heavymetals | ( psl ) what comes after

[ As soon as Bobby speaks, Erik knows the thought running through his mind, and whatever pull he feels towards that light is gone, replaced instead by the immediate concern and urgent need to reassure Bobby, push that panic rising in him. He takes Bobby's hand, squeezing tightly, his other palm cupping Bobby's jaw and coaxing him to look up and into his eyes. ]

No. I refuse it. I'm not going anywhere as long as you're trapped here.

[ That was always the deal, it was always his plan, and he's surer of it now than ever before. ]

Unless they plan on forcing me through that door, I'm not leaving.

[ So long as it's up to him. It's an entirely different issue if it comes to a point where Erik has no say in the matter. ]

[ A single tear cascades down Bobby's cheek as soon as Erik cups it, his gaze searching his boyfriend's own blue eyes for reassurance. He finds it, resolute than ever, and a part within him calms down, knowing just how much his man won't leave him without putting up one hell of a fight.

He squeezes back Erik's hand, their rings touching, two parts of one whole. He tries for a smile, tiny and soft, as his free hand goes to cup his lover's cheek as well. ]

I don't think you'll be able to refuse that door any longer, geliebt.

[ Even saying that word stings a little now, upon the realization that they have little choice on the matter at hand. That glow will never dissapear, Bobby's sure of it knowing what he knows of the machinations of this city, and one way or another, Erik has to depart from this world.

With another tear falling down his skin, Bobby tells him one of the options he considered before, one that he knows might be too controversial, but something he one hundred percent won't hesitate in doing. ]

Take me with you.

[ The suggestion is enough to stun him into silence. It's not that Erik hasn't indulged in a similar thought before; the two of them leaving together, getting to have the rest of their lives next to one another, but it was nothing more than a selfish dream, something he knew to be impossible. If not because this place would take one of them away first, then simply because they don't belong in the same time. ]

You know we can't do that.

[ But he doesn't sound entirely sure. It's as if he's trying to convince himself of that very same thing, to reason with himself when he simply wants to follow what his heart most deeply desires right now. ]

You don't belong in my time. You have... your own life, your future.

[ A future that may yet change, depending on Erik's own path, but hopefully for the better. It's all that he's hoped for Bobby, for everyone in his time. ]

[ Bobby shakes his head, soft but unyielding. He withdraws his hand from Erik's face so he can put it on the other's on his cheek, his thumb briefly caressing the skin. Leaning into the touch lovingly, he never once averts his gaze from his man. ]

But I belong to you. My life, my future, are now with you.

[ In any other circumstance, such words may sound cheesy, but in the eventuality of one of them getting whisked away without the other, the truth they hold shines without hesitation, just like Bobby's voice.

Not an ounce of trepidation, nor a single drop of uncertainty. The moment he decided to wear the ring around his finger, Bobby knows he can't live without Erik. Can't live without the man who has loved him so earnestly since day one.

The very man who arranged their lovely first date in that apartment they shared, filled with all the chocolate fondue and rose petals in the world. The very man who took care of him when he was sick, protected him at all costs, went with him to a drive-in diner for their second date.

Who surprised him with a house. Kept him safe during Tumenalia. Cuddled with him on a beach. They have been through so much, and yet Bobby knows he's ready for more memories, more time spent with the man he cares about and who cares for him so much. ]

[ He figured it's the answer he would get from Bobby, so it's not out of the blue when he says that. Cheesy or not, it's what he expected. It's also much more complicated than Bobby makes it seem— if he joins him, then does he cease to exist in the future? Or what might happen when they live to the year Bobby's born in?

There are all kinds of ramifications from doing this. They could change the future in ways they can't even begin to imagine.

For once, Erik doesn't care. ]

And mine is with you.

[ It has been his reality, his stability, his happiness. He hasn't thought of leaving the city because he doesn't want to imagine being without Bobby, and even when he knows he should now, he can't.

And knowing he'll be forced to leave whether or not he wants to, and forced to leave Bobby behind on his own— it's unacceptable. Intolerable. ]

Alright. [ He nods, voice shaky, swallowing down a lump in his throat as his hold on Bobby tightens. ] Alright, we... we'll leave together.

