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trailblazers2024-01-25 08:59 pm
receptacles) wrote in trailblazers2024-01-25 08:59 pm
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Yeah. Violence works a surprising amount of the time.
I don't... recommend it? 'Cause like, obviously you can get yourself in a lot of trouble.
But the Astral Express is a neutral political party, which means, uh... like it's not impossible, but most of the time, people don't have the power to throw us in jail.
And we're all just really strong. So even if we get in trouble, we can get ourselves out of trouble, too.
I don't... recommend it? 'Cause like, obviously you can get yourself in a lot of trouble.
But the Astral Express is a neutral political party, which means, uh... like it's not impossible, but most of the time, people don't have the power to throw us in jail.
And we're all just really strong. So even if we get in trouble, we can get ourselves out of trouble, too.
You could have double the blanket. Weighted blanket experience.
[ He says this with a completely straight face.
It seems to be one of his usual jokes, though, because he doesn't actually wrap Dan Heng in a secondary blanket cocoon. Just crumples his own blanket over to the side and lets Dan Heng make himself comfortable. The weighted blanket experience is probably best practiced with an actual weighted blanket rather than two layers of blankets.
He lingers for a moment, staring fondly at Dan Heng's tousled head, and then sighs, and makes his way over to his chair to sit down and game. ]
...Let me know if you want anything.
[ He says this even as he slides a pair of wireless earbuds into his ears and picks up his phone again, apparently content to game in silence while Dan Heng sleeps. ]
[ He says this with a completely straight face.
It seems to be one of his usual jokes, though, because he doesn't actually wrap Dan Heng in a secondary blanket cocoon. Just crumples his own blanket over to the side and lets Dan Heng make himself comfortable. The weighted blanket experience is probably best practiced with an actual weighted blanket rather than two layers of blankets.
He lingers for a moment, staring fondly at Dan Heng's tousled head, and then sighs, and makes his way over to his chair to sit down and game. ]
...Let me know if you want anything.
[ He says this even as he slides a pair of wireless earbuds into his ears and picks up his phone again, apparently content to game in silence while Dan Heng sleeps. ]
( before overflow! )
Alright, I'll clear out some space for you.
Come crash whenever you can. We're fine with people coming in and out.
[ ...So Caelus said. But when Boothill actually shows up on the Express parlor car a few days later with a busted arm and a leg...
The Trailblazer's reaction is not... displeased, no. On the contrary, he's pretty happy to see Boothill. But he is, hmm... nonplussed? Concerned? A bit worried, but only mildly so?
Of all the Nameless on the Express, Himeko might be the most skilled when it comes to tinkering with mechanical objects (and people), but she's not aboard the train right now, and Caelus comes a close second, on account of all the machinery he operated on Jarilo-VI and the Xianzhou Luofu. He crouches down where Boothill has unceremoniously made himself at home on one of the luxurious leather couches, taking a look — it might feel a little intrusive, but he's just curious — at Boothill's knee socket. He lets out a low whistle. ]
Damn. They really messed you up.
[ He straightens slightly, looking up at his extremely wanted friend. The fact that Boothill is extremely wanted by the IPC isn't really a problem. The Stellaron Hunters are extremely wanted, too, and Caelus texts them on the regular. ]
Do you normally do your own self-maintenance? 'Cause I think I can fix it with what we have here, but I'm... I wouldn't say I'm qualified.
Alright, I'll clear out some space for you.
Come crash whenever you can. We're fine with people coming in and out.
[ ...So Caelus said. But when Boothill actually shows up on the Express parlor car a few days later with a busted arm and a leg...
The Trailblazer's reaction is not... displeased, no. On the contrary, he's pretty happy to see Boothill. But he is, hmm... nonplussed? Concerned? A bit worried, but only mildly so?
Of all the Nameless on the Express, Himeko might be the most skilled when it comes to tinkering with mechanical objects (and people), but she's not aboard the train right now, and Caelus comes a close second, on account of all the machinery he operated on Jarilo-VI and the Xianzhou Luofu. He crouches down where Boothill has unceremoniously made himself at home on one of the luxurious leather couches, taking a look — it might feel a little intrusive, but he's just curious — at Boothill's knee socket. He lets out a low whistle. ]
Damn. They really messed you up.
[ He straightens slightly, looking up at his extremely wanted friend. The fact that Boothill is extremely wanted by the IPC isn't really a problem. The Stellaron Hunters are extremely wanted, too, and Caelus texts them on the regular. ]
Do you normally do your own self-maintenance? 'Cause I think I can fix it with what we have here, but I'm... I wouldn't say I'm qualified.
