dumbshow | incredibly indulgent shipping post

It's creative. [Paolo mutters, crossing his arms over his chest. He knows there's no arguing the integrity of the Howlers, especially not with someone who's just going to use it to poke more fun. Deep down he knew it was a little absurd.

Almost made him smile.] I don't think they did a whole lot... a lot of teleporting across buildings, pulling things and people through the air. Heard they held back the Royal Protector that way... What I would do to do that to Byrne...

[He shakes his head, pushing his plate so Jindosh could get to his cabbage easier. Yes, eat, he'll actually smile now.] Never figured out how he did it. Not about to go chat with the bastard to find out.

[This is very interesting and he will totally eat a second helping of cabbage, excellent. Paolo has completely redeemed himself from being shitty this morning and crude a minute ago. Good work, babe.]

If he's touched by the Outsider, it's as much a mystery to him as it is to you, I suspect. Delilah never took any of my inquiries about the Void seriously—I was offended, of course, but I'm not so sure she could have explained herself even if she'd wanted to.

[she sucks!!!! sucked. past tense.]

[Paolo's lips thinned as soon as he mentions the Void, but he didn't interrupt him. He even remained silent after, disregarding the idea he has to wait on pudding since Jindosh took his cabbage, leaning over to take up the bowl.]

That isn't a place anyone is supposed to try and dissect, Kirin. [He finally says, avoiding the inventor's gaze. The apple puddling was suddenly more appealing than their conversation.] And that's not an invitation to do the impossible. You don't want to know what it's like.

I mean it. I would know. [In a moment of thought, he takes a bite of the pudding. Whether it was his mind or taste buds that caused his look of distaste was unclear, but he swallows instead of commenting on the latter.] Your mind's in better use here. In Karnaca. With me... even if it's just teaching me baby shit.

Edited (had to be a lil gayer) 2017-01-19 10:22 (UTC)

[Nooo, the pudding. He'll have to eat faster.]

Ah, but I do want to know what it's like. The possibilities are—Paolo, if someone could pierce into the Void without the Outsider's help- [here he says "help" like it's some kind of venereal disease] -do you know what could be learned? The sheer value of such a discovery would change.... [he waves a hand,] everything.

[Everything!! Of course, he's no closer than anyone else, since all he's been doing is poking at Paolo's rats now that Delilah isn't around to ignore his letters anymore. But his nerd passion is great. He pushes what's left of his cabbage around on his plate a bit, distracted by Void thoughts.

But Paolo is flirting with him again, or something, so—] You will have to persuade me otherwise.

[hell yeah, Smooth]

Kirin-- [Paolo heaved a sigh, holding his tongue to take another bite like it'll taste any better the second time. It doesn't. He's just going to put that bowl back now.]

Testing that kind of shit is why Delilah and Ashworth ended up like they did. I know you think-- No, I know you're smarter, but that isn't going to make another... plain of existence any easier to understand. We aren't meant to touch it, and bad things happen when we do.

[He paused, slowly coming to actually frown. There's that genuineness again, only it's out of concern this time.] I don't want that shit happening to you. I'm not gonna let things in my control happen to you, but that's... that's not what I can stop.

[It's proof that Jindosh isn't taking this as seriously as Paolo that he pauses and lowers his fork down to his plate to just look at him again, momentarily lost for words. One day, when it's been a while, he won't notice with such surprise that Paolo gives a shit about him, but not today.

So. That's not exactly what he had in mind—maybe some facetious posturing, that kind of thing—but when he looks away again some of the tightness goes out of his shoulders. It's... melancholy? That can't be the right word for this, he thinks, but "bittersweet" isn't any better—they're both too serious, too emotional for the way his chest starts to hurt when Paolo gets like this.

Conclusion: Paolo is the worst. Jindosh supposes he's persuaded.]

Are you going to eat the pudding, or just prod at it?

[Paolo is supposed to be the worst. He's supposed to be ruthless and awful, but here he is, feeling butterflies in his chest with how Jindosh looks at him. He spent too long watching things he said fly in one ear and out the other, or ignored to keep doing whatever it was.

This was... nice. He exhales in relief, pushing the bowl further down the table before crossing his arms again.] 's too sweet. Dunno what it is with you rich choffers and sugar, it's too much.

[Now he has no dessert, though, so he isn't sure what to do with himself. He wrung his hands, looking out at the lab.] You uh... you figure my suit'll be done tomorrow? I'm sure you don't want to be distracted.

[Alright, pudding time, thanks. Jindosh immediately trades his fork for a spoon, pushing the plate to the side (did he finish it? Almost) in favor of pudding.]

I like it, [he says simply, the way Paolo just says he likes Jindosh offhand and changes the subject. The punchline is Jindosh's subject is actually simple and irrelevant. Use your adult words, Paolo.

He hums around a spoonful of pudding, watching Paolo again.]

