deercountry | Some nights, I stay up cashing in my bad luck

[Why do they have to cheers to that. Goddddd!

But Min-Gi takes his beer (and the cap) with a nod of thanks and holds his bottle up in cheers, not quite able to make himself say it aloud before drinking.

Hopefully Ryan will be right about all this or else Min is going to be opening beer bottles with his fangs. That would be a wicked trick too, right? Probably. He considers that as he turns the cap over in his other hand.]

Hey, Tomo.

[A sharp whistle. He holds up the bottle top until Tomo's eyes get as huge as the cap before flicking it into the air for them to do with what they please, keeping his painful arm tight against himself after the release. Tomo always makes him laugh and he suddenly misses Yeong terribly, wondering where she is during all this. Maybe he's been so shitty he has to earn her back or something. That would track.

Back to Ryan,]

Should we eat something?

[To be fair, opening a bottle with his fangs would be gnarly as fuck, and also kind of hot. It's the opposite of a problem, really.

Tomo goes flying for it. They jump and their whole body wiggles as they catch air (since otters were not really made for soaring this way) and even though they miss the bottle cap entirely they are more than happy to roll around on the floor in their treasures. Two! Two bottle caps for Tomo!!!]

Mmm, probably. I did sort of abandon the groceries too...

[They sure are still on the floor nearby, spilled oranges and all. Oops.]

What're you in the mood for?

[Two bottle caps! Two! Tomo is rich! And spoiled and well loved. Even corrupted.

Min takes a sip of his beer. An IPA. Citrus, floral, and piney, with a hint of bitterness and malty backbone for balance. He's learning.

In truth he doesn't think it really tastes like any of those things but that's what he's been told so that's what he's telling himself he's tasting. And, in a way, it's kind of grounding. Just like thinking about food and Ryan and low stakes accomplishments.

He's starting to feel better, you know, but acknowledging it feels like he might jinx himself.]

Something easy... or delivered. My arm is kinda hurting.

[Ryan is like 90% sure that the key to knowing anything about beer is just acting like you know what you're talking about. At least, that's what Ryan's always done and no one's ever questioned him on it.

He's definitely worried about Min's arm - Min bandaged it already, but he wasn't there to ~~help~~ to see it, so he's not sure how bad it is. Is it infected? Does Min need to get stitches?

Instead he just...takes a deep breath, and tries to keep things light.]

Yeah, I bet it does. We can do delivery.

[It's not like Ryan feels much like cooking right now either.]

[So...it's an accident. Kind of. It's mostly an accident.

It starts because Ryan can't actually remember how many spoonfuls of Shiro's magic healing honey go in tea for pain relief. Was it one or two? It was something like that, right? So Ryan goes with two, because Min's arm has been seriously in pain.

But then after he's already brewed the tea and put the honey in it, he remembers that it can be applied topically to wounds too. But...that wouldn't stack on top of the tea, right? Probably?

So he takes the time to tend to Min's wound, and spreads one more spoonful of honey in a thin layer over the gash. It instantly numbs at the site, but it doesn't mend the wound immediately. As he wraps the bandage again, he explains that it will heal shut once it dries.

After that they settle onto the couch together. He passes Min the mug of tea, and gives him a little disclaimer, just in case.]

Sooooo fair warning - Shiro said this can make you feel kinda spacey? [Ryan shrugs.] I've never noticed anything though.

[You know, because Ryan's only ever been given honey by Shiro, who is a responsible adult who doesn't forget things like this. But like, how far off could he be? It's not like he's giving Min a flight of honey shots or something.]

[In the grand scheme of things, getting some honey on his cut isn't the worst direction for this to have gone. It could have gotten infected, it could have exploded with corruption and a horrible monster could have popped out. You never know.

It hurts like a bitch now, but Min mostly trusts Shiro and Ryan vouches for the stuff so why not.

And okay, as embarrassing as it is, it's also kinda sweet that Ryan is so focused on taking care of him. He figures it's the same feeling Min got when he was taking care of Ryan, so it's acceptable.

He takes the tea and sniffs it a few times. It just smells sweet.]

The sugar, I guess.

[Sorta? Maybe? Why not. He drinks it once it's cooled down a little and it's nice. And why wouldn't it be, it's just very sweet tea.

That's so relaxing.

Really relaxing.

Man, he feels pretty great, actually.]

Oh no..

[He looks over at Ryan. How long has he been sitting there sipping? A while. His mug is empty :( ]

[Ryan's very into taking care of Min - he doesn't usually have the opportunity, since Min tends to not be the one who needs taking care of in the first place. Plus Min's been putting a lot of pressure on himself lately, so it's nice that Min is letting Ryan take care of him for once.

