"You've reached the inbox of Jeremiah Gottwald. I'm unavailable at the moment, but leave a message and I'll return your call as soon as possible. Thank you."
[ not one to waste time, this angelo. he arrives at said bar soon enough, though he gets lost along the way considering everything in this wasteland looks more or less the same. only a few buildings were clearly revamped, which he thinks is a result of some of the denizens here putting work in it.
angelo is no stranger to bars, and vices, but this was a life he'd left behind a long time ago. any other time he'd be worried about slipping, but not anymore. not when he knows who he is. not when he knows who to fight for. everything in this wasteland is a distraction and the fact that he has to participate in it is annoying, but he understands rules and he understands conditions.
so he arrives, in his stiff presence, looking incredibly out of place because of his uniform and bearing, if not for the fact that he looks too pretty in this crowd anyway. ]
[The walk eases his mind a good deal. This is just part of the adjustment, he knows it, that's what happens when you get thrown in headfirst. You sometimes have to act to keep from stumbling, then figure out the rest on the way.
He's just tired of adjusting. It's why he settled down.
But he still loves bars, and he's missed the companionship to be found at one no matter where the road leads. It's easy enough to stave off the rest of the unknowns for a while. And to his full credit, Angelo does stand out well when he first passes through the doors, surveying the room in full for a newly-familiar face. The pale hair grabs his eye, and as Jeremiah approaches, reacquainting himself from a distance, he does admit he has been afforded very attractive company. The cut of his uniform certainly doesn't hurt.]
Lieutenant Sauper, good afternoon. [Or should it be "Angelo?" Hm. Maybe not yet.]
Angelo is fine, if it makes the situation more comfortable. I will not have you stand on ceremony either way.
Thank you for making time for me.
[ still too formal, even if he's in a bar. the reality is that angelo doesn't really know how to live like a citizen anymore; there are many things that he's already given up in service to his captain. a normal life is one of them, and he did so easily. the one he had before wasn't worth talking about, anyhow.
but he is trying to be more personable. after all, he has a goal, and it will not do if he shuts him out of opportunities for it to come true just because he can't behave himself properly. ]
Very well, Angelo. [He's actually keen to try it out, just once. It feels nice on his lips, and the smile it draws is genuine.]
It's no trouble.
[Though it's certainly a lot to think about. He regards the young man, then glances towards the bar itself, then gestures towards it in question. This is old hat, right? Besides, there's never a bad time for a drink.]
[ the truth was that jeremiah wasn't bad looking, either. he has a dignified look that angelo can learn to respect, reminding him much of cuaron and the other boys.
the only drawback to this arrangement was the fact that he was not blond. ]
I hope you've been well. And staying out of trouble.
[ which were hilarious words, considering angelo is more likely to get into trouble than he was. the bar was bustling, at least, even at this time, though really it's not like there's anything else going on in this wasteland. drinks are flowing liberally -- they're free during the first of the month, though angelo is more than content to drink red wine. ]
[Every measure as dry as it should be. He really is trying, for what that's worth, and it's been effective so far in keeping his head above water. He has shelter and at least something to eat, even if it's not much. Could be better, though.]
My apartment has a nice view, at least.
[Seating himself for the moment, Jeremiah considers his options before asking for a gin and tonic. Whether or not that's all he'll receive in his glass given their bartender is another damn robot, who can say.]
It's nicer than anything else about it, let's put it that way.
[At least he can see patches of green in the distance when he opens the windows, see the sky, for what that's worth with so many clouds. The cityscape itself is striking, in a sense. Silver linings, right?
Jeremiah raises his glass for a sip, equally surprised by the quality of the gin in it. A decent choice, it turns. Wine suits Angelo, he'll admit. He'd ask about it, but the conversation doesn't leave room.]
Yes... let me. [Setting down his glass, he begins fiddling with it, quicker now to pull up the correct thing. Ta-dah. He's looking less embarrassed every time, go him.]
