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 Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2024 6:40 pm
“Maybe a few times, when they would get banged up or messed up. I’d bring books with me when I went out on the trail and sometimes they’d get rained on or dirty, sometimes I might leave them somewhere while out and about. But mainly those were the soft cover ones of new things, not the older ones.” It didn’t matter much when he could just go and get another copy of the newer ones. “I’m sure you’d be able to find all sorts of things to bring back with how you like shopping. I can show you some nice shops too. I wouldn’t mind being a tour guide for you just as you are for me here. I can keep you out of things too if anything comes up, for the most part I agree with things that set them off.”
Watching as Alexandre pulled their knees up, he couldn’t help but feel they looked even smaller than normal. It was an answer but it made him feel worse about things. It made sense why they’d left now and why they might leave again. That last little bit was like a knife twisting in his heart as he slumped a bit more and tried to think what to say. The smile and happier mood fell away as he too shifted on his stool.
“I’m sorry…” Maybe he had been greedy, read the things they’d been doing for him wrong. It had felt like more with how they’d taken care of him, brought him coffee, and, even now, saved his life. But they echoed the same story he was sure would be told but all the people he’d burned through in this city and back home. Running a hand through his hair, it shook just a bit as he tried to figure out what to do now. It hadn’t been fair for the other and they had every right to leave, he shouldn’t have left that voicemail.
“You were right to do that though… I got attached and you had made it clear in the beginning that it wasn’t an option.” Swallowing hard he looked back at them. “I don’t want you to run again even if it’s selfish of me.” Reaching out slowly, he touched their cheek.
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Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2024 6:41 pm
“You didn’t know, you have nothing to be sorry for. You’re human ,same as I am, and humans make mistakes and humans do foolish things. It’s what makes us human. You couldn’t help it if you grew feelings for me…just as I couldn’t help but run.” Yet here was now, with the others hand on his cheek and him leaning into it.
“To be fair it seems to always be me who ruins relationships, or pushes for things which aren’t meant to ever be, so being the one to mess up again really isn’t a surprise.” It seemed he couldn’t get the whole relationship thing right, which is why he’d wanted to avoid them from now on. “Had we met before that break up, or even before that relationship, I wouldn’t have run. None of this hurt would have happened. I’m still certain I’ll mess up and you’ll leave me, it’s just a matter of when, because it always happens. I always do something wrong or in some way push for what the other person doesn’t want.” He doubted it would be a case of the second thing happening, since René clearly did want a relationship with him. So it would be the first.
“I won’t run, if I was going to I would have.” And he’d have fled the country if need be, despite his loyalty to the war and the Negaverse. Despite having no family anywhere else but this city.
“If we’re going to try dating, because that is what this is, then I’m going to give everything I can towards it.” And when it failed, like he was nearly certain it would, he would have at least tried. It wouldn’t have failed because he didn’t give enough or try. It would be something he’d done, he was sure of it, but that wouldn’t be it. “I’m going to do this as I would any other relationship.” Which meant René would get to see him being himself, he did hope the other could handle it and wouldn’t run for the hills.
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Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2024 6:42 pm
Pulling the other in close he leaned his head on top of their again. “Well maybe the roles are reversed this time, with me scared that you’re going to leave again because I messed up.” Speaking softly, he reached for and squeezed one of their hands. “I do want to try but I am very scared you’re going to vanish so understand if I’m nervous about some things.” Thinking about it, he kissed them softly and just stayed there a bit more.
“You did come back though and that’s important to me, even if the rest of the circumstances of that night weren’t…. great. At least it’s slow today, seems some customers are more than willing to push their appointments off for a bit more just in case I’m injured still. Which… I would have been worse off without your help. You’re really good at that, saving me, it’s nice after how things were back home.” They knew a bit now, more than most did when it boiled down to it. It wasn’t something he brought up often if it all to people, especially since coming to DC.
