fabian aramais seacaster (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
maximumlegend) wrote2024-04-26 08:23 pm
maximumlegend) wrote2024-04-26 08:23 pm
etraya ic inbox.
▶︎၊၊|||||၊၊၊|။||||။၊|။ 0:20
You have reached a MAXIMUM LEGEND!
[ Gorgug is looking at the wrist, and the fact that Fabian just put out his whole arm for him as if he's Cathilda. And he's thinking about it between and after the question, and decides to undo the buckle himself, and
okay, he's going to put it on him. Don't mind him doing that, bro, while you just stand there bewildered. ]
It's your late birthday gift. For the birthday I missed. [ You know, because Gorgug owed him for a birthday he wasn't present for. ] It can change your clothes or shape to look like whatever you want, or you can blend into the area around you--but that's if it works right. I need you to wear it a while. You have to get attuned to it.
[ It's magic shit that takes time, buddy. He's done up the clasp, asks a ] Is that alright? [ to make sure it isn't too tight, before he adjusts it to make the skull face the right way. ]
I thought you could trick people in a fight. And you like clothes a lot, so if you don't have a shirt in the colour you want, you could change it that way. You can make it blue, whenever you want. If it works properly.
[ ...and when it works. But, look. He's tried his best here, but maybe he's nervous about a magic property he's not used to! This is a first for him that he decided to put into a very important gift!
That he remade, like, three different times. ]
okay, he's going to put it on him. Don't mind him doing that, bro, while you just stand there bewildered. ]
It's your late birthday gift. For the birthday I missed. [ You know, because Gorgug owed him for a birthday he wasn't present for. ] It can change your clothes or shape to look like whatever you want, or you can blend into the area around you--but that's if it works right. I need you to wear it a while. You have to get attuned to it.
[ It's magic shit that takes time, buddy. He's done up the clasp, asks a ] Is that alright? [ to make sure it isn't too tight, before he adjusts it to make the skull face the right way. ]
I thought you could trick people in a fight. And you like clothes a lot, so if you don't have a shirt in the colour you want, you could change it that way. You can make it blue, whenever you want. If it works properly.
[ ...and when it works. But, look. He's tried his best here, but maybe he's nervous about a magic property he's not used to! This is a first for him that he decided to put into a very important gift!
That he remade, like, three different times. ]
[ Gorgug could clear up this argument about names if he spoke up to confirm or deny his opinion about the Bad Lads, huh.
So, anyway. Gorgug is too busy thwapping Fabian's hand when it knocks against him a few times, like when a cat's tail knocks in one's face without a care for the face itself. And Fabian probably finds Gorgug trying to knock his hand back more annoying than his own rude tapping, but that's Fabian for you.
And what's Gorgug for you? Being disappointed in himself he made a timeline mistake (Riz doesn't know he's a Bardy Boy? The tragedy) and deciding that Riz's demand for Fabian to decide a boys name to be more important than anything he could interject with right here.
So he's going to stuff half of his orange into his mouth. om nom. ]
So, anyway. Gorgug is too busy thwapping Fabian's hand when it knocks against him a few times, like when a cat's tail knocks in one's face without a care for the face itself. And Fabian probably finds Gorgug trying to knock his hand back more annoying than his own rude tapping, but that's Fabian for you.
And what's Gorgug for you? Being disappointed in himself he made a timeline mistake (Riz doesn't know he's a Bardy Boy? The tragedy) and deciding that Riz's demand for Fabian to decide a boys name to be more important than anything he could interject with right here.
So he's going to stuff half of his orange into his mouth. om nom. ]
[ It is kind of silly, isn't it.
But on the other hand, Fabian doesn't know what else to tell Gorgug. He isn't sure how the other got influenced at all, or what influenced him in the first place. It's got to be something in this forest, but how is Fabian supposed to tell? If only Adaine was with them, maybe Detect Magic could have helped out right now. It really feels like the only thing he can let the other do.
.. though.. ]
Gorgug, you know that it could do plenty of spooky things to the ground as well, right? [ Gorgug, have you never seen horror movies!! ] If you are that worried, you should just close your eyes entirely.
But on the other hand, Fabian doesn't know what else to tell Gorgug. He isn't sure how the other got influenced at all, or what influenced him in the first place. It's got to be something in this forest, but how is Fabian supposed to tell? If only Adaine was with them, maybe Detect Magic could have helped out right now. It really feels like the only thing he can let the other do.
.. though.. ]
Gorgug, you know that it could do plenty of spooky things to the ground as well, right? [ Gorgug, have you never seen horror movies!! ] If you are that worried, you should just close your eyes entirely.
[ Fabian groans when Gorgug holds out that book to him. ]
I told you, I'm tired!
[ But despite his whining - or rather, at the exact same time as his whining - he's already getting up from his chair and taking the book from his friend. Like he's protesting the very thing he's already doing.
And what a thing he's doing. Because the moment Fabian stands upright, the dramatics ensue. He's clearing his throat. He's holding the book like he's about to recite Shakespeare, instead of reading a story meant for little babies.
What ensues is the performance of a lifetime. Fabian leaps across the room. He imitates a dinosaur. There's a musical number midway through that is clearly not in the actual book for babies. All the way until-- ]
The end!
[ He's bowing.
The baby is at least giggling, though who knows how much of all of that it even understood.. It's just a robot baby, after all.. ]
I told you, I'm tired!
[ But despite his whining - or rather, at the exact same time as his whining - he's already getting up from his chair and taking the book from his friend. Like he's protesting the very thing he's already doing.
And what a thing he's doing. Because the moment Fabian stands upright, the dramatics ensue. He's clearing his throat. He's holding the book like he's about to recite Shakespeare, instead of reading a story meant for little babies.
