|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2019 8:25 am
It always seemed that the nights Mali went out with Vivre the weather choose to cooperate. The sky was clear, dotted with stars as best as it could manage given the metropolis' lights, and the very air around them was cozy and warm, a perfect spring night.
Once he and his small group left the seminar, Mali had the General he had spoken to before teleport them to the city for a few hours and arranged for a pickup of Vivre later, mindful that it may not be necessary. It all depended on what that wretched Faustite wanted, but Mali was hopeful that they'd be left alone tonight. As alone as they could be with Nubi tailing along.
Tonight, he chose a reasonably high rooftop for them to sit on, closer to the restaurant he had in mind. Even now, as they arrived, he scrolled through his phone, pleased that it was open.
"So... The Bull and Bear is open... We haven't eaten there in a long time, and they are doing take out... If I recall, Vivre, you enjoy a rare steak, correct? I can't recommend a place more delicious than that one." ... It was an expensive place, for certain, but it wasn't like they were hurting for money. And unlike Nubi, Mali didn't spend money on clothes or sweets constantly, so it was well within his monthly budget. Hopefully Nubi wouldn't give it away with her expression of him wanting to eat there.
"If that's right, then I'll get.... The Lemon Gnocchi... What do you want, Nubi?"
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2019 8:43 pm
Being outside after weeks of being in the Negaverse felt surreal and Vive stood a moment to regard how much warmer it felt, though cool, and the lack of clouds. It could smell the restaurant wafting nearby mingling with the smells of nighttime air. High up, they were away from most noises, the smell of dumpsters, and general foot traffic. It didn't know what day of the week it was. It didn't know the month. It didn't own a calendar and only had a sense of time due to its tablet.
Settling down, it sat with the twins.
"Yes. You recall correctly." It didn't know the menu but it was glad they did not pick anything vegan or something that would be very messy to eat like tacos or some sort of sandwich that would spill. It was much better now with its hands, but it didn't want to appear like a starving madman trying to pick up whatever food spilled into its lap.
"How have you two been?" It asked seeing as it had been weeks since it had seen either one of them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2019 4:55 pm
'Nubi had placed herself next to 'Mali, Vitriol on the other side. She didn't want her twin thinking she was getting in the way of their budding friendship. Besides, from this angle she could get a good look at the menu, even though she'd been there a number of times it was still nice to remind herself of all the things they had. She didn't intend on sticking around for long once everyone knew what they were getting.
She wondered briefly if he was maybe showing off a bit, picking such a nice place. But it wasn't like it would hurt their pockets much. Yes, she liked to splurge here and there, but Mali's constant nagging kept her from spending too much. "I'll probably get the ravioli." It wasn't exactly the easiest thing to eat to-go style, but it was what she was craving at the moment and that would have to do.
When Vit asked how she had been doing, just the tiniest hint of a frown crossed her face. Things could have been better. She hadn't thought things with Daphne would get so complicated, but they did. It was really her own fault, even if it was words thrown by Landry that had caused them. No need to bother her cute, half-youma pal with those problems though. She was confident things would go back to normal given some time.
"It's been fairly uneventful honestly. 'Mali baked some delicious brownies the other day though." Throwing her brother a bit of a bone, because he did bake awesome things all the time and Vit ought to know that, she stood with a smile.
"Orders received, I'll be back in a bit gentlemen." She walked to the side of the building that led into an alley. Checking real quick that no snoopy Order people were near by, she hopped down and shifted in the alley, so no one would be suspicious of her turning down the side walk and heading to the restaurant close by. She hoped it didn't take forever for them to prepare the food, but at the same time hopefully they'd have some good one-on-one time while she was away.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 02, 2019 7:07 pm
”The same goes for me, really. Just trying to keep my toes to the line like a good little soldier.” There was a little touch of sarcasm as he kept clicking down on the menu to pick out Nubi’s dish, as well as a few cannoli’s for desert. Nothing too fancy, something delicious... And hopefully something Vivre would like.
And maybe he did lie a little bit. After all, he was causing problems somewhat intentionally with their general, as well Nubi’s would-be lover. Jealousy, irritation, frustration, all of it played to those hateful words thrown that day..
He shared the same thought with Nubi, no need to share that with the halfling. A nod was given, as well as a quick wave to his twin as he watched her jump down, before looking back to Vivre with a warm smile, much warmer now that she was gone.
