YOU'VE BEEN BLASTED BY THE
ONCE YOU'VE BEEN BOMBED, YOU HAVE TO BOMB 8 OTHER PEOPLE! IF YOU GET BOMBED AGAIN YOULL KNOW YOUR REALLY SEXY!!1 IF YOU DIFFUSE THE SEX BOMB CHAIN, YOULL SUFFER A VERY UNSEXY BRAIN INJURY! BOMB WHOEVER YOU THINK IS SEXY!!
*** NO BOMBING BACK
[ooc: no pressure in responding back! This is just for lols]
( ) ) *
)\ ) ( /( ( ( /( ( ` (
(()/(( )\()) ( )\ )\()) )\))( ( )\
/(_))\ ((_)\ )((_|(_)\ ((_)()\ )((_)
(_))((_)__((_) ((_)_ ((_)(_()((_|(_)_
/ __| __\ \/ / | _ )/ _ \| \/ || _ )
\__ \ _| > < | _ \ (_) | |\/| || _ \
|___/___/_/\_\ |___/\___/|_| |_||___/
ONCE YOU'VE BEEN BOMBED, YOU HAVE TO BOMB 8 OTHER PEOPLE! IF YOU GET BOMBED AGAIN YOULL KNOW YOUR REALLY SEXY!!1 IF YOU DIFFUSE THE SEX BOMB CHAIN, YOULL SUFFER A VERY UNSEXY BRAIN INJURY! BOMB WHOEVER YOU THINK IS SEXY!!
*** NO BOMBING BACK
[ooc: no pressure in responding back! This is just for lols]
YOU'VE BEEN BLASTED BY THE
( ) ) *
)\ ) ( /( ( ( /( ( ` (
(()/(( )\()) ( )\ )\()) )\))( ( )\
/(_))\ ((_)\ )((_|(_)\ ((_)()\ )((_)
(_))((_)__((_) ((_)_ ((_)(_()((_|(_)_
/ __| __\ \/ / | _ )/ _ \| \/ || _ )
\__ \ _| > < | _ \ (_) | |\/| || _ \
|___/___/_/\_\ |___/\___/|_| |_||___/
ONCE YOU'VE BEEN BOMBED, YOU HAVE TO BOMB 8 OTHER PEOPLE! IF YOU GET BOMBED AGAIN YOULL KNOW YOUR REALLY SEXY!!1 IF YOU DIFFUSE THE SEX BOMB CHAIN, YOULL SUFFER A VERY UNSEXY BRAIN INJURY! BOMB WHOEVER YOU THINK IS SEXY!!
*** NO BOMBING BACK
[ooc: no pressure in responding back! This is just for lols][ exactly. it gave dolph a mental breakdown not long ago.
but it meant zack has gained some considerable level of trust too. ]
I'm not playing around but — I'm trying it.
[ honestly, a part of him is still waiting for zack to change his mind. like even now, it seems a bit ludicrous. zack's not in love, dolph's still broken. ]
but it meant zack has gained some considerable level of trust too. ]
I'm not playing around but — I'm trying it.
[ honestly, a part of him is still waiting for zack to change his mind. like even now, it seems a bit ludicrous. zack's not in love, dolph's still broken. ]
[ The week of 12/24, Dolph will find a nicely wrapped, if lumpy, present on his doorstep.
Inside, there's a beginner's cook book. There's also a dark blue cable knit sweater that is probably a size too large, but Jean erred on 'too large' when picking it out.
There's also a sealed, wrapped bag with pain au chocolate inside it, made with dark chocolate; they look to be hand made.
There's also a little handwritten note from Jean. ]
Dolph -
I couldn't find anything with a 'Laserhawk' on it, so this sweater will have to do. I'm told it's tradition to share gifts around this time of year.
- Jean
Inside, there's a beginner's cook book. There's also a dark blue cable knit sweater that is probably a size too large, but Jean erred on 'too large' when picking it out.
There's also a sealed, wrapped bag with pain au chocolate inside it, made with dark chocolate; they look to be hand made.
There's also a little handwritten note from Jean. ]
Dolph -
I couldn't find anything with a 'Laserhawk' on it, so this sweater will have to do. I'm told it's tradition to share gifts around this time of year.
- Jean
[ oh.
dolph has never received a present before. nothing that wasn’t Eden handouts and things to control him. to make him feel small and desperate to need them.
this doesn’t elicit the same feeling. he holds the sweater with trembling hands and chokes back a quiet sob. ]
dolph has never received a present before. nothing that wasn’t Eden handouts and things to control him. to make him feel small and desperate to need them.
this doesn’t elicit the same feeling. he holds the sweater with trembling hands and chokes back a quiet sob. ]
[On Christmas Eve a delivery is at the door of a box of (untainted) chocolates - assorted creams which are, typical to the city, in suggestive shapes along with a separate box containing a white scarf and a mug with the Creeping Bomber artwork emblazoned on them in gold - and a note: Best wishes for the season! Thanks for being part of the team! Here's to great film successes in the New Year! ~ Quentin Beck]
[ On Christmas Eve a present with too many bows is at the door. Opening it will find a 3xl very soft and warm custom made sweater, a dozen fake pink roses - and a note: Happy Holidays Dolph!!!!! You mean a lot to me and I hope you have a good holiday and we can see each other soon. Stay warm!! ~ <3 <3 <3 Your Zack ][ dolph doesn't receive gifts. if he had, he doesn't remember and his relationship with alex hadn't been one to consider gifts or presents. he didn't mind. before he was on the run and material things would have weighed him down. he lived so frugally that it never crossed his mind.
and now he has this. dolph rubs his fingers over the fabric, at a loss for words.
finally, dolph sends a message to zack. ]
You free?
and now he has this. dolph rubs his fingers over the fabric, at a loss for words.
finally, dolph sends a message to zack. ]
You free?
[Zack is quick to respond, almost too quick.]
Yeah totally! You aren't spending the holiday alone are you?
Yeah totally! You aren't spending the holiday alone are you?
Whatever you'd like! We can go ice skating or something or maybe try cuddling on the couch again even? I didn't make any big dinner plans cause I can't cook so....
Okay! I'll see you then Dolph <3
[The apartment is kind of decked out for the holidays with lots of garlands and tinsel and even a tree. He even has a little wreath on his front door now.]
[The apartment is kind of decked out for the holidays with lots of garlands and tinsel and even a tree. He even has a little wreath on his front door now.]
[Zack's excited to see his boyfriend in the sweater he made him, it's a little big even on him but it still looks awesome in his opinion and he thinks Dolph looks perfect in pink. He was right in thinking it's his color.]
Ooo you're going to cook? Can I watch? Also hey Dolph, can I get a kiss?
Ooo you're going to cook? Can I watch? Also hey Dolph, can I get a kiss?
[20 questions all at once are bound to happen when you are dating someone as energetic as Zack. He grins at the okay and leans in to kiss Dolph sweetly on the lips then lets him in. He's in an equally silly sweater that's also too big on him.]
You look so cute in pink, Dolph. So what are you making?
You look so cute in pink, Dolph. So what are you making?
Oh yummy! I'm excited!
[He heads to the kitchen and turns on some of the lights and stands there unsure of what to do to help.]
Is this a christmas dinner date?
[He heads to the kitchen and turns on some of the lights and stands there unsure of what to do to help.]
Is this a christmas dinner date?
Well I'll take a thank you then. It's been so long since someone cooked for me. I'm excited.
[Zack hovers a little, watching Dolph work so he can maybe learn how to cook himself. He's always been bad at it no matter what he does. He eventually ends up with his arms around Dolph's waist as he hugs him from behind while the pasta cooks.]
This is nice, really nice.
[Zack hovers a little, watching Dolph work so he can maybe learn how to cook himself. He's always been bad at it no matter what he does. He eventually ends up with his arms around Dolph's waist as he hugs him from behind while the pasta cooks.]
This is nice, really nice.
So, who taught you to cook?
[He stays behind his boyfriend, just continuing to hug him and resting his chin on his shoulder.]
[He stays behind his boyfriend, just continuing to hug him and resting his chin on his shoulder.]
Ooo I haven't met him yet. Is he nice to you? He doesn't treat you bad at all right? [The hold on Dolph tightens a little, he doesn't want anyone being mean to his boyfriend.]
Cheery like me or different?
[He pouts a little at that, kissing at Dolph's neck]
I'm not too cheery for you am I?
[He pouts a little at that, kissing at Dolph's neck]
I'm not too cheery for you am I?
The best kind right?
[He laughs a little and continues to keep peppering kisses at Dolph's neck. It feels nice to do this with him.]
I think my real present is having you here and in my arms.
[He laughs a little and continues to keep peppering kisses at Dolph's neck. It feels nice to do this with him.]
I think my real present is having you here and in my arms.
But you have friends so I still think it's special you came to hang out with me.
[He does stop with the kissing when he sees Dolph get shy. Instead he just rests against him and smiles.]
Hey Dolph, can I ask you something?
[He does stop with the kissing when he sees Dolph get shy. Instead he just rests against him and smiles.]
Hey Dolph, can I ask you something?
[Dolph can probably feel how antsy Zack get's with his he sort of shifts a bit and can't seem to get comfortable.]
Are you okay with um...with just things like this for now? I mean are you bored that we haven't had sex yet?
Are you okay with um...with just things like this for now? I mean are you bored that we haven't had sex yet?
No.
[ he starts frying up the vegetables and preparing the sauce. dolph tries to do this tactfully, though he's probably still a bit blunt, like he always is. ]
I know sex is a big deal to you, but it isn't for me. I've had plenty, here and elsewhere. If you want to have sex, you can ask. But if you're fine with things, that's all right too. It doesn't bother me if we do or don't have it.
[ he starts frying up the vegetables and preparing the sauce. dolph tries to do this tactfully, though he's probably still a bit blunt, like he always is. ]
I know sex is a big deal to you, but it isn't for me. I've had plenty, here and elsewhere. If you want to have sex, you can ask. But if you're fine with things, that's all right too. It doesn't bother me if we do or don't have it.
[That actually makes Zack feel really good and he hides his face against Dolph's back, no longer watching the pasta being made.]
Thank you, that means a lot to me Dolph. I want to eventually I mean, I really do. I just...I want to enjoy this without that pressure. I like you for you, not cause of sex or anything.
Thank you, that means a lot to me Dolph. I want to eventually I mean, I really do. I just...I want to enjoy this without that pressure. I like you for you, not cause of sex or anything.
You say such nice things to me and you're just going to make me fall for you even more!
[He smiles against his back, finally letting go so he can instead stand next to him instead of behind him.]
If you ever need to wait for something too, let me know okay?
[He smiles against his back, finally letting go so he can instead stand next to him instead of behind him.]
If you ever need to wait for something too, let me know okay?
I know, it's one of the things I like so much about you. You just say how you feel. It's awesome.
[He lets his hip bump against Dolph's and just smiles.]
Should I get the plates?
[He lets his hip bump against Dolph's and just smiles.]
Should I get the plates?
[Zack gives Dolph's butt a light slap before he's heading to the cabinets to get the good plates, notht he paper ones he usually used cause he was too lazy to do dishes. These were the mismatched ones he got for a bargain at the store and MOST of them didn't
have cracks either. He picked his nicest two plates and set them up on the table along with some utensils and glasses for whatever they might drink.]
have cracks either. He picked his nicest two plates and set them up on the table along with some utensils and glasses for whatever they might drink.]
I bet it's awesome!
[Zack takes a seat and grabs some of the pasta for his plate. He quickly places his hands together and closes his eyes for a moment.] Thanks for the meal!
[It's then he's digging in and it's good! It's much better then what he could make and he happily keeps eating more and more. Not wanting to pause he gives Dolph a thumbs up to signal it's tasty.]
[Zack takes a seat and grabs some of the pasta for his plate. He quickly places his hands together and closes his eyes for a moment.] Thanks for the meal!
[It's then he's digging in and it's good! It's much better then what he could make and he happily keeps eating more and more. Not wanting to pause he gives Dolph a thumbs up to signal it's tasty.]
[Zack makes sure to wipe his face before reaching over the table to hold Dolph's hand. ]
I love it. Food is one of my favorite things and my favorite person made some for me. It's like the best gift ever. You know my mentor used to cook for me and it was the best feeling to feel loved enough that someone would do that for me. I haven't had it in years...so thank you Dolph. Thank you a lot.
I love it. Food is one of my favorite things and my favorite person made some for me. It's like the best gift ever. You know my mentor used to cook for me and it was the best feeling to feel loved enough that someone would do that for me. I haven't had it in years...so thank you Dolph. Thank you a lot.
I love it.
[He does the same in return, just holding Dolph's hand as he eats more of the pasta.]
Thank you, it's my favorite present.
[He does the same in return, just holding Dolph's hand as he eats more of the pasta.]
Thank you, it's my favorite present.
I'm not one to compare gifts.
[He does let go of Dolph for a moment so he can go grab something. It's the cool leather jacket that Chris got him with the one sleeve missing. He puts it on and poses for Dolph.]
How does it look? Chris said you'd find it super sexy on me!
[He's flexing his arm, hoping Chris was right.]
Do you like it? It's I guess for both of us? Supposed to take us to bonerville...wherever that is.
[He does let go of Dolph for a moment so he can go grab something. It's the cool leather jacket that Chris got him with the one sleeve missing. He puts it on and poses for Dolph.]
How does it look? Chris said you'd find it super sexy on me!
[He's flexing his arm, hoping Chris was right.]
Do you like it? It's I guess for both of us? Supposed to take us to bonerville...wherever that is.
WAIT IT IS????
[He goes a little red abd definitely stops posing]
Mannnnnn at least I look good. I didn't know Chris was trying to get my laid.
[He goes a little red abd definitely stops posing]
Mannnnnn at least I look good. I didn't know Chris was trying to get my laid.
I mean it's not like I haven't thought of it with you. You kiss so nice it's hard not too but like....
[He pouts, unsure what to say or explain himself so he just walks over to Dolph and flops onto him]
Can you tell me I look good again? I liked that part.
[He pouts, unsure what to say or explain himself so he just walks over to Dolph and flops onto him]
Can you tell me I look good again? I liked that part.
[Its clear by the almost sparkle in his eyes that Dolph's making him swoon with the way hes being soft with him. Zack leans down and rubs their noses together.]
You're incredibly handsome too
[And then he's leaning down to kiss Dolph, enjoying the present of his presence most of all.]
You're incredibly handsome too
[And then he's leaning down to kiss Dolph, enjoying the present of his presence most of all.]
[ dolph is not a soft person by nature. or maybe he just simply believes he can't be. so much of his life was hardship and sorrow that the idea that he could be soft slips his mind so often. but he's always trying, by the way he hums into the kiss or the gentle press of his fingers against zack's waist. ]
[Zack answers the sweetness with his own. His hands cupping Dolph's cheek as his thumb presses against his metal plate, always enjoying touching all of him, skin or not. He likes all of Dolph after all.]
You make me happy.
[He mumbles against the kiss, too into it to pull away so he says it mid kiss and against Dolph's lips.]
You make me happy.
[He mumbles against the kiss, too into it to pull away so he says it mid kiss and against Dolph's lips.]
[It's not exactly what he wants to hear but he will take it for now. Dolph is taking it slow with him for sex, Zack can take the affection slow for Dolph.]
Always am with you.
[He smiles into the kiss and shifts a bit to straddle his boyfriend in the chair, resting on his lap.]
'm not too heavy...right?
Always am with you.
[He smiles into the kiss and shifts a bit to straddle his boyfriend in the chair, resting on his lap.]
'm not too heavy...right?
I probably could too, just never really saw a reason too though now that I think about it....
[Zack leans back to rub at his own chin, clearly deep in thought. It's very hard to think when Dolph's touching him like that and making him shiver a little in excitement.]
I guess a car could be a good shield right?
[His face is slowly turning pink]
That feels good you know...the thing you're doing with your hands right now.
[Zack leans back to rub at his own chin, clearly deep in thought. It's very hard to think when Dolph's touching him like that and making him shiver a little in excitement.]
I guess a car could be a good shield right?
[His face is slowly turning pink]
That feels good you know...the thing you're doing with your hands right now.
Ah... I can see that..
[He closes his eyes as Dolph starts to touch him more. The kisses up his neck has him leaning closer to Dolph, lips parting in quiet moans.]
[He closes his eyes as Dolph starts to touch him more. The kisses up his neck has him leaning closer to Dolph, lips parting in quiet moans.]
[He doesn't really know what he wants but he does enjoy how this is making him feel.]
I guess...more of this? Just...stay with me?
I guess...more of this? Just...stay with me?
[Zack keeps his eyes closed and just leans his fully body against Dolph, resting his head on his shoulders. It's nice, almost like a massage but more intimate.]
I love this.
I love this.
[He does just that and relaxes all of his weight on Dolph.]
Oh, believe me I am.
Oh, believe me I am.
Thank you for an awesome present Dolph. I'll never forget this night with you.
[He means it too, wrapping his own arms around the man, mindful to not hug the chair too.]
[He means it too, wrapping his own arms around the man, mindful to not hug the chair too.]
You having a good time too?
[He knows he's getting more out of this gift then Dolph is but that doesn't mean he shouldn't enjoy it too.]
[He knows he's getting more out of this gift then Dolph is but that doesn't mean he shouldn't enjoy it too.]
You aren't feeling used though...right? I don't want to feel like I'm using you or anything. I'd like to keep this mutual between us if I can.
I do?
[Their relationship was for sure an odd one but he only had one other relationship to really base it on so to him it's not too strange.]
Is there more I could do?
[Their relationship was for sure an odd one but he only had one other relationship to really base it on so to him it's not too strange.]
Is there more I could do?
But I like doing things for others.
[Zack doesn't yet know what he's explaining is that his love language includes acts of service.]
Is that bad then?
[Zack doesn't yet know what he's explaining is that his love language includes acts of service.]
Is that bad then?
For you too? Like if I want to kidnap you and just cuddle you an entire day, would you let me?
[Zack just laughs a bit and smiles.]
It's going to be random though okay? Can't be a proper kidnapping unless you least expect it.
It's going to be random though okay? Can't be a proper kidnapping unless you least expect it.
You shouldn't trust your kidnapper!
[He just starts to laugh a bit at that but doesn't move. He just stays where he is.]
Thank you though...for trusting me. That means a lot and I know it's not easy for you.
[He just starts to laugh a bit at that but doesn't move. He just stays where he is.]
Thank you though...for trusting me. That means a lot and I know it's not easy for you.
I'll take some.
This really is the best holiday present ever.
[He kisses Dolph's neck once more, giving him a squeeze.]
Hey...wanna try cuddling and watching tv again? I promise It will be better this time. These chairs can't be that comfortable.
This really is the best holiday present ever.
[He kisses Dolph's neck once more, giving him a squeeze.]
Hey...wanna try cuddling and watching tv again? I promise It will be better this time. These chairs can't be that comfortable.
Ughhhh that means I need to get off you.
[He pouts for a moment and gives Dolph one more tight hug before he gets off and holds out his hand.]
C'mon babe, let's go cuddle into the morning.
[He pouts for a moment and gives Dolph one more tight hug before he gets off and holds out his hand.]
C'mon babe, let's go cuddle into the morning.
Hehe, well I love romance.
[He pulls him up and leads him to the couch where there is a blanket thrown haphazardly on the couch already and some old snacks left out. Zack isnt the neatest.]
Ugh....lemme just...move these....
[He grabs the chip bags and moves them off the couch and sends some crumbs to rhe floor before he presents the blanket and couch to Dolph.]
Your throne, my liege.
[He pulls him up and leads him to the couch where there is a blanket thrown haphazardly on the couch already and some old snacks left out. Zack isnt the neatest.]
Ugh....lemme just...move these....
[He grabs the chip bags and moves them off the couch and sends some crumbs to rhe floor before he presents the blanket and couch to Dolph.]
Your throne, my liege.
[Zack flops down next to him and grabs the blanket so he can cover both of them in it.]
Mhmmm toasty and comfy.
[He's just going to grab Dolph and cuddle him, practically wrapping himself around the other man.]
Mhmmm toasty and comfy.
[He's just going to grab Dolph and cuddle him, practically wrapping himself around the other man.]
[Zack runs warm and he keeps Dolph close. He's so happy to be cuddling once more with him, it fills him with love and happiness.]
Best holiday ever.
Best holiday ever.
You think we can do this next year too? Maybe make it a tradition?
[He knows there is no guarantee he might even be here tomorrow let alone a year from now.]
I mean...I hope to be with you till then and longer even...if you'd let me.
[He knows there is no guarantee he might even be here tomorrow let alone a year from now.]
I mean...I hope to be with you till then and longer even...if you'd let me.
Then that's what I hope for the future, at least another year at your side.
[He's a bit embarrassed at himself and just hides his face against Dolph after that.]
[He's a bit embarrassed at himself and just hides his face against Dolph after that.]
[Zack sighs happily and just nods.]
It's a promise.
It's a promise.
I'm glad we're dating. I hope I always get to treat you right.
[Zack smiles softly and closes his eyes.]
Stay the night?
[Zack smiles softly and closes his eyes.]
Stay the night?
[He just grins and cuddles in closer]
Sweet dreams Dolph.
Sweet dreams Dolph.
[On Christmas Eve, a package is left on Laserhawk's door. It contains a t-shirt and a pair of happy slippers. The note reads:]
You rock, Laserhawk. Hope things start looking up for you. ♡ Chris
You rock, Laserhawk. Hope things start looking up for you. ♡ Chris
Ta make yaself feel good. Ta help with stress. An if ya wanna come use my house for privacy, ya can. I been meanin ta give ya a key. Nice safe place.
Sure. It’s my house but I don’t live there anything like regular. I’m mostly over at Temple’s. I don’t mind ya havin a key. It’s safe there, an pretty nice.
Why would givin ya a key be a bad idea? Ya not gonna run around destroying my house. An ya not gonna bring in people who would. Why shouldn’t I make sure ya got a safe place ya go if ya want one?
I know it ain't necessary, but I think it's nice an thoughtful. I don't mind that someone I trust uses the house. Ya don't gotta use it, ya just can.
Good. No reason not ta give a friend nice things.
Hawk, ya gonna take carea my place better than I do. Cause ya give a shit. Ya worry too much over things. The knowledge ya got a good, safe place ta stay anytime ya want's worth any potential problems.
I do. I say I want ya ta use the house if ya wanna. I'll getcha a key soon's I can. Till then I'm happy ta letcha in myself.
It's no trouble. Just lemme know when ya want in.
[McCoy knows he’s bullying and it’s not really what he ought to do, but Dolph needs someone to help him see his own value! And why shouldn’t the man have access to nice things? It was the right thing to do!
At least in McCoy’s mind.]
Ya know, if ya said more words in whole sentences I might bug ya a lot less.
At least in McCoy’s mind.]
Ya know, if ya said more words in whole sentences I might bug ya a lot less.
Ya a laugh riot, ya know that? Are ya at least givin me a smartass smile?
True. I seem ta be fated ta gather all the assholes ta my breast an then suffer. Just my cross ta bear.
[He was teasing, which hopefully came across in the text.]
[He was teasing, which hopefully came across in the text.]
I am seriously put upon by idiots with death wishes! I don't enjoy that!
[Except maybe he sort of did.]
[Except maybe he sort of did.]
I do. Ya think that's why I grab alla strays?
Ya might have a point.
[McCoy knew the man was right, but he enjoyed the fact that Dolph was playing with him.]
[McCoy knew the man was right, but he enjoyed the fact that Dolph was playing with him.]
Yeah, might. I'm just a really helpful person.
The only way ta say it! I'm just one big helpin hand!
[McCoy was deliberately trying to bait the man.]
[McCoy was deliberately trying to bait the man.]
I dunno. Never been told that back home, but I guess ya got a point.
Uh huh. I think ya just jealous cause I say more'n six words at a time.
Case in point. That's barely half. Ya just not capablea being a great conversationalist.
Oh oh! That's one more word'n usual! See? Ya can totally say more stuff if ya try!
Didn't say it was exactly a problem. Besides, takes one ta know one, right?
Hey! Don't go broadcastin that! I still got hopes someone'll buy it!
A friend! A mean one apparently . . .
[It was nice the man was playing with him. They were teasing each other, or at least McCoy thought they were.]
[It was nice the man was playing with him. They were teasing each other, or at least McCoy thought they were.]
Bah! That pretty face hides a mean attitude.
Ya just like ta lull me inta a false sensea security with all that cool logic an quiet brrodin.
Seems like I'm doin just that Hawk. An enjoyin it.
We could try ta find somethin together ya know. They say activities're more fun with a friend.
There's gotta be somethin ya like ta do besides gimme a hard time
Well start. Sittin alone in the dark ain't a hobby, it's just weird an sad. Ya deserve better'n that.
Ya know, sometimes ya take me way too literally. If ya seriously sittin in dark rooms at all, we really gotta fix that fast.
[He wanted to argue that, but Dolph actually had a point. Sometimes it was a comfort to sit quietly in the dark.]
Ok, ya got a point. There are times when sittin in a dark room's helpful. But ya know I didn't mean it that way.
Ok, ya got a point. There are times when sittin in a dark room's helpful. But ya know I didn't mean it that way.
I'm just sayin it ain't a hobby. Hobbies're somethin ya do for fun. Ya oughta be smilin if ya doin it. I know ya ain't gonna do that, but as long's ya look slightly less broody, I'll take it.
Not sure. Wouldja consider goin runnin with me?
It's not a competition. Ya'd go at the same pace. So we were still together an could chat as we went.
Yeah. That's what I said ta start with.
[Technically no, he hadn't, but it's what he'd meant.]
[Technically no, he hadn't, but it's what he'd meant.]
Well it's what I meant then. Joggin. Together. In the mornins.
Really? That's great! Wouldja be willin ta meet me at the beach house? I usually go from there ta Haven.
Well, it's easiest for me, but it ain't just about me. We can take turns meetin places if ya want.
Well ya lemme know if ya start to, ok? It'll be nice havin a runnin buddy.
[Somebody is too chickenshit to deliver this in person. He already embarrassed himself enough in the letter, so... Enjoy that.]
Hey Dolph,
If this is weird, I'm sorry. Like a lot of things, I've never actually celebrated Christmas before. Now that I'm thinking about it, I don't even know if you do. If not, then... happy Monday, I guess?
Sorry also if your ear isn't pierced. You just don't strike me as a necklace guy and a ring seems like a little too much. Maybe I'm way off. I probably should have just asked you about this stuff.
Sorry.
Also sorry for apologizing so much.
Regards,
Liv
[And along with that painfully fucking humiliating letter is a small box, containing an earring. It's quite simple, a flat piece of metal shaped like a wolf similar to the mask Dolph had at the masquerade, with a few details etched into it.]