What ensues is the performance of a lifetime. Fabian leaps across the room. He imitates a dinosaur. There's a musical number midway through that is clearly not in the actual book for babies. All the way until-- ]
The end!
[ He's bowing.
The baby is at least giggling, though who knows how much of all of that it even understood.. It's just a robot baby, after all.. ]
[ The first surprising part is when Fabian doesn't even sit back down.
Not that Gorgug really had expectations. At most, he figured Fabian would use his droning voice for when he's doing something he doesn't really want to, exasperated by his circumstances (like having to explain a very simple concept--simple to him). But instead, he goes all out, apparently: for a very tired dad. Gorgug worries at moments that he should be shuffling himself aside on his chair, but it would be hard to do, considering how plastic and wobbly his small seat is.
But for the most part, he gets to enjoy his friend's performance as much as the baby does. Or more? He's classing his hands anyway upon the bow and the declaration, loudly, right above his head to really show he's going for it!!
Listen! Even the baby liked it!! ]
Part two! Part two!!
[ wait no ]
Not that Gorgug really had expectations. At most, he figured Fabian would use his droning voice for when he's doing something he doesn't really want to, exasperated by his circumstances (like having to explain a very simple concept--simple to him). But instead, he goes all out, apparently: for a very tired dad. Gorgug worries at moments that he should be shuffling himself aside on his chair, but it would be hard to do, considering how plastic and wobbly his small seat is.
But for the most part, he gets to enjoy his friend's performance as much as the baby does. Or more? He's classing his hands anyway upon the bow and the declaration, loudly, right above his head to really show he's going for it!!
Listen! Even the baby liked it!! ]
Part two! Part two!!
[ wait no ]
[ Oh.
So not only did Gorgug make a bracelet for him in the first place, but it's not even just a bracelet that's been themed after Fabian. No, apparently it's got magical properties. It's something the other members of their party may have caught on to a little earlier, but-- well, it's not like Fabian has ever been the most magically inclined to them. If Gorgug hadn't told him, then he never might have known.
With the buckle closed and the thing actually on his arm now without being able to fall off, Fabian lifts his arm a little. He turns it over, looking at the accessoire as if it might suddenly divulge its magic to him that way.
(Well, that, and he's still a little caught by surprise over Gorgug making all of this for him. Especially when Fabian was still imagining the other was slowly recovering from everything that happened the other month.) ]
.. It can do all that? [ He finally manages to say, still sounding kind of dumbfounded.
Fabian tears his gaze away from the thing to look over at his friend, his tone mirrored in the astonished look in his eyes. ]
And you made that?
[ Look, stumbling across magical artifacts during their journeys is one thing. Gorgug actually being an accomplished enough artificer to be able to churn out something this useful is another entirely.
B-Bro, that's a big birthday gift!! Do you know that's a big birthday gift, bro!! ]
So not only did Gorgug make a bracelet for him in the first place, but it's not even just a bracelet that's been themed after Fabian. No, apparently it's got magical properties. It's something the other members of their party may have caught on to a little earlier, but-- well, it's not like Fabian has ever been the most magically inclined to them. If Gorgug hadn't told him, then he never might have known.
With the buckle closed and the thing actually on his arm now without being able to fall off, Fabian lifts his arm a little. He turns it over, looking at the accessoire as if it might suddenly divulge its magic to him that way.
(Well, that, and he's still a little caught by surprise over Gorgug making all of this for him. Especially when Fabian was still imagining the other was slowly recovering from everything that happened the other month.) ]
.. It can do all that? [ He finally manages to say, still sounding kind of dumbfounded.
Fabian tears his gaze away from the thing to look over at his friend, his tone mirrored in the astonished look in his eyes. ]
And you made that?
[ Look, stumbling across magical artifacts during their journeys is one thing. Gorgug actually being an accomplished enough artificer to be able to churn out something this useful is another entirely.
B-Bro, that's a big birthday gift!! Do you know that's a big birthday gift, bro!! ]
If it doesn't, I'll fix it. [ That's-- that's definitely a possibility, but Gorgug's been working and reworking on it, if doing more of the work from before the time the spaceship fell (and he was having a lot more certain gay thoughts about a guy). But he's looking back at Fabian, trying not to let his uncertainty take up too much of his expression with his friend looking at him like that. Working to squeeze a reassuring motion along his mouth, a small smile that turns away as Gorgug opens up the drawer underneath the table. ]
I had a lot of time to focus on it since I don't have any other work to do. I already worked on some invisibility and projection work before I got here, so I tweaked some of that--
[ He's pulled out another bracelet from the drawer, what can be correctly assumed to be a prototype as Gorgug straps it onto his own wrist. There's no fancy layerings, no skull and bones--but there is a circular button. ]
It's like other magic. You gotta think about what you want, and if you wear something, it helps out. If you press the pirate skull...
[ Gorgug presses on the button, and he disappears--except parts of the world begin to bulge out, in a way that resembles the limbs of arms moving out at the sides, until they stop, and then--
Gorgug reappears, this time... wearing the shirt that Fabian had given him, with a hoodie tied around his waist and a pair of cargo shorts in a darker shade to conflict with the white of the shirt. ]
...it's not actually the clothes. [ And as if to prove this (as if Fabian doesn't know anything about a disguise self spell, he puts a hand around a part of his exposed forearm, only to have it not even reach the wrist itself before stopping. ] You shouldn't go around naked.
[ Just. FYI. ]
I had a lot of time to focus on it since I don't have any other work to do. I already worked on some invisibility and projection work before I got here, so I tweaked some of that--
[ He's pulled out another bracelet from the drawer, what can be correctly assumed to be a prototype as Gorgug straps it onto his own wrist. There's no fancy layerings, no skull and bones--but there is a circular button. ]
It's like other magic. You gotta think about what you want, and if you wear something, it helps out. If you press the pirate skull...
