[ The tavern's the best place to be if you want to keep a finger on the pulse of the general situation in town. Kabru knows everyone here by name (whether they realise that or not), and when there's someone new who shows up he wants to learn more about them right away. Observing people is a hobby of his, but even he has a few favourites. People he might even consider friends, and certainly people who were kind-hearted and reliable. Wolfwood was one of them. He's been trying to convince him to join his party for a while, but the man can be elusive. Charms don't always work on him, unfortunately.
Oh well. For now, he's happy to keep spending time with him and learning whatever he can. Kabru makes his way to where the other man is the moment he sees him. It's more the company he's after than the drink, but any excuse to spend time together is one he will take.
When Kabru speaks, his voice is often soft and mellow, and he'll be looking at Wolfwood like he's the only one in the room. ]
[ there's not much to learn. once upon a time in a town devastated by an outpouring of monsters, a cult came through and scooped up whoever was unlucky enough to survive along with whatever monster remains they could salvage, deciding to take matters into their own hands. if they couldn't defeat the monsters, then they would become them themselves.
wolfwood doesn't belong to any party, but he'd provide his services for the right amount of coin. kabru doesn't have the right amount of coin, but circumstances led to him reviving his party on wolfwood's last venture into the dungeon, and now he owes wolfwood a couple hundred. he's in no particular rush to get it back, and wolfwood's not above letting the man run up his tab for however long, but he can't deny there's something interesting about him. that patented charm, maybe, or something else. like knows like, and all that. ]
Nah. [ he's rolling another cigarette when kabru arrives, licking the edge of the tobacco paper to seal it up before lighting it. ] Got here not too long ago.
[ he blows smoke away from kabru, nudging the tankard of ale towards him. ]
[ Kabru probably would have enough coin to build a very strong party if he would just ask his foster mother for help, but a man has their pride. For now, he's shamelessly very unbothered to continue to be in Wolfwood's debt. The money will get paid eventually! It probably just won't be for a while, because hunting for treasure isn't exactly his main reason for exploring the dungeon.
For now, there's nothing nicer than a night in a noisy tavern with someone he's trying to understand better. Kabru reaches out for the ale and helps himself to a sip. When he drinks, he paces himself meticulously, never wanting to lose control. ]
Thanks a lot for this. But ah -- is it going in my tab as well?
[ most people wouldn't be so cavalier about being in debt, but then, kabru isn't most people. or maybe he's just using it as an excuse to be around wolfwood, to get to know him better, as he says. wolfwood can't imagine why — kabru could ask him anything and he'd answer. it'd just be a toss up on whether or not it's true. ]
I said I'd buy you a drink earlier, didn't I? [ he leans in, one arm propped on the table as he bumps his tankard against kabru's. ] I'm a man of my word.
[ lmao. ]
Then again... you're lookin' a lil less heartbroken than I thought you would.
[ With how the black market auctions were at times held under the cover of a high end ball, it was necessary to maintain pretenses, and this meant going to them with a date. Of course, while the leader of their organisation had many options to himself, it could become challenging managing the men and women who filled the role afterward, because they would at times walk away with the expectation that they had actual importance within the organisation, or use the secrets they learned to their advantage. It worked out in the end that the most logical option was for Sylus to go with his right hand man. Kabru was not shy about linking arms or sharing a kiss while in the public eye. He was also on top of everything that was going on and keeps a careful eye out for anyone who might want to assassinate the crime lord. They have used this farce several times in the past. For that reason, he knows exactly how to act, hanging off Sylus' arm and whispering playfully into his ear. Others might think he's whispering sweet nothings. He's actually advising him on things to look out for around the room and how much to bid each time.
Something as valuable as a protocore was the obvious choice. With some careful bidding, they manage to get it, and the artifact is presented to them in a lavish box which Kabru carries carefully in his hands. ]
It's beautiful. You really know how to spoil me. [ In front of the others he's dripping with sweetness, rising to his tiptoes to give the other man a kiss on the cheek as they walk back to the car. Of course, once they're in the car it'll be business as usual, but right now, he will play the part of the perfect lover. ]
[ the careful amount of pressure as kabru links his arm, and even the way in which he leans over to whisper in his ear was no more than careful calculation. while some would have found it offensive, sylus finds a certain level of amusement. the comparison to the first time they've done this until now was staggering and there's a certain level of keen interest in sylus' eyes as he watches the way kabru chats with the guests.