Hey Dolph,
If this is weird, I'm sorry. Like a lot of things, I've never actually celebrated Christmas before. Now that I'm thinking about it, I don't even know if you do. If not, then... happy Monday, I guess?
Sorry also if your ear isn't pierced. You just don't strike me as a necklace guy and a ring seems like a little too much. Maybe I'm way off. I probably should have just asked you about this stuff.
Sorry.
Also sorry for apologizing so much.
Regards,
Liv
[And along with that painfully fucking humiliating letter is a small box, containing an earring. It's quite simple, a flat piece of metal shaped like a wolf similar to the mask Dolph had at the masquerade, with a few details etched into it.]
[Oh god oh lord time to face the music -- ]
i'm sorry, i didn't. i'm pretty clumsy... but i'm trying to learn to get better with delicate tasks like that. i would love to be able to make things for you. if i even have the right to ask for just a little bit more of your patience. i know it's a lot already.
i'm sorry, i didn't. i'm pretty clumsy... but i'm trying to learn to get better with delicate tasks like that. i would love to be able to make things for you. if i even have the right to ask for just a little bit more of your patience. i know it's a lot already.
well, good, then. just wait and i'll drown you in all the knick knacks you never knew you needed!
whoa, try saying that five times fast!
that's ok! i wasn't expecting anything from anyone, myself, i just wanted you to know i was thinking about you.
whoa, try saying that five times fast!
that's ok! i wasn't expecting anything from anyone, myself, i just wanted you to know i was thinking about you.
ok, ok, i hear you. i'll try, ok? promise.
well, you can always ask! i'll try to be as open as i can be. you deserve that much.
well, you can always ask! i'll try to be as open as i can be. you deserve that much.
[Ah. That. That's only fair.]
had a third arm on my back. most of it's to make sure none of the wires get crossed, so to speak. the ear was
a replacement
and a communicator of sorts
had a third arm on my back. most of it's to make sure none of the wires get crossed, so to speak. the ear was
a replacement
and a communicator of sorts
only when i think about it.
ah. i don't mean anything by that.
sometimes i get phantom pain when my body tries to reach for something back there. weird, huh? since i wasn't born with it or anything, and couldn't exactly feel it
ah. i don't mean anything by that.
sometimes i get phantom pain when my body tries to reach for something back there. weird, huh? since i wasn't born with it or anything, and couldn't exactly feel it
hm
guess our brains are kind of messed up. just humans in general, i mean.
guess our brains are kind of messed up. just humans in general, i mean.
well, if you think of any ways i can help clean it, or just make it more manageable for you, you know where to find me.
[That's a relief to Livio.]
i wouldn't turn it away, but i only want you to do it because you want to, not because you feel obligated. that fair?
i wouldn't turn it away, but i only want you to do it because you want to, not because you feel obligated. that fair?
lately?
gardening i guess? couldn't do that back on nml
and then, the. delicate fine motor movement things
gardening i guess? couldn't do that back on nml
and then, the. delicate fine motor movement things
oh
really?
[Dolph has no idea how attractive that is to Livio.]
that sounds
real nice
thank you.
really?
[Dolph has no idea how attractive that is to Livio.]
that sounds
real nice
thank you.
[ A gift bag with two small, lidded mugs with hot cocoa mix, and a note tucked into the side in looping calligraphy, much more elegant than his usual texting style might make you think: enjoy with someone special! thanks for being so cool, and thanks for the idea. happy holidays! <3, Artemis ]
[How does one knock on the door when the door is up a ladder.
Livio is not even sure that fucking thing will hold him. The ladder, or the tree?
Yes.
...
He will just knock on the trunk and call up.]
Dolph?
Livio is not even sure that fucking thing will hold him. The ladder, or the tree?
Yes.
...
He will just knock on the trunk and call up.]
Dolph?
[Ohhh there's his handsome mansome. Livio tips his hat real polite-like and smiles up at Dolph.]
Howdy. I brought ya somethin'. 'n I was hopin' to talk, if ya got the time.
Howdy. I brought ya somethin'. 'n I was hopin' to talk, if ya got the time.
[Livio is never not in his t-shirt and leather pants, very sorry about that.]
Well, first of all...
[He offers a little paper-wrapped bundle to Dolph. Inside is a single, very simple clay cup. It's bigger than a standard coffee mug because... well, mostly because Livio's big hands, but also because Dolph is taller than average. And the walls are thick, to maintain heat. It's glazed and fired and everything, all ready to be used!]
This ain't pretty, or nothin, but... I did actually make it.
Well, first of all...
[He offers a little paper-wrapped bundle to Dolph. Inside is a single, very simple clay cup. It's bigger than a standard coffee mug because... well, mostly because Livio's big hands, but also because Dolph is taller than average. And the walls are thick, to maintain heat. It's glazed and fired and everything, all ready to be used!]
This ain't pretty, or nothin, but... I did actually make it.
[...
????????
Hello??? Dolph come on... It's ugly...]
That's, um... generous!
????????
Hello??? Dolph come on... It's ugly...]
That's, um... generous!
[... Well. Dolph's reaction is genuine enough that Livio can't help but believe it. Like so many things around Dolph, it makes his cheeks feel warm.]
I'm glad... First thing I made that actually made it through the kiln.
I'm glad... First thing I made that actually made it through the kiln.
Sure as the suns rise.
Got told it oughta go to somebody special, 'n... well. You're the first one I thought of. Honestly, I wish I had somethin' prettier or more unique to offer...
Got told it oughta go to somebody special, 'n... well. You're the first one I thought of. Honestly, I wish I had somethin' prettier or more unique to offer...
[Ah. And now he's suddenly worried Dolph will think he was buttering him up.]
Yeah. I was hopin' we could, um... clarify some things? Just so I'm not steppin' on toes or nothin'.
Yeah. I was hopin' we could, um... clarify some things? Just so I'm not steppin' on toes or nothin'.
[He swears he was making that silly cup long before this.
There's a moment where Livio just chews on his lip, trying to figure out the best way to word things...]
Well, for starters, I want it out there that yer feelin's are important to me. So if you're willin' to be blunt 'n honest with me, I'd sure appreciate it. ... Not that you haven't been so far, I just wanna be certain.
[Hough.]
Where d'you stand on seein' other folks official-like? I mean more than just kissin' 'n that stuff. Actually usin' big words like "partner" or whatnot. [And actually --] Before you answer, I want you to know whatever you say won't make me wanna stop bein' with you. Like y'said before... I chose you.
There's a moment where Livio just chews on his lip, trying to figure out the best way to word things...]
Well, for starters, I want it out there that yer feelin's are important to me. So if you're willin' to be blunt 'n honest with me, I'd sure appreciate it. ... Not that you haven't been so far, I just wanna be certain.
[Hough.]
Where d'you stand on seein' other folks official-like? I mean more than just kissin' 'n that stuff. Actually usin' big words like "partner" or whatnot. [And actually --] Before you answer, I want you to know whatever you say won't make me wanna stop bein' with you. Like y'said before... I chose you.
[ dolph turns the cup over in his hands, thinking it over. livio doesn't have much experience. with partners, with people too, most likely. all of this is new to him. and it's less new to dolph. he's been in love. he's done dating. he's done it all. ]
You should . . . meet more people if you want. Kiss them, sex, whatever. I won't mind. It'll be good. It'll help you learn what you want.
[ livio is not in love with him. dolph is . . . too broken to fall in love with someone. being pedantic seems unfair and he didn't want to do that. it should be a beautiful thing, to search and find what you're missing. what you don't even know you wanted.
he swallows it down. ]
If you get yourself another partner, then I'd like to know. Or we can not be, if that's easier.
You should . . . meet more people if you want. Kiss them, sex, whatever. I won't mind. It'll be good. It'll help you learn what you want.
[ livio is not in love with him. dolph is . . . too broken to fall in love with someone. being pedantic seems unfair and he didn't want to do that. it should be a beautiful thing, to search and find what you're missing. what you don't even know you wanted.
he swallows it down. ]
If you get yourself another partner, then I'd like to know. Or we can not be, if that's easier.
[Liv sure hopes it's okay to touch him right now, because he can't seem to stop himself from at least trying to lay his hand over Dolph's.]
It isn't that I don't wanna be with you. I for sure don't wanna leave you just to go chasin' other folks. I just... I guess I got stuff in my head without actually askin' how you feel before now.
I know your last relationship went... real sour. The last thing I want's to make you feel like you don't matter to me. I get that we don't know near everythin' about each other, but that don't mean I don't wanna be with you. I do.
It isn't that I don't wanna be with you. I for sure don't wanna leave you just to go chasin' other folks. I just... I guess I got stuff in my head without actually askin' how you feel before now.
I know your last relationship went... real sour. The last thing I want's to make you feel like you don't matter to me. I get that we don't know near everythin' about each other, but that don't mean I don't wanna be with you. I do.
[ the touch is reassuring and it settles him a little. ]
You can be with me and still want to be with other people. You should get to explore that.
I just meant . . . if your feelings change. If you feel strongly about someone else, you should follow it through.
You can be with me and still want to be with other people. You should get to explore that.
I just meant . . . if your feelings change. If you feel strongly about someone else, you should follow it through.
[Thank god for that. He may just hold Dolph's hands with both of his, in that case.]
I'll keep it in mind, I guess. But... what about you? If yer wonderin' about my feelin's, I want you to find as much love as y'can handle.
I'll keep it in mind, I guess. But... what about you? If yer wonderin' about my feelin's, I want you to find as much love as y'can handle.
[Livio feels like he should give Dolph space, but he's trying to stop assuming what Dolph wants.]
Why not...?
Why not...?
[Despite Livio's... feelings on this ex, right now he's just worried about Dolph.
... And maybe a little bit about what that means for them.]
I mean... you deserve people who care about you. Who act like it.
Is this... [Is it unfair to ask this when he isn't in love with Dolph yet? Maybe. He really can't tell.] Do you not want this to go that far? To... love, I mean. I'd shoot myself before I would you.
... And maybe a little bit about what that means for them.]
I mean... you deserve people who care about you. Who act like it.
Is this... [Is it unfair to ask this when he isn't in love with Dolph yet? Maybe. He really can't tell.] Do you not want this to go that far? To... love, I mean. I'd shoot myself before I would you.
[ dolph eyes him curiously for a moment before becoming somber. ]
It's the one thing I can't ask of anyone. Even you. It's . . . too much work. Too much pain. And it's not supposed to be. I know how it was. I was loved.
It's nice to be with you. Nicer . . . than I ever thought it could be. But you're not in love with me. And you're not going to be.
It's the one thing I can't ask of anyone. Even you. It's . . . too much work. Too much pain. And it's not supposed to be. I know how it was. I was loved.
It's nice to be with you. Nicer . . . than I ever thought it could be. But you're not in love with me. And you're not going to be.
[Livio's heart aches for Dolph. So much so it takes the air from his lungs for a moment.]
... That doesn't answer my question. Do you want it, Dolph? Because if you don't, I -- I don't know if that's somethin' I can promise. [He may be a fool about a lot of things, but Livio is plenty aware that he loves fast, and he loves so much it consumes him.]
... That doesn't answer my question. Do you want it, Dolph? Because if you don't, I -- I don't know if that's somethin' I can promise. [He may be a fool about a lot of things, but Livio is plenty aware that he loves fast, and he loves so much it consumes him.]
Okay... [He squeezes his hands slightly around Dolph's, unsure if he wants more contact.
Maybe it's selfish to try to relate to him out loud, but... it also feels like Dolph is so alone and Liv would give anything in this moment to make it not so.]
... I loved, too. I wasn't in love, but -- it was still real love. [His feelings may have been manipulated, but they were real. Not just to Livio.] The person I loved and trusted the most tried to kill me, just because it was convenient. I gave him my everything, and I was still expendable.
Maybe it's selfish to try to relate to him out loud, but... it also feels like Dolph is so alone and Liv would give anything in this moment to make it not so.]
... I loved, too. I wasn't in love, but -- it was still real love. [His feelings may have been manipulated, but they were real. Not just to Livio.] The person I loved and trusted the most tried to kill me, just because it was convenient. I gave him my everything, and I was still expendable.
[ oh. dolph looks up at him, eyes wide. he knew there were similarities, he just didn't think it was completely across. tentatively, he laces his fingers with livio. ]
How did you go on?
[ because dolph . . . hadn't wanted to. killing alex was the right thing to do and he didn't feel guilty but . . . the pain was indescribable. like his heart had been wrenched out of his chest. ]
How did you go on?
[ because dolph . . . hadn't wanted to. killing alex was the right thing to do and he didn't feel guilty but . . . the pain was indescribable. like his heart had been wrenched out of his chest. ]
[That makes him feel a little better about moving closer.
Part of Livio (he knows exactly what part) still feels wrong being so vulnerable with someone, like he's a wild animal willfully exposing his underbelly. It makes him want to lash out or run as fast and far as he can until his legs snap beneath him.
But he doesn't. And he doesn't think he says what Dolph wants to hear, either.]
Only did because I had to. I'd say it was outta spite, but really, it's guilt.
He tried to shoot me just to get at someone he hated. Someone I did actually matter to. Only... that someone was already dyin', because of what I'd done. He saved me from that blow... From that man.
So... if I'd just given up, laid down and let myself waste away... I'd've been spittin' on my best friend's grave.
Part of Livio (he knows exactly what part) still feels wrong being so vulnerable with someone, like he's a wild animal willfully exposing his underbelly. It makes him want to lash out or run as fast and far as he can until his legs snap beneath him.
But he doesn't. And he doesn't think he says what Dolph wants to hear, either.]
Only did because I had to. I'd say it was outta spite, but really, it's guilt.
He tried to shoot me just to get at someone he hated. Someone I did actually matter to. Only... that someone was already dyin', because of what I'd done. He saved me from that blow... From that man.
So... if I'd just given up, laid down and let myself waste away... I'd've been spittin' on my best friend's grave.
Edited 2023-12-30 04:57 (UTC)
[ he does remember the guilt. leaving eden, knowing he had all that blood on his hands. he doesn't hold onto it as strongly as the anger and fear, the visceral pain he felt as eden had turned him inside out and then made him an enemy in his own country. the only place he had ever known.
eden punishes those who stand up for themselves.
gently, dolph reaches out to lay his palm against livio's cheek before leaning in to press their foreheads together. ]
It's a better world with you in it.
eden punishes those who stand up for themselves.
gently, dolph reaches out to lay his palm against livio's cheek before leaning in to press their foreheads together. ]
It's a better world with you in it.
[Anger and fear may always be a part of Livio, one deeper down than the other, but the guilt is what really drives him. In that sense, he and Dolph are similar, but different.
It's easy enough to crane his neck and close his eyes right now, though. To let himself find comfort in Dolph's touch.]
I'm glad y'think so. 'n I'm glad I got the chance to meet you.
It's easy enough to crane his neck and close his eyes right now, though. To let himself find comfort in Dolph's touch.]
I'm glad y'think so. 'n I'm glad I got the chance to meet you.
[ dolph has his fingers rub soothing circles into livio's neck. the way he used to. ]
Me too.
I'm glad someone cared enough to save you.
[ he doesn't know what that is like. or he does, in a way. alex had saved him. alex destroyed him. reconciling the two is . . . a process. ]
Me too.
I'm glad someone cared enough to save you.
[ he doesn't know what that is like. or he does, in a way. alex had saved him. alex destroyed him. reconciling the two is . . . a process. ]
[Livio isn't so arrogant to think he's in a position to save Dolph in turn, but fuck if he doesn't want to at least try protecting his heart from further hurt. He slides his free hand around Dolph's waist, more unabashed and firm than he's allowed himself thus far.]
I don't agree with you, about before. I don't think love is s'posed to be easy. It is work. 'n sometimes it hurts. But I wanna put in that work. 'n I don't think you could hurt me worse'n I already have been.
I don't agree with you, about before. I don't think love is s'posed to be easy. It is work. 'n sometimes it hurts. But I wanna put in that work. 'n I don't think you could hurt me worse'n I already have been.
[Just based on the conversations they've already had, Livio can imagine it isn't easy for Dolph to just go along without protest. He appreciates that. It makes it clear that Dolph is trying, too. And Livio rewards that, nuzzling into his hair to press kisses to his head.]
[Oh lord does he chuckle.]
Yeah? Took ya long enough to figure that out.
Yeah? Took ya long enough to figure that out.
[That will instantly get a shiver out of Livio, and if Dolph keeps it up, a choked hum from Livio's throat. The tips of his fingers dig into the small of Dolph's back on reflex.]
You're... affectionate!
You're... affectionate!
[Absolutely, he can. It makes him shudder.]
Ain't that far, darlin'...
Ain't that far, darlin'...
[Hadn't been Livio's intention, exactly, but he sure isn't complaining when he notices.
He does look up the ladder, at the structure in the tree... then back down at himself, suddenly very conscious of his size.]
Um... Y'don't think I'd hurt it?
He does look up the ladder, at the structure in the tree... then back down at himself, suddenly very conscious of his size.]
Um... Y'don't think I'd hurt it?
[It's fine. If Livio breaks Dolph's house he'll just have to drag him over to his. Fair is fair.]
Nah... It's okay. I trust you.
[... He will wait for Dolph's lead, though.]
Nah... It's okay. I trust you.
[... He will wait for Dolph's lead, though.]
[ he presses a light kiss to his jaw. ]
All right. Just follow me.
[ dolph will lead livio up the treehouse. it doesn't have water and electricity yet because he hadn't thought about visitors. the dark made it easier and he wasn't sure how ready he was for comfort.
but he does keep it clean. there's a sweater hanging off a chair and other furniture scattered about. ]
All right. Just follow me.
[ dolph will lead livio up the treehouse. it doesn't have water and electricity yet because he hadn't thought about visitors. the dark made it easier and he wasn't sure how ready he was for comfort.
but he does keep it clean. there's a sweater hanging off a chair and other furniture scattered about. ]
[Yet another thing that Livio discovers makes him shiver. Logging that away.
Careful as he is climbing up, it seems sturdy enough.The view isn't bad, either.
Liv is kind of ridiculous about some things. Such as, he tries not to look too closely at anything, as if simply being in someone's home is a violation of their privacy. But he is comfortable enough for at least one comment.]
Bigger than I thought it'd be in here.
Careful as he is climbing up, it seems sturdy enough.
Liv is kind of ridiculous about some things. Such as, he tries not to look too closely at anything, as if simply being in someone's home is a violation of their privacy. But he is comfortable enough for at least one comment.]
Bigger than I thought it'd be in here.
Levi told me to get a treehouse.
[ so. that's what he got. he rubs the back of his neck, a little self-conscious. he's never had his own "place" before. he shared alex's room back in eden and even before that, it was the barracks. ]
It's still strange. Having my own . . . place. I don't really know what to do with it most of the time.
[ so. that's what he got. he rubs the back of his neck, a little self-conscious. he's never had his own "place" before. he shared alex's room back in eden and even before that, it was the barracks. ]
It's still strange. Having my own . . . place. I don't really know what to do with it most of the time.
It's private, at least. And pretty.
[Livio just smiles, relaxed, hoping it helps Dolph feel more at ease.]
I get it. I really only remember living at the orphanage and the compound, so a "home" is weird to get used to. I only have stuff other folks've given me to decorate mine. [Like a certain carved plaque.]
[Livio just smiles, relaxed, hoping it helps Dolph feel more at ease.]
I get it. I really only remember living at the orphanage and the compound, so a "home" is weird to get used to. I only have stuff other folks've given me to decorate mine. [Like a certain carved plaque.]
[That pulls at Liv's heart strings, but he doesn't draw attention to it unless Dolph continues to do so. He tries not to think about his time, if he can help it.]
Maybe! I'll have to make ya a whole set o' stoneware.
Oh -- that reminds me. What d'ya like to drink? You a coffee guy? [He seems like a coffee guy.] Tea? Cocoa, even?
Maybe! I'll have to make ya a whole set o' stoneware.
Oh -- that reminds me. What d'ya like to drink? You a coffee guy? [He seems like a coffee guy.] Tea? Cocoa, even?
[ dolph considers this for a moment. ]
Tea, I guess.
[ alex was a coffee person. dolph didn't mind it, quite liked the bitter taste. but lately . . . ]
I have some, I think. If you want.
[ he should . . . do host things shouldn't he. what the fuck are those. dimly, he tries to recall what levi had done when dolph arrived. ]
Tea, I guess.
[ alex was a coffee person. dolph didn't mind it, quite liked the bitter taste. but lately . . . ]
I have some, I think. If you want.
[ he should . . . do host things shouldn't he. what the fuck are those. dimly, he tries to recall what levi had done when dolph arrived. ]
Tea. [Good to know!] What kinds?
[Livio could literally not give less of a shit what an attentive host Dolph is. He is far more interested in just spending time with him.]
Oh. I'm okay. I just wanted to know so I can treat ya, put that dinky lil thing to use. But if you wanna have some, I can wait.
[Livio could literally not give less of a shit what an attentive host Dolph is. He is far more interested in just spending time with him.]
Oh. I'm okay. I just wanted to know so I can treat ya, put that dinky lil thing to use. But if you wanna have some, I can wait.
Hm.
[Livio is mostly quiet as well, taking the time to commit that to memory. If nothing else, he could wish for some leaves, right?
He does as directed, though he sits down very slowly and carefully. He's already broken a chair since he arrived...]
Alrighty, then. Thanks.
[Livio is mostly quiet as well, taking the time to commit that to memory. If nothing else, he could wish for some leaves, right?
He does as directed, though he sits down very slowly and carefully. He's already broken a chair since he arrived...]
Alrighty, then. Thanks.
[ dolph nods curtly as he goes to fetch them both some tea. it doesn't take long and he's back to two mugs. one was livio's newfound mug that dolph is using and he hands livio a plain one.
while lacking in experience, dolph is generally quick when it comes to upskilling. the tea is hot and not too sweet, enough to taste the notes underneath. dolph watches livio's reaction from the corner of his eye, curious. ]
while lacking in experience, dolph is generally quick when it comes to upskilling. the tea is hot and not too sweet, enough to taste the notes underneath. dolph watches livio's reaction from the corner of his eye, curious. ]
[Does Livio flush a little seeing Dolph use that already? Maybe so.
And he's already grateful that Dolph insisted. A lot of drinks seem to run sweeter than Livio's taste, and he's rapidly growing to appreciate earthy flavors.]
It's good! Thank you. [For now, he holds the mug close to his face so he can breathe in the aroma.] Clean water was hard enough to get on No Man's Land. So sprucin' it up like this wasn't really somethin' I got to enjoy much.
And he's already grateful that Dolph insisted. A lot of drinks seem to run sweeter than Livio's taste, and he's rapidly growing to appreciate earthy flavors.]
It's good! Thank you. [For now, he holds the mug close to his face so he can breathe in the aroma.] Clean water was hard enough to get on No Man's Land. So sprucin' it up like this wasn't really somethin' I got to enjoy much.
There were definitely folks back home who hoarded certain Plants 'n what they produced... but I don't think they could hold a candle to yer Eden.
[If that's a whole lot of shit that needs explaining, well... oops.]
[If that's a whole lot of shit that needs explaining, well... oops.]
Oh. That's a whole thing, huh...
[How to be succinct...]
Back home, capital P Plants are livin' beings that act as generators for... pretty much everything. Oxygen, water, food, energy. You name a thing, there's prob'ly a Plant for it. But they're... a finite resource, so... y'can imagine how stingy folks are with the ones they "own."
[How to be succinct...]
Back home, capital P Plants are livin' beings that act as generators for... pretty much everything. Oxygen, water, food, energy. You name a thing, there's prob'ly a Plant for it. But they're... a finite resource, so... y'can imagine how stingy folks are with the ones they "own."
Sounds kinda like one o' the Seven Cities. Metal everythin', at least.
[And in turn, Livio sighs. He isn't a stranger to that, either.]
Guess bad people everywhere like to trick ya 'n draw ya in with the biblical stuff.
[And in turn, Livio sighs. He isn't a stranger to that, either.]
Guess bad people everywhere like to trick ya 'n draw ya in with the biblical stuff.
[Being close to Dolph as opposed to thinking about the bad shit? Sign him up! He might even scoot his chair to the point of touching, and lay his head sideways on Dolph's shoulder.]
We sure are. Fuck 'em both.
We sure are. Fuck 'em both.
Fuck them all.
[ his hands threads itself in livio's hair, combing through. another familiar motion he's not thinking too hard about. he had missed this. he had missed having someone to care for. ]
That was my dream. To leave Eden behind. Find a nice place to live quietly.
[ his hands threads itself in livio's hair, combing through. another familiar motion he's not thinking too hard about. he had missed this. he had missed having someone to care for. ]
That was my dream. To leave Eden behind. Find a nice place to live quietly.
[It's... almost entirely new to Livio, honestly. But he finds it comforting. Is this how cats feel getting pet?]
Oh...
Well... At least ya got part o' that. I know this place ain't exactly Heaven, [though it is terribly pleasant for what Livio imagines is Hell,] but it's sure better than elsewhere.
Oh...
Well... At least ya got part o' that. I know this place ain't exactly Heaven, [though it is terribly pleasant for what Livio imagines is Hell,] but it's sure better than elsewhere.
[ he's good at it too. firm, but he doesn't pull hard. with a hint of nail against the scalp. practiced and nostalgic. dolph hums. ]
Yeah. There's a beach here too. I checked it out a while back.
[ vash told him about it. and dolph went there, let the waves lap at his feet. listened to the silence of it all. and mourned alex all over again. ]
Ever been to a beach?
Yeah. There's a beach here too. I checked it out a while back.
[ vash told him about it. and dolph went there, let the waves lap at his feet. listened to the silence of it all. and mourned alex all over again. ]
Ever been to a beach?
[If he keeps it up he may get an inadvertent low hum out of Livio.]
Can't say I have. That the sort of place you like?
Can't say I have. That the sort of place you like?
It does sound nice...
[After a moment, Livio blinks up at Dolph. He can only imagine what goes through Dolph's mind.]
I think it'd be okay if you still liked the idea, too. If you think o' somethin' else, that's alright, too.
[After a moment, Livio blinks up at Dolph. He can only imagine what goes through Dolph's mind.]
I think it'd be okay if you still liked the idea, too. If you think o' somethin' else, that's alright, too.
[ he snorts lightly. ]
I wish I could. It's not like he even believed in it. No happy endings for us.
[ and it stings that in a way, alex was right about them. neither of them ended happily. that was the price alex was willing to pay, but dolph had not. maybe that makes him naive. ]
Guess I'm struggling to come up with new ones.
I wish I could. It's not like he even believed in it. No happy endings for us.
