|
Arker
Councilman | Scholar | Teacher
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Oct 26, 2021 17:41:24 GMT
Tag me @baron
|
|
Post by Baron Tseng on Nov 13, 2018 0:18:26 GMT
Be not afraid of growing slowly,
Baron listened as Monty revealed his name, not personally knowing the family, but the Ark was only so big. Most names were familiar. "Baron Tseng," he introduced in return, lowering his head slightly in a somewhat very minimal bow. It was a tradition of his culture, taught by his parents, to always greet others in such a respectful manner. To humble oneself, and never see them as above another person. Regardless of class or status.
"May I see your I.D please?" He asked, extending a hand. All citizens of the Ark were required to carry it on them and Baron needed to follow protocol. Besides, he didn't know this boy that well. He could very well be lying about his identity though Baron's instincts told him he was not being dishonest. "That's quite alright. I'm glad no one was harmed," he added on. Monty then went on to say that what happened wasn't his fault, to which Baron gave him a reassuring smile.
"Then why don't you tell me what happened?" He asked him, no judgement or bias in his voice. "Start from the beginning." Sincere curiosity and willingness to listen evident in Baron's tone of voice and demeanour as he kept his eyes on Monty. An open mind was the most important thing to have in such a position -- or any position of authority.
|
be afraid only of standing still
|
|
|
Arker
Councilman | Scholar | Teacher
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Oct 26, 2021 17:41:24 GMT
Tag me @baron
|
|
Fate
Nov 12, 2018 2:43:54 GMT
Post by Baron Tseng on Nov 12, 2018 2:43:54 GMT
Baron did not fail to notice the way his voice trailed off, and there was a sudden re-emerging concern that he had indeed fainted from the blood loss and possible pain. He looked at him again, seeing Nao’s eyes were still open and commented on his state. It only made Baron clench his jaw as he looked back to the road, the guilt starting to made his heart beat heavier in his chest. For an innocent to get hurt because of him … the thought made him drive even faster still. When he pulled into the driveway, he didn’t waste a second. “Hang on, I’ll help you out,” he said, rushing out of the car and moving towards Nao’s side, his hand around the other’s forearm of the side was uninjured and gently helped him out of the vehicle.
Fortunately, no one was home. He had no security in this particular complex though Baron knew it would only be a matter of time before news got out of the attack, and they would swarm his surroundings. Hopefully, he would patch up Nao and get him home before any of that happened. “Lean on me if you need to,” he said, pushing the door shut and moving them towards his house. “You’ve lost a lot of blood already.” He was trying to judge the man’s strength and whether he would need more support getting up the few steps to the main door.Getting him to the main sitting area, he urged him onto the chair. “I’m going to get supplies,” he said as he took off his jacket and tossed it on the couch.
Hurrying to the medicine cabinet, he grabbed a long cloth bandage, hydrogen peroxide and some swabs. They tended to be … rather prepared for incidents like this. Heading back towards Nao, to get on the proper eye level the taller male crouched down in front of him, realizing that he would not get a clear sight of the injury simply by rolling up his sleeve. “Take your shirt off,” he told him. Pausing for a moment, an ever so slight smirk formed on his expression, meant to tease, meant to distract Nao from the pain. “Don’t get any ideas. I just need to look at the cut.” A reference to Nao’s earlier statement about rejecting certain shows of gratitude.
|
|
|
Arker
Councilman | Scholar | Teacher
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Oct 26, 2021 17:41:24 GMT
Tag me @baron
|
|
Post by Baron Tseng on Nov 12, 2018 2:37:51 GMT
—– The Next Day —–
“What’s taking you so long?” Baron asked impatiently while he sat on the edge of his bed. After their conversation, Baron had set to work to make preparations. He knew he owed Naoya a great deal for doing this, but the gratitude would come later. For now, he needed to get clothes that fit, wigs, shoes, jewellery, and all the other things a woman would need. So he had gone to the store, picking the best quality clothing he could find and hoping he had Nao’s size right. Of course he told the store clerk that it was for his girlfriend, and they gave him the option to return or exchange anything. That was a relief, but it was more the time factor.