[When the galaxy ranger boarded the Astral Express, these fine leather couches were bound to get a little dirty. The poor guy went through the wringer and then some, but despite the bullet holes, Boothill couldn't help but smile. Sure, his left arm is a mangled mess of wires and steel, but at least he has all of his limbs this time. A cosmic equivalent of a twelve-gauge shotgun nearly severed his poor leg earlier, which explains why he was limping. Fortunately, the point-blank shot did not result in a significant loss of blood or fuel. He's a cyborg, after all. Boothill is virtually indestructible, or at least that is what he tells himself. ]
They sure did, but you oughta see how badly I forked them up.
[He guffaws before randomly snacking on a bullet. Not just any bullet, but a bonafide nine millimeter. No one knows why the cyborg randomly stuffs live ammunition round down his gullet, but he frequently does with those sharp augmented teeth of his. This definitely comes across as a tad weird, but Boothill processes his own ammo. That's how he is able to shoot using the secret gun hidden within his right arm.]
Usually I do, but as of recently I've started going to this quack mechanic I stumbled across during my travels. Her name is Doctor Freidrich or something of the sort. She's a mean old hag but has a good heart.
[Kind of like the crew of the Astral Express. However, Boothill isn't going to say all that. Instead, he gives Caelus a playful smirk.]
Gettin' cold feet, are ya? Well, don't worry, I can fix whatever you screw up.
They sure did, but you oughta see how badly I forked them up.
[He guffaws before randomly snacking on a bullet. Not just any bullet, but a bonafide nine millimeter. No one knows why the cyborg randomly stuffs live ammunition round down his gullet, but he frequently does with those sharp augmented teeth of his. This definitely comes across as a tad weird, but Boothill processes his own ammo. That's how he is able to shoot using the secret gun hidden within his right arm.]
Usually I do, but as of recently I've started going to this quack mechanic I stumbled across during my travels. Her name is Doctor Freidrich or something of the sort. She's a mean old hag but has a good heart.
[Kind of like the crew of the Astral Express. However, Boothill isn't going to say all that. Instead, he gives Caelus a playful smirk.]
Gettin' cold feet, are ya? Well, don't worry, I can fix whatever you screw up.
( before overflow! )
Hmph...
[ That's Hanu-speak for, yeah, he thinks Gallagher likes it. He's gonna go ahead and bug Aventurine to buy this for the ol' dog now.
...
It takes a couple of minutes, but the IPC manager has more money than God, so, yeah, sure, it's whatever. Success! ]
Alright king I'm getting this for you
Happy birthday
If it's not your birthday it's a birthday gift now
Hmph...
[ That's Hanu-speak for, yeah, he thinks Gallagher likes it. He's gonna go ahead and bug Aventurine to buy this for the ol' dog now.
...
It takes a couple of minutes, but the IPC manager has more money than God, so, yeah, sure, it's whatever. Success! ]
Alright king I'm getting this for you
Happy birthday
If it's not your birthday it's a birthday gift now
[ For all that Boothill isn't formally educated, he's a master of knowledge where it counts: manipulating people. There are few men in this world who won't rise to the challenge if their pride is on the line, and Caelus falls into that category of man, too; he scowls at the suggestion that he's getting cold feet. All Trailblazers are fearless! (Except in the face of ghosts!) ]
Nah, I can do it, it's just — you know. [ He sighs thinly through his nose. ] I fix cycranes and drones. Not people.
[ Even on the Luofu and in Penacony, the aurumatons and Intellitrons had always spoken about obtaining and installing upgrades and spare parts as though it was extremely delicate work... so Caelus is just sort of nervous about trying to repair another sentient being. Still, maybe cyborgs are just built different from robotic life? The circuitry and wiring honestly doesn't look all that different from things Caelus has seen before...
Besides, given the circumstances, it's unlikely that Boothill will be able to get back to this Doctor Friedrich in a timely fashion. So... yeah. The Trailblazer comes to his own resolution, making himself more comfortable on the floor in front of Boothill as he brings a toolkit closer to his knee. All the better to operate with. ]
It's not a big deal. First time for everything, and I get how your body works. So it shouldn't... look, you'll be fine.
[ Very reassuring thing to hear from your first choice of black market doctor! But, if nothing else, Caelus is remarkably gentle as he swivels Boothill's broken leg closer to his body so that he can get a better look at the fried and broken wires, the dented metal casing. Well, should be simple enough... Caelus supposes, without asking, that the first order of business is probably to repair all of these wires. Like reconnecting Boothill's nerves. Simple surgery. He starts on it at once, fishing out delicate pieces of replacement wire casing from his toolkit.
(It's pretty funny, every time the Galaxy Ranger pops a bullet into his mouth like it's a delicious piece of popcorn.)
...That being said, look, mecha nerds are gonna do their mecha nerd thing. Caelus can't help but get a little lost in the sauce, running his fingers down Boothill's calf in utmost admiration while he sorts out matching the different wires to their broken ends. ]
Man, there's so much wiring in your legs... It's just like... really good work...
