[Closed] @eidxiety🐎🌹

[winterbolt]

Angelina is a black horse with white markings on her face in this sorry I can't picture her as being any other color-

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[eidxiety]

I was already planning on spending the night, considering the horses will need a break, and so do I.

[And his wanted posters might not have reached this far yet, and provided he keeps his head down... it'll maybe stay that way for a bit. It's hard to get news of a wanted criminal out between towns quickly after all.]

But... I don't mind taking that break with you. [He wants to lean on Wolfwood... Ain sets the tray aside and scoots closer, getting in real close. This is so bad for his heart. So so bad for it.] Do you want to explore today? Do you... feel better? Enough to walk around, I mean. This town is a lot bigger than the one we were in two days ago.

[lupusxylem]

[Wolfwood is done eating by now, so he'll pick up his tray and set it aside as well, just in time for Ain to get reeeeal close. He...as he's been doing, allows it, even going so far as to slightly pull back one arm so Ain will have more room to slot in next to him.

He fits there seamlessly. It's almost eerie.]

I think I could swing it. I'm kinda still limpin', but I managed to make it to breakfast and back without dyin', so.

[eidxiety]

[Wolfwood is still warm and Ain wants to hate it because if he hates it, that'll make it easier to rob the guy and bail, but.

But he doesn't hate it. He hasn't hated it since the first touch. Why? Why why why...]

Okay. Let me get dressed and put makeup on... we'll walk around and see the sights.

[He gives Wolfwood a hug around the waist, short and sweet, and then springs up to walk bare-assed over to their stuff. Don't look now Wolfwood he is bending over to grab stuff.]

[lupusxylem]

[Yeah just not gonna think too hard about the way he's staring pointedly as Ain bends over to get into their stuff. He's staring a bit too long even before he realizes he is, in fact, staring, and has to quickly look away before all the blood in his body rushes to his head.

God.]

Yeah, uh...'course. Take your time. I gotta get dressed too...

[Why did Ain hug him. He did not have to hug him.

Ugh.

He's just...going to wait for Ain to go into the bathroom to apply his makeup before attempting to get his own clothing, mostly because if he doesn't he'll just be tempted to stare at his ass again-]

[eidxiety]

[Ain will in fact do his makeup in the bathroom this time and not with his little hand-mirror he keeps around. Wolfwood lucked out because ordinarily, Ain would just slap some stuff on and call it good, but it seems like he's taking it more seriously today! Not the looking feminine so no one asks Wolfwood questions (two guys can be out and about, sure, but not with the way Ain is going to be acting today) because he was already taking that seriously, but more the...

...he's trying real hard to look prettier than he currently is. Halfway through doing his mascara, he thinks to himself that this is stupid, why is he doing this, he doesn't need to be doing this. He can get dick without doing this much, and yet suddenly it's not about the getting dick but rather just Wolfwood In General wanting to keep him around.

There's some gross, sickly feeling in his stomach, like butterflies all flying away at once, but he feels like he's drowning, and it's too sweet and he almost hates it. Almost.

Anyway, Ain steps out of the bathroom in something like this, pulling at his sleeves to button the last of the cufflinks. He looks like they're going on a date. It's not a date, it's just two criminals out for a walk. Totally not a date.

(It's a date.)]

[lupusxylem]

[In contrast, Wolfwood...does not really dress up at all, mostly because he doesn't own any sort of fancy dress. Sure, he has his blazer, his button down that he keeps half open to expose his chest all the time, but he wouldn't exactly call that fancy or nothing. But it's something, and it's what's going back onto his body as he gets dressed while waiting for Ain to come out.

Honestly, he does not realize how much of an Outing this is actually until Ain comes waltzing out of the bathroom looking like that, because it's enough to make Wolfwood's jaw actually drop. Like. Holy shit. Holy shit?

He's hot. Actually, no, not just hot. He's smoking. He's not just a prostitute for hire, looking like that, and there's a brief moment where he totally forgets he's supposed to be homophobic, here. He doesn't even think "pretty woman". He thinks "pretty man". Gorgeous man. Thinking about him in any other way actually is off putting, because Ain...is Ain. He's gender. He's undefinable.

...and he's not supposed to be on Wolfwood's radar...at all.]

