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Dirk wrinkles his nose--a rare expression of overt emotion, but Hythlodaeus' whole spiel is the rhetorical equivalent of eating rotten shellfish.
"That would be my direct descendents," he deadpans in response, his voice lacking any of the feeling he just wore on his face.
"Are you suggesting you're up to the task? Because there's a pool of eight or ten people in the entirety of reality who could qualify for that before my ascension. Now? I'm not really capable of leaving the 'spotlight' any more, and neither are my progeny. It shines wherever we stand, and moves only where I so choose to aim it."
He shrugs then, as though indifferent.
"I'm aware that a complete self like mine is the baseline of personhood at your level, but there are still some differences between us."
"That would be my direct descendents," he deadpans in response, his voice lacking any of the feeling he just wore on his face.
"Are you suggesting you're up to the task? Because there's a pool of eight or ten people in the entirety of reality who could qualify for that before my ascension. Now? I'm not really capable of leaving the 'spotlight' any more, and neither are my progeny. It shines wherever we stand, and moves only where I so choose to aim it."
He shrugs then, as though indifferent.
"I'm aware that a complete self like mine is the baseline of personhood at your level, but there are still some differences between us."
"We would have quite an unmanageable issue if there weren't differences between us. For one, as much as you tout your competence— I don't believe you could stand yourself. Sharing the spotlight and all... And you are quite aware that you may not leave the spotlight as you are." He shakes his head gently in calm acceptance.
"Do I believe that I'm up to the task? Indeed. I can manage Hades by second nature. My responsibilities here are minimal. I might drain your energy, yet I cannot say that part is mutual. As for our differences... Are there any you believe to be irreconcilable or shall we go warm ourselves in bed? Hades should forgive a late breakfast."
"Do I believe that I'm up to the task? Indeed. I can manage Hades by second nature. My responsibilities here are minimal. I might drain your energy, yet I cannot say that part is mutual. As for our differences... Are there any you believe to be irreconcilable or shall we go warm ourselves in bed? Hades should forgive a late breakfast."
Edited 2020-12-26 22:14 (UTC)
I've various items that fill that description! Including literal seeds. You may peruse my wares in person if you desire it.
However, I also have a non-physical shop front on Gravlr. You merely need to provide a mailing address.
However, I also have a non-physical shop front on Gravlr. You merely need to provide a mailing address.
[Okay. There's a lot there to unpack. First: the text is teal. But not the right kind of teal, but close enough for a moment he's almost fooled into thinking he asked a teal blood about drugs.
Second: didn't Steven say Gravlr was for—
Wait.
Is this man a whore?]
I think it'd be best if I saW your Wares in person. After all, can't check quality oVer the internet.
So, do you haVe a physical shop, or do you just meet someWhere randomly for the exchange?
Second: didn't Steven say Gravlr was for—
Wait.
Is this man a whore?]
I think it'd be best if I saW your Wares in person. After all, can't check quality oVer the internet.
So, do you haVe a physical shop, or do you just meet someWhere randomly for the exchange?
You may visit my abode in Goldenrod betwixt the the hours of six in the morning and five in the evening. If an irritable younger man or an irritable older man answer the door, merely ask for Hythlo.
[ He then sends the address. ]
What were you looking for in particular?
[ He then sends the address. ]
What were you looking for in particular?
My profile is merely a storefront now. You needn't pay any mind to the additional promotional images.
They are merely for scale.
They are merely for scale.
[...Now he has to check. For curiosity's sake, and...
...
Well.]
WoW. Aren't you impressiVe? Or I assume, so.
Can't say I haVe much experience With all that. Not that I'm against gaining some.
But, What exactly are you selling through your GraVlr? Pailing, or drugs?
Both?
...
Well.]
WoW. Aren't you impressiVe? Or I assume, so.
Can't say I haVe much experience With all that. Not that I'm against gaining some.
But, What exactly are you selling through your GraVlr? Pailing, or drugs?
Both?
[ Being so behind in The Modern Parlance, he was used to inferring meaning from unfamiliar phrasing.]
There won't be any need to clean up. I am a fully committed man, however I find it difficult to remove images declared as art by others.