Nah, I can do it, it's just — you know. [ He sighs thinly through his nose. ] I fix cycranes and drones. Not people.
[ Even on the Luofu and in Penacony, the aurumatons and Intellitrons had always spoken about obtaining and installing upgrades and spare parts as though it was extremely delicate work... so Caelus is just sort of nervous about trying to repair another sentient being. Still, maybe cyborgs are just built different from robotic life? The circuitry and wiring honestly doesn't look all that different from things Caelus has seen before...
Besides, given the circumstances, it's unlikely that Boothill will be able to get back to this Doctor Friedrich in a timely fashion. So... yeah. The Trailblazer comes to his own resolution, making himself more comfortable on the floor in front of Boothill as he brings a toolkit closer to his knee. All the better to operate with. ]
It's not a big deal. First time for everything, and I get how your body works. So it shouldn't... look, you'll be fine.
[ Very reassuring thing to hear from your first choice of black market doctor! But, if nothing else, Caelus is remarkably gentle as he swivels Boothill's broken leg closer to his body so that he can get a better look at the fried and broken wires, the dented metal casing. Well, should be simple enough... Caelus supposes, without asking, that the first order of business is probably to repair all of these wires. Like reconnecting Boothill's nerves. Simple surgery. He starts on it at once, fishing out delicate pieces of replacement wire casing from his toolkit.
(It's pretty funny, every time the Galaxy Ranger pops a bullet into his mouth like it's a delicious piece of popcorn.)
...That being said, look, mecha nerds are gonna do their mecha nerd thing. Caelus can't help but get a little lost in the sauce, running his fingers down Boothill's calf in utmost admiration while he sorts out matching the different wires to their broken ends. ]
Man, there's so much wiring in your legs... It's just like... really good work...
[While Boothill isn't the brightest crayon in the box, he certainly understands how to get under a man's skin. Wounding someone's pride is a surefire way to get them fired up and ready to prove you wrong. This is something he is very familiar with. The ranger couldn't help but smirk as Caelus brought over his toolkit. He'll let the fella tinker on him for a little bit. He trusts the trailblazer enough not to kill him, at least.]
I better be fine, or else it's your behind!
[He warns before snacking on another bullet. While it appears that Boothill is simply sitting back and munching, the cyborg is performing a thorough diagnosis. That explains why his eyes begin to flash red even though he is not in combat mode. Despite the damage, his vitals appear to be in good condition. That's an honest relief. However, the damage he sustained has fried some of his internal circuitry. Certain nerves aren't working properly after being shelled several times by that intergalactic shotgun.]
Talk about havin' rum luck.
[He grumbles as his diagnosis check concludes. Just as he was about to warn Caelus, he was distracted by the trailblazer's little gesture there. His internal wiring might be damaged, but he certainly felt that. Boothill lets out an amused huff as he looks at Caelus.]
Why thank ya kindly~! However, all the praise doesn't go to just little old me. I had some help here and there.
[He smirks.]
You really love tinkering on stuff, don't you?
I better be fine, or else it's your behind!
[He warns before snacking on another bullet. While it appears that Boothill is simply sitting back and munching, the cyborg is performing a thorough diagnosis. That explains why his eyes begin to flash red even though he is not in combat mode. Despite the damage, his vitals appear to be in good condition. That's an honest relief. However, the damage he sustained has fried some of his internal circuitry. Certain nerves aren't working properly after being shelled several times by that intergalactic shotgun.]
Talk about havin' rum luck.
[He grumbles as his diagnosis check concludes. Just as he was about to warn Caelus, he was distracted by the trailblazer's little gesture there. His internal wiring might be damaged, but he certainly felt that. Boothill lets out an amused huff as he looks at Caelus.]
Why thank ya kindly~! However, all the praise doesn't go to just little old me. I had some help here and there.
[He smirks.]
You really love tinkering on stuff, don't you?
[ He'd probably be a bit embarrassed if he realized that Boothill still has sensation in his leg right now. As it is, Caelus just serenely starts in on the repairs, wiping the area clean with a soft cloth before he begins the rewiring in earnest. There's a faint smile playing about his lips; he seems to be in a good mood. ]
Yeah. Did Dan Heng tell you about my situation? ...He probably didn't, he doesn't say much.
[ Modern technology has advanced to a point where Caelus can do this pretty safely without any particular protective equipment — the tool in his hands will join the metal wires in Boothill's leg together without frying the Trailblazer's fleshy fingers, and he doesn't need to shield his eyes from the searing heat, either. Inorganic surgery is a lot more fun than organic surgery — since Boothill isn't going to die from the damage he's sustained, Caelus can take his time with mending all the breaks, and it's actually very soothing, like solving a puzzle. ]
I've got amnesia, so I don't remember anything past the last year or so. [ There's a lot more to this story, but Caelus figures Boothill doesn't need to hear all of it; he skips over the details. ] I had to learn how to do a lot of things, but for some reason, tinkering with machinery was something I knew how to do as soon as I woke up.
