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[ nodd doesn't remember much from monday post dolphin and pre waking up from the sleep curse. what he does recall is temenos on his feet, attempting to scurry away. he recalls the sensation of solace? a touch despite that week of desperate affection having passed.
he looks into temenos' eyes as directed, perfectly sweet for a shocked instant. nodd's narration was trying to talk him out of pouncing. then temenos' goes and make his mouth all dry and his heart all rattly. ]
I'm not looking for guidance.
[ voice nearly cracking. oh my gods you're in your sixties, buddy. but nodd isn't lambish! nor is he knightly. the least noble. temenos' type has a good heart and shining armor. nodd possesses different qualities. ]
he looks into temenos' eyes as directed, perfectly sweet for a shocked instant. nodd's narration was trying to talk him out of pouncing. then temenos' goes and make his mouth all dry and his heart all rattly. ]
I'm not looking for guidance.
[ voice nearly cracking. oh my gods you're in your sixties, buddy. but nodd isn't lambish! nor is he knightly. the least noble. temenos' type has a good heart and shining armor. nodd possesses different qualities. ]
That's too bad.
[ keeping eye contact, temenos slides his fingertip under his chin, head still tilted just so towards nodd - then flicks it loose, and with a flutter of his wrist, pulls his hand away. tease. ]
You'd find I'm rather good at it. [ there's a soft chuckle as he draws away - though, admittedly, not too far. what a villain. ] Pray tell, what are you looking for?
[ keeping eye contact, temenos slides his fingertip under his chin, head still tilted just so towards nodd - then flicks it loose, and with a flutter of his wrist, pulls his hand away. tease. ]
You'd find I'm rather good at it. [ there's a soft chuckle as he draws away - though, admittedly, not too far. what a villain. ] Pray tell, what are you looking for?
[ are they about to kiss? nodd can't help it, his gaze flitting between temenos' eyes and lips in unmasked anticipation of something.
before he's given nothing. because temenos is a monster and that's why nodd's attraction on its own makes an impossible amount of sense. he prefers when it's doomed. ]
You. That's the only way I'd even be here.
[ admittedly, even on monday, when he met Other Lucien, he was on a temenos hunt.
gripping the edge of the lectern now. ]
before he's given nothing. because temenos is a monster and that's why nodd's attraction on its own makes an impossible amount of sense. he prefers when it's doomed. ]
You. That's the only way I'd even be here.
[ admittedly, even on monday, when he met Other Lucien, he was on a temenos hunt.
gripping the edge of the lectern now. ]
[ don't think he didn't notice that. temenos is observant to a fault, and this is no different. under the influence of a curse or not, he'd catch the glance to his mouth - it's only the curse that helps him know what it's actually for.
he leans back a little bit, drumming his fingers against the lecturn before he pulls his hand back and makes a gesture, holding both of his hands out like 'ta-da'. ]
Well, here I am. [ that light, easily amused aura stays, matching the twinkle in his green-blue eyes - as he's always just a dance out of reach. ] And what can I do for you?
he leans back a little bit, drumming his fingers against the lecturn before he pulls his hand back and makes a gesture, holding both of his hands out like 'ta-da'. ]
Well, here I am. [ that light, easily amused aura stays, matching the twinkle in his green-blue eyes - as he's always just a dance out of reach. ] And what can I do for you?
It's not like that. I didn't want you to do... anything.
[ if he steps to the left, there isn't a lectern and he can start shuffling around its perimeter to the priest. real sneaky-like. ]
That you don't want to do. I want to learn about the things you like. I know figuring out the truth. I know being a pain in the ass. I know being the worst-best priest I've ever met. But what else?
[ if he steps to the left, there isn't a lectern and he can start shuffling around its perimeter to the priest. real sneaky-like. ]
That you don't want to do. I want to learn about the things you like. I know figuring out the truth. I know being a pain in the ass. I know being the worst-best priest I've ever met. But what else?
Are you asking me if I have any hobbies, Nodd...?
