![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
How lovely! But ...Is that enough time for you two to finalize your marital agreement?
Edited 2020-08-21 06:44 (UTC)
I think so. Don't forget, Hythlo, we humans do things faster because we don't live as long as you guys do.
I'm not sure if we'll be doing it at home or at the Sevii Islands. Doing it at home appeals, but snow outside the mountains is an affront to god and man in my opinion. *Jack* thinks snow's romantic. I'll... probably let him win, if we can get enough heaters to make things comfortable.
You get a plus-one, by the way. I'll even play nice if it's Hades. Tyler's been telling me not to reply to him ever if he gets in my face and he's probably right about that.
I'm not sure if we'll be doing it at home or at the Sevii Islands. Doing it at home appeals, but snow outside the mountains is an affront to god and man in my opinion. *Jack* thinks snow's romantic. I'll... probably let him win, if we can get enough heaters to make things comfortable.
You get a plus-one, by the way. I'll even play nice if it's Hades. Tyler's been telling me not to reply to him ever if he gets in my face and he's probably right about that.
Well, I’m all fairness, I died before we agreed on it! Thirty years is not the longest that two people have ever sought to revise a contract, yet neither is it ideal when your goal is marriage.
I, too, spent my time in primarily warm weather and it is what I prefer... Yet snow can truly be very romantic! I think I would have braved the cold to etch such a scene into my mind.
Are you sure you want to allow me to invite Hades? Think carefully, Steven. That is inviting entirely too much disaster.
You must be in too good of a mood right now. Picture him at your wedding for me, for a moment.
I, too, spent my time in primarily warm weather and it is what I prefer... Yet snow can truly be very romantic! I think I would have braved the cold to etch such a scene into my mind.
Are you sure you want to allow me to invite Hades? Think carefully, Steven. That is inviting entirely too much disaster.
You must be in too good of a mood right now. Picture him at your wedding for me, for a moment.
... right. That. Might not be the best idea, yeah. I mean, *Dirk* would probably invite him as his plus one even if you don't, so we might be stuck with him, but.
Yeah. Okay. No. Maybe... maybe bring someone else as your plus one. Not that I know who yet. *Have* you started getting hits on Gravlr yet?
I. Saw your new graphics for your BDSM services. They're very... impressive.
Yeah. Okay. No. Maybe... maybe bring someone else as your plus one. Not that I know who yet. *Have* you started getting hits on Gravlr yet?
I. Saw your new graphics for your BDSM services. They're very... impressive.
Impressive! Well, we shall see. I may have to run it for a few weeks before anyone’s curiosity tips them over the edge... to leave a message, that is. As it is, I habitually miss those calls with how late they tend to be...
Oh yes, I had someone else in mind. Have you met Johann?
Oh yes, I had someone else in mind. Have you met Johann?
Edited 2020-08-21 08:04 (UTC)
If I weren't with Jack, I'd very much ask if I could sit in and watch some of your sessions.
And yes, that *would* be a problem with your schedule. Sadly, the times most people want to have their booty calls are also the times you're most likely to be asleep. (This is because they're usually at work during your free hours midday.)
Also, I know Johann in passing. I sent him something that wasn't RenFaire garb after he bitched about it on the network. He's a cute guy. And musicians are sexy in general.
Yeah. Totally bring him.
And yes, that *would* be a problem with your schedule. Sadly, the times most people want to have their booty calls are also the times you're most likely to be asleep. (This is because they're usually at work during your free hours midday.)
Also, I know Johann in passing. I sent him something that wasn't RenFaire garb after he bitched about it on the network. He's a cute guy. And musicians are sexy in general.
Yeah. Totally bring him.
Oh? Do I owe you a compliment? He was dressed very handsomely for our meeting.
Oh come now, does Jack prevent you from attending the theater as well? If it is merely a matter of proper invitation, I could extend the invitation to both of you.
Oh come now, does Jack prevent you from attending the theater as well? If it is merely a matter of proper invitation, I could extend the invitation to both of you.
If it was all in black, yes. Yes, you do.