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Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2024 6:43 pm
Tucking his head down, into the other's shoulder, the other couldn’t help but laugh. “Let’s hope the roles are not reversed, nor are they the same as they normally are for me.” He was hoping for that, but he didn’t hold out much hope either, he didn’t want to risk the hurt that would come from it all. But he did want to try, he really did.
“Yeah, not exactly how I wanted the night to go nor what I was expecting. It could have gone better, even if it was to end the same way.” With the other being awakened as a corrupt. “How about we both work to prove to the other that we won’t leave?” Suggesting the idea, hoping it would keep them both working towards that, it might save things and keep this going for longer.
“This is dating right, that’s what we’re doing now? It’s what we both want?” Wanting to be sure, wanting the confirmation, as blue eyes glanced about as he turned his head enough to look around them. “I won’t run, I’ll prove that.” In time, of course, but he did worry that he'd do something wrong and René would flee. Thinking he worked out what he wanted to say before he spoke softly.
“You don’t care that I come from money? You won’t care if I spend money? A lot of it without much thought or care? And social events…?” Wanting to know about these things as they’d been issues in the past. “I already know I won’t have to hide things from you…nightly activities in this city. I’ll try not to push too far, too fast, but the rest…” They’d once been issues and he wanted to make sure they wouldn’t be here as well. He might not be thinking altogether straight but he just needed some assurances if they were going to be dating….if this was going to be a thing.
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Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2024 6:44 pm
“I can do that, I think that’ll help since it was what I was planning on trying to do this year after New Year’s Eve. I wanted to try changing your mind on things…” Ruffling their hair a bit, he nodded. “I do want to date you, if you are alright with dating me.” Listening to them reassure him that they weren’t going to run again, he tried to let his nerves ease up.
“Well if it helps, I’m not nouveau riche either. You see everything here, it’s from my home. I don’t need to liquidate it but it seemed like a good business opportunity and I wanted to rid myself of everything from back there. I spend a lot too, probably with even less thought than you because I’m the one holding every cent now that everyone else is gone. And social events sound fun to you, I used to dislike them but not for the event more than what my place was at them in regards to my family. I always like seeing the newest fashion or hearing gossip at them, some of those old ladies really know what’s going on and it’s always worth the time getting along with them and hearing stories.” He leaned in close before continuing as they sounded just as nervous as he did a moment ago.
“That is true, even if I’m still unsure if I want to fully delve into that yet myself. That’s another thing that’s going to take time if you’re alright with it. The rest doesn’t bother me, really, and if you can understand I need to do what I have to to make sure I keep all the stuff for my paperwork going smoothly. Like making sure the shop keeps running and that I maintain my place and stay there enough so my landlord doesn’t think I abandoned it.” Laughing a bit as he got to the last bit, he squeezed them tightly. “Because as much as I enjoy you, it would be terrible if things fail because something got messed up and I had to go back home.” He’d be careful about it just as he’d been up until now, even when he was working while on crutches.
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Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2024 6:44 pm
Of course René had wanted to change his mind on things, to date him, he wasn’t surprised by the words. Pouting as his hair was, without a doubt, messed up the blond raised a hand to try and blindly fix his hair. “Good, because my family isn’t either…even if some might argue I act like it from time to time.” With the amount of spending he did, and the designer brands he bought. He bought other brands, a lot of other brands, but those designer names were also in his closet.
“I would guess you have less through than me, in that case, though that was a problem with one person I dated - my careless spending.” Rolling his eyes, even if the other couldn’t see it. “He was…middle class and I thought it would work. I did not want someone who knew the family name…I wanted someone normal - different.” And it had gone wrong in so many ways.
“Then you would not leave me to go alone to social events? I would have a date finally.” That he liked the sound of, and he couldn’t hide that, even as he drew back to press a kiss to the others lips. That was one thing he had wanted, and had never had, he might have a lot of family at such events but there was a difference and he felt it rather keenly at social events. “Hang around my family long enough and you’ll hear more gossip than you could handle…the longer you spend and the more accepted…you’ll hear it all.” He would hear more than just gossip he was certain of that. “But, I am sure that the first time you come with me you’ll hear others calling me the black sheep. You’ll have to get used to hearing that…I know I’ve gotten used to it.” Another eye roll, and a little sniff from him, he was not impressed with it…it was such a cliche and boring title….no imagination given to it really. He was also going to repair things and remove that smudge.