[ given time, even cages can look nice, though angelo is being pithy at how he says it. ]
It is awfully convenient of them to put up this card for us. It saves the awkwardness of having to figure out what people would like to try and gives better direction.
[ angelo takes a sip of his wine as he goes through his card with an impassive face. ]
Especially since most people don't know what they want.
[ after scanning it, angelo swirls the red in his glass and takes another sip. ]
"Size Difference" is an easy one. [ luckily, jeremiah was handsome enough that this will be interesting. ]
It's a bit... broad in its array. I can't say everything on mine seems comfortable for a first encounter.
[Or in the case of any repeat partners, a second, sometimes even a third. Some of the squares he's questioning trying to touch whatsoever. But if they're willing, and he can find a way to be willing as well, for the sake of all this, he must. Right?
Maybe "must" is a strong word.]
That would work.
[It's something he's certainly noted since arriving here, finally next to Angelo and not just speaking from a distance. He only rises up so far while standing side by side. Jeremiah's eye flicks away briefly, then lands to the bracelet on the younger man's wrist.]
[ he'll let him see it, with a flourish. angelo doesn't have any complaints on it, except for the one square that says "snuff", which he still looks at in dismay. ]
I'm rather direct in what I want, [ angelo says with narrowed eyes. ] but I like to think I don't indulge in meaningless suffering.
[ a thin smile. there is a certain kind of madness in angelo that's inhuman, sometimes only lingering in the stiff gestures that rule him. a newtype, everything about his appetites are dark and deep. ] Though if a certain kind of man presents the opportunity to mark off "snuff", I would be very grateful.
[ preferably a gundam pilot, but one can dream. ] I do feel pity for anyone who wants a first encounter. I'm about to teach someone the basics of it; it is always slow and awkward to begin with.
Goodness. [It's said with a chuckle, the astonishment clearly put on. His eyes are on the card, but it could apply to the quiet zeal in the young man's voice too.]
I have to wonder how many people received the square, considering you're already not the first I've heard of having it. Your chances can't be bad.
[And for those who would die as a result, would the Augur grant them life anew while on the island, as it had undone deaths of the past when some of them had first arrived? It seems likely, but he hasn't heard of it happening yet. It's hard to know.
He takes another sip of his drink, considering a moment longer. Tilting his chin, Jeremiah glances down the series of gold closures on his jacket.] Clothing wouldn't be hard to make a focal point. Or flexibility, if that's doable for you.
[His smile as he looks to Angelo's eyes has grown fainter, calmer.]
If you want to check off one that's not too severe, I'm open to suggestions.
"Clothing" is fine. At least I won't get in trouble fraternizing with anyone I shouldn't be as a lieutenant anymore.
[ angelo swirls the wine in his glass, and takes a thoughtful sip on it as he eyes the card again before putting it away. ]
I have a grocery list for this Augur, on top of working to leave this awful planet. Luckily there's nothing else in this stupid wasteland to busy ourselves with other than each other.
[Jeremiah chuckles softly in lieu of a verbal agreement. No doubt in another place, another world, he could never seek an acquaintance out of a man like him. He comes with his own set of entanglements, seemingly never quite coming to an end even when he expects it. The rules here, however, are far different from home. Or rather, it seemed there were very few rules at all.]
All part of the design, I'm sure.
[He glances to his glass, smiling a little.]
At least we have passable alcohol. I have to wonder how the Augur managed to get that one right.
I hear from others that you have to request it. Imagine. Living for months without such supplies.
[ angelo tilts his wine glass, finishes it in one. ]
Not even the military would be so stingy. That armies don't march with an empty stomach goes the same for alcohol as well.
[ he glances aside at him -- ] Have you made other friends? [ speaking in a tone which doesn't really care as to how shallow or deep the connections are where 'friends' are concerned. ]
[Oh he has been considering it, and he doesn't appear to like it much at all. Well, hence the incentive for trade, right? He'll have to remember to add it to the shopping list.]
That's certainly more considerate, although I suppose that's a quality I shouldn't expect out of our providers here.
[Jeremiah takes another drink, the quinine tart on his tongue.]
