It makes it sound to me like you can't stand the idea of being happy with anyone or anything.
[If Deerington had taught him anything, it would force opportunities and nightmares on people, and he expected this place was the same way. It was less in-your-face than Deerington, but it was there. It didn't matter how much denial 76 was in about it.
He rubbed his hands over 76's body to remove any soap residue and then reached out to shut the water off. They were as clean as they were going to be at this rate. With an off-hand casualness, he planted a light kiss on 76's cheek before he extracted himself to grab them both towels.
He set one towel on 76's head.]
I think I know how to handle drying sheets subtly. Do you know of even half of the fabric I dried in obscure places?
[He huffed a bit, but that would be the only reply for that statement. Maybe he couldn't, but that wouldn't really be the truth of the matter, not really. Who would want someone like him? There was plenty of reasons it was better off something let go of.
He'd missed his chance at anything like that years ago.
76 tipped his head at the light kiss, but didn't say anything as he pulled the towel off his head after using it to ruffle through his hair and face, drying it off, and walking out of the bathroom while loosely wrapping and tying the towel around his waist.]
More than most would ever suspect. Flapjacks?
[Should eat, 76 thought. Wasn't that something Reaper had brought up himself?]
[It wasn't worth the argument at this point, not when he could get his digs in now and again over the same subject. He was starting to wonder if he was going to have to play wingman for 76 and prove that the younger man would be much, much better off for having someone to have a consistent fling or even date. Do wonders for the attitude he expected.
He toweled off his own hair, though it took him considerably longer, before he was flipping it over his shoulder again and wrapping the towel around his waist. This felt oddly domestic, but he wasn't going to say anything about that.
He followed Jack out of the bathroom area, pausing only long enough to grab a brush, a comb and a pair of sheers.]
After I trim up that mess of a beard. Find a seat. We're doing this now before you think you can get away not having it done.
Alright, alright. So long as after you let me get to that hair of yours.
[Get it more comfortable for him to have long at the very least.
76 did find a chair, dragging it over out of the middle of the place and more to a side. Be easier to get some light for this, more or less. Didn't want it near the kitchen area or 'bed' area, just in case. He didn't want to find stray beard hairs in whatever food got cooked up.
Would put the chair wherever Reaper felt best and... have a seat. No fight or fuss over it. Already had agreed to it.]
[He was almost confused that there was no fight, but then he shrugged his shoulders and moved to follow 76 over to where the younger man put the chair in the best area of light that the treehouse had to offer. On the way, he grabbed an extra towel to wrap around 76's shoulders where all the hair could fall and not make a huge mess.
He then tipped the younger man's chin up with a finger and leaned down a bit to get started on the wild beard. First he combed it, then trimmed the sides and the excess. More combing. The knife scrapped by some along 76's cheeks to create nice clean lines that accented the younger man's features. Combing. Turning 76's face this way and that to be certain it matched. More trimming then combing then trimming.
He took his time, but years of experience allowed him to go far quicker than most. It was a bit different grooming someone else, but honestly, he'd taught his son to shave though it had been awhile since those lessons.
He hummed as he considered then moved in to do 76's upper lip, being extra careful there. That done, he stood back and admired the look. He gestured at the mirror.]
[Putting up a fight for this more than he had -which really hadn't been fighting either, just putting it off- just wasn't really worth it. The beard would get trimmed either way, and 76 was still just relaxed enough that, again, it just wasn't worth the fight.
He kept the towel there on his shoulders, giving some bit of help there, as otherwise he simply turned and tilted his head as Reaper needed. Eyes closed, giving him that amount of trust without much thought. It was fine.
Eyes opened then, so he could take a look in the mirror that was brought over with them-]
This'll work well. Good job done with the trim- and shaping.
[The beard was nicely shaped and functional, which was all anyone actually needed out a beard. No more looking like a complete wild bush man; it was never particularly 76's style no matter the location. This was much better as far as he was concerned, and it was too late for 76 to disagree as the trimming was done.