[ Gorgug presses on the button, and he disappears--except parts of the world begin to bulge out, in a way that resembles the limbs of arms moving out at the sides, until they stop, and then--
Gorgug reappears, this time... wearing the shirt that Fabian had given him, with a hoodie tied around his waist and a pair of cargo shorts in a darker shade to conflict with the white of the shirt. ]
...it's not actually the clothes. [ And as if to prove this (as if Fabian doesn't know anything about a disguise self spell, he puts a hand around a part of his exposed forearm, only to have it not even reach the wrist itself before stopping. ] You shouldn't go around naked.
[ Just. FYI. ]
[ He can't think.
Not with that answer. Not with that ringing in his ears, drilling inside his brain. If you want to. Gorgug wants to scream, and the desire (that desire, but also--) slams through his limbs, that he no longer cares as deeply about his recently healed hands as he should be. His axe is right there, and while he was worried about grabbing onto it with the freshly knitted skin, he thinks it wouldn't be a bad idea to slam it into the ground a few times?
He needs a shower. Gorgug's got the axe in his hands, and it's a credit to the metal that it's forged with that it doesn't break under his shaking grip. He has to look back at Fabian, walk with him--how is he supposed to do this?
(Later--far, far, later, Gorgug may realise this for what it is, for what he was burying away and refusing to admit it being: flirting. They were flirting.
And a lot would have been solved if he'd taken the opening and fucked Fabian in the middle of the open field that day.)
Gorgug swallows in the air that isn't fulfilling enough, looks over his shoulder as he slowly turns, or just enough to face the direction they need to go to get back. Nodding, but also shouting a ] O-okay! [ just to let Fabian know that he's coming.
And he's walking, axe still being carried by his hands than in its holster, even though: ]
Should I go to my lab? I think I've got something I can use...
[ H-haha, what if he ran off to his lab to hide? So he doesn't have to think about how turned on he is right now? God, is he glad he didn't start not ever wearing hoodies... ]
Not with that answer. Not with that ringing in his ears, drilling inside his brain. If you want to. Gorgug wants to scream, and the desire (that desire, but also--) slams through his limbs, that he no longer cares as deeply about his recently healed hands as he should be. His axe is right there, and while he was worried about grabbing onto it with the freshly knitted skin, he thinks it wouldn't be a bad idea to slam it into the ground a few times?
He needs a shower. Gorgug's got the axe in his hands, and it's a credit to the metal that it's forged with that it doesn't break under his shaking grip. He has to look back at Fabian, walk with him--how is he supposed to do this?
(Later--far, far, later, Gorgug may realise this for what it is, for what he was burying away and refusing to admit it being: flirting. They were flirting.
And a lot would have been solved if he'd taken the opening and fucked Fabian in the middle of the open field that day.)
Gorgug swallows in the air that isn't fulfilling enough, looks over his shoulder as he slowly turns, or just enough to face the direction they need to go to get back. Nodding, but also shouting a ] O-okay! [ just to let Fabian know that he's coming.
And he's walking, axe still being carried by his hands than in its holster, even though: ]
Should I go to my lab? I think I've got something I can use...
[ H-haha, what if he ran off to his lab to hide? So he doesn't have to think about how turned on he is right now? God, is he glad he didn't start not ever wearing hoodies... ]
[ Gorgug's silence - and his silent batting of Fabian's hand - is only met with Fabian's hand slapping against him more. This time likely on purpose, considering he can feel the way Gorgug is trying to bat his hand right back. And considering the fact that he's starting to do the same thing to Riz the moment the other starts prodding him.
Is Fabian still sore and kind of injured? Yes. Does he apparently have the energy for this anyway? Yes. It's what happens when his best male buds team up against him. Because this is clearly a team up against him, Fabian refuses to consider it anything else! It's a conspiracy aimed solely at him!! ]
Can you two stop?! [ He says, like he isn't batting his hands at them like some sort of worked up cat in the first place.. ] I went through a huge, awful battle, and here you two are okay with-- with trifling nicknames for us! We are heroes! Neither of you are helping!
[ Both of you need to be nicer to him!!!!!!
Despite, you know, one of them having saved his life back in the hospital by not leaving when Fabian told him to, and the other one having taken care of him when he came back all bruised and injured..
They still need to be nicer. Look at him. He's upset!! This is stressing out the baby!! Not even the actual robot baby, but Fabian the baby! ]
Is Fabian still sore and kind of injured? Yes. Does he apparently have the energy for this anyway? Yes. It's what happens when his best male buds team up against him. Because this is clearly a team up against him, Fabian refuses to consider it anything else! It's a conspiracy aimed solely at him!! ]
Can you two stop?! [ He says, like he isn't batting his hands at them like some sort of worked up cat in the first place.. ] I went through a huge, awful battle, and here you two are okay with-- with trifling nicknames for us! We are heroes! Neither of you are helping!
[ Both of you need to be nicer to him!!!!!!
Despite, you know, one of them having saved his life back in the hospital by not leaving when Fabian told him to, and the other one having taken care of him when he came back all bruised and injured..
They still need to be nicer. Look at him. He's upset!! This is stressing out the baby!! Not even the actual robot baby, but Fabian the baby! ]
Part--
[ Look, Fabian loves a good encore.
But it's like finishing up the story did remind his body and mind of how tired it is right about now, because the thought of doing a part two of that story with the same levels of energy just seems to make everything shut down up in his mind. The facial expression that appears on Fabian's face is nothing short of comical. (Maybe he's still stuck in dramatic mode, here at the end of the story.) ]
Part two? No, I was going to nap, I--
[ Fabian tears his gaze away from his friend to look over at the baby, as if he's only remembering this entire thing was about the baby, rather than about Gorgug, in the first place.
Then, with full exasperation: ] It's not even asleep!