I have made some connections. Some are people I knew from home. [He returns the younger man's eye contact.] Do you have anyone like that here?
You are correct in that, but I unfortunately miss the company of a few good men.
[ like a certain captain. or members of his squad, for example. it's not quite homesickness but it's there, festering in his mind like a disease. he dislikes it.
[That he's sure of. It occurred to him after saying it that it extends to the captain Angelo protects with his very life. A saddening thought, but really, Jeremiah always was a romantic about these things.]
Understandably.
[Well, all the more reason to assist each other in their goals. A barter for departure from this place is surely worth pursuing. Jeremiah glances over, the turn of conversation abrupt but not unwelcome. His mind hasn't wavered in the path on the way.]
[ and angelo doesn't mind whether someone watches or not -- this is not the first time he's had to trade sex for favours, and the only reason why his skin isn't crawling right now and he's not having nightmares about white, blank sheets is the fact that everything is on equal terms.
but he is not here to dwell on that, and so he waits on jeremiah to decide. ]
[Jeremiah only just stifles his surprised laugh. He'd expected the usual courtesy of asking whose place is closer, but... well, first off, he knows he's a bit traditional, and in looking around he notes it's nicer here than his apartment. He'd be a little embarrassed to offer his regardless. Who knows what Angelo has found for himself, other than unacceptable by his standards.
Someday, he's fairly sure one of these encounters will happen behind closed doors, perhaps even on a bed, but for now?]
... The restrooms would still be more private.
[Jeremiah finishes his drink, the curl of his mouth growing a little sly as he rises to his feet, then offers his hand to Angelo. A standard courtesy, but one he still loves to offer.]
[ angelo has unfortunately way too much experience with men who try to be slick with him and he just notes with amusement that it was offered in the first place. he won't be taking it. being affectionate isn't for acquaintances at all.
maybe if jeremiah levelled up to friendship level 3.
in any case he's not opposed to the restrooms. hopefully they're clean enough? they pass by several couples on the way who were certainly very busy with themselves, angelo tossing his hair to the side more out of annoyance as they get in his way towards the restrooms.
and if there were anybody else in there, he certainly doesn't care; he'll pick the largest stall. ]
[It rolls off him just fine, letting his hand drop, the humor in those eyes soothing the faint tick of disappointment. Even back home some thought it a little excessive, so he doesn't mind it much, following Angelo through the crowd.
Not exactly what he's used to seeing openly in establishes he frequented, either. Well, to each their own. None of this should surprise him, at this point.
Even with the most space, the stall doesn't afford much as he shuts the door and latches it. Just the two of them now, Jeremiah looks him in a little closer, his smile growing slightly, a little more genuine, maybe even tentative. He hadn't reached for his hand before, so he hesitates to reach out again. Instead, he shoots for middle ground, standing close.]
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> action.
[ not one to waste time, this angelo. he arrives at said bar soon enough, though he gets lost along the way considering everything in this wasteland looks more or less the same. only a few buildings were clearly revamped, which he thinks is a result of some of the denizens here putting work in it.
angelo is no stranger to bars, and vices, but this was a life he'd left behind a long time ago. any other time he'd be worried about slipping, but not anymore. not when he knows who he is. not when he knows who to fight for. everything in this wasteland is a distraction and the fact that he has to participate in it is annoying, but he understands rules and he understands conditions.
so he arrives, in his stiff presence, looking incredibly out of place because of his uniform and bearing, if not for the fact that he looks too pretty in this crowd anyway. ]
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He's just tired of adjusting. It's why he settled down.
But he still loves bars, and he's missed the companionship to be found at one no matter where the road leads. It's easy enough to stave off the rest of the unknowns for a while. And to his full credit, Angelo does stand out well when he first passes through the doors, surveying the room in full for a newly-familiar face. The pale hair grabs his eye, and as Jeremiah approaches, reacquainting himself from a distance, he does admit he has been afforded very attractive company. The cut of his uniform certainly doesn't hurt.]