[ He's not as fast as Doctor Friedrich, but the work he's doing is excellent enough. It might even be a bit of a shame that he's being so careful, given that Boothill is probably just going to get himself forked up again within the week. ]
I don't know if I liked it or not, before this... but I guess I like it now?
Yeah. Did Dan Heng tell you about my situation? ...He probably didn't, he doesn't say much.
[ Modern technology has advanced to a point where Caelus can do this pretty safely without any particular protective equipment — the tool in his hands will join the metal wires in Boothill's leg together without frying the Trailblazer's fleshy fingers, and he doesn't need to shield his eyes from the searing heat, either. Inorganic surgery is a lot more fun than organic surgery — since Boothill isn't going to die from the damage he's sustained, Caelus can take his time with mending all the breaks, and it's actually very soothing, like solving a puzzle. ]
I've got amnesia, so I don't remember anything past the last year or so. [ There's a lot more to this story, but Caelus figures Boothill doesn't need to hear all of it; he skips over the details. ] I had to learn how to do a lot of things, but for some reason, tinkering with machinery was something I knew how to do as soon as I woke up.
[ He's not as fast as Doctor Friedrich, but the work he's doing is excellent enough. It might even be a bit of a shame that he's being so careful, given that Boothill is probably just going to get himself forked up again within the week. ]
I don't know if I liked it or not, before this... but I guess I like it now?
[A man could get used to this type of treatment. Caelus is exceptionally skilled with his hands, in more ways than one. Boothill lets out a thoughtful hum as he recalls his first encounter with Dan Heng. To be honest, it didn't go particularly well, especially since he was pointing a gun at the poor guy's face. While the almighty pistol is a great negotiation tool, Dan Heng didn't seem pleased with it.
Oh well! That's all under the bridge now.]
Your friend is the strong, silent type. He ain't much for talkin', but he's a nice enough fella.
[However, it would have been nice if Dan Heng mentioned anything about it. Boothill could not help but stare in disbelief as Caelus revealed his amnesia. Unlike Caelus, he relies solely on his memories to stay warm at night. Boothill lost everything when the IPC arrived at his door. The only thing he has left in his life are the treasured memories he strives to preserve.]
Holy forkroni! [He blinks his eyes owlishly at Caelus. This no way he's telling the truth here. No possible way.] You swear you're tellin' the truth, and nothing but the truth?
[It's not as if Caelus would have any reason to lie about something like this, but amnesia? Really? Boothill is dumbfounded.]
You're a stronger man than me! I would be flippin' out if I couldn't remember who the hell I was.
Oh well! That's all under the bridge now.]
Your friend is the strong, silent type. He ain't much for talkin', but he's a nice enough fella.
[However, it would have been nice if Dan Heng mentioned anything about it. Boothill could not help but stare in disbelief as Caelus revealed his amnesia. Unlike Caelus, he relies solely on his memories to stay warm at night. Boothill lost everything when the IPC arrived at his door. The only thing he has left in his life are the treasured memories he strives to preserve.]
Holy forkroni! [He blinks his eyes owlishly at Caelus. This no way he's telling the truth here. No possible way.] You swear you're tellin' the truth, and nothing but the truth?
[It's not as if Caelus would have any reason to lie about something like this, but amnesia? Really? Boothill is dumbfounded.]
You're a stronger man than me! I would be flippin' out if I couldn't remember who the hell I was.
[ Boothill's reaction makes Caelus laugh a little. It's not a bad thing. The fact that he can react with such vehemence is probably proof that the Galaxy Ranger really is a good person, past the bluster and the troublemaking. Or maybe it's just that he can't imagine what it must be like to go through life without the precious memories that drive him. ]
Is it that weird? Haha. [ Caelus shakes his head. ] Yeah, I'm not kidding, it's true. I guess I never thought it was that strange because March has amnesia too. The girl with the pink hair and the bubblegum face — you saw her for a sec, I think? Maybe having amnesia makes it easier to decide to be a Nameless.
[ That's two people with amnesia! On the same train! Serenely, he returns to his work with reconnecting Boothill's leg to his knee socket. The soft hum of the soldering pen going off punctuates his sentences. ]
It's different, though. 'Cause in movies and books and stuff, people always regain their memories eventually, right? Or they find out they have family or whatever. Like March might still have a family out there in the galaxy somewhere. We don't know.
[ Zap. Zap. Zap. ]
...I met the people I was with before I had amnesia already. It's kind of complicated, but I guess they don't need me with them anymore. And I don't think I'm gonna remember that time again. So I just have to move on, I guess.
[ Slowly, Boothill's leg starts to regain full control of its functions. Caelus is holding the man by the ankle like he's a princess awaiting a glass slipper. The Trailblazer looks up and smiles sheepishly. ]
It's just kind of weird.