Therefore, they serve only an auxiliary purpose now.
That is to say, drugs are the only thing I can sell you. Unless you have an interest in overstocked erotic puppets: I have quite the surplus of those.
There won't be any need to clean up. I am a fully committed man, however I find it difficult to remove images declared as art by others.
Therefore, they serve only an auxiliary purpose now.
That is to say, drugs are the only thing I can sell you. Unless you have an interest in overstocked erotic puppets: I have quite the surplus of those.
Yeah, as I said, I Wasn't interested in buying THAT from you, I don't pay for that sort of thing.
My question Was entirely academic in purpose.
But, if that committed relationship doesn't Work out, I'm sure We could Work something out. So keep that in your pan.
AnyWay, I'll catch you in the coming Week, Hythlo.
My question Was entirely academic in purpose.
But, if that committed relationship doesn't Work out, I'm sure We could Work something out. So keep that in your pan.
AnyWay, I'll catch you in the coming Week, Hythlo.
"Of course I can't fucking stand myself. If I'm being scored on affability and accommodation, then you're free to fail me. I'm interested in getting things done and doing them right, not doing the easy or popular thing just to get away with it unscathed."
He shifts his weight to one foot and abruptly releases Hythlodaeus' wrist, now restless under continued scrutiny. It was easier to bear the cold outside, where it was inescapable, than it is inside, where the warm air's contact with cold skin highlights his discomfort rather than letting him go numb after enough pain. The same way an itch is more maddening than an open wound.
"...yeah, I know that's what you want me to do," he mutters, neither outright rejecting nor responding to the conversational exit ramp in a helpful way. It's such an obvious invitation, he couldn't accept if he wanted to.
Does he want to?
Doesn't matter.
"I'm just saying.... we disagree with each other."
He shifts his weight to one foot and abruptly releases Hythlodaeus' wrist, now restless under continued scrutiny. It was easier to bear the cold outside, where it was inescapable, than it is inside, where the warm air's contact with cold skin highlights his discomfort rather than letting him go numb after enough pain. The same way an itch is more maddening than an open wound.
"...yeah, I know that's what you want me to do," he mutters, neither outright rejecting nor responding to the conversational exit ramp in a helpful way. It's such an obvious invitation, he couldn't accept if he wanted to.
Does he want to?
Doesn't matter.
"I'm just saying.... we disagree with each other."
Edited 2020-12-27 00:20 (UTC)
"Disagreement is healthy and integral to the exchange of ideas."
He looks to his wrist, now feeling bare without it. At least he has more mobility now. He had wanted to take his chilly clothes off that he'd hardly had the chance to even warm up with his own body heat before standing out there in the frozen cold. Hythlodaeus makes some hand signal at the yamask gallery behind Dirk.
He pulls his hat off of his wet, stringy hair. A yamask comes the wall to take it away to the laundry room. And then another comes and takes Dirk's vest.
He shimmies out of his coat and folds it over a sturdy hanger as the rest of the yamask steal away scarves and such. Two yamask come up and take Dirk gently by the upper arms, lifting him just barely off the ground. Just enough for a third to steal away his shoes before slipping back into the shadows.
"You know what I want, and I have every intention of accomplishing it. If you've no objections?" He curls a finger underneath the shoulder strap to his top and pulls to lead him.
He looks to his wrist, now feeling bare without it. At least he has more mobility now. He had wanted to take his chilly clothes off that he'd hardly had the chance to even warm up with his own body heat before standing out there in the frozen cold. Hythlodaeus makes some hand signal at the yamask gallery behind Dirk.
He pulls his hat off of his wet, stringy hair. A yamask comes the wall to take it away to the laundry room. And then another comes and takes Dirk's vest.
He shimmies out of his coat and folds it over a sturdy hanger as the rest of the yamask steal away scarves and such. Two yamask come up and take Dirk gently by the upper arms, lifting him just barely off the ground. Just enough for a third to steal away his shoes before slipping back into the shadows.
"You know what I want, and I have every intention of accomplishing it. If you've no objections?" He curls a finger underneath the shoulder strap to his top and pulls to lead him.