Lieutenant Sauper, good afternoon. [Or should it be "Angelo?" Hm. Maybe not yet.]
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Thank you for making time for me.
[ still too formal, even if he's in a bar. the reality is that angelo doesn't really know how to live like a citizen anymore; there are many things that he's already given up in service to his captain. a normal life is one of them, and he did so easily. the one he had before wasn't worth talking about, anyhow.
but he is trying to be more personable. after all, he has a goal, and it will not do if he shuts him out of opportunities for it to come true just because he can't behave himself properly. ]
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It's no trouble.
[Though it's certainly a lot to think about. He regards the young man, then glances towards the bar itself, then gestures towards it in question. This is old hat, right? Besides, there's never a bad time for a drink.]
Shall we?
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[ the truth was that jeremiah wasn't bad looking, either. he has a dignified look that angelo can learn to respect, reminding him much of cuaron and the other boys.
the only drawback to this arrangement was the fact that he was not blond. ]
I hope you've been well. And staying out of trouble.
[ which were hilarious words, considering angelo is more likely to get into trouble than he was. the bar was bustling, at least, even at this time, though really it's not like there's anything else going on in this wasteland. drinks are flowing liberally -- they're free during the first of the month, though angelo is more than content to drink red wine. ]
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[Every measure as dry as it should be. He really is trying, for what that's worth, and it's been effective so far in keeping his head above water. He has shelter and at least something to eat, even if it's not much. Could be better, though.]
My apartment has a nice view, at least.
[Seating himself for the moment, Jeremiah considers his options before asking for a gin and tonic. Whether or not that's all he'll receive in his glass given their bartender is another damn robot, who can say.]
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[ the wine ... isn't bad. could be better. ]
But I suppose we make do of what we're presented with.
[ angelo gestures at his bracelet. not one to waste time -- ] Show me your card.
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[At least he can see patches of green in the distance when he opens the windows, see the sky, for what that's worth with so many clouds. The cityscape itself is striking, in a sense. Silver linings, right?
Jeremiah raises his glass for a sip, equally surprised by the quality of the gin in it. A decent choice, it turns. Wine suits Angelo, he'll admit. He'd ask about it, but the conversation doesn't leave room.]
Yes... let me. [Setting down his glass, he begins fiddling with it, quicker now to pull up the correct thing. Ta-dah. He's looking less embarrassed every time, go him.]
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[ given time, even cages can look nice, though angelo is being pithy at how he says it. ]
It is awfully convenient of them to put up this card for us. It saves the awkwardness of having to figure out what people would like to try and gives better direction.
[ angelo takes a sip of his wine as he goes through his card with an impassive face. ]
Especially since most people don't know what they want.
[ after scanning it, angelo swirls the red in his glass and takes another sip. ]
"Size Difference" is an easy one. [ luckily, jeremiah was handsome enough that this will be interesting. ]
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[Or in the case of any repeat partners, a second, sometimes even a third. Some of the squares he's questioning trying to touch whatsoever. But if they're willing, and he can find a way to be willing as well, for the sake of all this, he must. Right?
Maybe "must" is a strong word.]
That would work.
[It's something he's certainly noted since arriving here, finally next to Angelo and not just speaking from a distance. He only rises up so far while standing side by side. Jeremiah's eye flicks away briefly, then lands to the bracelet on the younger man's wrist.]
Would you show me yours as well?
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[ he'll let him see it, with a flourish. angelo doesn't have any complaints on it, except for the one square that says "snuff", which he still looks at in dismay. ]
I'm rather direct in what I want, [ angelo says with narrowed eyes. ] but I like to think I don't indulge in meaningless suffering.
[ a thin smile. there is a certain kind of madness in angelo that's inhuman, sometimes only lingering in the stiff gestures that rule him. a newtype, everything about his appetites are dark and deep. ] Though if a certain kind of man presents the opportunity to mark off "snuff", I would be very grateful.
[ preferably a gundam pilot, but one can dream. ] I do feel pity for anyone who wants a first encounter. I'm about to teach someone the basics of it; it is always slow and awkward to begin with.
