dumbshow | incredibly indulgent shipping post

I must look pretty bad if you aren't yelling at me. [Paolo musters a smile, though it was faint and short-lived. He must have some idea of how filthy he is without being told, because he's shrugging off his jacket as he leans into Jindosh's hand, ignoring the aches of his body in protest.

Reasonably, he should just lie back down and rest. But he owes Jindosh what he promised, no matter how many days later, so he's rolling up his sleeves and delicately withdrawing a charm from the depths of raw whalebone and wire. A Black bone charm only by name, metal melded around it in a circle to hold it together, roughly fitting into a palm.]

They came looking for these. Killed two of my guys when they found out they were taking advantage of my hospitality. [There's no smile to offer there, but he is reaching to take Jindosh's other hand to place the charm into it.] Killed three of his and sent one back with his hands nailed to his buddies' heads. Other one I kept. We're gonna use bits of him. [This is him apologizing. He killed people, Kirin, accept these.]

Terrible, [Jindosh agrees idly, fascinated by the bone charm the moment it appears. He thought he could from the bag, but now that it's out he's sure, he can... hear it. Like it's singing. The way Paolo's jacket sings when he abandons it in a quiet room, but he's not supposed to touch.

And this one Paolo puts right into his hand. He blinks down at it as Paolo explains all that happened, all the murder that occurred to get these things to his hands, and alright - he appreciates the effort. Still looking at the charm, he moves his hand up to run his fingers through Paolo's hair, despite how gross he is. Come here, come here...]

All that for this. [It's singing and he can't stop looking at it, even if he closes his fist around it he can still hear the singing, look at this thing—] I wondered if you were trying to make a complete fool of me. No one writes about your exploits in the papers anymore, now that the Duke finds you so useful.

[So, there, his feelings were hurt but he's fine now. This is fine. He tugs Paolo closer, a silent offer to lean against him before he passes out.] What manner of bewitching does this one do?

I couldn't make a fool of you if I tried, Kirin. [He's too stupid for that. Paolo chuckles despite himself, giving in and leaning his head on Jindosh's shoulder. He does hesitate, but he ultimately brings an arm around to rest at his side. He's sorry, babe.]

It makes bullets whiz right past you. [He reaches back into the bag, pulling a thin, chapped slab of whalebone. Unsuitable for a rune, but room enough to carve. ] Make 'em out of these. If you wanted to shoot at me with it on, you probably wouldn't even notice your aim's off more than usual. If you shot at me the same distance after taking it off, you'd probably hit me dead on. It uh... it doesn't work point blank, but.

[He knows that from experience, but that's besides the point.] That one's... for you to keep. If you want.

[Jindosh hums, agreeing - he is so smart, thanks babe - and turning the charm over in his hand with interest. He knows he can't, for example, pull it apart and see if he can understand the magic that fuels it, but he definitely wants to. It's worth studying the range of its effectiveness, maybe tying it to some clockworks - does it work on clockworks, or does the wearer have to be flesh and blood? His mind is racing with ideas, theories to test, and the longer he looks at the charm in his hand the more the hissing, singing sound coming from it seems nicer—but Paolo is here, warm against his side, and being kind of sweet about the whole thing.

The bullet shield murder charm. He's sweet about it. Jindosh curls his fingers into his hair, turning his head just enough to press a kiss against his temple, dirt and scrapes and all. He really digs this murder charm.]

You will have to show me how to test it without it trying to curse me, or whatever it is they do. [sorry Outsider,] I'm offering before you start making that face at me.

[Hm, hmm. He flips the charm over again, studying it. He can clip it to his belt, he supposes... Now as for this hooligan,] I... am glad you're here.

[shh]

I didn't know I made a face. [Paolo says, making a face. He can't help but smile, though, realizing he was the one who was knowledgeable here. For once, he wouldn't blanch at the simplest of things. He could teach Jindosh something. Kirin Jindosh.

That's enough to put him in a better mood, so Jindosh admitting it had him turning his head to kiss him. His lips were dry, and there was still dust at the corner of his mouth, so it wasn't exactly the best he could offer. But still.]

I wouldn't be anywhere else if I could, Kirin. I'm sorry I missed our, uh... [UH....] ... date.

[Okay, Paolo needs to go soak in a nice-smelling bath for a while, first and foremost. Jindosh still scoffs - of course Paolo makes a face - dropping his hand down to Paolo's shoulder to hold him closer.

He didn't get his goddamn date for five days, he'll be as gay as he wants now.]

You will make it up to me. [Not a question. He holds up the charm.] This is an excellent start to what I'm sure will be an impressive display of effort.

I'll do whatever it takes. [Had he actually thought out anything beyond making him a bunch of charms? No, but he's sure he can think of things along the way. He can always make dangerous promises again, like...] Whatever you want, Kirin. Promise.

