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trailblazers2024-01-25 08:59 pm
receptacles) wrote in trailblazers2024-01-25 08:59 pm
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[ Robin can't remember the last time she's taken a vacation. A true vacation, without expectation or a schedule to follow down to the minute. Usually when she's booked to attend these lavish resorts, it's for professional purposes; either she's on tour, or attending some kind of important meeting, or interacting with fans all vying for her attention.
And while she's grateful for her success and the people who support her, it's nice to take a breather. The weather and beach is beautiful as she and March enjoy the sun. No paparazzi in sight. Robin is aware that March is a bit starstruck as she gushes and requests photo after photo, but she doesn't mind that, and goes with the flow and humors her. After all, they are both cute together in those pictures, and Robin wants to have a memento to look back on as well.
And then there's Caelus, who's trying his best to be as chaotic as possible. Robin politely covers her mouth to obscure her amused giggle as March scolds him, and tries her best to calm the situation down. Always the diplomat. ]
I think it's a very dynamic and candid shot. Look how surprised we are! We'll be able to laugh about it later. [ Robin turns to Caelus, a smile on her face. ] Taking a break from surfing?
And while she's grateful for her success and the people who support her, it's nice to take a breather. The weather and beach is beautiful as she and March enjoy the sun. No paparazzi in sight. Robin is aware that March is a bit starstruck as she gushes and requests photo after photo, but she doesn't mind that, and goes with the flow and humors her. After all, they are both cute together in those pictures, and Robin wants to have a memento to look back on as well.
And then there's Caelus, who's trying his best to be as chaotic as possible. Robin politely covers her mouth to obscure her amused giggle as March scolds him, and tries her best to calm the situation down. Always the diplomat. ]
I think it's a very dynamic and candid shot. Look how surprised we are! We'll be able to laugh about it later. [ Robin turns to Caelus, a smile on her face. ] Taking a break from surfing?
If it's alright to have another person watching.
[It'll take a moment for that viewer count to ding upwards one more participant, straight from Belobog. It's a lot to take in, all things considered, but Gepard has always been relatively quick on the uptake and his primary saving grace with links is that touching the screen always seems to be the solution. Usually. He'll need one more minute to adjust to the site itself and...
Caelus won't see it but Gepard quickly hides the screen of his phone to see if there's anyone else around. He doesn't know why he does that. Why does he feel like he's doing something inappropriate? A quick clearing of his throat before he glances back at the screen. It's just... Caelus, playing a game. Yup.]
Your... watchers, seem to appreciate you. [That's what you would call the people filling the chat, right?]
[It'll take a moment for that viewer count to ding upwards one more participant, straight from Belobog. It's a lot to take in, all things considered, but Gepard has always been relatively quick on the uptake and his primary saving grace with links is that touching the screen always seems to be the solution. Usually. He'll need one more minute to adjust to the site itself and...
Caelus won't see it but Gepard quickly hides the screen of his phone to see if there's anyone else around. He doesn't know why he does that. Why does he feel like he's doing something inappropriate? A quick clearing of his throat before he glances back at the screen. It's just... Caelus, playing a game. Yup.]
Your... watchers, seem to appreciate you. [That's what you would call the people filling the chat, right?]
[ Caelus is easy. He likes to think it's a charming aspect of his personality. How quick he is to offer himself to others: casually, without expectations, in terms of work, and emotional labor, and sex. He likes to think it's a good thing.
Sometimes it's not, but he doesn't know that. Doesn't have the life experience to know that, in a lot of cases. ]
Yeah? Tell me about these favorite spots.
I hope those bare hipbones of yours are one of them. I want to give you hickies everyone else can see.
Sometimes it's not, but he doesn't know that. Doesn't have the life experience to know that, in a lot of cases. ]
Yeah? Tell me about these favorite spots.
I hope those bare hipbones of yours are one of them. I want to give you hickies everyone else can see.
[ It's actually rather impressive how Caelus manages to make the time to respond to him between bits of commentary and gameplay. He's probably doing some thing where he can respond to the messages on his phone through his computer terminal...
...
The dog ears are certainly a choice... ]
They're okay
I kind of wish they would stop telling me to bark though
I don't mind doing it, I just think I'm not that good at it
I'm better at meowing
...