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I have to wonder how many people received the square, considering you're already not the first I've heard of having it. Your chances can't be bad.
[And for those who would die as a result, would the Augur grant them life anew while on the island, as it had undone deaths of the past when some of them had first arrived? It seems likely, but he hasn't heard of it happening yet. It's hard to know.
He takes another sip of his drink, considering a moment longer. Tilting his chin, Jeremiah glances down the series of gold closures on his jacket.] Clothing wouldn't be hard to make a focal point. Or flexibility, if that's doable for you.
[His smile as he looks to Angelo's eyes has grown fainter, calmer.]
If you want to check off one that's not too severe, I'm open to suggestions.
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[ angelo swirls the wine in his glass, and takes a thoughtful sip on it as he eyes the card again before putting it away. ]
I have a grocery list for this Augur, on top of working to leave this awful planet. Luckily there's nothing else in this stupid wasteland to busy ourselves with other than each other.
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All part of the design, I'm sure.
[He glances to his glass, smiling a little.]
At least we have passable alcohol. I have to wonder how the Augur managed to get that one right.
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[ angelo tilts his wine glass, finishes it in one. ]
Not even the military would be so stingy. That armies don't march with an empty stomach goes the same for alcohol as well.
[ he glances aside at him -- ] Have you made other friends? [ speaking in a tone which doesn't really care as to how shallow or deep the connections are where 'friends' are concerned. ]
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That's certainly more considerate, although I suppose that's a quality I shouldn't expect out of our providers here.
[Jeremiah takes another drink, the quinine tart on his tongue.]
I have made some connections. Some are people I knew from home. [He returns the younger man's eye contact.] Do you have anyone like that here?
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I haven't met anyone from my fleet and it better stay that way. We are understaffed.
[ spoken with the airs of a man who has had to run too many things at once because of such understaffing. ]
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[Jeremiah leans back a little, contemplating his almost-empty glass, Angelo's already finished.]
It's good then that you're unaccompanied. Besides, the fewer people trapped here, the better.
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[ like a certain captain. or members of his squad, for example. it's not quite homesickness but it's there, festering in his mind like a disease. he dislikes it.
angelo toys with the rim of his empty glass. ]
We have talked long enough.
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Understandably.
[Well, all the more reason to assist each other in their goals. A barter for departure from this place is surely worth pursuing. Jeremiah glances over, the turn of conversation abrupt but not unwelcome. His mind hasn't wavered in the path on the way.]
Where shall we excuse ourselves to?
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A booth, or the restrooms. Take your pick.
[ and angelo doesn't mind whether someone watches or not -- this is not the first time he's had to trade sex for favours, and the only reason why his skin isn't crawling right now and he's not having nightmares about white, blank sheets is the fact that everything is on equal terms.
but he is not here to dwell on that, and so he waits on jeremiah to decide. ]
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Someday, he's fairly sure one of these encounters will happen behind closed doors, perhaps even on a bed, but for now?]
... The restrooms would still be more private.
[Jeremiah finishes his drink, the curl of his mouth growing a little sly as he rises to his feet, then offers his hand to Angelo. A standard courtesy, but one he still loves to offer.]
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maybe if jeremiah levelled up to friendship level 3.
in any case he's not opposed to the restrooms. hopefully they're clean enough? they pass by several couples on the way who were certainly very busy with themselves, angelo tossing his hair to the side more out of annoyance as they get in his way towards the restrooms.
and if there were anybody else in there, he certainly doesn't care; he'll pick the largest stall. ]
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Not exactly what he's used to seeing openly in establishes he frequented, either. Well, to each their own. None of this should surprise him, at this point.
Even with the most space, the stall doesn't afford much as he shuts the door and latches it. Just the two of them now, Jeremiah looks him in a little closer, his smile growing slightly, a little more genuine, maybe even tentative. He hadn't reached for his hand before, so he hesitates to reach out again. Instead, he shoots for middle ground, standing close.]
May I kiss you?
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