two furry fairies in the woods [closed]

[ruevealing]

Who: K.P. Hob and Delloso de la Rue
When: Beginning of the month
Where: ADI grounds
Summary: Rue reluctantly gets some self defense lessons
Warnings: N/A

[This is easily the strangest date they've had so far.

Though they've been making tentative plans for this lesson over the last few weeks, now that it's finally here, Rue would absolutely give anything to be anywhere else.

For how often Hob liked to sing his praise of their unshakable courage, Rue couldn't quite hide the nervous way their claws tremble or how the feathers around their long neck keep puffing up with worry. That sickly sweet twist of anticipation weighs heavy in their belly, while they smooth back down their feathers and skirts - something a little too plain today, for the exercise, with a little more room for movement than usual.

Their expression, however, is the picture of perfect composure.]

I'm afraid that beyond a proficiency in swatting hands away, you may find my technique lacking, darling.

Comments

[sneakery]

[A most unsual date indeed. Scandalous, even, with its clandestine location, lack of chaperoneship, and necessary dispensation of the distance propriety demands. In an effort to ameliorate this somewhat, Hob has made some concessions to his usual sparring habits. Rather than simple trousers and nothing else, he's actually (gasp) wearing a top and bottoms: a v-neck tee and a (borrowed?) pair of sweats that have been rolled up to his knees for ease of movement. They've even been altered to make room for his tail. So, hopefully not borrowed, actually.

Rue isn't alone in their nervousness, although, where Rue projects composure, Hob's habitual rigidity has been dialed up to eleven. He holds himself like he hasn't relaxed a single day in his life, back ramrod straight and ears stiffly at attention.]

Technique comes with time and training. Everyone begins somewhere, my dear, and I have every confidence that you will make a fine student.

[But first—delicately holding their claws in his as he bows to kiss their hand.]

Thank you, Delloso. [With that he straightens and lightly claps his hands.] Alright! We'll start with the foundations! First, footing. You could throw the most powerful punch in the Feywilds and it wouldn't do you a damn bit of good if you're unbalanced.

[ruevealing]

[Hob's utter confidence in them might be questionable at best, but it does help to ease Rue's nerves by several degrees. But then again, that might just be because of the man's company in general. His steadfast presence is still such a newness to their life, but one Rue is finding they can't imagine without.

How strange to spend a lifetime alone, and now, they can't go anywhere without being reminded of Hob. Of the silly gossip they'll bring back to him over breakfast or of the little knickknacks they'll find for him at the old antique store in town or of the most perfect way their clawed paw fits in his when he's feeling brave enough to hold hands.

Even in a strange, sometimes frightening place such as this, Hob makes them feel most overjoyed.]

Of course, my Knicholas.

[- Which is exactly why Rue feels comfortable enough to be just a touch more teasing with him than anyone else.]

Or would you rather I call you my teacher, just for today?

[The last of Rue's nervousness dissipates in favor of a new gentle playfulness in their tone. Look, Rue really can't help it. Hob's reactions just make everything better.]

[sneakery]

I, uh, I—

[You've done it again, Rue. Only his fur hides how deeply their teasing flirtation affects him, and even then only just. His ears flick back and foreward again uncertainly, and then he coughs out a modest little chuckle.]

Aha. You tease me. Unless you truly wish it, Knickolas will be more than adequate.

[ruevealing]

[Let's be honest, they look quite proud of themself for that.]

Please continue. You were speaking of footing? What would be the correct way to position myself?

[sneakery]

[Seeing their adorable face light up with pride causes his heart to swell with more tender emotion than he'd ever thought himself deserving of, before them. So much so that Hob can't help but take a moment to loop an arm about their shoulders and press a kiss to their feathery brow before stepping away.]

Ahem. Footing, yes. It's easier to demonstrate than articulate. Follow me.

[Hob takes a moment to consider before taking up a stance that is at once loose and poised.]

It may feel strange at first. That's to be expected. The object is to bring your center of gravity lower to the ground, without locking the knees.

[ruevealing]

[Honestly, even if they get so much less done this way, Rue wouldn't trade a single affectionate touch or darling kiss to the forehead. Nothing makes their heart sing more than Hob initiating such tender contact.

But eventually they must get into things, Rue watching Hob's demonstration and attempting to follow. So far, it's easy enough, they suppose. A little stance work. They can do that.]

I see! To make it more difficult to be maneuvered, correct?