The dog ears are certainly a choice... ]
They're okay
I kind of wish they would stop telling me to bark though
I don't mind doing it, I just think I'm not that good at it
I'm better at meowing
( before overflow! )
[ He's still anxious and feeling mildly ill for it by the time he gets word from Pom-Pom that Aventurine's arrived in the parlor car. Half of him doesn't really understand, himself, why he's so uncomfortable around the man. He likes Aventurine, or at least he thinks he likes Aventurine. He knows he thinks the man is pretty. He likes it when Aventurine buys him gifts and promises him things. He likes the sound of Aventurine's voice. Sometimes, he thinks he even likes the man's penchant for gambling. He's fun and flashy and he's always up for a good time. These should be good things.
But — there are bother things, too. Things Caelus doesn't really know how to put into words. Sometimes it feels like everything always comes back around to sex when it comes to Aventurine, and Caelus doesn't think he hates that, except when it also means that nothing he's saying ever seems to matter to the man. It's so strangely dehumanizing talking to him. Caelus feels dehumanized by Ruan Mei and Herta sometimes, too, but the difference with those two is that he knows they need to keep him alive to keep running the Simulated Universe project, and they always remember to be human enough to offer him rewards for his service. With Aventurine, that guarantee isn't quite there, and it's not that Caelus thinks that Aventurine would kill him, but it's just —
He always feels so much like meat. Worthless, dehumanized, discarded. Good for sex, and then not a lot else.
If it were just the sex, it'd be a lot easier. If he stopped having hopes altogether, it'd be a lot easier.
Despite everything, Caelus isn't as stupid or as poorly read as he often portrays himself. He knows a little bit about how the IPC recruits people, from Topaz if not other nameless IPC goons he's met throughout the cosmos. He thinks he might understand why Aventurine is just like this, but still.
It would all be a lot easier if Aventurine just said that he cared. It would be a lot easier to forgive him if he just said that he was trying. But Caelus is pretty sure the man will never say anything of the sort, and if he's always going to feel so unimportant talking to him, Caelus isn't sure he wants to keep talking to him at all.
Cutting him off was supposed to be a lot easier than this, too.
Despite the circumstances, the Trailblazer tells the conductor to let the Stoneheart into his personal quarters. Part of him doesn't really want to let Aventurine into his room right now; the other part of him doesn't want the rest of the "Astral Express family" to see him cry if he winds up crying, and he can't help but feel that this is going to end with him crying.
He's sitting on the edge of his bed when Aventurine arrives, fidgeting with the long armwrap of one of his gloves. He doesn't really look up. ]
...Hey.
[ He doesn't meet Aventurine's gaze, either. Just wraps the yellow ribbon tight around one of his wrists, and pulls taut. Then he unwraps it, and lets it hang loose again. ]
[ He's still anxious and feeling mildly ill for it by the time he gets word from Pom-Pom that Aventurine's arrived in the parlor car. Half of him doesn't really understand, himself, why he's so uncomfortable around the man. He likes Aventurine, or at least he thinks he likes Aventurine. He knows he thinks the man is pretty. He likes it when Aventurine buys him gifts and promises him things. He likes the sound of Aventurine's voice. Sometimes, he thinks he even likes the man's penchant for gambling. He's fun and flashy and he's always up for a good time. These should be good things.
But — there are bother things, too. Things Caelus doesn't really know how to put into words. Sometimes it feels like everything always comes back around to sex when it comes to Aventurine, and Caelus doesn't think he hates that, except when it also means that nothing he's saying ever seems to matter to the man. It's so strangely dehumanizing talking to him. Caelus feels dehumanized by Ruan Mei and Herta sometimes, too, but the difference with those two is that he knows they need to keep him alive to keep running the Simulated Universe project, and they always remember to be human enough to offer him rewards for his service. With Aventurine, that guarantee isn't quite there, and it's not that Caelus thinks that Aventurine would kill him, but it's just —
He always feels so much like meat. Worthless, dehumanized, discarded. Good for sex, and then not a lot else.
If it were just the sex, it'd be a lot easier. If he stopped having hopes altogether, it'd be a lot easier.
Despite everything, Caelus isn't as stupid or as poorly read as he often portrays himself. He knows a little bit about how the IPC recruits people, from Topaz if not other nameless IPC goons he's met throughout the cosmos. He thinks he might understand why Aventurine is just like this, but still.
It would all be a lot easier if Aventurine just said that he cared. It would be a lot easier to forgive him if he just said that he was trying. But Caelus is pretty sure the man will never say anything of the sort, and if he's always going to feel so unimportant talking to him, Caelus isn't sure he wants to keep talking to him at all.