He had made sure to pick out long gowns for formal wear – making sure to cover the legs since well, Naoya’s legs weren’t exactly a woman’s. And then well tailored pants for day wear. He had also picked out a few wigs, but would of course give Naoya the option of which one to wear. Maybe that was also what was taking long, apart from trying on the first dress and the accessories that went along. Fortunately, Baron’s mom and sister were out so they had the privacy of his house and currently, his room. So he looked expectantly at the door that Naoya was changing behind in the bathroom, waiting … and waiting … and waiting …
|
|
|
Arker
Councilman | Scholar | Teacher
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Oct 26, 2021 17:41:24 GMT
Tag me @baron
|
|
Post by Baron Tseng on Nov 12, 2018 1:41:03 GMT
“I’ll always be here for you.”
Abra |
|
|
Arker
Councilman | Scholar | Teacher
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Oct 26, 2021 17:41:24 GMT
Tag me @baron
|
|
Post by Baron Tseng on Nov 12, 2018 1:22:16 GMT
Be not afraid of growing slowly,
Baron was usually quite aware of his surroundings, but he had been engrossed in the book he was skimming through, that even he was unable to stop the collision before it was too late. A young man collided into him, sending them to the ground. He was clearly running from someone and that someone became abundantly clear when a guardsman showed up. Baron could just tell from his face that he was far from pleased, and his eyes went to the young man who had been running.
"Are you ok?" He asked, referring firstly to having crashed into him. Baron straightened his posture, looking again at the runner as he asked if he was under arrest. The guardsman pulled out his shock lasher. Apparently, this had become personal. Baron raised his hand up as if to stop the guardsman from advancing any further. "Do you have reason to be?" Baron asked, the question meant more for the guardsman than for the boy. He looked at the member of the guard as he explained that the boy fled and refused direct orders. Baron knew that that in itself was suspicious. But he also knew the last thing he wanted . . . was to be responsible for someone to get floated for a crime that hardly seemed violent.
"Defiance is not a crime," Baron stated. "If it were, there would be no teenagers that would pass their rebellious phase here on the Ark," Baron say with a light smile, a clearly teasing remark towards the age group of those who tended to be defiant in thier teenage years. But Baron knew he had to provide more assurance. He casually placed a hand on the guardsmen's shoulder, standing directly in front of the member of the guard.
"I'll handle this." His words implying that the guard was emotionally compromised and a way for him to have an out before he did something he would regret to someone who was still deemed innocent. After a few several moments, the guardsman put away the shock lashed, gave a final glare to the man he was pursuing, and turned to leave. Baron was now left with him, as the councilmen turned to face him once more. "What's your name?" Baron asked calmly. The guardsman would undoubtedly speak of this situation, so it was best Baron collected what information he could to further diffuse it.
|
be afraid only of standing still
|
|
|
Arker
Councilman | Scholar | Teacher
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Oct 26, 2021 17:41:24 GMT
Tag me @baron
|
|
Post by Baron Tseng on Nov 12, 2018 1:05:55 GMT
Baron was accustomed to sleeping alone. One was most vulnerable when they were asleep. It wasn't just the threat of someone attacking a person in their sleep, but rather, the mental state. The dreams that would occasionally plague Baron. They were usually the same nightmares. They had started when losing his father and when he woke from them, he would often just get up and do work, or find ways to distract his mind in the depth of the night.
Images of war breaking out among the clans. A trail of countless bodies. Among them, his family. His mother. His sister. Lying on the ground, slashed and beaten. But now . . . there was an added body. The dreams had stopped ever since he found company in the space on the bed next to him. Her presence a comfort he could not explain. But as his feelings grew for her, so did the fear of what that meant. The fear of losing her, because of who he was and what he did. So tonight, he saw her in his dream. Or nightmares. Everyone he cared about lying there as he was powerless to do anything to protect them. He had failed them. He was holding her body, tears streaming down his cheeks and it was only when Abra's eyes abruptly opened, did Baron shoot in an upright position with a gasp.
