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[twocomplex]

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[twocomplex]

You fear our being noticed now?

[That makes him pause, dropping one of the hands from his hip to gesture out for explanation.] Why?

[noctiphile]

I—There's people who'd like to protect me. [He keeps his back to Oren, fiddling with something unimportant.] From you. If they saw us...

[Things would get complicated.]

[twocomplex]

Protect you?

[His tone gets more bitter, disbelieving, and anger shines through in that way rather than outright aggression.]

You'll allow others to protect you, but when I attempt to do so, it's insulting? You don't need protection? [Even when he had called him his protector just earlier, that was joking around. False. It wasn't enough to make up for before.]

Is this formality, Mattias? Have you abandoned me?

[noctiphile]

[ a spark flares within him. A hand slams down on the desk and he whirls on Oren.]

I allow nothing! I forbade you protect me and yet you did! [ he tames somewhat.] It's the same with them. [Scowling again, he turns back to the desk. ] I can't prevent any of you fools.

[twocomplex]

Yet you cater to them!

[He swipes out at the air with his arm, leaving it out to the side for a few seconds before it drops. With both now at his sides, he steps forward, easing the anger out of his shoulders, flattening his frown.]

Don't you understand? If protection isn't something you desire, then you must stand up for yourself! Make your own decisions and stand by them! What does it matter if they see you if this is a choice you're making?

[Slowly, his tone has softened into something almost pleading.] I think that you've shown quite well you can protect yourself against me, Mattias.

[He'd beat him, but more than that-- his attempts back home had proven worthless. He told him that in great detail, didn't he? Took joy from it. So why was he cowering now?]

Honestly, would you rather pretend that their protection is needed?

[noctiphile]

What is this truly about, Oren? Jealousy? Is your desire to protect so strong?

[He whirls again, bracing himself against the desk.] Are you hurt that I won't protect myself or simply that I won't let you do it?

[twocomplex]

[Turning it back on him, just like that? He bites back as much anger as he can and it results in a long silence, a heavy pause like he's thinking on those accusations.]

Both, if you must know.

[His words are low, and they do sound hurt.]

Hope is not something so easily held onto, Mattias. But I hold it with you. [He pauses, taking a step back to reflect him backing off from his arguing, from his anger. Truth frames more sinister and indecisive goals in his words.]

But what am I to you?

[noctiphile]

[It's hard question. He bites his lip and crosses his arms. Dwells on the question, turning it over in his mind. Deciding from which angle to take it. None of them are easy and very few will end well. But there's little reason to lie. Not when they have so little to lose.]

Truthfully?

[He keeps his eyes on small things: the sheets of his bed, the build of Oren's shoes, the sloppy workmanship of the closet.] My mistake. [He sighs, shuffling his feet.] My shame. My foolishness.

And yet [he looks to him now] my joy. My relief. [A shrug.] My best friend. And... [Bobbing his head to the side.] ... my love.

[twocomplex]

[While Mattias looks around avoiding his eye contact for the first part, Oren doesn't move his eyes from him one bit. He stares, focused on the words that fall from his lips. Relating them to his mother.

And so, he looks even more hurt by the time Mattias turns back, and it's shameful enough that he looks down, breaking his gaze.]

It seems that no matter what I do, I manage to shame someone.

[A bitter comment can't help but slip out because he's upset, he's angry, he's hurt. But it's quiet, more relenting, and he continues on without room for much pause.]

It's complicated from my side, as well. You must realize that. [He knows his plans now, so he has to take a different approach in his reasoning.] Perhaps that's what you fear. But I only want those latter words.

[He raises a hand, pressing the non-bandaged palm to one of his eyes.] That's all I want, Mattias.

[noctiphile]

Oren...

[Mattias breathes in deep, pushing off the desk and treading to him.] I know your complications. At least some of them.

[Scuffing his feet, he takes a sharp breath.] When I was brought here, your father had me. Before he [He pauses to allow the memories to pass over before continuing.] tortured me, your father told me of what he did to you. [He looks up, holding Oren's gaze. His eyes aren't sympathetic, merely understanding.] I know how you received Enkythos. But I also know why. And I understand, in a way, just how powerful that motive is.

Which is why, [Again, he sighs] we can't ever have those latter words. Not without the former accompanying. You will always seek out my death. And I will always attempt to foil Enkythos' growth. So long as we might still return, that is how it will be.

So, no. You will never stop being my mistake, my shame, my foolishness. You will never stop being my regret. But [he stops, fixing the lapel of Oren's shirt with a tentative touch] neither will you stop being my love.

