Outsiders -- Rahal / Errol

[clementine]

"A near death experience?" Errol looked at Rahal with a raised brow before he burst with laughter. "I guess whatever makes you feel better," he teased, turning back to the pot over the fire to spoon a bowl of hearty porridge for Rahal. It wasn't much, but it would at least fill them both up and it tasted good. Not much else was important.

When Errol returned to face Rahal again, he caught the boy's blush and shy expression. Errol nearly blushed himself as the thought of having Rahal nude beneath him flashed through his mind. Shaking his head, he returned that shy smile as he leaned in and offered the bowl to Rahal. Before he could be reprimanded, Errol dove in and kissed Rahal quickly on the cheek, catching the corner of the boy's mouth in the process.

"No problem," Errol replied, quickly pulling back and out of slapping distance. Pretending he hadn't just given in and kissed Rahal, Errol studiously returned to making himself his own bowl of porridge.

[Ephemerality]

Reaching out to take the offered bowl, Rahal was utterly taken by surprise at the sudden kiss that had been stolen from him. Yet the demon didn't have to worry about being slapped, the Majikadai only barely even being able to hold onto his bowl in his state of surprise. Even so, it wasn't exactly the other's audacity that was the source of shock. More like he was utterly surprised at how he was okay with it. If anything, he'd been ever so briefly disappointed that the daemon had only caught the corner of his mouth. What was wrong with him? He never acted like this. The albino boy never allowed himself to even get close with anyone, much less to want these kinds of things out of someone else. But there he was, staring at Errol's back as the other resumed pouring his own bowl, inexplicably caught up in how even just an almost-kiss had made those butterflies in his stomach come alive again.

"Errol.." The boy began slowly as he slowly sat his bowl in his lap, "Can I ask you something?" His eyes fell back to the porridge in his lap, staring at it as he slowly tried to formulate his question as best he could. At length, he finally gave up on sorting out all the conflicting thoughts and settled on his question, still staring intently at his bowl. "Why do you like me so much? I mean, I assume you do, or else you wouldn't.." He trailed, paused, and started again, even softer than before, ".. kiss me like that. I don't understand."

[clementine]

Errol was mid bite into his porridge when Rahal's question was flung out into the open. Now that was NOT what he'd been expecting. A slap or angry words, yes, but not that uncertain question. It had Errol reevaluating Rahal's age, or at least his self esteem. Why did he seemed so surprised by such a thing? How could anyone not like the little beauty?

"If you lived in the city, I'd be having coffee with you right now," Errol replied, his voice equally slow. "I'd be dating you. So to answer your question, I like you very much." At this point, Errol was staring intently at Rahal, his eyes moving town to trace the boy's mouth. "Is it that hard to understand, Rahal? You're beautiful. There's just something about you that I like. A lot."

[Ephemerality]

Rahal wasn't sure what he was expecting the other to say. Honestly, he wasn't even sure what he wanted him to say. Part of him, the lonely part that was all but repressed the majority of the time, was nervously excited about the idea of not being alone for once. Yet another part of him was unnerved by the unfamiliar territory that he was wading into. No one in the tribe had ever been interested in him like Errol was. In fact, the only time someone had even seemed to like him had turned out to be a cruel joke when he had been younger. Even though the boy had convinced himself that things like this didn't matter and that it didn't bother him, it still left a mark, no matter how fiercely he denied it.

"No one's ever told me that," He admitted quietly, breathlessly, still surprised to even hear the words. Beautiful. No one had ever called him such a thing. He should've been suspicious, or that's what he was trying to tell himself on the inside. But he just couldn't muster up the paranoia. Whatever it was, he couldn't find it in him to distrust the other. He looked up and searched Errol's face for a long moment, unable to find any hint of lying.

"Will you kiss me?" Rah finally asked, voice barely even above a whisper. What was he doing? Normally, he'd kick his own ass for being so weak and pathetic. But there was just something about the daemon that was making it impossible to keep up his guard, especially when he was being so sincerely sweet.

[clementine]

Errol watched Rahal, his brows furrowed. The boy's emotions flitted unchecked across his face and Errol wondered what he was thinking. How could no one have ever told him that he was beautiful? Baffled, he nearly missed Rah's question.

