twocomplex | IC Contact

Very well.

[ Hans leans back into Oren's space, smiling plainly. Having people to rely on is a completely new concept to him, okay. He's managed to be less surprised by Athelstan, but Oren... he's different from Hans. He really cares. Or at least he's very, very good at appearing to. ]

I won't. I know now. [ And he means it. It's strange... but if Hans had known he had this kind of welcome for him, he would've totally come to Oren's side sooner. ] You'd really drop everything for me? If I were in trouble, or needed your help?

Now you aim to flatter me with such weak lines.

[Laughing as he dances away, he finds a counter in the kitchen area to lean against, spinning so his hands can grip the counter behind him as he leans back.]

What's warm, exactly? I would like to hear it from your lips.

You truly are fishing for compliments. Tell me, did I not rush here?

[What does he think. He's not going to go out and confirm that yes, he'd drop everything, because everything has exceptions, but. For the most part, sure. He'd come over if Hans needed him. He'd put a priority on that. They were friends.]

I'd aid you in trouble and help you in need.

I might be. I'm still very flattered.

[ He'd only expect the same from Athelstan. You have to understand, Oren, the concept of friendship is a fairly recent development for Hans. Well, more like knowing it is one thing and experiencing it is another. ]

That's what friends do, isn't it? If you'd like I could return the favor, seeing as how I value your opinion so highly.

Weak?

[It's mostly mock offense, but there's a touch of real insecurity to that objection. Was that too much, did he not like it--

But then Oren asks him to continue, and a small, relieved smile tugs at the corners of his mouth as he steps into the kitchen after him.]

I just mean that you-- you always seem to know what to say to make me feel better. [A short pause, and then he continues, a bit quieter.] Just being here makes me feel better, really. I like your company.

[Now that gets a fond look. Oren watches Ryan struggle with the thought for a bit, the shift from "mock" offense to a smile, and moves a hand to gesture for him to come closer still.]

It's my pleasure. You know that, don't you? [His own smile is certainly inviting as he ends his gesture, resting that hand back against the counter once more.]

I enjoy your company just as much.

...I know.

[Ryan follows that gesture without having to give it a second thought, as if it were a magnetic pull, and lets his hands settle on either side of Oren's waist as he steps closer. His body doesn't quite pin him against the counter, but it could if he closed the distance just a bit more-- but instead he simply leans down to press a kiss to Oren's lips, slow and soft.]

Maybe we should enjoy each others' company more often, it feels like I'm always seeing you when something's gone wrong.

[Thoughtfully, he hums into the kiss, pressing back just enough for a sweet answer. His lips linger even at the words, and once they're finished, he steals a second, shorter kiss.]

I'd like that.

[It's a quiet voice, aiming to draw Ryan in for as much as he sounds drawn in himself.] If you could find the time, I'd like to see what other interests you have.

[He laughs against Oren's mouth at that, warm and amused.]

Actual other interests, or other things I'd be interested in doing with you?

[Ryan leans back just enough to give him a teasing little grin, one hand reaching up to comb through Oren's hair.]

I mean, you know I wouldn't mind either way, but I'm just making sure here.

[That gets a laugh.]

I'd meant the first, but you should know by now that the latter has me curious as well.

[Again, he lifts a hand from the counter, this time to snake around Ryan's hips and pull him closer, up against him. Oren kisses his jaw.]

It sounds nice, doesn't it? To share such things.

It is nice.

[Ryan gently corrects him as he lets Oren pull him close, a soft murmur of appreciation humming low in his throat at that kiss. One hand reaches out to settle on the counter, steadying himself, and he leans down to kiss the top of Oren's head in turn.

And then despite their closeness, despite making that leading comment himself, what Oren gets is:]

I could show you how to knit. You're good with your hands, I think you could manage it.

[Despite where his own head usually lies, that gets a genuine chuckle.]

Knit? I'll do my best to learn whatever with my hands that you'd suggest. [His hand smooths down Ryan's back, ending just level with his hips.] What else?