He reached out and ran his fingers over the beard, smoothing it in the places he messed it up in his previous passing.]
That's not difficult if you actually saw what I saw was inhabiting your face.
[He offered over the knife back to 76 before taking the towel with beard scruff on it then balled it up to shake out later once they were out of the tree house.]
[It was mumbled as Reaper's fingers moved over his beard, still not really putting up a fight and just letting the man do as he saw fit there. If he was going to put in the work, may as well let him fix it as he wanted to.
The knife was taken, taking the time to let it drop in to a shadow and- well, it popped right back where Reaper had gotten it from. 76 rubbed the sides of his neck a bit and shoulders, just to make sure nothing had gotten past the towel.
All was good so he stood up, hand rested on the back of the chair.]
Seems like it will be, yeah. [Fingers tapped wood-] Going to sit and let me take care of your hair, or would you rather something more comfortable than a wooden chair?
[He had almost expected to find some kind of fae or insect in there, which would have been awkward given how much time they had been spending with each other for the last day and night. He probably should have noticed sooner if there had been life in that beard.
He looked at the chair that 76 soon vacated and then offered a withering look. He had sat in far worse than that and made himself comfortable. He was older, but he wasn't elderly.
Instead of sniping back with words, he grabbed his long hair and pulled it over his shoulder before he sat heavily down in the chair in question. Then, being petty, he flipped his hair over his shoulder to try to hit 76 with it.]
You're welcome to cut it all off if you want. It will just grow back to that length in two days though.
Might not keep it trimmed, but I do wash it, Reyes.
[He didn't even move when the hair got him in the chest, taking it in hand as clawed fingers were already coming through it all. Picking out little tangles and signs of them starting, letting his hands warm up to help further dry it all as he worked.
Reaper would no doubt feel that little trick the moment claws grazed his scalp in the combing, snorting faintly.]
Then what's the point of cutting it all off? I can just brush and braid it to keep it our of your way.
[From scalp to the very ends of all of hair claws combed, keeping it moving in his hands to encouraging the drying. Keeping it all smoothed out.]
[Where all the insects lived. At least there were no insects now and it was trimmed up. The whole beard thing looked good on 76, and he would definitely consider dying on that hill if he had to.
He wasn't expecting much when it came to tending to his hair. His view on it was pretty minimalistic in that he simply washed it, brushed it and tied it back out of the way. When it annoyed him particularly, he'd cut it off for a short reprieve. His expectations for 76 doing his hair was much the same: quick and dealt with.
Instead, he felt warmth at the back of his neck at times, sensing what 76 was doing and letting himself relax into it.]
Because it gives me a few hours of without it. Better than nothing at this point in my life.
[He closed his eyes and let 76 take as short or long as time as wanted to deal with his hair.]
I've taken to sleeping in trees now, I keep a travel hammock on me for it.
[Implying that he'd climb a tree and then hang it up as high as he could between a couple or good limbs or the trunk and a limb? Yes. Pretty easy to camouflage that way, too.
He made it in to an almost rhythmic motion, fingers and claws moving through hair as he dried and smoothed it of frizz here and there. Pair of scissors were taken up, but more to trim off splits and even the ends, which he collected and was able to drop off on the towel that had his beard trimmings in it. Taking his time.]
Sounds like a headache.
[Once it was all combed and dry? 76 did as he said he would, slowly started braiding it after picking a height to start that would at least give the ma a bit of head and neck relief with the weight. Keeping the braid smooth, tidy.]
Ah, so you've committed fully to the hammock way of life.
[He knew that in his own way. Even when they were apart, he had some awareness of 76 in this place. It might be a general sense of location and distance as well as state of health, but it was enough at this point. He doubted he would ever admit it as he saw no point. Something-something-accused of spying-something.