[ very smooth. this is clearly teasing though, smile light and playful. he is allowed to shuffle around the perimeter you are so sneaky. ]
Things that I like, hmm...? [ he puts a fingertip to his cheek, thinking. ] I like to read. I suppose I enjoy drawing. I'm afraid I've not much time for those sorts of things. Why do you ask?
[ very smooth. this is clearly teasing though, smile light and playful. he is allowed to shuffle around the perimeter you are so sneaky. ]
Things that I like, hmm...? [ he puts a fingertip to his cheek, thinking. ] I like to read. I suppose I enjoy drawing. I'm afraid I've not much time for those sorts of things. Why do you ask?
Edited 2024-04-03 21:15 (UTC)
[ hobbies is a start and so nodd doesn't scowl in response. his ears are perked and his attention wholly consumed by the man before him. ]
You didn't like my impression at the party.
[ if he stands close, that's because it's so cold and his voice has gotten quiet. ]
I need more material.
You didn't like my impression at the party.
[ if he stands close, that's because it's so cold and his voice has gotten quiet. ]
I need more material.
[ love arrow hell continues
by which i mean we're in the food court, at least for now. nodd may have noticed that temenos is not particularly affectionate or touchy, particularly not in public, but he does stay in his orbit much more than he does to almost anyone besides throné. so, that's his logic and reasoning for the suggestion of - ]
...Why not take dinner back to the room, then? [ let him indulge nodd as they're waiting by the kitty robots for snacks. ]
by which i mean we're in the food court, at least for now. nodd may have noticed that temenos is not particularly affectionate or touchy, particularly not in public, but he does stay in his orbit much more than he does to almost anyone besides throné. so, that's his logic and reasoning for the suggestion of - ]
...Why not take dinner back to the room, then? [ let him indulge nodd as they're waiting by the kitty robots for snacks. ]
[ if he had a tail, you know it'd be wagging.
nodd accepts temenos' limits, butting up against them at times with his own desires to tug at clothing near the priest's waist and to sit/lean on him if he dares take a seat. but priest. right. he exhibits self-control and at times even finds other places to be.
and he's sooo happy that temenos makes the suggestion. ] Oh--oh, yeah. I'd do that. We should do that.
[ looks at kitty bot and waves hand ] Make that to-go. Please.
nodd accepts temenos' limits, butting up against them at times with his own desires to tug at clothing near the priest's waist and to sit/lean on him if he dares take a seat. but priest. right. he exhibits self-control and at times even finds other places to be.
and he's sooo happy that temenos makes the suggestion. ] Oh--oh, yeah. I'd do that. We should do that.
[ looks at kitty bot and waves hand ] Make that to-go. Please.
[ the clothes tugging is generally fine, and the leaning can be too - and in situations like this where it's a bit more private, temenos doesn't seem to mind it too much. the efforts at self control are noted, and those efforts might as well be rewarded.
he finds this tail wagging-esque behavior to be terribly charming. this is his favorite kind of behavior, so it will definitely be rewarded. temenos accepts his own to go meal from the robot and turns to give him a smile, all twinkly and warm. ]
It ought to be a bit quieter, don't you think?
he finds this tail wagging-esque behavior to be terribly charming. this is his favorite kind of behavior, so it will definitely be rewarded. temenos accepts his own to go meal from the robot and turns to give him a smile, all twinkly and warm. ]
It ought to be a bit quieter, don't you think?
[ this is disgusting. nodd's aware of it. temenos merely has to exist in his vicinity and heat pools in nodd's core and feathers out to every extremity. this is ridiculous. it was being like this that made the monastery such a perfect place for him. no distractions. all the men there were ancient. ]
Better than my room, for sure. Sometimes Gregor stays over and at that point 'crowded' is an understatement.
[ one time. one time gregor stayed over for rodya. ]
Better than my room, for sure. Sometimes Gregor stays over and at that point 'crowded' is an understatement.
[ one time. one time gregor stayed over for rodya. ]
[ there's something really unfortunate about him being into a priest, huh
anyway this comment makes temenos laugh a little - a faint, dry noise. ]
Believe me when I say it could be worse. [ throné's room is always crowded. but with that, he picks up his bag once the little kittybot hands it over. ] Mine ought to be empty, at the very least.