Most people characterise despair as a sinking feeling, but not Dirk. No--despair, when it comes to Dirk, is experienced as its own distinct sensation of clarity. It's like all the grinding, turning, pushing and pulling, splitting and rejoining of thoughts ceases, and in the space left by that internal silence, he can see all of it for what it is.
Hythlodaeus still isn't listening to him.
The platitudinous gumma of a trite and toothless one-liner tells him that much, and leaves him little room to respond. He's only just about to say something truly incendiary--perhaps even choose the nuclear option--when Hythlodaeus' Pokemon physically yank him out of the mental whirlpool he's begun. They're fast enough that his physical opposition to this is minimal, but he yanks each arm out of the Yasmsks' grasp with a lot more force than necessarily, shrugging his shoulders back to visibly reclaim his composure.
He might be able to credit that disruption of thought with the idea that occurs to him then--but if he does, it will have to be later. It's not the time, nor is it a plan he's certain of. He may recognise it later for a different kind of epiphany--the kind of temporary insanity that comes from the farther reaches of his Self, placed at the fore of his thoughts by some incidental factor or other. It happens.
So he holds tight to it in his mind, pressing his jaw against it and any number of other thoughts, promising himself to the task of remembering it later. And he digs in his heels one more time.
"You know you don't have thousands of years to fuck me into whatever shape you want, right?"
Hythlodaeus still isn't listening to him.
The platitudinous gumma of a trite and toothless one-liner tells him that much, and leaves him little room to respond. He's only just about to say something truly incendiary--perhaps even choose the nuclear option--when Hythlodaeus' Pokemon physically yank him out of the mental whirlpool he's begun. They're fast enough that his physical opposition to this is minimal, but he yanks each arm out of the Yasmsks' grasp with a lot more force than necessarily, shrugging his shoulders back to visibly reclaim his composure.
He might be able to credit that disruption of thought with the idea that occurs to him then--but if he does, it will have to be later. It's not the time, nor is it a plan he's certain of. He may recognise it later for a different kind of epiphany--the kind of temporary insanity that comes from the farther reaches of his Self, placed at the fore of his thoughts by some incidental factor or other. It happens.
So he holds tight to it in his mind, pressing his jaw against it and any number of other thoughts, promising himself to the task of remembering it later. And he digs in his heels one more time.
"You know you don't have thousands of years to fuck me into whatever shape you want, right?"
He gazes down at Dirk, blinking slowly at him.
"If true, that would be quite unfortunate. Perhaps I have grown complacent in immortality. I suppose it is entirely possible for our work to be snatched from us, left undone. ...However, it is worth doing, no matter where we may be interrupted. If there is a better way to live, I'm not aware of it."
He stops tugging on his shirt to press a warm palm against his jaw. "Acting with purpose, each and every day. Moving towards where you want to be no matter where you are."
He presses his other hand to the other side of his neck, leaning in to press his forehead against Dirk's. "...If for no other reason than it will make Hades very happy. I must say, you grow irritable when you grow quiet. I cannot help but worry that you keep your more troubling thoughts to yourself to torment yourself with. Hades can be much the same."
"If true, that would be quite unfortunate. Perhaps I have grown complacent in immortality. I suppose it is entirely possible for our work to be snatched from us, left undone. ...However, it is worth doing, no matter where we may be interrupted. If there is a better way to live, I'm not aware of it."
He stops tugging on his shirt to press a warm palm against his jaw. "Acting with purpose, each and every day. Moving towards where you want to be no matter where you are."
He presses his other hand to the other side of his neck, leaning in to press his forehead against Dirk's. "...If for no other reason than it will make Hades very happy. I must say, you grow irritable when you grow quiet. I cannot help but worry that you keep your more troubling thoughts to yourself to torment yourself with. Hades can be much the same."
....yeah.
Okay.
Having resolved to work on his idea later--though he really wants to go and do it now, he hates having ideas or plans and being forced to wait instead of riding that rush of focus and purposeful energy--he doesn't... have an excuse to say no, really. Maybe he doesn't really want one, either.