“That is fine, I’m not going to push for that. Just that you know if I turn up injured that’s why…I won’t have to hide it from you. That was another issue…hiding injuries and the other not knowing about the fighting…it meant too many secrets. Even if you do nothing…so long as you know about it.” That would make things that much easier for him - for them. “I won’t risk your paperwork…even if I’m certain I could fix things and keep you here..one way or another.” And he was certain of it, though he wouldn’t push that. He wasn’t going to risk the others' status, he understood how important it is.
“Does this mean you want a crash course in the social world of Destiny City? Who’s who and the social calendar for the next few months?” He questioned now, smiling and mischievous and playful. Oh, he really was going to enjoy this.
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Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2024 6:44 pm
It was cute how they tried fixing their hair so he smoothed it back down for them. “I had wondered in the beginning because of that but spending doesn’t bother me like I said. It means I don’t have to worry about where we go shopping which makes it more fun.” Teasing them just a bit, he poked their cheek.
“To be fair I’d really like to go to them with you but I do wander a bit so if we split up it would probably be easier for you to find me than for me to find you. Yes…. very good, I love gossip. I just hope your family ends up liking me more than your cousin…” If they were all as stuffy as Lorcan it would be a problem.
“Why a black sheep? Is it because of night things? Or because uhm… the things that ended up happening with us?” Dancing around the topic carefully in case a customer came in, he watched his phone for any notifications for the breakfast order as well out of the corner of his eye.
“I would hope that I can maybe help a bit if you do come back to your home or here in a state like that. I can make an extra key for the shop, I think, and give it to you in case something happens. I’m only a few minutes walk away from here when I’m home. I’d want to help if I could… just maybe not going out there just yet.”
“Oh I’d like that but maybe when we head back to your home, I wouldn’t want my customers to get any ideas that I’m not just a poor immigrant working hard to make it by here. They might not want to buy as much from me otherwise.” Whispering before he started to laugh, he jumped a bit when there was a knock at the door.
“Ah must be the food because a customer would have just walked in.”
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Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2024 6:45 pm
“I’m certain I could find you if you decide to wander, at least I’ll have come with someone..even if I need to track that someone down.” Because who wanted to go to so many events alone? It wasn’t a pleasant thing really. “I doubt they’ll have an issue with you, Lorcan will warm up in time…though how much I can’t say.” He was certain his cousin would though, even if only by a few degrees. Lorcan would be pleased he wouldn’t be acting so reckless, and he’d know just why. So it might gain a few points, or just a point, for René from the doctor.
“Neither actually. I’ve had the reputation for awhile now. Unlike most of my family I’ve not settled down into a career or anything. I seem rather…unsettled and I’m not conforming to what’s expected of someone from such a family. My own family doesn’t much care, not really, they don’t use the term. I think most figure it’s just me being an artist or something similar. They may whisper, or have ideas, amongst my family about me and various relationships but no ones ever really confronted me on it…aside from Lorcan.” Which should have been expected. If it was going to be anyone it would be him. Hudson might live with him, and had met the people he dated and saw them, but Hudson wasn’t likely to confront him on matters. “You know how people are expected to behave and live…I don’t fit it.” Shrugging a bit, because he was used to hearing it all, he didn’t care so long as his family didn’t care. So long as it didn’t impact his family he didn’t care. But he did want it gone anyway, it had been there far too long.
Laughing he shook with it as he got up, nearly tripping on the stool, and went to get the food. “Really now! Getting clients to feel sorry for you so you can get more things sold!” Oh, he still couldn’t wrap his head around selling his own family's possessions, as he could never do that himself or picture someone else doing it, but there was likely a reason. But that last bit was hilarious. Of course people wouldn’t look into who they bought from and wouldn’t know the truth either! Oh, it was very good…very clever. “Do you also butcher your English in front of them? So they buy the act even further? Misspeak as well…and explain you don’t know the word for something?”