Of course he lets me go to the theatre. I mean, there's a slight difference between attending the theatre and going to watch a *private sexy performance* at someone's house.
The thing about Jack is... well. He doesn't like to feel like he's *not enough* for someone, so if he's *with* someone and he thinks they think he's not *enough* for them--because they (for instance) comment on how attractive the guy teaching them baking is or the guy they met at the gym is or something like that--then it makes him upset.
Conversely, however, he likes to think he's got a lot of love to give, more than just one person, so if *someone else* propositions him, he might very well go along with said proposition.
I love him a lot, but he's a little *difficult* about these things. Worth it, though.
So. You know. If you want to extend these invitations, you can. Just address it to Jack and make it seem like he's the one you're really interested in having over.
Of course he lets me go to the theatre. I mean, there's a slight difference between attending the theatre and going to watch a *private sexy performance* at someone's house.
The thing about Jack is... well. He doesn't like to feel like he's *not enough* for someone, so if he's *with* someone and he thinks they think he's not *enough* for them--because they (for instance) comment on how attractive the guy teaching them baking is or the guy they met at the gym is or something like that--then it makes him upset.
Conversely, however, he likes to think he's got a lot of love to give, more than just one person, so if *someone else* propositions him, he might very well go along with said proposition.
I love him a lot, but he's a little *difficult* about these things. Worth it, though.
So. You know. If you want to extend these invitations, you can. Just address it to Jack and make it seem like he's the one you're really interested in having over.
Ah, yes! That was the outfit, though he did not have the opportunity to wear it overlong.
[He mulls this strategy over. It’s simple enough for certain and he’s sure he can say the sort of words that Jack likes to hear.]
I already have the perfect plan. But you will have to just wait and see.
[He mulls this strategy over. It’s simple enough for certain and he’s sure he can say the sort of words that Jack likes to hear.]
I already have the perfect plan. But you will have to just wait and see.
I'm glad you're getting laid, Hythlo. I really am.
I guess if you'd bring him as a plus-one, then you must be getting along together well. Which, you know, is good? Maybe you won't ever stop missing what you had with Hades (and why would you? you're quite literally part of each other) but there's nothing wrong with finding someone new to be happy with too, even if it's a different way than it was with Hades. (I mean, *he* did.)
I guess if you'd bring him as a plus-one, then you must be getting along together well. Which, you know, is good? Maybe you won't ever stop missing what you had with Hades (and why would you? you're quite literally part of each other) but there's nothing wrong with finding someone new to be happy with too, even if it's a different way than it was with Hades. (I mean, *he* did.)
I am as well! It is too soon to tell one way or the other... But Johann and Hades get along very well, at least. I learned Johann's name from him as a recommendation of sorts.
The worst part, really, is I had centuries to perfect Hades as a lover, so it is a touch frustrating to start anew, as it were.
The worst part, really, is I had centuries to perfect Hades as a lover, so it is a touch frustrating to start anew, as it were.
Should I worry for Johann?
(Then again, if you teach the same way you've been teaching self-control, maybe I shouldn't.)
(Then again, if you teach the same way you've been teaching self-control, maybe I shouldn't.)
You needn't worry. I play a more passive role with him. There is no fun in breaking a delicate man. I am, however, teaching him techniques that I perfected myself, as there is quite the joy in bringing the teeth and claws out of the meek.
*Oh*.
[Damn his imagination. That was certainly an... interesting mental image.]
Yes. I suppose there would be.
[Damn his imagination. That was certainly an... interesting mental image.]
Yes. I suppose there would be.
[Honestly, Hades barely wants to have this conversation, but there's no getting around it. Not if things are going to continue peacefully. Not if things are going to continue at all. He isn't fully sure what he's expecting to come of this, Hythlodaeus isn't an entirely unreasonable sort, but he has also been acting rather unpredictable.
Not that...Hythlodaeus is ever truly predictable, but even this is off its usual course.
So, while Hythlodaeus is out tending to his Cutiefly in the garden, Hades takes it upon himself to approach him. At the very least, he's far less lethargic than before, but who knows how long that will persist. Dressed in his house robe, though it is pointedly tied shut, concealing that newly acquired scar, he lights up a cigarette as he leans against the door frame as he watches Hythlodaeus.