[ If it's even possible for them to. The thought suddenly occurs to him that Bobby might not be able to, but he tries to ignore that for now. ]

[ Upon the confirmation he receives from his beloved, Bobby's smile couldn't be any brighter. He expected this kind of endearing reply from his boyfriend, sure, but there's also a bit of trepidation when he knows Erik might protest about his future, about the life he's supposed to lead back home. And while he knows that would've come from a place of concern and care, Bobby would've stood his ground.

This is the only option for them — to be together, through whatever Duplicity or the world beyond this closed, glowing door, has for them. Bobby wouldn't have it any other way.

But a bit of fear begins to creep in. What if it's not actually possible to leave together? What if, even when they hold hands and cross the door together, he still ends up trapped here while Erik has moved past? It's not beyond the realm of possibility for this place to be that cruel, Bobby reminds himself.

And yet, somehow, through his worries and concerns, he lets his faith in what they have guide him, and give him enough hope to squeeze Erik's hand with his own in a gesture of reassurance. He can sense the shakiness in his boyfriend's voice. He can tell Erik might also be thinking if this is even possible. So he takes it upon himself to be his beacon, like he has always done countless of times. ]

Ready when you are. [ He says, void of any anxiety he might've felt leading up to these words. He offers his lover an even warmer smile. They'll be together. No matter what. ]

[ It's definitely a concern weighing on Erik's mind, even as Bobby seems so happy to step through the door with him, and so dedicated not to let their minds linger on the potential outcome that they will be separated, regardless of wanting to or not.

They can both ignore it, they can both believe that it won't happen, if only they want to stay together hard enough. But on the off chance that their willpower simply isn't enough, he turns to Bobby, kissing him passionately, lingering as his face knits in a struggle not to let that fear get the best of him. ]

No matter what happens... always remember that I love you.

[ Even if he stays behind and Erik's gone, he wants Bobby to keep that with him, at least. To keep his love, and his heart, even if they're forced to move on without each other. He lets their foreheads press together for a moment, then he pulls away, still squeezing Bobby's hand tightly as he steps closer to the door, reaching out to open it and step through, with Bobby by his side all the while. ]

[ Bobby receives the kiss with much fervor, surrendering to it much like surrendering himself to his faith on their will to be together. He's afraid, too, that even with their desire not get separated, it will not be enough and he'll be left behind. He powers through this, though, as he tries to keep his best face forward, knowing Erik also has his own trepidations weighing on him.

The words that follow after almost breaks Bobby's heart, but at the same time, they also motivate him to fight. To believe in a future ahead of them where the powers of this city won't bear down on them any longer.

Closing his eyes briefly once their foreheads are pressed together, Bobby's successful in keeping any tears at bay. He squeezes Erik's hand in return, his gaze transfixed on his man. He doesn't dare look away because, at the back of his mind, he still fears he might blink and his lover's gone. So without breaking eye contact, he steps inside the door with him.

And once they've crossed, Bobby finds himself with Erik back on Earth, back in time. ]

Erik, this is... [ He can't contain his tears anymore as he promptly hugs his boyfriend in absolute joy. ] We did it! We're together!

[ Walking through the door is much quicker and far smoother than he was counting on. He'd clung to Bobby's hand a little too tight, afraid that it would slip from his grasp, but there's not even a tug, and Bobby crosses the door by his side all along.

One moment they're at their home in Duplicity, and the next stepping outside to a mostly quiet street on a small town in the middle of nowhere. Canada, if he remembers right.

He isn't quick enough to stop Bobby from hugging him, even returns the gesture briefly, but a moment later he's rushing him to move, walk with him until they can sleep into a deserted hallway with no risk of being found out. ]

We need to find somewhere safe. You'll have to— [ He pauses as he goes through his pockets, finding some money and handing it to Bobby. ] Here. Get us a room. I think there's a small motel just at the end of the street. I'll meet you there.