Uh.....uhh.

[Hot? Hot. hot hothothothothot-]

You....you look... [...] Woah.

[eidxiety]

[Not Ain blushing profusely under the makeup, hello...]

I thought I should lean more into the femininity, since... I don't know, I don't want anyone to question you.

["Us", really, but Ain's used to it. Wolfwood, on the other hand...]

Do you like it that much? I know it's a lot fancier than I've been dressing, but I miss looking pretty. I can't do this on the road, I'll get sand in my asscrack.

[This is who you have gay feelings for Wolfwood do you still want this one]

[lupusxylem]

[Do you like it that much? he says, and Wolfwood finds himself wishing he hadn’t asked it that way because yes, he does like it that much and he isn’t sure how he feels about that. Like, there is something about Ain wearing a skirt that just…

It gets to him. It is getting to him, he is getting got.]

It sure does look nice. You clean up good.

[That’s fine to say, right? That’s not too gay for him to be saying.

Ain’s reasoning makes Wolfwood snort and shake his head, cramming his hands into his pockets so he isn’t tempted to brush his hair back fondly, where did THAT urge come from.]

Just gonna have to be careful. You’re gonna have guys tryin’ to snatch you up out there.

[eidxiety]

Then my big, strong cowboy will just have to protect me!

[Protect him, Wolfwood. Protect him and his massive fucking thighs while he clings to your arm like you're going on a date, even though this is certifiably not a date because why would it be a date—

But out they go if Wolfwood is ready, Ain is going to loop their arms together and try not to think about Why he's doing this, especially when he leans into Wolfwood's side as they go. It's bright and sunny out and theoretically, no one will catcall him while he's clinging to a testosterone-addled meat-slab of a homophobe.

Theoretically.]

[lupusxylem]

[Lord help him, Ain is going to make him act up. Not only dressing like that, but hanging off his arm like he’s his lady friend? Ugh, no, that’s exactly what the people in this town are going to think of them. Which is…theoretically better for keeping it more on the downlow since people will be less likely to care, but…will it matter, when Ain is serving 10 looks and he’s serving like, 8???

If nothing else, people will look at him and be like “lol this guy is WAY out of his league”.

Anyway! Their arms are looped and Wolfwood’s face subtly burns as they exit the inn, still limping slightly as they go. Angelina and Elria are currently at the inn’s stables, their heads sticking out of their little stalls in a way that makes it so they can watch as their owners walk past. Angelina practically screams at Wolfwood as he walks by her like “Boy?? Boy????? You’re with boy????”

He does his best to ignore her. She will not be the only catcaller they get today.]

I’ll let you pick where we head first. I’ll be movin’ slow either way.

[eidxiety]

[Watch as Elria swings her massive neck around to try to nibble on Angelina again... they will stay in today, they will be fine hanging out and resting for a while. At some point a stablehand will come by to clean up after them and replace their food and water, and whoever it is will probably get nibbled on by this massive-ass Clydesdale that Ain cherishes so much. Get loved idiot.

Anyway, he waves to the horses and smiles and then drags Wolfwood off.]

Let's go see what sort of stores they have! If the street gets busy enough by noon, I can sing out there with my guitar and get us some pocket change.

[Something something he will get the pocket change no matter what because he's good at pickpocketing.]

[lupusxylem]

[Funny that Ain says that, because it prompts Wolfwood to smirk and lower his voice an octave, leaning down to whisper against his ear so nobody passing by can hear. It is…maybe a little too close, given the way the words buzz against his skin.]

You’re sayin’ you ain’t gonna just pocket people’s change anyway? No singin’ required?

[eidxiety]

[There's a coy little giggle so the people out of earshot can think to themselves "aww look at the Perfectly Normal Heterosexual Couple", and when Wolfwood is close enough, a mocking, almost affronted gasp.]

Your eyes are sharper than I gave you credit for.

[He clings tighter to Wolfwood's arm, pulling him down an inch or two so Ain can whisper in his ear in return.]

You're brave to spend time around me after that, you know.

[lupusxylem]

[Wolfwood realizes he may have slipped Ain his hand a bit too early here, but he figures it's fine. A little pickpocketing isn't anything to be super alarmed by, especially in this day and age. Which is exactly how he phrases it, as cool as anything.]