He sat for the grooming care, only getting used to 76 doing it for him these last few weeks. Before that, Maul had a fascination with his hair but really had no idea what to do with it to care for it. 76 was getting quite good at dealing with his waist length hair, and he didn't even mind the trimming. Those hairs would turn to smoke in a few minutes and return to him anyway.
He hummed in agreement to the sentiment.]
It is a real headache. It's easy enough to ignore tucked in my armour and jacket. It reminds me why I shaved my head for those years back then.
[Easy maintenance and all that. He had noticed that braiding was good for it too, keeping it all in on place as a ponytail couldn't quite.]
Not like they've got the same portable cot tech in a place like this. Hammock works just as well, fits my sleeping bag in it just fine.
[76 made sure the braid wasn't tight enough to cause discomfort near the head, while otherwise keeping it something tight and neat; the thought of Reaper just tucking it in his armor somewhere in mind. Figured it had worked the last time the older man let him get his hands on it, may as well do it again.
Had a little more practice with braiding under his belt this time around, at least.]
Reason I kept clean shaven as long as I could- that and there was always the stupid remarks from the PR people.
This place is generally lacking in many things that you're probably used to. Don't worry, it will only continue to annoy you every single day you're stuck here.
[He'd never bothered to learn to braid his own hair despite having the time and opportunity to do so. He was more resentful of his hair and made little effort in it, yet, he found that he was starting to like the braid feel and how compact it was. He might have to encourage Jack to help him out with that more and more if it continued to work.
He tipped his head a little to be able to see 76 out of the corner of one eye, snorting as he recalled very well the opinions of the PR department. They always concerned themselves with Jack looking his best. It was dull. Let the man look like shit now and again.]
I don't think the populous at large would have been able to keep their panties dry if you exposed them to a beard that you could grow, so it's probably for the best.
[Eyes rolled, more exasperated and amused than not—]
Been lacking in a lot of things I'm used to for a good long while, Reyes. I know how to go without.
[A few times he had to rearrange the separate lengths of hair to keep them smoothed down in the braid itself. Keeping it tight to make it easier to toss or tuck it about without worry of it coming loose easily. Keep better unless going a bit out of the way-
He grabbed somethin, a simple tie, in order to secure the braid at the end that wouldn't loosen by itself.]
Have the beard now, though. Might keep it long term.
A building collapse and death will do that to a person. You seem to do just fine with gathering equipment by breaking and entering.
[If the supplies were available here, he had no doubt that Jack could and would resort to such methods if it meant being able to get home faster. There was nothing stopping the blond from completing that mission, which was admirable given his own drive to do the same.
He would admit that the braid did keep his hair a lot neater and easier to handle. It was also far less likely to escape and reveal itself too. While he might not admit it verbally, it felt good to be groomed. Maybe that's why he insisted on doing so to Jack's wild - now tamed - beard.]
Could say it's taking what wasn't theirs in the first place, but that's a partial truth.
[Was spoken with a shrug of his shoulders; only a partial truth in some circumstances, the rest was just taking what he found useful if he was already breaking in for a different reason. May as well make use of some of the tech if it was already there, be going towards people that'd do worse with it than he had planned half the time-]
Can't say they miss what I take either. Minor inconveniences.
[He made sure the tie at the end of the braid was secure, fingers moving over the length just to make sure that the braiding was done tightly enough as well it could withstand being shoved out of sight a few good times. Also ran fingers where it met at Reaper's head, making sure that'd be comfortable, before he was just flicking the hair so it flopped over Reaper's shoulder for his own inspection.]
Makes it easier to keep the face guard off when it'd just be in the way at times, still hides a bit.
[Meaning he could keep the tactical visor on, the lower part of his face still technically obscured enough to keep him unrecognizable with the beard.]
[However, he didn't fault 76 for breaking and entering. It was simply a risk that allowed certain agencies to track the man, but honestly, it was going to be done anyway. There was a reason that Soldier: 76 was wanted by international authorities.