At the moment he's curled up on the opposite side of the couch, so Min has enough space to actually drink the tea and lay in whatever way will be comfortable. He's actually in the middle of peeling one of the oranges he got yesterday for Min. Honestly he could be letting Min do this, since he's supposed to be letting him have small tasks anyway, but he so strongly associates oranges with the Park family's brand of caring for people that he felt like doing it himself.

He looks up with a raised eyebrow when Min speaks up though. "Oh no" is something...weird to hear without negative emotions attached to it? When literally nothing is going on? Worried isn't really the right word for it, but. Well. Something is happening here.]

Uh. ...Everything alright there, Min?

[To be honest, he sounds a lot more amused than concerned.]

[Yes. Something is very wrong.

But it isn't Ryan being so sweet over there on the end of the couch with fruit, or the fresh scent of orange oil in the air from being peeled. It isn't even how comfortable this weird old couch is or, when combined with the gentle domesticity of the moment, just how much it feels like home.

No. No, it's something so much worse.

He offers his mug a little bit, looking rather pink and a little (lot) pathetic.]

It's empty.

Edited 2022-05-01 06:24 (UTC)

[It takes everything in Ryan not to burst out laughing at this very, very serious problem Min-Gi is having. His misery isn't funny, it's not at all that. It's just...adorable. All of this is adorable.]

Yep. All gone. Good job, Min!

[It's the same kind of reframing he's been doing since yesterday, but even more toned down because Min is evidently high as a kite. Ryan's just going to carefully try and take the empty mug and set it aside.]

Here - you can have this instead.

[And he hands Min the freshly peeled orange.]

[Him? High? Pffft naaaaah. That’s crazy talk. You’re talking crazy, sir.

His mug is taken and in the moment he is without, his patheticness grows. That is, until, he is presented with a lovingly peeled orange.

And it’s perfect. Not even gooey or anything, just the right amount of naked.

He is delighted and smiles, breaking it open with (shorter!) claws and popping a segment in his mouth.]

Mmmmmmmmffff

[His head flops back against the sofa, sharp teeth into flesh releasing all that nice juice.]

Thif if fo good.

[Alright, this time he can't hold his giggles back. Min sure is having an experience over there with that orange.]

Yeah? Glad you're enjoying it, dude.

[And he is, even if he's laughing at just how much they're being enjoyed. He doesn't mind babysitting Min a little if his high is going to be more of this.]

I got them special for you when I got groceries.

[You know, because things have been hard and oranges fix everything according to Mrs. Park.]

[That’s because they do. They’re good for you. High in vitamin C. The sweet taste and fresh citrus open up your body so energy can unblock. And giving them to someone suffering shows how much you care about them.

High or not, the gesture isn’t lost of him. And he’ll say so.

In a minute.

Just. Let him have this.

Min-Gi holds up a finger like wait a sec, eyes closed, really experiencing this culinary masterpiece. It’s only after he swallows that he gropes for Ryan’s hand. C’mere.]

How is it that you got so good at knowing the right thing to do?

[And Ryan does let him have this. How could he possibly interrupt Min and his orgasmic orange moment? That would just be cruel.

Once Min's done though, Ryan takes Min's hand and lets Min pull him over, like they've done countless times by now. He'll curl up in whatever space Min makes for him (though he's mindful of Min's injured arm, even though Min probably can't even feel it anymore.

The compliment catches him by surprise, especially after the last few days.]

Pfft. What do you mean?

[He doesn't think he does literally everything wrong, but he's not really used to people thinking he's doing the right thing more often than not either. His take is he's passing, but probably has like a C+ or so. Occasionally does good on something, but otherwise? Eh, it's a crapshoot.

Then again, Min is high as a kite. Maybe he should take this with a grain of salt. But...that does make him extra curious about how Min would explain it right now. Tell him, Min. Tell him more about this thing you think he's so good at.]

[A verbal shrug as they get settled. Ryan is correct, he can't even feel his arm anymore. He is jelly arm. One with the jelly. Lord of the jelly, even.]

No, I dunno. You're just Ryan. You've been so good to me since we got here.

[Is if to illustrate, Min-Gi holds up his orange like a trophy before letting it drop back in his lap. Oranges are heavy, apparently.]

I mean you were before but it was harder. You've always stuck up for me and been my cheerleader. You're good and I love you.

[Ryan's going to think about those six little words for the rest of his life - "You're good and I love you."

His whole face flushes red, and he can't totally explain why. Maybe he's still not used to compliments out of nowhere that he wasn't fishing for in the first place, or maybe just a few simple heartfelt stoned words were enough to fluster him.

(Probably both. Both would track.)]