[ and it stings that in a way, alex was right about them. neither of them ended happily. that was the price alex was willing to pay, but dolph had not. maybe that makes him naive. ]
Guess I'm struggling to come up with new ones.
[Maybe not for them, but Livio doesn't want Dolph to give up on himself.]
Well... After bein' here, I can't say I recommend the desert. Least not without water 'n shade. I'm not sure what else there is... Forest? Mountains? [Yeah, he's at a loss otherwise. But he shifts to put his arm around Dolph once more, hold him close.]
Well... After bein' here, I can't say I recommend the desert. Least not without water 'n shade. I'm not sure what else there is... Forest? Mountains? [Yeah, he's at a loss otherwise. But he shifts to put his arm around Dolph once more, hold him close.]
Maybe...
[Forget all that, though. At least while it's less than positive. Instead, Livio finally lifts his head so he can kiss at Dolph's jaw.]
[Forget all that, though. At least while it's less than positive. Instead, Livio finally lifts his head so he can kiss at Dolph's jaw.]
[That gives him pause. Livio doesn't know how to answer at first, admittedly. There's a short silence as he frowns.
Assuming he does what Vaeros wants of him, his wish will come true, which... fulfills a promise he made. And really, everyone would be better off without him being around to put them in danger. But does he even have that choice?]
... If it's here, absolutely.
If not...
I don't know if I can. I -- I think I died.
Assuming he does what Vaeros wants of him, his wish will come true, which... fulfills a promise he made. And really, everyone would be better off without him being around to put them in danger. But does he even have that choice?]
... If it's here, absolutely.
If not...
I don't know if I can. I -- I think I died.
[Guess they're stuck on this capricious island forever.
Livio sighs, lays his head against Dolph again. What does he even say to all this.]
... Sorry.
Livio sighs, lays his head against Dolph again. What does he even say to all this.]
... Sorry.
It's fine. It's the end I chose, at least.
[ well. sort of. dolph was dying anyway. he remembers sarah's voice dimly at the time. you got what you wanted. his death wish, fulfilled. and now he's here. what does that mean for him?
he runs his fingers down livio's back quietly. ]
[ well. sort of. dolph was dying anyway. he remembers sarah's voice dimly at the time. you got what you wanted. his death wish, fulfilled. and now he's here. what does that mean for him?
he runs his fingers down livio's back quietly. ]
[Livio might not be able to relate to that quite so much -- he had at least wanted to see things through before just letting himself die. To help make sure Vash succeeded, that Legato and Knives couldn't hurt people anymore. But once the threads were tightened, nothing on the planet could have saved him short of divine intervention, and after all he's been through under the weight of a cross, Livio doesn't think he actually believes in God.
The fact that Dolph had that choice is... oddly comforting, in a fucked up way. And it won't help him for Livio to dwell on a past he can't change.]
We're here now. And as long as I am, I support your dream, wherever it'll take you.
The fact that Dolph had that choice is... oddly comforting, in a fucked up way. And it won't help him for Livio to dwell on a past he can't change.]
We're here now. And as long as I am, I support your dream, wherever it'll take you.
I... don't know that I have one. I don't know if I could ever want somethin' so specific.
[Maybe somewhere in the recesses of his mind, Livio just wants peace and happiness. But he doesn't think he deserves that, so calling it a dream feels like false hope.
Not that he wants to say that out loud to Dolph. It would be hypocritical, and he doesn't want to discourage him.]
[Maybe somewhere in the recesses of his mind, Livio just wants peace and happiness. But he doesn't think he deserves that, so calling it a dream feels like false hope.
Not that he wants to say that out loud to Dolph. It would be hypocritical, and he doesn't want to discourage him.]
[ gently, but still with some firmness. something he didn't think he'd have it in him. to push a little. it's strange because he found it so difficult when other people pressed the point.
maybe because . . . it still matters. even if he didn't have an answer yet. even if he lost everything. even if starting over means the pain of it all could return. like a fresh coat of paint.
he didn't want alex to be right. that happy endings were pointless for people like them. ]
I don't have one either.
I asked if you'd let yourself have one.
maybe because . . . it still matters. even if he didn't have an answer yet. even if he lost everything. even if starting over means the pain of it all could return. like a fresh coat of paint.
he didn't want alex to be right. that happy endings were pointless for people like them. ]
I don't have one either.
I asked if you'd let yourself have one.
[It seems that's exactly what will spur Livio to finally roll over. Light pressure, applied with care. Even after everything, he's hopelessly soft.]
... I'll do my best, if one comes to me. Is that alright?
... I'll do my best, if one comes to me. Is that alright?
Thank you.
[He heaves a sigh, twisting just a bit to kiss along Dolph's collarbone in turn. Livio had liked it when Dolph gave attention to the area of his neck.]
[He heaves a sigh, twisting just a bit to kiss along Dolph's collarbone in turn. Livio had liked it when Dolph gave attention to the area of his neck.]
I try...
[Actually, that is something about himself Livio can be proud of, even if he's used it for bitter ends before. Here, in this application, he's grateful. Livio glances up at Dolph, checking to make sure he's enjoying himself, before trailing more kisses up along his pulse.]
[Actually, that is something about himself Livio can be proud of, even if he's used it for bitter ends before. Here, in this application, he's grateful. Livio glances up at Dolph, checking to make sure he's enjoying himself, before trailing more kisses up along his pulse.]
[Maybe it's a little stiff because... they're just on a couple of wooden chairs, but Livio pulls Dolph's body to his own as best he can.
The kisses continue up to his jaw, then follow the sharp line to his chin. Liv takes a small breather there to blink slowly at Dolph. It would be an overstatement to call them bedroom eyes, but there's clear affection in his gaze nonetheless.]
The kisses continue up to his jaw, then follow the sharp line to his chin. Liv takes a small breather there to blink slowly at Dolph. It would be an overstatement to call them bedroom eyes, but there's clear affection in his gaze nonetheless.]
[Liv's head tilts against that hand, as a soft breath escapes him over Dolph's throat.]
Y'alright, darlin'?
Y'alright, darlin'?
Oh. That's fine.
[He's flattered, really... Especially by the look in Dolph's eye. Livio can hardly believe anyone would look at him like that.
Without moving around too much, he slides his free hand up Dolph's arm and shoulder, to splay lazily in the longer part of his hair.]
You're beautiful.
[He's flattered, really... Especially by the look in Dolph's eye. Livio can hardly believe anyone would look at him like that.
Without moving around too much, he slides his free hand up Dolph's arm and shoulder, to splay lazily in the longer part of his hair.]
You're beautiful.
[ his breath hitches at the compliment. livio had said that before, but here, in his arms, dolph lets the tentative tendril of hope and desire curl around his heart. warm, like it used to be. dolph leans in to kiss him softly, cupping the back of livio's neck and lightly nipping at his bottom lip. ]
[Again, Dolph doesn't shy away from praise, and Livio's chest swells with pride, as silly as that may be. He hums pleasantly into the kiss, one short, sharp note at the nip. His fingers drag slowly down through Dolph's hair.]
[Though he's too nervous yet to pull Dolph by the hair, Livio slips that hand to the back of his head to hold him closer, press their lips closer. He finds himself craving the earthy -- and bitter, if it isn't his imagination -- taste of the tea lingering on Dolph's tongue, so much so that a muffled sound like a groan rumbles from his mouth to Dolph's.]
[ dolph feels the reverberation through him and he finds that they're not close enough. he wants to be closer. he wants and the feeling tangles itself around his heart and head like a heady fog. he climbs onto livio's lap, pressing against him with his fingers cradling his jaw like he's holding the most precious thing in the world.
the chair creaks but dolph pays no attention to it. ]
the chair creaks but dolph pays no attention to it. ]
[Maybe if things weren't exactly as they are, Livio would notice the sound and have a war flashback to his own kitchen. But as it stands... he has never been touched like this before in his life. His head is swimming, his chest tightening, his belly swiftly warming, and he can't focus on anything but Dolph.
He shifts his weight back to make more room for Dolph, just to pull him closer, and... any further cracking of wood comes too late to correct. Oops!]
He shifts his weight back to make more room for Dolph, just to pull him closer, and... any further cracking of wood comes too late to correct. Oops!]
[The déjà vu.
Dazed for a moment, Livio just kind of... groans.
... After he blinks a few times and looks Dolph over to make sure he's in better shape than the splintered wood, he thunks his head back onto the ground and laughs. Progressively louder.
He's fine.]
Dazed for a moment, Livio just kind of... groans.
... After he blinks a few times and looks Dolph over to make sure he's in better shape than the splintered wood, he thunks his head back onto the ground and laughs. Progressively louder.
He's fine.]
[Soon enough his booming laugh will trail off into giddy chuckles.]
Sorry... I oughta buy ya a new one.
Sorry... I oughta buy ya a new one.
Wh... But I broke it...
[His bottom lip wibbles a bit. How is Dolph so hard on himself when he's this thoughtful?]
[His bottom lip wibbles a bit. How is Dolph so hard on himself when he's this thoughtful?]
Alright, alright...
[Formulating a plan to make it up to him, somehow, anyway. Because he physically can't not.
For now, though, as he shifts around just to double check that nothing is broken except the chair and his nonexistent pride...]
... You got a bed? [And he immediately realizes how that sounds. Isn't exactly sure that's a bad thing, but it'd be good to specify.] I, uh... Just 'cuz they're generally... sturdier.
[Formulating a plan to make it up to him, somehow, anyway. Because he physically can't not.
For now, though, as he shifts around just to double check that nothing is broken except the chair and his nonexistent pride...]
... You got a bed? [And he immediately realizes how that sounds. Isn't exactly sure that's a bad thing, but it'd be good to specify.] I, uh... Just 'cuz they're generally... sturdier.
[Wow... Someone offering him, a brick shithouse of a man, a hand. He's as flushed as ever as he accepts it.]
Well... Maybe we could just -- see where it takes us? [He was having less than pure thoughts only a couple minutes ago, but every opportunity for his nerves to get the better of him throws a wrench in it.]
... Shouldn't I clean this up first?
Well... Maybe we could just -- see where it takes us? [He was having less than pure thoughts only a couple minutes ago, but every opportunity for his nerves to get the better of him throws a wrench in it.]
... Shouldn't I clean this up first?
Don't worry about it.
[ as far as dolph is concerned, the chair has served its purpose. besides, he doesn't get hung up on things in general. dolph helps livio to his feet, unbothered by his weight. after all, dolph could lift a car without much issue. his fingers caress his knuckles. ]
And that's fine. We can play it by ear.
[ as far as dolph is concerned, the chair has served its purpose. besides, he doesn't get hung up on things in general. dolph helps livio to his feet, unbothered by his weight. after all, dolph could lift a car without much issue. his fingers caress his knuckles. ]
And that's fine. We can play it by ear.
[Yeah. Livio is absolutely smitten by how easily Dolph moves him around. He would have never imagined in his entire life being treated so delicately.]
That sounds good, darlin'... Thank you for understandin'.
That sounds good, darlin'... Thank you for understandin'.
[It's obvious how much it means to Livio by the tears stinging at the corners of his eyes. Which is also embarrassing, in a way. How has he managed to not cry in front of Dolph yet?
Before they get moving, he lifts their joined hands to kiss Dolph's knuckle just as tenderly as he's being treated. A silent promise to pay him back with the same.]
Before they get moving, he lifts their joined hands to kiss Dolph's knuckle just as tenderly as he's being treated. A silent promise to pay him back with the same.]
[ that is sweet and his cheeks warm at the gesture. he's not embarrassed by the tears and for a moment he wonders if it's worth reaching out to brush them aside or if livio would prefer he doesn't call attention to them. his fingers twitch and he lets it go for now. they've had enough raw feeling shared between them lately. it can wait.
he leads livio into the bedroom which is . . . also pretty sparse. he clears his throat, a little sheepish. ]
It's not. Great.
he leads livio into the bedroom which is . . . also pretty sparse. he clears his throat, a little sheepish. ]
It's not. Great.
[Livio has to chuckle a little. Maybe he feels a little bad, considering Dolph has been patient with all of his hangups, but...]
I'm not here fer your decorations, hon, 'm here fer you.
I'm not here fer your decorations, hon, 'm here fer you.
If you'd be more comfortable at my place, we can go there... but it's just about as bare bones as it gets, too.
[That earns Dolph a wobbly smile and, as usual, a faint flush before Livio thinks to kick his boots off at the foot of the bed. Not necessarily planning on anything, but just in case -- it would be a horrible impression to get dirt on Dolph's bed, which he sits back on, slow and unsure.]
Uh... this okay?
Uh... this okay?
[God, he would do so much to keep putting that smile on Dolph's face. It isn't much, but it's there.]
Howdy...
[He accepts Dolph gently into his arms, much more confident in the sturdiness of a bed than a chair, though Livio's kisses start out shy again, after that hiccup.]
Howdy...
[He accepts Dolph gently into his arms, much more confident in the sturdiness of a bed than a chair, though Livio's kisses start out shy again, after that hiccup.]
[ they can start slow. the heat is slow and steady and dolph isn't fanning the flames desperately. dolph curls his real arm around livio's neck, his thumb brushing against the side as his metal one curves around livio's chest to press his palm against his back. ]
[Livio seems to melt into Dolph's touch, goosebumps prickling his skin wherever they meet. In spite of his bashfulness, there's something almost desperate in how he clings to Dolph in response to his affection. One hand finds its way back into Dolph's hair, the other pulling his torso flush to Livio's by the small of his back.]
[ dolph has always been responsive when it comes to his hair. losing it after the operation and gaining it back has always made him feel sensitive about it and a full shudder runs down his spine at livio's touch. he presses himself against livio, erasing any space between them. ]
[He doesn't miss what his hand does to Dolph, either, so he deliberately takes it slow, drawing his fingers through that hair. Both of Livio's hands explore, slow and careful, studying Dolph by feel just as Dolph had studied his face.
This time, Livio summons the courage to try to pry Dolph's lips apart with his own and lap into his mouth with movements just as languid as those of his hands.]
This time, Livio summons the courage to try to pry Dolph's lips apart with his own and lap into his mouth with movements just as languid as those of his hands.]
[ it's when livio comes near the metal part of his face that he stills for a moment, unsure of how livio might feel about touching it. even dolph isn't fond of it. whenever alex touched it, he still felt uncomfortable. like an alien part of himself. eden's backdoor into his head.
he lets the unease slowly slide off of him as he sinks into the kiss, a little desperate to brush the feeling aside, to chase what feels good, to welcome livio in. ]
he lets the unease slowly slide off of him as he sinks into the kiss, a little desperate to brush the feeling aside, to chase what feels good, to welcome livio in. ]
[Livio recalls their previous conversation, and stops himself short of places he knows skin meets metal. Even if Livio doesn't have a problem, would like to think there's a chance Dolph could accept it, Dolph has said outright that he hates it. They're nowhere near close enough for Livio to have the audacity to try to change his mind... so he avoids it, now.
For now, he can focus on flesh, on what feels real to both of them. A hum builds again in his throat even as he tentatively prods Dolph's tongue with his own.]
For now, he can focus on flesh, on what feels real to both of them. A hum builds again in his throat even as he tentatively prods Dolph's tongue with his own.]
[ dolph answers enthusiastically, a whine in his throat. his head spins with how much he wants this, how much he wants livio. he's falling into it so fast that it should scare him. and some dim part of him is. he fell fast for alex too.
and yet, he wants. he wants this, he wants livio. gently, he presses down on livio so he can straddle him properly. ]
and yet, he wants. he wants this, he wants livio. gently, he presses down on livio so he can straddle him properly. ]
[They end up parting as Livio's body obeys, clumsily. His grip slackens so as to not yank Dolph around, and his back hits the bed with a whump. For a moment, he just pants and stares, flushed and demure, up at Dolph over him.]
[Livio's turn to whimper, once again taken first by Dolph's gaze and then by his touch. His body shudders as he wills strength back into his limp arms, to drag hands up Dolph's back.]
Dolph, hon... [It is decidedly not "stop."]
Dolph, hon... [It is decidedly not "stop."]
[The blush renews in full force. Livio's body has definitely been shirtless, or close enough, in front of others, but it was never exactly his choice. It's everything he can do not to try to cover himself with his arms.
At least it's easy enough to convince himself he isn't actually vulnerable right now except emotionally; Dolph wants to treat him well, not hurt him. Maybe if he plays along, it'll come naturally.]
Y'feel good.
At least it's easy enough to convince himself he isn't actually vulnerable right now except emotionally; Dolph wants to treat him well, not hurt him. Maybe if he plays along, it'll come naturally.]
Y'feel good.
[ dolph hums in the midst of his ministrations. this is something he has experience in, for once. that makes him feel like a real person, not a cobbled together creature made for the whims of others. his fingers trace circles on livio's chest. ]
That's the idea. It's the only way I know how.
That's the idea. It's the only way I know how.
[He doesn't want to give the wrong impression -- that he's fighting this -- but... Livio can be stubborn.]
Don't sell yourself short. Feels good just sittin' next to you, too. Or holdin' your hand. [For emphasis, he moves one of his hands to ghost over Dolph's forearm. Not stopping him or getting in his way. Encouraging, if anything.]
Don't sell yourself short. Feels good just sittin' next to you, too. Or holdin' your hand. [For emphasis, he moves one of his hands to ghost over Dolph's forearm. Not stopping him or getting in his way. Encouraging, if anything.]
Well, sure. I wouldn't wanna be around ya so much if it didn't do anything for me. [Livio may not be kind to himself, but he doesn't have any reason to make himself miserable while basically lying to someone by omission.]
[ dolph ruminates this for a moment. maybe he's going too fast. he only remembers it being fast and desperate. it was alex who eased him into a routine. who made it slow and normal. normal to be like this.
alex, who told pagan min he was an ashamed queer.
maybe he wasn't doing this for the right reasons. he wanted to be with livio, but he feels his head got caught up in what it used to be. what it's supposed to be. what he misses, when he's not lying to himself.
his fingers trail over livio's face, thoughtful. ]
Then maybe I'll . . . take it slow.
alex, who told pagan min he was an ashamed queer.
maybe he wasn't doing this for the right reasons. he wanted to be with livio, but he feels his head got caught up in what it used to be. what it's supposed to be. what he misses, when he's not lying to himself.
his fingers trail over livio's face, thoughtful. ]
Then maybe I'll . . . take it slow.
[While Livio trusts Dolph to know what he wants, he just needs to make sure that he isn't compromising said wants solely for Livio's sake. And really... this isn't so bad, now that he's had time to adjust to the feeling of crisp air on his skin.]
If we wanna go faster, we can talk about it, yeah? But I'm alright with this, right now. Actually, would it be okay if I...
[His other hand slides down Dolph's side to rest on the hem of his shirt as well, as Livio looks up at him softly.]
If we wanna go faster, we can talk about it, yeah? But I'm alright with this, right now. Actually, would it be okay if I...
[His other hand slides down Dolph's side to rest on the hem of his shirt as well, as Livio looks up at him softly.]
[ dolph nods, guiding livio's hands up and helping him tug off his shirt. once it's off, he casually tosses it aside in one smooth movement. dolph has little to no scars to speak off, despite his work. ]
Yeah. Let's explore. It doesn't have to be . . . what I'm used to.
Yeah. Let's explore. It doesn't have to be . . . what I'm used to.
[Any of Livio's scars that would still be visible are from over a decade ago, quite faded. Lacerations and broken skin on his arms, shins, and back, but nothing impressive. Any fresher wound left no mark at all. Save for a couple of small, still-healing cuts he's acquired since arriving here, anyway, but even those don't look bad enough to scar.
As his hand trails slowly across Dolph's collarbone to start, still avoiding where the metal arm begins, he wonders vaguely if Dolph also had some sort of healing factor or was simply good enough to not get hit.]
I don't want you t'feel like you can't tell me if y'want more. We're grownups. We can discuss stuff.
As his hand trails slowly across Dolph's collarbone to start, still avoiding where the metal arm begins, he wonders vaguely if Dolph also had some sort of healing factor or was simply good enough to not get hit.]
I don't want you t'feel like you can't tell me if y'want more. We're grownups. We can discuss stuff.
[ there may be something to his genetics. it's why he was chosen for the program. scouted long before his injury gave them cause to experiment on him. dolph doesn't know the details and never looked back to know more. ]
I do want more. I want you.
[ he sighs, settling against livio. ]
I just don't want to make a mistake.
I do want more. I want you.
[ he sighs, settling against livio. ]
I just don't want to make a mistake.
[The feeling of their skin touching is almost intoxicating to Livio. In a few ways, really. Mostly, he finds it comforting. Real, honest human contact, in the most literal sense.
His hand finds its way back into Dolph's hair, brushing and stroking through it nice and slow.]
What kinda mistake? Worried you'll upset me, or somethin' else?
His hand finds its way back into Dolph's hair, brushing and stroking through it nice and slow.]
What kinda mistake? Worried you'll upset me, or somethin' else?
I'm not worried about that. [Dolph may not see it, but from what Livio has seen, he's way too conscious about hurting other people to do some purposeful fuckshit like that.] But how do you mean, exactly?
[Dolph doesn't strike him as going with the flow, is all. But bad experiences shape a person. Of course Livio knows that.
He cranes his neck to kiss at Dolph's head, still threading his fingers through his hair.]
D'you think it would be easier on you if we... got it outta the way? [Maybe that isn't the best way to phrase it.] At least the first time.
He cranes his neck to kiss at Dolph's head, still threading his fingers through his hair.]
D'you think it would be easier on you if we... got it outta the way? [Maybe that isn't the best way to phrase it.] At least the first time.
[That helps put things in perspective. As much as he wants to self-sacrifice, Livio wouldn't be doing Dolph any favors by venturing too far out of his comfort zone just to please him. It would likely only end up making Dolph feel guilty.]
I reckon we can avoid that by doin' just this. Talkin' about it.
And y'know... everyone fucks up sometimes. I can't imagine you hurtin' me on purpose, 'n I won't hold accidents against you.
[Even most of those who have harmed Livio, he doesn't hold a grudge against. Not Elendira, nor Legato, not even for supposedly killing him. Even his anger toward Conrad is for other peoples' sakes. Really, the only one he doesn't think he could ever forgive is Chapel, and it would take years of dedicated manipulation for Dolph to come close to hurting him that badly.]
I reckon we can avoid that by doin' just this. Talkin' about it.
And y'know... everyone fucks up sometimes. I can't imagine you hurtin' me on purpose, 'n I won't hold accidents against you.
[Even most of those who have harmed Livio, he doesn't hold a grudge against. Not Elendira, nor Legato, not even for supposedly killing him. Even his anger toward Conrad is for other peoples' sakes. Really, the only one he doesn't think he could ever forgive is Chapel, and it would take years of dedicated manipulation for Dolph to come close to hurting him that badly.]
[Livio's head tilts into those fingers without him even thinking about it, lashes fluttering.]
Promise. Need ya to do the same, though, okay?
Promise. Need ya to do the same, though, okay?
[Livio could be just a little bit fussy over a lack of verbal confirmation, but he gives Dolph the benefit of the doubt. Especially since he's so sweet about it.
His fingers tighten ever so slightly in Dolph's hair. Not pulling, but holding him affectionately. His lips work softly against Dolph's for a few seconds, as well, before he turns to break the kiss and nuzzle at him instead.]
Sorry, darlin'... just one more thing. If y'find that somebody else makes you happy, or even just makes y'feel good for a while, I don't want you t'feel like you can't pursue it. You don't have to... but you got my permission. Support, even.
His fingers tighten ever so slightly in Dolph's hair. Not pulling, but holding him affectionately. His lips work softly against Dolph's for a few seconds, as well, before he turns to break the kiss and nuzzle at him instead.]
Sorry, darlin'... just one more thing. If y'find that somebody else makes you happy, or even just makes y'feel good for a while, I don't want you t'feel like you can't pursue it. You don't have to... but you got my permission. Support, even.
[ dolph hums. ]
Isn't that what I told you before?
[ but it's fair to lay it out. dolph is the same. verbal confirmations settle easier in the heart than assumptions. and he's not one to make assumptions ever again. ]
All right. I'll keep it in mind. Both of those things.
Isn't that what I told you before?
[ but it's fair to lay it out. dolph is the same. verbal confirmations settle easier in the heart than assumptions. and he's not one to make assumptions ever again. ]
All right. I'll keep it in mind. Both of those things.
It is. But I want the same for you. [Like Liv said earlier. Every chance Dolph has for happiness, even if he doesn't believe he deserves it.
He appreciates so much that Dolph agrees readily this time. Shows his appreciation by running his hands up and down the muscles of Dolph's back, and of course, renewing their kiss.]
He appreciates so much that Dolph agrees readily this time. Shows his appreciation by running his hands up and down the muscles of Dolph's back, and of course, renewing their kiss.]
[ dolph doubts it's going to happen. even with how good it feels with livio, it wouldn't surprise him if livio finds something better. and that's fine. there is no sting to nurse, no wound to patch. but the doubt doesn't impede him at the moment. the hope does not burn.
he sinks into the kiss, threading his fingers in livio's hair, using a little nail to scrape over his scalp pleasurably. ]
he sinks into the kiss, threading his fingers in livio's hair, using a little nail to scrape over his scalp pleasurably. ]
[There's a bottle of wine that he thinks Dolph will appreciate left by his door, with a handwritten note that simply says:
I know I don't deserve your trust or your forgiveness
But maybe you can find it in yourself to meet me for a drink?
- A.
]
But maybe you can find it in yourself to meet me for a drink?
- A.
]
[ dolph spends a long time reading the note, the wine clutched within his metal fingers. when he left his own gift, he hadn't expected a response. he doesn't understand why alex would try. why does having a drink with dolph even matter?
should he even care?
maybe. maybe not. but this is another chance. he could see it through. hopefully . . . with clearer eyes. he won't be fooled by "love". ]
Fine. Where?
should he even care?
maybe. maybe not. but this is another chance. he could see it through. hopefully . . . with clearer eyes. he won't be fooled by "love". ]
Fine. Where?
You got a favorite spot?
[He figures he should offer -- let dolph meet him on his own ground, so to speak.]
[He figures he should offer -- let dolph meet him on his own ground, so to speak.]
[He expects it to be sore. All of it. He figures Dolph will still be angry. But he still shows up -- and he looks good.
Alex has slipped into a button down shirt, a pair of well tailored grey slacks, and his hair is tied back as usual when he arrives. There's a bit of a smile.]
So, can I buy you a drink?
Alex has slipped into a button down shirt, a pair of well tailored grey slacks, and his hair is tied back as usual when he arrives. There's a bit of a smile.]
So, can I buy you a drink?
Of course. That's fair... drink as much as you want. I'll make sure you get home.
[...]
Alone.
[...]
Alone.
C'mon, haven't I always been?
[He's joking!]
[He's joking!]