[ :(
It's all ruined now. ]
[ Look, Fabian loves a good encore.
But it's like finishing up the story did remind his body and mind of how tired it is right about now, because the thought of doing a part two of that story with the same levels of energy just seems to make everything shut down up in his mind. The facial expression that appears on Fabian's face is nothing short of comical. (Maybe he's still stuck in dramatic mode, here at the end of the story.) ]
Part two? No, I was going to nap, I--
[ Fabian tears his gaze away from his friend to look over at the baby, as if he's only remembering this entire thing was about the baby, rather than about Gorgug, in the first place.
Then, with full exasperation: ] It's not even asleep!
[ :(
It's all ruined now. ]
[ Bro, you weren't building up to a part two? Gorgug is far too impressed to consider quickly enough the way that Fabian's expression works, and he follows his gaze over to the baby that, yes-- this was about. ]
You got way into it, you made it exciting-- there's no way it can sleep. [ Horrid words to say to a friend who wants to sleep himself...!!
Unless. That's an unless that Gorgug doesn't voice, popping into his head, but he thinks for a second silently, then carefully lifts himself up from his seat and over to the crib. The baby is gurgling cheerfully, perhaps from the excitement of the story already ended or from seeing Gorgug's face, or both. Regardless, he carefully extracts the baby from the crib, remembering something from when he was younger, that his parents did from him. Not a story, but instead...
He sings softly a lullaby--originally meant for gnomes, but adjusted to a half-orc baby. His voice hushed, and he carefully, ever so carefully rocks the child in his arms. There's words he doesn't exactly remember, and he hums over those part, nose wrinkling when that happens. But Gorgug gets over it when he still needs more words to think, to continue to lull the little robot baby to sleep... ]
Your dad is a pirate man...
Part elf, and part man, a human man...
He fights all dangers, and he dances with pride...
And you can always count on him to be by your side...
Yeah, he's a dancing pirate... a dancing pirate that watches over you...
He's my best friend, and he's your dad... and he wants you to say good night...
[ ♪ ]
You got way into it, you made it exciting-- there's no way it can sleep. [ Horrid words to say to a friend who wants to sleep himself...!!
Unless. That's an unless that Gorgug doesn't voice, popping into his head, but he thinks for a second silently, then carefully lifts himself up from his seat and over to the crib. The baby is gurgling cheerfully, perhaps from the excitement of the story already ended or from seeing Gorgug's face, or both. Regardless, he carefully extracts the baby from the crib, remembering something from when he was younger, that his parents did from him. Not a story, but instead...
He sings softly a lullaby--originally meant for gnomes, but adjusted to a half-orc baby. His voice hushed, and he carefully, ever so carefully rocks the child in his arms. There's words he doesn't exactly remember, and he hums over those part, nose wrinkling when that happens. But Gorgug gets over it when he still needs more words to think, to continue to lull the little robot baby to sleep... ]
Your dad is a pirate man...
Part elf, and part man, a human man...
He fights all dangers, and he dances with pride...
And you can always count on him to be by your side...
Yeah, he's a dancing pirate... a dancing pirate that watches over you...
He's my best friend, and he's your dad... and he wants you to say good night...
[ ♪ ]
[ Sorry, Gorgug, but there's no time to think about the naked remark or how something like that makes him feel around Gorgug specifically in the context of recent events.
Mostly because Fabian is still so distracted by the object itself. Not distracted in the sense that he can't wait to try it out - look, it is super neat, and Fabian can see the uses of it right away in a multitude of ways - but he's still kind of overwhelmed at the thought that Gorgug made this. Just a friend casually crafting magical artifacts.
He stares at it for a moment, rather than at Gorgug. Mostly because Fabian doesn't know what to say. A whole lot of words come to mind, but most of them die before they can leave his throat. ]
I-- [ He starts. ] Uh.
[ Very eloquent there, Fabian. You're starting to sound like Gorgug.
He swallows, hoping that his cheeks aren't showing as much of a blush despite the heat he can feel gathering in them with every passing moment. ]
That must have taken you a while to make. [ Even though Gorgug wasn't even going to be the one to use it! Just look at that earlier version Gorgug made, it's clearly just a prototype, rather than Gorgug thinking of making one for himself too.. ]
Mostly because Fabian is still so distracted by the object itself. Not distracted in the sense that he can't wait to try it out - look, it is super neat, and Fabian can see the uses of it right away in a multitude of ways - but he's still kind of overwhelmed at the thought that Gorgug made this. Just a friend casually crafting magical artifacts.
He stares at it for a moment, rather than at Gorgug. Mostly because Fabian doesn't know what to say. A whole lot of words come to mind, but most of them die before they can leave his throat. ]
I-- [ He starts. ] Uh.
[ Very eloquent there, Fabian. You're starting to sound like Gorgug.
He swallows, hoping that his cheeks aren't showing as much of a blush despite the heat he can feel gathering in them with every passing moment. ]
That must have taken you a while to make. [ Even though Gorgug wasn't even going to be the one to use it! Just look at that earlier version Gorgug made, it's clearly just a prototype, rather than Gorgug thinking of making one for himself too.. ]
[ Noooo, only one person gets to be Gorgug here...!!!
And it might help to reflect on that, when Fabian's only awkward inability to find words makes Gorgug hesitate--or, more so, the words that he chooses. Fabian is a man of many words, so when he isn't, it's telling, and while he does look at the face that Fabian's making, Gorgug is also...paying attention to how hard it seems to be for Fabian to say anything.
... ]
The time doesn't matter to me. [ Sure, getting things wrong and hitting his head against walls trying to get it right is annoying, but he chose to do that. Gorgug fiddles with the prototype on his own wrist a little, then glances at Fabian from under his lashes. ] But, if you don't think you'll have a lot of use for it-- it's okay, like, I learned a lot from making it. So if there's something else I can make you instead, I'm okay doing that.