I only saw it the one time, so I figured you had a good reason. Like the guy was bein' an asshole, or short changed you, or somethin'.

[This is a lie: he saw EVERY instance of Ain stealing, he just isn't going to admit to that.]

And anyway, I think everyone would be a liar if they said they haven't swiped somethin' at least once in their lives.

[eidxiety]

Mm, yes, your "odd jobs" and all.

[Ain makes a mental note to watch this one. He thought Wolfwood was oblivious and a little stupid, he's gonna be honest here; seems like his eyes actually work under those glasses.

It takes an unusually sharp person to see the way Ain's hands move when he's doing his coin exchanges or swiping wallets, though. Interesting...]

Don't blow my cover or rat me out, love, I don't want to have to keep you on a short leash.

[He means that literally, and he will let Wolfwood know by subtly pulling his riding crop from his belt, slapping Wolfwood's ass with it, and putting it back.]

[lupusxylem]

[Wolfwood literally jumps when Ain does that, startling as they walk because ???? Ain had used that whip a little on his thighs, but that's when he was super drunk, and not on his ass that he remembers-

And, fucking christ if it doesn't make his cock leap in his pants immediately, even when he's putting the crop away right after. Like, it takes his breath away just long enough for him to forget what he was just saying.]

H-hah...my lips are sealed, s'long as you don't get us both arrested.

[Lol, lmao even]

[eidxiety]

Mm-mm, I'm a good boy!

[Are you? Are you though???

Anyway, off they trot. The strip is expectedly busy, since this is a much bigger settlement and all, and Ain practically bounces over to the various stores. There's clothing and hats and jewelry, food and makeup and supplies...

He's dragging Wolfwood to look at the jewellery first, like a bird. Ooh shiny...]

[lupusxylem]

[Survey says he is, in fact, a very naughty boy. Wolfwood will not survive the winter.

Wolfwood is still reeling after that, his gaze snapping over to the crop bouncing on Ain's hip every so often (people notice it, they just think it's for a horse, which isn't....WRONG...) as they make their way. He ends up quite literally dragged because of it, stumbling to a stop in front of where all that jewelry is being sold. There's a clerk inside hawking his wares, and almost immediately upon noticing Ain, he tries to wave him over, asking if he can try a necklace on the "pretty young thing" so as to be a live demo for the other women trying to decide if they want to buy or not.]

[eidxiety]

[Dragging his cowboy along with him...]

Oh? Sure, sugar, let me just crouch down. Mama only has tall ones.

[He will crouch so he can be decorated, yes please, put things on him so he can weasel them later. His shirt is buttoned up tight and held together with a ribbon neckerchief, but there's no reason he can't wear a necklace over it. It's big and ornate, with heavy turquoise gemstones that rest upon his collarbone. Gaudy... but shiny, and Ain's luxury brain approves.

He will sit there posing by the counter to tempt sales for a bit and chirp out anecdotes to anyone who'll listen. Don't mind him, it's part of how he's gonna weasel this.]

[lupusxylem]

[...why has it already come to this. Like, they JUST left the Inn, and Ain is already peacocking for the public. The women are eating it up, of course, completely oblivious to the fact he's a man because he's pulling off the androgynous look so well. Wolfwood, meanwhile, stays propped up in the corner basically ignored, though he doesn't mind that. He's busy staring at Ain and that pretty jewelry on his collarbone, arms folded over his chest.

At least until the store owner suddenly looks at him and asks, quite loudly, if he isn't going to buy something for his lady friend. Don't you think she deserves the finest?

His lip curls, and he makes a face at the guy behind Ain's shoulder that says "Don't push it". Not that he's aware that they're not as expensive as they COULD be...]

You should give 'em to her, if you're gonna use 'er as a window mannequin.

[eidxiety]

[Yeah, Ain does not fucking see this, he's too busy being a model. To be fair, he's damn good at it. Some girls on the way out with their purchases get pulled aside because Ain is like honey your lipstick has a tiny smudge come here, sometimes they ask him where he got his boots ("a little town down east, if you travel that way"), sometimes they ask him about the broody man in the corner and Ain just—]

That's my lover. He's handsome, isn't he?