it helped that kabru was so effective at reading others. enough where he would debate if he were the only one in the room capable of determining each human's desire simply from gaze alone. humans had any number of emotions— greed, lust, the desire for power and control...
many of the individuals here were such people. maybe that's why kabru who stands at his side seems to stick out. outside of the perfectly tailored clothes he wears, that is. when the protocore is shown to them, he takes a sideways glance at kabru. ]
Is this really enough to spoil you, kitten? If someone heard you, they'd think I was broke. [ per usual, he seems to enjoy inflicting some level of emotional turmoil on kabru. his eyes already carefully studying the way he looks. when kabru comes up to give him that kiss on the cheek, he wraps his arms around his waist, pulling him in tightly. the palm of his hand rests against kabru's body as he just holds him there.
yet, it's not without reason. it soon becomes clear that they're being watched. ]
Having practiced this in the past already, he's accustomed to the pet names, even if it was mildly shocking to hear the first time. Then again, Sylus seems to like pushing his buttons, even if doing so doesn't help the situation at all. Such as right now. How does undermining what Kabru had said help them at all?? There's a subtle twitch of the brow, a brief flash of annoyance, but Kabru maintains the facade. He allows Sylus to pull him in, the box now pressed between their chests as he's drawn in. At least he's acting the part and not pulling something nonsensical like trying to stage a break up in the middle of the auction room.
He reciprocates the touch by resting a hand over the other man's shoulder, his other one still protecting their prize. ]
Even if that were the case, I would still be yours. [ He knows how to recover a situation. Rising higher again, he goes for a chaste kiss over Sylus' lips. ]
[ it doesn't help them at all, but it does keep kabru on his toes, doesn't it? or so, sylus may have retorted if he knew exactly what kabru was thinking. except, he sort of does, especially when his eyes meet his and he sees the flicker of irriation cross his features. but, it looks like all his practiced smiles help in moments like these. outside of him, he doesn't think any sees any real hint of it.
all the more when he reaches up to place a kiss on his lips. considering how closely he's already drawn kabru, he's not exactly surprised that he would choose a moment like now to place a perfectly placed act of intimacy. they look like a genuinely affectionate couple who purchased a protocore simply out of love and whimsy.
whether kabru in turn expects it or not, he grabs kabru's chin and holds it in place. his thumb brushes across kabru's lower lip, and tugs on it slightly before he presses his lips more heatedly against kabru's, his tongue sliding against his lips and moving to enter between his parted lips.
maybe kabru can feel the way sylus' lips curve slightly into a small, an exhale of breath released in the space between them as if he found the whole situation funny. when he pulls back just by a inch. enough for him to say: ] Then don't you think you should show me the extent of that devotion of yours?
[ Though he's not a shy person by any stretch, Kabru does understand decorum. Having an open-mouth, steamy kiss in the middle of a gaggle of socialites was definitely not that. Still, he knows that Sylus likes to push buttons, and the bastion of tolerance that he is, he will tolerate this too. Even if a part of him would very much like to scold the other man for drawing too much attention to the both of them. That will be for after they get out of the public eye.
Even as he's thinking all this, Kabru will reciprocates the kiss, rather experienced at kissing himself. He clutches lightly against Sylus' shoulder and tilts his head, deepening the kiss and allowing that tongue to move against his. He would be lying if he claimed that this wasn't nice. This isn't the time or place for actual pleasure, however. He is on a job, and he's meticulous about his role within the organisation.
Their lips part, and Kabru takes a second to catch his breath, his hair now tousled from what they were doing. ]
Mmm ... And how did you want me to show that? [ are they going to aggressively make out in public like damn ]
[ one thing about bold-faced intimacy is in the way it makes people steer their eyes away. not many people want to see others in such a carnal state, if just because it made their desires all the more known. when one is vulnerable, that same weakness spreads. or so, the justifications go. in reality, it's clear that they were probably convincing enough the moment they came in for an embrace. kabru's kiss was already that cherry on top, and now the fervent kisses they shared— absolute overkill.
but, sylus seems pleased with that.
the stirring of the crowds as they become swiftly gossiping. at least their passion no longer looked fabricated. still, now their names might be known for something completely different. but, in the exhaustive list of all their collective crimes and "business ventures," well... people would forget easily enough.
when he pulls away, sylus reaches up and flattens down parts of kabru's hair. almost like patting him on the head. ] Don't you think you should come up with your own answers. I gave you all the tools, haven't I?
