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[twocomplex]

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[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?

[twocomplex]

[Rude?? He stands himself, watching Mattias take the thing away and immediately start waving it around at other customers. They seem irritated at first, grumbling something in another language, but when they get a look at the animal(?), one of them smiles (he thinks) and the other looks a little more... devious about it.

It gets to a point where his grumbling in another language and gesturing seems a little odd (he was eyeballing him, Oren was sure of it), and Oren steps between them to place one hand on Mattias' shoulder, urging him back, and the other out to the air before the alien.]

Please, please, Vinlates is fine, but he seems to be in the mood for something else. I doubt he's the pleasant type.

[Ah. He looks angry now, and Oren just takes an apologetic step backwards, still urging Mattias back to his seat.]

[noctiphile]

"Something else"? Surely I didn't offend him enough to pick a fi—Oh no.

[The alien duo rises and, when standing, easily tower over eight feet. They're bulky beasts, lean in body but broad in the shoulder with hands that could easily wrap around half of Mattias' waist. And they do, one of them grabbing at Mattias' hips while the other shoves Oren aside, acting as a barrier while the other pulls Mattias close. Mattias stiffens as he grabs a handful, wriggling and pushing to pry away to no avail. Nervously, he calls over his shoulder as the alien leans in close.]

Oren! I—I believe I see what you meant. [He presses the alien's face away with the hell of his palms.] Ah. No, sir. Please listen. I think there's been a misunderstand—[He's cut off as he's lifted up and slung over the alien's shoulder. It's about then that he goes into mild panic.]—Oren?!

I'm cracking up at this he's gonna get like beat up by burning aliens

[twocomplex]

[ okay, so much for being peaceful. He stumbles from recovery of being pushed aside, watching the two carefully as he picks up two large bottles of booze from the table behind him. Mattias is lifted, and Oren is already moving forward, chucking the first bottle up to hit the one acting as barrier in the face.

It's a commotion now, loud even over the music, but he ducks and twists past the first to view the second. ]

You know, I'd have preferred to talk our way out of this. Yet you're both so stubborn-- watch yourself, Mattias!

[ it's the one warning he gives as he smashes the bottle as high up on this ones back as he can manage. No reaction-- but as he turns, he shoves the jagged remains from the spout into his stomach,, ducking at the swing of his free arm. ]

Stubborn giant! [ in one last movement, he snatches a lighter he spots nearby and sets them ablaze, shielding his face as they flail and swing at him. Overall, sloppy-- but it should serve a helpful distraction. ]

[noctiphile]

[It's honestly more violent than he expected. Not that he'll protest. Oren serves as a wonderful distraction for the aliens' anger; the one holding Mattias releases him without much thought, dropping him unceremoniously on the ground. It's moments like these that Mattias is glad he can't feel anything. The fall does nothing to stall his time and soon enough he's on his feet, dashing back to their seats to grab their bag before returning. They're pommeling Oren now but they're too close. Hitting blind due to the fire. The bar smells like burning flesh and it nearly makes him nostalgic but now's not the time. Squeezing between the beasts, he grabs Oren's hand and pulls him through the gap of their bodies, throwing a protective arm around him when he's at his side.]

Come. [He mutters as the aliens break another table in a blind rage. Guests shriek and a helpful amount flee. Mattias and Oren blend in with them perfectly.

Without any other harm they make it to the street where Mattias forces Oren down on a bench. Tossing the troublesome pet aside, he cups his face.] Let me see you.

[twocomplex]

[ he's bleeding from a few spots on his face from scratches made by glass-- his forehead, his cheek, a couple on his neck. His arms too are marked up, slight until his right hand where it's particularly bad. His own doing. Surprisingly, the burn marks are few in number.

With how large they were, it's a lucky escape. But Oren looks beyond angry, staring at Mattias for a good few seconds before he raises his hands to touch his. ]

We didn't finish our drinks. [ this is what's at the forefront of his mind after that. Mattias didn't get to have his whole glowing galaxy. He'd PLANNED for this damn it! ]

[noctiphile]

[Mattias gawks at him. With all the bruises, all the cuts, he must be in pain. There's surely enough here to merit a visit to a clinic, if not a hospital. And yet the first thing that come to his mind is—]

Drinks? [Mattias laughs in shock, stepping back a moment before kneeling in front of him.] Oren. [He's laughing still, a bit more genuine.] Drinks are temporary. Your face is permanent. We can pick something up on the way back to—[to where? His room? Was that where this was all leading? Was this all part of some master plan? Mattias' chest tightens at the thought, smile faltering. The clinics would all cost money. A fortune, based on the prices all around. They wouldn't be able to afford it. There was the med lab back on the ship but that would only cause questions. Felix would know. Judge. Cause a fuss along with everyone else. Any other ship just felt... wrong.

They didn't really have choice.

He swallows tightly, stretching his smile back over his own nervousness.]—back to my room.

[twocomplex]

[If there's any plan going through Oren's head, he does well not to show it. He's busy pulling his hands back to himself with a slight wince, trying to pinch out some of the smaller bits of glass that have wedged themselves into skin. It's plenty painful, but he looks up at the clear falter.

Was he hesitant to bring him back to his room?

That rings hurtful more than it should, and sets off anger about as much as he expects. But he doesn't let it show on his face, glancing back down to his hand instead.]

Those drinks can't be found just anywhere, you realize. The first taste is great, but it's not until the third that you're truly sold.

[He stands, glancing down at Mattias.] Don't look so worried. My face doesn't look so bad, does it? [He can't tell with the stinging, and he raises a hand to touch fingertips to it lightly. Quietly, he speaks a few more purposeful words.] I wouldn't wish to burden you.