Probably not.
[He grins a little bit in return, coming close to settle in next to Dolph.]
So, what are we drinking?
[He grins a little bit in return, coming close to settle in next to Dolph.]
So, what are we drinking?
Beer's good, sure. Scotch is better.
[But Dolph can have a beer, and he'll get something stronger. One drink won't land him on his ass -- and he meant that he'd get Dolph home tonight, so he's gotta keep his head a little.]
[But Dolph can have a beer, and he'll get something stronger. One drink won't land him on his ass -- and he meant that he'd get Dolph home tonight, so he's gotta keep his head a little.]
More how?
[He questions, tipping his head.]
I don't know. Just been trying to get by, I guess. Met a guy... Huaisang. Said he'd hook me up with some suits. Guess he owns some upscale clothing shop.
[There's a wry smile.]
Otherwise, I'm getting by. How about you?
[He questions, tipping his head.]
I don't know. Just been trying to get by, I guess. Met a guy... Huaisang. Said he'd hook me up with some suits. Guess he owns some upscale clothing shop.
[There's a wry smile.]
Otherwise, I'm getting by. How about you?
[That gets a pause, something troubled passing over his face before he just nods.]
Huh.
[He can't pretend he likes to hear that, or that it's not a blow of some kind.]
What's he like?
Huh.
[He can't pretend he likes to hear that, or that it's not a blow of some kind.]
What's he like?
[Probably shouldn't have even asked, really. Not for details. They don't really offer much comfort beyond the fact Dolph hasn't found a new asshole to fawn over, at least.
Hopefully.]
Sounds like something you need.
[Sweet, that is.]
This your way of telling me that's it, then?
Hopefully.]
Sounds like something you need.
[Sweet, that is.]
This your way of telling me that's it, then?
[What's he supposed to say to that? In truth, he hasn't really... thought about it.
Maybe he's been banking on Dolph coming back somewhere underneath it all. It'd be them against this place -- for real this time.]
Can't say I've really been looking for a boyfriend. Just some people to meet quota with.
Maybe he's been banking on Dolph coming back somewhere underneath it all. It'd be them against this place -- for real this time.]
Can't say I've really been looking for a boyfriend. Just some people to meet quota with.
What?
[He huffs out a laugh that doesn't actually sound all that happy. No, he'll never be replaced -- at least not the time they had together. Going forward? He's not actually so sure.
Choosing and trying, huh?]
And moving on.
[He huffs out a laugh that doesn't actually sound all that happy. No, he'll never be replaced -- at least not the time they had together. Going forward? He's not actually so sure.
Choosing and trying, huh?]
And moving on.
I'm not a bad liar. We both know that by now, I think.
[And maybe he shouldn't, but--]
I'm not dead. At least not here.
[And maybe he shouldn't, but--]
I'm not dead. At least not here.
... So maybe I should leave then.
[He levels Dolph with a look.]
[He levels Dolph with a look.]
I don't want you to say anything!
[Well, that's not exactly true, but--]
What do you want to work, exactly? You said yourself, you got a boyfriend. Gotten enough comments from people who don't think I should be around you, so I can't imagine they're not telling you the same shit.
So, why don't you tell me what you want? You said it yourself, you're trying to make your own choices here.
[Well, that's not exactly true, but--]
What do you want to work, exactly? You said yourself, you got a boyfriend. Gotten enough comments from people who don't think I should be around you, so I can't imagine they're not telling you the same shit.
So, why don't you tell me what you want? You said it yourself, you're trying to make your own choices here.
Well, I'm not-- gone. We're both still in this damned city, aren't we?
And are you ever going to be able to do that?
Well, then. You know where to find me, whenever you want to.
For now, let's get back to drinking?
Unless you need to get home to that boyfriend of yours.
Unless you need to get home to that boyfriend of yours.
There we go. That's the right attitude.
[He teases lightly, flashing a grin.]
[He teases lightly, flashing a grin.]
You got it. Think we can do it, babe?
[Whatever-- happens from here on out, he's not actually sure. He's also still reeling from the whole new boyfriend thing. Just a tiny bit.]
[Whatever-- happens from here on out, he's not actually sure. He's also still reeling from the whole new boyfriend thing. Just a tiny bit.]
If nothing else, at least we get to be drunk, right?
[Not the fairest trade off, but... it's what they've got right now.]
[Not the fairest trade off, but... it's what they've got right now.]
I don't hear you complaining.
[He teases lightly, flashing a grin.]
[He teases lightly, flashing a grin.]
[He leans in, nudging a shoulder against Dolph playfully.]
Then, come on... don't fall behind!
Then, come on... don't fall behind!
[He chuckles at that, reaching a hand over to give Dolph a pat on the back.]
There we go!
[He brings up his own glass to take a long drink from it.]
We're gonna need fresh ones.
There we go!
[He brings up his own glass to take a long drink from it.]
We're gonna need fresh ones.
Oh, yeah? [He gives an impressed whistle.]
How'd you meet?
How'd you meet?
How's it feel? Getting to make friends all over the place around here?
Guess this place has been good for something, then.
Yeah, I guess...
[He brings his glass up to his lips for a second, considering that.]
Plenty of people stuck here to make friends with, I guess.
[He brings his glass up to his lips for a second, considering that.]
Plenty of people stuck here to make friends with, I guess.
Yeah? And what cause would that be?
[please, like he won't get a whole group together, sooner or later.]
[please, like he won't get a whole group together, sooner or later.]
[He-- actually didn't expect that answer. It has him turning to Dolph, arching a brow at him.]
That so, huh?
That so, huh?
You might have agreed.
Just surprised you'd want to work with me again, after the last time.
Just surprised you'd want to work with me again, after the last time.
It's not as easy to find weaknesses here. Been trying, but... they keep a close eye, I'll give them that.
Yeah? Sounds like somebody's been naughty...
[ The day before, Dolph will receive a text message reminder and a note about where Jean's cottage is, and a suggested time of arrival. Hilariously, it's right next to Erwin, Levi and Hange's; it was intentional on their part.
Eren and Mikasa are not here, Jean having shooed them out for their own dinner date so Dolph wouldn't have to worry about others. Jean is making use of the abundance of supplies here; he's making a recipe he swears he remembers his mother making that he found in a cookbook, although hers lacked the dairy elements due to scarcity.
It's tartiflette savoyarde, which despite the fancy name is potatoes layered with bacon and onions, then covered in garlic, cream and reblochon cheese. Jean's had to substitute the cheese that's here for that last one, but he's pretty sure it's going to taste amazing regardless. He's made a salad to go along with it and nabbed a white wine so that it's not all heavy food that he's serving Dolph.
It just means the aroma emanating from the house is likely positively decadent, when he opens the door after Dolph knocks, a little flushed from the heat of cooking but looking pleased. ]
Happy birthday! Come on in.
Eren and Mikasa are not here, Jean having shooed them out for their own dinner date so Dolph wouldn't have to worry about others. Jean is making use of the abundance of supplies here; he's making a recipe he swears he remembers his mother making that he found in a cookbook, although hers lacked the dairy elements due to scarcity.
It's tartiflette savoyarde, which despite the fancy name is potatoes layered with bacon and onions, then covered in garlic, cream and reblochon cheese. Jean's had to substitute the cheese that's here for that last one, but he's pretty sure it's going to taste amazing regardless. He's made a salad to go along with it and nabbed a white wine so that it's not all heavy food that he's serving Dolph.
It just means the aroma emanating from the house is likely positively decadent, when he opens the door after Dolph knocks, a little flushed from the heat of cooking but looking pleased. ]
Happy birthday! Come on in.
[ Jean glances at the food he's had set up on the table, looking back to Dolph with a smile, though it's more bemused. ]
I did promise a nice dinner, didn't I? There'll definitely be leftovers, you can take them home.
I did promise a nice dinner, didn't I? There'll definitely be leftovers, you can take them home.
That's because I'm a really nice guy.
[ Okay he can't... quite say that with a straight face. ]
Food's one of the things I'm actually good at. I can't exactly offer to teach you how to kill monsters, and I get the feeling you're already set on that front. It's, you know - nice, to care for people like this.
[ It's what he does for his partners - who are actually his partners now. ]
[ Okay he can't... quite say that with a straight face. ]
Food's one of the things I'm actually good at. I can't exactly offer to teach you how to kill monsters, and I get the feeling you're already set on that front. It's, you know - nice, to care for people like this.
[ It's what he does for his partners - who are actually his partners now. ]
[ dolph blinks, a bit perplexed. in his view, jean has been incredible nice. nicer than anyone dolph's ever met. and he hasn't asked anything from dolph. it's overwhelming and uncertain and he's not sure what he should be doing, what he should be giving back.
he swallows, his throat dry. it's nice to care. he wanted to care. he wanted to be nice. his eye contact breaks for a moment. ]
You are nice.
he swallows, his throat dry. it's nice to care. he wanted to care. he wanted to be nice. his eye contact breaks for a moment. ]
You are nice.
I am. I can be an asshole if the occasion calls for it, though.
[ He gives Dolph a little grin. ]
When I was younger - I was that 'tell it like it is' kind of kid, so I wasn't known as being very nice.
[ He gives Dolph a little grin. ]
When I was younger - I was that 'tell it like it is' kind of kid, so I wasn't known as being very nice.
[ Jean waves him over to the table. ]
Do you want to talk about it? I mean - I joined the military at twelve, but I know people who joined a lot younger than that.
Do you want to talk about it? I mean - I joined the military at twelve, but I know people who joined a lot younger than that.
[ He frowns a little bit. Drugs aren't exactly a forbidden substance back home. They're just something you can abuse too much off, like alcohol, so he's not judging Dolph for them. ]
Do you think it was the drugs that make it hard to remember, or - did the military do something that made you repress it or forget?
I had - [ He corrects ] - have a friend who... did that for a while.
Do you think it was the drugs that make it hard to remember, or - did the military do something that made you repress it or forget?
I had - [ He corrects ] - have a friend who... did that for a while.
Well. [ Here he smiles a little. ]
It's who you are now that counts. That's what I care about. And I wanted you to have a good birthday, instead of an okay or bad one.
It's who you are now that counts. That's what I care about. And I wanted you to have a good birthday, instead of an okay or bad one.
That's a shame. I would have actually brought you a cake if I'd known that.
[ He laughs softly. ]
You'll just have to enjoy the meal to the fullest then.
[ He laughs softly. ]
You'll just have to enjoy the meal to the fullest then.
[ He tilts his head, for a moment, before he shakes his it. ]
It's a gift - not a transaction. I promise I'm not gonna lord it over you later.
It's a gift - not a transaction. I promise I'm not gonna lord it over you later.
I'd say, be my friend, but I'm pretty sure we're already there.
[ He shrugs, giving him a small smile. ]
Don't think about what I want. Instead... if there's ever something you look at and go, 'I want to give that to Jean', feel free to.
[ He shrugs, giving him a small smile. ]
Don't think about what I want. Instead... if there's ever something you look at and go, 'I want to give that to Jean', feel free to.
Sometimes you take gambles not knowing if you win or not.
[ What's that, the echo of Erwin is abounding? ]
And I'm feeling lucky, I guess.
[ What's that, the echo of Erwin is abounding? ]
And I'm feeling lucky, I guess.
I think it'll work out just fine.
[ He gives Dolph another grin before he insists he should have some of the food, a little of everything at least. It's as delicious as it smells, and he'll absolutely insist Dolph take some of it home. ]
[ He gives Dolph another grin before he insists he should have some of the food, a little of everything at least. It's as delicious as it smells, and he'll absolutely insist Dolph take some of it home. ]
[ Jean's not fishing for compliments, so he appreciates them regardless. Lacking the vocabulary isn't something he'll make fun of, anymore.
Jean smiles again, the corners of his eyes crinkling. ]
I do my best. If you want to learn an easy food pairing, white wines work with heavy food like that - it cuts through the richness of the dairy.
Jean smiles again, the corners of his eyes crinkling. ]
I do my best. If you want to learn an easy food pairing, white wines work with heavy food like that - it cuts through the richness of the dairy.
Did you have a favorite, or was it just whatever was available?
[ No judgement! Jean literally drank moonshine at points, before he started appreciating wines. ]
[ No judgement! Jean literally drank moonshine at points, before he started appreciating wines. ]
I haven't tried that before. I'll have to see if they have any bottles here.
[ He catches the way his fingers tighten, but he doesn't ask him about it, just yet. It's only because he's paying such close attention to Dolph that he saw it at all. ]
[ He catches the way his fingers tighten, but he doesn't ask him about it, just yet. It's only because he's paying such close attention to Dolph that he saw it at all. ]
[ Oof, yeah, Jean's not buying it, but he plays along anyways. ]
We can always see if they offer that fancy shit - what's it called... a wine flight. Or you can join us with vodka.
We can always see if they offer that fancy shit - what's it called... a wine flight. Or you can join us with vodka.
Some fancy interior shit, you try a bunch of different wines. I think you're supposed to spit them out, too, so you don't get drunk.
[ He waves a hand. ]
My friends and I, in our cadet days - we'd drink whatever we could get our hands on. We had a lot of potatoes, so vodka was a pretty cheap and common drink. So was making moonshine.
[ He waves a hand. ]
My friends and I, in our cadet days - we'd drink whatever we could get our hands on. We had a lot of potatoes, so vodka was a pretty cheap and common drink. So was making moonshine.
Oh, absolutely, I'd rather just buy a few different glasses from a bar and have you try them.
[ Jean means 'us' in general, but he doesn't mind inviting Dolph to any future parties. There aren't any likely to happen in the future, though. ]
[ Jean means 'us' in general, but he doesn't mind inviting Dolph to any future parties. There aren't any likely to happen in the future, though. ]
[ Jean frowns at the phrasing. ]
I'm not putting work into you. It'd be something fun to do; drink, get a little tipsy, eat shitty bar food.
I'm not putting work into you. It'd be something fun to do; drink, get a little tipsy, eat shitty bar food.
People don't just do that. Not without wanting something or taking something.
[ his voice gets a little rough and dolph seems to notice, immediately trying to clear it, looking contrite and annoyed with himself. ]
And I'm not . . . fun. I'm barely . . . anything.
[ his voice gets a little rough and dolph seems to notice, immediately trying to clear it, looking contrite and annoyed with himself. ]
And I'm not . . . fun. I'm barely . . . anything.
[ Jean has mostly kept his hands to himself, for the most part. When Dolph says that, he reaches out, a hand landing on his shoulder and squeezing. ]
I won't lie and say some people do want something. But I'm not lying when I say I'm not looking for anything. The only thing I'm taking is some of your time, if you want to put it like that.
[ He offers a little smile. ]
You are fun. I like talking to you, I like learning about you and where you're from, even if it's shitty.
I won't lie and say some people do want something. But I'm not lying when I say I'm not looking for anything. The only thing I'm taking is some of your time, if you want to put it like that.
[ He offers a little smile. ]
You are fun. I like talking to you, I like learning about you and where you're from, even if it's shitty.
[ the touch startles him, eye wide. can that really be true? dolph searches his face but he's no good at telling. even with sarah and alex, he just didn't know.
no, that's not quite right. even now he wants to believe. he wants to care. he's not ready to give that up completely. ]
Then . . . you can have it.
no, that's not quite right. even now he wants to believe. he wants to care. he's not ready to give that up completely. ]
Then . . . you can have it.
Good. I'll be selfish like that.
[ He gives Dolph a wider smile for agreeing to it. He can't help but wonder how bad it's gotten where Dolph is from, if he can't even accept something like this.
Not that their world was much better, after a point. ]
[ He gives Dolph a wider smile for agreeing to it. He can't help but wonder how bad it's gotten where Dolph is from, if he can't even accept something like this.
Not that their world was much better, after a point. ]
There's plenty of things I want to be selfish about - my partners, for one. My friends here, I want them to be safe. People like Erwin and Levi, I want them to ... be happy.
[ He doesn't say 'have a chance to stay together', he doesn't know if Dolph knows that Erwin dies in the future and he doesn't want to spread that around. ]
Getting to know new friends here, spending time with them - that's what I want to be selfish about too. It feels like I've been nothing but selfish.
[ He doesn't say 'have a chance to stay together', he doesn't know if Dolph knows that Erwin dies in the future and he doesn't want to spread that around. ]
Getting to know new friends here, spending time with them - that's what I want to be selfish about too. It feels like I've been nothing but selfish.
me crying i'm sorry dolph he's just stupid and new to poly
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
neighsaying
2024-01-23 12:01 am (UTC)(link)
Is it? It's the kind of thing I've never had a chance to be selfish about. I'd dedicated my heart to humanity - it doesn't leave a lot of time for other things.
Oh, I tried. But all the time I spent with my mother and friends was on a timer - I'd have to go back and fight again. Here...
[ He sighs. ]
Here, there's barely any danger. Most of it is what we place ourselves in the line of if we're acting foolishly. I know that there's monsters that show up, but even those monsters don't compare to the ones at home.
Being able to let my guard down is different.
[ He sighs. ]
Here, there's barely any danger. Most of it is what we place ourselves in the line of if we're acting foolishly. I know that there's monsters that show up, but even those monsters don't compare to the ones at home.
Being able to let my guard down is different.
Of course we do. That includes you, you know.
[ He leans over to nudge Dolph a little with his arm, smiling. ]
[ He leans over to nudge Dolph a little with his arm, smiling. ]
[a small parcel is delivered to Dolph's treehouse in the afternoon. It's a tin of darjeeling tea, a strainer, and a hand-thrown ceramic mug in a deep blue glaze.
A note is attached in precise, neat print:]
Dolph,
Heard from Erwin that you preferred this tea. Tried it myself, not bad. I'll make some for you next time you come by.
Jean said today is your birthday.
Happy Birthday.
Levi
A note is attached in precise, neat print:]
Dolph,
Heard from Erwin that you preferred this tea. Tried it myself, not bad. I'll make some for you next time you come by.
Jean said today is your birthday.
Happy Birthday.
Levi
[ The conversation with Eren and Mikasa had gone... well? Eren seemed to understand it well enough, given they'd already had this kind of discussion about Eren himself. Mikasa hadn't seemed thrilled, but even with prodding from him she'd admitted she just wasn't used to sharing. No objections otherwise, and he gave her extra time to reconsider that. He wouldn't compromise their relationship, he would have folded away the affection for Dolph if he had to, but he doesn't want to. Now he doesn't have to.
He's aware this might be a conversation better suited face to face, but he also didn't want to have it in front of Levi, of all people, so he messages Dolph. ]
Hey, Dolph. I spoke to my partners about you.
He's aware this might be a conversation better suited face to face, but he also didn't want to have it in front of Levi, of all people, so he messages Dolph. ]
Hey, Dolph. I spoke to my partners about you.
It went good.
[ Jean's voice is warm and enthusiastic; this doesn't sound like bad news. Jean just has terrible phone etiquette. ]
They're okay with it, both of them. So, you know - that date is still on the table.
[ Jean's voice is warm and enthusiastic; this doesn't sound like bad news. Jean just has terrible phone etiquette. ]
They're okay with it, both of them. So, you know - that date is still on the table.
Absolutely.
[ A moment later, before he gets moving: ]
If I show up another day with Levi, it's my first time visiting, though.
[ He doesn't want Levi to kick his ass about not bringing him along this time, but after that he does make his way down to Club Quartz. He's dressed as he normally is now - boots, slacks, a dark grey vest, and his white button up shirt, though it's paired with a green military style jacket due to the cold.
Basically: he looks very out of place for a club, but he looks anticipatory as he steps in. ]
[ A moment later, before he gets moving: ]
If I show up another day with Levi, it's my first time visiting, though.
[ He doesn't want Levi to kick his ass about not bringing him along this time, but after that he does make his way down to Club Quartz. He's dressed as he normally is now - boots, slacks, a dark grey vest, and his white button up shirt, though it's paired with a green military style jacket due to the cold.
Basically: he looks very out of place for a club, but he looks anticipatory as he steps in. ]
[ dolph's in a wide collar shirt and black pants. he was never fashion conscious before and alex used to be the one to pick out his clothes. alex decided everything. slowly, dolph is taking it back, one uncertain step at a time.
he manages a smile, faint and shy. ]
That's fine. Though I'm not a great liar.
he manages a smile, faint and shy. ]
That's fine. Though I'm not a great liar.
[ Dolph looks good in the outfit, though Jean would have favored him with the excited, shy smile even if he showed up in a burlap sack. He laughs a bit at what Dolph says. ]
He just said I should bring him when I came by next, but I didn't think you'd want him here for this.
[ What is 'this' going to be? Jean doesn't know, exactly. But he does offer a hand to Dolph. ]
He just said I should bring him when I came by next, but I didn't think you'd want him here for this.
[ What is 'this' going to be? Jean doesn't know, exactly. But he does offer a hand to Dolph. ]
[ a short huff. ]
I told him he wouldn't like it much but he's determined to decide that for himself.
[ dolph curls his fingers around his hand, letting them settle. letting himself believe for a moment. it's almost rapturous. he's never been this brave before. it was alex who reached for him. closed the distance. not the other way around. ]
Do you want a drink first?
I told him he wouldn't like it much but he's determined to decide that for himself.
[ dolph curls his fingers around his hand, letting them settle. letting himself believe for a moment. it's almost rapturous. he's never been this brave before. it was alex who reached for him. closed the distance. not the other way around. ]
Do you want a drink first?
He wants to support you.
[ Jean says it easily; he's seen enough of their interactions to know what Levi is trying to do. Sir acts like he has a heart of stone, but he's really one of the softest people Jean knows.
Jean has an indulgent smile on his face. He doesn't know everything about Dolph's past, but if he can be patient with Mikasa, he can be patient with Dolph as he settles. ]
Sounds good. Surprise me?
[ Jean says it easily; he's seen enough of their interactions to know what Levi is trying to do. Sir acts like he has a heart of stone, but he's really one of the softest people Jean knows.
Jean has an indulgent smile on his face. He doesn't know everything about Dolph's past, but if he can be patient with Mikasa, he can be patient with Dolph as he settles. ]
Sounds good. Surprise me?
Ooh, fancy.
[ It is, who spent a lot of time casking and aging drinks where Jean comes from? Only rich people. He knows enough to sip it, though, and he actually finds the taste pleasant and smokey. ]
Whoa, that's actually pretty good.
[ It is, who spent a lot of time casking and aging drinks where Jean comes from? Only rich people. He knows enough to sip it, though, and he actually finds the taste pleasant and smokey. ]
Whoa, that's actually pretty good.
Back home, it's beer or wine; things you can make in big batches with leftovers. This kind of stuff was exclusively interior fare back in the day.
[ Then they repatriated all of the noble's big secret stashes, but Jean still didn't have much. He reaches out to take Dolph's hand again. Sorry, he's touchy feely when he can be, and he's still testing out Dolph. ]
[ Then they repatriated all of the noble's big secret stashes, but Jean still didn't have much. He reaches out to take Dolph's hand again. Sorry, he's touchy feely when he can be, and he's still testing out Dolph. ]
[ Jean's smile widens, clearly pleased at the response. ]
I like learning about you. I know I don't know a lot but - I appreciate everything you share with me.
I like learning about you. I know I don't know a lot but - I appreciate everything you share with me.
[ Jean frowns a little bit, shifting to look at Dolph more fully. ]
If I was put off by the pain in someone's past, I wouldn't be with the two people I already am. I meant what I said - I like knowing about you, good or bad.
[ He offers a reassuring smile. ]
If I was put off by the pain in someone's past, I wouldn't be with the two people I already am. I meant what I said - I like knowing about you, good or bad.
[ He offers a reassuring smile. ]
[ dolph's not sure. he knows parts of eren's life and of course, the nature of the world they live in. but dolph is . . . dolph's life was just a continuous cycle of betrayal and anger. what is there to like?
but . . . if this is to be real, jean should know. he's not pressing. he's not demanding. ]
Not today. Some other time. I just — Today should be special. Today you chose me.
but . . . if this is to be real, jean should know. he's not pressing. he's not demanding. ]
Not today. Some other time. I just — Today should be special. Today you chose me.
[ Indeed, when Dolph says not today Jean doesn't press. He just offers a reassuring squeeze of his fingers and that smile again. ]
Whenever you want to, if you want to. But you're right, I did choose you. A sweet, handsome guy who now owns his own club.
[ He's teasing, just the slightest bit. ]
Whenever you want to, if you want to. But you're right, I did choose you. A sweet, handsome guy who now owns his own club.
[ He's teasing, just the slightest bit. ]
Now's a perfect time for you to show me.
[ He offers a toothier grin, this time - the Kirstein flirting coming out a bit more with some alcohol and the knowledge it won't be rebuffed. ]
Although let me get out of this jacket, I'll probably overheat.
[ He offers a toothier grin, this time - the Kirstein flirting coming out a bit more with some alcohol and the knowledge it won't be rebuffed. ]
Although let me get out of this jacket, I'll probably overheat.
[ Jean doesn't object as Dolph removes the jacket, though his gold eyes do darken a little with both the touch and the kiss to his neck. It feels only natural when the jacket is removed, to catch one of Dolph's hands and lift it, kissing his knuckles before he grins. ]
Lead the way, then.
Lead the way, then.
[ he smiles again as he heads to the dj table. setting the jacket aside nicely so it doesn't create, dolph hits play and lets the music sweep over the club. the light begin to flicker, flashing in various colours to match the beat. ]
The idea isn't about having fixed moves. It's to move to the rhythm. To lose yourself.
The idea isn't about having fixed moves. It's to move to the rhythm. To lose yourself.
[ He still looks a little out of place in the waistcoat, but at least it's less obvious now. He watches Dolph go up to the table and hit play, listening to the much different music sweeping through.
Like Levi, he'd called it noise, but it does at least have a rhythm you could follow. He waits for Dolph to get closer before he hooks a finger through a belt loop on his pants. ]
Why don't you show me your rhythm first, then?
Like Levi, he'd called it noise, but it does at least have a rhythm you could follow. He waits for Dolph to get closer before he hooks a finger through a belt loop on his pants. ]
Why don't you show me your rhythm first, then?
[ Jean watches him almost studiously, like there is something to learn in how Dolph's dancing, a cute little furrow between his brows. Once Dolph grabs his hand, though, he lets out a nervous laugh but attempts to mimic what he's seen and heard.
He's not bad, he can clearly follow it and he's used to twisting his hips, but he's not quite confident about it yet. He also has an interesting observation: ]
Are you sure this isn't an excuse to dry hump in public?
[ He's not offended! That's just what it reminds him of. ]
He's not bad, he can clearly follow it and he's used to twisting his hips, but he's not quite confident about it yet. He also has an interesting observation: ]
Are you sure this isn't an excuse to dry hump in public?
