IC Contact

[twocomplex]

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.

Comments

<faraday>

[averagemedium]

I'm sure I can be convinced! :)

And no, I haven't. Are you offering?

<Coin Prince>

[twocomplex]

Well, I must work with these vague encouragements, after all. It's the least I can do while apparently inviting myself over.

Though I'm afraid we're not at the stage where I feel confident enough to buy you something you'd like without a list. Whatever you'd like, tell me. I can be there soon enough.

<faraday>

[averagemedium]

[His answer is immediate and brief.]

Anything but fish.

<Coin Prince>

[twocomplex]

[Gosh, he's laughing. He was expecting indecision, or an awkward attempt at asking, but that's so firm!]

Ah, if that's the only limitation, I feel quite confident. I don't know the first thing about fish.

So, it's a date. Thirty minutes, is that enough warning before I show up?

<faraday>

[averagemedium]

[Is it a date? Shit. Shit, now he feels like he needs to dress a little nicer, maybe try to do something with the mess he calls a hairstyle--]

That's fine!

[Oh god oh god.]

I'm not going anywhere, anytime is fine, really.

<Coin Prince> -> Action

[twocomplex]

[Anytime. Ah, he likes this already. He's decided it's a good use of a night, and so he replies simply, hoping it'll be just enough to let Ryan stew in whatever thoughts he may be having.]

Perfect. Be seeing you.

[There were some stalls on the streets that sold food, and those were what he went for first. It was familiar, in a way, even if the food wasn't usual— what was usual here? He gets them a hot dog and a burger, deciding he'll let Ryan decide what he'd like of the two, and heads back towards where he's staying.

It was easy to remember a place after having to navigate home from it without knowing where you were, turns out.

Thirty minutes turns out more to be twenty five, and Oren knocks at the door with the food still in hand.]

[averagemedium]

[And stew he does. He's not sure what to make of that-- Oren seems to be from a different period, so he doesn't know whether to assume it's a date is the kind of casual slang it sometimes is where he's from, or if it's completely serious.

Ryan answers the door with a slightly nervous smile, wearing a shirt with short, loose sleeves and shorts that are fairly similar (more like capris, really- were those full-sized pants on someone else?...) The fins on his forearms and legs are left exposed, along with his feet, which shoes just don't quite fit on now that they've become webbed and just wide enough to be an annoyance. He's even made a slight effort with his hair, pulling it into as neat a tail as he can manage, and the yellow parts of his skin are a bright, healthy shade.]

You didn't have to hurry, you know.

[But he's pleased not to be left waiting, nonetheless. Ryan steps back and beckons him in.]

But, uh- thanks for coming. I appreciate the offer.

[twocomplex]

I wouldn't call it a hurry.

[He smiles as he says it, eyes lighting up playfully, and still he waits for the gesture to step inside. His robes have been under heavy wear and tear lately, and so they're busy being cleaned and repaired, but he's found some suitable outfits to purchase in this place. Right now, he's wearing a loose, light blue suit that he considers sharp enough. Most of the silver that had been adorning him with their last meetings is gone, leaving only two earrings on his right ear. A more simplistic look, and though he'd already had a literal stumble with Ryan, he wasn't quite sure if there were any sensitivities to silver.

His skin has returned to its dark color, his eyes to green and his hair to the style of his curls he's so proud of. Hm, yes, he's much more confident about this than their last meeting.

Offering up the bag of food, he takes in Ryan's appearance with a smooth widening of his smile.]

Though I have wanted to meet with you again. I'm not too familiar with most of the food here, so I do hope this is alright. Choose what you will. [There are "fries" too, isn't that great?? He's helping himself inside, now that he's been invited, moving to the table to set things out neatly.]

Come now, what do you think? [Hotdog or hamburger??? Very important questions as flows across the room comfortably and stops to lean on a chair.]

[averagemedium]

I- you look nice. That looks nice on you.

