(no subject)

[untempered]

Who: anyone
When: Day 27, evening
Where: Apartment Z
What: TABLEGASM

[So there's been drama, there's been hangovers, there's been nature violence and there's been the drudgery of daily life. But who cares about that. The door to Z is open and Noric is in the middle of the room, studying the ebony, fancy looking furniture item that just appeared there.]

...I'm almost loathe to admit this... but I kind of want to sleep on it, just because I can.

[Oh yes. Apartment Z got a table.]

Comments

[untempered]

Well.

[slightly hesitant and nervous]

You know how we spoke this morning, about trying for ... [vague hand gesture] a relationship?

[intellectum]

[dryly]

Since it happened this morning, it's still fresh in my memory.

[untempered]

...yes, I suppose it would be.

I meant it when I said I wanted to do it properly. So it's a little belated, but... [reaches into his tunic and pulls out a azure-wrapped length of vine, about three feet long.]

[intellectum]

You... got me a present?

[untempered]

It's... more a tradition, in Orion. For asking to court someone. If they agree, you bind your hand together with theirs.

[intellectum]

I see.

So I just... hold your hand?

[untempered]

Yes.

If you agree, that is.

[intellectum]

[smiles]

You're worried I changed my mind now that the afterglow has faded.

[untempered]

I just don't want you to feel obligated. That's all.

[intellectum]

I've never felt obligated in my entire life.

[untempered]

[extends his hand, then]

[intellectum]

[places his hand calmly on top of his, without a moment's hesitation]

[untempered]

[takes the vine and wraps it around both their hands twice.]

[intellectum]

[sucks in a deep breath because this is really happening]

[untempered]

[lets the hand holding the vine fall, and swallows.]

Okay. Then... we're courting.

[intellectum]

[shifts awkwardly]

Well. Good then.

[untempered]

Yes.

[...]

Ah, we can take the vine off.

[intellectum]

[nods, removing it]

You've... done this before, haven't you.

[untempered]

...not in a very long time.

[intellectum]

[nods]

[untempered]

[withdraws his hand, running it through his hair.]

...

If Heron is going to stay here, we might finally need to get a door or two for the inner rooms, as well.

[intellectum]

Make him do it.

[untempered]

I am not making him do anything.

[intellectum]

Just suggest it. You know he'll do it anyway

[untempered]

You just want me to do the dirty work.