[ with that, he turns on his heel, though he glances over his shoulder. ]
Shall we?
[ come along puppydog ]
anyway this comment makes temenos laugh a little - a faint, dry noise. ]
Believe me when I say it could be worse. [ throné's room is always crowded. but with that, he picks up his bag once the little kittybot hands it over. ] Mine ought to be empty, at the very least.
[ with that, he turns on his heel, though he glances over his shoulder. ]
Shall we?
[ come along puppydog ]
[ nodd is a feral wolf, untamed, unmastered, and following along behind temenos without having to be told twice.
it's the longest he's been sober in a while. yesterday, before he went to the church, it occurred to nodd he didn't want to be seen that sloppy. because it's his practice, he's smoked here or there since, but.........
nodd is a terrible, clingy creature. he speeds up to walk in step. ]
Why's it empty? Did you scare Mizuki off with cryptic religious talk?
it's the longest he's been sober in a while. yesterday, before he went to the church, it occurred to nodd he didn't want to be seen that sloppy. because it's his practice, he's smoked here or there since, but.........
nodd is a terrible, clingy creature. he speeds up to walk in step. ]
Why's it empty? Did you scare Mizuki off with cryptic religious talk?
[ temenos power once again unrivaled. he is fully expecting nodd to catch up with him and seems pleased when he does, glancing him up and down briefly with something like approval on his face as they make their way down the halls.
he chuckles at the commentary, too, clearly pleased. ] Hmm. No, not quite. I think she just would rather spend time with people her age, if given the choice.
[ he is a thirty year old, no matter how babyfaced he looks. middle aged man. ]
But it is to our benefit, mm?
he chuckles at the commentary, too, clearly pleased. ] Hmm. No, not quite. I think she just would rather spend time with people her age, if given the choice.
[ he is a thirty year old, no matter how babyfaced he looks. middle aged man. ]
But it is to our benefit, mm?
Edited 2024-04-04 02:26 (UTC)
[ don't look at him. don't perceive him. but also, he will remain beside temenos for as long as allowed.
nodd holds his bagged food to his chest. he has already forgotten what it is he ordered. ]
I'm not arguing. We can pretend we're not stuck on a spaceship for a while.
[ he can put his face on temenos' lap in another way--stop. stop. nodd has to shut his eyes for a beat. none of that. priest. inquisitor. ]
Where do you usually sleep?
nodd holds his bagged food to his chest. he has already forgotten what it is he ordered. ]
I'm not arguing. We can pretend we're not stuck on a spaceship for a while.
[ he can put his face on temenos' lap in another way--stop. stop. nodd has to shut his eyes for a beat. none of that. priest. inquisitor. ]
Where do you usually sleep?
In Throné's room. We're rather used to sharing.
[ that, and he doesn't want her to have to be alone. he hasn't slept in the solo bed in his in mizuki's room since viktor died.
tonight, though, that might change! he makes his way to the door and opens the lock, and sure enough, the room is dark and occupied. ] Aha. And here we have it.
[ the only real sign temenos spends any time in here is his staff is currently by the door, and there are a few items of neatly folded clothing over on one side of the room. he does move a cute little stuffed bunny up off of the bed but otherwise sweeps out a hand to open up the room as he makes his way over to sit on the bed.
he pats the spot next to him? pat pat. ]
[ that, and he doesn't want her to have to be alone. he hasn't slept in the solo bed in his in mizuki's room since viktor died.
tonight, though, that might change! he makes his way to the door and opens the lock, and sure enough, the room is dark and occupied. ] Aha. And here we have it.
[ the only real sign temenos spends any time in here is his staff is currently by the door, and there are a few items of neatly folded clothing over on one side of the room. he does move a cute little stuffed bunny up off of the bed but otherwise sweeps out a hand to open up the room as he makes his way over to sit on the bed.
he pats the spot next to him? pat pat. ]
You two have something really special.
