[ He's close enough at this point that he doesn't bother replying, just comes through the doors of the warehouse like he's picked up the pace over the last hundred yards or so, bouncing them off the walls with a crash and rattle of the frames. Not that he cares, he's too busy heading inside to look for her, worried about what he's going to find. ]
[ harley lifts her head from where sheβs curled herself into a ball on the couch, knees drawn up to her chest, her cheeks visibly wet and makeup streaked; she hastily swipes at her face, but the crash has startled bruce too, whoβs got his head dropped on the sofa nearby, clearly not wanting to abandon her like this.
but sheβs a whirl of movement as she practically vaults herself over the back of the couch, bare feet slapping against the floor as she hurls herself into hellboy with a solid whump. the best part is knowing she canβt hurt him even by throwing her full weight into his, but once sheβs there she just wraps her arms around him, as much as she can reach given his size, and draws in a breath, absorbing his scent, his warmth. ] Mβso glad youβre here.
[ Even before she reaches him he's ready to catch her, arms opening to pull her in close. He barely even moves as she hits his chest, always there to be the solid place she needs to fall against. The sight of the wetness on her cheeks and her smudged makeup makes his heart ache in his chest. ]
I'm here, baby. I'm here. [ He bends down to kiss the top of her head, holding her close. ] Hey, buddy. [ This to Bruce, who has come over to join them and seek reassurance as much as his mistress, whining and wriggling as Hellboy reaches down to rub his head too and let his fingers be licked. ]
C'mon. [ It's easy for him to shift his grip and pull Harley up so he can carry her, taking her weight without a problem so he can bring them all back over to the couch. ]
[ with her eyes squeezed shut as they are, she doesnβt realize bruce has padded over to join them until she hears the whining from the vicinity of her hip, and then she pulls back with a slightly thick chuckle, glancing down at him as he leans into the slide of hellboyβs hand before offering a few healthy licks in exchange. ] He was all worried about me, werenβt you, sweet boy?
[ sheβll never say no to him picking her up in any context, whether itβs hauling her over his shoulder and up to their bedroom or just like this, making her feel so small and cared for as she tucks herself in, head dropping against his shoulder while he takes her over to the couch again. sheβs still in his lap when he settles down, bruce hopping up to lay next to them within close reach, and harley nuzzles in against the dark hair on hellboyβs jaw, not really seeking anything more than just little reminders that heβs here, he still exists, he hasnβt left her too. ] Iβm so tired of this. Of people I care about leavinβ. I know they canβt help it, butβ¦ Iβm just so tired.
[ The couch creaks as Hellboy lowers himself down into it, being careful for the sake of Harley in his arms. It's not in the best state after so many months of having to cope with his weight as well as all the things Harley and her friends put it through, but it's familiar, worn into being comfortable, a reminder of home -- like so many things between them.
He tips his head against Harley's nuzzling of his jaw, reaching up to stroke her hair, his big right arm secure around her. ]
I know, baby. You've lost a lot of people. [ He drops a kiss against the side of her head, pausing for a moment to just take in the sweet floral scent of her shampoo and the familiar but more undefinable smell of her body. The possibility that one day they might -- no, that they probably will -- lose each other is a sweet bright pain, too sharp to examine, but too present to ignore. ]
[ like so many things in this warehouse, the couch has become a sign that this is more their home than anything else, even if it doesnβt exactly match with everything else, even if itβs probably seen better days by now. sheβs too attached to it to consider getting rid of it; she even likes the way it creaks when he sits down on it, a reminder of just how big he is.
itβs comforting, familiar, like he is to her now, and when sheβs hurled into so much uncertainty about the world and how someone could be gone in an instant, gone for real without the promise of coming back, sheβs clinging to what is certain and right in front of her, one hand idly twisting in his shirt as he runs his touch over her hair. ]
She was my friend, yβknow? And she was there for me. Iβm kinda startinβ to get used to that. [ people she can count on, rely on, consider as dear to her after so many years of being with a man who treated her without any care whatsoever. she sniffles once, but there arenβt any fresh tears to fall. ] It just sucks a whole big bag of dicks. Like you can get close to someone andβ¦ poof. Theyβre gone. Out of your life. Maybe forever.
[ His voice is warm and fond, full of love that comes easily to him. He's had some sense of how difficult it is for her to get close to people and he's been proud of her, the way she's kept reaching out, fighting that instinct to hold people at a distance because of all the crap that's happened to her. Anyone else might have run away -- hell, he's done his fair share of that. But she's not like that.