[And then it occurs to him that Oren meant the food, not himself. His cheeks flush pink as he reaches to pick up the closest thing, which turns out to be the burger (only a moment later does he realize he may have just made a mistake, but it's too late now.)]

I mean- it all looks fine! Haven't had these in a while, actually, good call on the food.

[Smooth, right? That's as close as he'll get to it. Ryan unwraps the burger and quickly takes a bite, thus excusing himself from saying anything else stupid.]

[twocomplex]

[Oh. He hadn't even been trying to fluster Ryan at that comment, and yet here it comes, like a reward to his trying past weeks! Oren can't help a laugh, soft and sheepish as it is. It bubbles over, far more genuine than most of the laughs he's had this past dreadful week, and it shows in his eyes even as he lets the laughter fade out with a light wave of his hand.]

Why, I could say the same for you. Pink is a good color on you.

[His blush, he means. His blush. Ryan's already eating, so Oren doesn't bother waiting to step over and take his hotdog. A mistake indeed, Ryan, as Oren seems to know just the right way to eat this as suggestively as possible without being downright ridiculous. It's after the first bite or so that he ends whatever mercy there was in his silence, looking over to Ryan.]

It's no trip into the television, but I do hope I can provide some fun.

[averagemedium]

[Try as he might to avoid it, when Oren points out the blush his cheeks redden further- but he smiles, at least, pleased with the laugh he's drawn out of Oren with that awkward comment. It's a good look on him, really, and it sets Ryan a little more at ease.

...which, naturally, doesn't last long. He knew he'd made the wrong choice about the food. (Or the right one, possibly. He couldn't honestly say.) Combined with that next comment? Ryan finds it's a few moments before he can answer with any confidence in his ability not to trip over his words.]

That depends. What kind of fun are you thinking of?

[He manages a small grin as he adds-]

Whatever it is, I'm sure you're just as entertaining as the TV.

[twocomplex]

[Ryan had reminded Oren of Mattias just enough that he'd been expecting to spend his whole time here working towards this direction. Instead, it's laid out before him unmistakably in such a short time, and he's ever so pleased. They're eating almost like strangers, but Oren works to change that. Shifting so he's not just standing and eating, he sits on a clear spot of the table, one leg crossing over the other as he takes another bite.

What kind of fun?

There's not a trace of mess left after the bite, but still he draws a finger from his free hand across his lips and licks it clean, contemplating with a gaze focused on the ground between them.]

I don't know... I'm nothing but your guest, after all. I came here to spend time with you.

[That says enough, doesn't it? His eyes drag upwards, tracing over Ryan as his lips pause before another bite.] Why don't you tell me what you'd like to do?

[averagemedium]

[jesus take the wheel.

That's an overt gesture if he's seen one, and he swallows the next bite thickly, watching the way Oren eyes him up. Ryan's already as good as admitted his own interest with the way he stumbled over his words at first. Now Oren's clearly toying with him, but is it leading into what he actually wants, or just for the sake of the game, drawing him in without intending to follow through?

He can't be sure, and so he treads carefully when he answers again to keep from embarrassing himself more.]

I was thinking we could get to know each other better. We didn't really have time for that before, yeah?

[twocomplex]

[His smile warms, but his posture and his actions stay the same. He licks another finger before extending it out in a grand gesture tossing his head back with a hum of approval.]

That's right, isn't it? I was a bit distracted, but I believe now is as good of a time as ever.

[Lowering his chin slightly, he eyes Ryan over his hotdog, raising the palm of his free hand in conversational offering.] I've an idea!

[The hand lowers to his lap.] Let's each take a turn with questions. We'll be honest and answer each one. What do you think? I'll even go first, myself.

Ask me anything you're curious about. [And, while staring at him expectantly, he'll just take another slow bite of food. He would like to hear what Ryan wonders the most.]

