through his spine. “I was...unintentionally, of course, but I sustained a pretty serious injury from it...and now I have to prep my body for my performances...and that, my friend, is the primary reason that I am trying to lay off the alcohol...seeing as my abuse of the substance got me into that bloody mess to begin with. Forgive me incessant rambling." Valerian peered over at him apologetically as he rolled over onto his back, attempting a spinal rotation, but having some trouble with it. "Do you mind just...holding my hip down right there as I do this? That would be most appreciated, Mister Hardin."


@Grigori

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

'You can call me whatever you'd like, Grigori...' The cowboy looked away, losing count of just how many times his face has heated up today. He had to admit, Valerian knew how to get a man flustered. A... professional, as it were. It made him wonder, just how much of their interaction was genuine and how much a habit, something meant only to humor him. Is there a difference? It's only natural to expect a degree of pleasant dishonesty from, well.. a business. At the same time, Grigori didn't want to make any assumptions. Not knowing this way of life was no excuse for it, when the silver male has made every effort to make him feel comfortable. "Uh, thanks." He responded to the compliment, watching as the other moved to answer the door.

The way the other workers here treated Valerian, it was almost like he was an unruly younger sibling or something like that. The kind wolves tend to give a hard time, but would actually do a lot for when push comes to shove. "Naw, I'm sure they're fond of ye." Grigori offered with a smile. "Yer kind of a white crow here, no?" Well, maybe that wasn't the best comparison, given how white crows get treated by black ones, but that wasn't his point. Surely, the women here had to appreciate having a man who understood their point of view around. Someone they could talk to without having to put their best appearances on.

When Valerian joined him on the bed, the blonde brute couldn't help but focus on the warm, reassuring sensation of having someone at his side. It's been... too long since he last felt anything like it. Maybe the loneliness was why he couldn't sleep without drinking himself to sleep. Maybe he no longer knew how to endure being alone. "Well.. I hope it's good enough of a moment to enjoy, at least." He glanced towards Valerian, referencing his earlier words. "It is for me." he admitted. Even though he's been a ball of nerves every other step of the way, at least it kept him too busy to dwell on the past too much. It wasn't a bad thing to leave one's comfort zone, every once in a while. He nodded at the other, reaching out for the rest of his drink. "Cheers."

As tempted as he was to look when he heard Valerian stretch himself out on the bed, Grigori made an effort to distract himself with the snacks instead. He scooped up a couple morsels, chewing them unhurriedly to savor the taste. And then... the war was mentioned. The blonde brute swallowed heavily, feeling his appetite vanish without a trace. "Yeah." There wasn't much more he could say, even if he wanted to. He just didn't have the words for it.

His ears perked up in surprise when Val mentioned being there as well, then folded backwards when the silver male spoke of his injury. "I'm sorry." Yet another wrong in the wake of this conflict. Is it odd that all the violence, all the blood in the middle of a battle hardly bothered him? Yet, the way things changed once the dust fell.. that made his stomach twist into a knot. "I hate this war." He sighed, glancing towards his empty glass. It wasn't just loneliness he's been drowning, after all.

"Hm? Ah, sure.." When he turned around, he wasn't expecting Valerian to be lying on his back. Grigori panicked a little, unable to find a place to anchor his gaze that wouldn't be too forward. After a moment, he finally focused on the smaller wolf's hip, where his assistance was requested. He inched closer, placing a paw and applying some pressure. Valerian's fur was thick and soft, and the skin underneath invitingly warm. "Is.. is this fine?" It was just a small, innocuous favor, his heard shouldn't be hammering this much. Holding his breath, the cowboy braced himself enough to calmly shift his attention upwards along Val's body, until he finally reached the tidal pull of his sea-like eyes. Grigori bit his lip, slowly but surely mustering up courage, waiting for the alcohol to dull the edge of his doubts... "May I..?" he asked finally, before reaching out with his other paw to rest it on Valerian's belly, then slowly push it forward against the fur's grain, towards his chest. "Yer a real handsome fella, Mr DeSoto." He allowed his eyes to roam more freely now, but he didn't push things any further. He still remembered that Valerian had a show to take care of.

