notrosecolored | Duplicity Contact Post

[That...snags in him oddly. And Chris looks away as he takes off the black-stoned clasp at his jacket lapel and pulls the jet raven skull necklace from around his neck he never took off. He offers both over to Scott and gives a humorless scoff.]

There you are, handsome...everything that makes me 'not human' in one hand. You've no ability to take yours off. People back home were born with the gift of the Weave in their blood and suffered for it in my land, but I sought mine out: the only magic accepted in the Moonsea.

[He turns a wry smile on Scott.]

I didn't even earn my titles, just a circumstance of birth and then the actions of others around me. I'm really not that special, promise.

[ Scott takes both.

At the start, as Chris is beginning to speak, the reason is as uncomplicated as 'they were held out to him'.
The reason he keeps hold of them is more complicated.

Not holding them hostage, but he's not forcing them back onto Chris, or objecting, either.

Not even after he's heard it all. ]

You're an asshole -- and if I didn't already love you, I would now.

[Chris stares at him a moment and huffs. And hopes it doesn't sound like it catches in his throat.

He's meant to be free from having emotions for a moment.]

I love you too....elaborate what part of that was fucking endearing.

[ Well, the good news is that Scott's not going to get soppy about it.

The bad news is he's going to stop walking, keep holding onto what he was given and answer the question. He's also going to do it in a tone about halfway between Scott and Cyclops. Confident, sure, but also gentled down and... reflecting a personality? and some compassion. ]

Maturity, honesty, self-awareness, insight, compassion, a call out and... recognition of where your privilege is.

There's nothing there that's not endearing.

[Well, Chris is.

He's quiet a moment as he stops too nd just looks at the other man. He tries to bury the vulnerability he feels but he can't. Nor can he....actually process half of what's in him.

So he doesn't. He moves closer until he can place his forehead to Scott's shoulder and simply leaves it there a moment.

He'll take his holy objects back in a moment, right this second, he doesn't want them.]

[ Scott puts his empty hand on Chris' back, palm open and light. Not tentatively light, just not... applying literal pressure or gripping onto him.

Kind of the way you'd hold onto an actual bird - or something else that's a little (even temporarily) fragile.

Scott himself is steady as hell. Feet planted, even pulse and breathing, radiating heat because he's him and not human.

...and holding onto what Chris gave him - and doesn't want to carry himself right now- with a much firmer grip than he's holding onto Chris. ]

Edited 2023-02-21 22:36 (UTC)

[He stays there a longer moment than he means to before taking a deep breath and standing straight again. Even that little bit helped. It gives him an idea on something else that might help in the long run, but later. For right now, it's enough. Or as much as he's willing to let himself take.]

...thank you.

[Which is better than 'sorry' at least.

He holds his hands out for his holy symbol and the clasp.]

[ Scott lifts and drops his eyebrows in a sort of... gently teasing way? Sort of like an eyebrow shrug.

He also immediately gives Chris his stuff back.

Then resumes walking. ]

He really is not the most verbose person I've met. Which does not make him an ideal fit for me, but Midnighter'll have a blast with it.

[Chris reaffixes the clasp to his jacket and puts the skull's chain back around his neck as they walk.]

I think having some sort of stable support will help him. He just seemed sort of...lost when I met him. But, as you said, barely three words between us to know for sure.

[ Scott's reminded a little of him taking the glasses or visor off, on very rare occasions, then putting it back on.

It's not the same, really - he gets more dangerous - but some of the symbolism tracks. ]

That's as good a read on him as I have. He's probably looking for a commanding officer as much as he absolutely doesn't want one.

I don't necessarily expect to see enough of him for it to matter, but we'll see. This city tends to throw plans out the window.

Well, hopefully it's an uneventful three months while he figures out whatever he's got brewing.

[This is easy, at least, this light conversation that will likely turn to no conversation and be just as comfortable. He'd needed this. Normalcy.]

Thank you for- [He gestures vaguely around them.]

I'll let you know when we're back on for that scene...and if I need a sanity walk again.

You know where to find me when you're ready or need me.

[ He won't be pushing. He will be available. And, yeah, for now. Walk and lighter talk and silence. ]

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