“I’m sure by now you’re used to my baking... I know I haven’t seen you much recently, but I’m certainly happy to see you again... Training is over now, right? You’re free to go back to you normal tasks? Perhaps... With me at your side?”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu May 02, 2019 8:43 pm
It seemed everyone had a pretty uneventful time and it was actually a bit surprised. Being over a month training had left Vitriol on a very strict schedule with not much variation from the given routine. In that time, it felt like ages but also very short. Still, it had been half hoping and half NOT hoping that something had happened with the twins that it could hear about.
"I've enjoyed your baking a lot. Though I have found out macadamia nuts cookies are not good for me. The rest of the baked goods you have left me have always been a nice surprise to find. It was something to look forward to after a long day." It admitted.
"And yes. Training is over. I don't know what will be coming next, but for now my schedule is back to what is was before. I think patrolling is what is next o the schedule of events. So if you'd care to have me along in return, then we can go out again."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 08, 2019 10:44 am
Something about what Vivre had said caused a lovely pink tinge to come across his face. The thought of him looking forward to something Mali did was heartwarming, in a way.
"I'll keep that in mind next time about the nuts. I apologize you had to suffer through them, but the rest... I'll be more than happy to keep baking for you." Now that Nubi was out of sight Mali came a little closer to Vivre, allowing their arms to brush up against one another. A bit of affection reserved only for the halfling.
"Having you along with me is always welcomed. I feel like we make an excellent pair, given your physical capabilities, and my magic that can seize up the opponent. And you know, I feel as if I do better with you around. ... To be frank, I find myself wanting to impress you, and in doing so it seems to bring out the best in me. So please, any time you wish to go out, just let me know, and I'll do my best to arrange things quickly."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 08, 2019 11:00 am
He shouldn't want to impress me. I'm not worth impressing..
But Mali was working hard as a result and in doing so was sticking to the Negaverse. While he could be honest, it would have no benefit to anyone. If he was to work to keep everyone together and inspire in them a sense of purpose, then was it not important to continue to allow Mali to work he'd to impress him in that light?
It smiled back. "I look forward to seeing you excel and going beyond my own expectations."
"If it isn't a bother, I do want to patrol more and I've been interested in hunting. As a hobby. Not with a weapon. Just myself."
It had been reading up online bout hat it could do in it's free time and was drawn to the appeal of urban wildernesses.
It rose a hand up. "Do you want this?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 08, 2019 12:48 pm
"Heh... Then I'll do my best to not let you down." What a sweet smile Vivre had... In Mali's mind, he certainly was living up to his name. The world, as dark as it was, always seemed a little brighter around the halfling.
"Hunting... As in hunting in the wooded areas? What would you do with the game you caught? ... Hm... I know a few recipes, some duck... Deer, of course... So I can help with that, atleast. Might be a real treat for those in the barracks if every now and then fresh meat is caught, if you were feeling generous with it." It was strange to think that such a huge metropolis like Destiny City really was surrounded by woods on most sides once you got past the sprawl.. Maybe right now it was a little hard to get to that part of their area, but once teleporting was an option, it's be easier than not to just go in and out.
At the offer about the hand... Well, the redness in his face only got darker. "Ah... Well, yes, I do... Thank you."
There was no use turning it down, was there? Not when it made him happy... Not when it was innocent in its touch and the warmth it provided. And it was pleasant, after all, having his hand in Vivre's. He took it, squeezing it lightly and honestly found himself missing how it felt to be close to him. The month they were apart suddenly felt like so much better, and he cherished the quiet moment between them.
Even if ultimately, it meant nothing.
"Do you do this with other people in the Negaverse, offer your hand to someone? Your body as you had offered me before?" The question came out softly, fueled by a morbid curiosity that part of him really didn't want to know. "If you do, I don't mind, it's not my place to meddle in your business after all, but I'd like to think this, what we do here, is a little special between us."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 08, 2019 1:16 pm
Taking the hand, it flexed it's fngers and moved the claws to rest over the smaller hand and set the tip towards the wrist.
"Eat them. Skin them. Maybe do something with the bones. Whatever I can find a use for. I want the furs mostly." It confessed as it settled their hands to rest again. "I don't suspect I'd kill too much that would be large enough to feed many. Rabbits. Fox. It would be a challenge to get a deer." It thought of how strong they were and how fast. Especially the bucks with their horns that could gut someone or trample their limbs.
"I just think it would work for me. As a hobby. When I'm captain, I'll have more chances to go out to do it but as a lieutenant, I wouldn't want to go on patrols and have someone be bothered by it." It didn't seem like Mali would be bothered by it. It could be done without being glamoured. There would be no small buttons or something he could break involved aside from what he wanted to break.
