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( from here )
[ Sylvain just arches an eyebrow at that demand, because really, Lorenz? ]
I seem to recall getting an adequate kiss from you and then making my departure. You're right about the apology, unless you'd prefer for me to lie to you over a matter I have no remorse over. But you're the one that stalked after me and made a scene, I should be asking you that question.
And I don't supposed you made sure there wasn't another sprig of mistletoe overhead before you stopped me here, either, did you?
[ Sylvain just arches an eyebrow at that demand, because really, Lorenz? ]
I seem to recall getting an adequate kiss from you and then making my departure. You're right about the apology, unless you'd prefer for me to lie to you over a matter I have no remorse over. But you're the one that stalked after me and made a scene, I should be asking you that question.
And I don't supposed you made sure there wasn't another sprig of mistletoe overhead before you stopped me here, either, did you?
( from here )
[ Sylvain's actually pretty adept at picking up on subtle cues like that. He'd had to, to navigate the entanglements he'd so often found himself in back home.
Still. It's an interesting way to phrase that answer and Sylvain thinks he can read between the lines enough to pick up on some of what Olivine is actually saying. ]
So I'll take that as a 'no' but you either felt responsible or beholden anyway. Am I close? [ One corner of his lips quirks upwards as he watches for a reaction. ] The Monastery where I went to the Officer's Academy was pretty strict and rigid in their ways, as well. Wasn't really my type of thing, either. Pretty sure I scandalized just about everyone there, in fact.
[ The ones he hadn't actually managed to seduce, anyway... ]
[ Sylvain's actually pretty adept at picking up on subtle cues like that. He'd had to, to navigate the entanglements he'd so often found himself in back home.
Still. It's an interesting way to phrase that answer and Sylvain thinks he can read between the lines enough to pick up on some of what Olivine is actually saying. ]
So I'll take that as a 'no' but you either felt responsible or beholden anyway. Am I close? [ One corner of his lips quirks upwards as he watches for a reaction. ] The Monastery where I went to the Officer's Academy was pretty strict and rigid in their ways, as well. Wasn't really my type of thing, either. Pretty sure I scandalized just about everyone there, in fact.
[ The ones he hadn't actually managed to seduce, anyway... ]
( from here )
At least Violet's more open to the idea of all this than some people here. Even most people Sylvain would think to encounter from his own world, since Fodlan was still decidedly backwards and behind the times to compared to... probably everywhere else, in Sylvain's opinion.
But her question gets a laugh from him, because it's so refreshing not to have his reputation preceding him here, but at the same time, this is also the one place it probably would have been to his benefit.
"I've been to a few, in my time. For one, they're a great place to learn everything about everyone."
At least Violet's more open to the idea of all this than some people here. Even most people Sylvain would think to encounter from his own world, since Fodlan was still decidedly backwards and behind the times to compared to... probably everywhere else, in Sylvain's opinion.
But her question gets a laugh from him, because it's so refreshing not to have his reputation preceding him here, but at the same time, this is also the one place it probably would have been to his benefit.
"I've been to a few, in my time. For one, they're a great place to learn everything about everyone."
[Adequate-!! Lorenz looks up, frowning, because of course he didn't stop to check for mistletoe, he's in a Mood--]
You and I are not friends, nor are we allies, so pardon me for doubting the innocence of your intentions. Any reasonable man in your position would have moved on as soon as he recognized me, and yet!
[So it's the secret conspiracy to humiliate him thing, again. He makes a face then, pointedly not looking at Sylvain. Mmmm mmm, he shouldn't, ugh-]
"Adequate"?
You and I are not friends, nor are we allies, so pardon me for doubting the innocence of your intentions. Any reasonable man in your position would have moved on as soon as he recognized me, and yet!
[So it's the secret conspiracy to humiliate him thing, again. He makes a face then, pointedly not looking at Sylvain. Mmmm mmm, he shouldn't, ugh-]
"Adequate"?
( from here )
[ He just arches an eyebrow back at her, but his gaze is unusually serious as he holds hers. ]
Would it matter what I told you? You've clearly formed an opinion of what I would do already. [ And he knows how impossible those are to change. He doesn't bother trying.