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Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2024 6:45 pm
“Oh, I can understand that. I never really settled into the role that was expected of me. Though I had to settle at least partially if I wanted to get things rolling here, I get a bit itchy being still but there are enough people and things that pass through the door here to keep it interesting at least. After all, you walked through that door so I would say that’s a bit part of things too.” A bit of relief washed over him hearing that Lorcan was the outlier, or at least it seemed like it on things.
Reaching out to make sure they didn’t fall, he laughed along with them and followed them trying to shush them. “Such slander from a gorgeous little angel, you wound me. English is hard so sometimes it’s not just an act. Also, there are a lot of words I’d never seen or heard before coming here but maybe I do play up my accent a bit at times. But I never deceive, that’s the truth. All the facts and things about all the items here are true so they know what they’re buying is authentic. I have had one or two recognize the name though, it was interesting if not a bit uncomfortable as I tried to wave it off.”
Taking the bag from them, he unloaded it onto the counter and got everything sorted out. “Time to eat then maybe I should walk around and dust just a bit, I slacked on it the past month so it’s gotten a bit bad.”
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Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2024 6:46 pm
“Oh! So you’re just playing up the issues with English. Not too much better.” Shaking his head and making a tsking motion with his fingers. “You’re as bad as I am.” Wagging a finger he smiled at the other. “Lorcan will tell you, if you ever ask, that I do not lie - ever. But I will stretch the truth or say my truth. So I still never lie.” It meant someone had to know just how to ask him things, to get the actual truth from him.
Rolling his eyes he leaned back into the other for a moment. “Of course you don’t lie, or deceive, about what you’re selling and English isn’t easy but you play up some things. All to help the business…I can’t say I’m upset by it -I’m not. I find it amusing really.” Hilarious really. People should really look into those they bought things from, but that would cause an issue here if they did.
“Really, two people realized…interesting, How did that go? I would hope they still bought things from you.” Raising a brow in question. “If you need, or want, help with English I don’t see a problem in helping you. I am still working on my French so I suppose I’m in a very similar boat here.” Looking over the foods he went to take his own while looking around slowly. “I’ll help dust.” Even if he would wind up sneezing during it, he didn’t mind helping out, he’d come to help after all.
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Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2024 6:46 pm
“Hey! Shush!” Wrapping his arms around them, he tried to wrangle them a bit while laughing even more. “Well maybe it’ll work out then if we’re both a bit bad. Though I find it a bit funny too that you don’t lie, even if the things you said and did didn’t seem to match up sometimes.”
“It was… less about them not buying things and more about them wondering if I sold the same things my family had which I very much do not deal in. One of them gave me a card if I wanted to change my mind but I shredded it after they left. The other had a conversation with me about history and bought a painting, it was nice but I did let them know as well that I’m not really part of my family anymore which… isn’t a lie but it’s more so that I’m the only one left so I don’t have to deal with it anymore if I don’t want to.”
Resting his chin on top of their head again he nodded a bit. “I think you’re French is pretty decent, I can understand what you mean even if you’re a bit choppy with it. But first food before dusting, I don’t think it’ll taste as good once we start kicking up dust.”
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Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2024 6:47 pm
Laughing and wiggling he shook in the other's hold. “Nope! They may not seem to match up, it really couldn’t be helped.” As the other now knew, but that was past now. He would work on this relationship and cultivate it as best he could…and hope it somehow lasted. Maybe whatever cosmic power was out there would give him something nice that was only his, he would certainly appreciate it.
“Ahh, I see. So someone wanted to know if you dealt in firearms…how nice.” Not nice at all and clearly they lacked tact to ask such a thing. “Do you by chance remember who it was asking? And was it old ones…like what a collector might want or something more modern?” Was it something a person would display or should they be worried about someone wanting a gun with the purpose of using it in mind, that’s what he wanted to know. He also wanted to know who was looking for a weapon to potentially use.