"I don't." It said, pulling it's mind away from the woods and back to Mali. "And I haven't. If you think I'm seeking it out - wanting to sleep around, then I gave the wrong impression. I just offered someone that I thought you wanted. If someone else wants it, then it's different. Then I'd bring it up to them. I like to think I wouldn't mind. I shouldn't now."
It stared at its hand. "I've held hands before. Not that I'm putting this down, but you aren't my first. I'm probably older than you."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 08, 2019 2:08 pm
"If not for everyone, then just for you. I don't know how your digestive system works, exactly, if game meat needs to be cooked differently between us, but I'm still happy to give it a shot. As I said before, just let me know, and we can do that too. I'm sure Cavansite honestly wouldn't mind dropping us off somewhere more wooded. Honestly, I think she'd be surprised if I asked anything of her." As much as his general truly and utterly irritated him... Maybe good behavior would have it's benefits. A willing delivery system wasn't such a bad idea, given how weak he was right now.
Today... Was not a good for his heart. One moment, Vivre's words and actions made his heart race, but just as quickly, it calmed down and then even went a little cold for a moment. Thankfully he wasn't one to show very much emotion on his face, only gazing at their joined hands as well.
"Why wouldn't you mind it? Is it the whole 'because I live and and serve the Negaverse?' creed you follow? How does giving your body to someone that way allow you to serve the greater purpose? It's not the queen speaking through them saying 'yes, you should let them touch you like that', you understand that right? ... If you simply think yourself a tool of the Negaverse, that particular action doesn't serve any purpose except allowing someone to, for lack of a better word, 'get off' and perhaps have some sort of strange pride over themselves for having dominated someone potentially weaker than they are." Mali knew very much so he was too adamant about Vivre's physicality, and to emphasize his feelings, he held up their linked hands.
"Even this... If you were simply allowing me to hold your hand like you do because you thought you were a tool and it was something you don't want personally, that you only offer it because you think it makes me happy, then I would say that was wrong too..." Even as he said that, he sighed, lowering their arms again and squeezing the paw a bit more firmly. "... I still wouldn't wish you to let go though..."
It would be best if he did, and he knew this. Nubi could be back any moment, catch them like this, taunt him over this strange little infatuation he found himself with...
At this moment he wasn't quiet sure if it was worth the irritation that would come with being caught.. But it was like he said before, it was all new to him, allowing himself to have room for anyone besides Lori. He truly didn't want to let go just yet.
"I think we already talked about how I've not done much, physically with anyone... It holds a new sort of meaning when I'm here with you, touching you like this.. I'm sorry, I seem to have gotten worked up..I have to say though, I wouldn't have guessed you are older. I just turned 21 as of... well, not too long ago, really. Does the half-youmafication halt your aging as well?" It would be rude to say out loud, but even with the glowing eyes, Vivre had a sort of roundish baby face... The height didn't really help all that much either.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 08, 2019 5:49 pm
It chuckled at Mali's rather created story of how the events of this scenario would go. "You have put a lot of importance on that action. If I choose it, then I would hardly be dominated. If they think it, then they are free to feel a victory over something that was given. Though I'm not a soft flower wilting under someone else. I am not so fragile. It would just be sex. It would come and go with no difference. Maybe someone would be satisfied by the end. Maybe both." It said, as it decided that probably none of these answers would be that satisfying to the other. It also didn't want to admit that if pain in during the experience, that it might not even mind. There would be little it felt it couldn't tolerate.
"Be it morale. Be it a dedication to an oath. Be it a trial. Maybe I just like the distance." It admitted as it thought of all the reasons as to why it would do such a thing.
"If I enjoy improving your mood by offering my own hand as it makes you content, then I don't think it is wrong." It said.
The question to his youmafication gave a chuckle. "No. It's not a peter pan magic. I just always had a soft face. I actually wish it wasn't like that. I looked this way before I youmafied. I'm into my twenties too. Uh....hmm. I can't recall how old though but I think it's been a while. So somewhere in the middle maybe? I can't remember." It didn't recall the date of it's birthday or what number might have been on any cake.
"It only changed what you see if youmafied. Eyes. Hands. Ears. Tail. It didn't change the rest of me. I feel if it made anyone young that more people would agree to the process." It joked.
"And I didn't mean to put down that you might not have had more experience. I'm just not so delicate. You don't have to worry so much." It debated wanting to say more and wondered if now was the right time to even mention it.