He gently touches her cheek with his thumb, rubbing away some of the tear tracks and watery eyeliner. ]
But it's important that they were there. You're gonna remember her and it's good to have those memories, they mean that someone we love hasn't really gone away. What she did for you, what the others did for you -- that's gonna be with you no matter what. And this place take that from anyone.
[ thereβs a difference between the harley who people know as an outgoing girl, the one whoβs the life of any party, and the one who really lets people in to see the truth of her. and sheβs done more and more of that since she got here, without her ties to j to hold her back. but then the flipside of that is letting them in so close that it hurts more when they disappear.
she sighs, letting him brush her cheeks clean without shifting away or putting up a fuss. ]
Youβre right. I know youβre right. Even if she doesnβt come back, even if Jay doesnβt β we gotta hold onto the time when they were for their sake. [ she tilts her head into the cupping touch of his palm, allowing herself a sad little smile. ] Right? You and me. Weβll keep it.
[ He leans down a bit to kiss her forehead, then the tip of her nose. It feels a little like they're whistling through the graveyard, but he can't think of anything else he can offer her, or anything else they can do. It is what it is. And it hurts. ]
Yeah, we'll keep them safe. [ His forehead resting gently against hers, his hand drops to her chest, a big broad fingertip tracing a circle over her heart. ] Right here.
[ it helps, though, what he's doing, even if it still feels a little like putting a band-aid on a bullet hole, even if he doesn't have any solution or answer to help her deal beyond just... dealing. but she's been through enough too that this is just one more thing to add to the pile, one more thing she can push through. ]
Mmhmm. [ she closes her eyes again, breathing out a shakier breath when his warm touch traces the invisible circle around where her heart beats a little steadier in her chest. when she tips her chin up to seek out his mouth, it's slow and gentle, pouring every ounce of love she has for him into it, along with gratitude and sheer relief that she hasn't lost him yet. ]
Maybe... d'you wanna do a movie night? Just the three of us?
[ Even if all he can do is calm her down and make her feel safe, Hellboy will consider it more than enough. One of the most frustrating things about being stuck in the city is how often he has to face problems he can't fight with his fists or magical talismans. He's not used to that kind of thing and it's hard to reckon with, but making sure Harley is okay -- that, he can do.
He leans into that kiss, groaning softly in the back of his throat when she lingers, his hand sliding around to her shoulder to keep her close. When she pulls back, he stays near, nudging his face against hers, kissing her cheek and tasting salt. ]
Yeah, we should do that. Maybe try not to get so distracted this time. [ As he says every time they have a movie night, and end up getting distracted anyway. ]
[ she wonders if it would be too selfish for her to reach for him now, if it would just be her seeking the physical reminder of his presence for reasons that only have to do with making herself feel better. but that doesn't stop her from wanting it, and maybe even wanting it more when he groans deep like that, loud enough for her to feel the vibrations of it where she's leaned against his chest.
and it's even harder for her to pretend like she isn't willing to let herself get distracted when he nuzzles into her, a smile playing over the corners of her mouth. ]
Uh huh. Definitely shouldn't do that. Maybe you just gotta keep your hands to yourself. [ like she hasn't been the one primarily responsible for copping a feel while they're snuggled up on this very couch, or the one who leads his hands up under her top or shorts. ]
[ Even though the moment isn't the best one, Hellboy's willing to do anything if it keeps her smiling like that. And even though they've known each other for a year, that magnetism and need hasn't dimmed all that much; the way she presses herself against him still lights him up inside, especially when she's kissing him as well.
He grins against the curve of her neck, nudging his nose up underneath her ear. His left hand slides thoughtfully down her back. ]
Mmm. Maybe you just gotta stay out of my lap. [ Not that he'll stop her, or do anything about it once she's there. ] You're just too distracting, baby.
[ it's funny sometimes, how her need for him isn't always the same β sometimes it's so overwhelming she can barely contain it, leaving her desperate for even the slightest touch or kiss from him, and other times it comes on slowly, steadily, warmth building inside her at a gradual pace to where she's ultimately left in the same needy position. right here, she knows she's simmering, but the potential for her want to get heated up to overflowing is still there, especially when he nuzzles a sensitive spot on her neck that they're both well-aware of by now. ]
Well, I can't help the fact that your lap is perfectly Harley-sized. [ as if she's only doing the most logical thing by always planting herself there, butt perched in the cradle of his thick thighs, and it would make even less sense for her not to.
and she'll make sure to further emphasize her point by shifting her weight purposefully in his lap now, wriggling her hips as she peers down at him with a playful narrowing of her eyes. ] How's this for distracting?