"Kiss you?" Errol asked in shock, nearly dropping his bowl. "Of cour--I mean, as long as that's okay." He wasn't about to let Rahal change his mind though. Even if he only got to kiss the male once, he was going to do it and make it worth it. Licking his lips nervously, Errol scooted in like some young kid. Willing his trembling body to calm down, he reached out to cup Rahal's cheek when he was close enough.

Rubbing his thumb gently over Rahal's full lower lip, Errol leaned in slowly and pressed his mouth to Rahal's. He was a gentle kiss and pretty chaste compared to some, but Errol didn't want to scare Rahal. He sighed though, allowed himself to press his tongue against Rahal's lips to coax him to open them.

[Ephemerality]

For a moment, the boy really did consider changing his mind. He was being ridiculous. But still, in the end, the curiosity was just too much to bear. Even if he didn't understand why he was so attracted to this man he'd known for less than a full twenty-four hours, he wanted to be kissed. He simply gave a small nod when the other confirmed, even noting with a hint of inner amusement that it appeared as if he wasn't the only one that was nervous.

Rah's head tilted lightly against the hand that came to rest on his red-burning cheek. Even just the sensation of that thumb running over his lip was oddly appealing to him, even before Errol's own lips pressed against his. So, this was what kissing was? He'd been missing out. His eyes fell closed as he finally just let go of the part of his mind that had been analyzing every little thought he'd had since he'd woken up. The albino boy just couldn't let him overanalyzing the moment ruin it all. Slowly, his hand came up to Errol's chest as he steadied himself, letting his lips part and allowing the other to deepen the kiss.

[clementine]

Errol let out a shuddering sigh of pleasure when he felt Rahal's hand against his chest. He leaned in further, his hand cupping the back of the other's head now. He readily pillaged Rah's mouth, thrusting his tongue in deep and claiming every inch of. He couldn't even believe that Rahal was allowing the kiss. He was sure the little warrior had been against it. The change of heart was surprising, but Errol welcomed it.

Groaning loudly into Rahal's mouth, Errol's instincts flared to life and before he knew it, he was gently lowering Rahal to the bed roll. With that lithe body below him, Errol deepened the kiss, barely breaking for a breath before he dove down for more. And while Errol kept the kiss heated, he made sure not to touch Rahal strangely, merely enjoying being on top and pretending what could happen.

[Ephemerality]

The sudden change in direction in the kiss, from chaste and sweet to deep and passionate, didn't seem to bother Rah at all. Really, he'd been drawn too far in to even notice how sudden the change was. The majikadai wanted the kiss just as badly as Errol did, and it made it surprisingly.. natural. He would've thought there would be more of a learning curve, but he didn't seem to be having any trouble in returning the affection. Just as the daemon explored his mouth, Rah did his own exploration, reveling in the other's taste and the feeling of his body so close to his as he was lowered down onto his back.

Rah's hand rose with the change in position, sliding up the other's chest, over his shoulder, and finally up to lightly tangle his fingers in the man's hair. Only vaguely was he aware of the annoyance of his bum arm. One hand just wasn't enough, the desire to touch him was so strong. An only vaguely frustrated, quiet noise left his lips before he finally had to break the kiss, sucking in a deep breath as he finally opened his eyes again.

"I think.. I like you, too," He muttered quietly, as if it even needed to be said. Like the kissing the bejeezus out of one another hadn't been clue enough. Rah managed a small, nervous smile, before teasing with the other's own line. "There's just something about you."

[clementine]

Errol moaned into Rahal's mouth, the sound becoming a deep, possessive growl. He pulled the youth closer, enjoying his touch. He shuddered when he felt Rahal's hand against his and then his hair. Errol couldn't help but lean into that lithe hand as the kiss was finally broken. He found himself looking down at Rahal's pleasure glazed face, unable to not find pleasure in how swollen Raha's sweet mouth was.

At Raha's words, Errol felt like his heart was going to melt. He couldn't believe the other felt the same as he did. "What can I say, I'm just special like that," he teased back, kissing the tip of Rahal's nose. For a moment, he wondered what would happen when Rahal had to go back home, but for now, he pushed such thoughts aside and merely enjoyed the moment.

