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[twocomplex]

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[noctiphile]

Oh, I think I'm quite satisfied. Let me get those containers and meet me at the counter.

[Without asking for permission, he thrusts the animal into Oren's hands and leaves, shuffling back to the counter a few minutes later with two lava lamp boxes.]

One for experimenting. [He explains once Oren's beside him.]

[twocomplex]

Experimenting? I do so enjoy that look you give while saying that.

[He really does... But he leaves it at that, staring at the 'animal' that he's holding out a little bit from himself. He gestures to the three items for the cashier, who simply looks up from her magazine before scanning over the three items with some sort of green light.

Without a barcode, it reads, and untroubled by their purchases, she waits for the total expectantly.]

I can't say if I'm surprised at the prices for these containers or not. [Is it cheap or expensive, this total?? He's not really sure how to weigh it...]

[noctiphile]

[He blushes at the compliment but says nothing in return, his small smile fading within a matter of minutes. Without a word, he gives the woman her credits only glancing back to Oren when the receipt is passed over.]

Honestly, all prices here are a mystery to me. I've yet to figure out the conversion rate.

[Tucking the receipt inside the bag, he nods to the entrance.] Shall we go? You've yet to show me my signature drink.

[twocomplex]

[He raises a point about the money. But it's the signature drink comment that gets him excited. Hopeful. All the awkwardness from earlier is gone, and any tension seems to have evaporated by now. Alcohol may only help.

...Hopefully his own mood wouldn't crash so much that he grew pathetic.

He touches Mattias' arm and brushes past him, encouraging him to follow. The touch lingers like all of his have been today, and he smiles back at him as he heads out.]

You'll like this one, I promise. Come with me.

[noctiphile]

[Following after him seems permanent. A new road he had yet to consider. Not a path to forgiveness but one towards the future. A land of solutions instead of burnt bridges.

If he thinks of it like that, it's easier. Feels less like a betrayal to the burning corpses and thousands of people he left behind. It makes his footsteps feel lighter as he trails after him, his smile unburdened.

All his suspicion, all his anger, all his hurt and fear still lurks beneath but it's muted. Overwhelmed by the joy of being with him again, of feeling alive and light and free.

Maybe that's why he reaches out and touches him. The barest thing, the brushing of his arm. But it's enough.]

I'm here.

[It just seems like the right thing to say.]

[twocomplex]

[Oren has his own doubts and worries that threaten to surface at every turn. The same ones he'd laid out so loudly on Mattias' voicemail. His own version of betrayal. His own selfish views and hurt clouding everything else.

The small touch makes his heart jump, and he glances back with eyes that reveal brief surprise. They warm up shortly after, seeing that smile, and his own grows slowly into place.

It's too much to reach out and hold his hand, he thinks, and so his fingers curl into his palm at his side instead.]

There's no one I'd rather have.

[It's soft and deep with meaning, but he lets it slip out, nodding ahead on the strip.]

The building with the purple sign. We're not too far, now. [A joking call back to Mattias' directions from earlier, and Oren's smile widens to a grin as he falls more into step with him. Doesn't walk ahead, but beside him.]

[noctiphile]

How cruel, to use my own words against me.

[Another callback, to their dance in Renacht. Not the exact words, but there were never any rules against paraphrasing. He's busy anyway, soaking in the simple words that mean far too much. He can't stop smiling, however small it may be.]

Part me hopes it's the wrong place. Just to spite you. [He grins, holding Oren's gaze with the corner of his eye. Then, in a fit of compulsion, he grabs Oren's hand and dashes forward.] Come, come! Let's see how true your directions are.

[twocomplex]

You'll be sorely--

[His hand is taken, and his words are interrupted with a laugh that slips out. Immediately, he grips back, a little tighter than he might normally but it's a grip he doesn't want to lose. It's a moment he wants to take completely advantage of.

He stumbles into the run but stabilizes a few steps later, following along.]

Sorely disappointed! That's it, indeed!

[And when their steps do finally slow, Oren is left grinning confidently when the interior looks just as he remembered it. He stays close to Mattias in hopes that their hands can remain together for just a little bit longer, using his free one to gesture across the place to two free bar stools.]