[ He definitely doesn't mind this kind of distraction. There are things they need to talk about, he knows that, but he's starting to think that maybe sometimes talking about the hard stuff can happen without actually saying anything at all. The way she folds in against him tells him what he wants to hear, after all; that she feels safe with him, that she wants him to be closer. He doesn't know how better to express it back at her than by pulling her in even more, letting her know as much as he can how grateful he is that she's still there, after everything they've been through together.
And, after all, he's still (mostly) human; he can't help groaning a little at the way she rolls her hips against him, their bodies somehow always lined up perfectly despite the differences in their size. He grins and chuckles softly, brushing the backs of his fingers over her cheek. ]
Yeah, that's pretty distracting. [ His right hand moves a bit, encouraging her to keep going. His smile turns thoughtful, maybe a little mischievous. ] You remember what we keep talking about? You sitting on me and not allowed to move? Maybe we should do that.
[ there's still the unspoken subject in the room, the fact that they haven't really tackled her greatest fear of all β which is what would happen if she were to wake up, roll over, and find no evidence of him having existed whatsoever, maybe nothing except for his clothes mixed in with hers in the closet or all the selfies she's snapped on her device to even prove that he was here and hers to begin with. but she doesn't have to talk to him about it when she can show him, let him haul her in almost as close as physically possible until she feels completely surrounded by his size, his weight, his everything.
but she's definitely not gonna just let the moment pass without teasing him, because that's not the kind of girl she is, tipping her hand into his gentle fingers with an easy smile, even if her eyes are still a little glassy. ]
You mean... that? Now? [ they have talked about it, sure, but usually once she's already worn herself out with a whole lot of moving beforehand, exhausted and collapsed either next to or on top of him. starting from a place of not being able to move at all is a different kink altogether, but she can't keep the rising excitement out of her expression as she leans forward to kiss the tip of his nose. ] Right here, or d'you wanna take it upstairs first?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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nearly there baby
hold on for me
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not just here but
you told me about so many of your adventures
all the shit youβve been through
we both have
okay
okay okay iβll be okay
be better when youβre here to hold me
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Harley! Harley?
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but sheβs a whirl of movement as she practically vaults herself over the back of the couch, bare feet slapping against the floor as she hurls herself into hellboy with a solid whump. the best part is knowing she canβt hurt him even by throwing her full weight into his, but once sheβs there she just wraps her arms around him, as much as she can reach given his size, and draws in a breath, absorbing his scent, his warmth. ] Mβso glad youβre here.
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I'm here, baby. I'm here. [ He bends down to kiss the top of her head, holding her close. ] Hey, buddy. [ This to Bruce, who has come over to join them and seek reassurance as much as his mistress, whining and wriggling as Hellboy reaches down to rub his head too and let his fingers be licked. ]
C'mon. [ It's easy for him to shift his grip and pull Harley up so he can carry her, taking her weight without a problem so he can bring them all back over to the couch. ]
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[ sheβll never say no to him picking her up in any context, whether itβs hauling her over his shoulder and up to their bedroom or just like this, making her feel so small and cared for as she tucks herself in, head dropping against his shoulder while he takes her over to the couch again. sheβs still in his lap when he settles down, bruce hopping up to lay next to them within close reach, and harley nuzzles in against the dark hair on hellboyβs jaw, not really seeking anything more than just little reminders that heβs here, he still exists, he hasnβt left her too. ] Iβm so tired of this. Of people I care about leavinβ. I know they canβt help it, butβ¦ Iβm just so tired.
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He tips his head against Harley's nuzzling of his jaw, reaching up to stroke her hair, his big right arm secure around her. ]
I know, baby. You've lost a lot of people. [ He drops a kiss against the side of her head, pausing for a moment to just take in the sweet floral scent of her shampoo and the familiar but more undefinable smell of her body. The possibility that one day they might -- no, that they probably will -- lose each other is a sweet bright pain, too sharp to examine, but too present to ignore. ]
You cared about her a lot, huh?