[ He's not offended! That's just what it reminds him of. ]
[ Jean's picked up enough from observation to know what a gay bar is - and that Paradis didn't have them. He also knows it's important to Dolph, having that identity, so he doesn't mention it. ]
Not the kind of dancing I'm used to - but I am used to what it isn't not.
[ He teases Dolph about the double negative, but with the acknowledgement it's more about grinding up against your partner, Jean shifts his hips a little more to align them, letting his hands fall to Dolph's hips more fully. ]
Like this?
Not the kind of dancing I'm used to - but I am used to what it isn't not.
[ He teases Dolph about the double negative, but with the acknowledgement it's more about grinding up against your partner, Jean shifts his hips a little more to align them, letting his hands fall to Dolph's hips more fully. ]
Like this?
Now that I know what we're actually doing.
[ There's that smirk again, but it's not meanspirited. Instead he keeps his hold on Dolph's hips, letting them shift and rock against each other to the beat of the music. Jean could probably 'dance' pretty decently now.
But he does, once he finds his rhythm, tilt his head up a little to press a kiss to Dolph's mouth. ]
[ There's that smirk again, but it's not meanspirited. Instead he keeps his hold on Dolph's hips, letting them shift and rock against each other to the beat of the music. Jean could probably 'dance' pretty decently now.
But he does, once he finds his rhythm, tilt his head up a little to press a kiss to Dolph's mouth. ]
[ Jean's pleased by the receptiveness, nipping at Dolph's bottom lip gently before he deepens the kiss. He lets his hands slide around to the small of his back, pulling him in the rest of the way. Jean's not exactly broad, but his shoulders are wide and there's power in his arms from working and flexing with the ODM gear. ]
[ Jean gives a pleased hum at the hands in his hair - yes, more of that, please - and lets himself find the hem of Dolph's shirt, letting his hands tuck up under the back of it. He does pull away from the kiss a little, letting his tongue swipe over his bottom lip. ]
Not too fast for you?
[ He's checking in; his only other current partner, Mikasa, takes things slow, and he doesn't want to feel like he's pushing Dolph. ]
Not too fast for you?
[ He's checking in; his only other current partner, Mikasa, takes things slow, and he doesn't want to feel like he's pushing Dolph. ]
[ Jean smiles again. ]
Good.
[ He gives into the urge to lift one hand and brush some of Dolph's hair back, then cups the back of his neck to tug him down into another kiss. If they keep up like this, though, Dolph is gonna have to show him his bedroom next. ]
Good.
[ He gives into the urge to lift one hand and brush some of Dolph's hair back, then cups the back of his neck to tug him down into another kiss. If they keep up like this, though, Dolph is gonna have to show him his bedroom next. ]
[ it's definitely an option he's playing in his head. maybe he's moving too fast. he should think it through. but he's always moved fast in this. always too eager, too desperate, too afraid to let it slip through his fingers. dolph moans into the kiss, sliding his palms over jean's shoulders, latching on tightly. ]
[ Jean's not opposed to it. His and Eren's relationship, while romantic, isn't physical; Mikasa is relearning herself slowly, and Jean would cut off his own arm first rather than pressure her.
If Dolph knows what he wants, Jean is happy to provide it - but it's also not required and he doesn't want to give Dolph the impression it is. Not that he's helping much when his other hand slides out from under the shirt to give a shameless grope to his ass. Jean hums in response to the moan, pleased. ]
If Dolph knows what he wants, Jean is happy to provide it - but it's also not required and he doesn't want to give Dolph the impression it is. Not that he's helping much when his other hand slides out from under the shirt to give a shameless grope to his ass. Jean hums in response to the moan, pleased. ]
[ this was one of the things that came more easily to him than anything else. more than feelings, more than trust. dolph always felt he had a better grasp when he could feel skin under his fingertips, map a body out with his mouth.
he pulls away for a moment, breathless, his lips kiss-stung. ]
I have a room close by. If you want.
he pulls away for a moment, breathless, his lips kiss-stung. ]
I have a room close by. If you want.
[ Jean can understand that desire for physicality; he's enjoyed what he's done before, with men and women. He likes the noises he can draw out with his hands and mouth, watching a partner come undone.
Dolph looks good like this, he thinks, and when Dolph offers the room Jean bites his bottom lip for a second in thought. ]
If you want, then yes, I'm very much interested.
[ Squeezing his ass again for emphasis. ]
Dolph looks good like this, he thinks, and when Dolph offers the room Jean bites his bottom lip for a second in thought. ]
If you want, then yes, I'm very much interested.
[ Squeezing his ass again for emphasis. ]
[ dolph smiles faintly and tugs his arm to one of the private rooms he has set up in the club. complete with a furbished bed. he knew what they would be used for after all.
once he closes the door, dolph pushes jean against the wall to kiss him firmly. ]
once he closes the door, dolph pushes jean against the wall to kiss him firmly. ]
[ At least it's a nice room and Dolph knows what people are going to get up to in here. The privacy is appreciated - Jean might have something of an exhibitionist streak, but a dance floor still isn't ideal.
Being pushed up against the wall is nice - there's not many people taller than Jean, back home - and he wraps his arms around Dolph again as he returns the kiss, deepening it. He's quicker to get his hands under that shirt this time, fingers dragging along his spine. ]
Being pushed up against the wall is nice - there's not many people taller than Jean, back home - and he wraps his arms around Dolph again as he returns the kiss, deepening it. He's quicker to get his hands under that shirt this time, fingers dragging along his spine. ]
[ Jean hums his approval out at the kisses to his neck. He might be the one with more clothes on, but he tugs on Dolph's shirt first, wanting him to take it off. He's also not helping him get it off by remaining pressed up against him. ]
C'mon - I wanna see you.
C'mon - I wanna see you.
[ his cheeks darken for a moment and he hesitates over the hem of his shirt before pulling it off. dolph never had much in the way of scars and wounds. he's never been sure if that's genetics or because of the experiments he went through. sometimes, he'd like answers, but he'd never get them. not from eden, not from the warden.
not from alex.
he does shift on his feet for a moment, uncertain. baring his metal parts is always . . . uncomfortable. ]
not from alex.
he does shift on his feet for a moment, uncertain. baring his metal parts is always . . . uncomfortable. ]
[ Ironically enough, scars or a lack of doesn't bother Jean. He's used to Mikasa's, and he's used to Reiner and Eren's lack of them. He's quick to slide his hands up Dolph's chest, but he pauses with the uncertainty he can see in Dolph's eyes. He moves a hand to hover over where metal meets flesh. ]
Is it okay if I touch here?
[ His voice is soft, no hint of disgust. That's the thing; Jean's all about Dolph's comfort right now. If he wanted to leave the shirt on, he'd let him, and he's not about to push boundaries the first time they do this. ]
Is it okay if I touch here?
[ His voice is soft, no hint of disgust. That's the thing; Jean's all about Dolph's comfort right now. If he wanted to leave the shirt on, he'd let him, and he's not about to push boundaries the first time they do this. ]
[ Jean lets his hand rest on the spot on Dolph's shoulder, where he can feel both metal and flesh under his palm. He tilts his head up to press a kiss to Dolph's cheek. ]
Because it's something Eden gave you and tried to take back?
Because it's something Eden gave you and tried to take back?
You're not anyone's property now.
[ He gives a little squeeze. ]
Would you get rid of it, if you could?
[ He gives a little squeeze. ]
Would you get rid of it, if you could?
Okay. At least, here, you have no idea what Vaeros might decide to replace it with, too.
[ After a moment he starts nudging Dolph towards the bed, despite the serious subject matter. ]
Sometimes the things you hate are also things you can use, though. Levi will tell you I'm one of the best strategists he has. I'll say I thought I was a monster, the first time I used someone's death as a distraction to make sure the rest of us survived.
[ After a moment he starts nudging Dolph towards the bed, despite the serious subject matter. ]
Sometimes the things you hate are also things you can use, though. Levi will tell you I'm one of the best strategists he has. I'll say I thought I was a monster, the first time I used someone's death as a distraction to make sure the rest of us survived.
[ Dolph's sweet, to trace those spots. Jean's not crying - he hardly needs to shed more tears at the moment - but he smiles, turning his head to kiss Dolph's palm. ]
I've done what I have to. It doesn't make it any easier to realize you've taken someone's life, indirectly or not.
[ He tries not to let it eat him up, but he's not like some of his peers; it's hard to separate it. He'll always feel like it's a personal failure. ]
I've done what I have to. It doesn't make it any easier to realize you've taken someone's life, indirectly or not.
[ He tries not to let it eat him up, but he's not like some of his peers; it's hard to separate it. He'll always feel like it's a personal failure. ]
Or any easier to carry it.
[ because he can see jean's carrying it all. he wonders if he bears jade's life with the same kind of weight. he's killed plenty but dolph's never given a second thought. it was eden. eden or him. dolph tugs him along, to the bed, his knees hitting the edge.
he's sure jean's partners help him in that. dolph can . . . what? he's not sure.
but he can try. ]
[ because he can see jean's carrying it all. he wonders if he bears jade's life with the same kind of weight. he's killed plenty but dolph's never given a second thought. it was eden. eden or him. dolph tugs him along, to the bed, his knees hitting the edge.
he's sure jean's partners help him in that. dolph can . . . what? he's not sure.
but he can try. ]
[ Actually, Dolph helps just by acknowledging it. Mikasa doesn't experience the same shape of regret that he does, at least not yet; Eren hasn't killed a human before, even if he knows how terrible his future becomes.
Just hearing that it's hard to carry makes Jean exhale softly, a small smile on his face. When Dolph's knees hit the edge, Jean gently pushes him down, until Dolph is at least sitting.
Jean plants one knee on the bed, outside Dolph's thigh, and drops his hands down to his vest. He deftly undoes the buttons for both it and the button-up underneath, shrugging the fabrics off and tossing them to the side. It's clearer the kind of upper body work Jean's handled, and, interestingly, besides the dusting of blonde chest hair, there's a pattern of scars that cross over his body, in the same shape as the gear he wears.
Still, he knows he looks good and grins down at Dolph before he lets himself sit in his lap, pressing another kiss to his mouth. ]
Sorry to bring the mood down. Maybe I can help get both our minds off it.
Just hearing that it's hard to carry makes Jean exhale softly, a small smile on his face. When Dolph's knees hit the edge, Jean gently pushes him down, until Dolph is at least sitting.
Jean plants one knee on the bed, outside Dolph's thigh, and drops his hands down to his vest. He deftly undoes the buttons for both it and the button-up underneath, shrugging the fabrics off and tossing them to the side. It's clearer the kind of upper body work Jean's handled, and, interestingly, besides the dusting of blonde chest hair, there's a pattern of scars that cross over his body, in the same shape as the gear he wears.
Still, he knows he looks good and grins down at Dolph before he lets himself sit in his lap, pressing another kiss to his mouth. ]
Sorry to bring the mood down. Maybe I can help get both our minds off it.
[ The fingers cradling his face are sweet, and Jean's expression goes from a grin to the softer, sweeter smile that Dolph is probably seeing more of now. ]
Remember what I said about wanting to know good things and the bad? Seems like it goes both ways.
[ Another kiss, fingers coming up to stroke through Dolph's hair, tangling in the strands. ]
Remember what I said about wanting to know good things and the bad? Seems like it goes both ways.
[ Another kiss, fingers coming up to stroke through Dolph's hair, tangling in the strands. ]
It's okay if you forget. I'll just have to remind you.
[ He presses a kiss to Dolph's ear, next, working his way from there down the side of his neck. If this were at home he'd ask how Dolph wants to do this, so he could work on prepping one of them. He doesn't have to rush this, though.
He's got time. He's going to enjoy himself. Which means bending down to press a kiss to Dolph's chest, then nipping at the skin there, dragging teeth over tanned skin to leave faint marks. His hand slides down to cup over the front of Dolph's pants. ]
[ He presses a kiss to Dolph's ear, next, working his way from there down the side of his neck. If this were at home he'd ask how Dolph wants to do this, so he could work on prepping one of them. He doesn't have to rush this, though.
He's got time. He's going to enjoy himself. Which means bending down to press a kiss to Dolph's chest, then nipping at the skin there, dragging teeth over tanned skin to leave faint marks. His hand slides down to cup over the front of Dolph's pants. ]
[ dolph is certainly no rush. he wants to soak it in. his palms skim over jean's back, exploring while dolph arches under jean's touch. the marks feel good, visceral in a way he hadn't thought would zing right down to his heart. his fingers tighten their grip. ]
[ He likes the feel of Dolph's hands and fingers on his back; he lets out an encouraging groan for Dolph to keep doing it. He leaves his hand pressed up against Dolph but not moving as he keeps working over his chest. Another sharp bite, over the curve of one pec, and then he closes his mouth around a nipple, giving it a teasing suck.
Some men like this; others you might as well be licking their wallet, for all it does for them. ]
Some men like this; others you might as well be licking their wallet, for all it does for them. ]
[ for dolph, touch is still so exciting. he can never get enough of it. long ago, touch had been nothing but brutal. punches and kicks, endless fighting. when he had gotten out, it's all he could do not to sink into the pleasure of it. even now, he gasps, air punched out of lungs. he writhes on the bed for a moment, his nails digging into jean's back. ]
[ He likes that Dolph is so responsive to this kind of thing; that's Jean's favorite thing to do period, is draw noises and reactions out of his partners. His gold eyes gaze up over Dolph as he writhes, enjoying the feel of those nails in his back.
He hums against Dolph's skin; his other hand, the one not pressing against his groin, comes up to his other nipple, giving it a gentle pinch as Jean flicks his tongue over the other one. He follows the movement with a nip to his skin, a smile on his face. ]
He hums against Dolph's skin; his other hand, the one not pressing against his groin, comes up to his other nipple, giving it a gentle pinch as Jean flicks his tongue over the other one. He follows the movement with a nip to his skin, a smile on his face. ]
[ it's a lot. even now, despite the leaps and bounds dolph made with physical intimacy, it always seems to crash into him like a tidal wave. perhaps that was the allure for him, why he chased it so ardently. there's something about having someone's complete attention and action laser-focused on himself.
he has no interest in being passive, slipping one palm to rove over jean's chest while another tangles his fingers in jean's hair, lightly scraping over his scalp. ]
he has no interest in being passive, slipping one palm to rove over jean's chest while another tangles his fingers in jean's hair, lightly scraping over his scalp. ]
[ The tug on his hair gets a groan spilling from Jean's lips - yes, more of that, please - and he presses his chest against Dolph's hand, clearly enjoying the touches there.
Jean doesn't stop teasing Dolph's nipples, though, kissing and biting his way across his chest to the other one, letting his mouth soothe any ache from pinching it with his fingers. He does eventually lean up a bit. ]
I wanna taste you.
[ The way the hand on his groin squeezes over the shape of his cock makes it pretty clear where. ]
Jean doesn't stop teasing Dolph's nipples, though, kissing and biting his way across his chest to the other one, letting his mouth soothe any ache from pinching it with his fingers. He does eventually lean up a bit. ]
I wanna taste you.
[ The way the hand on his groin squeezes over the shape of his cock makes it pretty clear where. ]
[ Jean backs off a bit just so he can slide off the bed. He rests on his knees as he settles between Dolph's spread legs, watching him undo the zipper and stroke himself. It's a nice looking cock, and Jean glances up at Dolph, unable to help a smirk. ]
Cute.
[ He does mean it, but he's also enjoying teasing him. He leans down to press his lips to the base of Dolph's cock, sticking his tongue out to drag it up, along the shaft, stopping when his tongue flicks over the head of Dolph's cock. ]
Cute.
[ He does mean it, but he's also enjoying teasing him. He leans down to press his lips to the base of Dolph's cock, sticking his tongue out to drag it up, along the shaft, stopping when his tongue flicks over the head of Dolph's cock. ]
[ It's nice that Dolph isn't moving; Jean reaches a hand up to wrap around the base of his cock for a moment, looking up at him and grinning. ]
Pulling hair is fine - so is moving. I can take it.
[ And, determined to prove just that, he ducks his head down to slide Dolph's cock into his mouth, letting out a little groan. He likes this, the feel of something in his mouth, and he lets himself keep going. He takes most of Dolph's cock in one long slide before he pulls back a little, only to sink down again. ]
Pulling hair is fine - so is moving. I can take it.
[ And, determined to prove just that, he ducks his head down to slide Dolph's cock into his mouth, letting out a little groan. He likes this, the feel of something in his mouth, and he lets himself keep going. He takes most of Dolph's cock in one long slide before he pulls back a little, only to sink down again. ]
[ Jean doesn't seem worried in the slightest about Dolph's body jerking, letting his eyes flutter closed as he sucks. Determined to show off, he bobs his head until he's taken Dolph's cock fully, down his throat, so that his nose brushes the hair at the base of Dolph's cock before he pulls back.
Wonder how someone might look smug sucking cock? Wonder no more, Jean has somehow managed it, as he ducks his head down again, starting a pattern of taking Dolph deep and pulling back a bit. ]
Wonder how someone might look smug sucking cock? Wonder no more, Jean has somehow managed it, as he ducks his head down again, starting a pattern of taking Dolph deep and pulling back a bit. ]
[ he is absolutely getting teased and he knows it. but he doesn't really have room to protest as he keens, tossing his head back and feeling himself on the threshold. arousal builds in the pit of his stomach, making his head spin, heat clouding his vision. ]
[ Jean has no intentions of stopping unless Dolph asks him to, so he keeps going, humming gently as he works Dolph over. One of his hands comes up to cup his balls as well, squeezing gently and trying to stimulate him with not just his mouth, but his hands as well.
And apparently prepared to swallow, if his continued use of said mouth is any indication. ]
And apparently prepared to swallow, if his continued use of said mouth is any indication. ]
[ Hey, Jean is going to take it as flattery. He works Dolph through his orgasm, swallowing and sucking around his cock, only backing off when he's sure it's probably too sensitive for Dolph to continue. He still nuzzles his cheek against one thigh, smiling up at Dolph, his lips wet and red from all the sliding up at down. ]
Isn't that my line?
[ His voice is a little rougher from the blowjob, a tone he knows some people find very appealing, and he lets the smile turn into a grin, leaning up to press a quick kiss to Dolph's lips. ]
The noises you make... I could have listened for a while. I didn't think you'd appreciate me backing off, though.
[ His voice is a little rougher from the blowjob, a tone he knows some people find very appealing, and he lets the smile turn into a grin, leaning up to press a quick kiss to Dolph's lips. ]
The noises you make... I could have listened for a while. I didn't think you'd appreciate me backing off, though.
[ What Jean wants is to make Dolph feel good, so in his mind he's done exactly what he set out to do. He does climb back up from between Dolph's legs to sit on the bed, so he can keep kissing him. ]
Well, next time I'll draw it out for you, until you're begging.
[ He's still grinning. ]
Well, next time I'll draw it out for you, until you're begging.
[ He's still grinning. ]
Absolutely.
[ He brushes some of Dolph's hair back, kissing him again. ]
Whatever you want to do, and more.
[ He brushes some of Dolph's hair back, kissing him again. ]
Whatever you want to do, and more.
Shouldn't it be? We're both here to make each other feel good. It's one thing to not be sure about something, but if you're not having fun, I'm not having fun.
[ He reaches down, brushing a hand over Dolph's chest. ]
If you told me touching your chest did nothing for you, I wouldn't insist on continuing to do it. If you tell me you hate taking dick, we'd just do it the other way.
[ He shrugs lightly. ]
I want to be with you, not just have a quick fuck.
[ He reaches down, brushing a hand over Dolph's chest. ]
If you told me touching your chest did nothing for you, I wouldn't insist on continuing to do it. If you tell me you hate taking dick, we'd just do it the other way.
[ He shrugs lightly. ]
I want to be with you, not just have a quick fuck.
[ Jean reaches down to rest his hand over that fist - whether metal or flesh it doesn't matter to him. ]
I like doing what my partners want. It's not uncommon to feel that way, but either we're meeting for something specific or we're checking in.
[ He'd checked in with Mikasa, when he touched her, taught her how to leave marks with her mouth, gave her every chance to back off and respected it when she did. ]
Did Alex... ever check with you about what you wanted?
I like doing what my partners want. It's not uncommon to feel that way, but either we're meeting for something specific or we're checking in.
[ He'd checked in with Mikasa, when he touched her, taught her how to leave marks with her mouth, gave her every chance to back off and respected it when she did. ]
Did Alex... ever check with you about what you wanted?
Edited 2024-02-03 11:36 (UTC)
. . . I don't remember.
I loved Alex. More than anything in the world. More than myself.
[ which is why dolph went wild when alex betrayed him. partly in fury, a rage that burned like no other. and a sorrow that went so deep, he welcomed a missile with open arms. ]
Maybe he did. But it's more likely . . . he didn't.
[ and that hurts to say. it hurts to speak bad of alex, even now. ]
I loved Alex. More than anything in the world. More than myself.
[ which is why dolph went wild when alex betrayed him. partly in fury, a rage that burned like no other. and a sorrow that went so deep, he welcomed a missile with open arms. ]
Maybe he did. But it's more likely . . . he didn't.
[ and that hurts to say. it hurts to speak bad of alex, even now. ]
[ More than myself. Jean had berated Eren, as a younger man, for acting dangerously precisely because Mikasa would follow him into any danger herself. His expression is sympathetic, not pitying. ]
Okay.
[ He uniquely understands how someone that deep might find it hard to speak ill of the person they loved. He doesn't say Alex was bad. ]
Well, I want to do what you want to do. I'll check in to make sure we're on the same page about those kinds of things. If you don't want something - you can always tell me, no matter how far into it we are.
Okay.
[ He uniquely understands how someone that deep might find it hard to speak ill of the person they loved. He doesn't say Alex was bad. ]
Well, I want to do what you want to do. I'll check in to make sure we're on the same page about those kinds of things. If you don't want something - you can always tell me, no matter how far into it we are.
No. I'll ask you until you're sick of it and tell me to get on to the fun part.
[ He offers Dolph a sincere smile. ]
I'd rather hurt myself than hurt any of my partners like that.
[ He offers Dolph a sincere smile. ]
I'd rather hurt myself than hurt any of my partners like that.
I'll still check in, it's a two way street and all.
[ Jean leans in and presses a kiss to Dolph again, slow and sweet. ]
Do you want to lay down and hold each other?
[ That's something Mikasa likes, and Dolph liked the contact earlier. He wants Dolph to know he can have that without sex, too. ]
[ Jean leans in and presses a kiss to Dolph again, slow and sweet. ]
Do you want to lay down and hold each other?
[ That's something Mikasa likes, and Dolph liked the contact earlier. He wants Dolph to know he can have that without sex, too. ]
[ Jean easily flops backwards despite the fact that his boots are still on, and opens his arms up, indicating Dolph should get in here and snuggle up, bare skin to bare skin.
Would he have liked to mess around more? Yes, but that's not his priority. He knows more about Dolph's previous relationship now - and he's not impressed by this Alex guy in the slightest. ]
Would he have liked to mess around more? Yes, but that's not his priority. He knows more about Dolph's previous relationship now - and he's not impressed by this Alex guy in the slightest. ]
[ Jean lets Dolph get comfortable, letting him rest his head on his arm or chest, whatever he prefers. The other arm does come down to wrap around Dolph as best as he can, fingers spreading out against his back, tilting his head down to kiss his forehead. ]
I've got you, okay? No matter what.
I've got you, okay? No matter what.
[ Jean will hold Dolph as long as the older man lets him. They might even fall asleep together, entwined like this - Jean wouldn't mind it at all. ]
Hey Laserhawk,
Would you be okay with filling out a survey for Home Base so I can use it to improve the business? It's only six questions.
- Gokudera
Would you be okay with filling out a survey for Home Base so I can use it to improve the business? It's only six questions.
- Gokudera
Do you want me to give you the questions one at a time or all at once?
Alright! One at a time, then. This is my first time running a survey for my business so if you don't like a question or would prefer to skip it (or if you need clarification), let me know.
1. What did you like about your experience at Home Base?
1. What did you like about your experience at Home Base?
Thank you. If you want to submit any changes to your answers on this survey, you can leave a message in my inbox at any time.
2. What could I do better next time?
2. What could I do better next time?
[He hadn't meant to ask more questions outside the questions for the survey, but... he should at least try to understand thoroughly.]
Harder as in the material that they are made of? I need to make them breakable to some extent.
[Oh! HE HAS AN IDEA]
What if I turn some of the pitching machines into heavily reinforced turrets? I specialize in explosives so I don't know much about working with that... so I'd need to read up for a while.
[He's feeling particularly emboldened, creative, excited, and... it's difficult to ask for it, but why not? Gokudera's no stranger to rejections.]
If I try to make something like that, will you help me with it?
Harder as in the material that they are made of? I need to make them breakable to some extent.
[Oh! HE HAS AN IDEA]
What if I turn some of the pitching machines into heavily reinforced turrets? I specialize in explosives so I don't know much about working with that... so I'd need to read up for a while.
[He's feeling particularly emboldened, creative, excited, and... it's difficult to ask for it, but why not? Gokudera's no stranger to rejections.]
If I try to make something like that, will you help me with it?
Edited (I'm so sorry i suck so bad at html) 2024-02-02 03:22 (UTC)
Yeah, break it. I can reinforce it with new things, see what's most challenging for you so that you grow stronger from it and the experience is more satisfying, yeah?
Is that acceptable? We can discuss details in another conversation or at a later date if you want? I try to do my best to satisfy my clients or whatever. Home Base is as much a 'WRECK' center as it is a 'REC' Center. If training is a focus of yours, I'm sure we could meet up for things like that. Unless you don't want to then it's cool.
Kinda curious if I could beat you up. I used to get in many fights every day back home.
3. Would you be likely to return to Home Base again?
Is that acceptable? We can discuss details in another conversation or at a later date if you want? I try to do my best to satisfy my clients or whatever. Home Base is as much a 'WRECK' center as it is a 'REC' Center. If training is a focus of yours, I'm sure we could meet up for things like that. Unless you don't want to then it's cool.
Kinda curious if I could beat you up. I used to get in many fights every day back home.
3. Would you be likely to return to Home Base again?
Edited 2024-02-02 03:50 (UTC)
Is it alright if it is enchanted in some way?
I'll record the answer as more positive feedback and mark it 'yes if changes are made' instead of 'no because this business has failed to meet expectations' does that sound fair?
4. How did the quality of our service make you feel?
I'll record the answer as more positive feedback and mark it 'yes if changes are made' instead of 'no because this business has failed to meet expectations' does that sound fair?
4. How did the quality of our service make you feel?
No problem.
5. How likely are you to recommend us to others? (Scale from 1-10.)
5. How likely are you to recommend us to others? (Scale from 1-10.)
[That's way higher a number than Gokudera had expected. Luckily, his surprise doesn't cause more than a small delay on the next question.]