[twocomplex]

[The lack of sympathy in his eyes helps dull the reaction of Damascus being brought up. The slow approach is comforting in its own, but a look other than this would have been read as pity. Still, Oren can't look at him directly, looking down, across the room, to the side. He feels trapped by these words and it's an uncomfortable feeling, one he wants to lash out against.

But their weight is too much. It's been on his mind entirely. His relationship with Mattias was something he still didn't understand. Nocta wasn't here. He half hoped that she would never be again, that he'd be rid of this responsibility and not to blame for it. He realizes that he's grown fond of spending time with Mattias. That he's the only one who grows close to understanding him.

But he still doesn't understand him enough. He's still one step from abandoning him, if he hasn't already. He's still selfish. Mattias is the selfish one.

He feels the touch at his shirt and drops his hand from his face slowly, eyes rising to meet Mattias', and for once, there's fear in them. What is he supposed to do? How is he supposed to please Damascus like this?

And why does he crave this closeness in a way above anyone else's?

His gaze hardens again and he looks away.]

Then why does it feel as if I have?

[Stopped being his love. There's not that same loyalty, that same willingness. Oren believes he understands the relationship between his future actions and the fear now, but his view isn't quite right. He feels this is exaggerated. That his own actions are more forgivable than this.]

No, it's fine, don't answer that. [Just seconds later, he regrets opening emotionally like that and pulls back, slowly heading for the door. But he pauses a few feet from it, turning to look back and speak in almost-hesitation.]

Tomorrow night. Drinks? [Was it still on?]

[noctiphile]

[He could argue. He could debate and stress and add all the emphasis he wanted but it still wouldn't reach him. Nothing would. Nothing true, at least. Every man had his fantasy and large as his was, Mattias had to wonder if Oren's was more voluminous in expanse.

Mattias lets him leave without a fight. Turning to the bed, he begins to unbutton his shirt.]

Drinks. Tomorrow night. We meet at the bar.

[He says it with finality.]

audio;

[birdsbirdsbirds]

Ooooh! [he goes from sounding confused to thrilled over the course of the syllable. he may be well-guarded pleasantries most of the time, but right now? not a care in the world.] Hey, that's not true. I slid. Onto the floor.

[totally different.] Yeah, do you know where there's the statue of the big guy with the bow and arrow and shit? By that one. I can get to that one. Let's meet there.

audio;

[twocomplex]

[Oh, because sliding makes it any better. He laughs. This is going to be a welcome outing.]

I do happen to know the statue you speak of. Imagine that. [Hopefully there aren't any other statues like that one. But with such a description, how could he get lost?]

I'll head there now. Do try to make it without sliding onto the floor again.

audio;

[birdsbirdsbirds]

But it's comfy down here...

[said partly into his arm... but there's the sound of someone dragging their drunk ass up a wall and starting to walk out of their ship.]

Ugh, the things I do for you. I gotta put on my not-drunk face.

audio; -> action;

[twocomplex]

Any face of yours will be a welcome sight.

[He laughs a little at his own words, and there's the distant sounds of chatter fade as he exits his bar.

It takes about ten minutes or so for him to get to the statue, and he's a little amazed he remembered where to find it so fast. (Perhaps it was some of the stores surrounding it that aided him in that.) He's still in his bartending uniform, but he's sitting on the shelf surrounding the statue, legs crossed casually as he leans back.]

text

[noctiphile]

[attached: picture of the forest-y jungle]

What is it they say? "Wish you were here"? Gathering plants for your serum. Wish me luck!

text

[twocomplex]

[Oh... This is endearing, rather than obnoxious, somehow.]

gud luk! sho me more pics that looks impressive

1/2

[noctiphile]

My dear prince, have you become illiterate? I can hardly understand you.

[noctiphile]

[attached: weird plant 1.jpg]

It looks like an old man's beard!

[twocomplex]

What is it that everyone has against efficiency? The trouble I'll go through for your understanding, Mattias.

You and your continued pictures. It's so odd looking! What does it feel like?

1/3??

[noctiphile]

Surprisingly, not like hair. Sort of like being slapped by noodles, actually.

2/2 i lied

[noctiphile]

[attached: mmm.jpg]

Looks like melted cheese, doesn't it? Delicious!

[attached: mmm2.jpg]

What it looks like from far away. Less delicious.

[twocomplex]

Those are absolutely disgusting. Do tell me the plants that will be included are nothing so... slimy.

You must be ecstatic. Are there beautiful sights, as well?

[noctiphile]

I'll speak nothing of my ingredients. You'll have to guess.

Yes, the sights are wonderful. But look at this!

[attached: beautiful.jpg]

Gorgeous, isn't it? I believe it's a fungus of some sort? Look at that color! Spectacular.