His head jerked to the side to see Abra next to him. She was alive. She was here with him. And whatever he had seen . . . was only a nightmare. His chest heaved from the intensity of it, feeling the beads of sweat that slightly dampened his hair. "I'm sorry," he breathed, in attempt to catch his own breath as he blinked a few times, still unable to lie back down as his back rested against the board of the bed. He looked over at her, a hand extending to her cheek where he gently caressed her skin with his thumb. "Did I wake you?" The thought of disturbing her sleep only making him feel more guilty. Just because he had a restless night, didn't mean she deserved to as well.
|
|
|
Arker
Councilman | Scholar | Teacher
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Oct 26, 2021 17:41:24 GMT
Tag me @baron
|
|
Post by Baron Tseng on Nov 12, 2018 0:52:38 GMT
Be not afraid of growing slowly,
Baron knew he should greet Nao's parents but at the same time. . . he could tell that Nao was rushing him, and Baron was after all his guest. So without objection, he made his way to the other male's room, taking in the sight of the house on the way. Just as he did once he was inside Nao's room. Baron looked around, eyeing the posters. A room revealed quite a bit about a person, and Baron was looking forward to getting a glimpse into who Naoya was. "Nice room," he complimented, just as he did the house.
He smiled upon seeing the comic books, before taking Nao up on his offer. "I like the posters," he added on, pointing to one of the samurai ones in particular. With that, Baron casually tossed his backpack on the bed before comfortably sitting on the edge of it, his feet touching the ground as he bounced a little. "You ok?" He asked, noticing that Naoya seemed a bit . . . frazzled. "You seem . . . nervous," Baron continued. "I promise I won't work you too hard today," he added on teasingly with a continued smile on his lips.
|
be afraid only of standing still
|
|
|
Arker
Councilman | Scholar | Teacher
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Oct 26, 2021 17:41:24 GMT
Tag me @baron
|
|
Fate
Nov 12, 2018 0:34:31 GMT
Post by Baron Tseng on Nov 12, 2018 0:34:31 GMT
Baron felt relieved when the man got into the car, knowing that he no longer had to convince him to come with him. He knew it was a great show of trust. To be in the company of someone who had just been targeted. So when he introduced himself, of course Baron would return the favor. “Naoya,” he repeated the name, enjoying the full sound of it, though he did make clear that he had a name that all others called him. “It’s an honor.” Because the circumstances in which they met were not exactly … normal ones.
“I am Baron Tseng.” Whether the name would ring a bell or not, Baron couldn’t help but briefly glance at Naoya to see if it changed any mindset he had of going with him. Whether the name would be more recognized than the face. “You don’t have to be concerned with those men,” Baron continued, just wanting to reassure the other than they would not follow them or pose as further threat. “Thanks to you, they’re gone.” Because they had their shot, and they had missed. Baron doubted he would see the same faces again. “How are you feeling?” He asked, turning his head for only a quick second to look at Naoya, hoping he hadn’t lost too much blood. The thought itself caused Baron to press down harder on the accelerator to get there faster. “We’re almost there.”
|
|
|
Arker
Councilman | Scholar | Teacher
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Oct 26, 2021 17:41:24 GMT
Tag me @baron
|
|
Post by Baron Tseng on Nov 12, 2018 0:31:44 GMT
Baron just nodded his head when Naoya told him he was a man. “I’m aware, but others won’t be.” But his sworn brother seemed to understand what Baron was asking of him and well, he had to admit, he thought he’d need to convince him more. He was prepared to, knowing he was asking a great deal of the other. But then … Nao agreed. And Baron couldn’t help but feel a wave of relief wash over him that he accepted. Baron knew Nao’s acceptance had more to do with his willingness to help Baron, rather than any deep seated desire to dress as a woman.
But still; Baron couldn’t help but tease him for it. “Well, that was easier than I thought it would be,” he said playfully, patting Naoya on the back. “We go in a couple of days. We’ll need to get you clothes unless … you have anything at home in your closet?” The words were clearly teasing, Baron’s expression indicating as such with mockery as he feigned seriousness of Nao being in possession of women’s clothing.
|
|
|
Arker
Councilman | Scholar | Teacher
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Oct 26, 2021 17:41:24 GMT
Tag me @baron
|
|
Post by Baron Tseng on Nov 11, 2018 21:03:37 GMT
Baron smirked a little at Nao’s response, before a mock look of surprise crossed his features. “Why do you say it like that?” He asked in pretend offence. The smirk reformed as Nao looked around, asking if this was some sort of prank. Baron let out a breath of amusement as leaned slightly back from their close proximity. “A few of the clan leaders are going on a cruise,” he began to explain. For both business and leisure purposes, but there was more to it. “A couples cruise.” Further elaboration. “Bringing a partner will help ease any tensions that may otherwise arise, and keep the environment relatively stable.” More family oriented rather than just business.