[And sometimes the girls nod like yeah that's some MEAT right there, and sometimes they pull Ain in and tell him that Wolfwood looks like a bad boy, that man won't provide you with a marriage or a family, you're too pretty to be in with a rugged man like that.

Ain, who has a penis and zero intention of settling down just laughs and says I dunno, he's real sweet and protective, like a bear.

He's not sure how this convinces some people to buy jewellery but he supposes charisma sells. He does not work here though.

How are those negotiations going, Wolfwood? Because Ain is subtly slipping rings onto his fingers when no one is looking.]

[lupusxylem]

[Well, Wolfwood sure wasn't expecting hearing Ain call him his "lover" to make his heart lodge itself comically in his throat, but that sure is what happens. It takes his breath away a little, actually, to the point where he just sort of stands there listless, not even noticing Ain stealing things left and right as the store owner scoffs and says something about how that's "nonsense" and Wolfwood should consider "money no object" when it comes to his ladyfriend.

It makes his teeth grind. He, genuinely, wants to punch this man in the face. He's sure this is how he gets all his customers, by pressuring men and/or women in front of their partners until they feel obligated to buy them something, as opposed to just...he doesn't know. Doing it because they want to? It's not like very many are rich in this day and age, so you're lucky if you've got enough money to stop by the saloon, much less to be buying fancy trinkets.

And contrary to popular belief, it's not like Wolfwood HAS a ton of money to be throwing around. He's a bandit, but he's not rich. The amount he brought with him for this mission wasn't enough to be wasting it, so being put on the spot like this is frustrating.

His gaze narrows.]

Drop your price to about half, and maybe I'll think about it.

[eidxiety]

[Well, as Ain is flitting about, he catches onto this. Wolfwood looks angry... Ugh, he'd rather not see a tough guy fight a jeweller over trinkets. Ain's crow ass has already gotten eight separate rings of varying metals and stones, all of which seem fake now that he glances at the pricetags, but eh. Shiny is shiny. Ain is bird.

He's wearing all of those rings on his fingers, which he hides at his sides while Wolfwood starts a fight. Suddenly Ain is over at Wolfwood's sides, unsubtly shoving his hands into Wolfwood's coat pockets. What he's trying to make look like rummaging for coins is actually him depositing rings in there.]

I want this necklace, [he lies, lyingly,] where did you put our coin, my love?

[And then he pats Wolfwood's coat. Pats his pants pockets. Pats his ass.

Gasps.]

Baby!! Where is our money? Did you drop it? [Gasps again—] Wait!! That little boy bumped into you while we were at the grocer this morning! Did you get pickpocketed?! The sheriff ought to do something about those little weasels!! We need to go find him!

[Play along Wolfwood, do him a solid, he's got like $100 of jewelry in your pockets which isn't a lot in today's dollars but hoo boy—]

[lupusxylem]

[Wolfwood, like seconds from fistfighting this store owner-]

Huh-?

[Oh, he is being felt up. He rises forward on the balls of his feet as Ain pats him all over, pats his ass- hello--

Until he realizes what he's doing. Or, rather, he...doesn't realize he's depositing A LOT of illicit goods into his pockets, but he can tell that he's trying to buy them some kind of excuse to leave. That much he has enough brain cells to rub together to figure out.]

I...shit, maybe?

[He plays along (a little badly, but he's doing his best), pretending to reach around and feel one of his back pockets as well, then reaching into his inner pocket where he knows only his cigarettes are.]

Gonna hafta take a raincheck on the jewels, h-hun. Let's go.

[eidxiety]

Oh, but—

[Ain isn't dumb enough to just leave with the goods around his neck, so he'll stop to take off the necklace and give it back to the jeweler as he watches this like "sucks to suck secure your coinpurse idiot", pouting... Ain solemnly thanks the man for letting him wear it and says they'll be back when they get this issue solved, and oh sir you have a line forming, so sorry.

...

And then when no one is looking on the way out he will swipe a gorgeous necklace made of peridots. This also ends up in Wolfwood's pocket.]

Sorry, sorry. I didn't want you to look like a circus clown in there if you said "no", considering the pressure.

[Wolfwood don't stick your hands in your pockets again because Ain is using you for cargo. Or do, I'm not your dad.]