Cutting him off was supposed to be a lot easier than this, too.
Despite the circumstances, the Trailblazer tells the conductor to let the Stoneheart into his personal quarters. Part of him doesn't really want to let Aventurine into his room right now; the other part of him doesn't want the rest of the "Astral Express family" to see him cry if he winds up crying, and he can't help but feel that this is going to end with him crying.
He's sitting on the edge of his bed when Aventurine arrives, fidgeting with the long armwrap of one of his gloves. He doesn't really look up. ]
...Hey.
[ He doesn't meet Aventurine's gaze, either. Just wraps the yellow ribbon tight around one of his wrists, and pulls taut. Then he unwraps it, and lets it hang loose again. ]
Yeah, the waves got all weak and wiggly anyway.
[ Always the diplomat. He flashes her another grin, though, just to indicate that he's not too bothered, and neither is March, who has stomped off to go whine to Dan Heng about her problems. Serenely, Caelus bends over to pick up his surfboard, but he doesn't seem inclined to give it another go. ]
Did you get a chance to enjoy the beach, though? I feel like March has been bugging you for photos all day. [ He waves one hand dismissively. ] Which — don't get me wrong, it's definitely because she's a huge fan, but she does that to all of us anyway, it's not just you.
[ What he eans, of course, is this: of course Robin is a mega-celebrit and March is a devoted fangirl, but the constant photo-taking is exactly how she'd treat any gal pal, and indeed most of her guy pals, too. There is no Robin discrimination taking place here!
Caelus cocks his head in a random direction as he leans his board against the surfing returns counter; he's done with it for now. ]
If you didn't get a chance to do it yet, I'll take a walk down the boardwalk with you. We can pick up ice cream or hot dogs or something.
[ Always the diplomat. He flashes her another grin, though, just to indicate that he's not too bothered, and neither is March, who has stomped off to go whine to Dan Heng about her problems. Serenely, Caelus bends over to pick up his surfboard, but he doesn't seem inclined to give it another go. ]
Did you get a chance to enjoy the beach, though? I feel like March has been bugging you for photos all day. [ He waves one hand dismissively. ] Which — don't get me wrong, it's definitely because she's a huge fan, but she does that to all of us anyway, it's not just you.
[ What he eans, of course, is this: of course Robin is a mega-celebrit and March is a devoted fangirl, but the constant photo-taking is exactly how she'd treat any gal pal, and indeed most of her guy pals, too. There is no Robin discrimination taking place here!
Caelus cocks his head in a random direction as he leans his board against the surfing returns counter; he's done with it for now. ]
If you didn't get a chance to do it yet, I'll take a walk down the boardwalk with you. We can pick up ice cream or hot dogs or something.
( is aventurine concerned about this? well, he does want to keep good relations with the trailblazer, so if caelus is saying he doesn't like being treated the way he's being treated right now then he should fix that, shouldn't he?
what was it again? he wants to be liked the way he likes him? hm. possibly a little tricky, but doable, surely. aventurine's dressed in his best, as always, and he brings a gift with him, as per usual ~ never one to come round empty handed. )
Hello, puppy. ( he lets the door close behind him before taking a step closer to where caelus is seated on his bed. ) Are you going to allow me to greet you properly?
what was it again? he wants to be liked the way he likes him? hm. possibly a little tricky, but doable, surely. aventurine's dressed in his best, as always, and he brings a gift with him, as per usual ~ never one to come round empty handed. )
Hello, puppy. ( he lets the door close behind him before taking a step closer to where caelus is seated on his bed. ) Are you going to allow me to greet you properly?
[ Despite everything, Caelus really does look up like he's a puppy. His eyes tend to be golden and slender, giving hi this generally stoic, unbothered look; right now, though, they're wide and a little watery and obviously vulnerable. He looks like he should be hugging a pillow. Instead, he's just pulling the ribbon on his arm taut and loose and taut and loose again. ]
...Hi, Aventurine.
[ He likes the "puppy" nickname, if the faintly pleased look on his face is any indication, but he continues to seem a bit wary and shy. ]
You can come closer.
...Hi, Aventurine.
[ He likes the "puppy" nickname, if the faintly pleased look on his face is any indication, but he continues to seem a bit wary and shy. ]
You can come closer.
Edited 2024-06-18 04:05 (UTC)
I'm not trying to scam you, pal!