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itβs comforting, familiar, like he is to her now, and when sheβs hurled into so much uncertainty about the world and how someone could be gone in an instant, gone for real without the promise of coming back, sheβs clinging to what is certain and right in front of her, one hand idly twisting in his shirt as he runs his touch over her hair. ]
She was my friend, yβknow? And she was there for me. Iβm kinda startinβ to get used to that. [ people she can count on, rely on, consider as dear to her after so many years of being with a man who treated her without any care whatsoever. she sniffles once, but there arenβt any fresh tears to fall. ] It just sucks a whole big bag of dicks. Like you can get close to someone andβ¦ poof. Theyβre gone. Out of your life. Maybe forever.
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[ His voice is warm and fond, full of love that comes easily to him. He's had some sense of how difficult it is for her to get close to people and he's been proud of her, the way she's kept reaching out, fighting that instinct to hold people at a distance because of all the crap that's happened to her. Anyone else might have run away -- hell, he's done his fair share of that. But she's not like that.
He gently touches her cheek with his thumb, rubbing away some of the tear tracks and watery eyeliner. ]
But it's important that they were there. You're gonna remember her and it's good to have those memories, they mean that someone we love hasn't really gone away. What she did for you, what the others did for you -- that's gonna be with you no matter what. And this place take that from anyone.
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she sighs, letting him brush her cheeks clean without shifting away or putting up a fuss. ]
Youβre right. I know youβre right. Even if she doesnβt come back, even if Jay doesnβt β we gotta hold onto the time when they were for their sake. [ she tilts her head into the cupping touch of his palm, allowing herself a sad little smile. ] Right? You and me. Weβll keep it.
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Yeah, we'll keep them safe. [ His forehead resting gently against hers, his hand drops to her chest, a big broad fingertip tracing a circle over her heart. ] Right here.
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Mmhmm. [ she closes her eyes again, breathing out a shakier breath when his warm touch traces the invisible circle around where her heart beats a little steadier in her chest. when she tips her chin up to seek out his mouth, it's slow and gentle, pouring every ounce of love she has for him into it, along with gratitude and sheer relief that she hasn't lost him yet. ]
Maybe... d'you wanna do a movie night? Just the three of us?
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He leans into that kiss, groaning softly in the back of his throat when she lingers, his hand sliding around to her shoulder to keep her close. When she pulls back, he stays near, nudging his face against hers, kissing her cheek and tasting salt. ]
Yeah, we should do that. Maybe try not to get so distracted this time. [ As he says every time they have a movie night, and end up getting distracted anyway. ]
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and it's even harder for her to pretend like she isn't willing to let herself get distracted when he nuzzles into her, a smile playing over the corners of her mouth. ]
Uh huh. Definitely shouldn't do that. Maybe you just gotta keep your hands to yourself. [ like she hasn't been the one primarily responsible for copping a feel while they're snuggled up on this very couch, or the one who leads his hands up under her top or shorts. ]
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He grins against the curve of her neck, nudging his nose up underneath her ear. His left hand slides thoughtfully down her back. ]
Mmm. Maybe you just gotta stay out of my lap. [ Not that he'll stop her, or do anything about it once she's there. ] You're just too distracting, baby.
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Well, I can't help the fact that your lap is perfectly Harley-sized. [ as if she's only doing the most logical thing by always planting herself there, butt perched in the cradle of his thick thighs, and it would make even less sense for her not to.
and she'll make sure to further emphasize her point by shifting her weight purposefully in his lap now, wriggling her hips as she peers down at him with a playful narrowing of her eyes. ] How's this for distracting?
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And, after all, he's still (mostly) human; he can't help groaning a little at the way she rolls her hips against him, their bodies somehow always lined up perfectly despite the differences in their size. He grins and chuckles softly, brushing the backs of his fingers over her cheek. ]
Yeah, that's pretty distracting. [ His right hand moves a bit, encouraging her to keep going. His smile turns thoughtful, maybe a little mischievous. ] You remember what we keep talking about? You sitting on me and not allowed to move? Maybe we should do that.
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but she's definitely not gonna just let the moment pass without teasing him, because that's not the kind of girl she is, tipping her hand into his gentle fingers with an easy smile, even if her eyes are still a little glassy. ]
You mean... that? Now? [ they have talked about it, sure, but usually once she's already worn herself out with a whole lot of moving beforehand, exhausted and collapsed either next to or on top of him. starting from a place of not being able to move at all is a different kink altogether, but she can't keep the rising excitement out of her expression as she leans forward to kiss the tip of his nose. ] Right here, or d'you wanna take it upstairs first?