"I guess, I think you find this all charming because it's your first time, and I think it would be better with someone who it can also be like their first time too. Sometimes I feel a little old even if I'm not. Sometimes I guess - I mean we're not together. We're just talking." It wasn't like he was lying to Mali about anything - well, he was about a few things just out of omission. But while Vitriol didn't feel much of this was serious, Mali apparently felt a lot of things were serious. Was it leading him on then?
"I've - been married before."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 08, 2019 6:24 pm
"I suppose I do. And you are right, you aren't fragile, or frail, or someone to be protected. You have your own power and will, that is clear, my nose and glasses were all the convincing I needed." He laughed to himself, remembering the time in the Hall and the blood that stained his face thereafter... Memorable, if nothing else, but it certainly was more to him.
"It's the idea of such a thing being so... Intimate that I find concern with, but again, it's no right of mine to worry over what you do. I do enjoy your company and your hand in mine, but I am also a firm believer of both sides enjoying what they do. If it doesn't bring you joy, then simply don't do it... Though it is clear we have very different views on intimacy and our dedication to those that we work with or follow orders from." The topic wasn't something he really wanted to get into. Mali liked his solitude, and letting people into his life at all was questionable, at best.
Vivre had been unique in that sense, an instantaneous moment of intrigue that forced onto Mali a desire to see him time and time again.
Again, it does not matter. He silently reminded himself before drawing his hand away to fold neatly into his lap instead.
"It wasn't my first time seeing a half youma when I met you. It wasn't my first patrol, or first mission, or anything of the like. First time holding hands, certainly, but it was also the first time being punched in the face and having my glasses shattered. It's all so very complicated..." It certainly would be easier if he had just let those feelings fade away as he did most things that piqued his interest then bored him in the next breath.
Something came over his expression the moment the secret was revealed. Vivre had been married. And the thought certainly set him back a bit, blinking a bit in confusion before regaining that composure he carried.
"Had you? That comes as no surprise..." the lie came through his teeth rather easily, though perhaps his tone had softened just a bit. A sudden wall seemed to be raised between them, a sign saying 'stop, Mali, your thoughts will make you seem a fool.'. Perhaps it was time to listen.
Or perhaps not.
"You are an admirable person. Dedicated, very clearly hard working. To fall in love with you must have come so naturally to your partner. But... The main word is 'been', isn't it? It's no longer a partnership, for whatever reason, which needless to say is none of my business. It does give me a bit of hope though. Maybe I could not become more to you than what Faustite is, or what your queen is, but I could dream a little as to what might come one day..." He trailed off for a moment, closing his eyes and imagining what sort of fond feelings could come if this affection within him could be allowed to blossom, a small smile forming on his lips.
And still, that smiled faded as he opened his eyes, a small bit of hope still in them but the reality is clear. His feelings didn't matter in this instant. He couldn't force someone to reciprocate them, or allow them to develop further if that's not what they were comfortable with.
"Then again.. If I should stop. If I should cease this hoping I have, tell me now, be plain. What use is there to think too much into things when feelings and thoughts could be focused elsewhere."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 08, 2019 6:44 pm
The hand was gone. Slipped out from resting on its palm and a indicator of something transpiring. Mali always pulled away, not only physically but in other ways, when it brought certain things up. If anything, Vitriol tried to remind himself that this was a good thing. That the distance was for Mali's safety and that it would be better he didn't get too attached. Wasn't this for the better?
"I am not admirable. Maybe before when I was younger. When things felt simpler to me. Back then to some degree, but whatever started soured with time. Not to his end, but mine. I cannot remember to the fullest degree the history of it all. I lost a part when I was youmafied." When he was corrupted.
"When you talk about me, I can't help but think you only have the rosiest picture of me. It feels misleading, but it's only because you don't know everything. Sometimes I wonder if telling you more might hurt you in some way, but I suppose the more we learn has the same risk." It had hurt Mali often when they were just talking, but there was no avoiding that. Mali's own feelings felt tender and soft that being cold felt cruel.
But if Mali knew it had been a traitor before, he might want it to embrace those past feelings and it didn't want to have to push the other back. Back enough that Mali eventually did just leave the Negaverse or get found out he had those intentions.
Vitriol was lucky for all its many second chances. The negaverse might be harder on a corrupted who didn't have as much battles under his belt.