„*”

H

e closed his eyes and groaned aloud, though it was far more dramatic than he'd meant for it to be. Yet, the treatment from his work associate did not go unnoticed and he sucked his teeth with a shake of his head. “Tch, as unfortunate as it is...yes. white crow, black sheep, and any other sore thumb type in a crowd is what I've always been known for. Silver Stallion was my pick of poisons and I guarantee you they've not had one quite like me before!" He addressed at the space the woman had once occupied with a note of defiance. “But, you see, it is my unparalleled, extraordinary talents that have flooded the Howling Moon with more business! So, they can gripe all they want...they're only profiting off of what they pretend to dislike."

He reclined back, relaxing a bit more as they toasted and he smacked on a bit of the meats, favoring the prosciutto the most out of all of it. As Grigori voiced his humble delight in the time they were spending together, Valerian glanced over and held his gaze. There came a genuine smile as he nodded slowly in agreement. “Likewise...it's been quite a while since I've been able to hold a conversation with someone without them banging my brains out and asking questions later. I hardly ever get a name nowadays, though I can respect anonymity in special cases."

The topic of war seemed to unsettle the man seated stop his plush bedding and while he wished to hear what it was that bothered him, he also did not want to pry nor sour the mood. “I simply don't see how it's necessary...make love, not war! That's the best life motto to go by, in my.opinuon." He followed silver orbs to the empty glass that the man held and he gestured to it with the tip of his nose. “I could order another round for the both of us, if you'd like. Again, free of charge, and, uh, no strings attached." He chuckled realizing how it might seem he would expect something in return, but he most definitely did not.

Getting his muscles limber and willing to cooperate was a pain the arse, and sometimes literally. Whatever vertebrae got torn into in his upper neck had damaged some sort of connection with his hindquarters. A heavy paw came to rest on the hip he'd directed him to, the weight slowly being applied as he twisted himself gently. Setting his jaw and holding his breath again as he pushed the boundaries of his new limitations further until he released an exasperate breath, “Yes, yes...that's perfect...but, Gods, does that hurt! I really should see some sort of doctor about this...was hoping I could soothe it myself. You know any...one?"

Val's words trailed off when he turned his gaze back upon the golden stud that loomed over him, a telltale look in his eyes as he asked to touch him with his other paw as well. “You may..." He lowered his voice so that it was barely above a whisper in response, the touch of another rough paw moving up his belly creating electricity beneath his skin that for once wasn't the painful kind. His breath hitched at the combination of the physical contact and the low rumbling sound of a compliment. Valerian sought out Grigori's eyes again, those lustful eyes that held a sorrowful yearning to them. What is it that's broken your heart so...? He wondered, lifting a small paw to cup one of his cheeks.

His gratitude was expressed in a smile and a knowing look that studied the color in his face and the tension of the muscles there that practically begged for release. There was a length of time where he did not speak and then a quick rapping at the door stole his attention away. “You're up in ten, Valerian!" A voice called from the other side before chickened footsteps could be heard departing down the hall. The Silver Stallion sighed and gave his Golden Lion a few gentle strokes to the side of his face. “You're not required to watch, but...will you stay? After the show, that is?"


@Grigori

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

Hm, maybe the Howling Moon's inner workings weren't quite as straightforward as Grigori imagined at first, after all... but on the upside, Valerian seemed to be certain of his worth as an employee. That kind of confidence was something Grigori never really got to experience for himself. Of course, Aryth had often complimented his work, but now... who's to say his efforts as a soldier had any value? War was questionable business in and of itself, it's not impossible things would be better if he just walked away. But his sons' future was not something he could just stop fighting for.