Taking a puff, he blows it out smoothly and to the side, his gaze fixated on his currently intermittent lover.]
...Have you an explanation for yourself, or should I cut right to the chase with what I have to say?
Not that...Hythlodaeus is ever truly predictable, but even this is off its usual course.
So, while Hythlodaeus is out tending to his Cutiefly in the garden, Hades takes it upon himself to approach him. At the very least, he's far less lethargic than before, but who knows how long that will persist. Dressed in his house robe, though it is pointedly tied shut, concealing that newly acquired scar, he lights up a cigarette as he leans against the door frame as he watches Hythlodaeus.
Taking a puff, he blows it out smoothly and to the side, his gaze fixated on his currently intermittent lover.]
...Have you an explanation for yourself, or should I cut right to the chase with what I have to say?
[Hythlodaeus doesn't look up from his cutiefly work, dutifully taking down exhaustive notes on each one. He seems to have organized them by sight with little drawings accompanying each.]
It would be more efficient for me to provide my rebuttal after your opening remarks, don't you think?
[It is not cold or unkind, but his thoughts are clearly occupying him in part.]
He's left, I assume, by your smoking.
It would be more efficient for me to provide my rebuttal after your opening remarks, don't you think?
[It is not cold or unkind, but his thoughts are clearly occupying him in part.]
He's left, I assume, by your smoking.
[That gets a humorless noise, derisive others might name it. Pointedly, he ignores the Cutiefly, they would only serve to distract him.]
Yes, indeed we are alone. But if your comment on such is to imply my choice of restraint on such proclivities is aught besides courtesy and basic consideration, then this will make for a far poorer conversation than I had intended from the first.
[As he speaks, his delivery becomes more agitated, swiftly spoken—but then he gives pause at the end. Breathes out a measured breath through his nose, takes a drag off of his cigarette once more.]
Correct me if I am wrong, but you were attempting to establish some measure of control and power over him—were you not? To undermine him in such a manner is naught short of direct provocation, an act of emotional conquest and domination. You were goading him!
Yes, indeed we are alone. But if your comment on such is to imply my choice of restraint on such proclivities is aught besides courtesy and basic consideration, then this will make for a far poorer conversation than I had intended from the first.
[As he speaks, his delivery becomes more agitated, swiftly spoken—but then he gives pause at the end. Breathes out a measured breath through his nose, takes a drag off of his cigarette once more.]
Correct me if I am wrong, but you were attempting to establish some measure of control and power over him—were you not? To undermine him in such a manner is naught short of direct provocation, an act of emotional conquest and domination. You were goading him!
Edited 2020-08-25 20:29 (UTC)
[He finally looks up from his notes, leveling his cool gaze at Hades.]
Goad? Goodness, no. Yet to answer you properly, tell me, when did you wake?
[It's okay that Emet doesn't want to distract himself with the bugs. They are avoiding his rancid vibes and smoke besides.]
Goad? Goodness, no. Yet to answer you properly, tell me, when did you wake?
[It's okay that Emet doesn't want to distract himself with the bugs. They are avoiding his rancid vibes and smoke besides.]
[Good, he didn't need them cuddling him anyways!
He levels a disbelieving look at Hythlodaeus for a solid second, before answering a little flatly:]
Around the time you chose to remove your mask.
[a beat]
Your true mask. Though, I had heard bits and pieces ere that, but stubborn as I am for slumber, I had attempted to stay that way. But that ended in failure as the two of you continued to flounder about, misunderstanding one another.
He levels a disbelieving look at Hythlodaeus for a solid second, before answering a little flatly:]
Around the time you chose to remove your mask.
[a beat]
Your true mask. Though, I had heard bits and pieces ere that, but stubborn as I am for slumber, I had attempted to stay that way. But that ended in failure as the two of you continued to flounder about, misunderstanding one another.