[ it wouldn't be the first time he felt a moment of jealousy over throné and temenos' relationship. but it's always been in the vein of his jealousy over any two crewmates knowing one another before they arrived on the eudora. but this time the jealous feeling is tempered more than ever by a sharp gratitude.
temenos has someone else who really cares for him. that's good. the more, the better. ]
That yours?
[ flashing a grin at the bunny.
a single pat is all it takes; without his powers, nodd is quick, and the motivation is right there in the room with them. he sets his food on the floor and leans over bump his shoulder against temenos' arm. ]
[ it wouldn't be the first time he felt a moment of jealousy over throné and temenos' relationship. but it's always been in the vein of his jealousy over any two crewmates knowing one another before they arrived on the eudora. but this time the jealous feeling is tempered more than ever by a sharp gratitude.
temenos has someone else who really cares for him. that's good. the more, the better. ]
That yours?
[ flashing a grin at the bunny.
a single pat is all it takes; without his powers, nodd is quick, and the motivation is right there in the room with them. he sets his food on the floor and leans over bump his shoulder against temenos' arm. ]
Mm. For better or for worse.
[ he may be love arrow cursed but he is not cursed to talk sincerely about throné and how important she is to him, though the phrase is very obviously fond. he loves his sister!!! gross.
anyway, distraction time. when nodd comes and leans against him, temenos easily allows it, idly fiddling with the packaging on whatever he got to eat. now that they're alone, it's a little easier to lean into these sort of things, to allow someone into his space. he is welcome. ] And that would be Mizuki's. Best not to spill on it.
[ the bunny is set somewhere nice so it's out of the way. ]
[ he may be love arrow cursed but he is not cursed to talk sincerely about throné and how important she is to him, though the phrase is very obviously fond. he loves his sister!!! gross.
anyway, distraction time. when nodd comes and leans against him, temenos easily allows it, idly fiddling with the packaging on whatever he got to eat. now that they're alone, it's a little easier to lean into these sort of things, to allow someone into his space. he is welcome. ] And that would be Mizuki's. Best not to spill on it.
[ the bunny is set somewhere nice so it's out of the way. ]
[ throné acts the same when nodd mentions her brother. they truly are a matched set, can't take one without the other. so, nodd has to get her to like him, somehow. a background hobby, so as not to raise temenos' suspicions. ]
I'm not planning on going anywhere.
[ nodd should be cooler, more subtle, more chill. even taking in account species' aging differences, he's older than temenos. their legs are touching. ]
Today was fun. I liked ditching work with you.
[ lounging while others did the obstacle course ]
I'm not planning on going anywhere.
[ nodd should be cooler, more subtle, more chill. even taking in account species' aging differences, he's older than temenos. their legs are touching. ]
Today was fun. I liked ditching work with you.
[ lounging while others did the obstacle course ]
[ their legs are touching. scandalous...
temenos is, as usual, as cool as a cucumber. maybe that's the most unfortunate part - he is just so composed, even in a situation like this, where he's cursed, and he chuckles a little at the comment on ditching work. ]
Mm? Well, I'm glad to hear it. I don't particularly want to provide my services to the company. [ there's a faint twinkle in his eye, a bit of mischief to his smile. ] You could call it a protest.
[ naughty ]
But I enjoyed spending time with you as well.
temenos is, as usual, as cool as a cucumber. maybe that's the most unfortunate part - he is just so composed, even in a situation like this, where he's cursed, and he chuckles a little at the comment on ditching work. ]
Mm? Well, I'm glad to hear it. I don't particularly want to provide my services to the company. [ there's a faint twinkle in his eye, a bit of mischief to his smile. ] You could call it a protest.
[ naughty ]
But I enjoyed spending time with you as well.
Hmm. I don't know. Isn't it a bit more rewarding to base it off of observation?
[ no it is not because temenos is a giant mystery at all times and he enjoys it. "i know being a pain in the ass" - maybe that was the real knowledge all along.
he lets nodd come into his personal space, leaning one hand on the lectern, gazing down at him. you have his full attention. ]
Are you planning on imitating me again?