6. How would you rate your last experience with us? (Likert scale: ‘Very satisfied’, ‘satisfied’, ‘neutral’, ‘dissatisfied’, ‘very dissatisfied’.
6. How would you rate your last experience with us? (Likert scale: ‘Very satisfied’, ‘satisfied’, ‘neutral’, ‘dissatisfied’, ‘very dissatisfied’.
You know I'd be willing to pay you for helping me if you wanted to consider it a job? It's not like I can't do this on my own. I totally can.
But your fighting is very cool and unique or whatever so you should come by more often!
Thanks for answering the survey. Your feedback is important.
But your fighting is very cool and unique or whatever so you should come by more often!
Thanks for answering the survey. Your feedback is important.
You're already helping Quentin Beck with his movie, right? So then I owe you something for that as well.
I don't know. Maybe because it's partially like... my movie?
That's alright.
Beck is the real brains behind it, and he's got so much passion for his work, it's really inspiring. I came up with the story as a joke (and not a well-thought out one, either) and I guess he saw potential in it.
He's a really great guy, so if he wants anyone to help out with it, I fully support him no matter what.
Beck is the real brains behind it, and he's got so much passion for his work, it's really inspiring. I came up with the story as a joke (and not a well-thought out one, either) and I guess he saw potential in it.
He's a really great guy, so if he wants anyone to help out with it, I fully support him no matter what.
Your work is still important
I'm glad he did
I'm glad he did
Is there anything wrong with it being more than that?
ok maybe not
Alright, well I'm going to get back to work! Destroying things isn't as important to me as growing stronger, so I better hop to it.
Alright, well I'm going to get back to work! Destroying things isn't as important to me as growing stronger, so I better hop to it.
thanks, but I don’t need luck
I’ve worked very hard for everything I’ve ever had and I don’t plan to ever stop
I’ve worked very hard for everything I’ve ever had and I don’t plan to ever stop
Just not something I’m used to…
But I guess I believe it.
But I guess I believe it.
I made a lot of good luck charms during the holidays when I was recovering from being shot. I'll give you one.
Most of them are for like... bodily health, but I can just embroider a different kanji on yours so it's for luck.
Most of them are for like... bodily health, but I can just embroider a different kanji on yours so it's for luck.
It works as well as you wishing me luck. Just more tangible
You don't have to use it! Just keep it with you
Cool! I'll work on making it when I get home later
You’d throw out a handmade token of good luck?
I knew you weren’t an idiot
Anyways who knows how much time any of us have here, so the sooner I can make it and give it to you, the better
Anyways who knows how much time any of us have here, so the sooner I can make it and give it to you, the better
Morning babe!
Are you hungry? We should totally meet up for breakfast. I got so much to tell you!
Are you hungry? We should totally meet up for breakfast. I got so much to tell you!
I was thinking maybe a diner or something? I really want some bacon and I just took a shower after my morning run so I'm all clean and hungry!
And I tried a new shampoo that smells like flowers so I smell super nice for my bestest boyfriend too ♡
And I tried a new shampoo that smells like flowers so I smell super nice for my bestest boyfriend too ♡
Yeah yeah! Do you wanna sit in the back or should we get a window seat and people watch?
The back is fine too! Im so excited. It's super great news. Oh! If you havent been outside yet grab a jacket its pretty cold! Ill bring an extra one if you wanna cuddle while we eat.
See ya there!
♡♡♡♡
See ya there!
♡♡♡♡
[Zack's eager to get to the diner and he arrives with hiw own oversized zip up hoddie on with a spare for Dolph. Some of his hair is still a little wet and its clear he literally JUST finished showering like he said.
When he sees him he heads to the booth and slips in next to Dolph on the same side to give him a fresh kiss to the cheek and then drape the spare hoodie over his shoulders.]
Good morning!
[Its only then Zack notices the bacon and his stomach grumbles.]
Awww did you order this for me? You're the best.
When he sees him he heads to the booth and slips in next to Dolph on the same side to give him a fresh kiss to the cheek and then drape the spare hoodie over his shoulders.]
Good morning!
[Its only then Zack notices the bacon and his stomach grumbles.]
Awww did you order this for me? You're the best.
Still it's sweet you did that. Did you order anything else yet?
[Zack is just gonna munch on some bacon now.]
So is there any news you want to tell me or should I start?
[his expression is as happy as ever.]
[Zack is just gonna munch on some bacon now.]
So is there any news you want to tell me or should I start?
[his expression is as happy as ever.]
Ooo pancakes.
[Zack takes another piece of bacon and leans against Dolph. So content right now.]
Cloud’s here. My buddy from home. I almost thought I was dreaming again when I saw him the first time. I'm thinking of contracting with him to keep him safe and close so I've been looking for another job.
[He turns to look at Dolph and brushes some hair out of his face. ]
I want to take care of you too, that's also why I've been applying to more places. I want to provide for the people I care about.
[Zack takes another piece of bacon and leans against Dolph. So content right now.]
Cloud’s here. My buddy from home. I almost thought I was dreaming again when I saw him the first time. I'm thinking of contracting with him to keep him safe and close so I've been looking for another job.
[He turns to look at Dolph and brushes some hair out of his face. ]
I want to take care of you too, that's also why I've been applying to more places. I want to provide for the people I care about.
[ dolph inhales quietly, leaning into the touch for a moment. ]
And you're both . . . fine with that?
I thought — You'd might want to be with him. You loved him.
[ he's using past tense, though he's sure zack still does. he just . . . doesn't know how to navigate this. ]
And you're both . . . fine with that?
I thought — You'd might want to be with him. You loved him.
[ he's using past tense, though he's sure zack still does. he just . . . doesn't know how to navigate this. ]
I..well I mean. It's complicated?
[He scratches at his chin, trying to think of how to explain his relationship with Cloud.]
He's my friend and yeah I love him. I guess I have for awhile but I never thought of it as anything more than that. I've only been thinking about it since he's here and we talked...
[Zack turns fully to Dolph as he remembers something.]
We..I...um...we kissed and stuff. Is that bad? Are you mad at me? I should have asked first if that was okay shouldn't I? He's not taking your place if you're worried. I promise!
[He scratches at his chin, trying to think of how to explain his relationship with Cloud.]
He's my friend and yeah I love him. I guess I have for awhile but I never thought of it as anything more than that. I've only been thinking about it since he's here and we talked...
[Zack turns fully to Dolph as he remembers something.]
We..I...um...we kissed and stuff. Is that bad? Are you mad at me? I should have asked first if that was okay shouldn't I? He's not taking your place if you're worried. I promise!
[ dolph shakes his head slowly. jealousy isn't really an emotion he's familiar with and certainly not one he's feeling right now. he's never had enough relationships to care about that. ]
I'm not mad. And if he did, I wouldn't be mad either.
I just . . . don't want to get in the way.
I'm not mad. And if he did, I wouldn't be mad either.
I just . . . don't want to get in the way.
How would you get in the way?
[Zack doesnt get what Dolph means]
Dolph, I lo-like you so much. You're my boyfriend. Why would I want you away from me? When Cloud told me you two met I was so happy and even happier that Cloud had said you treated him with kindness. I know you were a great guy but it was nice to hear another say it too.
Dolph I'm so happy you two met. I would have introduced you both anyway. I'm just annoyed I didn't get to. [He fake pouts at that but it only lasts a moment before hes laughing again.]
[Zack doesnt get what Dolph means]
Dolph, I lo-like you so much. You're my boyfriend. Why would I want you away from me? When Cloud told me you two met I was so happy and even happier that Cloud had said you treated him with kindness. I know you were a great guy but it was nice to hear another say it too.
Dolph I'm so happy you two met. I would have introduced you both anyway. I'm just annoyed I didn't get to. [He fake pouts at that but it only lasts a moment before hes laughing again.]
I am. I...well...Dolph I care about you a lot. Like more then a lot even I just...I don't want to scare you away. You're really important to me.
[Hes kind of glad that Dolph is on the inside of the booth right now.]
Cloud sorta told me what you two did. He wouldn't say it but I kinda figured. I'm not mad at it so you know. I think it's great and I know Cloud is in good hands with you.
[Hes kind of glad that Dolph is on the inside of the booth right now.]
Cloud sorta told me what you two did. He wouldn't say it but I kinda figured. I'm not mad at it so you know. I think it's great and I know Cloud is in good hands with you.
Then I'll talk to you about it. He wouldn't be just getting me anymore, he'd get both of us. I want us to be a package deal in that case. Honestly I'd like your okay for anyone else I would date.
[Zack fiddles a little with his bacon, unsure.]
Is that weird? I don't want secrets between us. If you wanted to date someone else on top of dating me I wouldn't mind either, as long as they were good to you.
[Zack fiddles a little with his bacon, unsure.]
Is that weird? I don't want secrets between us. If you wanted to date someone else on top of dating me I wouldn't mind either, as long as they were good to you.
[He needs to support Dolph in this of course but he knows Alex is tough for him. Originally he had wanted them back together and Dolph was making such good progress with himself, would Alex somehow mess it up? He hoped that wasn't the case.
He sits back and crosses his arms over his chest in thought.]
Did it go okay? Did he behave?
He sits back and crosses his arms over his chest in thought.]
Did it go okay? Did he behave?
Did he treat you nicely or did he upset you?
[He hates seeing Dolph like this, he just wants the man happy.]
Do you want to tell me what you two talked about?
[He hates seeing Dolph like this, he just wants the man happy.]
Do you want to tell me what you two talked about?
[ dolph fiddles with his plate, not looking up. he feels ashamed. ashamed that he still cares about alex, the man who shot him. who told pagan min that dolph was a pathetic queer. who tried to sweet talk him after inciting a riot. ]
He wants me back.
He wants me back.
o-oh...
[Zack fiddles more with his bacon, unsure of what to say to that.]
I think....if you want to I won't stop you but...does that mean I won't see you anymore?
[Zack fiddles more with his bacon, unsure of what to say to that.]
I think....if you want to I won't stop you but...does that mean I won't see you anymore?
[He's not giving up but he also knows how Alex is a sore spot.]
Do you want anything from me? Do you need a hug after that? Or more of the kiss tax??
[He leans closer, eyes showing how eager he is to make Dolph feel better.]
Do you want me there next time you talk to him? Maybe I can help?
Do you want anything from me? Do you need a hug after that? Or more of the kiss tax??
[He leans closer, eyes showing how eager he is to make Dolph feel better.]
Do you want me there next time you talk to him? Maybe I can help?
I'm ready to listen whenever you are ready to tell me.
[He eats his bacon and then takes Dolph's hand in his own.]
We're boyfriends and that means I'm your partner for as long as you'll have me. So tell me whatever you need to. I'll always listen.
[He eats his bacon and then takes Dolph's hand in his own.]
We're boyfriends and that means I'm your partner for as long as you'll have me. So tell me whatever you need to. I'll always listen.
...and he was your first love right?
[Zack watches the pancake be stabbed and just holds his hand a bit tighter.]
I'm not judging, I cared about someone a lot who did something similar to me...I looked up to him so I get it. I think if he was here I might even forgive him if he asked for it, as long as he explained why this all happened.
You're worried he might do something to hurt you again, right?
[Zack watches the pancake be stabbed and just holds his hand a bit tighter.]
I'm not judging, I cared about someone a lot who did something similar to me...I looked up to him so I get it. I think if he was here I might even forgive him if he asked for it, as long as he explained why this all happened.
You're worried he might do something to hurt you again, right?
But not the only love you'll ever have...
[His own words are a bit softer, hopeful a bit as he leans in and kisses Dolph's cheek.]
Then don't trust him as easily. You can still give him room to be in your life but not let him in all at once if you need time. If he doesn't like that then you have your answer and he hasn't changed. I can even come with you if you need support.
[His own words are a bit softer, hopeful a bit as he leans in and kisses Dolph's cheek.]
Then don't trust him as easily. You can still give him room to be in your life but not let him in all at once if you need time. If he doesn't like that then you have your answer and he hasn't changed. I can even come with you if you need support.
I'd never think that Dolph! [His voice does raise at that but not in anger at Dolph more to prove his point.] You take those thoughts back right now Mister! I care so much about you! This is your trauma and I'm sure if the man who gave me mine was here I'd be reacting the same way. You aren't and will never be pathetic to me.
[That flustered face is too cute and Zack can't help but just grab his face and kiss him, hoping to kiss all the worries away. Maybe even show some of his deeper feelings as well in the kiss. When he does pull away he can't help and stop the words that leave his lips.]
I want to be there for you Dolph, whenever you're in pain. I love you.
I want to be there for you Dolph, whenever you're in pain. I love you.
[It takes Zack a minute before he gets why Dolph isn't saying much and he quickly pulls back and puts his hands up in defense.]
I-I...I mean...Dolph wait...that was...I shouldn't have....
I-I...I mean...Dolph wait...that was...I shouldn't have....
[Zack can see the fear in Dolph's eye and it hurts his chest that he's the cause of this. This isn't what he wanted. His big mouth got him in trouble again. He knows he should give Dolph his space but his body won't move.]
Dolph please...I'm sorry I...I didn't mean to say that yet....not now when you're already so hurt....
[Zack wants to hug him and keep him close but he doesn't touch him for fear of making the situation worse.]
P-Please...please don't go...
[His own blue eyes start to water.]
please don't leave me
Dolph please...I'm sorry I...I didn't mean to say that yet....not now when you're already so hurt....
[Zack wants to hug him and keep him close but he doesn't touch him for fear of making the situation worse.]
P-Please...please don't go...
[His own blue eyes start to water.]
please don't leave me
[ he can't hear zack. all he can hear is alex. alex, telling dolph how much he loved him. alex shooting him. alex's blood on his lips, his hands on dolph, I need you. I love you. distantly, he can feel himself shake. he can't. he can't do that all over again.
his voice is ragged. ]
Move. Please.
his voice is ragged. ]
Move. Please.
[He can't help the tears falling as he sees Dolph shake. He reaches out for him but at so ragged a voice he doesn't touch him and brings his hand back in and just nods.]
I'm sorry...I'm so sorry...
[His body finally responds and he does move out of the booth.]
I'm sorry...I'm so sorry...
[His body finally responds and he does move out of the booth.]
[ dolph doesn't waste any time, hurtling out of the booth. he doesn't want to hurt zack, he's sure of that much. he wants to be sure of that much. he wants — he can't think straight, he can't think at all, there's nothing here but the overwhelming panic and fear that has sunken its teeth into him.
he just keeps running. somewhere. anywhere. far away until his legs buckle and dolph just. stops. closes his eye.
if he wasn't before, he truly was pathetic now. ]
he just keeps running. somewhere. anywhere. far away until his legs buckle and dolph just. stops. closes his eye.
if he wasn't before, he truly was pathetic now. ]
Edited 2024-02-09 13:54 (UTC)
[Zack doesn't go after him right away. Instead he wipes his face and quickly pays for their unfinished food. He does try to find Dolph after, hoping the cold air and maybe being alone for a bit would calm him down but he has no idea where he ran to. He spends honestly a few hours running through the up and down before he finally gives up his search. Zack ends up going to his home but not before sending a text message for Dolph to read when he's feeling better.]
I'm sorry I scared you. I didn't mean to say it then when you were being so open to me. It was wrong. I won't take back the words but I know the timing was bad. I'm sorry and I hope you're safe and feel better soon. I never wanted to ever upset you like that.
I'll be at my place if you need me.
I'm sorry I scared you. I didn't mean to say it then when you were being so open to me. It was wrong. I won't take back the words but I know the timing was bad. I'm sorry and I hope you're safe and feel better soon. I never wanted to ever upset you like that.
I'll be at my place if you need me.
Happy Valentine's day babe! I got another present for you later. Let me know when you want to open it.[A text is sent with a silly valentine that Zack made attached and tons of heart emojis. There is also a box of chocolates sent over. Don't worry, Zack didn't make them from scratch.]
A time? Nah, it's a present and I wrapped it myself! Also I hope you like the chocolates but no promises if they are clean. The lady gave me a weird look when I asked if they were spiked when I bought them so maybe enjoy them near me so I can keep an eye on you in case?
Cool! I'll make sure to take care of you and if nothing happens then I got to spoil my sweet with sweets and that's fun too <3
The best win-win <3 Anytime spent with you is a good time.
Oooo breakfast? You know I love when you cook. I feel so spoiled first pasta and now breakfast. I'm so lucky <3 <3 <3
Well how about you make breakfast and then you can open your last present from me?
Okay!
[Zack is eager for Dolph to come over and hes still in his pjs, that same weird wolf shirt he loves so much and his underwear. He does get out of bed to unlock the door to his apartment for Dolph, then he goes to his kitchen and takes a seat, excited.]
[Zack is eager for Dolph to come over and hes still in his pjs, that same weird wolf shirt he loves so much and his underwear. He does get out of bed to unlock the door to his apartment for Dolph, then he goes to his kitchen and takes a seat, excited.]
[ dolph brings the ingredients needed for breakfast. as always he does sigh a little at the sight of zack's apartment, but he doesn't comment on it. instead he gets to work, frying up some bacon, making waffles and squeezing out some orange juice.
. . . and he adds some candy hearts. for effect. ]
. . . and he adds some candy hearts. for effect. ]
[It always smells so good when Dolph cooks for him. Zack's eager to watch but he doesnt bother him like usual, just watching from the table and admiring his boyfriend from behind. His mind replays their most recent meet and his face turns a deep red as he shifts in his seat, trying to get his slight erection down from the thoughts of how good Dolph had looked under him.]
Thank you babe, it looks amazing! And smells even better too!
[He notices the candy hearts and his eyes widen.]
Whoa these are so cute!! Are they edible or just decoration?
Thank you babe, it looks amazing! And smells even better too!
[He notices the candy hearts and his eyes widen.]
Whoa these are so cute!! Are they edible or just decoration?
[Zack tries to focus on the food and how utterly amazing it really looks but his boyfriend also looks amazing and maybe his brain crashes but he just doesnt stop the next words he says.]
Can I have you for breakfast too?
Can I have you for breakfast too?
Huh?
[There is a confused look on Zack's face as he processes what he just said and his face goes a deep red and he jolts up from his chair, hands on the table.]
I um how about on...the counter??? Can...can I suck you off?
[There is a confused look on Zack's face as he processes what he just said and his face goes a deep red and he jolts up from his chair, hands on the table.]
I um how about on...the counter??? Can...can I suck you off?
[Zack's eyes widen as he stays as still as a statue watching his boyfriend palm himself in front of him. Its too sexy a sight and he feels his mouth go dry. His lips part to speak but nothing comes out. Instead he rushes to the counter and gets on his knees to bury his face against Dolph's underwear, his hands resting against those thighs to keep them both still as he kisses him through the material. Dolph's scent is strongest here and with his face buried deep its all Zack can smeel and he feels like hes drowning in it in a good way, a pleased noise leaving his lips as he rubs his cheeks against his bulge.]
[Zack keeps rubbing against him almost like hes trying to make himself smell like dolph like a dog would. He hardly even notices hes doing it just that it feels good and he doesnt want to leave from this spot nestled between Dolph's thighs. He does eventually stop rubbing and with his teeth he leaves little bites on Dolph's bit of exposed stomach before biting his underwear and pulling it down, eyes sparkling as he looks up at Dolph.]
[Zack nods, the hem of Dolph's underwear still in the grip of his teeth. ]
[With the okay zack tugs the underwear down as far as he cannand when it wont go further he tugs the pants too so Dolph's dick and hole are exposed to him. Even though zack asked to suck him off he actually goes for Dolph's sack first, kissing at him and then moving lower with his kisses until his lips are on Dolph's entrance. ]
Edited 2024-02-16 14:07 (UTC)
[Zack doesn't care if the counter ends up with cracks in it, honestly the idea of that is a little hot. He focuses on kissing at Dolph's entrance instead, his face rubbing against him as he peppers kisses here and there while he holds onto Dolph's thighs. He really does enjoy this spot the most. ]
[The arousal is above him and he can feel Dolph shifting and trembling around him. He reaches up a thigh, grabbing at that arousal and jerking him off as he continues to press kisses to his entrance. He's kind of really turned on and he wants Dolph to feel good. He wants to tease him open and maybe fuck him against the counter till neither of them can stand anymore.]
[He's seen stuff like this done in the videos he's watched but he's never actually done anything more then kissing there. He knows from last time lube is needed for sex and he does have some in the bedroom but that's too far away right now. His tongue should be fine right? He licks at Dolph's entrance, his tongue pushing into that tight hole and it sends a tingle that goes through his whole body. It's good, it's not weird he finds and he presses in more all while still stroking Dolph..]
[He feels Dolph go taut around him and he doesn't stop, helping his cock through that orgasm and once he's good zack shifts to grab onto Dolph's thighs and lights him so he can get a better angle with his tongue. The man might have just come but Zack's found a new favorite thing and he isn't going to stop anytime soon as he starts to fuck Dolph with his tongue.]
[Zack can't seem to get enough of him, every new thing he tries with Dolph feels better than the last and he's a bit addicted to it. He moans against Dolph continuing his onslaught of tongue fucking until he finally has to pull back to breathe and hsi face is a mess when he looks back up at Dolph, his breathing a little ragged with how aroused he is.]
Can I fuck you?
[He doesn't even have the thought to ask more romantically at the moment.]
Can I fuck you?
[He doesn't even have the thought to ask more romantically at the moment.]
[Even though he used the course language first, hearing Dolph say it back has him red snd he just nods and slides his pants down before hes pulling his boyfriend closer and kissing at his shoulder.]
Can I put it in now you think? Or do I need to prep you more?
Can I put it in now you think? Or do I need to prep you more?
[Zack doesn't hesitate and as soon as that finger is gone and with the okay he presses his tip against Dolph's entrance and just like the first time he shivers at how good just being like this is with Dolph. He just hopes he won't climax as quick as last time.] ah...Dolph you're so good and I'm not even in all the way yet
[It's still very tight and Zack's slow in pushing past that entrance. He's really just almost too big.]
[It's still very tight and Zack's slow in pushing past that entrance. He's really just almost too big.]
[ dolph groans as he spread his legs to accommodate zack. it is definitely a lot but it's not bad. dolph likes the burn of it, feeling the fullness settle in his chest. his hips roll, trying to take more of it, but it's not a process to be rushed. ]
[He slowly pushes further into Dolph, enjoying how tight he is around him and how Dolph's body seems to want to pull him in deeper.]
F-fuck...I want to live inside you...it's too good.
F-fuck...I want to live inside you...it's too good.
[Zack's mako eyes seem to shine the more he pushes into Dolph. It's similar to last time where the more horny he gets the more his eyes seem to shine and right now they are practically glowing more than usual.]
Y-yeah I feel it.
[He has to take a deep breath as he pushes in just a bit more so he can start rocking into Dolph with just a bit past the tip.]
I...ah..gotta focus...don't wanna cum again....like last time.
Y-yeah I feel it.
[He has to take a deep breath as he pushes in just a bit more so he can start rocking into Dolph with just a bit past the tip.]
I...ah..gotta focus...don't wanna cum again....like last time.
[Dolph's teasing him and he has to bite down on his bottom lip to not just cum right then with how he's squeezing him. His grip on Dolph tightens as he gives him a few shallow thrusts in return.]
Teaseeeee...ah....please I don't...I wanna last...please babe...
Teaseeeee...ah....please I don't...I wanna last...please babe...
[Zack lets out an audibly pleased sigh at that and pushes in until he's halfway in. Already this is better then last time and he hasn't climaxed just yet but the moment he starts to jerk his hips back and forth that pleasure from last time starts to come back.]
Ah..f-fuck...Dolph...I....I'm gonna...
Ah..f-fuck...Dolph...I....I'm gonna...
[Zack manages to hold off until Dolph tells him it's okay which honestly is a record for Zack as he climaxes hard, a few more thrusts deeper into Dolph as he holds onto him tightly and rides out his orgasm.]
ahhh..dolph...ngh..
ahhh..dolph...ngh..
[He thrusts a few more times until he pulls out, cum dripping down his cock and from Dolph, honestly it's super hot to watch.] That was...longer right?
[Zack can't help but let out a moan at the kiss, clearly still a little aroused.]
But I want to please you babe...
But I want to please you babe...
But do you want more? Are you satisfied with me totally? [Zack really just wants to know if he's good at this whole sex thing at all.]
Y-yeah. You're more experienced than I am...I don't want you bored of me or if I'm not good enough.
[He does lean in to hold him tight, hiding his face and his embarassment against Dolph's neck.]
[He does lean in to hold him tight, hiding his face and his embarassment against Dolph's neck.]
No! I'd never get bored of you!
[Zack's quick to reply and looks back up at Dolph at that.]
I love you too much to ever be bored.
[Zack's quick to reply and looks back up at Dolph at that.]
I love you too much to ever be bored.
[That really does touch at Zack's heart and he just hugs Dolph tighter.]
Good, the sex is just a bonus for me too.
Good, the sex is just a bonus for me too.
Yeah, it really does. You're the best you know that?
[He gives Dolph another hug, just so happy to be with him]
[He gives Dolph another hug, just so happy to be with him]
[He does let go of Dolph only so he can look him in the eye, hand caressing the metal of Dolph's face.]
Is that okay? It's still okay if I love you and you don't yet...or maybe ever?
Is that okay? It's still okay if I love you and you don't yet...or maybe ever?
No one's broken forever. It just takes time to heal. I'm a little broken too Dolph.
[He gives him a quick kiss.]
Do you want to do more and stop talking for a bit?
[He gives him a quick kiss.]
Do you want to do more and stop talking for a bit?
[As much as Zack likes talking, it's not the time for that he thinks either. If they do other things they can always talk later, right?]
Good.
[And he hopefully starts to stop any weird feelings from starting again by kissing Dolph once more, this time with an intent for more as his lips part and he deepens the kiss.]
Good.
[And he hopefully starts to stop any weird feelings from starting again by kissing Dolph once more, this time with an intent for more as his lips part and he deepens the kiss.]
[Dolph's tongue against him always has the butterflies in his stomach fluttering. He just can't help but kiss at him a bit more greedy, pulling him closer till he can't as he reaches down to tease his hole again.]
[It's good again and since they did just fuck not that long ago he just stretches him a little bit with his finger but then he pauses and pulls back for a second.]
Hey um...I never asked if you wanted to um...do this. Ya know, be in my position and me in yours. Would you....do you...is this okay? Sorry It just came to me.
Hey um...I never asked if you wanted to um...do this. Ya know, be in my position and me in yours. Would you....do you...is this okay? Sorry It just came to me.
[He didn't think that far ahead of actually switching now and with how eager for Dolph his dick is right now he doesn't think he could at the moment.]