It will be done. [or he'll yell at someone,] But all things considered, I daresay you'll distract me whether you're here or not.

[He reaches over to hook a finger under Paolo's collar and pull him closer, kissing him on the temple before nudging him away again. There, thanks for caring about him, now let him eat pudding.]

[Paolo can't wait for the day he doesn't turn different colors when Jindosh surprises him. His kiss sends him into a deep shade of red, and he runs his fingers over his temple despite himself. He knew there was a chance he'd be overly-affectionate with their history, but Jindosh? It's hardly been twenty-four hours, he had no business making his heart turn over like this.]

I'm leaving tomorrow morning. [He swallows once he realizes how that might sound, stumbling over words yet again as he stacks the plates on top of each other. Oh, how easily he caved.] I mean, I'm... I'll bring some things home-- from home. You can look at some charms, as long as you don't... just don't think about playing with the Void. Maybe we'll get to my personal secret, if... you persuade me.

[Good to know that the most minimal affection still makes Paolo blush and stutter over him at this, the almost-a-whole-day mark. Jindosh hums, satisfied with himself, and helps himself to another generous spoonful of pudding. It's good, Paolo is the weird one.

Jindosh thinks about playing with the Void a lot, to be fair. But he won't say that and spoil his chance at seeing some bone charms. Instead:]

You're easily persuaded. All I'll have to do is come up behind you and speak into your ear, perhaps pull your hips back against mine, and press my fingers into every little star you have on your back. Then when you're nothing but putty, we'll see about your secrets.

[So look forward to tomorrow's handsy prelude, or something.]

I guard those a little more carefully than you might think. [Paolo shook his head, hoping to mask the fact his blush spread to his neck and disappeared under the shirt that was not his own. He can't deny how he bent, spending his time in his house, in his clothes, bringing him food where he'd allowed him to pull him apart. He'd be kidding himself.

He just tried to reason he wouldn't break so easily.] They're more precious to me than most things, so you'll have to work a little harder. [But he could make fun of himself, it's fine,] Maybe you'll even have to throw in some kissing before I spill.

[Paolo is... precious, honestly. Jindosh quirks an eyebrow at him, smirking around the pudding spoon. Paolo tries hard, but Jindosh can do whatever he wants and get whatever he wants and they both know that.]

Such fascinating terms. To think the leader of the Howlers would be undone by a few kisses. [adorable.] Although, should I be surprised? After all, I am precious to you, as well.

[He's teasing, but at the same time, trying it on... How does it sound coming from him, in his own voice? It's kind of nice.]

[There Paolo goes, laughing so genuinely again. It was absolutely absurd, but it didn't make it any less true. Jindosh can beckon and Paolo would trip over himself running. He's looking at him with an expression to match that fact, a smile lingering on his lips and his eyes studying Jindosh's face yet again.]

You are. [He admits, taking the opportunity to lean close again. He pulled at his collar again, but gentler this time, lest he want a lecture over spilled pudding.] More than you know. More than you'll ever know. So don't take it for granted.

[It was his turn to kiss a temple... and his cheek, and the corner of his lips.]

[Yeah, he's always right. Jindosh doesn't react negatively to Paolo laughing this time, instead watching him with more open curiosity and—fondness. Last night he was guarded even in bed, this morning he was angry, and yet somehow now he feels completely fine. Relaxed. Paolo has done this to him and he hasn't the faintest idea how.

But he does like it. So he sets the spoon and pudding aside when Paolo pulls him closer, leaning and listening and not, for once, reminding Paolo who's calling the shots around here.]

Well— [he begins, while Paolo decorates him with kisses.] Wouldn't you tell me how much with enough persuasion?

[It's his turn to kiss Paolo now, slower than before, more lingering. He's trying this on for size too; a kiss without a background hum of lust, or proving a point, or to get something out of Paolo. This time he just wants to.]

[Paolo waits until Jindosh's hands are free before moving his own, cupping his cheek with the opposite grip of the morning. It was much softer, his thumb running over skin with fondness. There wasn't any attempt to prove himself; he's accepted he shouldn't try and be anything else here.]

Maybe I would. [He mumbles against his lips, before taking another kiss, finding they're just as addicted out of bed as they are in it. Being tender wasn't a part of what little plan he'd had, and yet here he is.] But I don't think even someone with your vocabulary could-- [Another, hand moving to run through his hair,] -- put it into words.

[Tenderness again, and this time Jindosh pushes himself off the metaphorical ledge and leans into it instead of pulling away. What is it like, what is it like, what it is like now to reach past tolerating Paolo, to move on from enjoying his company and find something more solid? Paolo cares about him more than he's ever known.

That's even true. So Jindosh kisses him again, and tilts his head slightly into the fingers in his hair, and scoffs as lightly as he can against Paolo's lips.]

My vocabulary... I want you to try, Paolo. [His hand finds the edge of Paolo's seat quite literally and he goes so far as to pull his whole chair closer.] I will make it very worth your while.