[About thirty seconds later--]
I know you're not going to click the link, I just want to find out what you're going to send me back.
[About thirty seconds later--]
I know you're not going to click the link, I just want to find out what you're going to send me back.
[Caelus is easy to please right now and that just makes everything easier. He cuddles up against Sampo's side nice and sweet, rests his heavy head on his conman paramour's generous chest. Settles in for an evening spent mostly sobering up.]
It's very fair! Time is money, friend, and I wouldn't spend mine doing anything that I don't like.
[So Caelus can rest easy knowing that Sampo's here because he wants to be here. He doesn't spend money unless he's certain that he wants to spend it, so every minute that he's with Caelus is, in his eyes, cash well spent.]
[On the screen, the protagonist is being introduced, some generic everyman for the audience to relate to. The light from the projector casts dancing shadows over Caelus' pretty, flushed face.]
So, are you gonna tell me what brought on today's little overindulgence? [His arm is wrapped around Caelus' waist, and he gently rubs his thumb over his side. Nice and easy, a gentle touch on his warm skin.] You don't usually get tipsy like this.
It's very fair! Time is money, friend, and I wouldn't spend mine doing anything that I don't like.
[So Caelus can rest easy knowing that Sampo's here because he wants to be here. He doesn't spend money unless he's certain that he wants to spend it, so every minute that he's with Caelus is, in his eyes, cash well spent.]
[On the screen, the protagonist is being introduced, some generic everyman for the audience to relate to. The light from the projector casts dancing shadows over Caelus' pretty, flushed face.]
So, are you gonna tell me what brought on today's little overindulgence? [His arm is wrapped around Caelus' waist, and he gently rubs his thumb over his side. Nice and easy, a gentle touch on his warm skin.] You don't usually get tipsy like this.
( he's not sure why it's come to this, really. why caelus seems upset with him when he thought things between them were going well; that they were having fun... casual fun, at least. is that the problem? too much of a good time? he spoils him like he's the center of his world when they're together, but then caelus did catch him heading into a hotel with someone else the other night, didn't he?
aventurine bends down to press a kiss on caelus' cheek, his right, and then his left before tipping his chin up. he stares into his eyes, taking in the almost teary, wide-eyed look, smiling gently. instead of sitting down next to caelus, he simply gets down on his knees settling himself between the trailblazer's legs as he rests his hands on his thighs. )
I brought you a gift. ( he pulls an elegant looking box out of his pocket and offers it to caelus, holding it in the palm of his hand. ) I had this made especially for you. For good luck. ( since he'll be heading out for his next adventure soon...
opening the box, he reveals a silver ring with little bits of whatever is left of his cornerstone perhaps? who knows? )
aventurine bends down to press a kiss on caelus' cheek, his right, and then his left before tipping his chin up. he stares into his eyes, taking in the almost teary, wide-eyed look, smiling gently. instead of sitting down next to caelus, he simply gets down on his knees settling himself between the trailblazer's legs as he rests his hands on his thighs. )
I brought you a gift. ( he pulls an elegant looking box out of his pocket and offers it to caelus, holding it in the palm of his hand. ) I had this made especially for you. For good luck. ( since he'll be heading out for his next adventure soon...
opening the box, he reveals a silver ring with little bits of whatever is left of his cornerstone perhaps? who knows? )
[ It could be the rest of his Cornerstone, or maybe just one of the other worthless jewels he'd brought into his bag to conceal the Cornerstone to begin with. Caelus is perfectly aware of that as he opens the box and lets his vision swim over the crackled aventurine inlay of the ring. He probably shouldn't accept it; more gifts won't fix the problem, and he knows it, but he takes it out of the box all the same, just to see how it fits on his finger.
It sits comfortably and perfectly around his ring finger, and Caelus stares at it until he feels saline sting in the corners of his eyes. He takes a shuddering breath. ]
...You're really just so bad for me.
[ He's not — crying, in the sense that he's not sobbing outright or anything like that — but he passes one hand over his eyes, and the backs of his knuckles come out unmistakably wet. Is he happy? Yes, of course — but that's the thing, isn't it? This is that happiness he feels right before Aventurine does something, or says something else, and then he'll feel awful again. ]
You always make me feel so stupid...
It sits comfortably and perfectly around his ring finger, and Caelus stares at it until he feels saline sting in the corners of his eyes. He takes a shuddering breath. ]
...You're really just so bad for me.