Even if that's exactly what he would have told her. Who either of them kisses is no one's business but theirs. Now if she wanted him to tell, that would be a different matter entirely. ]
Don't worry, your Majesty, I'll do my best not to damage your nonexistent reputation here. [ His tone is dry as he leans against the door frame to shoot her a look. He does his best to shrug her words off, in fact. He's used to people's opinions, he reminds himself. No point in getting upset over the myriad of things he can do nothing about. Even if it is exhausting. ]
Caring or not still doesn't get us out of this closet any faster. So what's it going to be? Stay stuck or risk a scandal?
[ He just arches an eyebrow back at her, but his gaze is unusually serious as he holds hers. ]
Would it matter what I told you? You've clearly formed an opinion of what I would do already. [ And he knows how impossible those are to change. He doesn't bother trying.
Even if that's exactly what he would have told her. Who either of them kisses is no one's business but theirs. Now if she wanted him to tell, that would be a different matter entirely. ]
Don't worry, your Majesty, I'll do my best not to damage your nonexistent reputation here. [ His tone is dry as he leans against the door frame to shoot her a look. He does his best to shrug her words off, in fact. He's used to people's opinions, he reminds himself. No point in getting upset over the myriad of things he can do nothing about. Even if it is exhausting. ]
Caring or not still doesn't get us out of this closet any faster. So what's it going to be? Stay stuck or risk a scandal?
( from here )
[ That's assuming they find a way home. He didn't see any of that in the fine print along with the other rules of this game. Not that he'd looked that hard. Delaying having to step foot on Gronder a while longer sounds great to him. Although the thought of his friends back there marching without him isn't all that comforting, either...
He pushes that thought away, rubbing a hand over his face in agitation. ]
We've got enough problems to deal with here without borrowing more, in my opinion. Although I'll give them credit for doing what they do very well. They may have thought of everything, to keep their "guests" involved in this game of theirs.
[ Although he has to wonder what "they're" getting out of any of it? Maybe they're just very voyeuristic? ]
[ That's assuming they find a way home. He didn't see any of that in the fine print along with the other rules of this game. Not that he'd looked that hard. Delaying having to step foot on Gronder a while longer sounds great to him. Although the thought of his friends back there marching without him isn't all that comforting, either...
He pushes that thought away, rubbing a hand over his face in agitation. ]
We've got enough problems to deal with here without borrowing more, in my opinion. Although I'll give them credit for doing what they do very well. They may have thought of everything, to keep their "guests" involved in this game of theirs.
[ Although he has to wonder what "they're" getting out of any of it? Maybe they're just very voyeuristic? ]
( from here )
Don't worry, you haven't. [ He glances down at her to shoot her a crooked smile in reassurance. The casino is still as crowded as earlier, despite the numbers he's assuming are in the back gaming rooms now. This place really has brought a ridiculous number of "guests" here for their game. ]
And your analogy isn't wrong. Can't say I've ever been held in a gilded cage quite like this before but... I suppose I should give them the benefit of saying it could be much worse.
[ His tone is a little dry at that, because he can't exactly say he's grateful to have been kidnapped. But he can only make the best of it now that he's here.
Spotting the long line of buffet tables up ahead, he points them out to her as they approach, weaving their way through the crowd. ] There we are. Looks like there's still plenty to feast on.
Don't worry, you haven't. [ He glances down at her to shoot her a crooked smile in reassurance. The casino is still as crowded as earlier, despite the numbers he's assuming are in the back gaming rooms now. This place really has brought a ridiculous number of "guests" here for their game. ]
And your analogy isn't wrong. Can't say I've ever been held in a gilded cage quite like this before but... I suppose I should give them the benefit of saying it could be much worse.
[ His tone is a little dry at that, because he can't exactly say he's grateful to have been kidnapped. But he can only make the best of it now that he's here.
Spotting the long line of buffet tables up ahead, he points them out to her as they approach, weaving their way through the crowd. ] There we are. Looks like there's still plenty to feast on.