Is it that weird? Haha. [ Caelus shakes his head. ] Yeah, I'm not kidding, it's true. I guess I never thought it was that strange because March has amnesia too. The girl with the pink hair and the bubblegum face — you saw her for a sec, I think? Maybe having amnesia makes it easier to decide to be a Nameless.
[ That's two people with amnesia! On the same train! Serenely, he returns to his work with reconnecting Boothill's leg to his knee socket. The soft hum of the soldering pen going off punctuates his sentences. ]
It's different, though. 'Cause in movies and books and stuff, people always regain their memories eventually, right? Or they find out they have family or whatever. Like March might still have a family out there in the galaxy somewhere. We don't know.
[ Zap. Zap. Zap. ]
...I met the people I was with before I had amnesia already. It's kind of complicated, but I guess they don't need me with them anymore. And I don't think I'm gonna remember that time again. So I just have to move on, I guess.
[ Slowly, Boothill's leg starts to regain full control of its functions. Caelus is holding the man by the ankle like he's a princess awaiting a glass slipper. The Trailblazer looks up and smiles sheepishly. ]
It's just kind of weird.
Edited 2024-05-28 14:31 (UTC)
[ Dan Heng huffs softly, almost laughing. He's come to expect these sorts of jokes at the oddest times from Caelus, and while he might roll his eyes or occasionally chide, such moments have woven themselves so thoroughly into his routines that he knows he would miss them if they were to suddenly cease. It's like the humming of the servers or the steady rumble of the engine underneath them—a sort of comforting background noise he's grown attached to.
And it helps. It's not the same as being in the archives with the noise and the shimmer of simulated oceans beneath him, but it does chase away the silence. Enough to settle, and relax.
He does glance over his shoulder, though, peeking out from beneath his blanket to fix Caelus with a stern look. ]
Just don't keep yourself awake on my account, [ he says, though he's not sure Caelus is listening at this point. ] Sleep if you need to.
And it helps. It's not the same as being in the archives with the noise and the shimmer of simulated oceans beneath him, but it does chase away the silence. Enough to settle, and relax.
He does glance over his shoulder, though, peeking out from beneath his blanket to fix Caelus with a stern look. ]
Just don't keep yourself awake on my account, [ he says, though he's not sure Caelus is listening at this point. ] Sleep if you need to.
[ He's not so uncouth that he'd turn up his music so loud that he can't hear Dan Heng at all — nodding, Caelus hums assent to his friend's chiding. Yeah, yeah, he'll go to bed soon. Just one more attempt at scoring platinum in the current event! He swears! ]
I'll go to bed in a sec.
[ It's not the whir of the archive servers, or the soothing shimmer of the waves below, but Caelus's room, with Caelus in it, is a different kind of peaceful, calming environment. The room is dark, illuminated only by the glow of Caelus's phone at its darkest setting; there's only the sound of his breathing, the gently muted, rhythmic tapping of the pads of his fingers (occasionally his nail) against the screen of his phone. Beneath that, the Express's engine purrs, idle. Still further beneath that, if Dan Heng really hones his senses, he'll hear the rush of Caelus's blood, the pulsing beat of his heart. The low bass thrumming of the Stellaron, so quiet as to be imperceptible, in tune with his pulse.
At some point, Caelus heaves a slightly shuddering sigh like a sob, and wipes the back of his hand across his eyes.
A few more taps after that, and Caelus rests his phone atop its charger (not that their phones tend to run out of battery) and shuffles off his jacket and pants so that he's just in his shirt and boxers. He's tired too, after all that; he joins Dan Heng in the bed once he's undressed, though, thinking that the Vidyadhara probably likes his space, Caelus settles on his side with his back facing his friend, and takes an extra pillow (he sleeps with a lot of extra pillows) into his arms.
His breathing is slow and steady. ]
I'll go to bed in a sec.
[ It's not the whir of the archive servers, or the soothing shimmer of the waves below, but Caelus's room, with Caelus in it, is a different kind of peaceful, calming environment. The room is dark, illuminated only by the glow of Caelus's phone at its darkest setting; there's only the sound of his breathing, the gently muted, rhythmic tapping of the pads of his fingers (occasionally his nail) against the screen of his phone. Beneath that, the Express's engine purrs, idle. Still further beneath that, if Dan Heng really hones his senses, he'll hear the rush of Caelus's blood, the pulsing beat of his heart. The low bass thrumming of the Stellaron, so quiet as to be imperceptible, in tune with his pulse.
At some point, Caelus heaves a slightly shuddering sigh like a sob, and wipes the back of his hand across his eyes.