Or do you still need a hint? [ is he just drawing the time out so we can watch kabru sweat? or is he genuinely waiting for something to happen? either way, his eyes to end up peering towards the direction of a hallway that's near the parking garage. ]
[ guess they are aggressively making out in public .......
Kabru knows that this man wants to push his buttons however he can. He wants to make Kabru break out into a sweat and trigger that anxious side of him, even if doing so doesn't help anyone. Sylus was playful (and annoying) in that way. Kabru could always refuse to engage, but he's come to terms with the fact that he has some sort of misguided affection directed toward the other man. When that hand pats him on the head, he's reminded of that, even if he finds the gesture rather patronizing also.
Kabru knows how to play along, at least. He steps closer, arms wrapped around the other man's neck, and leans up to kiss him again, some passion in the way his tongue explores his mouth. ] I know I haven't been paying you proper attention, but if we do it here, I'll get shy ...
[ pls they are making everyone else uncomfortable
Kabru tugs at Sylus's hand. ] Let's go somewhere private?
[ it's a truth they probably both know. that sylus lays these trials out, but only because he believes kabru can step up to each one. as of now, he's hardly ever had to step in outside of the realm of what required his physical abilities, or other imminent dangers. but, as of right now...
there's nothing more than the fact that kabru is looking (rightfully) uncomfortable.
the thought gives sylus a slight chuckle when they pull apart from one another, saliva still fresh on their lips. with his arms still around kabru, he seems to fall into thought for a second before: ] So this is what the face of a shy person looks like. [ but, as much as he'd love to carry this on, he does end up redirecting kabru back to their car, as he even slips the keys into kabru's hands. then he holds his hand, his fingers gripping tightly. ]
So the car interests you more than I do? [ is it more or less uncomfortable for the people to know that they're just going to the car to continue this? either way, it's true they were parked in a prime position to see the rest of the lot. but, is sylus genuinely interested in monitoring the auction at this point, or something else? ]
[ Why does Sylus have to make the act any more difficult than it needs to be? Just showing up with their arms linked would be enough to convince anyone of their relationship. Then again, that was just the sort of person that he is. Kabru receives the keys with a placid smile, entering the car after Sylus and not quite answering his pokes and probes just yet. Finally, when the door closes, he finds himself in a position he's able to drop the farce that he had put up for the public eye. They have worked together long enough that Sylus probably knows by now that beneath that act of sweetness and placidity, Kabru was just like anyone else. He could get annoyed and express that annoyance just like everyone else.
The expression on his face changes into something much more genuine and very much peeved. ]
Mister Sylus ... Our task was to pose as lovers, but otherwise not draw too much attention to ourselves. Could you not try to make things more difficult than they have to be?
[ it's a bit amusing to see the man's façade come crumbling down the second they're not in the public's eye. ] Who else is going to keep you on your toes? [ while some may have felt remorse after potentially putting someone through the ringer, sylus feels no such emotions. instead, he seems to look at kabru as if he's seeing something particularly entertaining; a small smile on his lips as he looks him over. ]
Besides, I wouldn't say it was a total loss. You looked like you enjoyed it. [ does he mean the acting, or their actual shared intimacy (which, is also acting???). sylus makes no moves to clarify, just settling himself in the seat of the car. ]
[ Kabru absolutely takes that statement the wrong way. Or, perhaps the way it was meant to be taken? It would be a complete lie to claim it wasn't enjoyable to kiss the other man, even if the context was not ideal and very detrimental to their goals. It did feel good to be held and have those lips against his, taking them passionately. Kabru isn't shy about intimacy. What he is, is caught off guard when he finds his mind travelling to where it really shouldn't. ]
Ah ... I was just playing the part. [ It's almost annoying that it was enjoyable. With Sylus' general attitude and tendency to push buttons, Kabru doesn't feel like admitting to that. ]
[ there's nothing in his tone that suggests he's offended. sylus keeps a certain nonchalance he always does, perfectly unfettered. though, the way he's slowly nodding his head to himself as if he's in deep thought... probably suggests that he's probably coming up with something. ]
Then how far will you go to play the part?