[ His lips twitch in an effort not to laugh because of course that's the part actually bothering him. ]
We may not be either of those things, but we are at least familiar faces in a sea of strangers. I thought - mistakenly, apparently - that that at least might count as something, but I'll consider myself corrected and not repeat it, then.
[ He's not really miffed, but he's good at playing it, as he releases his hold on Lorenz waist without warning. ]
Trust me, 'adequate' was a compliment. You're going to have to get some more practice in, Lorenz, if you're going to get through this game of theirs. Or at least learn how to pretend to like kissing.
[ Is that a taunt? Absolutely. ]
We may not be either of those things, but we are at least familiar faces in a sea of strangers. I thought - mistakenly, apparently - that that at least might count as something, but I'll consider myself corrected and not repeat it, then.
[ He's not really miffed, but he's good at playing it, as he releases his hold on Lorenz waist without warning. ]
Trust me, 'adequate' was a compliment. You're going to have to get some more practice in, Lorenz, if you're going to get through this game of theirs. Or at least learn how to pretend to like kissing.
[ Is that a taunt? Absolutely. ]
[Oh good, he's finally been let go. He huffs and makes a show of straightening his vest, tugging his sleeve cuffs... Much better. There likely isn't any sense in pointing out how a familiar face is not nearly enough to "count as something," he thinks, so that only earns a grim hmm.]
Your concern for my welfare is so touching. [dry...] Not that it's any of your business, but under the proper circumstances, I enjoy kissing just as well as anyone else.
[A beat, pointed. Ahem. Anyway. The "game," ugh.]
You need to work on your compliments.
Your concern for my welfare is so touching. [dry...] Not that it's any of your business, but under the proper circumstances, I enjoy kissing just as well as anyone else.
[A beat, pointed. Ahem. Anyway. The "game," ugh.]
You need to work on your compliments.
I—
[look, Sylvain, that's rude, it's his job to catch on to those things, not have them used against him!! Olivine supposes he should have considered the possibility with their similar thoughts, though.]
... it isn't that I dislike it... but yes, there is a sense of responsibility.
[one that he often failed, in the eyes of those who once mattered the most. If not for Eiden and the others, he still wonders if he ever would have escaped that place. Even without knowing the details, it's plain that it's an uncomfortable subject, and he inhales a slow breath before shaking his head.]
I'm glad that people trust in me so deeply. But as you may imagine, a priest is someone who devotes their lives to others. I chose that so early on, and once I began, there was no changing it.
It sounds like you found your freedom in your own way, Sylvain.
[and he means it, as the film of regret melts away from his face. Is he still using his work to sidestep his own issues? Well, yes. Even if he's not as ashamed as he once was, he's still hesitant to burden anyone else with his circumstances.]
When you earn a real one, I'll be more convincing about it.
[ Stepping back and away from the other man, that sly smirk remains in place on Sylvain's lips as he props his hands on his hips. ]
So did you chase me down to attempt to improve my poor opinion of your skills or can I just tune the rest of this out and continue on my way now? It's okay, some people get performance anxiety. I promise not to tell anyone.
[ Stepping back and away from the other man, that sly smirk remains in place on Sylvain's lips as he props his hands on his hips. ]
So did you chase me down to attempt to improve my poor opinion of your skills or can I just tune the rest of this out and continue on my way now? It's okay, some people get performance anxiety. I promise not to tell anyone.
[ This time, it's Sylvain who has to hide a wince as he gives a dry laugh and leans back in his chair.
Luckily, their server chooses just then to deliver the tray of food and drinks for them to share, buying him a moment to figure out how to reply to that.
Freedom had never been in the cards for him. Then again, not even the fates could have foreseen this loophole, he supposes. ]
If this place counts as 'freedom', I suppose I have. I'm probably one of the few new guests here that's looking at this place with potential instead of as an unwanted interruption. [ A pause, as he realizes he should give a little more than that in exchange for the confession he might have surprised out of Olivine, even if he hadn't intended to put him on the spot. ]
I was born into my responsibilities. There was never really an option for a choice.
