Como's Anthology Collection

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Winter with Styx
Featured Characters: Courier, Styx
CW: None
Recommendation Notes: Crownkiller's/King's Mulligan

 You are Courier checking in on Gallows.

Your friend’s been quiet all of today, and according to everyone he hasn’t left his room more than once to wash up.

You knock on the door ahead, holding a hot plate of stew with toast on the side.You’ll surprise the rabbit with a bit of care and company.

Styx: Come on in!

You’re surprised by the cadence, it’s not him but the little devil in his head.

You open the door and step inside.

Courier: Brought your dinner today, you doing alright?

Styx: Managing as best as I can…

Styx: This body is so sickly some days..

Styx: Fate is cruel…but..

He gives you a surprisingly blissful smile.

Styx: Sometimes fortune hands you its finest blade.

You can’t help but blush at that.

Courier: I’m surprised you took the front today.

Styx: You’ve invited me over, couldn’t refuse that much…

Styx: Besides, if I’m going to be as present as I am well..

Styx: It wouldn’t be fair to only take days where we’re at our best.

Courier: I’m glad you’ve been helping Gally with that…

Styx: Longest I’ve been with a host in a good while, no sign of leaving soon..
 
Courier: You known him long?

Styx: Since he was 19 or so about… I’ve lost track.

Courier: What do you mean?

Styx: It’s complicated and I rather he explain but… being tied to those beyond time and space may leave one a tad displaced.

Courier: Oh?

Styx: Mm.. somewhere between 7-9 years though depending on how you count things.

Courier: Ah… huh.

Styx: Mm. Neither of us are from this region and we’ll leave it at that.

Courier: A mystery.. I’m sure he has his reasons.

Styx: He does, mainly not wanting to recall any of that misery.

Styx: I’m in the same spot myself.. Much is forgotten to time regardless but the feeling is still strong.

Courier: Oh? How long ago?

Styx: That’s the kicker, who knows.

Styx: But either way.. I want to think about right now more…

Styx: Never seen you in a sweater before I must say.

Courier: The folks here set me up with one, winter’s brutal around these parts. Starman managed to find one with a hole.

Styx: It’s a wonderful look on you. Soft but classy.

Courier: We should get the two of you one too.

Styx: I prefer mine more form fitting but… perhaps I’ll give it a shot.

Styx: Been wanting personally to find more attire for myself but… I am not ready to reveal myself to anyone besides the handful of those I trust.

Courier: Why not?

Styx: Most find me instinctively vile.

Courier: Don’t think that’s the case, not for me.

You pull him into a hug.

His ears perk up immediately.

Styx: Still not used to this but.. It’s quite nice.

He puts his hand through your hair a little.

His gaze focuses on your true self, the blade impaled in the body you control.

Styx: You keep your real self bound up. Ponder why…

Courier: Safety reasons. Wouldn’t want to have an accident.

Styx: A shame. I’m sure whatever’s underneath is quite gorgeous.

Styx: Bet you’re capable of quite the clean cut too..

Courier: Very dangerous, especially for rabbits.

Styx: Certainly not a bad way to go though..

Courier: Could give me a test swing some time but..

Courier: I’d like to go out for a proper date first.

Styx: I can try to bargain for that.

Styx: A shame though, another day left imagining what beauty you hide…

He presses his snout to yours, looking you dead center through the mop off hair covering his face.

Styx: Not that I mind looking at this either. Beautiful eyes..

Courier:  Maybe I could get a look at yours?

You try to brush the hair away, him stopping you gently.

Styx: I… would like to take my time to get there.

Styx: They’re said to be the window to the soul.. I fear what you see will make you not want to be so close..

Courier: I’m sure they’re lovely..

Styx: Mm… I hope that opinion sticks but..

Styx: For now I’d like to play it safe.

Styx: This rabbit is my long time comrade, but also a vessel most find more pleasant than my true self I think…

Styx: You must be able to relate.

Courier: I do… I know both you and Gallows care about me regardless though.

Courier: I want you to feel the same…

Styx: I really would like to but…

He shakes his head.

Styx: Stay with me tonight so that I may build up my courage..

Styx: I want to the moment to be right for this..

Courier: I can do that.

Styx: No promises but… the next time we kiss on the lips… I want you to see everything.

Styx: Until then, I’m just want to spend some time with you…

Courier: The next time….

You’re curious.

You lean in just a little. His face completely turns red as contact is made.

A little smile comes across his face, snake-like fangs peeking past his lips.

You brush his hair aside, eyes glowing with unusually shaped pupil slits..

Styx: You really do want this..

Courier: Mmhmm…

Styx: I see… 

He buries his face into your shoulder.

Courier: You alright?

Styx: Did everything look fine…?

Courier: Amazing..

Styx: Mm….

Styx: Thank you for that..

Styx: Are.. you really staying for the rest of the night?

Courier: As long as you want that..

Styx: I look forward to that then…

He makes himself comfortable, serpent tail swishing about.

You’d never seen anyone more content…