[Ephemerality]

A smile took over the boy's lips as the other teased him and kissed his nose, giving only slight pause before experimentally leaning up to press one more quick kiss against the daemon's chin. It was odd how even such a small gesture like this made those butterflies in his stomach flutter almost as much as actually kissing the other. Maybe it was the novelty of the situation, or maybe it was just Errol, as peculiar as the thought was. In any case, he didn't have all too long to dwell on it before something -- a quiet sound from the treeline -- pulled him out of the little reverie.

"Quiet," Rahal whispered as his body tensed, twisting a bit underneath the other to direct his attention towards the nearby trees. It had only been a brief and quiet sound, but it was enough for any experienced majikadai to pick up on. His eyes narrowed as he watched, and instinct told him to grab for his weapon.. whose absense was only now noted. He mentally cursed the realization that it must have been lost when he had been attacked. Even so, it wasn't like he could've used it in his shape. Finally, unable to clearly determine what was watching them, he spoke up, tone firm. "Who's there?"

For a few seconds, there was silence before, finally, there was the sound of something gently jumping down from one of the lower boughs of a tree, followed by another. Another second later, and their audience was visible: two other majikadai, with expressions that were crossed somewhere between amusement and disgust.

"Ilija wouldn't stop bothering the chief when you didn't return last night, so he finally made us come looking," The tallest, a Giver with shorter brown hair, spoke with a contemptuous smirk on his lips, "I suppose the half-breed will be pleased to know you're off in the forest, fooling around with one of his kind." He paused, smirk growing, "The chief, on the other hand.."

"Enough, Ari," His companion, a slightly smaller Bearer, cut him off. His expression, in contrast, was more overtaken by disgust and anger than anything, "This is what you get for hoping to find him killed. Now he's alive, and with a daemon on tribe territory."

[clementine]

Errol tensed at Rahal's warning. Immediately he shifted more protectively above Rahal, hiding his little warrior's body almost completely from view. Errol bared his teeth, feeling his eyes already bleeding to gold at the prospect of a threat so close to Rahal. The next few moment of silence was deafening and he nearly growled at Rahal to hush before the sound of movement was heard again.

The demon hadn't expected two majikadai to step into the clearing. He would have relaxed, knowing that it was Rahal's tribesmen, but the looks on their faces had Errol bristling further. His lips pulled back from his elongated fangs and he growled warningly. With so much demonic energy suddenly pumping through him once again, the majikadai would find their throats ripped out if they made any threatening movements.

The giver was what worried Errol the most, knowing that the other male would be stronger than his bearer companion. Their conversation had Errol growing angry and he shifted slightly, preparing to spring at them. Muscles bunching until they cramped, Errol was amazed he hadn't offed these two male's yet. He didn't like them, not one bit.

"Shall I kill them," Errol finally asked of Rahal, his voice dangerously low and soft.

[Ephemerality]

Surprisingly, there didn't seem to even be the slightest hint of hurt on Rahal's face. Actually, the only look that plagued him was one of annoyance. Go figure, something like this would have to happen. The one time he had finally had a positive social interaction, and someone had to ruin it. He didn't even really know what to say, keeping silent until Errol spoke up. His eyes returned to the daemon and he was quite surprised at the sight. The other's almost wild expression and the question struck a chord of fear in the boy -- not for himself, but for the other two Majikadai. Even though Rahal knew the others to be rather strong fighters, he'd seen what Errol could do with water.. And considering they were by a river, well, the albino boy wouldn't place his bet on them.

"Kill us?" Ari spat indignantly and, in one fluid motion, stepping forward and grabbing the spear attached to his back, "I'd like to see you try, daemon."

But before he could even make it another step, Dion -- the Bearer -- grabbed him by the arm to stop him, a firm look on his face. While they both hated Rah more or less equally, the blonde at least lacked the tempestuous temper of his comrade.

"Don't," Rah finally answered with a small sigh. As much as he would've liked to be down a pair of tormenters, he couldn't, "It would only make things worse. They'd have me killed for it."

"Yes, and you'll already be in enough trouble as it is once word reaches the chief," Dion stated, cold glare settling on the albino and the daemon again, "Regardless, you'll return to the village within the hour so Ilija will stop his fussing." He paused, and then added, with an obvious hint of disgust, "Daemon, you should leave our territory before dusk. Otherwise, the tribe's best fighters and hunters will personally escort you, if they don't kill you first."