He can feel the tightness in his chest, and the part of his brain that wants to leave this conversation makes it so much more compelling than it should be. The cold, damp sensation of Hythlodaeus' hair against the still-chilled skin of his brow is an appealingly stark contrast with his large, warm hand against the tight set of Dirk's jaw and the tension of his neck.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," he says, a half-declaration half-muttered for the sole purpose of openly deflecting Hythlodaeus' 'observation.'
"Fuck. I know it's part of your deal for some reason, but how about you don't dress it up as purposeful or something if you want to come in me. It's just so much weirder when you try to make it into a whole character thing."
Okay.
Having resolved to work on his idea later--though he really wants to go and do it now, he hates having ideas or plans and being forced to wait instead of riding that rush of focus and purposeful energy--he doesn't... have an excuse to say no, really. Maybe he doesn't really want one, either.
He can feel the tightness in his chest, and the part of his brain that wants to leave this conversation makes it so much more compelling than it should be. The cold, damp sensation of Hythlodaeus' hair against the still-chilled skin of his brow is an appealingly stark contrast with his large, warm hand against the tight set of Dirk's jaw and the tension of his neck.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," he says, a half-declaration half-muttered for the sole purpose of openly deflecting Hythlodaeus' 'observation.'
"Fuck. I know it's part of your deal for some reason, but how about you don't dress it up as purposeful or something if you want to come in me. It's just so much weirder when you try to make it into a whole character thing."
His eyes narrow momentarily. It's a weak deflection, one that he can pick apart later when Dirk is more docile again.
"... Very well. There is little I would prefer to do than grow closer with you and Hades. One of the ways I like to do this is by folding you in half and shoving my cock inside of you while Hades watches. Are you pleased? May we do this?"
"... Very well. There is little I would prefer to do than grow closer with you and Hades. One of the ways I like to do this is by folding you in half and shoving my cock inside of you while Hades watches. Are you pleased? May we do this?"
Holy shit.
Dirk is briefly stunned into stillness; he blinks once behind his shades, his expression impassive. The moment passes partly due to mortification, but only partly--really, it's like every word out of Hythlodaeus' mouth just went straight to his dick. Fuck, he's hard.
Emet's classic use of inferential language is a huge turn on, and that's the truth. But there's something about the way Hythlodaeus weaponines the outright obscene that makes Dirk really want to let the dude wreck him--or vice versa, but he's harder to negotiate with on that subject than even Jake was. An obstinate part of him wants to turn the tables on Hythlodaeus, to hold him down and fuck him until he's gasping for release under him, but he's not so committed to the bit that he'll take no dick if that's the alternative he's going to suffer. Especially not when that alternative is also another frustrating fight.
Besides, Dirk will admit it: Hythlodaeus knows how to use every inch of that monster cock he's packing. Not that Dirk is taking every inch, but the threat is always there, and that's the kind of thrill Dirk can get into--especially with Emet's eyes on him. He likes to watch Emet even in simple, quiet hours, and he knows Emet loves to watch him. Their motives may varu, but for Dirk it's definitely a vanity thing, a selfishness that Dirk tries not to wear too boldly, but it's still hard not to be into it--that ceaselessly intelligent gaze of his on him, avid with appetite.
"Holy shitting Christ. You really know how to sweet talk a man, you know that?" The supposedly incredulous shake of his head is completely facetious, but pairs well with a very real impatience.
"Yeah, we can do that. If Hades is awake."
He reaches up to take Hythlodaeus' wrist again, but this time it's to motivate the man to move rather than hold him still.
Dirk is briefly stunned into stillness; he blinks once behind his shades, his expression impassive. The moment passes partly due to mortification, but only partly--really, it's like every word out of Hythlodaeus' mouth just went straight to his dick. Fuck, he's hard.
Emet's classic use of inferential language is a huge turn on, and that's the truth. But there's something about the way Hythlodaeus weaponines the outright obscene that makes Dirk really want to let the dude wreck him--or vice versa, but he's harder to negotiate with on that subject than even Jake was. An obstinate part of him wants to turn the tables on Hythlodaeus, to hold him down and fuck him until he's gasping for release under him, but he's not so committed to the bit that he'll take no dick if that's the alternative he's going to suffer. Especially not when that alternative is also another frustrating fight.