Yeah...? [Paolo frowns, prolonging another kiss to avoid answering him. It wasn't out of discomfort, but like how Jindosh's nerves rose in the face of giving himself over in body, Paolo struggled in mind. It was easier to open up to him physically, he'd done that before. But not this.

He could ramble on in praise, say he's the finest gem in Karnaca, but he knew it wasn't what he wanted out there. No, it was the simplest words that came the hardest, making the on his hair grip tighten and his voice shake when he found it again.]

I think... [He doesn't cut himself off with another kiss, instead leaning his forehead against Jindosh's with his eyes cast down.] I think... that I'm falling in... in love with you, Kirin. [He paused, and as if he thought he might make too much fun, he went on.] I mean it.

[To say Jindosh hadn't expected Paolo's admission would be an understatement. He's completely taken by surprise and since Paolo has leaned in so close to him, he has no chance of hiding it either. In love with him? In love with Kirin Jindosh, Grand Inventor of Serkonos?

He almost wonders if he missed something, some incredible moment where Paolo confessed he often falls in love with men he barely knows who cut him open for study, but he can't even seem to think it without the whole of his mind snagging, caught on that time he can't remember. He has missed something. And so, Paolo—what has Paolo been doing all this time?

Jindosh can't think about it; he doesn't want his mind to spiral away from him and he's gotten better, he thinks, at being able to feel it coming and he can feel it now, so he doesn't think about it and he doesn't ask. He reaches up to touch his fingertips to Paolo's cheek, still silent, at a loss. What do you say to someone who's falling in love with you when you've barely made it past "okay" yourself?]

I can't... say the same. [And he can't make any promises, but the vice around his heart seems to want to.] You may add another item to your list of things Kirin Jindosh doesn't understand, but wait and see.

I know. [Paolo says almost immediately, still exhaling in... relief? Yes, he's set the bar so low that anything short of rejection was good enough. He doesn't expect some miraculous revelation, some surge of memories he couldn't share. He was long since past all that.

He didn't want him to remember.. He didn't want his touch to be weighed down by it, and he didn't want those far off looks when he tried to take matters more seriously. He didn't think about losing him again. He just wants to laugh, even if he laughs like it's much harder to be doing it than the ones before. But he'll do anything to keep Jindosh off the spot.] I know, I know. Don't worry about it.

[He hesitates, then slowly reaches up to put his hand over the one at his cheek. He pulled it off him and to his lips instead, kissing the knuckles like he was some sort of gentleman. It seemed too awkward to kiss him after dropping something like that.] Don't worry about it.

[The gentleman kiss is a bit much, but Jindosh is too wrapped up in all of this to complain. He doesn't want to slip out of his mind again but he wants to know what Paolo knows- what Paolo isn't telling him. It's obvious now that there is something, and Jindosh is torn between asking and not, so he just sits there in silence as Paolo keeps telling him not to worry.

Hmm.] I... alright.

[He might not worry? Maybe? Right now he gently tugs his hand out of Paolo's grip, to... finish his pudding. Pudding he understands.

HmmmMMM.] You are something of a masochist, aren't you? [like, he's awful,]

[Ugh, the pudding. Paolo was already going to give him space, but the puddling send him back into his seat. He won't kiss him if it means tasting it.

But, since Jindosh is stating the obvious here, he does get some of a smug grin back.] What gave it away? The scars, the tattoos? Fact I've been taking a boat here almost everyday to get stabbed? That's not exactly your hardest question.

[Look, he likes Paolo, but he also likes pudding. These things take time.]

I was thinking more that you're considering being in love with me, ["considering," he says, like it's a choice.] but I suppose you do make the rest of it obvious.

Considering. [Paolo repeats, linking his fingers behind his head in some effort to relax. At least, as much as he can, with how he was still on this.]

We're both very bad men, Kirin. [He says it so casually, like this might be a fact to be proud of.] But not a lot of bad men have goals beyond two things: money, and hurting people. So if I'm considering being in love with you, it's because it's hard not to. Don't think I haven't tried.

[He probably shouldn't say the latter, but he probably shouldn't be putting his feet up on one of the stool's legs either.]

[Well, he definitely shouldn't be putting his feet up like that. Jindosh swivels in his seat to bump Paolo's legs with his own. Put those down.]

Most people have found it very easy not to want me. [See, he's just so much smarter than everyone, it makes sense... This is what Jindoshes really believe.] How many of your Howlers are pining after you?

[asking for a friend]

[Wow, that's rude. He juts his lower lip out in a pout, but he settles for crossing ankles on the floor.]

No one I've been with has pined after me. I've satisfied a curiosity, but the rest? Too scared. [He doesn't really consider this being unbelievable, considering his reputation. He hadn't really thought about what he was in person so far.] Recruits try to get sweet on me before they know what they're dealing with. Usually go for each other, or try and woo my second. Don't blame 'em.

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