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.
[ 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.. ]
[ 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!! ]
.. 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!! ]
[ 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. ]
[ 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.
[ 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. ]
[ There's definitely some delay in ending the hug. It helps that there's in private. Fabian may have ended toxic masculinity and all that, but he hasn't fully ended a slight sense of embarrassment over hugging too long in front of other people..
But considering they don't exactly have an audience here, Fabian allows himself to linger in the hug for a moment. For his own sake, since there's something comfortable about having Gorgug's physical proximity to near - partially because he's a friend, and partially because he's one of the few people Fabian can hug who's actually bigger than him, and there's something safe and comforting about that - but also for Gorgug's own sake.
Even if the other is doing a little better now, surely he can still use hugs. Especially from Fabian. If he proves he's still more than willing to touch Gorgug, then who could actually be disgusted by Gorgug at this point, right?
But after that delay he does finally pulls back, moving out of Gorgug's grip once the other senses the first signals and relents. Fabian is smiling though once his face is visible to the other. ]
This bracelet is really cool. [ He says, holding it up. Not like he has to show it off to Gorgug, since the other has seen it for longer than Fabian himself has, but-- you know!! Still!!
If it wasn't for the fact he needs to get attuned to it first, he'd start showing off with it already, just to show Gorgug that his work was worth it. But since that's still impossible, he allows his own hand to drop back to his side. ]
I wasn't aware you could already make things like these. [ Mostly because Cloaca had been..
.. hmm.. Ahh...
...
You know what, Fabian is going to be nice and not even finish that thought to himself. Despite the fact that Gorgug can't hear it in Fabian's own mind. ]
[ No, bro, you might want to reconsider that thought.
Because this moment might be nice, yes. Gorgug's feeling nice and appreciative after the hug, and he feels the same about their friendship right now. He sits comfortably in his spot, only fiddling with the prototype to switch it off and to return to his normal clothing, since--the demonstration is unnecessary now. He starts to undoing the strap, somewhat distracted by Fabian's remark, though it's only after he's gotten it off that he considers what Fabian is saying.
.... ]
Is my shit cool in the future too?
[ What is their difference in time, again...? He's never bothered to figure it out, but right now, it seems relevant: to himself. Is Fabian unaware of what he can (or is willing to) do, or-- well, actually, Gorgug isn't surprised by that first, since why would Fabian know...
But surely he's seen some of his gear in action, maybe? Right? Right?? Bro? ]
He was trying to make this moment wholesome, bro. Especially since Fabian is really happy with what Gorgug made him, despite any and all other feelings about this place and his current situation. He wanted to focus on that - on the gift, on their friendship, on what Gorgug means to him, since surely the other could always use a little boost in his recovery, no matter how far along in it he is at this point.
But then Gorgug just has to ask a question with a pretty awkward answer. He tries to think about what Gorgug told him happened last back home, and then tries to think of what happened between that and the last thing Fabian remembered..
.. and it's awkward. It's just awkward, bro! ]
Well, uh..
[ Do you get that it's awkward, Gorgug. Usually you're the standing guy emoji, not Fabian, yet everything about Fabian is so much like the standing guy emoji right now. He's fiddling a little with his new bracelet just to have something to direct all his awkward energy at. ]
There was only one real fight between what you last remember and what I last remember, you know. And in that one, we-- uh. We didn't quite see each other.
[ This is him desperately trying to avoid having to get into the whole 'getting possessed by Riz's weird boyfriend' thing, okay! Not to mention that he doesn't want Gorgug to think he isn't cool back home?! He's trying to build up a bro here, not break him down! ]
[ bro what do you mean you don't know about everything he makes in the future
Isn't this such a simple question? Fabian's talking about his creations, and how he seems to think this is the best thing he's ever made, and this surely can't tip Gorgug off about the state of Fabian's upkeep on his inventions. Surely not.
A good thing it doesn't, even though Fabian's answer is enough to disappoint him. He gives a small ] Oh [ and looks back down at the bracelet, but does manage to bring reason into this. ] We don't have a lot of reasons to fight if we're not doing schoolwork.