A few more taps after that, and Caelus rests his phone atop its charger (not that their phones tend to run out of battery) and shuffles off his jacket and pants so that he's just in his shirt and boxers. He's tired too, after all that; he joins Dan Heng in the bed once he's undressed, though, thinking that the Vidyadhara probably likes his space, Caelus settles on his side with his back facing his friend, and takes an extra pillow (he sleeps with a lot of extra pillows) into his arms.
His breathing is slow and steady. ]
Edited 2024-05-31 12:43 (UTC)
( before overflow! )
Why do you say that when you're showing me pictures of you?
Now I just want to sink my teeth into your neck instead.
[ Well, whether it's Sampo leaving marks on Caelus, or Caelus leaving marks on Sampo... that doesn't really matter, does it? They can mutually mark each other. Bark bark woof woof, as they say these days.
Caelus takes a shot of himself for Sampo's benefit, angled in a similar way to show off his neck and his collarbones and the curve of his pecs slipping down his white shirt. The Trailblazer does have a very attractive neck, unadorned by other accoutrements, the lines of his Adam's apple always sloping just so. He doesn't wrap his hand around his neck, but he likes the way it looks in Sampo's picture of himself. Sampo has really nice hands... ]
You have really nice hands, you know
I want them all over me, all the time
Why do you say that when you're showing me pictures of you?
Now I just want to sink my teeth into your neck instead.
[ Well, whether it's Sampo leaving marks on Caelus, or Caelus leaving marks on Sampo... that doesn't really matter, does it? They can mutually mark each other. Bark bark woof woof, as they say these days.
Caelus takes a shot of himself for Sampo's benefit, angled in a similar way to show off his neck and his collarbones and the curve of his pecs slipping down his white shirt. The Trailblazer does have a very attractive neck, unadorned by other accoutrements, the lines of his Adam's apple always sloping just so. He doesn't wrap his hand around his neck, but he likes the way it looks in Sampo's picture of himself. Sampo has really nice hands... ]
You have really nice hands, you know
I want them all over me, all the time
Edited 2024-06-04 15:44 (UTC)
( before overflow! )
Well...
I don't want to sound super insecure or whatever
But if I'm just "handsome" then there's room for improvement, right?
Should I dress differently...?
Well...
I don't want to sound super insecure or whatever
But if I'm just "handsome" then there's room for improvement, right?
Should I dress differently...?
Sounds painful...
You should know I bruise easy, so you'll be gentle, won't you?
( He's very delicate, that Sampo Koski. Not meant for rough play; he's a collectors' item.
What a nice picture he gets in return. Caelus is so considerate, sending him photos unprompted like this. Is he feeling generous because he's been drinking, or is Sampo's kindness enough of an incentive to spur kindness of his own? Maybe Sampo should be nice more often if he wants to earn more of Caelus' soft side. )
I take care of them. Got to keep 'em nice and save my fingers for the things that matter. Like putting them inside you.
( The real reason why he wears the gloves. )
Is that included in the all over bit?
You should know I bruise easy, so you'll be gentle, won't you?
( He's very delicate, that Sampo Koski. Not meant for rough play; he's a collectors' item.
What a nice picture he gets in return. Caelus is so considerate, sending him photos unprompted like this. Is he feeling generous because he's been drinking, or is Sampo's kindness enough of an incentive to spur kindness of his own? Maybe Sampo should be nice more often if he wants to earn more of Caelus' soft side. )
I take care of them. Got to keep 'em nice and save my fingers for the things that matter. Like putting them inside you.
( The real reason why he wears the gloves. )
Is that included in the all over bit?
They do say clothes make the man.
If it's a new outfit, I could get you one. Even take you shopping for one myself if you had the time.
I admit I am curious. Is handsome not enough of a compliment that you think you need to do more to impress me?
If it's a new outfit, I could get you one. Even take you shopping for one myself if you had the time.
I admit I am curious. Is handsome not enough of a compliment that you think you need to do more to impress me?
I don't know...
You're so stunning that I can't believe you're real sometimes
I wish I could make you feel that way about me, but
Maybe that's asking for too much
It's probably enough if people like me
You're so stunning that I can't believe you're real sometimes
I wish I could make you feel that way about me, but
Maybe that's asking for too much
It's probably enough if people like me
Yeah, that's included.
You can use any hole you want.
You're making this very tempting, though. I like the idea of bruising you up all over.
You can use any hole you want.
You're making this very tempting, though. I like the idea of bruising you up all over.
Oh? That's truly quite the compliment coming from you. I feel flattered you think that way about me.
You're getting ahead of yourself, don't you think? You're charming, unique and the only one in the universe who can home a stellaron within their body. There's nobody out there who's like you.
I believe you're giving yourself too little credit. Likeability isn't all about appearances, after all.
You're getting ahead of yourself, don't you think? You're charming, unique and the only one in the universe who can home a stellaron within their body. There's nobody out there who's like you.