[averagemedium]

[A short, surprised little laugh slips out as he shakes his head, his smile amused. Maybe he is actually interested in more than what he'd implied, if this is what his answer is.]

I can't say I expected a round of 20 questions, but- sure. Why not.

[Ryan props his chin in one hand, elbow resting on the table, and he hums thoughtfully under his breath.]

What d'you like best about this place? About being here, or something physical, just- whatever's your favorite part.

['What do you like least' tends to have the same answer for most people. This is more interesting.]

[twocomplex]

[Ryan has improved in his eyes, to turn it in this direction. To not fall immediately before him. And Oren is genuinely interested. He finishes his food and ends that torture for now, though he seems to be perfectly comfortable sitting atop it rather than in an actual chair.]

I hadn't expected much, at least not in terms of anything I could enjoy, but...

[He considers it a moment longer, dropping his hands to rest on the table as he leans forward slightly.] Though we're confined and forced, it still feels free. There's green grass, open lakes, forests of trees in scattered patterns— I could get lost in all of it, even with the cities so small. There are some kind people, as well.

[He looks to Ryan.] It doesn't feel like death. Not all the time. That must be what I like the most.

[He uncrosses his legs now, still leaning forward a little.] Would it be cheating to ask you the same question? It's an optimistic one. I like it.

[averagemedium]

['It doesn't feel like death.' That tugs at him in an awfully familiar way- how couldn't it, when he used to live with dead people? He's spent his entire life surrounded by people who couldn't have it, and he can understand that sort of sentiment.

What he wonders now is just what Oren came from, to use those words, but it's his turn to answer.]

I know the feeling, sort of. I mean- I was a little isolated, back home. [Which isn't really an answer. He pauses for a moment, thinking.] ...I like that I can be normal, or- what passes for it here, you know? We're all in the same situation. All of us have-- or will have-- the same experiences. It's never really been like that for me.

[And now that it's his turn to ask, he glances up to Oren again, still with the traces of the wistful little smile that had crept onto his face; his expression sobers quickly, though.]

Why did it feel like death before? [He quickly adds-] -it's okay if that's prying too much, I get that.

[twocomplex]

[They're going to be bouncing off of each other's comments like this. That's the name of the game, after all, but Oren finds himself truly curious. What rare positions could there be for a man that he would feel different as far as normal experiences go?

He listens intently, and when the question falls next, he can't help the short laugh that slips out. His gaze drops and he traces the hem of his suit with a couple of fingers.]

Don't worry; I invited such prying. [Pinching the hem where he stops, he looks up and over again.] It felt like death and still can because I did die. Of that, I'm quite certain.

How were you isolated?

[averagemedium]

Because I lived with dead people.

[There's more empathy in the way Ryan looks at him, and it's easier to make eye contact now. Of all the topics they could be on, this is the one that's always the most important to him, after all of his previous experiences.]

I saw ghosts. Always did. The problem's that I didn't always know whether someone was dead or alive, they all seemed equally real to me, so when nobody else can see who you're talking to... [He hesitates for a moment there, brow furrowing.] -you, uh. You kind of learn not to invite that sort of situation.

[It was self-imposed, not exactly something forced; easier to just stay away than try to actively change it, learn more ways to tell. Ryan's quiet again as he considers just what to ask next.]

Do you remember it? Being dead, I mean.

[twocomplex]

[He's not sure he likes that look. It reads like pity, and it has him thinking back to his failures, but he brushes it away quickly to focus on Ryan's actual words. He could see the dead?

It's strange to think of, but what was he told about death that has been true, so far? Shifting in his spot, he pushes off from the table and stands, touching a hand to Ryan's shoulder as he scoots over the chair from the next spot to be much closer. He sits down.]

No. I recall falling, and my city is carved out from a mountain. About three days tall. I blacked out on the way down, and then I came here! Only to fall some more, it would seem.

[He leans over the table, eyes unmoving from Ryan. He has a lot of thoughts here, but the question that stands out the most? Well...]