“I am expected to be there. But, I need to take someone I trust.” Not just some random last minute date. Despite the men’s logic of bringing their woman along, Baron knew full well that anything was possible and he wasn’t going to take the risk. “So I’ll ask you again. Naoya … will you be my girlfriend?” He asked, a hint of a smile upon his face, fully determined to convince him if he still rejected the offer. “I mean, if you say no, that’s fine. I suppose I can find someone else to take along … “ He said rather casually; pretending to be thinking of someone else. He wasn’t sure why he felt the need to make that tease. Naoya was his sworn brother. That was all. Yet, there was still the amusement of his teasing words. Baron couldn’t exactly explain why.
|
|
|
Arker
Councilman | Scholar | Teacher
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Oct 26, 2021 17:41:24 GMT
Tag me @baron
|
|
Post by Baron Tseng on Nov 11, 2018 21:02:00 GMT
here were many uncertainties when it came to the loss of vision. Presentation was one of them. He could feel the throbbing of his hands, but he didn’t realize there were actual markings on them until he could feel the air of Nao’s hand, skin brushing against his before he pulled them back. “I’m fine,” he insisted, voice nonchalant and casual. Perhaps he should have cleaned himself up before meeting the man. Having to explain to him that he tumbled down the stairs was – as he previously recognized – rather embarrassing. Even if he knew that there would be no judgement form the other male.
Still, he followed his lead to the chair where he complied with the silent urge of sitting down. Hearing the footsteps grow distant, Baron cocked his head to the side. “What are you rummaging for?” Though part of him already knew the answer. “Nothing happened. I’m really fine. So that better be coffee you’re bringing over.” Though, he knew it wasn’t, it was yet another attempt to dismiss the topic of whatever injuries his hands showed. Though self conscious of them, he clenched his hands shit, joined by a clench of his jaw at the uncomfortable result of his actions.
|
|
|
Arker
Councilman | Scholar | Teacher
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Oct 26, 2021 17:41:24 GMT
Tag me @baron
|
|
Fate
Nov 11, 2018 20:59:52 GMT
Post by Baron Tseng on Nov 11, 2018 20:59:52 GMT
Nothing. No. It was not simply nothing. Baron knew it was far more than that. For a complete stranger intercepting, immediately accepting the risk of placing himself in danger … well, it was certainly something to Baron. The leader was about to protest, when he paused upon hearing the man’s next words. A flicker of slight curiosity crossed his features. He was fluent in the language well enough to know he did not misunderstand what was being said. But the stranger before him certainly misunderstood his intentions. It left Baron silent, showing no sign of being flustered though inwardly … was quick to protest such a thing. Is that how it worked here, or among those that he knew? What background did he hold? What questionable people did he encounter in his life?!
But Baron remained calm, unwaveringly composed. “If one’s body is truly a temple as you say, then an injury on it should be tended to.” There was a slight tease to the words, but also a reveal on what intentions he held in his invitation. “To keep it in tact. For whatever else your … activities may require of it.” Turning it around on the other man, and making it clear that Baron had no plans to use his body in such ways. “Come. That bandage will not last for long.” He needed to be properly patched up … if the man would let Baron do so. Expectantly, he left the door of the passenger’s side open, and made his way to the driver’s seat, getting in and already starting the engine.
|
|
|
Arker
Councilman | Scholar | Teacher
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Oct 26, 2021 17:41:24 GMT
Tag me @baron
|
|
Post by Baron Tseng on Nov 11, 2018 19:30:25 GMT
You can be the moon Abra didn't need to be standing in front of Baron for him to know that he had just added fuel to the fire. She was growing increasingly upset so when she claimed that he knew, Baron paused in thought. It was her next message that started to bring light to who she was referring to. Had the article made it that far?! Baron supposed he hadn't considered it, or thought much of it but . . . he also knew that given the circumstances, perhaps it didn't look good after all. Her language made it clear that he perhaps should have told Abra about this in warning. Taking a slow breath he began to reply, carefully choosing his words so not to aggravate the situation.
