most precious snowdrop cinnamon bun
Posts: 54
Preferred Name: Chika
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Character Name: Polydeuces Chariot
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Post by Polydeuces on Jul 31, 2015 4:15:06 GMT -5
What could the stranger have possibly gone through to cause this? Poly chewed on his lower lip a bit as space was put between the two of them. He could practically feel the thick tension emanating from the other young man. Nervous, distrusting, closed off and suspicious and skittish. Poly supposed, for a moment, that it wasn't exactly a normal thing for someone to extend their hand to a potential thief--especially an Upper Class citizen.
When he was given a shrug, he retried the gentle smile, but decided it would be best if he... didn't get any closer for the moment. It probably wasn't the best idea to make the poor blond feel threatened. Instead, Poly took a single, small step back, and tilted his head. "You probably won't believe me, all things considered, but I truly don't want to hurt you." He gestured toward the food, before bringing his hand back to his chest.
"Would you rather me try it, to show you it's safe? I don't know what else I could do to show it's edible. Ah, well, it may not be the best, I was worried so I think I burned the potatoes a little, believe it or not, I'm not quite sure how that happened but it did... Y-You can't really taste it though, it's basically at the edge of the flavor! Really!" A flush rose to his cheeks, and he glanced away, covering his mouth. Wow, he was a super huge nerd, wasn't he? But he. Really wanted to help. Somehow.
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Post by zeke on Jul 31, 2015 4:26:18 GMT -5
With the steps backwards that the other young man took, Zeke felt a little... relieved. It wasn't so much the space, though on the surface that might have been what Zeke thought it would have been. Instead, on a less conscious level, he did recognize that the other saw that he wanted space. With the offer of trying the stew first, he glanced towards it. talking about how it tasted - his stomach rumbled audibly again and he unconsciously brought a hand to it. He- he really was so hungry and it smelled so good. It could be dangerous but....
Zeke shot a glance back to the one who'd brought him here and back to the stew and then hesitantly shuffled back over there. He took a moment to glance back once or twice and then sat down on the very edge of the bed, hand reaching out to touch just the edge of the bowl. Not... super hot or anything, but the warmth coming off of the stew hit his hand to show that it was definitely still very warm. That... would probably be nice. Unsure eyes looked from the food to the white haired young man before he decided that he was already so hungry and so worn down that if it was a trap it didn't matter.
Picking up the bowl, he brought a spoonful of the stew to his lips and took a small mouthful of it. A look of surprise washed over him. It was so good. He didn't notice whatever faint burnt taste that the young man had warned him of; it was definitely better tasting than the cheap food he usually ate. Caution was thrown to the wind after the first bite; he had definitely decided it was going to be eaten, consequences be damned.
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most precious snowdrop cinnamon bun
Posts: 54
Preferred Name: Chika
Pronouns: she/her
Character Profile: Knight-Prince
Character Name: Polydeuces Chariot
Main Account: Teddy
Status: Active
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Post by Polydeuces on Jul 31, 2015 4:53:23 GMT -5
He just looked so hungry, Poly really really wanted to get something in his system. He held his breath, watching the shifting glances, and leaned against the door frame as the blond decided to move to the edge of the bed, reaching for the bowl. Did that mean... he would eat it? Was there maybe some sort of understanding they'd reached--even though he was the only talking? Poly felt hope welling up in him, and he leaned forward a bit, but didn't dare get any closer than his position at the door.
And then, the most adorable look of surprise came over the blond and Poly's breath came out in a rush. He proceeded to indulge his hunger, and a wide smile spread across his face. "Oh thank goodness," he murmured, relaxing in his stance. But, quickly, he felt his concern bubbling up again, and he reached out a hand. "A-ah--please be careful! Don't eat too fast, you might choke, or upset your stomach!"
Gosh he sounded like a fretting mother, didn't he? I killed off Pen so I had to shove her tendencies on Poly I mean what. He chewed on his lip again, lingering, not wanting to betray what tiny amount of "trust" there was, so he kind of just. Leaned his head against the door frame. "I just realized I haven't introduced myself," he said with a light laugh, eyebrows furrowed and eyes closed. It seemed silly to realize such a thing, but, maybe it would help? Or something? "My name is Polydeuces, but I usually just go by Poly. And don't worry, I live by myself. So all you have to worry about while you're here is a squishy florist, haha." Why was he talking so much? Maybe it was because the blond was so quiet.
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Post by zeke on Jul 31, 2015 5:05:04 GMT -5
The warning about not eating too quickly perhaps came a little too late, but at least Zeke hadn't eaten so fast that he was going to throw up. There was still about half a bowl left when he felt his stomach lurch a little and he set it back down, instead reaching for the water and downing the whole thing. He glanced over at the young man after that, listening to him talk. He sure... was friendly, Zeke guessed. It was weird. He did know that he felt a little better, head less woozy and stomach less like claws and while the rest of the food was horribly tempting, the little feeling in the pit of it that threatened to throw it back up and the warning were enough to just... not.