It would seem holding onto an earnestly friendly moment was not an easy thing to accomplish here. The description of someone 'banging Valerian's brains out' was too blunt and vivid not to invoke some imagery, and Grigori had to stifle a surprised cough. "Sounds like, uh.. hard work..?" At the very least, much harder than he could have imagined with his previously very fleeting and minimal thoughts of this profession. In his hometown, it was a taboo that sat out in open daylight, in the town's most prominent saloon. But with the much more restrictive approach to sexuality there, Grigori never had a reason to feel even the slightest temptation to partake.

The silver male's lighthearted comment on war was a much needed reprieve from the gravity of the subject, making Grigori chuckle. "I'm afraid Jacob and Adamh won't settle their differences by makin' out." Although it would be much simpler if they were to do so in personal combat or even a tavern game... he knew that those dissatisfied with the outcome would not accept it, and proceed to go to war all the same. The entire thing was unlikely to end until one side is too beaten to keep going. "But we can at least imagine, eh?" he said, wearing the closest thing to a grin so far this day. When Valerian offered another drink, he shook his head. "Naw. Thanks, but.. maybe later. I don't wanna go out like that yet, for once." Maybe.. he won't need it at all tonight. The cowboy could only hope.

He could feel the smaller male's heartbeat under his paw, feel how it quickened from a simple touch. It wasn't much, but it was more enough for him to find some reprieve.. for a fleeting moment, at least. It passed quickly, and then the last time he'd done this with Aryth was the only thing he could picture. It had been quick, as they both struggled to find time, between their duties and the kids. And.. neither one of them knew it would be the last. His breath faltered as he struggled to choke the sorrow down in his suddenly tight throat. The gentle touch of a paw against his face helped him relax again. He closed his eyes, leaning into it. "I could.. ask an army medic to find some time. Ye were in the battle anyway, it's only right..." he muttered. He couldn't be indifferent to someone needing help, not even now.

The callout for Valerian's show broke through the silence comprised of two intertwined breaths like thunder. Grigori's ears folded backwards, but he opened his eyes nonetheless. The silver man was the only thing he could see again, and he was relieved for it. The blonde brute tilted his head, placing a soft kiss at the paw that still reached out for him, before he nodded. "If ye'll have me. And I'll watch the show. Ye advertise yer talents too much to miss out on it.. Mr Stallion." He smiled, then reluctantly stepped back to give the other space to stand up.

„*”

W

ell, he must have been doing a damn fine job of breaking the ice, because before he knew it, his 'shy' companion painted ab image of Adamh and Jacob that he could not unsee. He was swallowing the last bit of his drink just then and had to choke on it to avoid spotting it out all over the place. Val was overcome with a mixture of coughing and laughing, though eventually he caught his breath and shook his head, fanning himself with one paw. "You know, they really shouldn't knock something before they try it! " He snorted again and then waggled his eyebrows at Grigori as he mentioned even imagining such a thing. “Ha! Kinky..." His remark was laced with a purr of a growl, giving the cowboy a once over as though he'd transformed into a new man right before his eyes.

After that brief interruption of their intimacy, Valerian watched silver eyes reappear beneath lashes just before soft, dark lips were pressed against his outstretched paw. A warmth spread from the contact, moving up his neck and settling into his cheeks in a mild blush. Oh, there was absolutely nothing on earth that would sway him into letting this one get away. “Of course, I'll have you! I may have to kick a few adoring fans off of me. Unfortunately for them, they will have to take a rain check, because for tonight..." He leaned forward to touch noses with the burly male, peering up through a half-lidded cerulean gaze as he uttered, “...I'm booked solid..." Inclining his head, Valerian nipped at the air just in front of his nose before completely withdrawing and heading towards the exit of his room with an extra sway to his hips as he made his way to the doorway. “Come now, Mr. Hardin, you're in for a treat..."