Luckily, their server chooses just then to deliver the tray of food and drinks for them to share, buying him a moment to figure out how to reply to that.
Freedom had never been in the cards for him. Then again, not even the fates could have foreseen this loophole, he supposes. ]
If this place counts as 'freedom', I suppose I have. I'm probably one of the few new guests here that's looking at this place with potential instead of as an unwanted interruption. [ A pause, as he realizes he should give a little more than that in exchange for the confession he might have surprised out of Olivine, even if he hadn't intended to put him on the spot. ]
I was born into my responsibilities. There was never really an option for a choice.
Mm... you don't consider your scandals to have been you exerting some sense of freedom? I'm sorry, I may have misunderstood.
[but that, spoken so plainly, Olivine cannot misinterpret. The words could have come straight from his own mouth in that moment and it wouldn't have been amiss. He himself hasn't put much thought into this place as a whole, but it certainly doesn't seem too inconvenient.
Not when he's not alone, anyway.]
... we're not so different, in that. In truth, it's easy to call something a choice, but when there is no alternative... [just to give him something to do, Olivine reaches for the trays, gently adjusting them on the table. It does occur to him that it's honestly... a lot of food... for just two people.] But there is always a chance at freedom... I think. No matter how unlikely or distant.
[He hopes.]
... apologies. I didn't mean to make things... heavy.
[but that, spoken so plainly, Olivine cannot misinterpret. The words could have come straight from his own mouth in that moment and it wouldn't have been amiss. He himself hasn't put much thought into this place as a whole, but it certainly doesn't seem too inconvenient.
Not when he's not alone, anyway.]
... we're not so different, in that. In truth, it's easy to call something a choice, but when there is no alternative... [just to give him something to do, Olivine reaches for the trays, gently adjusting them on the table. It does occur to him that it's honestly... a lot of food... for just two people.] But there is always a chance at freedom... I think. No matter how unlikely or distant.
[He hopes.]
... apologies. I didn't mean to make things... heavy.
[ Sylvain just casts him a small understanding smile. ]
Pretty sure it was my question that started it, so that’s all on me.
[ He reaches for one of the jars of wine, opening it and giving it an experimental sniff before sliding it across the table towards Olivine. ] Care to try some? And this… is a lot of food. I hope you’re hungry.
And I suppose my scandals were a little of that. I think they were probably more a rebellion against the inevitable, if anything. My father dismissed it as me ‘sowing my wild oats’. [ A snort, as he rolls his eyes, because while he’d endured countless lectures on his decorum in private, his father was always all bluster in bragging about his heir in public. ] Maybe that made him feel better about all of it.
Pretty sure it was my question that started it, so that’s all on me.
[ He reaches for one of the jars of wine, opening it and giving it an experimental sniff before sliding it across the table towards Olivine. ] Care to try some? And this… is a lot of food. I hope you’re hungry.
And I suppose my scandals were a little of that. I think they were probably more a rebellion against the inevitable, if anything. My father dismissed it as me ‘sowing my wild oats’. [ A snort, as he rolls his eyes, because while he’d endured countless lectures on his decorum in private, his father was always all bluster in bragging about his heir in public. ] Maybe that made him feel better about all of it.
Nevertheless, this isn't something that I should be so... unable to hold.
[Olivine peers at the wine for a moment, taking a moment to follow suit in sniffing it. It smells... intriguing. Sweet and nutty, almost sharp with a hint of mint.]
It... really is a lot, isn't it? I have a decent appetite, but this might be pushing it.
[pouring a glass, Olivine offers the drink back in turn. God, it's hard to think others had to go through things like he did... his expression is as understanding as it is pained. Almost as if to cover himself, Olivine takes a drink of the nutty wine, slowing his response in the space of tasting it.
Nutty, cold. A little sweet on the tongue.]
... it seems to be how they view it. A simple dalliance, if it's inconvenient. Worthy of utmost praise, otherwise.
[His eyes turn their gaze, staring off into the distance emptily as the drink works its way through him. Before he can think through it, the words slip from his lips.].