[ He's not — crying, in the sense that he's not sobbing outright or anything like that — but he passes one hand over his eyes, and the backs of his knuckles come out unmistakably wet. Is he happy? Yes, of course — but that's the thing, isn't it? This is that happiness he feels right before Aventurine does something, or says something else, and then he'll feel awful again. ]
You always make me feel so stupid...
Really?
...
That's
weirdly cute?
[ he probably shouldn't find this cute. but. ]
...
That's
weirdly cute?
[ he probably shouldn't find this cute. but. ]
( he slides his hand over caelus', then moves to rub his thumb across his knuckles. once again, unsure of how he's done him wrong somehow, but that's why he's here -- to talk and figure out a way to make it so that mr. stellaron here isn't all upset with him. )
Hm? How so?
Hm? How so?
I'm just so happy right now.
[ Holding his breath, Caelus gently presses his forehead against Aventurine's where he's kneeling on the floor in front of him. He's close enough to kiss, but he doesn't move to touch his lips against Aventurine's. Just rests there, eyes closed, feeling the warmth of Aventurine's body against his. ]
I like you so much when you're here and you're so sweet and you're giving me presents. I want to kiss you and hold you and have sex with you and make you feel good.
[ The Trailblazer turns his palm upward to take Aventurine's hand into his own. ]
...But when I'm not around, you're not going to think about me, right?
[ His voice has gone very soft and quiet. ]
It's just fun for now, right...
[ Holding his breath, Caelus gently presses his forehead against Aventurine's where he's kneeling on the floor in front of him. He's close enough to kiss, but he doesn't move to touch his lips against Aventurine's. Just rests there, eyes closed, feeling the warmth of Aventurine's body against his. ]
I like you so much when you're here and you're so sweet and you're giving me presents. I want to kiss you and hold you and have sex with you and make you feel good.
[ The Trailblazer turns his palm upward to take Aventurine's hand into his own. ]
...But when I'm not around, you're not going to think about me, right?
[ His voice has gone very soft and quiet. ]
It's just fun for now, right...
I don't mind taking photos. We both do look very cute, so it would be a shame not to commemorate the occasion. [ She fluffs up her wings and flutters them about gently, as if to demonstrate. ] And... she did tell me a little about her circumstances. I don't blame her for wanting to create as many memories as she can, photo-bomber or otherwise.
[ Nevertheless, the promise of good company and treats has her in motion. Robin rises from her lounging spot, casting a quick glance at the other pair; March, chatting away at a quiet Dan Heng. She's not sure where Himeko and Welt have gone off to, but it seems they've all formed their own little pairs to hang out with. ]
I would love that. It's been a long time since I've been able to walk around in the open like this. Or have sweet treats, for that matter.
[ Nevertheless, the promise of good company and treats has her in motion. Robin rises from her lounging spot, casting a quick glance at the other pair; March, chatting away at a quiet Dan Heng. She's not sure where Himeko and Welt have gone off to, but it seems they've all formed their own little pairs to hang out with. ]
I would love that. It's been a long time since I've been able to walk around in the open like this. Or have sweet treats, for that matter.
[ It really isn't too hard at all to track down the illustrious young trailblazer, used to following coordinates for work but this was leagues different than anything work related.
He made sure to make haste but one wouldn't guess as they saw him walking through Penacony with a set purpose. Of all the things Aventurine surmised he'd be doing this evening he couldn't say going to spend time with his gray haired friend had been on the itinerary. Not that it bothered him or anything, given what he'd told the trailblazer not too long ago.
Some part of his mind had convinced himself that this was just superficial because otherwise it would mean he actually had truly gained feelings for Caelus.
It was much harder to shake that train of thought once he finally laid eyes on the young man standing there, from the lines of his profile, to the lighting the surroundings of Golden Hour gave him in this exact moment. His gaze trailed to the women nearby and something welled up in him that had the gambler putting on his casual smile as he approached, not even managing to get out that greeting when the other beat him to it.
There's something that could be said about that entirely too soft smile, gentle and kind as it's turned onto him. None of that usual alertness visible in those golden eyes, which spoke volumes to how drunk Caelus happened to be. ]
Of course I did. I wasn't about to give you the impression I was coming and then leave you here all on your own.
[ One could argue if it was someone else he might have but it's not a thought he wanted to entirely entertain right at this point in time.