As they left his sacred space, Valerian directed Grigori down the hall to where he could join the rest of the audience. He hopped up to give the brute a quick peck on the cheek before whisking himself away to his backstage area, so to speak. There wasn't an actual stage, but it gave him a way to make his grand entrance when they announced his title. And even then, without a stage he could be a bit more intimate and involved with his beloved onlookers. He waited with delightful anticipation until his illustrious epithet rung sweetly in his ears and...well, he had to tease them just a little bit. Foreplay worked just as well with a gathering as it did with a lover and he allowed them a moment to simmer, holding their breaths before he timed his arrival perfectly, sliding into the scene and halting, freezing in a pose until his ensemble began to play the tune.

[Insert the terribly cheesy musical number below...]

The crowd went wild, applause rained down on him and he soaked it all up. They were throwing roses, screaming his name. It was absolute euphoria! And it was...all in his head, for the most part, anyway. When he opened his eyes, there were only a handful of wolves left and two of them only had eyes for each other and swiftly a bedroom. “Thank you! Thank you! Please, you are all too kind, really!" Valerian let out a hearty laugh and made his way to the bar, hoping to meet Grigori there. Another male approached him and he waved a paw with a charming smile. “No autographs, please, I'm afraid my wrists might succumb to arthritis if I stamp a single paw print more!"

“Uhh, I was just going to ask where the loo was..."

Val straightened up, narrowing his eyes and pointing with his nose down the hall. “Out past the third door, you can't miss it..." He grumbled, glaring after the random patron before throwing himself into a seat in front of the bartender who raised his brows in amusement. “I swear, Carmichael, if you don't put me out of my misery with as much alcohol as you can cram into a glass..." He practically threatened the man through gritted teeth, watching as the other threw his paws up. “Whoa, we've got a badass over here...whatever you say Giddyup..." Val laid his head in his paws with a groan, unsure of how he would recover from his embarrassment aside from drowning himself in his drink, “I hate you so much..."

@Grigori

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

THE PERFORMANCE OF A LIFETIME

Grigori didn't necessarily like the thought of decreasing the small wolf's income even further by occupying time and space that others might have taken. Yet, he also couldn't ignore Valerian's efforts for making it sound enticing... He flicked his tongue at his own nose, chasing the tingling feeling that the other's touch had left, then nodded again, perhaps more so to reassure himself. "Alright."

The path outside Valerian's room passed by quicker this time, and it was difficult to say if he found the environment less intimidating after very nearly partaking in it, or if his attention was simply more focused on the silver wolf. The parting peck at his cheek made him smile before he even realized it, something about the way Valerian almost had to perform acrobatics to reach up high enough was endearing. But for now, he had to find himself a seat... after some thought, he opted for a bit more distanced one. It was nothing unusual for him to avoid being near the center of attention... even more so in this place.

The cowboy couldn't help but think that this wasn't the first time he was watching a performance more so for the performer than the performance itself. He still remembered that ball so long ago, when Aryth had recited his poetry in the royal castle's great specious hall, filled with countless wolves. Grigori had been but a speck in the crowd there... yet in every way that mattered, it felt like it was only them in that moment, when their eyes met while Aryth spoke words he had woven earlier, thinking of him...

Compared to that, Valerian's show was different in every way imaginable. The stage, the form, the purpose... it was meant to entertain first and foremost. Maybe get wolves in the right mood for business here. The nobles at castle would likely call it crass, vulgar even.. but Grigori didn't care about that. He was content to just watch Valerian move and listen to his voice, for as long as it would last.

But when the performance drew to a close, staying indoors for so long was beginning to get him, dulling his thoughts. Grigori had to step outside for a breath of fresh evening air. Air that brought about cold clarity. He could hardly believe what he was doing here. If anyone had told him in the morning how this day would turn out, he'd call it madness. It'd be no wrong if he simply left now...

But he went back inside instead.