[ no it is not because temenos is a giant mystery at all times and he enjoys it. "i know being a pain in the ass" - maybe that was the real knowledge all along.
he lets nodd come into his personal space, leaning one hand on the lectern, gazing down at him. you have his full attention. ]
Are you planning on imitating me again?
I'm not actually hungry.
[ the food container he removed from the bag he drops back into it (it's fine, it's not a far fall). nodd has a threshold of what he can contain and that final twinkle stepped over the edge.
the thing about rejection is over time, the wounds do heal, but they can't if they're never made. ]
Do you kiss? Your type of priest.
[ the food container he removed from the bag he drops back into it (it's fine, it's not a far fall). nodd has a threshold of what he can contain and that final twinkle stepped over the edge.
the thing about rejection is over time, the wounds do heal, but they can't if they're never made. ]
Do you kiss? Your type of priest.
[ wELL
HE WAS REALLY COMPOSED UNTIL RIGHT NOW this catches temenos so quickly off guard it's like whiplash and nodd gets the joy (?) of watching his ears start to turn pink, and then red. it's really obvious under his very white hair even if he tries to make it look like he was not just startled into getting flustered. ]
- I'm sorry? [ see this is the thing he's so good at this flirty dialogue because this is just his personality but in reality.
weenie who was genuinely not expecting that question. it's not a rejection necessarily - it is genuinely surprised at the ask. ]
HE WAS REALLY COMPOSED UNTIL RIGHT NOW this catches temenos so quickly off guard it's like whiplash and nodd gets the joy (?) of watching his ears start to turn pink, and then red. it's really obvious under his very white hair even if he tries to make it look like he was not just startled into getting flustered. ]
- I'm sorry? [ see this is the thing he's so good at this flirty dialogue because this is just his personality but in reality.
weenie who was genuinely not expecting that question. it's not a rejection necessarily - it is genuinely surprised at the ask. ]
Edited (i would never reject my sweet nodd) 2024-04-04 14:20 (UTC)
[ PEENK. nodd has too much melanin, his blushes are usually disguised, but not this pale motherfucker. look at him. nodd can't help but grin and if it's wolfish in nature, that's all the pink's fault. ]
I want to kiss you. And usually, I'd just do that. Let you slap me, get it over with. But you're a priest and if it'd make the gods pissed off at me, well, that's a Wednesday night. But you? So. Do you kiss?
[ not a weenie about this sort of thing, turns out. when there is actual respect for someone involved. that's not even the love arrows. ]
I want to kiss you. And usually, I'd just do that. Let you slap me, get it over with. But you're a priest and if it'd make the gods pissed off at me, well, that's a Wednesday night. But you? So. Do you kiss?
[ not a weenie about this sort of thing, turns out. when there is actual respect for someone involved. that's not even the love arrows. ]
[ imagine just saying these things!!! IMAGINE JUST PUTTING THEM OUT THERE somehow this is infinitely more embarrassing. he might have preferred it if he just went for it, actually, if only because temenos is a very hard person to surprise, and now not only is he surprised but he has to actually answer him with his WORDS.
anyway he's love arrowed which is good because if he wasn't, he probably would give him absolute hell for the suggestion. instead, he's just slowly turning redder, the pink starting to bloom up into his cheeks, as he attempts to gather his dignity back into place. have you ever seen temenos speechless before.
there's a pause. ]
The gods hardly care. [ muttered. he has used this exact sort of excuse before to get out of kissing anyone in party games. clerical exclusion, or whatever, but that was clearly a lie. ] And if they did, I'd likely ignore it.
[ just out here being blasphemous ]
anyway he's love arrowed which is good because if he wasn't, he probably would give him absolute hell for the suggestion. instead, he's just slowly turning redder, the pink starting to bloom up into his cheeks, as he attempts to gather his dignity back into place. have you ever seen temenos speechless before.
there's a pause. ]
The gods hardly care. [ muttered. he has used this exact sort of excuse before to get out of kissing anyone in party games. clerical exclusion, or whatever, but that was clearly a lie. ] And if they did, I'd likely ignore it.
[ just out here being blasphemous ]
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