No matter how small the misstep, it's always the end of the world, isn't it? W disgrace, but only when there is something to pick against.
[Olivine peers at the wine for a moment, taking a moment to follow suit in sniffing it. It smells... intriguing. Sweet and nutty, almost sharp with a hint of mint.]
It... really is a lot, isn't it? I have a decent appetite, but this might be pushing it.
[pouring a glass, Olivine offers the drink back in turn. God, it's hard to think others had to go through things like he did... his expression is as understanding as it is pained. Almost as if to cover himself, Olivine takes a drink of the nutty wine, slowing his response in the space of tasting it.
Nutty, cold. A little sweet on the tongue.]
... it seems to be how they view it. A simple dalliance, if it's inconvenient. Worthy of utmost praise, otherwise.
[His eyes turn their gaze, staring off into the distance emptily as the drink works its way through him. Before he can think through it, the words slip from his lips.].
No matter how small the misstep, it's always the end of the world, isn't it? W disgrace, but only when there is something to pick against.
[ She doesn't even see it as a particularly Sylvain-oriented skepticism. People tend to gossip. She feels certain that he's noticed. ]
Then I will take you at your word. [ No matter how dry his tone. Since she can rarely place trust in anyone who hasn't shown her a reason to and he is at best a reluctant ally in this, she will simply have to take a leap of faith if she wants to leave the closet as quickly as possible. ] Let us waste no more time.
[ How will anyone even know that they kiss? Are they being watched somehow at this very moment? Do the bands around their wrist monitor their activities? Well, let there be no room for their captors to doubt: she steps right up to him, anchors one hand in the front of his robe, and sweeps up on her toes with enough momentum that in the dim light their noses bump before she tips her head and her lips meet his. ]
Then I will take you at your word. [ No matter how dry his tone. Since she can rarely place trust in anyone who hasn't shown her a reason to and he is at best a reluctant ally in this, she will simply have to take a leap of faith if she wants to leave the closet as quickly as possible. ] Let us waste no more time.
[ How will anyone even know that they kiss? Are they being watched somehow at this very moment? Do the bands around their wrist monitor their activities? Well, let there be no room for their captors to doubt: she steps right up to him, anchors one hand in the front of his robe, and sweeps up on her toes with enough momentum that in the dim light their noses bump before she tips her head and her lips meet his. ]
[Performance anxiety!!!!]
Ahaha— you know, it's quite reassuring to find that after all these years, you still behave like the lout you were at the Academy. Vapid and one-note all the way down; I was nearly afraid you'd gone through any kind of personal development.
[sorry bud........
Lorenz puffs himself up a bit, giving his hair a little flip. Hmph.]
If you so desperately want me to prove my skills to you, you will have to keep your hands to yourself.
[That's absolutely the handful of food and drink he's had from this awful place talking, but like, just... stand there?]
Ahaha— you know, it's quite reassuring to find that after all these years, you still behave like the lout you were at the Academy. Vapid and one-note all the way down; I was nearly afraid you'd gone through any kind of personal development.
[sorry bud........
Lorenz puffs himself up a bit, giving his hair a little flip. Hmph.]
If you so desperately want me to prove my skills to you, you will have to keep your hands to yourself.
[That's absolutely the handful of food and drink he's had from this awful place talking, but like, just... stand there?]
[original thread here]
[There is, Claude notices, only one chair alongside the bed in the room, so he'll go ahead and lay claim to the chair, the picture of casual as he perches on the arm of it.] I'd say now's the best time to admit it, actually. Better for both of us to be on the same page, right?
[Claude's eyes follow his over to the Wall of Sin. Now would actually be a good time to admit he's never had an occasion to do anything remotely like this, but... you know how Claude is about admitting things about himself. We're gonna fake it til we make it. Don't think about the hypocrisy of that with what he just said-- it could be interpreted as him admitting he doesn't know what he's doing either, after all. The plausible deniability is there.]
That's an understatement. I think even the two of us combined would have trouble thinking up uses for everything here.