And what little good it did to remove it. Truly, with a boy so ill-socialized and in his attempts to be so opaque I cannot help but wonder what you see in hi—
[His words die in his throat as his sleepy indifference gives way to smug understanding.]
...I see.
Well, then. I will do what I can to not incite him. For your sake, though he seems beyond reason at times, unable to hear the words said to him plainly and for his benefit.
[His words die in his throat as his sleepy indifference gives way to smug understanding.]
...I see.
Well, then. I will do what I can to not incite him. For your sake, though he seems beyond reason at times, unable to hear the words said to him plainly and for his benefit.
[That sudden pause and acceptance does nothing to calm Hades' nerves, and everything to raise his hackles. As much is obvious with his wide-eyed glare, his brows furrowing together into steep, downward arch.
With the hand holding his cigarette holder, he points at Hythlodaeus, gesturing with it as he speaks, shaking his head for emphasis.]
...Nay. Nay, what was that? You thought of something, you are hiding something. Explain.
[He'll touch on the concerns of Dirk's deafness to reason in a moment.]
With the hand holding his cigarette holder, he points at Hythlodaeus, gesturing with it as he speaks, shaking his head for emphasis.]
...Nay. Nay, what was that? You thought of something, you are hiding something. Explain.
[He'll touch on the concerns of Dirk's deafness to reason in a moment.]
Will you ever tire of dressing in feathers? I suppose you cannot help it. You see yourself in him, however pitiful he is, however powerful his potential may be.
[He rubs the cutiefly in his hands between the wings, his little beeps and buzzes indicate affectionate approval.]
He has no interest in pressing his imagination to do the same for you, however.
As for what I hide... I would prefer that you figured it out by yourself. I would be lying if I said that I was not sorely disappointed that you have not yet.
[He rubs the cutiefly in his hands between the wings, his little beeps and buzzes indicate affectionate approval.]
He has no interest in pressing his imagination to do the same for you, however.
As for what I hide... I would prefer that you figured it out by yourself. I would be lying if I said that I was not sorely disappointed that you have not yet.
Edited 2020-08-25 21:38 (UTC)
[The reference alone would be enough to stun him, but that he would (again) call him out so plainly and accurately leaves him gawping when he really should not. Of course Hythlodaeus would figure it out, he would see the truth, he always saw the truth. Didn't make it any less frustrating when he did!
Gathering himself, his scowl deepens. An incriminating expression, this he knows, but he cannot help the mounting frustration.]
Scarcely is he the Phoenix I dispatched for you eons ago, and you discredit him his existence and his plight by minimizing him as such. This is no self projection at work, though I deny not I empathize with his lot, but little is it blinding me, nor robbing me of my senses. I see him, in his entirety, which you do not.
[He squares his shoulders a bit defiantly.]
Whether or not he wishes to share such a burden of emotional understanding is not my concern. I am more than acquainted with those lacking in emotional depth, or the ability to truly empathize as I do. Besides, I look not to him for such ease, for such comfort—!
[But that last part, for a moment he considers saying something about it. To pry more, to see if he can make Hythlodaeus buckle. Instead, he leaves it alone. Verbally, at least, the conflict behind his eyes more than tells on the dread in his heart concerning it. His failure to see that which Hythlodaeus can and knows.
His perpetual and damnable shortcoming, he supposes.]
Gathering himself, his scowl deepens. An incriminating expression, this he knows, but he cannot help the mounting frustration.]
Scarcely is he the Phoenix I dispatched for you eons ago, and you discredit him his existence and his plight by minimizing him as such. This is no self projection at work, though I deny not I empathize with his lot, but little is it blinding me, nor robbing me of my senses. I see him, in his entirety, which you do not.
[He squares his shoulders a bit defiantly.]
Whether or not he wishes to share such a burden of emotional understanding is not my concern. I am more than acquainted with those lacking in emotional depth, or the ability to truly empathize as I do. Besides, I look not to him for such ease, for such comfort—!
[But that last part, for a moment he considers saying something about it. To pry more, to see if he can make Hythlodaeus buckle. Instead, he leaves it alone. Verbally, at least, the conflict behind his eyes more than tells on the dread in his heart concerning it. His failure to see that which Hythlodaeus can and knows.