I believe you're giving yourself too little credit. Likeability isn't all about appearances, after all.
Mmm...
I get it... I think
[ Does he really? It doesn't quite sound like he's really gotten the message, but Caelus seems content to move on. ]
Sorry, I think I've had a bit too much to drink
I don't know if I'm making a lot of sense
I just really like you
And I'm just... I'm happy if you like me, too
I get it... I think
[ Does he really? It doesn't quite sound like he's really gotten the message, but Caelus seems content to move on. ]
Sorry, I think I've had a bit too much to drink
I don't know if I'm making a lot of sense
I just really like you
And I'm just... I'm happy if you like me, too
You're making enough sense, don't worry about that.
I believe I can say it's a bit more than like when it comes to how it is I feel about you. Though if you don't believe me I can always come and say it to you personally.
Send me your coordinates, won't you?
I believe I can say it's a bit more than like when it comes to how it is I feel about you. Though if you don't believe me I can always come and say it to you personally.
Send me your coordinates, won't you?
( before overflow! )
[ They make it work, one way or another. There's a beach resort on a planet that the IPC has officially designated as Reslana-IX, but which the locals simply refer to as the Haar Islands, and given everything that they've all been through recently. Himeko managed to get every member of the Express (as well as Robin) tickets and rooms at the resort.
It's funny, in the way that all space tourism is the same, and yet also so different. The hotel operates almost exactly the same as the Reverie, but the Family doesn't run it. No signs of the Harmony or the Order here. It's a perfectly ordinary beach resort run by a perfectly ordinary company and they won't have any problems here whatsoever. It's maybe somewhat less luxurious than what Robin's been booked in the past, but that's sort of the point: no one will think to find her here, since the press wasn't notified.
Dan Heng really does wind up on guard duty, as is his right, but there aren't actually any paparazzi around for him to fight off with his spear; if anything, the young man seems perfectly content watching March, Caelus, and Robin play on the beach while he reads from underneath a beach umbrella, comfortably cool in the shade. March has been doing her best to stay calm; she's taken lots of cute selfies with Robin, although she's promised that she won't post any on her social media, but she says she wants them for the memories, and anyway, they're both cute in the pictures.
"Do you mind taking one more?" she gushes enthusiastically, throwing her arm around Robin as she angles her phone camera to capture the blue waves behind them. The blue waves, and Caelus, surfing in the background...
Caelus, getting closer and closer in the background, until... ]
Boo! Photo bomb!
[ — in a somewhat hilarious feat of atheticism, Caelus hits the sand with his surfboard, then uses the velocity from the impact to jump over where Robin and March have been taking selfies; he lands very neatly on his feet right behind them, both arms around both young women so that his big head has now "ruined" (well, he looks cute too) March's shot.
March yelps and stomps her foot. "H-Hey! You ruined my selfies with Robin!" ]
C'mon, haven't you taken like fifty already today?
[ (Dan Heng sighs from his umbrella and does not move.) ]
[ They make it work, one way or another. There's a beach resort on a planet that the IPC has officially designated as Reslana-IX, but which the locals simply refer to as the Haar Islands, and given everything that they've all been through recently. Himeko managed to get every member of the Express (as well as Robin) tickets and rooms at the resort.
It's funny, in the way that all space tourism is the same, and yet also so different. The hotel operates almost exactly the same as the Reverie, but the Family doesn't run it. No signs of the Harmony or the Order here. It's a perfectly ordinary beach resort run by a perfectly ordinary company and they won't have any problems here whatsoever. It's maybe somewhat less luxurious than what Robin's been booked in the past, but that's sort of the point: no one will think to find her here, since the press wasn't notified.
Dan Heng really does wind up on guard duty, as is his right, but there aren't actually any paparazzi around for him to fight off with his spear; if anything, the young man seems perfectly content watching March, Caelus, and Robin play on the beach while he reads from underneath a beach umbrella, comfortably cool in the shade. March has been doing her best to stay calm; she's taken lots of cute selfies with Robin, although she's promised that she won't post any on her social media, but she says she wants them for the memories, and anyway, they're both cute in the pictures.
"Do you mind taking one more?" she gushes enthusiastically, throwing her arm around Robin as she angles her phone camera to capture the blue waves behind them. The blue waves, and Caelus, surfing in the background...
Caelus, getting closer and closer in the background, until... ]
Boo! Photo bomb!
[ — in a somewhat hilarious feat of atheticism, Caelus hits the sand with his surfboard, then uses the velocity from the impact to jump over where Robin and March have been taking selfies; he lands very neatly on his feet right behind them, both arms around both young women so that his big head has now "ruined" (well, he looks cute too) March's shot.
March yelps and stomps her foot. "H-Hey! You ruined my selfies with Robin!" ]
C'mon, haven't you taken like fifty already today?
