[GP/EP] You're not clear of story out here

[st_arkcrowblack]

Even before she knew for certain that it was the first of a month, Snow’s body had started bracing for it. She was wary and tense, preparing to cope with yet more people in the space of the hotel. It seemed that no sooner had she adjusted to whoever had showed up the last time, there was someone new again.

She didn’t want anything to do with the lot of it. That was what those busy women on the welcome committee were for. She didn’t think the committee was a stupid thing, not at all. Focusing on settling new people in kept the lot of them busy and away from her, and that was where she wanted them. They terrified her.

Snow White had only come into the main building to forage for food. The original plan was of course to turn right back around and escape before the expected rush (small or large) of new people to flood in.

But that was of course not what happened. When a universe was a pocket, it had less to focus on and fewer people to fuck with, and so Snow was entirely certain it was fucking with her when she was the one in the lobby when a new face came through the door.

Comments

Re: Alcuin (and then Jack)

[st_unning]

Alcuin took a little breath and said, "I was in Naamah's service. I'm not ashamed of that, but it was still... complicated." Before Ignis could react he added hastily, "I know that cultural norms towards sex are different here. I've already worked that out. And from books I've read here, I can tell that there is a terrible stigma around..." He winced. He didn't know a better word. "Whores. But I - I do not think it is the same."

Re: Alcuin (and then Jack)

[st_eadfast]

"No, your service was religious, I think?" It was true, prostitution tended to be a profession of last resort, in Gralea almost certainly, but in Insomnia... well, the profession of last resort tended to be farming. Going outside of town, among the monsters, to grow things the wildlife may or may not allow you to harvest. "Perhaps I was sheltered or too much alone," or both, in turns, "but I see neither a reason to judge you nor a reason to let 'cultural norms' cost one of the few friends I have here."

Re: Alcuin (and then Jack)

[alcuin]

Perhaps Alcuin should be glad that Ignis could not see the relief that flooded his face. "Thank you," he said in a breath. "I did not think you would judge me, not really, but I did not want you to think I was keeping such a truth from you purposefully."

Re: Alcuin (and then Jack)

[st_eadfast]

"I understand that, and appreciate your honesty." With some regret, Ignis left off stroking Alcuin's hair. The emotional moment seemed to have passed, and continuing was just enjoying the sensation, uninvited. "Even if you had kept it to yourself, I understand."

Re: Alcuin (and then Jack)

[st_unning]

Alcuin had rather been enjoying the gentle touch, but he understood when Ignis stopped.

"It... really does not change how you think of me?" he said, sounding almost hopeful.

Re: Alcuin (and then Jack)

[st_eadfast]

"Of course not." Touching seemed like the sort of thing that could become habitual quickly, as Ignis's hand twitched slightly before he overrode the urge to reach out. Even an affectionate man like Alcuin had limits, surely. "Who you are is far more important to me than what you do."

Re: Alcuin (and then Jack)

[st_unning]

Alcuin was suddenly tempted to kiss him, but knew that was a terrible idea, after what had happened with Vax. He also felt... a sudden wave of guilt, and confusion, because... aside from Anafiel, had he ever kissed anyone simply because he wanted to?

So he simply said softly, "Thank you, Ignis."

Re: Alcuin (and then Jack)

[st_eadfast]

"There's no need, but you're welcome." It was only the truth. Alcuin was a kind and affectionate man who seemed to only want the people around him to be happy. His choice of profession, or dedication, or however it was called in his world, only confirmed all of those impressions.

Re: Alcuin (and then Jack)

[st_unning]

After a moment, Alcuin said, "You seemed to have a note of surprise when you touched my hair. Because it's long, maybe? This might seem a bit odd to say, but - you are always welcome to touch me. If you want to know more about... how I am? Maybe that isn't typical for you, I don't know."

Re: Alcuin (and then Jack)

[st_eadfast]

"Longer than I expected, yes." After a brief pause, Ignis added, "I don't know what I expected, of course. I don't... touch in general isn't typical for me." He shrugged. "I can rarely tell whether it's welcome, and I've been given to understand, in the pas, that I don't invite it."

Re: Alcuin (and then Jack)

[st_unning]

"Is it welcome?" Alcuin asked him, wanting to be careful not to overstep.

Re: Alcuin (and then Jack)

[st_eadfast]

From Alcuin? Ignis didn't even have to think. "Yes. Decidedly."

Re: Alcuin (and then Jack)

[st_unning]

Alcuin smiled, and then took Ignis' hand again, and brought it to his own face, inviting him to explore if he liked.

Re: Alcuin (and then Jack)

[st_eadfast]

Only a little hesitant, Ignis accepted the invitation, using fingertips to trace the line of cheekbone and jaw, the shape of Alcuin's eyes and ears. And if his thumb swiped the younger man's lips and cheek, well, one or two touches for pleasure among the rest for curiosity were hopefully acceptable.

Ignis was committing it all to memory. Not what Alcuin looked like, not really, or even what he felt like but enough to sharpen impressions, to get an idea of how expression might brighten or darken a face like that. "Thank you," he breathed.

Re: Alcuin (and then Jack)

[st_unning]

Alcuin's heart beat a little faster as Ignis touched him. "You're - you're welcome," he said when he was finished.

Re: Alcuin (and then Jack)

[st_eadfast]

The urge to kiss him was strong, between Alcuin's kindness and the simple intimacy of touching his face. But Ignis was used to suppressing urges like that. It would be inappropriate, as Alcuin was grieving for his dead love. And on top of that... such a move could be misconstrued as something other than simple desire. It was best, surely, to let the moment pass. "Whatever the reason, I am glad you're here."

Re: Alcuin (and then Jack)

[st_unning]

Alcuin had spent a long time learning to gauge desire. To recognize it, understand it, and use it.

It would be such a simple task to seduce Ignis, he thought, and then realized that he was still thinking like this, like it was a game. Did he even know how to simply want something for himself? How to want anything at all, besides the one thing he had always wanted - Anafiel?

"And I am glad to have found you here," he said.

And then, very deliberately, he let the moment pass.

"Perhaps a cooking lesson?" he suggested. "Assuming you were planning to make dinner tonight."

Re: Alcuin (and then Jack)

[st_eadfast]

"That sounds like a correct assumption." He hadn't been tense, but nevertheless the air felt more... relaxed. Less charged. It was a loss, but not an unwelcome one. "And an excellent idea."