[ Is that it, bro.
It's okay, bro. You can tell him!! Tell him right now!! ]
And it might help to reflect on that, when Fabian's only awkward inability to find words makes Gorgug hesitate--or, more so, the words that he chooses. Fabian is a man of many words, so when he isn't, it's telling, and while he does look at the face that Fabian's making, Gorgug is also...paying attention to how hard it seems to be for Fabian to say anything.
... ]
The time doesn't matter to me. [ Sure, getting things wrong and hitting his head against walls trying to get it right is annoying, but he chose to do that. Gorgug fiddles with the prototype on his own wrist a little, then glances at Fabian from under his lashes. ] But, if you don't think you'll have a lot of use for it-- it's okay, like, I learned a lot from making it. So if there's something else I can make you instead, I'm okay doing that.
[ Is that it, bro.
It's okay, bro. You can tell him!! Tell him right now!! ]
I mean, technically it's not you two. Gorgug hasn't actually said anything.
[ Because, as Fabian helpfully pointed out, he's too nice. Luckily for Riz, he's decided to take that as tacit approval of his nicknames, because he's never let something like someone thinking he's cringy privately stop him from doing anything. If anything, he only seems more amused by Fabian's theatrics.
It's not as though he made the name bad on purpose. He thinks his names are pretty good, actually. But he always finds Fabian's temper tantrums to be on the amusing side - provided that they're exclusively about things that don't matter, like nicknames - and so this is nothing more than a happy byproduct. Besides, him doing all that flapping about just means that he can't be that badly hurt. ]
I don't see you coming up with any ideas, [ he says, sticking a pointy elbow into Fabian's side. ] C'mon, Fabian. Lay it on us with your, uh... cool kid swag.
[ This is the first time he's said the word 'swag' out loud. He hopes it came out right.
(It did not.) ]
[ Because, as Fabian helpfully pointed out, he's too nice. Luckily for Riz, he's decided to take that as tacit approval of his nicknames, because he's never let something like someone thinking he's cringy privately stop him from doing anything. If anything, he only seems more amused by Fabian's theatrics.
It's not as though he made the name bad on purpose. He thinks his names are pretty good, actually. But he always finds Fabian's temper tantrums to be on the amusing side - provided that they're exclusively about things that don't matter, like nicknames - and so this is nothing more than a happy byproduct. Besides, him doing all that flapping about just means that he can't be that badly hurt. ]
I don't see you coming up with any ideas, [ he says, sticking a pointy elbow into Fabian's side. ] C'mon, Fabian. Lay it on us with your, uh... cool kid swag.
[ This is the first time he's said the word 'swag' out loud. He hopes it came out right.
(It did not.) ]
Owww, [ Gorgug says, as if Fabian's thwapping at him can do anything to actually hurt, but is it still an annoyance? An annoyance that Gorgug is continue to bat back at because it is being rude and mean at him? Of course he is!! ]
I'm waiting to hear your ide.. You two are already arguing.
[ So why is Gorgug going to jump in? Fabian makes enough noise that only Riz can properly get a foot in there!! And Riz is right in that Fabian hasn't actually suggested anything except what they shouldn't be. Gorgug just pointed out Bad Kids trivia!! He never said he would contribute a name!
But he'll try and help now, even if he might still be trying to grab Fabian's hand and pushing it down-- ] I'll judge. I'll judge the better name.
[ Come on then, Fabian!!! Put up a name for Judge Gorgug!! ]
I'm waiting to hear your ide.. You two are already arguing.
[ So why is Gorgug going to jump in? Fabian makes enough noise that only Riz can properly get a foot in there!! And Riz is right in that Fabian hasn't actually suggested anything except what they shouldn't be. Gorgug just pointed out Bad Kids trivia!! He never said he would contribute a name!
But he'll try and help now, even if he might still be trying to grab Fabian's hand and pushing it down-- ] I'll judge. I'll judge the better name.
[ Come on then, Fabian!!! Put up a name for Judge Gorgug!! ]
[ Fabian definitely goes quiet when Gorgug stands up. Mostly because he isn't too sure of what his friend is planning on doing here, and he's staring kind of blankly while he's watching Gorgug wander over closer to the crib, slowly blinking..
.. and then just continuing to blink when Gorgug does the last thing that Fabian expected. Maybe he should have expected it, given that it's not exactly the first time Gorgug has done it, but it's something so unlike Fabian himself that he's completely caught by surprise by it.
Stunned. Unable to move or speak. He just stands there, listening to Gorgug's entire improvised song.
It's kind of hard to say whether Fabian is touched or cringing. Maybe it's a little bit of both, actually, and he isn't really sure which of the two he should allow to win here. But before Fabian can even make a decision, he's noticing something else when he looks at the little bundle in Gorgug's arms, making Fabian's voice drop to a whisper when he finally does speak up. ]
.. the baby's sleeping.
[ Who would've known? Gorgug did it!! ]
.. and then just continuing to blink when Gorgug does the last thing that Fabian expected. Maybe he should have expected it, given that it's not exactly the first time Gorgug has done it, but it's something so unlike Fabian himself that he's completely caught by surprise by it.
Stunned. Unable to move or speak. He just stands there, listening to Gorgug's entire improvised song.
It's kind of hard to say whether Fabian is touched or cringing. Maybe it's a little bit of both, actually, and he isn't really sure which of the two he should allow to win here. But before Fabian can even make a decision, he's noticing something else when he looks at the little bundle in Gorgug's arms, making Fabian's voice drop to a whisper when he finally does speak up. ]
.. the baby's sleeping.