He shifted his head when it seemed that his hair had been braided and reached back to feel the plait with his fingers. It felt good and tight, secured at the back of his head and easy to handle. He was going to have to learn to do that he supposed; it was more care than he normally gave his hair, but it did seem to work well.]
Also makes older people swoon so they will be less likely to recognize you as they have passed out from being enamored.
[He rose from his seat and stretched his arms and back.]
[Didn't matter to him at that point either. He did what he needed to get what he needed, and he was usually there for other reasons- at least after he'd taken the pulse rifle from a Helix location anyway. Been keeping it in good shape since, too.
Eyes rolled a bit, already pushing up from his chair since he had finished, moving it back to where he had pulled it from.]
Funny.
[That dry tone- but he was still moving to step in to the kitchen area.]
Mm, should probably eat yeah.
[No arguments from him, and fortunately most of the kitchen 'appliances' worked. They'd manage a few edible things.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[If Deerington had taught him anything, it would force opportunities and nightmares on people, and he expected this place was the same way. It was less in-your-face than Deerington, but it was there. It didn't matter how much denial 76 was in about it.
He rubbed his hands over 76's body to remove any soap residue and then reached out to shut the water off. They were as clean as they were going to be at this rate. With an off-hand casualness, he planted a light kiss on 76's cheek before he extracted himself to grab them both towels.
He set one towel on 76's head.]
I think I know how to handle drying sheets subtly. Do you know of even half of the fabric I dried in obscure places?
no subject
He'd missed his chance at anything like that years ago.
76 tipped his head at the light kiss, but didn't say anything as he pulled the towel off his head after using it to ruffle through his hair and face, drying it off, and walking out of the bathroom while loosely wrapping and tying the towel around his waist.]
More than most would ever suspect. Flapjacks?
[Should eat, 76 thought. Wasn't that something Reaper had brought up himself?]
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He toweled off his own hair, though it took him considerably longer, before he was flipping it over his shoulder again and wrapping the towel around his waist. This felt oddly domestic, but he wasn't going to say anything about that.
He followed Jack out of the bathroom area, pausing only long enough to grab a brush, a comb and a pair of sheers.]
After I trim up that mess of a beard. Find a seat. We're doing this now before you think you can get away not having it done.
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[Get it more comfortable for him to have long at the very least.
76 did find a chair, dragging it over out of the middle of the place and more to a side. Be easier to get some light for this, more or less. Didn't want it near the kitchen area or 'bed' area, just in case. He didn't want to find stray beard hairs in whatever food got cooked up.
Would put the chair wherever Reaper felt best and... have a seat. No fight or fuss over it. Already had agreed to it.]
no subject
He then tipped the younger man's chin up with a finger and leaned down a bit to get started on the wild beard. First he combed it, then trimmed the sides and the excess. More combing. The knife scrapped by some along 76's cheeks to create nice clean lines that accented the younger man's features. Combing. Turning 76's face this way and that to be certain it matched. More trimming then combing then trimming.
He took his time, but years of experience allowed him to go far quicker than most. It was a bit different grooming someone else, but honestly, he'd taught his son to shave though it had been awhile since those lessons.
He hummed as he considered then moved in to do 76's upper lip, being extra careful there. That done, he stood back and admired the look. He gestured at the mirror.]
How is that for you?
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He kept the towel there on his shoulders, giving some bit of help there, as otherwise he simply turned and tilted his head as Reaper needed. Eyes closed, giving him that amount of trust without much thought. It was fine.
Eyes opened then, so he could take a look in the mirror that was brought over with them-]
This'll work well. Good job done with the trim- and shaping.
[... He'd had this exact trim before, hadn't he.]
A lot better than what it had been.
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He reached out and ran his fingers over the beard, smoothing it in the places he messed it up in his previous passing.]
That's not difficult if you actually saw what I saw was inhabiting your face.
[He offered over the knife back to 76 before taking the towel with beard scruff on it then balled it up to shake out later once they were out of the tree house.]
It's easy to maintain too.