Cooking, maybe? I'll show you a few things I used to make at home, maybe you can make things from yours.

[The hand in his hair shifts, straying close to one of his antlers-- Ryan's fingers twitch toward it, but he stops short of touching it, unsure whether Oren would rather ignore them (or if they hurt him at all.)]

Can I--?

I'd be hurt if you didn't.

[He slaps at Hans' shoulder lightly, turning to face him a bit more directly as well.] Is your request for flattery by me that you value my opinion, or that you simply would hear it from anyone?

[This time he gives a light shove. Don't be such a ham, Hans.]

Yes, let's do something like that some time. I could use your help with cooking.

[For multiple reasons! He smiles, and though the fingers by his antlers are a little startling, he doesn't react with anything but a small chuckle.]

Go ahead.

Yours means more to me.

[ But he still loves flattery in every way, of course. He needs his ego pat 24/7 in order to be truly happy. But at least Oren isn't treating him like he's injured. Hans wouldn't be able to stand that. He pushes right back, smirking. ]

I'd help you as well, you know. I'd worry if anything happened to you.

I know that feeling well. And yes, I believe the threat was to tear down everything Hans had built here.

Hans and I have been through a lot together in our eight months here, and I knew his history with Vengarl already. I gave him little choice in telling me. I imagine he does not want to worry you, or endanger you; his intention is, I believe, to avoid Vengarl entirely - I am only concerned that Vengarl will escalate matters, since he has contacted you directly.

You're not just saying that to please me?

[Oren really wonders, but he says it lightly enough, chuckling towards the end even as he leans in result of the push.]

Not this time.

[ Hans smiles, perhaps honest. Something close to honesty. He still wants to hide it, but his words are the truth. ]

You did ask me to be honest. I oblige you because I value your opinion of me.

[That gets an almost humble glance down, a laugh that's almost sheepish.]

Then... I am glad for that.

[He stops with his pushing and settles for leaning lightly against Hans instead. Their shoulders bumping, his eyes focused on Hans' fingers as he toys with them.]

And I'm glad to see you again.

I'll help, then. I like to think I'm not bad at it.

[He matches that smile, tentatively running his fingertips along Oren's antler once he's given permission; he's never actually touched one, isn't sure how they feel, and he's been dying to know.

Besides, it's yet another excuse not to keep his hands off Oren, and he'll take what he can get there.]

Do these hurt? Once they've stopped growing, I mean, I figure that's... not comfortable.

Only when I've forgotten them and hit something low hanging.

[It's not too often, thankfully, with Oren's height as it is. But he still has snagged a door or two, a low hanging tree branch, an open cabinet... He bends his head a bit to allow for Ryan to touch at them. They're cold, like the rest of him, and a little fuzzy; he hadn't been expecting to be able to feel from them, but somehow the light touches earn a quick shiver.]

It's quite difficult to sleep, though. Ruined a few pillows that way.

I can imagine. Has it gotten any easier...?

[That shiver doesn't go unnoticed, and he continues to gently stroke the fuzz despite the antlers' matching chill. It's actually sort of cute, he really wasn't expecting that part.]

I could make you covers from them. Something soft, so they won't tear your pillows-- and if they're fitted on each of the pointy bits here then you can't tear them, they're not going to be able to snag.

It's gotten a bit easier, yes. Though if I don't wake up with a torn pillow, it's a sore arm.

[He laughs, head tilting slightly at the continued stroking. It's not quite a tickle, but it has even his shoulders bunching up a little as another laugh slips out with the latest suggestion.]

Sleeves for my antlers? Really?

Yes, really!

[He traces over each little branch of it as he speaks, pretending it's just to illustrate his point. How long will Oren let him get away with this? He doesn't know, but he does intend to find out.]

One here... and one here, and here... see? Individual sleeves, so your antlers won't get caught on them.

IC Contact

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<fatherpagan>

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WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, COIN PRINCE. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 097.26.245.13 * Coin Prince has joined 097.26.245.13 <Coin Prince> And how secure is this communication, really? <Coin Prince>** Well, go on then, let's speak.