[ He's told Bobby enough about his situation back in his world before he was taken to Duplicity, that he was on the run and wanted by the authorities, so he expects Bobby will understand why he can't just walk through the front door with him. This is better, safer. They'll need time to think where they go from here. ]

Edited 2025-03-14 22:22 (UTC)

[ At first, he's briefly surprised when Erik ushers them both into a deserted alleyway, but immediately remembers that his boyfriend is on the run from authorities. They're not in Duplicity anymore but during a time when they have to be careful or else Erik will be found out.

Nodding once he receives the money from his lover, Bobby quickly goes to the aforementioned small motel and gets a room. It's not much when he arrives to it, immediately locking the door and looking out the window for any sign that anyone might have followed them.

When he doesn't see anything, he waits for Erik, capturing his beloved in another hug, this time longer and tighter as soon as he meets him. ]

I'm so scared it wouldn't work... [ The door, he means. ]

[ Truly, he wants nothing more than to hold Bobby and give into the sheer joy and relief that he didn't lose him when he walked through that door; that Bobby wasn't left behind to fend for himself in that wretched place. This world, and this time, it's far from perfect, and Erik knows Bobby would find people to help and support him in Duplicity regardless, but he prefers this a thousand times.

But there's an urgency here, need taking precedence over that joy. He's glad that he doesn't need to tell Bobby twice, and he keeps an eye on him until he can no longer see him, then he goes his way around through the darkest alleyways to that motel. Once sure no one is around, he lifts himself to the fire escape, unlocking his way in and careful to lock it all again behind him, leaving no trace.

He's meeting Bobby at the room soon enough, putting his own arms around Bobby as soon as they're safely behind that closed door. Well, as safe as they can be right now. ]

I'm so glad you're here.

[ Selfishly so, when he knows how difficult things are going to be for them, at least for a while. Erik is all the more determined now to find somewhere quiet and distant to settle, a corner of peace for themselves. ]

[ The embrace is warm and tight, if not also long and filled with so much relief and joy. Bobby lets his muscles relax into it, lets every worry he feels for this new life they currently find themselves in wash away with the hug. It's true, this is going to be a bit difficult for them for a time, but Bobby wouldn't want it any other way. This is better than being stuck in Duplicity. He can't bear himself to imagine signing with someone else, even when he knows he has friends who will help him.

Pulling away, but still content in Erik's hold, he gives his boyfriend a loving gaze and an equally loving smile. ]

Me too. For a moment there, I didn't think this will work.

[ He pauses, recognizing the situation they're now in. ] Let's think of our next move in a bit. I just wanna savor this for a while. [ This being the way they're together, defying so much rules in place. ]

[ He nods promptly, a soft smile on his lips, genuine relief. To think that only hours ago they were back in that wretched city... Things won't be easy here, but they will still infinitely better, of that he is sure. ]

We don't have to worry about a plan just yet. We can probably go by unnoticed for a few days here.

[ Erik will have to be careful to stay in the room, not risk anyone seeing him, but Bobby can go out for food, clothes, whatever else they might need. They can take that time to study their options, and catch Bobby up on what's happening at this point in time as well, all the while simply enjoying each other's company. ]

[ In Erik's arms, Bobby nods, pausing for a moment to consider their situation, all the options laid out in front of them, before speaking again. ]

You're right. We have time. I can do most of the errands needed and maybe even do a bit of part time while we're here.

[ He lifts a gentle hand to caress his boyfriend's cheek, thumb stroking his skin affectionately. ] We'll get through this together. [ Then, with a lopsided smile. ] You'll have to be cooped up in this room for a bit, though.

[ It's a small price to pay for this miracle they've been given. He doesn't know how often people from Duplicity get to leave together and even join another's time or world, so he counts this as a blessing, not by those overlords, but maybe just great happenstance. To have this second chance, to be able to live out the little fantasies Bobby had while he's cuddling with his beloved after some good love-making, is something he had never thought possible. He won't waste a single minute of this. ]

[ That will be useful, and a good way for Bobby to get a little more used to this time. He'll be considerably safer out in public than Erik himself, so really the only option here is for Bobby to be the one running errands before they make a decision on where to go from here.

That observation gets a small smile from him, an eyebrow raised in amusement. ]

I have previous experience, I'll be alright.