Do you wish you couldn't see them?

[averagemedium]

No.

[He answers without hesitation, shaking his head slightly- just briefly, just enough for it to be noticeable. Oren's shifted closer to him and he follows suit, silently accepting the proximity. He isn't being questioned on whether he's sure he could see them, whether it's actually possible, and that's always something Ryan appreciates.]

It wasn't a common talent. Most people didn't even believe ghosts were real, you know? If I couldn't see them, they wouldn't have had anyone.

[He's almost-- almost-- unsure of asking his next question, but this is about asking honest ones, isn't it? Still, he sounds tentative.]

Knowing what you'd be going back to... do you hope you'll be able to just stay here? Or do you want to go back someday and finish it?

[twocomplex]

...That's awfully self-sacrificing. I don't know that most would consider the dead above themselves.

[That's all he says on that, for now, pressing fingers into the table as the next question comes. It's far more serious, and for the first time their depressing convo, Oren frowns. It's brief, and he smiles in cover, shaking his head.]

And you're awfully serious. Is this your idea of fun? [But he doesn't mean that in actual protest, and he shows that with a light bump of their shoulders as he sits back.]

To be quite honest, I don't know. It's a bit of both, right now. [There's a long, heavy pause after that and Oren brings a hand back to run through his own hair, laughing quietly again.]

I've been thrown off track even on my questioning! [Either he honestly can't think enough to find a new question or he's pulling things off track for a bit lighter of a tone. Or both? Either way.] Well, is this fun? I find myself missing your smile.

[averagemedium]

[The frown is enough for him to decide it might be good to move on. He's gotten the most pressing answers, and this wasn't intended to push at things that are too personal-- Ryan is willing to accept the subject change without complaint.

Oren's comment gets an almost shy little smile from him, without any effort-- it's easy to prompt, really, Ryan isn't the type who's good at masking his feelings.]

Well, we'll have to do something about that. I don't want to disappoint you or anything, I'd be a pretty awful host-- and I think you're right. This isn't exactly what I consider fun.

[He reaches for one of Oren's hands, picks it up; Ryan doesn't lace their fingers together, though, that's a little too affectionate for now. Instead he almost toys with his hand, as if feeling it out, or simply keeping occupied.]

One more question. [He doesn't look back up to his face, trying to play it casual.] So were you planning to follow through on flirting with me, or what?

[There. That particular ball is lobbed safely back into his court, and he can do what he wants with it. Ryan still means to get him to act first, if he actually intends to.]

[twocomplex]

[ Oren likes the toying, the reluctance, the shy smile. He takes it in with a widening one of his own, growing more genuine as he bumps their shoulders again to lean closer. ]

I've already invited myself over. Do you enjoy the boldness of others? [ and here he'd been thinking he should take his time and see what happens so not to frighten him off. Well. This is better. He grins, lifting a free hand to Ryan's chin so he can turn his face closer. There's no more hesitance or waiting from Oren; he kisses him softly on the lips, letting it linger just long enough to instil the promise of more before he breaks it only to speak against his lips. ]

What do you think?

[ a callback to his earlier mess up, a tease, an invitation. Why not this sort of fun? ]

[averagemedium]

[He melts right into that kiss with a quiet little murmur, reaching up to comb his fingers through Oren's hair. A small part of him is protesting that they're really not that familiar yet, that he shouldn't be encouraging this even though he wants to; it's been a while since he's gotten this kind of attention from anyone, though, and a larger part of him misses it. Misses the closeness, and is eager for more, almost hungry for it (or maybe that's just the increasing urge to feed. He couldn't do this near water, he really couldn't.)

When Oren pulls away, he's met with a disappointed sigh that's breathed out before Ryan can think better of it.]

I think--

[His fingers ghost down the back of Oren's neck, cool against his skin.]

I think that wasn't enough for me to decide. Remind me again?