[ Who would've known? Gorgug did it!! ]
[ Gorgug's continuing to hum, following a made up tune between his lips, and he glances over at Fabian when he speaks before looking back down at the baby. Sure enough, a less energetic approach has won (as well as a less monotone one, too). He still continues to hum small notes as he walks back over to the crib, settling the robotic baby back onto the soft bedding, lifting away his arms and retreating slowly from it.
Hmmm, hmmming a little more before, quietly to Fabian: ]
Let's get outta here.
[ Please, bro, please. Let's escape before the baby changes its mind!!! Lead the way outta the door!! ]
Hmmm, hmmming a little more before, quietly to Fabian: ]
Let's get outta here.
[ Please, bro, please. Let's escape before the baby changes its mind!!! Lead the way outta the door!! ]
.. what? [ At least that seems to draw Fabian out of his shell.
Gorgug is right, after all. Fabian is a man of many words. A man of many, many, many words. But the fact he was so quiet just now had absolutely nothing to do with any lacking quality of this present. Quite the opposite. It's why his head snaps up in surprise when he hears Gorgug say those words, staring at the other with a wide eye, before quickly continuing with a: ]
No!
[ It's said so quickly and intensely that it almost sounds desperate.. ]
Gorgug, this is-- [ Now he's forced to find words for all of this once more, but apparently it helps when he's spurred into it with the threat of Gorgug being made to feel bad hanging over his head. It's hard to just say it off the cuff, but this must be doing it for him, since he does manage to continue after a moment of sputtering. ] It's so useful! And I mean, it is incredibly clear that you really had me in mind when you were making it, and what would be useful to me, and I..
[ Fabian shakes his head.
H-His cheeks aren't lighting up, okay, you're just imagining that. He is NOT looking flustered right now, no way!! ]
I just don't know what to say! You've been having such a hard time, yet you were thinking of me.. [ Look, Fabian may be an attention whore.
But he's not an attention whore who is actually used to getting said attention. Especially now they're no longer at the school he worked incredibly hard to make himself popular at! He's not used to unprompted attention!! ]
Gorgug is right, after all. Fabian is a man of many words. A man of many, many, many words. But the fact he was so quiet just now had absolutely nothing to do with any lacking quality of this present. Quite the opposite. It's why his head snaps up in surprise when he hears Gorgug say those words, staring at the other with a wide eye, before quickly continuing with a: ]
No!
[ It's said so quickly and intensely that it almost sounds desperate.. ]
Gorgug, this is-- [ Now he's forced to find words for all of this once more, but apparently it helps when he's spurred into it with the threat of Gorgug being made to feel bad hanging over his head. It's hard to just say it off the cuff, but this must be doing it for him, since he does manage to continue after a moment of sputtering. ] It's so useful! And I mean, it is incredibly clear that you really had me in mind when you were making it, and what would be useful to me, and I..
[ Fabian shakes his head.
H-His cheeks aren't lighting up, okay, you're just imagining that. He is NOT looking flustered right now, no way!! ]
I just don't know what to say! You've been having such a hard time, yet you were thinking of me.. [ Look, Fabian may be an attention whore.
But he's not an attention whore who is actually used to getting said attention. Especially now they're no longer at the school he worked incredibly hard to make himself popular at! He's not used to unprompted attention!! ]
[ He would've really been okay with being told that it wasn't what Fabian needed. It would have been more sad to have Fabian try to hide it up, to sputter and say that it's perfect, but for everything about it to be obvious that it wasn't.
Gorgug gets the sputter, and he gets the validation, but it isn't under any falsehood. Though at first there's a lingering doubt, a worry if his thoughtfulness and consideration for Fabian really did come through (is it the same, when it's not real clothes being put on Fabian's body? Or that the invisible illusory effect might not be the best); the sort of things any person might fret over when getting a gift for a friend.
But it's pushed aside, or rather: it disappears. When it turns to him, about him, his hard time. A comment made over and over, felt for days. A state of being that still follows Gorgug, and that he, too, still recognises. He's still trying to be better. Still trying to recover.
His hands are empty, and he looks at them, palms facing up at him. Looking at Fabian, but letting his gaze drift down, as slowly: ]
...I've been trying to think of you since I woke back up from that nightmare I was in. I know... I haven't been able to show it, but I've been wanting to thank you... I've wanted to be a good friend the same way you've been doing for me, even after everything that happened. [ ... ] Even after I... kissed you...
[ There's a way that his voice trails, his tone unfinished, the and that hangs there never coming into being. He's definitely not looking at Fabian then, but he does, after; white pupils looking at him in that mild expression of his, but nothing puzzled or perplexed.
His brow is furrowed, his eyes sad. Lips pinched together before he continues to speak. ]
You've never let me feel like a freak. And I know-- taking care of me hasn't been easy. I know you and Riz are trying your best, and you had a hard time, too. We all did.
But we're friends. And this-- this isn't why I made this. [ He looks back down, but this time to the bracelet on Fabian's wrist. Briefly, before- ] I'm trying to catch up. To everything good you've been doing for me. Because you're one of my best friends.
Because I love you.
[ Because of the hundred other reasons why, when all that matters is: because he wants to. ]
Gorgug gets the sputter, and he gets the validation, but it isn't under any falsehood. Though at first there's a lingering doubt, a worry if his thoughtfulness and consideration for Fabian really did come through (is it the same, when it's not real clothes being put on Fabian's body? Or that the invisible illusory effect might not be the best); the sort of things any person might fret over when getting a gift for a friend.
But it's pushed aside, or rather: it disappears. When it turns to him, about him, his hard time. A comment made over and over, felt for days. A state of being that still follows Gorgug, and that he, too, still recognises. He's still trying to be better. Still trying to recover.
His hands are empty, and he looks at them, palms facing up at him. Looking at Fabian, but letting his gaze drift down, as slowly: ]
...I've been trying to think of you since I woke back up from that nightmare I was in. I know... I haven't been able to show it, but I've been wanting to thank you... I've wanted to be a good friend the same way you've been doing for me, even after everything that happened. [ ... ] Even after I... kissed you...