[ This is still infinitely better than that small cell underneath the Pentagon, and his time in the camps begs no possible comparison. He was already determined not to cause trouble before Duplicity, and now that he has Bobby with him, even more so. ]

[ It doesn't fully sink in to Bobby why Erik's amused, but when he says those words, they get him to chuckle a little. ]

Someone's got jokes.

[ He laughs some more before completely leaning in to the embrace once again, just basking in the joy and relief of 1.) leaving Duplicity together, and 2.) having a plan while they're here. ]

Do you think I should bartend or would that expose my powers too much? I want something a bit low profile, but can also earn us a bit of cash so we can transfer somewhere more quiet.

[ Leave it to Bobby to think on his feet, as well as formulate feasible plans for the both of them. ] We should probably minimize room service, too. [ This room he got has a sparse kitchen, and the money's enough to last them two to three weeks. If he can get a job right away, they'd be set. ]

[ He just raises both eyebrows, smile perfectly innocent. Who, me?

But he moves past it, as he hums and ponders on that option. ]

You have complete control of your powers, so I doubt you'd have issues. Plus, it would get you some good tips.

[ Better in some bars than others, though Erik's not entirely sure if gay bars would be easy to find in this partiular town. ]

We can also just leave if we start having trouble.

I agree. Leaving is clearly an option we have.

[ Hopefully, not in the very near future since it'd do them both good, especially Bobby, some adjusting period. But he knows they can't stay here for long. Aside from Erik's reputation, he had already envisioned a much quieter, more peaceful area for them. ]

But yeah, you're right. I'll just have to be extra careful here than back in Duplicity.

[ Then, with a teasing smile - ] Hopefully no one finds me too charming as a bartender.

[ He agrees, taking some time here would be ideal, not just so they have more funds but so they can find the safest way to get out of here. Out of the States, preferably; Erik has a feeling people here will recognize him far more easily than anywhere else in the world. ]

I might have to come out of hiding if that happens, [ He points out with an amused little smirk, not actually concerned. They may have come from Duplicity but Erik absolutely expects that it's clear their relationship is exclusive now, when there's no reason and no encouragement for them to sleep with other people. And he trusts Bobby completely, so that's not even in question here. ]

[ Erik's amused little smirk earns a chuckle from Bobby, finding the image of his boyfriend storming the club out of hiding to be most hilarious. He knows just how much his lover had to contain his jealousy back in Duplicity only because the place encouraged them to sleep with other people quite a lot. The way they don't have to worry about that anymore feels liberating. Finally exclusive now, in every meaning of the word.

Glancing briefly at his ring, he lifts both his hands up so he can cup Erik's face affectionately. ]

That'll never happen, don't worry. We're free from that place now. I'm all yours, in every way.

[ Hilarious, terrifying, there could be a lot of ways for it to go down. Erik is only joking though, of course, and he wouldn't risk both their safety for something as silly as misplaced jealousy. He trusts Bobby completely, and knows there's absolutely nothing he'll need to worry about. ]

You were always mine, [ He points out with a murmur, his hand cupping Bobby's nape, fingers brushing through the short hair there. ] But I know. And you know I'm all yours, too.

I do.

[ Bobby's practically beaming with a smile that perfectly encapsulates just how much this means to him. That they're free now. That they can live on their own terms even when they'll be constantly on the run during this time. He feels Erik's ring brushing against his nape and he sighs in contentment before a small smirk plays over his lips. ]

Hey, remember when I told you before we left that I have something funny I'm gonna tell you?

[ It's not going to be easy here, but it's definitely different. They have freedom in this world that they didn't back in Duplicity. Erik can't express how relieved and happy he is to not see that heinous collar around his neck, or the line tattooed down his throat. ]

Hm? [ He tries to think back, frowning a little. ] Can't say I do. What is it?

[ Bobby, for the most part, has not even considered the fact he no longer has that line on his throat with all the excitement of their newfound life. But he knows how much Erik abhorred it, so whenever he notices he doesn't have it anymore, Bobby knows for sure his boyfriend is glad it's no longer present on his skin.