There, on the opposite side. [The music is deafening, as must be expected, so Oren has to lean a little closer even as he nudges him forward with him.] As you can see, I was right.

[noctiphile]

What? I can't hear you! [He nearly has to shout it, even leaning close to Oren's ear.] Why is it so loud?

[He could catch the gesture, at least, and leads them both over to the stools, only breaking their handhold when he sits down. The bag get placed at his feet while their new pet vibrates solemnly on the counter. The bar is no less secluded than the rest of the restaurant but it is somehow a bit quieter. If he speaks loud enough, Mattias can hear his own voice.] When you mentioned a bar, I didn't suspect it'd be this... boisterous.

[twocomplex]

I asked around for places with the best drinks. It drowns out the noise of drunks and attracts those who want to have fun, doesn't it?

[He calls that to Mattias only after gesturing to the bartender to come over, and ordering '2 Glowing Galaxies' through the noise. With that started, he leans back in his chair and glances over to their 'pet' on the counter.

In the blacklight, they're lucky nothing they have on happens to glow lest they be amazed for the next twenty minutes over that.

With his hand now more empty than before, he crosses his arms over the counter, leaning close to Mattias so they can speak.]

Does it bother you too much?

[noctiphile]

Not as much as your glowing teeth.

[He squints at them, canting his head before gripping his chin and pulling him close.] Goddess, that's unnatural.

[He releases Oren's chin and looks around the bar.] They were normal before we entered. Is there something here that changed them. [Back to Oren, concern seeping into his expression.] Did you feel any changes when we entered?

[twocomplex]

My--?

[Ah, there, his chin is being gripped suddenly. His eyebrows furrow, and when he's finally free, he's almost as captivated by that concerned stare as he is by Mattias' teeth, as well.

He recalls, now, that his last and only visit to this place had been while he was already drunk.]

No. Though your teeth are glowing, as well. [He points at them.] Like the drink I've just ordered.

[noctiphile]

[Mattias' expression shifts into one of humored puzzlement. He touches his teeth with his fingers before chuckling.] That might be the oddest compliment I've heard yet. You've become creative, have you? About time.

[He's joking, perking up when the bartender finally comes. They give an odd look at the pet on the counter but shrug it off, passing them the drinks before leaving. Mattias bends low to peer into the glass.] Oh, Oren! It's gorgeous! I was merely joking when I asked if it tasted like the universe but this—[he raises the glass, holding it to one of the many lights.]—this just might.

[twocomplex]

Excuse you!

[Become creative? He touches his own chest in mock offense, but before he can continue along that, the drinks arrive. He drops his hand, watching fondly as Mattias reacts just as he'd expected him to.

When he catches his own fond gaze, he blinks it away into something more like his normal sort of enjoyment. Still, he picks up his own glass, raising it in a small gesture towards Mattias.]

I told you, didn't I? [Smiling smoothly, he bumps shoulders with him.] Let's have a toast.

[noctiphile]

[The smile Mattias returns is fainter, more bashful. Still he bows his head and clinks their glasses.] Very well. Lead us, lord prince.

[twocomplex]

To your smile. [He starts, looking up from the glasses to catch Mattias' eyes.] To your company, and to what I can only hope is joy in moments like these together.

[He glances down, and it's almost sheepish himself how he continues. Just that small amount, under the confidence.] To friendship that through great effort I hope I can repair... And to you even allowing me near alcohol after such an incident.

[A weak attempt at a joke, but he smiles nonetheless, clinking their glasses together again and raising his to take a sip.]

[noctiphile]

[The toast is unexpected. His smile falters, fading to something that doesn't reach his eyes. He lifts the glass to his lips but doesn't drink, watching the small galaxies in the glass mix and merge in beautiful collisions of color.

He can't do it.

Sighing, he places the mug on the counter, threading his fingers together.]

Oren. [He says it gently but his tone is still serious.] You have to realize... however true your intentions are, I—after everything that's happened to me, I can't... [it hurts to say but it's true.] ... I can't believe them. Not without proof.

[Raising his head, he meets his gaze with a soft intensity.] If you wish to repair what we had, you must prove to me that you're genuine. That there's... [His gaze drifts away, his hands tighten.] ... That there's no more lies.

I need to know this isn't a game. That—[he takes a deep breath]—that I'm not a game to you.