[ he motions to kabru to sit up on his lap.
this is so yaoi... maybe i need to rescind this tag. ]
Kabru gives the windows a quick glance. They are tinted, at least, so the chances of someone finding them and seeing what they get up to are slim. While he was hardly a shy person, both he and Sylus had an image to uphold. The other man was a prominent figure, and having the paparazzi catch him in the act would deal a blow to his reputation. Kabru couldn't have that.
He could refuse to entertain this, especially since he knows it's just another way for his boss to toy with him, but the temptation is certainly there. The kisses from before have him riled up and the offer is hard to refuse. He feels like kicking himself for even considering it, and he wants to kick Sylus even more for tempting him.
With an exasperated sigh, he shifts closer, climbing on the other man's lap as asked. He rests his hands on Sylus' shoulders. There's a look of vexation. Not in response to the act itself, but in response to the knowledge that he plays so easily into this man's hands. ]
[ to contrast to that pleasant demeanour, easthies keeps his usual aloof one; a creature of habit to always cultivate that distance between knights and the rest of the world. a necessity in order to uphold the law and weild the banner of his office in the proper way. pride has no place here, and he put it aside easily, happy to yield.
the difficulty is in keeping totally still, unused as he is to touch not to fulfill one of two purposes: fight, and basic selfcare. his eyes flit to the other's: listening, feeling—he swallows. ]
Mm. [ easthies' fingers move up to rest over kabru's, making a note of it. ] So, defending this area is also paramount when fighting close quarters with someone who knows the trick too, yes?
[ The nervousness he can sense is understandable. Most people are hotwired to protect their necks on instinct, given how vulnerable an area it is. That's even the reason the neck can be so sensitive. It's a habit of Kabru's to analyse and decipher what he can about a person from what he can see. From this interaction alone, he can infer that Easthies is very dedicated to his job, likely spending most of his time training, fighting and doing missions. He probably doesn't have anything like a lover or indulge in pleasures of the flesh very often (if at all) given how unused he is to touch. ]
Of course. The neck has vital spots all over. One strike and you're pretty much dead without a healer.
[ But he digresses. Now's the part he might have to be a bit rougher. Without much warning, Kabru lunges forward, gentle touch becoming a swift and firm grab of the other man's throat. The difference in height between them isn't ideal for getting the control he needs over his fingers, so he bridges it by hooking a leg around the other man's calves, intending to throw him off balance so he lands flat on his back.
Finally, he straddles the other man's chest. There was a brief moment of piercing intensity when he had grabbed him before, but that all but dissipates once Kabru's got him pinned down, expression on his face slightly apologetic. ]
I did say it would be rough. Are you okay so far? [ He's got his hands around the other man's neck, and his fingers are locked and firm, but he hasn't started squeezing yet. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
for @yoke
Oh well. For now, he's happy to keep spending time with him and learning whatever he can. Kabru makes his way to where the other man is the moment he sees him. It's more the company he's after than the drink, but any excuse to spend time together is one he will take.
When Kabru speaks, his voice is often soft and mellow, and he'll be looking at Wolfwood like he's the only one in the room. ]
Did you wait long?
no subject
wolfwood doesn't belong to any party, but he'd provide his services for the right amount of coin. kabru doesn't have the right amount of coin, but circumstances led to him reviving his party on wolfwood's last venture into the dungeon, and now he owes wolfwood a couple hundred. he's in no particular rush to get it back, and wolfwood's not above letting the man run up his tab for however long, but he can't deny there's something interesting about him. that patented charm, maybe, or something else. like knows like, and all that. ]
Nah. [ he's rolling another cigarette when kabru arrives, licking the edge of the tobacco paper to seal it up before lighting it. ] Got here not too long ago.
[ he blows smoke away from kabru, nudging the tankard of ale towards him. ]
Night's still young anyway.
no subject
For now, there's nothing nicer than a night in a noisy tavern with someone he's trying to understand better. Kabru reaches out for the ale and helps himself to a sip. When he drinks, he paces himself meticulously, never wanting to lose control. ]
Thanks a lot for this. But ah -- is it going in my tab as well?
no subject
I said I'd buy you a drink earlier, didn't I? [ he leans in, one arm propped on the table as he bumps his tankard against kabru's. ] I'm a man of my word.
