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[twocomplex]

Comments

[noctiphile]

[Sent a few minutes later]

With you by my side, preferably.

I'm free from the vines, by the way. Still searching for samples. I'll be sure to avoid the sharp trees.

[twocomplex]

And caressed by bandages. A lovely image.

But I'm glad to hear it. Keep it that way, would you? Perhaps you should deal with the cliche and enjoy some peaceful flowers.

[noctiphile]

You sound disappointed. Just think. I'll be gift-wrapped for you.

[twocomplex]

I'd prefer if my 'gifts' weren't bleeding or half-conscious. For the record.

Let me see your face.

[noctiphile]

You can't be serious! Now?

[twocomplex]

I'm completely serious! Come on, let me see it.

[noctiphile]

[It takes him like 10 minutes and then:

attached: me1.jpg]

Oh. Wait. No. No, that's the wrong one. Don't look at that one! The angle's all wrong and the lighting. No, no. This one's better.

[attached: betterme.jpg]

[twocomplex]

Not one, but two pictures! I truly am a lucky man. Personally, I prefer the first. It's more natural.

I quite like this, Mattias.

[noctiphile]

What? The picture? You must be joking, my hair's a mess, not to mention my clothes! And there's even a plant behind me that looks like it's exploding from my nose. It's not a flattering picture at all. Delete it, would you?

Hold on. There's more hostile plants up ahead.

[twocomplex]

While that's not quite what I was speaking of, I refuse! I quite like your hair when you're at work.

[It makes him want to mess it up further.]

More, though? Be careful.

[noctiphile]

They're cleared! More are coming, though. I don't think they appreciated my setting their brethren on fire.

[twocomplex]

I find it strange that your continued attempts bring more hostility... Are you certain you should be heading the way you are?

[noctiphile]

Well, I'm far from finished gathering supplies for you.

Although, if you're truly so worried I could come back later. I suppose.

[twocomplex]

You'll need to be alive to gather supplies. It won't be too much trouble to return, will it? I would like to see you, and you can rest.

[noctiphile]

How can I resist such a persuasive argument?

Very well, I'll head back.

[twocomplex]

[He really does want that serum, but it's also nerve-wracking... And besides, Mattias dying would do no good. He doesn't think about the way it pains him.]

It relieves me to hear that. Shall I have something for us to drink? Eat? I can only stare at all of this mapping work for so long.

[He's teasing, mostly. He has been working as hard as he could on his own!! Mattias will be pleased.]

[noctiphile]

You've been working on the map?

[That's... cute.]

Get us some alcohol. And coffee. Oh, and that stuff we got three days ago. You remember that?

[twocomplex]

What kind of man do you take me for? I can't sit back and watch you at work while doing nothing myself. I'm doing what I can.

"That stuff," though, how vague. Luckily, I do know just what you're speaking of. I'll have it all prepared for you, my dear Mattias.

[noctiphile]

You truly are my dear prince.

I'll return with haste.

[twocomplex]

Let me know if you run into more trouble. I'll see you soon.

[When Mattias does return, he'll find that Oren has indeed acquired all of the goods he'd promised. The alcohol sits neatly on the "main" table he'd cleared off, next to a new vase that carries one single flower. It's nothing beautiful, not from what Oren would describe, but it was so unique that he'd thought Mattias would enjoy it.

There's coffee brewing in the pot, and Oren is so buried in papers and books on the bed that he can't quite move to get up and greet him properly. Instead, he offers him a warm smile.]

[noctiphile]

[Despite his haste in leaving the planet, it does take him awhile to arrive. The plants he'd picked up had to be stored and preserved, after all. So he comes through Oren's door late and frazzled, holding the bouquet of face-flowers he had previously mentioned.

He instantly neglects them once he sees Oren's single choice.

Throwing the bouquet on the table beside Oren, he rushes to the main table forgoing the alcohol and food for the flower. He cups its petals in his hands and marvels at it.]

It's beautiful! [Turning back to Oren:] Did you get it's name?

[twocomplex]

[The flower is a little too monstrous for his tastes... but it's amusing to watch Mattias react. He picks up his bouquet, eyeing the flowers cautiously as he carefully moves things out of his way. It takes a minute, but all he forgets is the pencil behind his ear. He moves the flowers somewhere a little more careful for now, stepping over to Mattias.]

The Cleome Lungua. Most ignore the name and call it the sunset flower.

[He thought it would be extra appreciated for that. He ducks a little beside him, taking one of his hands in his. Scratches, but it looks like that's... mostly all.]

You were sloppy.

[noctiphile]

The sunset flower. [He whispers it, paying no mind to the hand Oren claims.] Cleome Lungua.

[Smiling, he presses a kiss against Oren's cheek and grabs the alcohol.] You spoil me.

[He pushes the alcohol into Oren's hands and pulls his hand away, making for the bathroom.] Get the drinks ready. I'm going to pirate your bath. I'm vile.

[twocomplex]

With your orders, I'd have to agree. You are spoiled.

[He laughs, though, taking the alcohol and standing straight as he eyes Mattias.]

Don't keep me waiting too long or I'll begin without you. [He won't, but.]

[noctiphile]

[He's nearly there before he calls over his shoulder:]

I'll be sure to make it as long and torturous as possible!

[He's true to his word, taking a full hour before he calls again, muffled from behind the bathroom door.]

Oren? Where are the towels? Why is there only this sweater here?