#clydlgn

Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.

“There’s always a her or a him or a somebody isn’t there?” James agrees, taking a swig of his beer followed by a moment of contemplative silence as he gathers his thoughts, tries to find the right words to explain what he means, to give explanation to his own hollowed out feeling that’s carved a space in his chest.

“That one person who can make everything stop, derail your whole fucking day without even trying. Just by being there.”

There’s another beat and then he looks to the other, a hint of what might be sympathy in his gaze, if not his overall expression.

Soft Starters || Accepting

@clydlgn

“Well...that is what happens when you lay on someone’s chest.” Santiago cracks an eye open and looks down at the groggy man sprawled across his midsection. He grins softly, sneaking an arm around Clyde’s waist to keep him from sliding back.

@clydlgn​ | " look, it's not that bad, really... i promise you, i'm fine. "

HIS PLACKART LAY AT HER FEET, discarded like the man she pounced on from behind earlier. His body lay farther away, crowing cold and pale. He deserved it, Talia surmises, thinking he could pull a blade out on them and get away with it. The man had been feebleminded going up against a knight and a skilled fighter. However, he had been successful in a strike to the fleshy part of Clyde’s front, a sliver of exposed flesh between two metal pieces where his shoulder lay. It is not super deep, nor did it hit any arteries, but the wound must be closed. 

“Hush,” she bends over him, needle threaded between nimble fingers. “If the wound is not stitched, it could become infected. I will NOT let you lose another limb.” Her eyes catch his, the sun turning his irises golden like the richest of honeys. Her lips part, needle going forgotten for a moment as she takes him in. It has become a more common occurrence, looking upon him a bit too long. At the realization, she tears her gaze away to focus on the task at hand. “Deep breaths, ser. I will try my best not to hurt you further.”

@clydlgn​ said: " hey, wait a minute, you're hurt... how long have you been hidin' this? "

IT HAS BECOME MORE DIFFICULT TO WALK WITH HER REGULAR GAIT. The gash at her side from their ambush is worsening without its proper care. She had been quick to cover it, it was the least she could do. Yet their supply of rubbing alcohol is running low and she did not want to waste it on something she believed would scar over and heal rather quickly. She had cleaned the wound with some water and wrapped it in the guise of darkness while Clyde laid asleep. Now her skin prickles with the hint of fever, side aching with every faulty step they take. 

“’m fine,” she huffs, teeth sinking into her bottom lip to mute the impending groan. “C’mon. We gotta keep goin’. We’re losin’ light.” 

@clydlgn​ said: 💐

HER THROAT ACHES IN THE MOST SOOTHING WAY. Such things happen when she’s too stubborn to take a sip of water when she needs it. Strings have cut into her fingers time and time again but the callouses only cause indents. Within moments, the padding with swell with blood again and return to its normal shape. She thanks the small group that has gathered, shooting them a smile before she props her guitar on a stand and her legs take her in the direction she has been wanting to go all night. Even on a more relaxed day, playing in another venue, he’s been kind enough to come see her. Time and time again she insists he doesn’t need to be there EVERY TIME. Yet something in her alights whenever their eyes meet. She finds a way to see him every day too, as much as her gut lurches saying she’s being too much. 

Before she can even ask what he thinks, she spots them: bright and aromatic and quickly shifting from the tabletop to his outstretched good hand. It’s like the air is knocked out of her lungs. Stiff, still, her eyes dart between the bouquet and her friend. God, she could KISS him. She WANTS to kiss him. But what if that is not what he wants? It’s a kind gesture. Her mother has given her flowers after a recital when she was younger. This is no different. But it is. Oh, it is. This is Clyde. 

@clydlgn​ said: [ 𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐄𝐋𝐃 ] My muse steps protectively in front of yours

HE IS SO MUCH LARGER THAN HER THAT IT SURPRISES HER SOMETIMES. Usually it’s a quip between the both of them -- how tall he is compared to how small she is, but now, with her heart lodged in her throat, she takes it in differently than she ever has before. His body leaves a shadow on her, allowing her to bask in the comfort of the darkness for a moment. 

The one that had crowded her space is now separated from her by this wall of a body. She lays reassuring hands upon his back, attempting to soothe him as she soothes herself. 

“Clyde, it’s okay,” she reassures him with a murmur. Talia is certain she could have taken this person on if she needed to. She grew up with two active older brothers after all. She learned how to fight and how to defend herself. But this all happened so quickly. One moment, the threat of a touch. Next, Clyde burrowing between the both of them like a human shield. Their hand laid upon him instead, terrified to blink. Her first reassurance goes unanswered and she pushes herself away from his body, coming up to meet him at his side. “Clyde, ‘m fine.”