He was all too comfortable to move in close, gloved fingers brushing aside some of those bangs and aware what this must look like to those nearby women. If they wanted to make assumptions, let them. ]
My goodness. You really did drink a bit too much tonight. Should we find somewhere for you to sit down?
He made sure to make haste but one wouldn't guess as they saw him walking through Penacony with a set purpose. Of all the things Aventurine surmised he'd be doing this evening he couldn't say going to spend time with his gray haired friend had been on the itinerary. Not that it bothered him or anything, given what he'd told the trailblazer not too long ago.
Some part of his mind had convinced himself that this was just superficial because otherwise it would mean he actually had truly gained feelings for Caelus.
It was much harder to shake that train of thought once he finally laid eyes on the young man standing there, from the lines of his profile, to the lighting the surroundings of Golden Hour gave him in this exact moment. His gaze trailed to the women nearby and something welled up in him that had the gambler putting on his casual smile as he approached, not even managing to get out that greeting when the other beat him to it.
There's something that could be said about that entirely too soft smile, gentle and kind as it's turned onto him. None of that usual alertness visible in those golden eyes, which spoke volumes to how drunk Caelus happened to be. ]
Of course I did. I wasn't about to give you the impression I was coming and then leave you here all on your own.
[ One could argue if it was someone else he might have but it's not a thought he wanted to entirely entertain right at this point in time.
He was all too comfortable to move in close, gloved fingers brushing aside some of those bangs and aware what this must look like to those nearby women. If they wanted to make assumptions, let them. ]
My goodness. You really did drink a bit too much tonight. Should we find somewhere for you to sit down?
Cute is Sampo's middle name!
But if you forwarded those links to some people you know, it would really help me out.
[He's like a stray cat that brings you scam links instead of dead mice.]
Edited (i hate using the same icon twice) 2024-06-24 19:13 (UTC)
Hell no.
[ He loves you, Sampo — sort of — but not enough to scam other people! ]
[ He loves you, Sampo — sort of — but not enough to scam other people! ]
It could be to people you don't like!
[Scamming, the gift that keeps on giving.]
Come on, I'll give you a cut. We could be partners!
[Scamming, the gift that keeps on giving.]
Come on, I'll give you a cut. We could be partners!
No. I don't do crimes. I'm a good boy.
[ It should be noted that Caelus does, generally, do crimes. ]
[ It should be noted that Caelus does, generally, do crimes. ]
[ Pillowed over Sampo's broad chest, Caelus's eyes half-close, lidding carefully over his pretty golden irises as his focus drifts away from the movie. It's nice to have as background noise for the moment, but he's not really looking at the generic everyman on the screen in the moment. ]
...Mmm... I was just... feeling crazy.
[ He lets his eyes close for a moment as his attention hones in on the touch of Sampo's thumb against his waist. ]
Sometimes I'm scared of stuff. You know? [ He's talking slow, unhurried. Almost mumbling. ] 'Cause I only started living recently. And when I think about how I'd lose everything if I died... stuff like that...
[ He sighs, slow and unhurried. ]
Then I started thinking about how I'm not scared of things when I'm with you...
[ Stirring, Caelus opens his eyes again, but only so that he can focus them on the slopes and angles of Sampo's handsome features. A little more of his tension seems to ease out of him as he takes in Sampo's pretty face. ]
...You know, I'm mean to you, but you're the only one I'm mean to. Do you know what I mean? Like... 'cause I know you won't hurt me.
[ He closes his eyes again. Nice and sweet and heavy. Away from the booze for now. ]
...Just feel safe when I'm with you. And then I feel crazy about that, too.
...Mmm... I was just... feeling crazy.
[ He lets his eyes close for a moment as his attention hones in on the touch of Sampo's thumb against his waist. ]
Sometimes I'm scared of stuff. You know? [ He's talking slow, unhurried. Almost mumbling. ] 'Cause I only started living recently. And when I think about how I'd lose everything if I died... stuff like that...
[ He sighs, slow and unhurried. ]
Then I started thinking about how I'm not scared of things when I'm with you...
[ Stirring, Caelus opens his eyes again, but only so that he can focus them on the slopes and angles of Sampo's handsome features. A little more of his tension seems to ease out of him as he takes in Sampo's pretty face. ]
...You know, I'm mean to you, but you're the only one I'm mean to. Do you know what I mean? Like... 'cause I know you won't hurt me.
[ He closes his eyes again. Nice and sweet and heavy. Away from the booze for now. ]
...Just feel safe when I'm with you. And then I feel crazy about that, too.