With the small smirk still lingering on his lips, Bobby watches what Erik's reaction will be to what he's about to say. ]

Well, I talked to Kate during that potluck party we both went to and she told me that their Bobby actually dated your daughter in their universe.

Really, now?

[ Both Erik's eyebrows go up. He's thinking of Wanda, since that's the only daughter that he's heard he has in another reality, but either way it's such a strange and wild thing to hear, for more reasons than just one. ]

You know, I'm fairly sure at this point you've dated more women than I have. [ He purses his lips, barely suppressing a smirk. What gives, Bobby? ]

[ Oh, Bobby sees that playful, teasing expression on his lover's face and couldn't help but both blush and chuckle. He almost regrets opening this topic up, just because of the teasing he's going to get (no he loves them) but he couldn't pass up seeing Erik's reaction, too. ]

Hey, that's a different Bobby who dated Lorna! It's not me. [ He continues to laugh. ]

You should've seen my reaction when I learned. It's just pretty funny to me how Bobbys in the multiverse keep on dating either you or a member of your family.

My point stands. You truly are a menace, Mr. Drake.

[ He smirks, winking at Bobby, enjoying Bobby's momentary embarrassment far too much. None of this really bothers or worries him, really. But it is a funny coincidence. ]

Mm, one might even say you have a type. Aren't you lucky you've finally managed to land the real thing?

[ Him, he means him. ]

Mr. Drake, huh?

[ Oh, he sees how Erik's seriously milking this. It's honestly really funny and cute how his boyfriend loves to tease him, and Bobby knows he gives him too much material for it, too.

For his part, he also smirks, pressing even closer to Erik. ]

Very lucky. I think this is the only universe where I probably managed to land the real thing. The hottest of them all, too, I'm sure. [ Two can play this teasing game, okay. ]

[ He lets out a hum, a far too amused smirk on his face. ]

Yes, I do believe that is your name.

[ It doesn't bother him in the least, of course. It would be a little hypocritical of him, too; they've both had their own liaisons in the past. It's just funny to him that Bobby seems to have dated so many women, regardless of which reality he comes from. ]

Mm, flattery will get you everywhere. [ Not that Bobby would need it, of course. He smiles warmly, cupping Bobby's cheek and leaning down to kiss him before he gets to say anything else. ]

[ Of course, Bobby doesn't get to say anything else once those lips capture his, immediately entranced by the way Erik kisses him. Sure his lover has kissed him countless of times before often during their passionate love-making, but this time it's different. This time, they're free from the clutches of Duplicity, from the world that made it possible for them to be together, as well as find ways to tear them apart.

As soon as he has injected enough passion into the kiss, he breaks it for air, smiling at his beloved. ]

I love you. [ He says softly after just gazing lovingly into Erik's eyes. ] I'm ready to start this new chapter with you, and the rest of our lives, too.

[ Whatever that may entail, whatever things they might face in this new timeline they're now in, they're going to face them together. ]

[ Erik gazes into Bobby's eyes, smiling faintly. For how happy he is that Bobby's here with him, he also is realising that was a rather impulsive decision. He just hopes Bobby won't come to regret it, because Erik doesn't think he'd be able to find a way to send him to his right time.

Rather than say that, he just smiles wider, brushing a thumb across his cheek, then pulling him into a warm hug. ]

I'm so glad you're here with me.

[ That much is also true. He eases his hold then, and looks around them. ]

Well, we didn't even get to have our lunch. There might be a vending machine near the reception.

[ It's certainly an impulsive decision, one that Bobby has never really thoroughly thought of, but it's also a decision he has never been so sure of making. There's no version of what happened earlier that will have him stay in Duplicity. He doesn't know if a door for him will also arrive, or if it'll ever do. One of the things he's also dreading is if Erik returns and has no memory of their time spent in Duplicity. That's soul-crushing and something Bobby can't even fathom. Thankfully he doesn't have to, and for that alone, he doesn't think he'd have any regrets moving forward. Here, everything they've experienced isn't just a passing memory, but a future they can also await.