[He'll consider the consequences of keeping that one later. For now he leans to kiss Jindosh's cheek, giving his side another squeeze before he reluctantly dragged himself to his feet. He gathered his jacket over his arm and shut the bone-bag, setting it against the bed.] We'll talk about making different kinds tomorrow, if you keep that one safe. Maybe when I don't reek of the Abbey.

[Tomorrow, he'd said. He'd said that the last time. He hesitates in making his way to change the room, stopping after a step to look him in the eye this time.] Tomorrow, day after, maybe more... I'm yours.

[Ah. Dangerous promises aside, Jindosh does enjoy the reminder that Paolo is still in love with him. He watches Paolo shut the bag, folding his hands around the one charm he's been given as Paolo gets up. There are a thousand snide remarks he could make about Paolo saying tomorrow again—but. Rather.]

If you bring the Abbey down on my door... well, the machines will make short work of that. [So, never mind. He stands, crossing to slip out of the room before Paolo changes it, pausing in the doorway to look back at him. He's already said he's glad to see him, so what else can he say that will relieve the ache in his chest? By the looks of him he has something to say, but not the words to say it with.]

The silvergraphs... [He nods his head in their direction, by way of explanation of where he'll be.] I'm making adjustments.

[And... yes, that's all he can manage before disappearing to do that again. Feelings are too much. Come find him after that much-needed bath.]

Y... Yeah. [Paolo stared after him with furrowed brows, but he held his tongue instead of going after him. If it was anything like last time, he was probably struggling with something like comfortable, and he'll have to bother him later.

For now, a bath. He nearly falls asleep in it, taking nearly an hour before he drags himself out of the water and back into that same robe that started... well, them. He's lathering his hands with his lotion again as he walks around to the studio, much less dirt-covered than when he'd arrived. Still as sleepy.] Still adjusting?

[Jindosh hears Paolo come in, humming in confirmation that he is indeed still adjusting something over here at the row of silvergraph machines. He's focused, but Paolo's presence has been a background radiation to his work this whole time. The sound of the water flowing, the near-silence, the shuffling around when he's through—Jindosh has been paying attention. Because he's thinking about Paolo, of course, and the things he thinks he might try to say to him. How could he not hear every move he makes in just the next room?

When he looks up and around at Paolo he blinks, somehow surprised by the robe for a moment. Then he hums again, gesturing for him to come over and look.] Here, I've changed a few things...

[Whatever obscure thing he's playing with on these machines is not obvious, even though he tries to explain it as simply as he can. His true purpose really is showing off his fancy cameras, but he will take the opportunity to put his arm around Paolo and pull him close to his side while he goes on about silvergraphs. Sleepy and in his robe... Paolo is cute, damn it.]

Mhmmm... [It was the only thing Paolo said throughout his explanation, as he was more focused on cozying up to Jindosh. He did try to listen, it was just that the mechanics of it wasn't really on his mind. Standing on the tips of his toes and kissing his cheek was.]

I saw the pictures you took with them before. Out by the docks, some of the workers... Should take more sometime. [He yawns, shrugging it off like it was some casual suggestion. He's still getting used to this date thing. The silvergraphs weren't his favorite thing in the world, but the picture he definitely stole of him was nice. Jindosh was nice. He'd go out taking them for him.]

Should take more of you, too.

[Don't steal his things, just ask. Jindosh doesn't mind Paolo cozying up to him at all - that is literally the point of pulling him close, in fact, and yet his silvergraph explanation remains totally factual and makes perfect sense if the listener spends all his time with his face stuck in a machine. So. Jindosh gets it, and that's what counts.]

Mm. I haven't taken many pictures, since... [He waves his other hand; since he was unwell.] A few here and there, to test new components, you know.

[Paolo doesn't know. Jindosh goes on,] But I believe I already have enough of the docks. What else do you recommend?

[Take the hint, babe. This is the moment.]

[Oh. Uh. Shit. He wasn't great with moments, but he'll try--]

Could... could always take pictures of other people. [Uh--] Y'know. Couples.

[The one time he tries to be subtle, it's awful.] Couples... here. Us. Testing components and... all that.

[Babe... well, he didn't come back for a date for five days because he was busy nearly getting murdered over spooky magical items, so Jindosh can't say this is a surprise. Does Paolo know what he's doing at all??]

If you want a portrait of the two of us, Paolo, you only have to ask. [Like, actually ask.]

Don't make me. You know what I mean. [If he weren't leaning into him, half awake in Jindosh's robe, maybe he would have sounded as stern as he tried to be. But it doesn't matter anyhow, since he's going to undermine it anyway.

He took a deep breath and leaned off him, making some attempt to comb through his hair with his fingers.] I want a portrait of us. Let's do one before I can change my mind. [That's as close as he'll get to asking. Indulge him, babe.]

[Ah, he's cute when he can't use his words like a grownup. Unlike Jindosh, who knows exactly what he's doing at all times. Maybe he does know better now—he had most of a week to think about it uninterrupted by kisses, after all. That remains to be seen.]

