Work Text:
Over the course of the Gliese Revolution, more than one person has told them: "Remnan treats you differently."
That kind of statement usually comes in conjunction with a comment on how difficult it is to have a face-to-face communication with one of the leaders of the revolution.
It's inefficient and unnecessary in their opinion, and they tell others that succintly. Any message that needs to be delivered to Remnan could be passed through them, or through the private messaging network that Remnan had built for their group in order to bypass Gliese's surveillance.
...In any case, it's obvious that Remnan would treat him differently.
In this entire system, Raqio is the only person that has some prior connection with him. He already has such a timid personality, so it's obvious that he would gravitate to them. It's a matter of convenience, no doubt about it.
Plus, amongst the residents here in Gliese, there's not a lot of people with Remnan's looks. It is not to say that Gliese is a place of ugly people; it couldn't be, when it's Raqio's birthplace.
But Remnan has a certain... quality to his physical appearance that attracts the gaze of most mortals. It's something that has undoubtedly caused him trouble throughout his escape across the universe.
Raqio, on the other hand, isn't as particularly inclined to care about such base things. Sure, they knew how to have an aesthetic sense and to objectively assess beauty, but they would never stare at someone because of such an inconsequential thing.
They're sure that Remnan appreciates that about them. It's not something that requires contemplation; the other man is effusive about expressing his appreciation and gratitude for them at any chance he gets.
Therefore, it's really not a surprise that Remnan treats them differently than others. It's not something worth mulling over. It's certainly not a realization worth producing dopamine over. It's definitely not something that should make strange warmth bubble inside their gut.
"—Raqio-san, can I... sit with you for a bit?"
A hesitant voice pierces through the thoughts churning in their head. From the sliding doorway, Remnan peers at them and at the room, as if to double-check that there's nobody else around. It's inefficient and unnecessary, because Raqio wouldn't allow just anyone inside their room.
"Do as you like," Raqio gave their usual dismissive response with a flip of their hand.
"T-Thank you! Raqio-san!" One could almost see a wagging tail behind Remnan, as if this is the first time he's receiving this kind of favor. He treats such allowances like he's been bestowed an emperor's favor. Raqio isn't fond of being on the receiving end of mindless fawning, but it doesn't chafe when it comes from the other. Perhaps because it's obvious that it's not doled out in a bid to curry favor from them. It's just that it's done so naturally, that it could almost be considered creepy.
Remnan shuffles into their room, barely making a sound. This consideration to not disturb the silent environment is much appreciated, as Raqio is not fond of noise whenever he's busy reviewing plans for the revolution.
Still, while it's true that they appreciate the quiet, that's not to say that they're going to limit someone's breathing or something equally absurd. They shoot Remnan a look. "I keep telling you, there's no need to be so overly cautious around me, Remnan."
"Mm. I just... didn't want to disturb you."
"And yet you're seeking me out here anyway."
Remnan's fingers fiddle with the ends of his oversized cuffs. "I'm sorry... but I... still did it."
They chuckled. "Since you're here already, then stop acting like I'm about to bite you." They squint their eyes in a thoughtful assessment of the other's lean frame. "It's not like I'm going to get any sustenance from such an act."
Softly, "...Mm. Thank you, Raqio-san."
He stands there beside the Raqio seated on their bed, practically looming over them. But he doesn't have an imposing air around him. Totally unlike the image of Remnan circulating around Gliese now—able to send the enemies scurrying away with their tails tucked between their legs.
It's quite interesting to observe the shift in public opinion nowadays. Raqio doesn't have a shred of care towards how others perceive them, but they do know that public opinion an important component in warfare. They were used to being placed on a pedestal, on being praised for their logic, on being hated for their attitude. But nowadays, compared to the terror and danger that Gliese's higher-ups feels towards Remnan, they could considered as very saint-like.
Over their lifetime, there are few things that have surprised Raqio to this extent.
Even if they're the one who essentially recruited Remnan to this cause, they didn't expect such a drastic shift in mindset and reputation.
But it's fine. There is no future in stagnation. Humans must continuously develop themselves, must always change and adapt in order to survive.
...And, they can't deny that it's interesting to play 'spot the differences' between the Remnan who gingerly hovers around him like some insecure harmless puppy, and the Remnan who is slowly but surely gaining infamy for his ruthlessness to his enemies.
Raqio blinks as Remnan settles himself by their feet, sitting on the floor and curling up. It's reminiscent of how he used to sit during the time in D.Q.O.; the only difference now is that Remnan sticks so close to them that he's leaning his entire body against their left leg. A head full of fluffy white strands rest above their kneecap. It's a position that appears incredibly clingy, but Raqio knows that one small breath is enough to undo this and jostle Remnan away. It's why they allow it—disrespecting boundaries is something that could be expected from others, but never Remnan.
They are not fond of odd textures that could confuse their sensory nerves. That said, their left hand gravitates to the top of Remnan's head. They're satisfied to discover that the texture of the hair strands is smooth enough; it seems that Remnan did take their not-so-gentle suggestion to utilize the same toiletries as them.
During the attack to one of their group's bases not even two days ago, none of the attackers were able to even breathe near Remnan. All of them, defeated and captured, probably without even managing to blink and understand their own defeat.
And now, that very same Remnan is even more docile than a newborn, with no demands aside from simply wanting to stay by their side.
"...Remnan. You... really do treat me differently, huh."
This close, they could feel Remnan's body tremble slightly. Then, a sigh warms their knee, the breath obvious despite the layers of clothes. "Raqio-san is... Raqio-san, after all."
It's a statement that explains so much, and yet so little. But for Raqio, it's enough.
So they keep their hand on top of Remnan's head, and they allow the other to remain close to them as they continue reading reports before turning in for the night.
-
-
-
-
-
For the first time since the start of the Gliese Revolution, someone cautiously approaches him and says, "Raqio treats you differently, huh."
Remnan still feels a bit dazed from the warmth of Raqio's hands pinning the communicator on his earlobe and tucking stray hairs behind his ear. A lot of times, their interactions could appear to be less like friends and more like a capricious master deigning to show kindness to a stray dog.
But Remnan knows better.
"Raqio-san is just being their usual kind self," he says softly, before making his way to follow where the other is.
And for someone like him who finds kindness as rare as an oasis in a wasteland, he could only greedily drink from it whenever possible. In the meantime, he'd just have to ensure that he protects that oasis, to make sure that it'd always remain clear and sparkling under the blue sky.
-
end