Besides, Dirk will admit it: Hythlodaeus knows how to use every inch of that monster cock he's packing. Not that Dirk is taking every inch, but the threat is always there, and that's the kind of thrill Dirk can get into--especially with Emet's eyes on him. He likes to watch Emet even in simple, quiet hours, and he knows Emet loves to watch him. Their motives may varu, but for Dirk it's definitely a vanity thing, a selfishness that Dirk tries not to wear too boldly, but it's still hard not to be into it--that ceaselessly intelligent gaze of his on him, avid with appetite.
"Holy shitting Christ. You really know how to sweet talk a man, you know that?" The supposedly incredulous shake of his head is completely facetious, but pairs well with a very real impatience.
"Yeah, we can do that. If Hades is awake."
He reaches up to take Hythlodaeus' wrist again, but this time it's to motivate the man to move rather than hold him still.
The truth is, Hythlodaeus would let him have his way, but he finds it kind of cute that he doesn't always push it. Besides, he can tell that he likes the attention. The more potent truth is that he only speaks like this for Dirk. He's the only one that has required this sort of inspiration, anyway.
"I have been informed of this, once or twice," he says airily as he stands, though it's a bit of a jerky movement as Dirk pulls on his wrist at the same time that he's getting his footing. Sure, he'd fit in the house better if he went around on his knees, but that's just a little too silly.
"If he isn't, he soon will be, I think."
Hythlodaeus considers Dirk as they make their way towards the room. He scrubs the video of their interaction here back and forth, wondering if he got through to him properly. It seemed to at least not end worse than it started? It was always unpredictable between them, and while he would have preferred to tease and jab and play to his heart's content, he knew that he had to behave at least for a little while.
He does want to ask and check if he's sore, but he isn't sure that would pan out either. His lip quirks. He wonders why they bother speaking sometimes. At least when it isn't like this. This always delivers results.
"I have been informed of this, once or twice," he says airily as he stands, though it's a bit of a jerky movement as Dirk pulls on his wrist at the same time that he's getting his footing. Sure, he'd fit in the house better if he went around on his knees, but that's just a little too silly.
"If he isn't, he soon will be, I think."
Hythlodaeus considers Dirk as they make their way towards the room. He scrubs the video of their interaction here back and forth, wondering if he got through to him properly. It seemed to at least not end worse than it started? It was always unpredictable between them, and while he would have preferred to tease and jab and play to his heart's content, he knew that he had to behave at least for a little while.
He does want to ask and check if he's sore, but he isn't sure that would pan out either. His lip quirks. He wonders why they bother speaking sometimes. At least when it isn't like this. This always delivers results.
Hythlo? What the hell does it mean that I can tell Runaan I'm not human anymore and it doesn't feel wrong when I say it?
That usually indicates that it is true. Perhaps your preconceptions on what it means to be a human or not a human have changed. The baseline for worth, merely having humanity, has long been an idea that you have leaned upon while trying to make sense of the world.
Yes. Because it was drummed into me as a kid by a family who hoped to put the breaks on me. And it was a damn useful one.
And I mean. I *was* human. Not very *good* at being one. But from a sheer physical standpoint, I was. And then I wasn't. And then I came here and I was given my old body back, aged to fit, and I was physically human again and it was easier, almost, to say I was human. Because physically I was. I wasn't denying I was a Changeling. But it was like that had been layered over my purported humanity.
Thace said I was like a Galra once. I don't know why it felt so good when he did.
And I mean. I *was* human. Not very *good* at being one. But from a sheer physical standpoint, I was. And then I wasn't. And then I came here and I was given my old body back, aged to fit, and I was physically human again and it was easier, almost, to say I was human. Because physically I was. I wasn't denying I was a Changeling. But it was like that had been layered over my purported humanity.
Thace said I was like a Galra once. I don't know why it felt so good when he did.
Ever is Hades wake.
He has been, for quite some time. Of course, he had not heard the conversation on the roof, his hearing might be far from gone, but even he cannot hear so keenly. However, the walls are thin as the house is old, and when their conversation returned as they did, he found himself wrest from sleep's gentle embrace.