[Some of Caelus' worries are the kind of existential crises that probably every young person goes through eventually-- the realization of the finite nature of life and the inevitability of the siren call of the grave, confronting one's own mortality, et cetera. That sort of thing doesn't worry Sampo too much. Everybody has to grapple with their own mortality at some point, Caelus is just apparently doing it now.]
[It's sweet, when he confesses that Sampo makes him feel secure. A lot of people would probably tell him that it's a mistake to feel that way, that Sampo Koski is a rake and a libertine and not at all the kind of man to be trusted. But he's been pretty reliable when it comes to Caelus, hasn't he? He always answers when Caelus texts him. With their little trysts, he stays until morning. He's even sometimes stayed for breakfast, sitting in the Express' parlor car as he drinks coffee with Caelus and pretending that he doesn't notice Dan Heng's eyes staring at him hard enough to bore a hole in the side of his head.]
[Isn't that something?]
When you put it like that, it almost sounds as though you like me!
[What a thing to say. What a thing, and if Sampo wanted to think about it too much, he could read a lot into what Caelus is telling him. What it means that he feels safe with him, and how it drives him crazy. What, exactly, crazy means. But Caelus is just drunk and maudlin, that's all it is, and Sampo shouldn't read anything at all into it.]
Of course you're safe with me. I'm your good pal Sampo, when have I ever steered you wrong?
[It's sweet, when he confesses that Sampo makes him feel secure. A lot of people would probably tell him that it's a mistake to feel that way, that Sampo Koski is a rake and a libertine and not at all the kind of man to be trusted. But he's been pretty reliable when it comes to Caelus, hasn't he? He always answers when Caelus texts him. With their little trysts, he stays until morning. He's even sometimes stayed for breakfast, sitting in the Express' parlor car as he drinks coffee with Caelus and pretending that he doesn't notice Dan Heng's eyes staring at him hard enough to bore a hole in the side of his head.]
[Isn't that something?]
When you put it like that, it almost sounds as though you like me!
[What a thing to say. What a thing, and if Sampo wanted to think about it too much, he could read a lot into what Caelus is telling him. What it means that he feels safe with him, and how it drives him crazy. What, exactly, crazy means. But Caelus is just drunk and maudlin, that's all it is, and Sampo shouldn't read anything at all into it.]
Of course you're safe with me. I'm your good pal Sampo, when have I ever steered you wrong?
[ What do those gossiping young women see? In their eyes, the hot guy's hot boyfriend has come to pick him up, which means he's taken, and that's very disappointing. They sigh and whisper about it behind their hands. Sure, both guys are pretty hot — great eye candy — but they're not so rude as to harass a couple or stare for too long. They move on.
Caelus, for his part, hasn't picked up on their presence at all. Buzzed to the point that all he can focus on is Aventurine's casual smile, he closes his eyes into the gambler's gentle touch, letting him push his ash-gray bangs back. ]
Mmmhmm. If you want me to...?
[ He can't help it; it's all instinct, but Caelus rubs his cheek against Aventurine's palm. Openly nuzzling, clearly very comfortable, and without even a single ounce of shame. ]
I just wanna be your little meowmeow...
[ ...Does he think he's a cat?
...Yeah, he's incredibly drunk. Fortunately, he'll probably sober up in a few minutes, and there's an unoccupied bench a little ways away. It's even pretty far from the street, so they won't have to worry about whizzing Speedways interrupting their conversation. Caelus will be pliant, as long as Aventurine takes the lead. ]
Caelus, for his part, hasn't picked up on their presence at all. Buzzed to the point that all he can focus on is Aventurine's casual smile, he closes his eyes into the gambler's gentle touch, letting him push his ash-gray bangs back. ]
Mmmhmm. If you want me to...?
[ He can't help it; it's all instinct, but Caelus rubs his cheek against Aventurine's palm. Openly nuzzling, clearly very comfortable, and without even a single ounce of shame. ]
I just wanna be your little meowmeow...
[ ...Does he think he's a cat?
...Yeah, he's incredibly drunk. Fortunately, he'll probably sober up in a few minutes, and there's an unoccupied bench a little ways away. It's even pretty far from the street, so they won't have to worry about whizzing Speedways interrupting their conversation. Caelus will be pliant, as long as Aventurine takes the lead. ]
Edited 2024-06-27 00:30 (UTC)
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