[ lmao. ]
Then again... you're lookin' a lil less heartbroken than I thought you would.
bij and caps finally yaoi take 2
Something as valuable as a protocore was the obvious choice. With some careful bidding, they manage to get it, and the artifact is presented to them in a lavish box which Kabru carries carefully in his hands. ]
It's beautiful. You really know how to spoil me. [ In front of the others he's dripping with sweetness, rising to his tiptoes to give the other man a kiss on the cheek as they walk back to the car. Of course, once they're in the car it'll be business as usual, but right now, he will play the part of the perfect lover. ]
thank u
it helped that kabru was so effective at reading others. enough where he would debate if he were the only one in the room capable of determining each human's desire simply from gaze alone. humans had any number of emotions— greed, lust, the desire for power and control...
many of the individuals here were such people. maybe that's why kabru who stands at his side seems to stick out. outside of the perfectly tailored clothes he wears, that is. when the protocore is shown to them, he takes a sideways glance at kabru. ]
Is this really enough to spoil you, kitten? If someone heard you, they'd think I was broke. [ per usual, he seems to enjoy inflicting some level of emotional turmoil on kabru. his eyes already carefully studying the way he looks. when kabru comes up to give him that kiss on the cheek, he wraps his arms around his waist, pulling him in tightly. the palm of his hand rests against kabru's body as he just holds him there.
yet, it's not without reason. it soon becomes clear that they're being watched. ]
no subject
Having practiced this in the past already, he's accustomed to the pet names, even if it was mildly shocking to hear the first time. Then again, Sylus seems to like pushing his buttons, even if doing so doesn't help the situation at all. Such as right now. How does undermining what Kabru had said help them at all?? There's a subtle twitch of the brow, a brief flash of annoyance, but Kabru maintains the facade. He allows Sylus to pull him in, the box now pressed between their chests as he's drawn in. At least he's acting the part and not pulling something nonsensical like trying to stage a break up in the middle of the auction room.
He reciprocates the touch by resting a hand over the other man's shoulder, his other one still protecting their prize. ]
Even if that were the case, I would still be yours. [ He knows how to recover a situation. Rising higher again, he goes for a chaste kiss over Sylus' lips. ]
why am i embarrassed
all the more when he reaches up to place a kiss on his lips. considering how closely he's already drawn kabru, he's not exactly surprised that he would choose a moment like now to place a perfectly placed act of intimacy. they look like a genuinely affectionate couple who purchased a protocore simply out of love and whimsy.
whether kabru in turn expects it or not, he grabs kabru's chin and holds it in place. his thumb brushes across kabru's lower lip, and tugs on it slightly before he presses his lips more heatedly against kabru's, his tongue sliding against his lips and moving to enter between his parted lips.
maybe kabru can feel the way sylus' lips curve slightly into a small, an exhale of breath released in the space between them as if he found the whole situation funny. when he pulls back just by a inch. enough for him to say: ] Then don't you think you should show me the extent of that devotion of yours?
After all, there's no love purer than mine.
because hes so yaoie
Even as he's thinking all this, Kabru will reciprocates the kiss, rather experienced at kissing himself. He clutches lightly against Sylus' shoulder and tilts his head, deepening the kiss and allowing that tongue to move against his. He would be lying if he claimed that this wasn't nice. This isn't the time or place for actual pleasure, however. He is on a job, and he's meticulous about his role within the organisation.
Their lips part, and Kabru takes a second to catch his breath, his hair now tousled from what they were doing. ]
Mmm ... And how did you want me to show that? [ are they going to aggressively make out in public like damn ]
no subject
but, sylus seems pleased with that.
the stirring of the crowds as they become swiftly gossiping. at least their passion no longer looked fabricated. still, now their names might be known for something completely different. but, in the exhaustive list of all their collective crimes and "business ventures," well... people would forget easily enough.
when he pulls away, sylus reaches up and flattens down parts of kabru's hair. almost like patting him on the head. ] Don't you think you should come up with your own answers. I gave you all the tools, haven't I?
Or do you still need a hint? [ is he just drawing the time out so we can watch kabru sweat? or is he genuinely waiting for something to happen? either way, his eyes to end up peering towards the direction of a hallway that's near the parking garage. ]
no subject
Kabru knows that this man wants to push his buttons however he can. He wants to make Kabru break out into a sweat and trigger that anxious side of him, even if doing so doesn't help anyone. Sylus was playful (and annoying) in that way. Kabru could always refuse to engage, but he's come to terms with the fact that he has some sort of misguided affection directed toward the other man. When that hand pats him on the head, he's reminded of that, even if he finds the gesture rather patronizing also.