Hearing a frustrated voice as he approached the bar only solidified his resolve. Better that they try to share a pleasant night than spend it separately in certain misery. Silently, he took a seat next to Valerian. It seemed like another moment it didn't feel quite right for him to butt into, but it seemed worse to stay out of it. After mulling over possible words, he leaned against Val's side softly and simply said "I liked it." It was no spectacular praise, but.. it was a simple, honest compliment.

"I'll have another, too. And then.. we can head back to yer place?" Grigori suggested. Feeling the other's warmth at his side, he was eager to withdraw from the stifling main hall back into the comforting intimacy of that luxurious room. And if means that a... a friend won't have to drink alone, even if he might not be able to stop drinking, then that's at least something. "Y'know, the last performance I watched was shortly followed by an assassination attempt." The blonde brute snorted, realizing how ridiculous that sounded. Or maybe it was just to mask how painful that memory was now. "I'm glad nothin' is interruptin' us." A husky drawl weighted down on his voice, the words firm with certainty and purpose, at least for this moment. He tilted his head, seeking out teal eyes. If there ever was a doubt that he was looking forward to more... now there was none.

„*”

V

alerian lifted his head momentarily to peer around and noticed there was no sign of his earlier companion that he was looking forward to spending more time with. He turned back around to look at his associate behind the bar who slid a drink his way and tilted his head at the deflated runt of a man. He opened himself to say something and Valerian snatched the drink, lifting a paw. "Not another word, Carmichael..." He threw back what was given to him and was relieved to find there was at least a hint more alcohol added to this drink, even if it was still off a bit from what he wanted...no, what he needed...

"Pick your head up, you've got company..."

There came a warning from Carmichael just before the feeling of warmth leaned up against him, a soft and simple compliment at his ear, making him spin around and knock his glass over, fortunately it was mostly empty. "Oops...well, heh, I must have done some sort of decent performance to keep you here, so that's a plus." He glanced apologetically at his favorite bartender who gave a nod to Grigori, cleaned up the mess and started making two more drinks. Val blew a sigh out of his lips causing them to flap and his gaze followed a golden lion's mane up until he met silver eyes again. The mention of the assassination attempt made his eyes go wide and then he started to laugh. "You should be a comedian, Mr. Hardin. I do enjoy your dry sense of humor."

The comment was followed by a huskier tone from the depths of the larger male's chest and what he implied sent a shiver down his spine. "No...I don't imagine there will be any interruptions..." He cut a look over at Carmichael who saluted him and he gave him a smile and wink before turning his attention back onto his prize for the evening. The ocean's of his eyes sparkling with allure and mischief as he sought out silvery hues once more. "Shall we?" He asked smoothly before spinning around and brushing a tail beneath Grigori's chin as he led him away back to his personal chambers.


@Grigori

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

The blonde brute almost winced when Valerian's glass toppled over. He was somewhat used to being the one who knocks things down, especially in crowded or cluttered spaces, enough so that second-hand discomfort at it happening wasn't much less than first-hand one. "Hmm. Well..." In all honesty, the performance likely didn't have much impact, one way or the other... but that didn't seem like the right thing to say. Grigori enjoyed it for the change of pace that it was, but what kept him here was something else. "Yer confidence is impressive. Truly." He could never do something in front of an audience. Much less anything that was supposed to draw eyes to him like that.

Grigori smiled, glad that the little assassination anecdote was enough to improve the other's spirits. However, the compliment that he got in return put some strain on that smile. "It's just... whistlin' past the graveyard, I s'pose." What else could one do about such an event other than try to make light of it? He didn't know. At most he could wonder morbidly, wonder what kind of world would they be in now if Adamh had died that night? Perhaps.. Aryth would still be alive. But such thoughts weren't worthy of being spoken out loud.

He let his thoughts disperse like shadows under the light of excitement in the silver male's eyes, his breath catching in his chest at the feathery brush of a tail against his chin. His gaze followed the small wolf's steps with interest for a few seconds, before he too stood up, took his drink and followed suit.