“I’m certain you’ll help me improve my French, I’m sure I can be motivated to do better in my study of the language as well.” Leaning into René as he reached for his food so he could eat, in slow little nibbles.
“Then tonight, after work, I will fill you in on the social world in this city so you can step into it with ease and know everyone before they even know you.” Which would be a very nice thing for the other, to know potential enemies before they even had a clue. To know secrets about people so you could see past the masks. “Is it wrong that I’m excited and content knowing you’ll come with me?” He questioned staring at the other ,turning in the other's hold in order to do so.
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Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2024 6:47 pm
“So devious but at least things won’t be boring.” Settling down to sit and enjoy a bit of his breakfast a bit of disgust came across his face at the mention of firearms. “Yes, old ones. I am certain it was a collector because they didn’t mind if the items were functional. I just don’t want to associate with those things anymore.” Rolling his shoulder, he shook his head at the thought of it all.
“I’m sure I can find some good motivation for you to work on it, it’s a bit nice being able to talk amongst ourselves without as many people being able to overhear and understand. It’ll be good when you bring me along, I can keep people on their toes while you give me the play-by-play of things. I also think it’s nice that you’re excited about it, about bringing me along places.” It felt like he was getting to know a lot of actual things about Alexandre and it was a nice change compared to how things had been before.
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Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2024 6:47 pm
“Good, if it was anything which could be used…well I’d be letting word slip to certain people in my own family.” Because they would handle it and eyes would be kept on that person, it wouldn’t be a hard thing to do really. “Of course, I can understand. You even have an injury caused by one…though if not from the riots I wonder how…” He whispered, more to himself than René.
Laughing he turned to face the other, setting his fork down gently, “I don’t mind giving you the play by play of things, I like the idea of whispering things to you which others can’t understand. I find that appealing, intimate, and so very appealing.” Pressing his lips to the others cheek he let his forehead come to rest on the others shoulder. “I don’t know how you know which words to say - the perfect ones. But you have managed just that. It’s one of the biggest things I wanted in a relationship…to bring my partner with me to events. To get ready for such things together, to figure out what to wear - together.” He could remember watching his parents get ready for events, when he was too young to go with them, watching his mother fix his fathers tie and his father clasp a necklace for his mother. The matching colors of his mothers dress and his fathers pocket square.
It had always been appealing to him…such a normal and mundane thing for him. But to see his parents, and the whispered words of thanks, to see the looks shared between them.
“I thought I’d have had that with the last person I dated…but I didn’t.” Shaking his head slowly he lifted his head and glanced up at the other, misty eyed. “And you don’t even care if I went on a spending spree and ordered thousands of dollars in clothing and other things. You wouldn’t scold me, or be upset about it. I think I might even have your approval.” A wet laugh and he found himself hiding hid face again. “Damn it…so many failures and now the perfect person. It’s like finally being able to breathe and the air is clean and fresh… “
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Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2024 6:48 pm
“I… will tell you about that another day. It’s really not a big deal but I’d rather not have someone walk in hearing about it.” He’d heard it because they were so close but he still waved it off, that wasn’t really something to bring up now anyway. It was a rather obnoxious can of worms he didn’t want to deal with now.
Leaning his head a bit on theirs he couldn’t help but agree. It had been one of the first things that had pulled him in, that they spoke his language. What came next shocked him a bit, he really hadn’t tried to say something perfect, just stated how things felt for him. But maybe that just meant his view on not trying to manufacture or force something to fit a certain way in a relationship might work out. It wasn’t really something he had experience in though but it seemed like they’d had more than enough bad experiences in the past with things.
“To be fair I’d only care if you didn’t let me in on any deals you might see and I’d probably order some things as well.” René rubbed their back as they kept on going. “I think I like hearing that you think I’m perfect but it isn’t really true. At least I don’t think people can be perfect, but I will stick around and I think that’ll be the best for us both.”
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