Kabru knows how to play along, at least. He steps closer, arms wrapped around the other man's neck, and leans up to kiss him again, some passion in the way his tongue explores his mouth. ] I know I haven't been paying you proper attention, but if we do it here, I'll get shy ...
[ pls they are making everyone else uncomfortable
Kabru tugs at Sylus's hand. ] Let's go somewhere private?
no subject
there's nothing more than the fact that kabru is looking (rightfully) uncomfortable.
the thought gives sylus a slight chuckle when they pull apart from one another, saliva still fresh on their lips. with his arms still around kabru, he seems to fall into thought for a second before: ] So this is what the face of a shy person looks like. [ but, as much as he'd love to carry this on, he does end up redirecting kabru back to their car, as he even slips the keys into kabru's hands. then he holds his hand, his fingers gripping tightly. ]
So the car interests you more than I do? [ is it more or less uncomfortable for the people to know that they're just going to the car to continue this? either way, it's true they were parked in a prime position to see the rest of the lot. but, is sylus genuinely interested in monitoring the auction at this point, or something else? ]
no subject
The expression on his face changes into something much more genuine and very much peeved. ]
Mister Sylus ... Our task was to pose as lovers, but otherwise not draw too much attention to ourselves. Could you not try to make things more difficult than they have to be?
no subject
Besides, I wouldn't say it was a total loss. You looked like you enjoyed it. [ does he mean the acting, or their actual shared intimacy (which, is also acting???). sylus makes no moves to clarify, just settling himself in the seat of the car. ]
no subject
Ah ... I was just playing the part. [ It's almost annoying that it was enjoyable. With Sylus' general attitude and tendency to push buttons, Kabru doesn't feel like admitting to that. ]
no subject
[ there's nothing in his tone that suggests he's offended. sylus keeps a certain nonchalance he always does, perfectly unfettered. though, the way he's slowly nodding his head to himself as if he's in deep thought... probably suggests that he's probably coming up with something. ]
Then how far will you go to play the part?
[ he motions to kabru to sit up on his lap.
this is so yaoi... maybe i need to rescind this tag. ]
no subject
Kabru gives the windows a quick glance. They are tinted, at least, so the chances of someone finding them and seeing what they get up to are slim. While he was hardly a shy person, both he and Sylus had an image to uphold. The other man was a prominent figure, and having the paparazzi catch him in the act would deal a blow to his reputation. Kabru couldn't have that.
He could refuse to entertain this, especially since he knows it's just another way for his boss to toy with him, but the temptation is certainly there. The kisses from before have him riled up and the offer is hard to refuse. He feels like kicking himself for even considering it, and he wants to kick Sylus even more for tempting him.
With an exasperated sigh, he shifts closer, climbing on the other man's lap as asked. He rests his hands on Sylus' shoulders. There's a look of vexation. Not in response to the act itself, but in response to the knowledge that he plays so easily into this man's hands. ]
Are we rehearsing now?
no subject
[ to contrast to that pleasant demeanour, easthies keeps his usual aloof one; a creature of habit to always cultivate that distance between knights and the rest of the world. a necessity in order to uphold the law and weild the banner of his office in the proper way. pride has no place here, and he put it aside easily, happy to yield.
the difficulty is in keeping totally still, unused as he is to touch not to fulfill one of two purposes: fight, and basic selfcare. his eyes flit to the other's: listening, feeling—he swallows. ]
Mm. [ easthies' fingers move up to rest over kabru's, making a note of it. ] So, defending this area is also paramount when fighting close quarters with someone who knows the trick too, yes?
no subject
Of course. The neck has vital spots all over. One strike and you're pretty much dead without a healer.
[ But he digresses. Now's the part he might have to be a bit rougher. Without much warning, Kabru lunges forward, gentle touch becoming a swift and firm grab of the other man's throat. The difference in height between them isn't ideal for getting the control he needs over his fingers, so he bridges it by hooking a leg around the other man's calves, intending to throw him off balance so he lands flat on his back.
Finally, he straddles the other man's chest. There was a brief moment of piercing intensity when he had grabbed him before, but that all but dissipates once Kabru's got him pinned down, expression on his face slightly apologetic. ]
I did say it would be rough. Are you okay so far? [ He's got his hands around the other man's neck, and his fingers are locked and firm, but he hasn't started squeezing yet. ]