Thaaaat's what I'm here for.

[That response is a little silly though, and something that warmed his heart that much deserves a genuine reply. He curls up close, resting his head right on Min.]

...I love you too.

[He loves him so, so much.

Don't think he doesn't notice that lifting a whole orange is apparently hard now though. He should probably check in a little there.]

How're you feeling? Is the honey helping?

Mmmmhm~

[More orange. Open mouth. Profit. Mff.. god this is so good. This time he doesn't wait to chew, speaking around the orange in his mouth.]

I feel fo much beffer.

[A nice, relieved sigh before he sets to eating.]

We could just be like this all the time. Right like this. This is good like this. This is where I live.

[Ryan just...laughs, but not in a mean way. Min truly has a way with words right now, and it's objectively very funny. He knows exactly what Min is trying to say, but the urge to tease him is too strong.]

Yeah? You live on the couch now? We could live on the couch eating oranges?

[Even though his voice has a playful edge to it, it's definitely not the worst idea. Laying here forever sounds kind of nice, actually.]

[Yeah it does, huh. Make fun of him all you want, but he's living the dream rn. Ryan's laugh sounds like bells. How charming.

The value proposition of couch living is extremely high. Their outgoings are very low. Why not live here on the couch. Why not??

Min nods as though he were a sage old man.]

Like two monkeys in a tree.

I totally can't picture you as a monkey, dude.

[Ryan? Definitely, absolutely. But Min has a reputation as a polite young man, so it's hard to imagine him...well, monkeying around.

Something occurs to him though and he laughs again, those bells ringing out once more as he sings a little--]

Two little monkeys, sitting in a tree
K-I-S-S-I-N-G!

[Correction, Ryan is a freaky little spider monkey or something. Min-Gi is clearly a very responsible and clever orangutan.]

Ha! First comes love~ Then comes marriage~

[Tugging Ryan in closer. Kissing, you say. Don't mind if he does.]

Then comes..an.. orange in the monkey carriage? Yassssss~

[Ryan is easily tugged, until he's mostly on top of Min like a weighted blanket. Min's twist on the song still has Ryan laughing, and Min will be able to feel the motion of it against him.]

That's a hit single for sure.

[He leans up and in where directed, planting gentle little kisses here and there - on Min's neck, on the corner of his mouth. The a playful one right on his nose before ducking back down to snuggle right into Min's chest again.]

This doesn't hurt or anything, right?

[Just, you know. Making sure. Min's recovering from an injury but he sure pulled Ryan all the way on top of him anyway.]

No, babe.

[Sighing happily once Ryan snuggles in. He stays there a moment before raising his injured arm (though it honestly doesn't hurt at all anymore, there's maybe a little warm tingling. It's nice) to push his fingers into Ryan's hair.

This is the life. He's got his boyfriend on him, he's feeling good, he's got an orange. Everything is coming up Min-Gi.]

Feels good.

[Babe.

Min, who could barely handle holding hands in public two months ago, just called him Babe.

MinGijustcalledhimBABE.

The only reaction Ryan thinks to have in the moment is just, burying his face in Min's shirt. His words wind up a little muffled from the fabric.]

Good! Cool.

[It's a good enough distraction that he's lost track of which of Min's arms is doing what though, and he hums in content as fingers comb through his hair.]

[An enormous milestone that goes unnoticed by Min-Gi, who is simmering in warm feelings and fuzzy space cadet brain. He cards his nails across Ryan's scalp.

Nails, not claws. So there's that, which he hasn't noticed, either.

All he's really acknowledging is the orange he's putting in his mouth and Ryan's warm weight. That tea was so good. He is so content.

He can't remember the last time he was this content.

So maybe they can just.. stay there for a while. Stay right here and finish his orange and pet Ryan while an enormous weight and ball of stress detangle from his body.

It's a long, comfortable silence, but he'll eventually break it all the same.]

Will you stay tonight?

Yeah. Yeah, of course. Babe--

[Ryan says it back, but he wasn't fully emotionally prepared for it, and his brain short circuits and he loses whatever the original thought was. Babe is a powerful word, maybe even too powerful.]

--you're suuuuuper high right now. I'm not going to just leave you like that.

[Come on, that would just be mean.

He sighs as Min hits a nice spot, but then it occurs to him that wait. Shouldn't this hurt, from the claws? Is he numbing because Min is numb? Do his powers even work like that??

They absolutely don't, so it can only be one thing. He gasps softly.]

Min. Min-Giiiii. I think-- dude, are your claws gone?

[Is this actually working? Wow. Ryan is stunned beyond belief.]

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The next day (cw: high from magic healing honey)

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Tell 'em Deez Nuts sent cha

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