[ There's a way that his voice trails, his tone unfinished, the and that hangs there never coming into being. He's definitely not looking at Fabian then, but he does, after; white pupils looking at him in that mild expression of his, but nothing puzzled or perplexed.
His brow is furrowed, his eyes sad. Lips pinched together before he continues to speak. ]
You've never let me feel like a freak. And I know-- taking care of me hasn't been easy. I know you and Riz are trying your best, and you had a hard time, too. We all did.
But we're friends. And this-- this isn't why I made this. [ He looks back down, but this time to the bracelet on Fabian's wrist. Briefly, before- ] I'm trying to catch up. To everything good you've been doing for me. Because you're one of my best friends.
Because I love you.
[ Because of the hundred other reasons why, when all that matters is: because he wants to. ]
[ To Gorgug, pointedly: ]
You can't judge! You'll take his side!
[ ...
Who even knows why Fabian is assuming Gorgug will take Riz's side by default.. Maybe it's just Fabian being worked up and dramatic enough at this point that he's just assuming the whole world is out to get him. Who knows. At least he's still energetic, despite his condition.. ]
But-- fine! [ He huffs, moving to properly sit back into the pillows of the couch again.. Looking a little bit like he's sulking.. ]
How about just going for something simple yet effective, like the Brilliant Boys? Except-- actually, boys doesn't sound great either. That makes us sound like we are eight years old. The Tenacious Trio, then!
You can't judge! You'll take his side!
[ ...
Who even knows why Fabian is assuming Gorgug will take Riz's side by default.. Maybe it's just Fabian being worked up and dramatic enough at this point that he's just assuming the whole world is out to get him. Who knows. At least he's still energetic, despite his condition.. ]
But-- fine! [ He huffs, moving to properly sit back into the pillows of the couch again.. Looking a little bit like he's sulking.. ]
How about just going for something simple yet effective, like the Brilliant Boys? Except-- actually, boys doesn't sound great either. That makes us sound like we are eight years old. The Tenacious Trio, then!
[ Okay, okay-- Getting out of here! Maybe not too quickly though, because Fabian is worried that a little bit too much sound might wake the robot baby right back up again. Especially when it felt like the baby truly never wanted to go to sleep back when Fabian was just desperately trying to care for it himself.
But even though they have to sneak out of the room quietly, and a little slowly because of that, they do manage to sneak out.
And when they close the door behind them, Fabian finally dares to release a breath he was holding. Like he was worried even that would be too loud. ]
I thought it was never going to go to sleep. [ He admits, his volume only a little bit above a whisper. ] I feel exhausted now.
[ Don't start judging him like he's some grandpa again, okay, Gorgug. He's been working all day!! He had to put on a performance for the baby!! That's like working and then doing another part-time job right after, and back home Fabian notoriously never works!! ]
But even though they have to sneak out of the room quietly, and a little slowly because of that, they do manage to sneak out.
And when they close the door behind them, Fabian finally dares to release a breath he was holding. Like he was worried even that would be too loud. ]
I thought it was never going to go to sleep. [ He admits, his volume only a little bit above a whisper. ] I feel exhausted now.
[ Don't start judging him like he's some grandpa again, okay, Gorgug. He's been working all day!! He had to put on a performance for the baby!! That's like working and then doing another part-time job right after, and back home Fabian notoriously never works!! ]
[ Gorgug would like to rush, but he will also take (while understanding) silently rushing, in a not very fast way. It makes sense! They've got to use some slick moves here or the baby might wake up again!
And the relief that runs through Fabian and expels in a sigh is the same one Gorgug experiences, once he can safely put his back to the door (without actually leaning on said door...we don't want to get careless, now). But while Fabian is showing his age, or, okay, his exhaustion, a small smile does creep on Gorgug's lips, showing the tips of his tusks. ]
It's 'cause you put on a whole show for the baby. I thought you forgot you wanted it to sleep.
[ But, even so (in case Fabian didn't get the memo): ] It was good. You could join the drama club.
[ Imagine, Fabian... imagine joining those losers who made a drama club in an adventuring school!! ]
And the relief that runs through Fabian and expels in a sigh is the same one Gorgug experiences, once he can safely put his back to the door (without actually leaning on said door...we don't want to get careless, now). But while Fabian is showing his age, or, okay, his exhaustion, a small smile does creep on Gorgug's lips, showing the tips of his tusks. ]
It's 'cause you put on a whole show for the baby. I thought you forgot you wanted it to sleep.
[ But, even so (in case Fabian didn't get the memo): ] It was good. You could join the drama club.
[ Imagine, Fabian... imagine joining those losers who made a drama club in an adventuring school!! ]
you are invited to (1) cool party at the maximum on 12/13
from 7pm-???
pet rock contest, best decorated rock wins a prize
party games, drinks, sleepover, and a SNES!
rsvp with heather mason
ps: if you cannot come, donations for the cause are happily accepted
[ There's so much to tell Gorgug here. The fact that it's not like he was expecting the other to repay him for what Fabian did - because it only felt natural to him the entire time. Of course he was going to take care of Gorgug after everything that happened. They've been through so much over the past few years, and he's pretty sure this incident was worse than anything else Gorgug had gone through - very temporarily dying included. What sort of friend would Fabian be if he had just left him alone after that? He knows any of their group would have done that for Gorgug.
Or he could tell him that it's not like Fabian had that hard of a time, that it's fine, that he can handle it. Or he could tell him that Gorgug shouldn't be so hard on himself for what happened while he was out of control, since it's not like he could have stopped it even if he would've wanted to. Or he could tell him that Fabian actually doesn't mind the kiss or the rest of it, every single time he thinks back on it.
