forum Turns out Trauma is a Good Thing to Bond Over // OxO with Iris

Started October 19, 2019 by @ElderGod-Icefire

tune

(it's fine!)

Cameron touched the patch currently on his face, knowing the spear tattoo lay beneath, concealed and hidden away like it was something he should be ashamed of, like he should hate himself for it. And he wasn't, he didn't, but he couldn't be open about what he was.

Not knowing what else to do with himself, Cal closed his eyes, attempting to relax. Maybe it would help Cameron, maybe it wouldn't.
It also felt strange that he would be leaving in mere hours. He'd probably never see the other male beside him again. At least he wasn't too attached at this point.

Cameron let out a faint breath, looking up at the ceiling for a moment and then closing his eyes. He liked Calixto. He did. But he also knew the other wouldn't be staying long, would probably be leaving tomorrow. And that was fine.

There was also the thought about trying to let himself relax. Calixto had already told more of his past to a stranger than he ever would have considered doing. It was almost like Cameron had said. The other was becoming less of a stranger.
This wasn't going to last though. Maybe he'd visit of he ever came back in town. Perhaps he'd even look different.

(Skip after your reply? Unless you have an idea for them to talk more)

Calixto awoke the next morning, not much time having passed. He was probably awake until perhaps 7 in the morning, the clock now reading 8:00 AM. He ran a hand through his hair before getting out of bed and putting a new set of clothes on. Cal once again frowned at his beaten body before recovering himself with the clothes. He glanced back at the bed, noting that Cameron had already left. Sighing, the Mirro picked up the small bag he carried his few items in, and headed down the stairs. He wasn't feeling quite hungry, but for some reason sat down in one of the booths anyways.

(lol it's fine!)

Cameron had awoken early, slipping out to his own quarters to fix some of the dye spots, and then had headed to do his job, serving up breakfast to any patrons that happened to be up early enough. He had meant to speak to Calixto, but Cal had been sleeping and he hadn't wanted to wake him up.

The male sat, watching the morning crowd with boredom. He noticed Cameron dart between the tables quickly, flashing his signature grin. Cal felt a bit envious. Cameron could smile despite his past. As for himself, his mind felt like its own prison that still encased him. Freedom wasn't supposed to be suffocating.
He blinked a few times before looking at the grooves in the wooden table before him. Despite knowing Cameron a bit, he really didn't want the other to come bounding over to tease him for staring. Even if it was a joke, it would feel embarrassing.

Cameron kept bustling around, eventually coming over to Calixto. "And what can I get you today, my good sir?" he asked in a chipper voice, no hint of the nightmares from the night before in his voice. His eyes looked tired, but he masked it rather well.

Calixto looked up as soon as he heard Cameron's footsteps come stand at his side. His eyes seemed as bright as ever. How was he not entirely exhausted? "I… really don't know. I'm not even hungry…" Cal stated, suddenly feeling lost. Why was he still here? Did he want to say a quick goodbye? Why didn't he understand feelings?

Cameron blinked. "Oh, alright." he replied, looking at Calixto. "Are you, uhm…would you like anything? Some water?" he asked, raking a hand through his hair and sighing quietly. He didn't really know what else to do, if Calxto wasn't hungry.

"I… why don't you seem tired?" Cal suddenly asked. It baffled him to no end. He felt envious of how well the other was able to hide exhaustion and pain. Calixto was free, but still had no solution to keeping everything together. Or at least making it seem that way.

Cameron blinked at the question, cocking his head. "I learned how to hide it." he replied with a shrug, leaning on the table and looking at Calixto. "And how to cover it with makeup if need be." he shrugged again, rubbing his face with one hand. "Why?"

Cal looked down at his hands a moment. "It's nothing. I… should probably leave soon anyways," he replied, the corner of his mouth lifting in an attempt of a forced smile. Stars, he wished he could do the same. He could literally change himself to disguise who he was, and still couldn't hide his mental exhaustion.

"Oh. Alright. Can I…get you anything? Before you go?" he asked slowly, looking at Cal and unsure what else to say or do right now. He fiddled with the apron he wore, looking at Calixto and chewing on his lip a little bit.

Cal shook his head. What was he even doing? He shouldn't be feeling attached to Cameron. After everything that had happened, it was hard, but he should have kept to himself. Why did he have to say anything about his past?
"Don't worry about it. Um… it was nice meeting you."

(Ok for my idea to work we need time skip after your reply)
(Bad things happen and Cameron gets to help and be a good friend :D)

Cameron nodded. "Oh. Alright. If I can't help you with anything, then…I best be getting back to work." he gestured with a thumb, biting his lip a little and letting out a breath.
(:D alright)

(I wasn't feeling well so I wasn't on. I'm back now!)
Calixto gave a small nod and stood. He grabbed his things and left the small inn and bar. He glanced over his shoulder before he continued, walking anywhere. He took the train nearby, having enough money to afford a ride and perhaps enough for some food. Eventually, he made it to another town, perhaps a few hours away. Sighing, Cal looked around and attempted to find somewhere decent enough to rest awhile. He felt tired and a bit confused. Why had Cameron seemed so sad when he left? The other knew he couldn't stay forever. He had only been a patron to the inn anyways. Why was Cameron in his thoughts so often anyways…?
Suddenly, he felt himself falling to the ground, men pinning him down. One of them grinned down at him. "Mirro aren't as good at hiding as they thought," he sneered, jabbing Cal in the side with the toe of his boot. Of course, Cal attempted to struggle away, but he was weak from lack of food and sleep. "You'll sell nicely," the human above chuckled before someone slapped his head to the ground, knocking him unconscious.
While it was illegal at this point for slavery of any kind, there were a rare few who ignored the new law. Cal was hidden carefully with other luggage as they all boarded the train in the direction Cal had come from. A few hours later, and the men had reached their destination, Cal still passed out. After finding an alleyway, someone snapped a collar around his neck. It was the very same from several years ago.
"Wake up."
And he did.

(lol alright)

Cameron had finished up with work for the night and was preparing to head home. He wasn't staying with anyone tonight, so he got to spend the night in his own bed. He ran his hands through his hair as he walked, closing hs eyes for just a moment, then opened them again and continued on.

Fear began to run through Calixto’s mind as he realized what was going on. He felt the weight of something around his throat, a bit tighter than he’d like. Then again, he didn’t like his position in general.
Externally, Cal’s body blinked at the men around him plainly.
“Lift up your shirt, I wanna see how banged up you already are,” one of the men commanded. He must have been the one to put the collar on as Cal felt his hands begin to twitch. He fought hard against the order, trying to keep control of himself as long as he could. Suddenly, he felt pain in his arm. One of the others had taken a knife and stabbed him.
“Stop refusing or it can be much worse.”
Calixto wanted to shake his head. No. He didn’t care anymore. If he died from bleeding out, it didn’t matter. He’d have control of his actions.
In a moment, Cal was kicked to the ground and cut again. And again. At first it was his limbs, but eventually, the man commanding him took his own knife, stabbing him in the chest. It wasn’t his heart, but it hurt like hell. And he couldn’t even scream.
“Damn thing’s useless!”