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[It was mumbled as Reaper's fingers moved over his beard, still not really putting up a fight and just letting the man do as he saw fit there. If he was going to put in the work, may as well let him fix it as he wanted to.
The knife was taken, taking the time to let it drop in to a shadow and- well, it popped right back where Reaper had gotten it from. 76 rubbed the sides of his neck a bit and shoulders, just to make sure nothing had gotten past the towel.
All was good so he stood up, hand rested on the back of the chair.]
Seems like it will be, yeah. [Fingers tapped wood-] Going to sit and let me take care of your hair, or would you rather something more comfortable than a wooden chair?
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[He had almost expected to find some kind of fae or insect in there, which would have been awkward given how much time they had been spending with each other for the last day and night. He probably should have noticed sooner if there had been life in that beard.
He looked at the chair that 76 soon vacated and then offered a withering look. He had sat in far worse than that and made himself comfortable. He was older, but he wasn't elderly.
Instead of sniping back with words, he grabbed his long hair and pulled it over his shoulder before he sat heavily down in the chair in question. Then, being petty, he flipped his hair over his shoulder to try to hit 76 with it.]
You're welcome to cut it all off if you want. It will just grow back to that length in two days though.
no subject
[He didn't even move when the hair got him in the chest, taking it in hand as clawed fingers were already coming through it all. Picking out little tangles and signs of them starting, letting his hands warm up to help further dry it all as he worked.
Reaper would no doubt feel that little trick the moment claws grazed his scalp in the combing, snorting faintly.]
Then what's the point of cutting it all off? I can just brush and braid it to keep it our of your way.
[From scalp to the very ends of all of hair claws combed, keeping it moving in his hands to encouraging the drying. Keeping it all smoothed out.]
no subject
[Where all the insects lived. At least there were no insects now and it was trimmed up. The whole beard thing looked good on 76, and he would definitely consider dying on that hill if he had to.
He wasn't expecting much when it came to tending to his hair. His view on it was pretty minimalistic in that he simply washed it, brushed it and tied it back out of the way. When it annoyed him particularly, he'd cut it off for a short reprieve. His expectations for 76 doing his hair was much the same: quick and dealt with.
Instead, he felt warmth at the back of his neck at times, sensing what 76 was doing and letting himself relax into it.]
Because it gives me a few hours of without it. Better than nothing at this point in my life.
[He closed his eyes and let 76 take as short or long as time as wanted to deal with his hair.]
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I've taken to sleeping in trees now, I keep a travel hammock on me for it.
[Implying that he'd climb a tree and then hang it up as high as he could between a couple or good limbs or the trunk and a limb? Yes. Pretty easy to camouflage that way, too.
He made it in to an almost rhythmic motion, fingers and claws moving through hair as he dried and smoothed it of frizz here and there. Pair of scissors were taken up, but more to trim off splits and even the ends, which he collected and was able to drop off on the towel that had his beard trimmings in it. Taking his time.]
Sounds like a headache.
[Once it was all combed and dry? 76 did as he said he would, slowly started braiding it after picking a height to start that would at least give the ma a bit of head and neck relief with the weight. Keeping the braid smooth, tidy.]
no subject
[He knew that in his own way. Even when they were apart, he had some awareness of 76 in this place. It might be a general sense of location and distance as well as state of health, but it was enough at this point. He doubted he would ever admit it as he saw no point. Something-something-accused of spying-something.
He sat for the grooming care, only getting used to 76 doing it for him these last few weeks. Before that, Maul had a fascination with his hair but really had no idea what to do with it to care for it. 76 was getting quite good at dealing with his waist length hair, and he didn't even mind the trimming. Those hairs would turn to smoke in a few minutes and return to him anyway.
He hummed in agreement to the sentiment.]
It is a real headache. It's easy enough to ignore tucked in my armour and jacket. It reminds me why I shaved my head for those years back then.
[Easy maintenance and all that. He had noticed that braiding was good for it too, keeping it all in on place as a ponytail couldn't quite.]