If...if you're okay with it can we continue like this, just this time? We can maybe try the other way another time?
If...if you're okay with it can we continue like this, just this time? We can maybe try the other way another time?
[Was he wrong to ask in the middle of this? Is Dolph annoyed at him? He's not sure but he does give a hesitant kiss just in case, eyes looking a bit sorrowful with remorse if he did ruin the mood.]
Okay, let's continue then?
[He leans in and kisses Dolph's cheek.]
Okay, let's continue then?
[He leans in and kisses Dolph's cheek.]
Yeah I just....did I ruin the mood?
[He's not fully confident on sex still. He's getting better but it's a slow start for sure.]
[He's not fully confident on sex still. He's getting better but it's a slow start for sure.]
I just don't want you not having a good time. You always feel good to me, I want you enjoying it too and I still...I'm still not used to this so I worry I'm making mistakes.
I know but I want to be good for you. You're important to me.
Am I enough? You won't get tired or bored of me?
I trust you.
[He's just going to bury his face against Dolph's neck at that.]
I'll still try and get better anyway. I want you to be blown away from me one day.
[He's just going to bury his face against Dolph's neck at that.]
I'll still try and get better anyway. I want you to be blown away from me one day.
[Zack practically preens at the gentle touching, loving his hair played with.]
Yeah, me too. I'm going to blow your mind someday....ugh...in a good way.
Yeah, me too. I'm going to blow your mind someday....ugh...in a good way.
Cause I mean it!
[Zack pouts a little but it's more out of silliness then anything else.]
[Zack pouts a little but it's more out of silliness then anything else.]
[Zack trying to lighten the mood and with thumb on his lips he gives it a little bite, laughing a little]
Well, how about I finish with your gift then? We kinda didn't really finish this yet, right?
Well, how about I finish with your gift then? We kinda didn't really finish this yet, right?
[There is a nod and just as Zack Said he goes lower on his lover to tease him ready a bit once more. He's finding he really does like using his mouth on Dolph.]
[He really loves it when Dolph says his name like that. It just gets him more excited as he jerks himself off a little before finally pulling back to lip his lips and smile at his boyfriend.]
I think you're good now, you ready?
I think you're good now, you ready?
[He practically melts against the kisses, so very full of emotion right now. He gives a quick kiss back and then starts to enter him, taking his time to not hurt Dolph even though he prepped. He kisses his cheek and his lips again and again with each thrust, just wanting to enjoy the closeness between them.]
A-ahh so tight....Dolph mhmmm
[Zack's moans turn into hums as they kiss and he's trying so hard not to already climax but Dolph just feels so good he can't take it. The way he always squeezes him has him losing his mind a little and picking up the pace because of it. He's desperate to wait it out, trying so hard to focus on everything but reaching his peak.]
[Zack's moans turn into hums as they kiss and he's trying so hard not to already climax but Dolph just feels so good he can't take it. The way he always squeezes him has him losing his mind a little and picking up the pace because of it. He's desperate to wait it out, trying so hard to focus on everything but reaching his peak.]
You too..ah-h..you always feel so good.
[Zack's barely able to keep it together with the praise coming from Dolph, it's his favorite thing to be praised like that and he has to stop the kissing so he can rest his head on Dolph's shoulder.]
I can't....I'm gonna...too good.
[Zack's barely able to keep it together with the praise coming from Dolph, it's his favorite thing to be praised like that and he has to stop the kissing so he can rest his head on Dolph's shoulder.]
I can't....I'm gonna...too good.
I want...I want you to...[It's too much for Zack and despite trying to hold out he thrusts in a few more quick times before he's spilling out inside Dolph, holding him tightly around his arms in a hug as he tries to come down from his high]
A-ahhh Dolph...I'm sorry. I tried to wait...
A-ahhh Dolph...I'm sorry. I tried to wait...
You gotta climax too though....
[He pouts a bit as he's kissed and gives a few more thrusts. He's spent but he isn't going to leave his boyfriend hanging.]
Do you...can I suck you off then?
[He pouts a bit as he's kissed and gives a few more thrusts. He's spent but he isn't going to leave his boyfriend hanging.]
Do you...can I suck you off then?
[Zack nods and slowly pulls out. His own spent orgasm dripping out of Dolph in a rather obscene way. It's hot, really hot and he kind of wants a picture of it.]
You're so sexy, you know that? It's not the only reason I care about you but wow... I really am lucky aren't I?
[With a smile he spreads Dolph's legs a little wider so he can nip at one of his long and lovely thighs.]
Seriously..it's unfair how hot you are.
You're so sexy, you know that? It's not the only reason I care about you but wow... I really am lucky aren't I?
[With a smile he spreads Dolph's legs a little wider so he can nip at one of his long and lovely thighs.]
Seriously..it's unfair how hot you are.
Hey, Dolph?
Edited (idk how I messed up my un with the tag!!!) 2024-03-24 10:18 (UTC)
Nothing. Just wanted to hear your voice, maybe.
Sorry that meet up's been delayed, by the way.
Sorry that meet up's been delayed, by the way.
Don't have a name yet.
[It's a little harder than you'd think, trying to do this from jail.]
[It's a little harder than you'd think, trying to do this from jail.]
I didn't get in touch with you for that, you know.
[Just in case he thought he had.]
[Just in case he thought he had.]
Yeah?
[He's quiet for a moment.]
Sorry about that.
[He's quiet for a moment.]
Sorry about that.
I saw how you reacted when you lost Chris, so.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I meant here, you know.
I guess if we're gonna contract, we need to work some stuff out, huh?
I guess if we're gonna contract, we need to work some stuff out, huh?
Well, I'm still here. Haven't lost me yet.
[And he doesn't intend to go anywhere, really.]
Mm, alright.
[He's still not sure how he feels about that, but-- he's not gonna stand in Dolph's way. He doesn't think it'd work, even if he tried.]
Anything else?
[And he doesn't intend to go anywhere, really.]
Mm, alright.
[He's still not sure how he feels about that, but-- he's not gonna stand in Dolph's way. He doesn't think it'd work, even if he tried.]
Anything else?
Wasn't planning on lying.
[He's-- trying here. Taking the advice Chris gave him -- who knows if he won't fall back on bad habits. But right now? he is making an attempt at least.]
We can find somewhere different to live. You can have your own room.
[He's-- trying here. Taking the advice Chris gave him -- who knows if he won't fall back on bad habits. But right now? he is making an attempt at least.]
We can find somewhere different to live. You can have your own room.
Yeah...
[Considering everything back home? Yeah. All of this is their only chance anyway.]
We'll just have to make the most of it, I guess.
[Considering everything back home? Yeah. All of this is their only chance anyway.]
We'll just have to make the most of it, I guess.
Guess that means I owe you dinner and some drinks.
I'll get you whatever you want, babe.
[He huffs out a laugh.]
So you got your boyfriend... that mean I gotta keep my hands to myself?
[He'll figure so, regardless of what happened at the beach or anywhere else. Just better to know for sure, that's all.]
[He huffs out a laugh.]
So you got your boyfriend... that mean I gotta keep my hands to myself?
[He'll figure so, regardless of what happened at the beach or anywhere else. Just better to know for sure, that's all.]
But do you want to fall back into that?
[He's trying to be a gentleman here -- even if he's probably not the greatest.]
It could get complicated...
[He's trying to be a gentleman here -- even if he's probably not the greatest.]
It could get complicated...
Come on.
If you think I would pass up the chance to drag you to bed before even the steak and wine, you've gotta be crazy.
If you think I would pass up the chance to drag you to bed before even the steak and wine, you've gotta be crazy.
Just because I said I would doesn't mean I will. Definitely dinner first.
That's my boy.
You keep talking like that though, I'm not gonna be able to resist dragging you off a little early.
You keep talking like that though, I'm not gonna be able to resist dragging you off a little early.
[ Honestly, how Vash knew about this place is probably a comedy of hearsay, he heard from someone else he's friends with who heard from someone else. That sort of thing. It's hard to miss it, considering the stark anachronism it happens to be—so it's not hard to find.
What's interesting, to him, is that it's Dolph's place, one way or another. So, in an effort to show interest in something someone he knows support, he's wandered in through the front door without much of a plan. It's not like anything he's experienced, and he kind of sticks out like a sore thumb, either from the way he's dressed or the fact that it's clearly obvious that this kind of thing isn't his usual hangout. He finds the bar and there, at least, he knows how to order a drink. He has it in his hand and is about to take a sip from it when he finally makes eye contact with who he's looking for. ]
Dolph! [ It's a little loud, if only to make sure he's heard. Or seen. One of the two. ]
What's interesting, to him, is that it's Dolph's place, one way or another. So, in an effort to show interest in something someone he knows support, he's wandered in through the front door without much of a plan. It's not like anything he's experienced, and he kind of sticks out like a sore thumb, either from the way he's dressed or the fact that it's clearly obvious that this kind of thing isn't his usual hangout. He finds the bar and there, at least, he knows how to order a drink. He has it in his hand and is about to take a sip from it when he finally makes eye contact with who he's looking for. ]
Dolph! [ It's a little loud, if only to make sure he's heard. Or seen. One of the two. ]
[ dolph is manning the bar, cleaning glasses and keeping an eye on things. most people would find that kind of work tedious, but dolph finds it rather relaxing. he's never had the chance to do anything this normal. it's nice to hold onto. ]
Hey. Fancy seeing you here.
Hey. Fancy seeing you here.
[ Fancy seeing him here, huh? Vash laughs, his head tilting one way as he scoots over to sit at the bar opposite where Dolph is working. ]
It's not exactly my kind of thing. [ There's a pause as he places a hand down on the bar table ]
The music and dancing part. I'm used to saloons. [ He takes a sip from his drink before speaking again. ] I wanted to come see what it was about since I heard you were the one running it.
It's not exactly my kind of thing. [ There's a pause as he places a hand down on the bar table ]
The music and dancing part. I'm used to saloons. [ He takes a sip from his drink before speaking again. ] I wanted to come see what it was about since I heard you were the one running it.
[ He'd apologize if he'd realized he'd dreged up something painful. ]
I don't know about that, Dolph. It takes a lot of hard work to run a saloon, I can only imagine this is even more complicated.
[ Give yourself more credit. There's a pause, next as vash leans on the bar, arms folded. ]
Do you serve drinks the whole time?
I don't know about that, Dolph. It takes a lot of hard work to run a saloon, I can only imagine this is even more complicated.
[ Give yourself more credit. There's a pause, next as vash leans on the bar, arms folded. ]
Do you serve drinks the whole time?
[ he shrugs. ]
I was in special military ops. This is just a bar.
[ a bar he fashioned to resemble prism. the bar where he met alex. it feels masochistic though to admit that. I made my bar look like the one where I met the love of my life who eventually betrayed me. the truth is, despite all that happened with alex, he's still grateful. grateful to have some of those experiences, the brief tangent of happiness.
dolph sets his glass aside. ]
Usually, since my staff aren't too familiar with them. Are you in the mood for one? It can be on the house.
I was in special military ops. This is just a bar.
[ a bar he fashioned to resemble prism. the bar where he met alex. it feels masochistic though to admit that. I made my bar look like the one where I met the love of my life who eventually betrayed me. the truth is, despite all that happened with alex, he's still grateful. grateful to have some of those experiences, the brief tangent of happiness.
dolph sets his glass aside. ]
Usually, since my staff aren't too familiar with them. Are you in the mood for one? It can be on the house.
[ Well he can't argue with that. He still thinks it's a different kind of hard work. Still admirable.
He's had a drink so far, but he nods a little at the offer. ]Sure. But I'll pay, you don't have to give me anything for free.
I'm probably just going to hang out here, if that's okay. [ And after a moment he considers: ] I could lend a hand if you wanted.
[ He does not know how to serve drinks don't let him do that. ]
Sure. This is a good place to hang. Just zone out. Be yourself.
[ he glances at the crowd. no one really pays attention to anyone else here. that's why he liked these places. ]
Sometimes, that's all anyone needs.
So what do you want? We got a little of everything.
[ he glances at the crowd. no one really pays attention to anyone else here. that's why he liked these places. ]
Sometimes, that's all anyone needs.
So what do you want? We got a little of everything.
Oh, nothing fancy. Whiskey is fine.
[ He shifts in his seat to follow where Dolph's gaze is going before he turns back to look at the other man. There'sa moment where he's quiet and spends a few seconds watching Dolph in the dim club lighting. After a beat or two: ]
Are there a lot of places like this, where you're from?
[ He shifts in his seat to follow where Dolph's gaze is going before he turns back to look at the other man. There'sa moment where he's quiet and spends a few seconds watching Dolph in the dim club lighting. After a beat or two: ]
Are there a lot of places like this, where you're from?
[ he snorts lightly as he fixes up vash's whiskey. ]
Sort of. Eden loved capitalism so anything that made them money was good. But some places — gay bars and the like — weren't really allowed in the main city. Only in the seedy underbelly.
[ he remember how his hands shook when he went in for the first time. how alex grasped them quietly and said, you'll be all right, babe, just breathe. and it had opened his world.
dolph slides the glass over to vash. ]
I guess I just kind of missed this sort of place.
Sort of. Eden loved capitalism so anything that made them money was good. But some places — gay bars and the like — weren't really allowed in the main city. Only in the seedy underbelly.
[ he remember how his hands shook when he went in for the first time. how alex grasped them quietly and said, you'll be all right, babe, just breathe. and it had opened his world.
dolph slides the glass over to vash. ]
I guess I just kind of missed this sort of place.
text; un: omnidirectional (i'm gonna sleep soon but i figured i get this started)
neighsaying
2024-04-08 05:51 am (UTC)(link)
Hey, Dolph. Are you busy?
[ Jean hasn't been ignoring Dolph, but since Eren's investigation - so shortly before the end of last month - he's been sparser than he meant to be, with Eren's new revelations and the party prep. He needs to talk to someone, and he wants to spend time with his boyfriend that isn't in passing or calls. ]
[ Jean hasn't been ignoring Dolph, but since Eren's investigation - so shortly before the end of last month - he's been sparser than he meant to be, with Eren's new revelations and the party prep. He needs to talk to someone, and he wants to spend time with his boyfriend that isn't in passing or calls. ]
Yeah. Please. I just need... I need you.
[ That's really it; he needs to see Dolph, talk to him. Even if it means taking him away from his work a little. Even before he gets the formal assent, he's heading out - so not long after the text, he'll be at the door to Dolph's place.
He looks tired. Not the kind necessarily associated with physical exhaustion, but emotional - dark circles under his eyes are prominent. Where he normally holds himself with confidence, his shoulders are curled inward, like he's trying to look smaller. ]
[ That's really it; he needs to see Dolph, talk to him. Even if it means taking him away from his work a little. Even before he gets the formal assent, he's heading out - so not long after the text, he'll be at the door to Dolph's place.
He looks tired. Not the kind necessarily associated with physical exhaustion, but emotional - dark circles under his eyes are prominent. Where he normally holds himself with confidence, his shoulders are curled inward, like he's trying to look smaller. ]
Hey.
[ that's all dolph says once he opens the door and ushers jean in. the state of the man was worrying, but he's inwardly touched that he chose to come here. dolph gently rubs his back as he steers him to his room. presses down so jean can sit on the bed before bending a little to look him over in concern. ]
What do you need?
[ that's all dolph says once he opens the door and ushers jean in. the state of the man was worrying, but he's inwardly touched that he chose to come here. dolph gently rubs his back as he steers him to his room. presses down so jean can sit on the bed before bending a little to look him over in concern. ]
What do you need?
[ He's already leaning into Dolph as he ushers him into the room. The hand on his back is a comfort, and he looks up at Dolph. It's grief that's prominent on his face. ]
Can you hold me, for a while? I'll explain what's going on, I just -
[ He takes a deep breath, raising a hand to press against one of his eyes. ]
I feel like I can't keep it together.
Can you hold me, for a while? I'll explain what's going on, I just -
[ He takes a deep breath, raising a hand to press against one of his eyes. ]
I feel like I can't keep it together.
You don't have to explain anything.
[ he settles next to jean before wrapping his arms around him and pulling him close. he remembers doing this with alex. how relaxing it was. how important. he hopes he can do the same for jean. that being said, he's careful about his metal arm pressing against jean and he makes sure to tilt his faceplate away but his grip is firm and reassuring. ]
[ he settles next to jean before wrapping his arms around him and pulling him close. he remembers doing this with alex. how relaxing it was. how important. he hopes he can do the same for jean. that being said, he's careful about his metal arm pressing against jean and he makes sure to tilt his faceplate away but his grip is firm and reassuring. ]
[ It's not that he has to; he wants to. He needs to talk to someone about it. For now, instead, he leans into Dolph's embrace, wrapping his arms around him tightly and curling his hands into the fabric of his shirt. Dolph might tilt his faceplate away, but Jean is the one who shoves his face against the side of his neck, on the same side where he has said faceplate.
Jean's not afraid of these parts of his partner. It's clear from his shuddering breaths that he's crying, but he's not sobbing openly; he just shakes, his form trembling as it happens.
It could be an hour, it could be a few minutes. Jean isn't sure how long, but eventually his breathing gets a little less harsh, the tears a little less intense. His voice is rough when he speaks. ]
How much... do you know about what happens to Eren back home?
Jean's not afraid of these parts of his partner. It's clear from his shuddering breaths that he's crying, but he's not sobbing openly; he just shakes, his form trembling as it happens.
It could be an hour, it could be a few minutes. Jean isn't sure how long, but eventually his breathing gets a little less harsh, the tears a little less intense. His voice is rough when he speaks. ]
How much... do you know about what happens to Eren back home?
[ dolph gently runs his hands down jean's back, hoping to quell the tremors. ]
Not much. Just . . . the gist of it.
[ death. the end. violence. dolph only knows bits and pieces of their world and it always seemed painful to ask. ]
Did you learn something new?
Not much. Just . . . the gist of it.
[ death. the end. violence. dolph only knows bits and pieces of their world and it always seemed painful to ask. ]
Did you learn something new?
this convo and dolph's convo with mikasa in tandem is just chefskiss
neighsaying
2024-04-08 11:25 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It helps, Dolph touching him and holding him. By the time he speaks again, the tremors have mostly evened out, just the occasional hitch. ]
No - not us. Eren ... knew what he did because people told him. They took what I shared with them and told him what happened.
[ Jean sounds so guilty about this. It's not the whole truth; Erwin knew most of the end from Hange, after all. He likely would have told Eren what he'd done without the knowledge that Mikasa had to kill him, to much the same effect.
Jean's good at blaming himself, though. ]
Vaeros make Eren live through it, in the labyrinth. Now he's... it's like it's him in there.
[ The one Jean and Mikasa killed. ]
I can't make it better. I can't take it away from him or protect him from it. I failed. Again.
No - not us. Eren ... knew what he did because people told him. They took what I shared with them and told him what happened.
[ Jean sounds so guilty about this. It's not the whole truth; Erwin knew most of the end from Hange, after all. He likely would have told Eren what he'd done without the knowledge that Mikasa had to kill him, to much the same effect.
Jean's good at blaming himself, though. ]
Vaeros make Eren live through it, in the labyrinth. Now he's... it's like it's him in there.
[ The one Jean and Mikasa killed. ]
I can't make it better. I can't take it away from him or protect him from it. I failed. Again.
[ ah. this is a strange position for dolph to be in. no one's ever worried over him. felt bad for him. except here, of course. he feels a little envious of eren, who has people worrying over his happiness. who have chosen to be with him, no matter what.
but this is not about him so dolph can set it aside. so dolph continues to rub jean's back quietly. ]
If it was a part of his life, then it was always going to come back to him. Someday, sometime. There's no way you can prevent that. It's his life.
All you can do is be part of it.
but this is not about him so dolph can set it aside. so dolph continues to rub jean's back quietly. ]
If it was a part of his life, then it was always going to come back to him. Someday, sometime. There's no way you can prevent that. It's his life.
All you can do is be part of it.
I should have been able to do better this time. I promised myself - I promised her.
[ Of course he's worried about Mikasa, too. He shakes his head, rubbing his face against Dolph's neck. ]
I know I can't do everything but I can't even help the people care about...
[ This includes Dolph, not that he knows. ]
I lose everyone.
[ Of course he's worried about Mikasa, too. He shakes his head, rubbing his face against Dolph's neck. ]
I know I can't do everything but I can't even help the people care about...
[ This includes Dolph, not that he knows. ]
I lose everyone.
[ I promise, Dolph. We'll leave this place. We'll find a better life together. so many promises, so many dreams. he sighs quietly, stroking the back of jean's neck. ]
It's not lost. It's just . . . messy right now. They can't do it without you. They still need you. Sometimes even knowing doesn't make things better.
You have to believe it'll get better in time. Not now, not yet. But in the future. Your future, with them.
It's not lost. It's just . . . messy right now. They can't do it without you. They still need you. Sometimes even knowing doesn't make things better.
You have to believe it'll get better in time. Not now, not yet. But in the future. Your future, with them.
I guess at least I have a future here with them. And you.
[ It's a little bitter; Eren's dead at home, Mikasa is missing. Dolph is also dead if he ever disappears. But it is the truth; he should make the most of it.
He sniffs, a little. ]
I'm sorry, for all this. It's not your problems to deal with ...
[ It's a little bitter; Eren's dead at home, Mikasa is missing. Dolph is also dead if he ever disappears. But it is the truth; he should make the most of it.
He sniffs, a little. ]
I'm sorry, for all this. It's not your problems to deal with ...
Thank you. I'm sorry - I'm not sorry that you're here, I just... I wish I was holding together better.
[ He leans forward, resting his forehead against Dolph's, a sad smile on his face.
The truth of the matter is Jean has been running from this breakdown for a long time. ]
[ He leans forward, resting his forehead against Dolph's, a sad smile on his face.
The truth of the matter is Jean has been running from this breakdown for a long time. ]
We all wish we were stronger than what we are.
[ dolph knows that feeling intimately. he’s been painfully weak, painfully desperate. he’s sunk low, even lower after Alex’s death. he even sought his embrace after everything, in a virtual reality. he misses it still.
Dolph presses a kiss to jean’s brow. ]
But you are you and I am me. That’s fine too. Be who you are.
[ dolph knows that feeling intimately. he’s been painfully weak, painfully desperate. he’s sunk low, even lower after Alex’s death. he even sought his embrace after everything, in a virtual reality. he misses it still.
Dolph presses a kiss to jean’s brow. ]
But you are you and I am me. That’s fine too. Be who you are.
I feel like a bad person for wishing I could take it back. Not tell him about Reiner and the others... it would have caught up to him anyways, like you said.
[ Would it be worse, if he kept it from Eren? Probably, he hates lying. He shifts his hands to curl against the front of Dolph's chest, and after a moment he tips his head up to press a kiss to his mouth. ]
[ Would it be worse, if he kept it from Eren? Probably, he hates lying. He shifts his hands to curl against the front of Dolph's chest, and after a moment he tips his head up to press a kiss to his mouth. ]
Yeah. It just seems like all the people I care about keep getting it hard.
[ He slips a hand up to cup Dolph's chin. He definitely means him, this time. Maybe he's still mourning what he learned, even if he's trying to be happier here. ]
[ He slips a hand up to cup Dolph's chin. He definitely means him, this time. Maybe he's still mourning what he learned, even if he's trying to be happier here. ]
No, it's not.
[ There's a small laugh, a little rough, from Jean. He lets his thumb shift to brush over Dolph's lips. ]
Being with you is easy. But you're good for me, too.
[ There's a small laugh, a little rough, from Jean. He lets his thumb shift to brush over Dolph's lips. ]
Being with you is easy. But you're good for me, too.
probably a good idea to wrap unless dolph wants to let jean indulge in dicksucking LOL
neighsaying
2024-04-09 10:23 am (UTC)(link)
You're helping - I promise.
[ He lets his eyes fall closed. ]
I just want to stay here for a little while, with you.
[ He lets his eyes fall closed. ]
I just want to stay here for a little while, with you.
[ He's tugged closer and he presses up against Dolph, letting out a small sigh of contentment. His hands don't stay still for long, though, slipping down to rest on Dolph's hips. ]
I don't want to ... think for a while.
[ He's normally much more confident with this kind of thing. Instead his voice is barely above a whisper now. ]
I don't want to ... think for a while.
[ He's normally much more confident with this kind of thing. Instead his voice is barely above a whisper now. ]
[ Jean shivers a little, though it's in a good way this time. ]
Let me make you feel good.
[ Considering the crux of his issues right now, being able to make someone feel good does seem like a fairly straightforward way to distract himself. One of his hands moves to tug at the hem of Dolph's pants in further explanation. ]
Let me make you feel good.
[ Considering the crux of his issues right now, being able to make someone feel good does seem like a fairly straightforward way to distract himself. One of his hands moves to tug at the hem of Dolph's pants in further explanation. ]
[ He doesn't need to be told twice. He catches Dolph's lips in another kiss, letting himself sink into the feeling - of being wanted, of wanting to take care of someone else.
His hands move to the clasps of Dolph's pants, quickly working on undoing them - but he doesn't tug them down. Instead, Jean lets his hand stroke over Dolph with his underwear between them, teasing and feeling him up. ]
His hands move to the clasps of Dolph's pants, quickly working on undoing them - but he doesn't tug them down. Instead, Jean lets his hand stroke over Dolph with his underwear between them, teasing and feeling him up. ]
[ Jean smiles a little into the kiss, rubbing the heel of his palm against Dolph, feeling him swell under his touch. He lets his tongue sweep against Dolph's for a moment before he breaks the kiss. ]
Like that. I want to hear you.
[ He murmurs it lowly, his gaze bright. ]
Like that. I want to hear you.
[ He murmurs it lowly, his gaze bright. ]
So good for me.
[ Jean breathes the praise out, as easy as anything. The hand not touching Dolph's cock, feeling the shape of him through fabric, skims up his stomach, pushing his shirt up. Jean finally moves, rolling Dolph onto his back to curl over him. He moves down, pressing a biting kiss to Dolph's neck, next to a set of fading bite-marks. ]
[ Jean breathes the praise out, as easy as anything. The hand not touching Dolph's cock, feeling the shape of him through fabric, skims up his stomach, pushing his shirt up. Jean finally moves, rolling Dolph onto his back to curl over him. He moves down, pressing a biting kiss to Dolph's neck, next to a set of fading bite-marks. ]
[ He loves the way it makes Dolph flush. He loves the way it feels like he's doing something right even if it's as simple as this. He needs this.
He spends less time than he'd like kissing his way down Dolph's chest - giving a teasing nip to one nipple - but he has his eyes on a certain prize, as he kneels between Dolph's legs. He finally tugs the hem of his underwear down, letting his cock free, and wrapping a hand around him.