"I used him. I changed him. I drained him of hope and happiness. He had made every effort to make me happy and create a nice life for us, and I did not return with equal effort. I only wanted what I wanted. I'm a selfish person and I'm a coward. Worse yet, I ruined the feelings and used the time of someone that would have been happier if I had left sooner." Then maybe Bismuthite could have been happier after it was gone and found someone. It had hoped that that was what the other could do now. Now that he was dead.
It didn't look at Mali anymore, leaving its hands in its own lap, one hand grazing the other. Its hands were much too large now to wear the ring that it now kept in its dorm, and why would ti wear it now. It should have just crushed that ring.
"Your feelings should go to someone who won't crush them. Who can give you everything you deserve." It would only come to destroy those new, budding emotions of Mali's and in that, Vitriol would rob someone else of time, feelings, memories, and firsts. It would hollow out someone and possibly make them cruel from wear and tear.
"I am not good for it and I can't deal with having that happen again and know what I've done."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 08, 2019 7:16 pm
”I don’t have the knowledge to know what you were when you were wrong, Vivre. I know you now. I know the things you’ve shown me, and those are certainly admirable. I don’t agree with some things, but it’s something still, and that’s what you wanted, right? To be a shining example of what a Negaverse Lieutenant should be? To me, you are.” Mali knew very well he was not someone who Vivre should associate with, according to the halfling’s own self-imposed regulations. He was short on resolve, eager to disobey his General, and found no point in half the things they did as Negaversers, and each one of those things seemed to be exactly what his friend didn’t want to be..
And yet they were close.
And yet Vivre still found time for him.
“I also don’t understand why it would hurt me. The past is the past, it shapes who we are, but not what we may become. Perhaps you did hurt the man you loved. You broke him down and couldn’t find the resolve to work on that selfishness that had possessed you before. What of now? Over and over you speak of how you are a tool, that your all is to be given to the Negaverse. Doesn’t that mean you have changed? How much more needs to be said than that? It’s not as if you can say you’re a ‘murderer’ and I’ll be aghast at it. Aren’t we all?” They were all murderers in the end. If star seeds were souls, he had more than a few on his own hands, or in his pocket space.
But this was about love, not murder. And love was often far more complicated.
“... When it boils down to it, I truly cannot say much about what you’ve been through or what you’ve done. You are experience, I am not. You’ve had a life before all of this, a love, something that was precious to you, I have not. Well, that is not entirely true, but it’s certainly not the same. If you broke away from something and someone to make them happier, then why do you deserve anything less than your own happiness? Though I suppose that comes after forgiving yourself for what you’ve done, even if you can’t get forgiveness from the people you hurt... It’s all speculation from me.” The more he talked, the more he felt that same feeling of minor annoyance that he felt when talking to Lori about her past flings or break ups. It ultimately didn’t matter who was in the wrong, as long as they can move forward. To Mali, it sounded like Vivre simply wanted to wallow in his own guilt and berate and punish himself for his past wrongdoings.
“I feel that you are too young to think like this.” He said finally after taking a moment to more carefully consider his words. “If you are the age you think you are, then you are just a child still. There’s no need to think the rest of your life should be lived serving some self-imposed punishment. And there’s certainly no need to carry the guilt of lost love around. Besides, what sort of twenty-something year old honestly has their lives figured out? None of us. Especially not with this war going on.”
As much as he liked to think he was well put together on his own, Mali was lost, just like the rest of the youth in the world. Even when lost though... Atleast it would be more enjoyable being lost together with someone else. And for that reason, he reached back over and took Vivre’s hand back, grasping one with both of his own.
“I think I shouldn’t have asked you where my feelings should go. It’s not as if I can very well turn them off and on like a faucet no matter how robotic I can seem sometimes. Maybe these feelings will lead to happiness, maybe pain. But what is life without experiences? Dull, as Lori would say herself.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 08, 2019 7:45 pm
Vitriol stared back at Mali a moment and then its shoulders hitched once with a noise at the back of its throat, and then it started laughing. It was sudden and crept on it too quickly, but it couldn't help it. It rolled out, light and bouncy before he closed its teeth and it came out more of a held back snicker. When it felt like it could breath, he took a breath out for composure.
"I suppose you're right. Who the hell has any of their s**t together? I keep feeling like I'm some grizzled war veteran for how long I've been in the whole war. I keep forgetting my actual age."
It sighed from the moment. "I'm sorry I get hard on you like this. You're not robotic to me. You've always been rather honest and open. I'm the one that feels like I'm being cold to you, but I just think you are a good person who deserves so much better."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