[ (Dan Heng sighs from his umbrella and does not move.) ]
( before overflow! )
Huh? Oh, yeah, do you want to see?
Here, click this, it'll take you to my stream
[ LINK ]
[ ...The stream should be... simple enough to understand, even considering that Gepard is relatively new to the Internet. The game takes up the majority of the stream, seems to be a sort of platformer thing that Caelus honestly isn't very good at; he offers entertaining commentary throughout, though it's in a relatively quiet, soothing voice, and sometimes he seems a little distracted (no doubt when he's replying to Gepard or maybe his other friends). A different camera shows his handsome face, backlit by flattering Gamer Lighting in what seems to be the privacy of his room on the Express.
Funnily enough, Caelus streams while wearing an... outfit he doesn't... normally wear... ]
Huh? Oh, yeah, do you want to see?
Here, click this, it'll take you to my stream
[ LINK ]
[ ...The stream should be... simple enough to understand, even considering that Gepard is relatively new to the Internet. The game takes up the majority of the stream, seems to be a sort of platformer thing that Caelus honestly isn't very good at; he offers entertaining commentary throughout, though it's in a relatively quiet, soothing voice, and sometimes he seems a little distracted (no doubt when he's replying to Gepard or maybe his other friends). A different camera shows his handsome face, backlit by flattering Gamer Lighting in what seems to be the privacy of his room on the Express.
Funnily enough, Caelus streams while wearing an... outfit he doesn't... normally wear... ]
[ Obediently, Caelus sends over his coordinates. It's a live tracker of sorts, so Aventurine will be able to follow Caelus even though he appears to be actively walking down a street in Penacony at the moment. ]
I left the bar to try and sober up a little
But I can go back in if you want to drink, too
Come whenever you want
[ When Aventurine finds him, Caelus will be — well, not walking, mercifully. He's braced against a balcony railing in the Golden Hour, and to all outward eyes, at least, he looks sober enough.
On the subject of being hot, it's a bit funny; the Trailblazer never seems to notice that he does attract his own share of attention, as there are two women tittering behind him, openly admiring the noble lines of his profile as he gazes blearily out at the nightlife and the scenery below. No one would really notice that he's a bit buzzed; he just seems sort of dreamy and glassy-eyed at the moment, but then, lots of handsome guys are like that. He looks good in an understated way — the way his wrists hang over the railing, the way the lines of his shoulders give way to his long legs as he's standing, weight on one leg while the other is bent at the knee.
But, honestly, he's pretty drunk. As Aventurine comes closer, and Caelus hears his footsteps, he turns his head, a little more slowly than he would if he were sober. He breaks into a smile, one that's softer than usual, lacks all of the usual sharp alertness in his eyes. ]
Aventurine... [ He seems happy, if somewhat bleary. ] You came.
I left the bar to try and sober up a little
But I can go back in if you want to drink, too
Come whenever you want
[ When Aventurine finds him, Caelus will be — well, not walking, mercifully. He's braced against a balcony railing in the Golden Hour, and to all outward eyes, at least, he looks sober enough.
On the subject of being hot, it's a bit funny; the Trailblazer never seems to notice that he does attract his own share of attention, as there are two women tittering behind him, openly admiring the noble lines of his profile as he gazes blearily out at the nightlife and the scenery below. No one would really notice that he's a bit buzzed; he just seems sort of dreamy and glassy-eyed at the moment, but then, lots of handsome guys are like that. He looks good in an understated way — the way his wrists hang over the railing, the way the lines of his shoulders give way to his long legs as he's standing, weight on one leg while the other is bent at the knee.
But, honestly, he's pretty drunk. As Aventurine comes closer, and Caelus hears his footsteps, he turns his head, a little more slowly than he would if he were sober. He breaks into a smile, one that's softer than usual, lacks all of the usual sharp alertness in his eyes. ]
Aventurine... [ He seems happy, if somewhat bleary. ] You came.
You're being awfully generous tonight...
( As if Caelus wouldn't offer himself up on a platter for Sampo any other time. )
Sure, that might be the better compromise.
If your companions see you all covered in Sampo Marks, they're sure to ask questions.
Me, on the other hand.
No one's going to bat an eyelash if I come strolling into town with a fresh bruise or two.
It's all in a day's work, they'd say. That Sampo Koski is as hardworking as ever!
As long as you don't mind me telling you where to do it at.
I've got a few favorites spots to be adorned, you see~.
( As if Caelus wouldn't offer himself up on a platter for Sampo any other time. )
Sure, that might be the better compromise.
If your companions see you all covered in Sampo Marks, they're sure to ask questions.
Me, on the other hand.
No one's going to bat an eyelash if I come strolling into town with a fresh bruise or two.
It's all in a day's work, they'd say. That Sampo Koski is as hardworking as ever!
As long as you don't mind me telling you where to do it at.
I've got a few favorites spots to be adorned, you see~.
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