[There is, Claude notices, only one chair alongside the bed in the room, so he'll go ahead and lay claim to the chair, the picture of casual as he perches on the arm of it.] I'd say now's the best time to admit it, actually. Better for both of us to be on the same page, right?
[Claude's eyes follow his over to the Wall of Sin. Now would actually be a good time to admit he's never had an occasion to do anything remotely like this, but... you know how Claude is about admitting things about himself. We're gonna fake it til we make it. Don't think about the hypocrisy of that with what he just said-- it could be interpreted as him admitting he doesn't know what he's doing either, after all. The plausible deniability is there.]
That's an understatement. I think even the two of us combined would have trouble thinking up uses for everything here.
Oh, I have every faith in our creative inventiveness. I’m sure we’d think of something.
[ Claude is shot a cheeky grin and a playful wink as Sylvain watches him move to perch on the arm of the chair. He supposes, thinking about it, that a cat fits him pretty well, too.
But there’s probably a few things they should establish before he goes picking things arbitrarily off the wall for this, which is what has him crossing to that chair and leaning over the other man a bit, one hand propped on the back of it behind him as he studies his expression in amusement. ]
Maybe the question here should be ‘what kind of Master do you want?’
[ Not that he can picture Claude surrendering to this sort of thing easily, but eh, they’re in here to play in good fun, so maybe it will give them something new to experience.
… Or maybe Claude will just keep talking in circles and he’ll have to make this up as he goes. ]
[ Claude is shot a cheeky grin and a playful wink as Sylvain watches him move to perch on the arm of the chair. He supposes, thinking about it, that a cat fits him pretty well, too.
But there’s probably a few things they should establish before he goes picking things arbitrarily off the wall for this, which is what has him crossing to that chair and leaning over the other man a bit, one hand propped on the back of it behind him as he studies his expression in amusement. ]
Maybe the question here should be ‘what kind of Master do you want?’
[ Not that he can picture Claude surrendering to this sort of thing easily, but eh, they’re in here to play in good fun, so maybe it will give them something new to experience.
… Or maybe Claude will just keep talking in circles and he’ll have to make this up as he goes. ]
[ Now those muscled arms get crossed over his chest as Sylvain just gives him a skeptical, unimpressed look. One eyebrow arching upwards again just adds to the entire effect. ]
And this is why you only get an ‘adequate’. You’re not meant to keep your hands to yourself when kissing, you realize? Where did you learn how to do this, with a training dummy?
And this is why you only get an ‘adequate’. You’re not meant to keep your hands to yourself when kissing, you realize? Where did you learn how to do this, with a training dummy?
[The smart money's on Claude continuing to talk in circles, but hey, stranger things have happened. And there might be a drink or two in his system easing the way. (Not that that's going to make it easy so much as remotely possible for a man like Claude.)
Claude meets Sylvain's gaze head-on, a coy turn to his lips. It's a very fair and important question and he is absolutely going to lob that ball right back into Sylvain's court.] Hard to say, having never had one before. [He'll at least admit to not having done pet-play before. He certainly doesn't seem to mind Sylvain's looming, a measure of heat in his eyes that even he can't hide when he looks up at the redhead like this.] I've been told I remind someone of you before... what do you think I'd be interested in?
Claude meets Sylvain's gaze head-on, a coy turn to his lips. It's a very fair and important question and he is absolutely going to lob that ball right back into Sylvain's court.] Hard to say, having never had one before. [He'll at least admit to not having done pet-play before. He certainly doesn't seem to mind Sylvain's looming, a measure of heat in his eyes that even he can't hide when he looks up at the redhead like this.] I've been told I remind someone of you before... what do you think I'd be interested in?
[ Chuckling, he crosses his arms over his chest and sidles to the side and slightly out of the way so he can lean against the door frame. ]
I’m Sylvain. You said your name was Tighnari?
[ Not a name he’s ever heard before, but this place is already proving to be full of people from places unlike anything he’d ever imagined were even possible. ]
I’m Sylvain. You said your name was Tighnari?
[ Not a name he’s ever heard before, but this place is already proving to be full of people from places unlike anything he’d ever imagined were even possible. ]
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