Zeke nodded when the stranger introduced himself as Polydeuces, a bit relieved that he wasn't being asked questions. There was definitely a positive air about him, a weird feeling that said he was probably not dangerous but even that didn't do too much to tell Zeke he could trust him. Obviously, though, he wasn't an immediate threat and there wasn't really anything stopping Zeke from taking a moment and letting himself relax. If... things went downhill they went downhill and at least now he'd be kind of better off.
Still aching all over a bit, body still feeling horribly empty without magic in his system, he at least felt a little better. He glanced at the stew again, wondering if he should try to down the rest while he had a chance, but instead looked back over at Poly, sort of.... unsure what to do.
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most precious snowdrop cinnamon bun
Posts: 54
Preferred Name: Chika
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Character Name: Polydeuces Chariot
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Post by Polydeuces on Jul 31, 2015 5:18:33 GMT -5
It was maybe too much to have hoped that an introduction might serve as an opening for the other to speak, but at least he seemed a little less fidgety. That was something, in Poly's book. He didn't know why but he suddenly felt absolutely taken by the blond; he wanted to help so much. Bringing a hand up to tap his chin, he mulled the situation over. Briefly, he wondered how long it had been since the other had eaten an actual meal, or even rested on a bed, or any number of other conveniences his own life offered.
Lowering himself to sit on the floor, legs crossed, he leaned forward and draped his arms over his lap. Poly tried to push back on a friendly smile, hoping he was coming off as rather non-threatening. He--what now? Hmm. "You're... welcome to stay as long as you need to," he said in an automatic sort of way, before realizing what the words he said meant. There was such strict surveillance when it came to separating classes, and, well, it was painfully obvious the blond was no Upper Class socialite.
He began to worry at his lip again, before a sigh escaped him and he smiled again. He said it, so he couldn't take it back. But, well. "You're--you're welcome to leave whenever you please, too, but well, you just seem like you're not in the best shape right now, and I would strongly insist that you at least build up your strength before departing... alright? Would that be alright?" He gave an unsure laugh, reaching up to rub the back of his head. "If you want to stick around, I can offer you a bed and food probably most other things you could ask for, it's... unfairly easy for me. But if I can do anything to help you, I will." Flashing him a sincere smile, he dropped his hand into his lap again. How did you build trust with someone who seemed to have been so hurt by ...something? Or someone?
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Post by zeke on Jul 31, 2015 5:32:11 GMT -5
It was... odd. This was more than he could ever have hoped to have been offered, were it true, and yet somehow he felt as if he couldn't accept it, let alone trust it. Poly had slid down to sit on the floor, a quiet and unimposing position, and smiled before offering that he could stay until he was in better shape. The soft laugh following the offer, asking if it was alright that Zeke accept it and stick around to sort of recover some strength - he felt as if he were somehow compelled to answer.
Quietly, he paused and then nodded. It seemed... sort of like a good idea for now, at least until he felt more confident in standing and leaving. His arms crossed, hands tucked in under his elbows - he wanted to fidget, wanted to see about getting some magic in his system again because now that the very immediate need of hunger was sort of sated, that was the largest thing weighing on him. Pale eyes drifted from the young man on the floor to an empty section of the wall right in front of Zeke. He really really wanted this to be real, not some dream and not some trick.
But the thought of not knowing what to do and how to react if it wasn't was something too. He really didn't know what to do in any situation, to be honest. Closing his eyes, Zeke let out a troubled exhale. If he wanted this to be real, if he really didn't want to deal with the alternative, if he was just so done with how his life had been up until now, maybe he should just pretend that this was real. Play along, do whatever. Force himself to accept that this was something that was happening to him. It would be nice.
Opening his eyes, he glanced back over at Poly. Once again, he looked fairly.... harmless. Eyes dropped down to the floor at his feet, brows furrowed, frustrated. He couldn't say anything to him and wasn't sure if he should try to make himself speak a word or two, if he could manage that. If he could, what would he even.... say to convey what he wanted?
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most precious snowdrop cinnamon bun
Posts: 54
Preferred Name: Chika
Pronouns: she/her
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Character Name: Polydeuces Chariot
Main Account: Teddy
Status: Active
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Post by Polydeuces on Jul 31, 2015 5:47:57 GMT -5
A fresh wave of relief overcame him as the other nodded, and Poly further melted in his own position, relaxed and just. So relieved. It was silly that he was feeling so stressed over the idea of a stranger being let loose into Novus, but, there was just this sinking feeling of dread. How had he gotten into this state, to begin with? What in the world could have happened? Poly could hardly comprehend it; it wasn't like anything he'd ever gone through, so how could he?
Troubled sigh leaving the other young man, Poly almost expected him to just sort of flop over, curl up, and go back to sleep. When he didn't, when those light eyes turned on him again, he felt a blush rise on his cheeks again. W-was he maybe, watching him too closely? He broke his gaze at the same time as the blond did, not that he was even aware of that much. Poly twiddled his thumbs, before glancing up once more.