She's the daughter of one of the clan leaders he began to explain. A good friend of my sister's too. Was that making it worse? He had no idea. He had recalled his mother complimented them that evening and upon seeing the picture after. Alright, so perhaps the situation did look really bad. He needed to elaborate. There was a banquet and we all went. Emphasis on the word all so that Abra wouldn't think it was some sort of intimate date. He just stared at his phone, waiting with bated breath to see what her next message -- or messages -- would be, rereading over his words to see if they sounded . . . appropriate to the situation in his attempt to diffuse it.
|
and still be jealous of the stars
|
|
|
Arker
Councilman | Scholar | Teacher
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Oct 26, 2021 17:41:24 GMT
Tag me @baron
|
|
Post by Baron Tseng on Nov 11, 2018 19:19:58 GMT
Baron knew he shouldn’t really over think this. But . . . still. Such a request was not one that was made just any day. Which was why he had told Naoya to hang back at the restaurant at closing. They could be alone, and Baron could ask him what he needed to. Ever since they had become sworn brothers, Baron found himself more and more drawn the other. It was after all his emphatic trust for the man that placed him as the perfect candidate to take with him on this venture. Besides, should the rare scenario of danger arise, he knew that Naoya could defend himself. So, he was ideal for this. Though, there was more to it than just taking Nao along on a trip. There had to be a cover for them . . . a very, feminine cover.
When Baron was done for the day, he made his way to the restaurant level, stepping inside and locking it behind him. No one needed to walk in on them having this conversation. “Naoya?” His eyes doing a quick sweep of the place to make sure no one else was here. He motioned for Nao to sit down, and Baron did the same, taking position in a chair across from him. He let a few moments of silence linger, but knew he couldn’t drag this out much longer. “I have something very important to ask you,” he began to say, looking at Nao. And then, inching his way closer as he moved his chair nearer towards him. But that wasn’t enough.
He began to lean forward, closer and closer, the expression on his face softening a little. A sheer invasion of personal space. He too, let this moment linger of just looking at Nao, that same magnetic draw he had to him unwavering, even under current circumstances of what he was about to ask him. Why was there something so strangely appealing over the thought of going on a couple’s cruise with him? Baron’s eyes look with soft intent into Nao’s, before he parted his lips to speak. “Will you be my girlfriend?”
|
|
|
Arker
Councilman | Scholar | Teacher
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Oct 26, 2021 17:41:24 GMT
Tag me @baron
|
|
Post by Baron Tseng on Nov 11, 2018 19:18:19 GMT
Baron was already late meeting Nao at the lower level restaurant in their business’ headquarters and perhaps it was that realization that made Baron more . . . hasty than usual. More reckless. He had walked down these steps many a times, both before and after losing his vision. He had calculated the distance in each step, meticulously setting his foot in the proper angle so that he would not miss it. Once he had needed to grip the handle so strongly, but now . . . he had memorized every inch. But apparently that was not good enough. The miscellaneous toolbox that someone had left was unexpected. And by the time Baron felt it, it was too late. The tip of his foot hit it and in addition to the box and all its contents falling down the stairs, so did Baron.
Reflexes set in enough that he broke the fall at the bottom with his hands, but there was a minor sacrifice that went along with it. In that the impact was his hands and the tools, feeling the way the sharp parts scraped his skin while the other hard ones slammed against his palms. Baron froze, not having heard anyone nearby and was relieved that it was late and thus, no one was around apart from security. But the fact that no one rushed to him, assured him that he was truly alone.
Taking a few deep breaths, Baron rose to his feet, trying to shrug off what happened. It was humiliating, and foolish to have not been so careful. But, it could have been a lot worse he supposed. He reached around for his glasses, quickly putting them back on and straightening his jacket, brushing himself off, and setting towards the restaurant. Once he reached there, he opened the door. "Naoya," he greeted, closing it behind him and glad that he wasn’t walking with any sort of limp in his gait. The last thing he needed was for Nao to find out his clumsy actions.
|
|