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[76 made sure the braid wasn't tight enough to cause discomfort near the head, while otherwise keeping it something tight and neat; the thought of Reaper just tucking it in his armor somewhere in mind. Figured it had worked the last time the older man let him get his hands on it, may as well do it again.
Had a little more practice with braiding under his belt this time around, at least.]
Reason I kept clean shaven as long as I could- that and there was always the stupid remarks from the PR people.
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[He'd never bothered to learn to braid his own hair despite having the time and opportunity to do so. He was more resentful of his hair and made little effort in it, yet, he found that he was starting to like the braid feel and how compact it was. He might have to encourage Jack to help him out with that more and more if it continued to work.
He tipped his head a little to be able to see 76 out of the corner of one eye, snorting as he recalled very well the opinions of the PR department. They always concerned themselves with Jack looking his best. It was dull. Let the man look like shit now and again.]
I don't think the populous at large would have been able to keep their panties dry if you exposed them to a beard that you could grow, so it's probably for the best.
no subject
Been lacking in a lot of things I'm used to for a good long while, Reyes. I know how to go without.
[A few times he had to rearrange the separate lengths of hair to keep them smoothed down in the braid itself. Keeping it tight to make it easier to toss or tuck it about without worry of it coming loose easily. Keep better unless going a bit out of the way-
He grabbed somethin, a simple tie, in order to secure the braid at the end that wouldn't loosen by itself.]
Have the beard now, though. Might keep it long term.
no subject
[If the supplies were available here, he had no doubt that Jack could and would resort to such methods if it meant being able to get home faster. There was nothing stopping the blond from completing that mission, which was admirable given his own drive to do the same.
He would admit that the braid did keep his hair a lot neater and easier to handle. It was also far less likely to escape and reveal itself too. While he might not admit it verbally, it felt good to be groomed. Maybe that's why he insisted on doing so to Jack's wild - now tamed - beard.]
You should. It looks good on you.
no subject
[Was spoken with a shrug of his shoulders; only a partial truth in some circumstances, the rest was just taking what he found useful if he was already breaking in for a different reason. May as well make use of some of the tech if it was already there, be going towards people that'd do worse with it than he had planned half the time-]
Can't say they miss what I take either. Minor inconveniences.
[He made sure the tie at the end of the braid was secure, fingers moving over the length just to make sure that the braiding was done tightly enough as well it could withstand being shoved out of sight a few good times. Also ran fingers where it met at Reaper's head, making sure that'd be comfortable, before he was just flicking the hair so it flopped over Reaper's shoulder for his own inspection.]
Makes it easier to keep the face guard off when it'd just be in the way at times, still hides a bit.
[Meaning he could keep the tactical visor on, the lower part of his face still technically obscured enough to keep him unrecognizable with the beard.]
no subject
[However, he didn't fault 76 for breaking and entering. It was simply a risk that allowed certain agencies to track the man, but honestly, it was going to be done anyway. There was a reason that Soldier: 76 was wanted by international authorities.
He shifted his head when it seemed that his hair had been braided and reached back to feel the plait with his fingers. It felt good and tight, secured at the back of his head and easy to handle. He was going to have to learn to do that he supposed; it was more care than he normally gave his hair, but it did seem to work well.]
Also makes older people swoon so they will be less likely to recognize you as they have passed out from being enamored.
[He rose from his seat and stretched his arms and back.]
Come on, let's make some breakfast.
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[Didn't matter to him at that point either. He did what he needed to get what he needed, and he was usually there for other reasons- at least after he'd taken the pulse rifle from a Helix location anyway. Been keeping it in good shape since, too.
Eyes rolled a bit, already pushing up from his chair since he had finished, moving it back to where he had pulled it from.]
Funny.
[That dry tone- but he was still moving to step in to the kitchen area.]
Mm, should probably eat yeah.
[No arguments from him, and fortunately most of the kitchen 'appliances' worked. They'd manage a few edible things.]