There were some moments within that conversation that he had considered dragging himself out of bed to quell the dispute, but resisted its siren song. They needed to learn to communicate without him, if this was going to work at all. He could interpret at times, but he cannot do so always, and so he wished to let this conversation run its course.
...And naturally, with how the two of them simply are, the conversation has ended on the verbal side, as they usher towards the more physical. A language they are both fluent in, but idly Hades worries that it might turn into a crutch of sorts.
That, instead of a bridge to gap the divide in understanding and communication, it might merely be an inadequate bandage to the wound they continue to pick at. Though his thoughts are silenced as they enter the room. Making no effort to conceal the fact he's awake, and clearly has been for some time, he offers them a glance from his position on the futon. On his back, his hands laying upon his chest, fingers loosely weaved.
"I see you have finally come to some manner of agreement. If you wish to wake me with affections, might I inform you they land far more sweetly if they are not riding on the coattails of a precursory squabble. Food for thought."
He has been, for quite some time. Of course, he had not heard the conversation on the roof, his hearing might be far from gone, but even he cannot hear so keenly. However, the walls are thin as the house is old, and when their conversation returned as they did, he found himself wrest from sleep's gentle embrace.
There were some moments within that conversation that he had considered dragging himself out of bed to quell the dispute, but resisted its siren song. They needed to learn to communicate without him, if this was going to work at all. He could interpret at times, but he cannot do so always, and so he wished to let this conversation run its course.
...And naturally, with how the two of them simply are, the conversation has ended on the verbal side, as they usher towards the more physical. A language they are both fluent in, but idly Hades worries that it might turn into a crutch of sorts.
That, instead of a bridge to gap the divide in understanding and communication, it might merely be an inadequate bandage to the wound they continue to pick at. Though his thoughts are silenced as they enter the room. Making no effort to conceal the fact he's awake, and clearly has been for some time, he offers them a glance from his position on the futon. On his back, his hands laying upon his chest, fingers loosely weaved.
"I see you have finally come to some manner of agreement. If you wish to wake me with affections, might I inform you they land far more sweetly if they are not riding on the coattails of a precursory squabble. Food for thought."
Edited 2021-01-02 21:59 (UTC)
"You really need to invest in some soundproofing," Dirk observes in return, which is as close to direct acknowledgement of their conversation as he'll be making in mixed company--or at least his present state.
Which is a really heavy combination of cold, frustrated, resolute, depressed, and still somehow kind of turned on. He won't deny that Emet's potential disinterest has him feeling some kind of way--antsy, at the very least--but admitting it would actually be a huge downer is daunting in ways he doesn't really have the energy for. At least not if he's going to be tactful.
"Or at least some noise-cancelling headphones. I've lost my appetite for words, though. If you're not feeling it, I'll pack it in." Walk home. Take a shower. Kill some time, one of two ways.
Come back later.
Which is a really heavy combination of cold, frustrated, resolute, depressed, and still somehow kind of turned on. He won't deny that Emet's potential disinterest has him feeling some kind of way--antsy, at the very least--but admitting it would actually be a huge downer is daunting in ways he doesn't really have the energy for. At least not if he's going to be tactful.
"Or at least some noise-cancelling headphones. I've lost my appetite for words, though. If you're not feeling it, I'll pack it in." Walk home. Take a shower. Kill some time, one of two ways.
Come back later.
As Dirk goes on, Hades watches him a little flatly, but his expression isn't unkind, so much as unresponsive to this level of uncertainty within Dirk.
He's silent for a moment, letting Dirk's words hang in the air for a solid beat, before he unlaces his fingers and holds his arms open in beckoning welcome. Little had he meant to impress upon him some measure of disinterest, so much as to poke a little fun at their senseless dispute.
"Come now, as if I would ever feel aught short of ardent longing for your company."
He's silent for a moment, letting Dirk's words hang in the air for a solid beat, before he unlaces his fingers and holds his arms open in beckoning welcome. Little had he meant to impress upon him some measure of disinterest, so much as to poke a little fun at their senseless dispute.
"Come now, as if I would ever feel aught short of ardent longing for your company."
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