With one last sneer, the overconfident Bearer turned and dragged Ari back into the coverof the forest with him, the latter seeming all too sullen at the opportunity for a fight wasted. But just as quickly as they had appeared, they were gone, leaving the albino boy angry, frustrated, and.. sad. Not that he was going to be punished for being seen with Errol, but the fact that they would have to part ways so soon. He bit his lip as he stared at the forest after the other two for a long moment, before finally looking back to Errol.

"I'm sorry about those two," He muttered, looking apologetic, "I didn't mean for you to get involved in any of this.. but I don't think it would be safe for you to stay here any longer." He trailed off, face taking on a sad look at the thought of having to part ways. He didn't want Errol to leave. Not yet. Not at all. He had been the only person to treat him kindly other than Ilija. More than kindly, even. It just wasn't fair.

[clementine]

Errol spat on the ground the two majikadai had just vacated. A bunch of territorial brats, the lot of them. Did they think they would find no retribution if they killed either Rahal or himself? Even if he, Errol, where somehow killed, his family would eventually hear about it. The punishment is own clan would bring down would be swift and terrible. His father was not one to take death threats lightly and neither was he. The fact that Rahal had stopped him from going after those two bastards didn't sit well with him. The thought of Rahal being punished didn't bode well either. He had to do something!

For a few moments longer, Errol remained poised above Rahal, watching and waiting just in case those two decided to come back. When they didn't the daemon finally eased off of Rahal to sit back on his haunches. "I'm not going anywhere," Errol retorted angrily. "I'm not leaving you alone with those excuses for living beings. I have a mind to take you and your bearer and just go home. I've never heard of a more prejudiced tribe."

Sighing harshly now that his rant was over, Errol looked down at Rahal's stricken face. "Don't worry," he added more gently, reaching out to cup the curve of Rahal's cheek. "We'll think of something, even if its sicking that white beast on your tribe," he half teased.

[Ephemerality]

Rahal pushed himself up into a sitting position as the other sat up, though the daemon's angry words surprised him. He had honestly thought the other would begrudgingly head home. Rather, Errol was.. concerned about leaving him with them. It was highly unusual for the boy. No one ever cared about him, much less to this extent. The other was tempted to take him and Ilija back to the city with him. The comment only served to deepen the surprise.

The city.. Rahal couldn't say that he had ever even thought about living in such a place. All he had ever known was the forest and his tribe. Even though the former was extremely dangerous and the latter treated him like less than dirt, he'd never thought of leaving it. The idea made him both nervous and excited. On one hand, he knew nothing about the place and would likely fit in just about as well there as he did here. On the other, he wouldn't have to be apart from Errol.

The surprised look on his face softened slightly when the other cupped his cheek, the albino boy instinctively leaning against the other's hand. A small, amused smirk settled on his lips at the daemon's teasing.

"As awful as they are, I wouldn't wish death on them. It would solve nothing," He sighed, taking a moment to settle on what he would say next. After a moment more of weighing the options, he spoke, tone cautiously optimistic, "But.. if I were to leave, I doubt the tribe would mourn the loss. Hell, they would likely celebrate." He bit his lip softly, and offered a single shoulder shrug. He just hoped the other would get the subtle hint, since he was just too nervous to flat out ask the other to take him with him. "I mean.. only if it wouldn't be too large of a burden for you.."

[clementine]

"Well, their deaths would make me happy," Errol grumped, allowing himself to brush his thumb idly across Raha's cheek as he thought. There was no way in the world he would let Rahal go back to the life he'd been previously living. How anyone could put up with being dumped on for so many years was beyond him. And it was obvious how Rahal was treated based on the actions of those previous majikadai. It sent his blood boiling to think about Rahal and his bearer being abused in such a way.

Rumbling lowly in his chest, Errol leaned down and kissed Rahal gently. "I would carry you and your bearer out of these woods on my back if it meant that I could keep you," Errol replied fervently. "I would do so anyways, even if you hadn't asked. The thought of you living with those...creatures is insane to me." Errol flashed Rahal a half cocked smile, pulling the boy up into his arms for a hug. "You will come back with me, won't you? I know it's selfish to ask, but..."