His perpetual and damnable shortcoming, he supposes.]
Ah... That's right. He isn't the phoenix. You are. This... penchant for this cycle of self-destruction and atonement only serves to injure you. I had hoped that you had broken free in some way by taking a lover, but...
[He lets out a long sigh as he casts his eyes downward.]
But you continue to refuse to share your burden. How are you to help one another escape when you will not do even this? He wants... Nay, lusts after and demands control of you, of his environment, of himself under threat of self-collapse, yet it eludes him.
I had thought that he would perhaps be all too eager to learn how to do this! Especially since he has displayed his own anger and jealousy with our history and understanding.
[He lets his hands go slack to accommodate the sheer number of fuzzbugs clamoring for the warmth of his hands.]
I was worried that he would ill-suit you as a lover and a partner, and he has all but confirmed such for me. ...Yet you are free to do as you please. It is uncouth for a dead man to judge the living so.
[He lets out a long sigh as he casts his eyes downward.]
But you continue to refuse to share your burden. How are you to help one another escape when you will not do even this? He wants... Nay, lusts after and demands control of you, of his environment, of himself under threat of self-collapse, yet it eludes him.
I had thought that he would perhaps be all too eager to learn how to do this! Especially since he has displayed his own anger and jealousy with our history and understanding.
[He lets his hands go slack to accommodate the sheer number of fuzzbugs clamoring for the warmth of his hands.]
I was worried that he would ill-suit you as a lover and a partner, and he has all but confirmed such for me. ...Yet you are free to do as you please. It is uncouth for a dead man to judge the living so.
Oh, for the—enough of that rot!
[As he raises his voice, he cannot help but throw his cigarette holder onto the ground as he steps forward, gesturing widely with his arms.]
As you are—as every last being here is—you are living! No doubt once we return, should we return, if we return...you will resume your state of—[he falters, his hands, fingers flinching as he struggles with the word, but eventually forces it out as his hands ball into fists, his arms falling to his sides.]—unliving. Even so, you do have the right to voice your concerns, and I will hear them!
[Taking a moment, he closes his eyes, his breath a little shaky as he tries to resettle his mounting emotions. Once he feels adequately settled, he opens them once more and continues. His voice lower, less squeaky and strained.]
I...cannot say that it will steer me from my course, but well do you and I both know a man makes his best judgments when it is not only his voice guiding him. With that said, I believe your approach and your view point is fundamentally flawed.
You view my sacrifice—my suffering—as some childish notion that I would eventually outgrow. Like I am but an adolescent learning the laws of the world for the first time, but such wounds I do not endure from ignorance, quite the contrary. It is what's necessary to complete what must needs be done.
As for Dirk...he is to assist me in that which I need him for, which you incorrectly estimated. That is not on him, nor is it on me, that is your misjudgment.
[As he raises his voice, he cannot help but throw his cigarette holder onto the ground as he steps forward, gesturing widely with his arms.]
As you are—as every last being here is—you are living! No doubt once we return, should we return, if we return...you will resume your state of—[he falters, his hands, fingers flinching as he struggles with the word, but eventually forces it out as his hands ball into fists, his arms falling to his sides.]—unliving. Even so, you do have the right to voice your concerns, and I will hear them!
[Taking a moment, he closes his eyes, his breath a little shaky as he tries to resettle his mounting emotions. Once he feels adequately settled, he opens them once more and continues. His voice lower, less squeaky and strained.]
I...cannot say that it will steer me from my course, but well do you and I both know a man makes his best judgments when it is not only his voice guiding him. With that said, I believe your approach and your view point is fundamentally flawed.
You view my sacrifice—my suffering—as some childish notion that I would eventually outgrow. Like I am but an adolescent learning the laws of the world for the first time, but such wounds I do not endure from ignorance, quite the contrary. It is what's necessary to complete what must needs be done.
As for Dirk...he is to assist me in that which I need him for, which you incorrectly estimated. That is not on him, nor is it on me, that is your misjudgment.
Page 12 of 25