(That the I love you gives him a weird feeling in his stomach he can't explain.)
But he doesn't. He's pretty sure Gorgug knows Fabian didn't expect repayment, and he's also pretty sure Gorgug knows that Fabian doesn't blame him, since he's expressed that plenty of times already. And the kiss-- Well, Gorgug clearly sees that as a solely bad thing outside of his own control, so it's not like Fabian is going to be the one to make it awkward by saying he doesn't mind, especially when Fabian himself doesn't really know either what that means.
So Fabian doesn't say a word. He stares up from the bracelet, over towards Gorgug while the other speaks. His gaze rests there for a few moments, for a moment even after the other is done talking.
Then - instead of speaking - he reaches out. He wraps his arms around Gorgug, pulling the other into a hug. It's a little reminiscent of that time back in the forest of the Nightmare King, back when hugging Gorgug felt more natural than anything. More natural than speaking. Like a hug could convey everything that Fabian's mouth and heart could not.
For a moment there are no words. There's just the hug, and then Fabian speaking up after what feels like an eternity - but still not letting go. ]
You're a good friend.
[ I've wanted to be a good friend. Even after everything that happened.
Like Gorgug has ever stopped being one. ]
You've never been a bad friend to me. Everything I've done, it's just because I-- [ For a moment he almost echoes the same words back at Gorgug, but it does something weird to his tongue, to his chest, and Fabian feels like he's tripping over the words in his own mouth before switching tracks. ] Because I wanted to. Because we're friends.
Or he could tell him that it's not like Fabian had that hard of a time, that it's fine, that he can handle it. Or he could tell him that Gorgug shouldn't be so hard on himself for what happened while he was out of control, since it's not like he could have stopped it even if he would've wanted to. Or he could tell him that Fabian actually doesn't mind the kiss or the rest of it, every single time he thinks back on it.
(That the I love you gives him a weird feeling in his stomach he can't explain.)
But he doesn't. He's pretty sure Gorgug knows Fabian didn't expect repayment, and he's also pretty sure Gorgug knows that Fabian doesn't blame him, since he's expressed that plenty of times already. And the kiss-- Well, Gorgug clearly sees that as a solely bad thing outside of his own control, so it's not like Fabian is going to be the one to make it awkward by saying he doesn't mind, especially when Fabian himself doesn't really know either what that means.
So Fabian doesn't say a word. He stares up from the bracelet, over towards Gorgug while the other speaks. His gaze rests there for a few moments, for a moment even after the other is done talking.
Then - instead of speaking - he reaches out. He wraps his arms around Gorgug, pulling the other into a hug. It's a little reminiscent of that time back in the forest of the Nightmare King, back when hugging Gorgug felt more natural than anything. More natural than speaking. Like a hug could convey everything that Fabian's mouth and heart could not.
For a moment there are no words. There's just the hug, and then Fabian speaking up after what feels like an eternity - but still not letting go. ]
You're a good friend.
[ I've wanted to be a good friend. Even after everything that happened.
Like Gorgug has ever stopped being one. ]
You've never been a bad friend to me. Everything I've done, it's just because I-- [ For a moment he almost echoes the same words back at Gorgug, but it does something weird to his tongue, to his chest, and Fabian feels like he's tripping over the words in his own mouth before switching tracks. ] Because I wanted to. Because we're friends.
[ They've been hugging more, lately. If they count the half-hugs, the arms slung across shoulders and close contact that's similar, then it would come even more: there's a lot of intimacy in Bloodrush, apparently. But still, these sorts of hugs--warm and full and gripping, seeking and needing--are rare, even now. It doesn't shock Gorgug into freezing, into doing nothing; he only doesn't want to interrupt his friend, to figure out if it might be a quick thing, before Gorgug reaches to put his arms around Fabian in turn.
He's a good friend, he says. And Gorgug's glad. And as Fabian speaks more, settles on the words that he does, Gorgug lowers his head to meet against the side of Fabian's. He allows himself a certain comfort he has to be brief or careful about: he squeezes his arms around Fabian, the same way the other is doing to him, now.
But there's a difference between when Gorgug wraps his arms around someone tight, and when they do that to him. There's no intention to hurt Fabian; there's only the intention to express himself back, to give in his embrace what Fabian's giving in his. And Fabian is one of their few friends who can handle it, with his physique and endurance, enough to allow Gorgug to sink against him in a way he doesn't always get to (or not for long); to say to him, his mouth close to his ear: ]
Thank you.
[ And it's a thank you that means so much, even his tone as he speaks the two words encompassing it, speaking it. Thank you, for saying so; thank you, for letting me be your friend.
Thank you, for sticking by me.
He'll let Fabian move back when he's ready, of course. ...maybe with some delay, because--just let Gorgug know when enough is enough, bro. You're actually very comfy, see. ]
He's a good friend, he says. And Gorgug's glad. And as Fabian speaks more, settles on the words that he does, Gorgug lowers his head to meet against the side of Fabian's. He allows himself a certain comfort he has to be brief or careful about: he squeezes his arms around Fabian, the same way the other is doing to him, now.
But there's a difference between when Gorgug wraps his arms around someone tight, and when they do that to him. There's no intention to hurt Fabian; there's only the intention to express himself back, to give in his embrace what Fabian's giving in his. And Fabian is one of their few friends who can handle it, with his physique and endurance, enough to allow Gorgug to sink against him in a way he doesn't always get to (or not for long); to say to him, his mouth close to his ear: ]
Thank you.
[ And it's a thank you that means so much, even his tone as he speaks the two words encompassing it, speaking it. Thank you, for saying so; thank you, for letting me be your friend.
Thank you, for sticking by me.
He'll let Fabian move back when he's ready, of course. ...maybe with some delay, because--just let Gorgug know when enough is enough, bro. You're actually very comfy, see. ]
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