[ For the team ups. And he doesn't even think to ask what that fight was about, mainly because the point is meant to be about Gorgug's inventions, and that's all he cares about right now. It's a bummer, but-- ]
I'll make something you can see. [ There. That's the solution. After all: ] I can make something for Riz. I bet he'd like more bullets. I'll make cool bullets.
[ Which Fabian will absolutely be able to see! ...look, nobody ever said that Gorgug's good at thinking up stuff on the spot, alright. Take the easy escape. ]
[ At least that does bring Fabian back to the topic itself again - smiling a little at Gorgug. It may not be the usual wide smile Fabian carries on his face, but his current expression still seems pretty genuine, especially when he looks back down at the invention that's currently resting on his wrist. ]
If anyone could make cool bullets, it's you.
[ He has faith in you, bro!! You are a cool artificer, okay, don't let anyone say anything else. ]
But.. make stuff for yourself too, alright? [ Don't think he isn't noticing how you're just talking about stuff for him and Riz here!! Fabian sees it!! ] It's the three of us here, yeah? We can't have one third of our team be the only one who isn't getting supported by some cool invention.
[ Huh, an invention for himself... he thinks about it, but what would he like to make? ...something that would be useful in this place, so just making a cool weapon isn't going to be too helpful, potentially. ]
...I'll take a look in my books, [ he decides, nodding at Fabian as he says it. ] But I still want to make Riz something too. I don't know if it counts as a birthday if you don't go through a full year, but his birthday was recently. And I don't think he got to celebrate it.
[ Since, you know, maybe there's a chance Riz did that without Gorgug? A thing he is going to think right now. But Gorgug knows Riz's birthday since--theirs is in the same month. Gorgug would know, once he checks a calendar. ]
Fabian's brain is slowly - very slowly - working towards something here. Something that makes his eye widen when he realizes the connection he's making. After all, if Riz's birthday was during that whole mess, and Gorgug and Riz's birthdays are so close to each other, then-- T-Then--!! ]
Dude!
[ Look at Fabian. He's straightening up. He's jumping to attention. He is suddenly alert, awake, alive, enthusiastic!! Forget what Gorgug gave him, or all other talks. Forget Riz's birthday - but only for a second, because Fabian certainly has to get back to that one too! ]
It was your birthday!
[ It looks like Fabian is only realizing this now, and.. yes, he is.
But to be fair to him, he has had a lot on his mind over the past while, okay. He was so busy thinking about Gorgug's well being that he had no time to think about Gorgug's birthday as well! ]
[ Whoa, is Fabian realising that it was recently Riz's birthday?
This is where Gorgug's mind goes, if it goes anywhere during the way that Fabian suddenly shoots up. It also might be something else, so Gorgug isn't entirely jumping to conclusions--because it turns out he was wrong anyway, since the one calculation being made in Fabian's mind is the one Gorgug didn't consider.
His own birthday.
Which, Gorgug's features start to narrow as he squints into that familiar, unsure look... ]
Yeah, but... I had my birthday before I showed up here not that long ago. Riz showed up here around spring break, right? [ Since, you know. Spring Break and all. ] So he's...had his actual birthday by now. His birthday would've come around by now.
[ And that means that Riz actually missed it! This is a bigger deal than Gorgug getting a birthday, okay. He had one already! They all had ice cream!! ]
[ Fabian's desire to speak on this is apparently so intense that he's already speaking before his mind has had the chance to form a full sentence. His eyes are wide, his hand gesturing starting up - all the typical signs of a dramatic Fabian moment coming on. ]
Even if his birthday makes more logical sense, it's still your birthday too! It still exists! It still happened! I mean, when I first showed up here, I also celebrate my birthday at the same time as Adaine-- which made no sense, since rather than a few days until my birthday, it was more like a few months back home! [ Yes, he's gesturing the entire time he's talking.
