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Branzy doesn't think he's ever felt as safe as he did in this moment. Which was strange, considering the last thing he remembered was being attacked and subjected to a significant amount of pain. It was also weird considering the demon right next to him was known as one of the deadliest demons to ever grace the overworld. In fact, Branzy has witnessed the brutality and bloodshed the demon was capable of on multiple occasions now, and usually felt at least a little on edge anytime he was nearby.
But it was a bit harder to feel scared when he woke up with Clown completely wrapped around him like a dragon protecting its most valuable and precious treasure.
Branzy doesn't remember what happened or how he even lost consciousness to begin with, but he found himself on his back now, body aching but nowhere near as bad as he remembered it being. Clown was next to him, laying on his side and half on top of the shorter man with his arms wrapped protectively around him and his mask half buried in Branzy's hair. His wings were out, which was unusual since he normally kept them tucked under his costume, and one of them was outstretched over Branzy like a protective blanket. Even Clown's tail was wrapped around one of Branzy's legs, the weight and feel of it faint but still noticeable.
Yeah, Branzy doesn't think he could be scared of Clown right now even if he started whispering threats in his ear.
All he felt was... warm. Warm and safe and protected, which were feelings he was not used to. Both in general, but especially not with Clown. Clown was danger, he was ruthless and cruel and deadly. Clown was bloodshed and brutality, he was threats and violence and death incarnate. Branzy was his engineer and accomplice, his business partner. He was a valuable asset to Clown and nothing more than that. As much as Branzy loved to fantasize about things, it was stupid to get his hopes up. He needed to be realistic and logical, or else Clown would most definitely kill him if he stepped out of line. Ignoring his true feelings for the assassin was the safest and best thing for him to do. He couldn't feel those softer, nicer things around Clown, as much as he so badly wanted to, or else he'd just get burned alive.
At least, that's what Branzy thought up until right now. And now that he thinks about it, there were definitely signs he pushed aside and ignored, that he maybe should've paid more attention to.
Branzy had, at some point, picked up on how Clown treated him differently than others, how the demon let Branzy get away with things no one else could. Branzy tried not to get too excited about it, tried to logic it out each time. It was too dangerous to think Clown actually liked him, so there had to be a more reasonable explanation to the things he let Branzy get away with, right? They were business partners, and although they both knew Clown had all the power in the relationship, he had to at least give the illusion of them being equals, right? What better way to do that than to let Branzy do things no one else could, just like Clown did things Branzy usually wouldn't let others get away with? It was "fair" that way, right? A useful facade and nothing more?
He's starting to see how wrong he was about everything. Mainly due to their current position. Try as his brain might, he just could not reason out this situation with anything other than Clown caring for him on some deeper, more personal level.
Saving his life? Sure, Clown did that a fair amount. It made sense, Branzy was useful to him, a capable redstone engineer that did what he was told and didn't complain too much. He could also talk his way out of situations, could sneak into groups and places without a second glance due to how harmless everyone perceived him to be. He was all of Clown's weaknesses wrapped up in one person, a person who knew better than to slight Clown in any way, so of course he'd want to keep Branzy alive. Even with as much of a hassle as that probably was, it was worth it for what Branzy could do and provide.
Staying with him? Yeah, Branzy could feel how weak he was right now. He might be able to stand, but he'd be wobbly and unstable, which meant he would need help to get around and do anything. It was also safer if Clown stayed with him in case anyone found him and tried to kill him. And sure, Clown could get someone else to protect Branzy, but that would be leaving his treasured business partner with someone who might take advantage of the situation and use it as an opportunity to betray Clown. So, yes, it was better and safer if Clown himself stayed with him. This was far from the first time this has happened, anyway. It was normal at this point.
Clown being completely wrapped around him, practically smothering him? That, Branzy could not logic out. There just wasn't any explanation for it, other than Clown wanting to hold him close and keep him warm while he recovered.
It was definitely making Branzy's heart beat out of his chest. He almost thought it was a dream, except it felt far too real to be one. This was something Branzy thought he'd only ever get in his fantasies, something he'd imagine while trying to fall asleep at night. He never expected to actually wake up to something like this.
It was nice. It was better than nice. He didn't have the words to describe it, other than warm.
He wasn't sure if Clown was asleep or not. Clown didn't normally sleep that easily when he was watching over Branzy like this, but Branzy also isn't sure how long he's been knocked out for. Clown could also very much be awake right now, but he hasn't moved or said anything since Branzy has woken up, and his breaths are even and steady. Still, Branzy couldn't be sure.
Either way, Branzy was more than happy to stay like this. He's wanted something like this for so long, wanted to be close to Clown and be held by him for probably longer than he should've. He didn't want to be injured, but if that's what it took- well, he wasn't going to complain. For once. Sometimes, being injured had its perks, and if one of those perks was being cuddled by Clown, he'd gladly take it.
He wondered briefly why now of all times would Clown do something like this, but really, it was only a matter of time before he did. Branzy of course noticed how much Clown touched him, how much he stepped into Branzy's space and even leaned or brushed against him when he very much didn't have to. He always ignored it, always tried not to think too hard about it, not wanting to think something he shouldn't. But oh how wrong was he.
A smile crept up onto his face before he realized it. He could get used to this, he thinks. Clown was obviously being mindful of his injuries, not putting any weight against any of them, but still holding him close. His grip was firm but not threatening, and Branzy realized his grip hasn't been threatening for a while now. Strong and firm, yes, but not harsh. Clown just... wasn't used to being gentle, was he?
The thought made Branzy want to laugh, but he resisted the urge. He was actually rather thankful that was the case. Clown was very much a grounding presence for Branzy, his heavy touches something Branzy has always secretly liked. Branzy honestly couldn't stand weak or soft touches- touches he could barely even register, hugs with absolutely no strength put into them. He liked- well, he liked the way Clown was with touch.
Branzy shifted slightly, grimacing at the pain that shot through him when he did. Clown's grip momentarily tightened, before loosening again. It sent shivers down Branzy's spine, and made his heart flutter even more. He took in a breath, before deciding to really test his luck here. This would be what tells him where exactly he stands with the assassin in their relationship.
He carefully lifted his free arm up, his other one trapped under Clown, and slowly wrapped it around the demon's waist. He had a sneaking suspicion that, despite the lack of anything from Clown, he was very much awake right now. So when the assassin didn't push his arm away, didn't suddenly get up or say anything, Branzy set his arm more firmly around him. He shifted more, ignoring the pain it caused him and nuzzled into the taller man's chest.
Clown finally moved then, but only to pull Branzy closer to him and nuzzle his face (mask) into his white hair. Branzy didn't even realize it was possible to get closer to him, for Clown to cover him even more than he already was, but somehow, he found a way. It made his heart flutter and warmth bloom in his chest.
Branzy doesn't think he's ever been so grateful to be injured in his life. He just hopes this becomes a more normal occurrence between the two of them. He'd very much like it to be. Maybe he could test Clown's limits more than he thought he could. That would be a mission for another time, though. For now, he just enjoyed being quite literally surrounded by the deadliest, most frightening person he's ever met, and feeling the safest and most secure he's ever been in his life.
Yeah, Branzy could definitely get used to this.