As soon as the door closed behind him, silencing the world outside, Grigori breathed out with relief. Fatigue was like vice grip on his skull, a set of bony jaws clamping down just beyond the corners of his vision. He downed his drink in one swig, for once to silence that sensation instead of inviting it in. He shuddered at the burning in his stomach and stepped closer to the other male. Standing at Val's right side, he took advantage of his size to reach over the smaller wolf's back and press his muzzle to Valerian's neck on the left side, a soft rumble resounding from his chest when his next breath was saturated with the other's spiced scent. "So, uh... do ye have a usual plan for this kinda thing, or..?"

The blonde brute didn't want to take the lead, unsure if he could do so without faltering... and knowing that even if he did, it would be nothing more than simple and straightforward. Just another task for Valerian to perform. The silver male seemed to delight in making every effort to impress, with utmost confidence every step of the way. If this moment is to be for both of them, instead of just selfishly for the cowboy.. then why not simply let him do just that?

„*”

B

ack in the quieter space of his own room, Valerian as though he could shed the weight of expectation of his shoulders. Val was quick to scamper to the back corner of the room behind the partition to freshen up just a tidbit. He trusted the other man could make himself comfortable in the room he'd already become somewhat acquainted with. The silver fox didn't waste too much time out of sight and emerged to finish off his own drink, moving to slide the empty glass across the vanity. He too was quick to finish off his own drink, sliding his glass across the vanity.

He'd was about to turn himself back around to face his counterpart when he felt the warmth of a larger body to his right and before he knew it, a rumbling voice was at his left ear as Grigori draped his larger neck over him. Valerian craned his own neck and leaned back, the hair along his neck and spine bristling as his hot breath moved across his skin. A chuckle moved past his lips and he turned his head slightly to cast a glance up at the suddenly very emboldened man.

“Ah, well...that's all up to you isn't it?" Val leaned only so far so that he could turn and place delicate kisses against a golden cheek. “I am here to play a part in your fantasies...” He practically purred against the fluff of a large silken ear. He gave pause then, raising a paw to tap his chin thougntfully. “Except for that one about Adamh and Jacob, I don't think I could wear a straight face trying to act that one out..." He snickered, clearly teasing as he began to pepper more kisses along a hardened jawline and then beneath the chin, against the soft of his neck.

“If you cannot think of anything, however, that only makes this night all the more exciting..." Valerian began to lean into the larger male's chest, urging him to take steps backwards. “...that simply means that we can take out time exploring and defining fantasy...together..." Once his ankles met the foot of the bed, it would be all too easy for The Silver Stallion to coax The Golden Lion backwards and welcome him into a wonderland all their own...

[Fade to Black]

@Grigori

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

Valerian's melodic voice sent a shiver down his spine. The words themselves, although enticing in their own right, paled in comparison to how he spoke them. At least until Rionnach's two aspiring rulers were mentioned again. Grigori grunted in protest, that image being the last thing he wanted in his mind right now. Fortunately it was fleeting, soon banished by soft kisses at his neck that made his breath quick and uneven, constricted by the muscles in his flanks tensing up. It staggered him, how delightful the touch of another could feel. He must have forgotten... after all, when was the last time anything any sort of good was more than a memory, always out of reach?

"Well, I, uhh.." The blonde brute stammered, taking small and uncertain steps back when the silver male gently pushed him towards the bed. Truly, the vague promise that Valerian offered was better than anything he could have thought of on his. "Yeah, I'd like.. that.." he whispered, just in time before his paws stumbled into the edge of the bed and he fell backwards, sitting down on it heavily. He hasn't really internalized it until now, but this was just enough to make them roughly even height. And that, he realized, was exactly what he wanted at the moment. Grigori leaned forward, meeting his partner halfway to lock their lips together. The kiss had a faint aftertaste of alcohol... but the blaze it lit within him was so much more.

-fade-

„*”