He strokes up, his thumb teasing against the head; a playful tone comes out of his mouth, finally. ]
Remind me, what was I doing down here again...?
[ He wants to hear Dolph say it, even if Jean's the one who begged to do it. ]
He spends less time than he'd like kissing his way down Dolph's chest - giving a teasing nip to one nipple - but he has his eyes on a certain prize, as he kneels between Dolph's legs. He finally tugs the hem of his underwear down, letting his cock free, and wrapping a hand around him.
He strokes up, his thumb teasing against the head; a playful tone comes out of his mouth, finally. ]
Remind me, what was I doing down here again...?
[ He wants to hear Dolph say it, even if Jean's the one who begged to do it. ]
[ dolph whines softly, losing himself to the sensations. he loves this, this kind of physicality. he wants to touch, but he lets jean determine the pace of this. at his question, he gives a throaty chuckle. ]
You were going to make me feel good.
[ he rolls his hips. ]
Please.
You were going to make me feel good.
[ he rolls his hips. ]
Please.
[ Jean would be okay with Dolph touching him - he just also needs to do something that he knows he can do well to make him moan with pleasure.
He chuckles at Dolph's please, pressing a kiss to one hip. ]
Anything for you, sweetheart.
[ The pet name slips out; thankfully, he doesn't give Dolph time to mull it over. Not with the way he lowers his mouth onto his cock, tongue flicking against the head as he sucks. ]
He chuckles at Dolph's please, pressing a kiss to one hip. ]
Anything for you, sweetheart.
[ The pet name slips out; thankfully, he doesn't give Dolph time to mull it over. Not with the way he lowers his mouth onto his cock, tongue flicking against the head as he sucks. ]
[ The reaction the nickname gets - Jean files that away. He'll be sure to drop more of those into conversation with Dolph, to make him glow like that.
His focus is still on making Dolph feel good, though, and he rests his hands on Dolph's thighs as he ducks his head down. His head is tilted, giving a good view of what he's doing to Dolph as he lets him bottom out in his mouth; it's also just the position that's comfortable for him, hair falling across his eyes.
He swallows around him, breathing through his nose, finding his bliss in the feeling of Dolph's cock heavy in his mouth and his scent around him. ]
His focus is still on making Dolph feel good, though, and he rests his hands on Dolph's thighs as he ducks his head down. His head is tilted, giving a good view of what he's doing to Dolph as he lets him bottom out in his mouth; it's also just the position that's comfortable for him, hair falling across his eyes.
He swallows around him, breathing through his nose, finding his bliss in the feeling of Dolph's cock heavy in his mouth and his scent around him. ]
[ the sight of jean like this is enough to make him lose it. dolph is holding on by a thread, feeling his heart in his throat. it's so strange to have someone focus on him, to want to give him pleasure. he groans, his hips jerking as he feels himself reaching his climax. ]
[ For Jean, having this singular focus is a blessing. He just has to make Dolph feel good; he doesn't have to worry about the future or any implications. He sucks hard, all but choking on Dolph's cock, letting his head bob up and down.
He looks up through the fringe of his hair, hazel eyes intense; he wants Dolph to come, to fill him up. ]
He looks up through the fringe of his hair, hazel eyes intense; he wants Dolph to come, to fill him up. ]
[ Jean swallows it down, keeping Dolph in his mouth a moment longer as he softens, cleaning him up before he raises his head. He tucks his cheek against the muscles of Dolph's stomach, looking up at him with a smile. He looks pleased with himself, some of the weight off his shoulders. ]
Hey.
[ He'd laugh but he doesn't have the energy to - he's just happy. ]
Hey.
[ He'd laugh but he doesn't have the energy to - he's just happy. ]
[ Jean all but nuzzles against him. He's hard, of course, pressed up against Dolph, but he doesn't make any move to grind or reach down. ]
Thank you - for being here.
Thank you - for being here.
I'm yours too.
[ He arches into the touch on his back, letting his eyes fall closed. ]
Yeah - please.
[ He arches into the touch on his back, letting his eyes fall closed. ]
Yeah - please.
[ Jean lets out a soft moan, wrapping his arms around Dolph's shoulders as he tilts his head back to give him more access. His hips shift a little, restless, though he doesn't rock them up yet. ]
[ that's fine. fingers play with the buttons, feather light touches short of teasing as dolph continues to press heated kisses down jean's neck. he rocks his body against jean, pressing him down against the sheets, stealing away whatever space may exist between them. ]
[ Jean doesn't want nor need any space between them. When Dolph presses down, Jean tugs him closer, hooking one ankle behind Dolph's in a small possessive gesture. He murmurs his name in encouragement, letting one hand fall to curl through Dolph's hair and tug on it lightly. ]
Fu-uck.
[ Jean is more vocal - a surprise for someone who spent several years in a military barracks. Either he didn't much care if someone heard, or he's letting loose now. Regardless, the feeling of Dolph's mouth on the head of his cock makes him groan out the curse word. ]
[ Jean is more vocal - a surprise for someone who spent several years in a military barracks. Either he didn't much care if someone heard, or he's letting loose now. Regardless, the feeling of Dolph's mouth on the head of his cock makes him groan out the curse word. ]
[ it sends a thrill down his spine. he's never been very confident in his skills. the person he was with the most was alex and those memories feel messy and tainted. his new start with livio had helped, but dolph still feels he fumbles.
physicality though . . . he was made to be physical. after laving the tip, dolph finally takes it in his mouth, letting it settle on his tongue before hollowing his cheeks and giving a long suck. ]
physicality though . . . he was made to be physical. after laving the tip, dolph finally takes it in his mouth, letting it settle on his tongue before hollowing his cheeks and giving a long suck. ]
[ Jean moans, his other hand coming up to touch Dolph's human cheek, letting his fingers brush over it. He keeps hold of his hair with his other hand, but he doesn't try to direct Dolph yet, just keeping those physical touches active between them. ]
Just like that, babe, you're doing so good...
Just like that, babe, you're doing so good...
[ there's a minute twitch at the word babe that dolph has to force out of his mind for a moment. he's getting better at it but it's still a task to avoid thinking of alex. alex, who always called him babe. he buries it deep, focusing on the sensations he can give jean instead.
dolph hums around his cock before moving to take it whole. ]
dolph hums around his cock before moving to take it whole. ]
[ Angel very rarely calls anyone, let alone someone they're working for, but Dolph seems like a nice guy and Angel trusts them enough not to just laugh at them with this. ]
Dolph? Oh, I should probably start by saying sorry I wasn't at work last week... I kinda got lost and then was too tired to make my way back here.
[ Not that they were ever really on time for their shifts mind you but still, the thought was there to apologize so, Angel thinks they're peopling pretty well all things considered. ]
I wanted to ask if you could do something for me?
Dolph? Oh, I should probably start by saying sorry I wasn't at work last week... I kinda got lost and then was too tired to make my way back here.
[ Not that they were ever really on time for their shifts mind you but still, the thought was there to apologize so, Angel thinks they're peopling pretty well all things considered. ]
I wanted to ask if you could do something for me?
Thanks.
[ Yea, it was a wonder at all how Dolph managed to convince them to work in the first place. ]
Would you cut my hair? It's getting too long now. I've never done it and you have long-ish hair so I figured y'know?
[ Yea, it was a wonder at all how Dolph managed to convince them to work in the first place. ]
Would you cut my hair? It's getting too long now. I've never done it and you have long-ish hair so I figured y'know?
You haven't? But it looks so neat.
[ Well, they hadn't even thought about that. Back to the drawing board, it is then? ]
Don't s'pose you'd give it a try? Only... sigh it feels like such an effort finding someone who can do it. And yours looks nice... Can you braid?
[ Well, they hadn't even thought about that. Back to the drawing board, it is then? ]
Don't s'pose you'd give it a try? Only... sigh it feels like such an effort finding someone who can do it. And yours looks nice... Can you braid?
[ Honestly, Dolph, compared to the state Angel's is in, yours looks just fine! ]
It doesn't?
This blows. It's in my face and I keep getting it in my mouth... Could chew it off I guess.
It doesn't?
This blows. It's in my face and I keep getting it in my mouth... Could chew it off I guess.
I keep getting it tangled in my halo when I try tying it up...
[ They've never had to look after themselves before. It's exhausting. ]
Forget it. I'm sure it'll just fall out eventually.
[ They've never had to look after themselves before. It's exhausting. ]
Forget it. I'm sure it'll just fall out eventually.
Yea it is. Isn't it?
[ Don't make them think about how hair works, Dolph, that uses far too much brain power! ]
... Is it gonna hurt?
[ Don't make them think about how hair works, Dolph, that uses far too much brain power! ]
... Is it gonna hurt?
My feathers hurt. When they get pulled out or damaged. I just assumed it was the same.
[ They stay quiet for a moment to think about that. About what Dolph means when he says experiments... ]
You like having it now, huh?
[ They stay quiet for a moment to think about that. About what Dolph means when he says experiments... ]
You like having it now, huh?
Maybe I should keep mine then?
I never realized it was important...
I never realized it was important...
I feel like it gets in the way now... But it keeps me warm...
I've never had a choice on what to wear or how to have my hair.
I wouldn't know where to start.
I've never had a choice on what to wear or how to have my hair.
I wouldn't know where to start.
Do I want my hair? ... Yes?
[ Having to actually think about things for themself is almost as exhausting as physically doing things. Dolph is making them get a mental work out right now! But... It feels like it might be beneficial. ]
[ Having to actually think about things for themself is almost as exhausting as physically doing things. Dolph is making them get a mental work out right now! But... It feels like it might be beneficial. ]
You're Invited!
Hope Mikaelson is celebrating her 23rd birthday at Subversion on May 4th - drinks, appetizers, cupcakes, and more!
gifts are not required, you are ღ
[ ooc: party is here if you're so inclined! ]
Hope Mikaelson is celebrating her 23rd birthday at Subversion on May 4th - drinks, appetizers, cupcakes, and more!
gifts are not required, you are ღ
[ ooc: party is here if you're so inclined! ]
[Taryon has been able to bake one (1) loaf of decent bread and snagged some cupcakes that were make by someone else for today's date. A date! With a guy! He's living a normal life of asking people out like nothing, and Dolph was interested in return! It might not end up turning into something special, but Taryon figures that's how it's supposed to work.
But he's read books. He's seen his friends interact with their significant others. Taryon will figure this out and do such a great job charming Dolph.
He makes a few sandwiches at home, which are less difficult to mess up than sweets, and packs them into a straw basket lined in handkerchiefs embroidered by Essek himself. One quick check that his hair is perfectly in place later, and Taryon heads outside the castles to wait for his...prince? No, that doesn't sound right. He's got to come up with some flowery title that fits.]
But he's read books. He's seen his friends interact with their significant others. Taryon will figure this out and do such a great job charming Dolph.
He makes a few sandwiches at home, which are less difficult to mess up than sweets, and packs them into a straw basket lined in handkerchiefs embroidered by Essek himself. One quick check that his hair is perfectly in place later, and Taryon heads outside the castles to wait for his...prince? No, that doesn't sound right. He's got to come up with some flowery title that fits.]
[ dolph has mostly grabbed beer and champagne in a cooler. wine felt a bit too formal for a picnic date. he puts a sleeveless purple top and black slacks. he doesn't do much with his hair, since it's still growing out after all the experiments.
when taryon arrives, dolph looks him over, not shy about it. ]
Not bad.
when taryon arrives, dolph looks him over, not shy about it. ]
Not bad.
[Taryon's more formal wear makes a stark contrast with Dolph's outfit, and he steals a glance over Dolph's simpler getup while he feels his eyes all over him.
He laughs nervously post-assessment.] Hah. Well, I did want to look good for today. You're not so bad yourself. Nice choice of colors. [With the picnic basket hanging over one elbow he flashes Dolph a single finger-gun of approval.]
He laughs nervously post-assessment.] Hah. Well, I did want to look good for today. You're not so bad yourself. Nice choice of colors. [With the picnic basket hanging over one elbow he flashes Dolph a single finger-gun of approval.]
[ the good thing about dolph's outfit is that it shows off his arms. well, arm. and it's easy to take off. those are the things that matter to dolph.
he offers a dry chuckle. jean had suggested purple and he went with it. ]
Felt like trying something new.
Ready to go?
he offers a dry chuckle. jean had suggested purple and he went with it. ]
Felt like trying something new.
Ready to go?
[It's an excellent arm with excellent muscles. Taryon debates which one to hook his own arm around, then ultimately decides to pick the non-robotic arm. It's softer and feels more pleasant and warm under his palm.]
Right this way. [He gestures towards the forest with the basket and takes long strides towards a clearing. Far from the gelflings and goblins, where they won't be bothered.]
Right this way. [He gestures towards the forest with the basket and takes long strides towards a clearing. Far from the gelflings and goblins, where they won't be bothered.]
[His gait slows.]
You mean, go on a picnic? I've done that with friends before. [He says in the hopes that will satisfy Dolph's curiosity and they can move on.]
You mean, go on a picnic? I've done that with friends before. [He says in the hopes that will satisfy Dolph's curiosity and they can move on.]
[Taryon thinks of how to best answer it. Picnic dates? No. Talking to men? Yes. Dating is a vague concept compared to those things.]
Define "date".
Define "date".
Edited 2024-05-18 01:52 (UTC)
[His arms lock in place.] I'm not romantically inexperienced! It's just...we were friends first, and it doesn't count as dating if you're not going out somewhere together.
I didn't say you were.
[ guess he's worried about it. dolph can understand that. he remembers how stressed out he was. trying to figure out being gay, living as a gay person, having a relationship.
of course, he had alex for all of that. he puts that thought aside. ]
I haven't gone on a lot of dates either. This is my first picnic, for sure.
[ guess he's worried about it. dolph can understand that. he remembers how stressed out he was. trying to figure out being gay, living as a gay person, having a relationship.
of course, he had alex for all of that. he puts that thought aside. ]
I haven't gone on a lot of dates either. This is my first picnic, for sure.
Well. So that makes two of us. [His arms loosen up, and Taryon brushes a few locks of hair that he feared fell out of place. It feels better knowing that Dolph isn't judging him, or that his love life is leagues above Tary's, but he had his own journey in figuring out he was gay and simply interacting with the wider world.]
There weren't a lot of opportunities for me when I was younger.
There weren't a lot of opportunities for me when I was younger.
...Your parents, right? [Exandria in general was accepting of all sexualities and gender identities, but that didn't mean everyone wanted their child to deviate from their expectations.] I...well. I knew that men could like men, but I thought I'd be just like my father, or the characters I read about, and I thought, of course I had to like women.
[He winces. How could he have ever thought that was true?]
So...I get it. A bit. Being sheltered didn't do me a lot of good.
[He winces. How could he have ever thought that was true?]
So...I get it. A bit. Being sheltered didn't do me a lot of good.
[ ah. hm. ]
I wasn't raised by my parents. I was raised by the military as their pet soldier.
[ and "raised" is putting it kindly. far too kindly. ]
They had a certain image with the public. A family friendly image. They didn't want me jeopardizing that.
I wasn't raised by my parents. I was raised by the military as their pet soldier.
[ and "raised" is putting it kindly. far too kindly. ]
They had a certain image with the public. A family friendly image. They didn't want me jeopardizing that.
...Oh.
...You know, I'm getting the sense that you grew up in a pretty shitty place. [So the military raised a kid and then put robotics in him?] Like, they thought it would make them look bad? So they could use you to prop themselves up? And that all their plans would go wrong if the wrong people found out you're gay, but they still expected you to follow their commands like you had no right to speak up for yourself?
[His thoughts stray from Dolph's situation and to his own family fiasco.] And then what? You're supposed to be miserable because it will keep the family in good social standing, but it's fine, because...
[He shakes his head.]
Sorry. I'm a bit sensitive.
...You know, I'm getting the sense that you grew up in a pretty shitty place. [So the military raised a kid and then put robotics in him?] Like, they thought it would make them look bad? So they could use you to prop themselves up? And that all their plans would go wrong if the wrong people found out you're gay, but they still expected you to follow their commands like you had no right to speak up for yourself?
[His thoughts stray from Dolph's situation and to his own family fiasco.] And then what? You're supposed to be miserable because it will keep the family in good social standing, but it's fine, because...
[He shakes his head.]
Sorry. I'm a bit sensitive.
[ dolph manages a dry chuckle. ]
You're close. Shitty doesn't begin to cover it. But that's kind of depressing. We don't have to deal with it.
My point was I get where you're coming from. There's no real right or wrong way. Just . . . be yourself, trite as that sounds.
You're close. Shitty doesn't begin to cover it. But that's kind of depressing. We don't have to deal with it.
My point was I get where you're coming from. There's no real right or wrong way. Just . . . be yourself, trite as that sounds.
You won't believe how much better my life became after I decided just to be myself. [Hooray for a key character theme that aligned with his embracing his sexuality.] Even if it gets hard. If you ever need to stand up to someone, make sure you have a group of friends that are pretty good at killing things to back you up.
Easier said than done. But I'll keep it in mind.
[ not really. dolph's never had a friend or person who didn't stab him in the back. this is the first place he's ever had . . . anything. having a group of friends doesn't feel like a luxury, but a miracle to possess.
it's fine. he's not much of a people person. ]
[ not really. dolph's never had a friend or person who didn't stab him in the back. this is the first place he's ever had . . . anything. having a group of friends doesn't feel like a luxury, but a miracle to possess.
it's fine. he's not much of a people person. ]
Yeah...you got that right.
[It was a struggle with many near-death moments for Taryon, but he eventually found friends.]
...Let's talk about something lighter. It's a date. We should get to actually know each other.
[It was a struggle with many near-death moments for Taryon, but he eventually found friends.]
...Let's talk about something lighter. It's a date. We should get to actually know each other.
[He goes through a list of things to as a potential romantic partner.]
What are your hobbies? I like to read, fiction and non-fiction, but I have a soft spot for adventure novels. And I come up with stories of my own based on those characters. But other times, I build things in my workshop.
[There. Engineering will counter his nerd hobby. At least he didn't mention his LARPing.]
What are your hobbies? I like to read, fiction and non-fiction, but I have a soft spot for adventure novels. And I come up with stories of my own based on those characters. But other times, I build things in my workshop.
[There. Engineering will counter his nerd hobby. At least he didn't mention his LARPing.]
See, those are good ones! I wish I could love cooking enough to do it myself every day.
[A pause.]
What kind of dancing? Not ballroom, I assume?
[A pause.]
What kind of dancing? Not ballroom, I assume?
[Taryon feels like this is a stupid question, but:] How does one dance at a club?
Ah. So it's a...moving and grooving with the beat sort of thing? [He does an awkward shuffle that's an approximation of what a shut-in rich boy thinks popular dancing looks like.]
Well, then. A visit to your club during a dance is in order. After whatever is going on goes away.
[They reach a clearing, no longer full of aggressive wildlife or plants.]
This is the spot. [He runs to the middle of the grassy patch and sets the basket down.]
[They reach a clearing, no longer full of aggressive wildlife or plants.]
This is the spot. [He runs to the middle of the grassy patch and sets the basket down.]
Help me with the blanket. The rest isn't a big deal.
[Taryon smoothes out the corners before he's satisfied and drops next to Dolph, legs crossed. He pulls out the sandwiches first, followed by the cloth napkins and the baked goods.]
Thought I'd bring enough for a decent meal, hah.
Thought I'd bring enough for a decent meal, hah.
[Oh...beer...the lower-class drink that Taryon could never develop a taste for. He glances at the cooler.]
Did you bring anything stronger? [A pause.] For later, obviously.
Did you bring anything stronger? [A pause.] For later, obviously.
Ah! Yes, that's an excellent idea! We should have a toast to ourselves and...whatever happens after this!
[He raises his fist to show just how positive he is about this date working out well!]
It's...it's a good time as any to have something nice.
[He raises his fist to show just how positive he is about this date working out well!]
It's...it's a good time as any to have something nice.
[His hand drops to the blanket.]
It's been...difficult without my stuff or my magic, I admit it.
It's been...difficult without my stuff or my magic, I admit it.
I'm going to get my robot as soon as I can. He'll make things easier.
[He holds out the box of sandwiches to Dolph.]
I made these. Here.
[He holds out the box of sandwiches to Dolph.]
I made these. Here.
Just about anything I want.
[He takes one of the sandwiches for himself.]
Help me carry things, write things down, brush my hair, fight by my side, draw, you name it.
[He takes one of the sandwiches for himself.]
Help me carry things, write things down, brush my hair, fight by my side, draw, you name it.
Doty's always been by my side. Except for the times when he wasn't around. [A pause.] Like when he was destroyed or stolen or in a different realm.
[Although, he wonders if Dolph thinks he's not capable of any of that...]
It's good to have a partner when I'm working, especially if it's my oldest friend.
[Although, he wonders if Dolph thinks he's not capable of any of that...]
It's good to have a partner when I'm working, especially if it's my oldest friend.
[ hmm. maybe it made for a good companion when you're lonely. he wouldn't know. robots don't have that kind of functionality and when they did . . . you would have to be wary.
he can grasp that longing. he misses alex all the time. ]
Yeah. Never hurts to have one.
he can grasp that longing. he misses alex all the time. ]
Yeah. Never hurts to have one.
I have other friends, now! So it's not as lonely without him here.
[He eats his sandwich quietly for a moment. A secluded area in the forest is not an ideal cure for loneliness, considering how this conversation had his thinking about his upbringing. At least he had someone real who could talk back to him.]
Including you. I should say that I consider you to be a trusted ally.
[He eats his sandwich quietly for a moment. A secluded area in the forest is not an ideal cure for loneliness, considering how this conversation had his thinking about his upbringing. At least he had someone real who could talk back to him.]
Including you. I should say that I consider you to be a trusted ally.
[He is quick to consider people his friends.]
We shared our deep-seated fears and childhood secrets. [Not exactly, but Taryon loves exaggerating.] And we know we can come to each other for love advice. I don't think any set of strangers can do that.
We shared our deep-seated fears and childhood secrets. [Not exactly, but Taryon loves exaggerating.] And we know we can come to each other for love advice. I don't think any set of strangers can do that.
[It's not much of a confirmation, but Taryon takes it as a success. This date has been a great idea.]
Well then, Dolph, I hope we will have many good days between us. How's that for a toast?
Well then, Dolph, I hope we will have many good days between us. How's that for a toast?
[Taryon reaches for the champagne bottle.] Can I try?
[He's seen this before. Taryon removes the wrapping and angles the bottle away from him before gripping the cork in one hand. He twists the bottle, once, twice, thrice, again....
It's slow going.] Hold on, I'm getting there...
It's slow going.] Hold on, I'm getting there...
[He rests the bottom of the bottle on his thigh, using it as leverage to twist it. He tugs on it, getting half of the cork out.]
Almost...
[He alternates between twisting and tugging until he hears a hissing noise. From there, he slowly works on the cork...
It pops off, rolls into the grass, and a burst of champagne spills onto the blanket before he can right it.] Got it!
Almost...
[He alternates between twisting and tugging until he hears a hissing noise. From there, he slowly works on the cork...
It pops off, rolls into the grass, and a burst of champagne spills onto the blanket before he can right it.] Got it!
[He holds the bottle over the champagne glasses and pours a drink for the two of them. Some of the drink has dribbled over the side and coats Taryon's hand, but this is why he has the cloth napkins at hand.]
So you're an expert at opening them? [He grins and sets the bottle against the basket.] I did manage to save what's inside.
So you're an expert at opening them? [He grins and sets the bottle against the basket.] I did manage to save what's inside.
I have to head over there and see them in person.
[He raises his glass.] To whatever happens next!
[He raises his glass.] To whatever happens next!
[Taryon takes a large sip of his drink, and once done, he keeps it held while he continues eating. As he makes his way through on sandwich, he sets the baked goods closer to Dolph, gesturing for him to try them.
It's a lovely day, if one ignores the danger in town. Taryon gazes out towards the forest in silence as he meditates on the peaceful setting.]
It's a lovely day, if one ignores the danger in town. Taryon gazes out towards the forest in silence as he meditates on the peaceful setting.]
[Taryon, still facing the forest, turns his head to Dolph. A tress of golden locks falls over his shoulder.]
We can do this more often, if you want.
...As a friend thing, or whatever. [Anything that gives a chance for Taryon to socialize.]
We can do this more often, if you want.
...As a friend thing, or whatever. [Anything that gives a chance for Taryon to socialize.]
[Romantic intentions or not, this is the best outcome Taryon could hope for.]
Sounds perfect. As long as the forest won't kill us, of course.
Sounds perfect. As long as the forest won't kill us, of course.
...I don't think we can kill an entire forest.
[Taryon looks over the forest, looking like any collection of trees back home at first glance, then noticing the odd vines and magical atmosphere when he actually focuses. It's difficult to imagine an entire patch of nature suddenly disappearing. One man fighting a bunch of trees sees rather ridiculous. ]
Are you trying to impress me?
Are you trying to impress me?
I mean...
["You remind me of Grog when you say you want to literally beat up the forest" is not a good way to guarantee a second date.]
I think I'm just confused. [A beat.] I get it, you looks pretty strong, but I'd rather not...have you burn this all down.
["You remind me of Grog when you say you want to literally beat up the forest" is not a good way to guarantee a second date.]
I think I'm just confused. [A beat.] I get it, you looks pretty strong, but I'd rather not...have you burn this all down.
Ah. Okay. [Taryon relaxes.] So I don't have to worry about you going on a sudden rampage over little things.
...I mean. You never know about a guy you just met, right?
...I mean. You never know about a guy you just met, right?
It's always better to be on your guard.
[ maybe that was his mistake. if alex wasn't the first, his only . . . but then again, who would even date him? he hasn't had much luck. ]
I wouldn't take it personally if you have an issue.
[ maybe that was his mistake. if alex wasn't the first, his only . . . but then again, who would even date him? he hasn't had much luck. ]
I wouldn't take it personally if you have an issue.
Edited 2024-05-24 02:59 (UTC)
I'm not really into guys that pick fights all the time [except when it makes them look cool, but everyone has lapses in judgement] so it's a bit...yeah. But I'm flattered that you'd try to defend me if something happened.
[Why can't someone kiss Taryon like that while kicking ass?]
No one's perfect. [He'll have to see how Dolph is like when they're in danger again before he can decide how he feels.]
No one's perfect. [He'll have to see how Dolph is like when they're in danger again before he can decide how he feels.]
Lots of people? I want to be a better person, if not perfect. [He runs his fingers through his hair slowly and tilts his head back - this is purely to show off the silky smoothness of his locks.] But I'm getting there.
[Taryon keeps his eyes on Dolph for a minute, then watches the clouds overhead as he leans back on his hands.]
...So, what do you want to be here? Other than all that you mentioned?
...So, what do you want to be here? Other than all that you mentioned?
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