"You don't have to answer," he started, voice so much quieter than it had been. But there were no other sounds in the room, or the house for that matter, so it couldn't have been too hard to hear him, right? "But is there anything I can call you? I don't want to be rude, if you'll be sticking around, I mean. It could even be an alias! J-just... something, you know?" He was flustered, in his own home, over asking a citizen who was clearly a lower class for a name. Boy, would every other ~*high class*~ individual he knew just kind of scoff at him right now.
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Post by zeke on Jul 31, 2015 5:55:06 GMT -5
And here came the part that he was unable to handle. Poly had settled into silence for a moment before speaking up again, asking if there was anything he could call Zeke. This was.... well, he had no way to answer that properly without words. It didn't really matter if he knew his name or not, or any other name to call him by - Zeke figured he was just as much in trouble with or without it and if it would be something that Poly wanted to know, something that would not be a loss for him to give, he wouldn't.... mind offering it.
But that still was beyond him. He could really try to say his name but his head swam, chest ached and a chill still hung on him a little bit. The food and sleep had done a little to make the discomforts of withdrawal bearable, but only but a bit. Thinking a moment, he looked over at Poly to make sure that the young man was looking at him, gestured to his throat, and shook his head. Hopefully that would... kind of get across the statement that he couldn't speak.
This - and everything, honestly, - would be so much easier if he just could. Why had he had to go and do that, ruin everything by being a shitty addict.
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most precious snowdrop cinnamon bun
Posts: 54
Preferred Name: Chika
Pronouns: she/her
Character Profile: Knight-Prince
Character Name: Polydeuces Chariot
Main Account: Teddy
Status: Active
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Post by Polydeuces on Jul 31, 2015 6:08:18 GMT -5
Silence, more silence. Poly's expression had already faltered away from a smile, but now he was just growing even more nervous and he just didn't know why. He told the blond he didn't have to answer, anyway, so why was he so upset over the silence? Maybe part of him just really wanted to connect, maybe part of him wanted someone to take care of, maybe he just really wanted a distraction from the quiet house that was, in fact, always quiet anyway.
Blue eyes glanced away but then back again, and Poly found ice blues on him again--a look that sort of stole his breath a bit, because this time it felt like the other young man was trying to actually get his attention. A hand was raised, gesture being made toward his neck. Confusion painted Poly's face for a fraction of a second before everything sort of clicked, and he couldn't even put on a smile.
"You can't--? Oh no, oh no I'm so sorry," he responded fretfully, glancing away and down and to the wall before finally peeking at the blond again. "Could you... hm... could you write, maybe? I have a notebook and some writing utensils in the drawer next to you, so if you wanted to..." Poly's voice trailed off and he glanced away again. There were so many reasons that could cause something like that, but there was still a nagging feeling that something was just wrong and he found himself wanting to keep the blond safe as long as he could.
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Post by zeke on Jul 31, 2015 10:03:16 GMT -5
Zeke would have, in response to Poly figuring out that he meant he couldn't speak, just said 'don't be sorry, it's my own fault' if he had the means for it. He was sorry enough for himself most of the time anyway. When the other young man suggested that he write, Zeke immediately looked for the notebook. His reaction was perhaps a tad over-quick, a bit eager; there was something about the thought of actually conversing with someone, somehow that he wanted almost as much as his most basic needs. Perhaps he was as starved for it as he had been for the food.
Pen and notebook found, Zeke opened it and his hand hovered over the paper. Something like this was not easily found in the Slums, not for someone like him, and now that he had way to communicate he was immediately overwhelmed by possibilities. He didn't notice, up until he put the pen against the paper (such an unfamiliar feeling, holding the pen - it hadn't been that long since he had written, had it?) that his hands were still shaking a little. He inhaled, held it, steadying himself and tried to think of what to write first.
Slow, slightly unsure strokes penned the first words, [[Thank you.]] down. The marks wobbled a bit on the paper, but it was more a sign of his unsteady hands than it was a lack of proper knowledge. Somehow, some sort of luck had saved him from losing that too. He'd written it small, fitting it within the lines, using up as little space as he could. Eyes shifting up from the paper to Poly, he looked back down and wrote the next thing he had to say.
[[I'm sorry I attacked you. You didn't have to do any of this for me. My name is Zeke.]]
With that written for starters, he hesitantly stood up off the bed, walking to where Poly sat on the floor and handing out the notebook. There was still a touch of fear to his movements, still a wariness to the way he stood waiting to spring back and the moment the notebook would be taken his hand would withdraw, out of range of Polys reach.
As soon as he handed the notebook off he sat down cross legged on the floor across from Poly, wobbling a bit as he did so, and left just enough room between them so that he could grab the notebook but so that Poly couldn't just reach out and touch him. He needed that space, still - but the chance to really have a conversation with someone was too much of a draw for him.
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