Then you would like to do one right now? [In his robe? Just checking. Then his hands are on Paolo's shoulders from behind him, gently urging him forward.] Let me show you where to stand. Only one of these is equippd for self portraits.

[In hindsight, he should probably have at least put on one of his shirts again. But it's too late for that now, taking a few steps for the camera he knew to be the right one before he caught himself.]

I don't wanna see copies of it anywhere. Just you and me. [He might be doing this willingly, but no one can know he's this cute!! He probably shouldn't be getting so tense to make this look good, but...] Void knows it'd end up in the paper or something. No one needs that.

[Now he's stuck in the cute robe, good. Jindosh hums again as he leads Paolo to the right place to stand, turning him to face the silvergraph machine and tugging the front of the robe a little to make it look neater. If they're going to have a private couple's portrait, they can at least have one where Paolo doesn't look like he just rolled out of bed.]

Of couse not. Two copies, and not one more. [He's pretty obviously in a great mood about this, look at him go... There's a little smile on his face as he smooths Paolo's hair back one more time for him and then turns away to set up the picture. Hmm, couple picture, hmmm.]

Try to stand up straight. [This as he comes back to stand beside Paolo and put his arm around him again. See, Paolo has to stand up straight because he's so short, he needs to be make sure he's in frame...] And look into the lens. Are you ready?

[Whenever he's ready, Jindosh will pull the string or whatever to take this old-fashioned selfie.]

[There it is. That rare smile of Jindosh's that never fails to captivate Paolo. It's pathetic how little effort he has to put in to capture his attention, to have him stand as tall as he can and do anything he asks.

It's pathetic, but he's doing it anyway. Just hours ago he was bruising his knuckles against Overseer skulls, and now he's anxious to make a simple picture look good. He almost had trouble smiling for it, but one look at his... his boyfriend's face fixes that easy. He leaned his head into Jindosh as the camera flashed.]

One of these days my face is gonna break it. [Again with the self depreciating humor. It's half-hearted, though, in some effort to distract himself from the fact he's actually starting to like this sort of thing.] ... Thank you, Kirin.

[For the opportunity?? For letting him back into his home?? No, it's because his old picture was too worn for his liking. But that's better left unsaid.]

Oh, be quiet. [Please, all these comments... Just because Paolo's ears stick out doesn't mean he's completely repulsive! Jindosh thinks he's attractive and that's what counts. He lingers there holding Paolo at his side for a moment after that cute little thank you, then pulls away to take the actual picture out of the machine and do... whatever... with it. So Paolo can take it home later.

It's another moment where he might say something, but he can't quite think of it. Mm.]

Are you hungry? I doubt the Abbey has been feeding you for days.

[Paolo makes an effort to sigh so loudly it's just short of a whine, but he'll let Jindosh develop the photos. It hardly makes him any less attached at the hip, snaking his arms around him and laying his head on his back. Paolo is too cute.]

Probably got more than you eat willingly. [He's teasing this time, at least. He leans up in some effort to kiss the back of his neck, but all it winds up being is fighting to laying his head over his shoulder. Stupid clothes.] I am, though. You gonna come with me if I get something?

[Oh—damn it, he is cute. Thankfully Jindosh can develop these pictures without needing to detach Paolo, but he makes a vague noise of protest when Paolo pulls on him to try kissing his neck. Help, he doesn't want to bend that far back—]

Will you stop pulling on me and get dressed if I do?

Mmmm... Maybe. [Maybe he just wants to parade around in his robe, Jindosh. No, Paolo will detach himself, but only after pulling him far down enough for a kiss to his cheek.]

I should start leaving some things here, unless you want all your fancy things dirty. [He says mindlessly, not thinking of any implications of making himself at home. He was off to wear Jindosh's clothes again, is all. It's fine. He's dragging himself away to do that. It's fine.]

[Paolo, his spine... Jindosh shrugs him off after the kiss to his cheek like he's annoyed, but he still turns to reach out and pull Paolo closer by the front of his robe and kiss him on the mouth before he drags himself away. Is that... a yes? A no?? Is anything clear about Jindosh's fussing?

He supposes Paolo will just be in his clothes again, which he does enjoy. And he's just bathed, so what is there to complain about... hm.

Hmm. He's following.] I ought to bill you for the laundry. [He says, never doing this.]

You ought to do a lot of things to me. [Paolo's stupid little grin lingers on his face from the satisfaction of Jindosh kissing him. He shouldn't get so giddy from the small things proving he likes him, and yet.

Look at him, he even had Jindosh's clothes picked out and folded nicely besides... his dirty pile of a vest and suit pieces. He crouches to the latter, rummaging through pockets until he withdrew a silent pocket watch. It didn't seem to matter it wasn't ticking, it was going with his things as he dressed nicely for once. For once.

His shirt is still ridiculously huge on him, buttoning it up.] Your staff'll be happy to see me and my mess, I'm sure.

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