In Erik's arms, Bobby expels any doubt of what the future holds for both of them. As long as they're together, they can beat any odds. ]

Yeah, I think I saw one when I passed by earlier. I'll go get us some food. Not really the vegetable roast we were planning but better than nothing.

[ While still in Erik's loose hold, Bobby leans in for a quick peck before leaving their room to snag them some prepared meals from the aforementioned vending machine. He also grabs a couple of newspapers so they'd be a bit up to date on what's currently happening. ]

[ The vegetable roast left behind is indeed a waste, but being freed from the city far surpasses that. Even if it might be a while before they manage to live that comfortably again, but Erik has a reason to work towards that goal, too. Even if he'll likely need to hide his identity for a while. Maybe even the rest of his life. ]

Alright. I still have some money on me, enough for us to eat something.

[ He gets that and hands it to Bobby, then kisses him before he goes. ]

Please be careful.

I will.

[ Receiving the money and that soft, reassuring kiss, Bobby leaves the room with a renewed focus to get them some food from the vending machine, as well as scan the area for anyone who would be suspicious about their stay. So far, so good. Deeming the coast is clear, he quietly receives their food from the machine and snags some newspapers on his way back to their room.

As soon as he's back, he makes sure to lock their door behind him, immediately setting down their food on the nearby table along with the newspapers. ]

Not much but they'll do for now. I also grabbed a few newspapers for us to know what's happening. [ A smile graces his lips. ] And well, I'll need the classified ads, too.

[ So he can get started on finding a job he can go to the following day. ]

[ This is the sort of place where people tend to look away, so as long as Erik is careful not to show his face, he doubts they'll have any issues. They'll just need to start planning already on their next steps so they don't linger here too long.

It will do for now, Bobby can make up some story about looking for work after moving into town, and he would hardly be the first young adult to leave home and get by on a cheap motel for a few weeks. They will be alright.

He looks over the newspapers with a hum, clearly impressed. Not that he should be surprised that Bobby would be smart enough to think of that. ]

You will, that's true. Ah, [ He smiles as he picks up one of the packaged foods. ] Pastrami sandwich. My favorite.

[ Bobby did clock how this place is a bit seedy enough that people won't really scrutinize them a whole bunch. He supposes he's just extra careful because he doesn't want to ruin this second chance they've been given. The last thing he wants is for both of them to be on the run because of a misstep he makes. Not that he's irresponsible enough to do this accidentally, of course, but the fear's still there. Bobby just doesn't want to be separated with Erik.

The impressed hum Erik does elicits a small, proud smile from him, as he works to unwrap his food. This smile only widens when Erik compliments his choice. ]

Thought you'd like it when I saw it in the machine. [ His is a simple tuna, but Bobby has never been the picky sort. Taking a bite, he nods at the newspapers he grabbed. ] Do you see anything interesting?

[ They won't be separated. They're both smart and cautious enough, and Erik has done this for long enough even before knowing Bobby that he knows just what to do to keep them both safe. It won't be easy at first, but they'll eventually find somewhere to settle, somewhere that people won't recognize him as easily as they would here. ]

Well... you're probably going to see a few of these, so you might as well.

[ He slides the newspaper to Bobby so he can see a piece of news with an accompanying picture. It's blurry and low quality but Bobby would recognize the helmet at least. It's clearly Erik, and the headline reads "Mutant Terrorist On The Run". ]

We're likely to find more news like this, on TV as well. We'll need to find somewhere more remote, and I'll have to go by a different name too. Maybe somewhere in Europe would be safer.

[ Bobby receives the newspaper from Erik and he frowns as soon as he reads that headline and sees both the article and Erik's helmet. He immediately puts it down, his eyes a palpable show of concern and worry. But he surmises this must be affecting Erik, too, so he attempts a smile to lighten the mood. ]

How about I pick your name? [ He replies in a slightly chipper tone, the edge of his lips curving up into a teasing smile. There's a bit of a pause on his end as he feigns mulling this over, taking a bite of his sandwich while he's at it. ]

Maybe Henryk? How'd you like that? A little too close to Erik, but I think it's nice.

( psl ) what comes after

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