[twocomplex]

[His lips part from the glass before he can even manage a full sip, and he sets his down as well. For a long moment, he can't look at Mattias. His words irritate him, but after all of the anger he'd gotten out in those voicemails, it feels sort of... empty.

What was he doing here? Nocta wasn't here. So was it a lie, or was he genuinely interested in his company?

He thinks he knows the answer now, as unusual as it feels. His fingers curl more around the glass, and he looks over to him seriously.]

Is there something that would help you to understand my thoughts more than my helping you now? [More than his calling him after being beat, after his repeated attempts despite Nocta not being here-- Was there something definite?]

Is there something I could do to put you at ease?

[This is the first time he's asked something for Mattias' sake like this. It's not exactly out of bounds for his manipulation, either, but it is different. Forward, honest sounding, and with a direct look.]

[noctiphile]

[Mattias hears it. It seeps into how he speaks, the way his eyes shine. He reeks of it and it's all Mattias can do to listen. Smiling, he looks down, picking up his glass once more.]

I don't know. [He raises his head and with it, his glass.] All I know is that words like that bring you closer to it.

[His grin turns lopsided, his glass clinks against Oren's own.] Cheers.

[twocomplex]

[So there was no surefire way. Hope could still be something out of reach for him. Lifting his drink that he's already taken a sip from, he tips it slightly into that clink, watching the swirl of colors for a moment before he lifts it higher.]

Cheers.

[It's not what he wanted to hear, but it's not what he didn't want to hear, either. And so for now, all he can do is remind himself that Mattias is here, beside him, instead of off in some unknown place with some unknown state of health.

This sip lasts a little longer, and when he sets the glass back down it's with a small sigh for the taste.]

How do you like the taste?

[noctiphile]

[Finally, he sips the drink and the flavor washes through him. Fills his mouth with electricity and lightning and brews a storm. No, a hundred storms, working and weaving their eccentricities around each other. His smile widens, eyes alight with a fire only earned through unadulterated excitement.]

It tastes like the universe.

[His smile stays for a few long minutes before the pet interrupts, falling off the counter. Uttering a quick swear, Mattias puts the glass down and bends over the bar, trying to catch a glimpse of their pet. It's no use. Even with all the light, it's too dark.] I lost Vinlates. Oren, can you see him?

[twocomplex]

[The first moments are completely endearing. Like Mattias is framed, enjoying this new drink, letting the tastes take over. And suddenly, there's a thump, and loud buzzing, and it's ruined.

Oren can only smirk even as he places a hand to Mattias' back, ducking down himself.]

Vinlates? Orphlegian, is he? Why is that? I see you've decided he's male, as well...

[How?? Whatever. He can't see him, and so he gets up from his stool, actually dropping to his knees to feel around.]

I can't see a thing in this lighting, but if I listen, perhaps... [Oh, no, that's Mattias' foot. He gives it a squeeze with a laugh.]

[noctiphile]

Well, I'm not calling him an it. [He jumps at the squeeze, then mock-scowls, pushing at Oren's arm with his foot.] I'll look on the other side.

[Which means, yup, he's sliding over the counter and crouching down on all fours, feeling around for a vibrating butt plug. After a few minutes of fruitless searching, he calls out over the thumping bass.]

What else should I have called him? I heard no suggestions from you!

[twocomplex]

[Fruitless searching does extend a long time, but somehow, he hears Mattias over the noise and scoffs.]

You never asked! Okintik, Takreet, Polinth-- there are plenty!

[And on cue, it seems, his hand presses down over a vibrating form, and he half yelps out of surprise for crushing it. It seems to be fine, though, and he pulls back, shifting to hold it like they have been normally.]

I've found him!

[noctiphile]

Oh, Okintik! What a wonderfully—[He stands at Oren's news, hair disheveled but not unsalvageable. He smooths it back quickly, hopping the bar in between two grisly looking aliens.]—awful name.

[He plucks the creature from Oren's hand and raises it to his face, smiling.] Takreet's cute. Though I'm not certain it fits. Gentlemen—[He spins on his heel, holding Takreet/Vinlates out to the grisly guests he disturbed.]—does he seem like a Vinlates or a Takreet?