It's a good thing Gorgug didn't make a bracelet that was motion-activated. This proves why it would've been a total disaster. ]
But since she and I had a joint birthday party, you guys deserve one too! Like-- We need cake! And decorations! And I have to hurry and get you guys gifts..!
[ He's getting wild now, Gorgug. This is the sort of manic behavior that's almost more like Riz than like Fabian. Maybe their birthday parties are just that important to him, and he's only now realized that they're missing out.. ]
[ Truly, this is the kind of mathematical problem going on that Gorgug has never seen before... he might be able to pretend to see Fabian's reasoning, but it's like somebody making a long equation to explain why 2+2=5, actually.
Because Gorgug already had his birthday back in Spyre. It's not his fault that Etraya was behind on the dates.
But with Fabian being this energised by the whole thing (for good or bad), Gorgug isn't going to try and throw logic a second time at a wall that doesn't want it to stick. He's just going to let Fabian work this out himself. Maybe ask: ]
What are you gonna get us?
[ ...look, he's curious?? Even if those things are meant to be a surprise! ]
[ It's amazing just how capable of Fabian is of spiraling all by himself. He hardly even needs anything to fuel him, honestly. Gorgug's question is so simple, and yet it seems to throw Fabian for a loop in the middle of his already existing spiral - stopping with moving for a moment, his mouth hanging open a little, as if he's only just realizing this problem here. ]
I, uh..
[ C-Crap! Gorgug got him such a sweet gift, which means Fabian really ought to give them something similarly thoughtful in return, and he also has to figure out how to get said thoughtful things in this place where his resources are more limited than back home, and, and--
He kind of looks like he's about to explode, actually. Like there's some valve that has to be opened to let out steam. ]
I-I'll have to think about it! [ He wants it to be something good, Gorgug. You don't understand. :( ] I mean-- Isn't there something you've been really wanting to have here with you in this place?
[ Gorgug would reassure Fabian.....if he were a different person. Gorgug, that is, but also, the fact is: Fabian is just like this. So the fact that he's having a self-inflicted gift crisis is Fabian's own fault, honestly, that Gorgug isn't really sure that there's anything that can be done about it.
Except helping in small ways. And sure, Fabian asks him what he wants, but he's looking upwards and giving it some thought... ]
...me and Riz talked about ways we can be better equipped in this place, and I think he's feeling it how he can't use magic, or doesn't have more stuff to play around with. I can help you get him gear-- I have books. I think Riz would like something he can use.
[ Right? That seems like a Riz sort of gift. Useful, practical. ]
Okay. [ The initial 'okay', where Fabian is taking it in. ] .. okay. [ The second one, where it truly settles in. ] O-- Okay.
[ The hesitant third okay, when Fabian is realizing all the implications of this. He does think Gorgug is right, which is exactly why Fabian made those business cards and the suitcase for him in freshmen year - he thought that Riz would like something he could actively use, and he did really seem into the whole detective thing. Even if Fabian still found it kind of strange back then.
But of course Riz would want something practical here too. Especially when he apologized to Fabian before. Like he wasn't good enough. Which is the most bullshit idea ever, because Fabian absolutely knows it's not any fault of Riz's capabilities that shit is going wrong here.
It's just that this place sucks. ]
You're right. [ The gears in his brain are turning. Fabian is trying his best here.
Don't think you're escaping the presents though, Gorgug. He'll get to you in a second, mister! He just-- He first has to think about this!! ]
So-- Nothing for the things The Ball is already naturally good at, then. He doesn't need help with that. [ How could Riz possibly sneak even better? It's impossible. ] Perhaps something offensive? So he has a magical option next to his gun and sword when things get dangerous.
[ Something offensive is good.... do they want to go the magic route? Gorgug brought up that point, but he's thinking about the issues they had in Moorecroft, but also what causes him--and them all--trouble here. ]
Do you remember the tech stuff he had with him when the electronics attacked at the Frosty Faire? [ The fucking electronics, Fabian. ] We can get him something like that-- spy gear.
We can throw in some weapons, too. I've been reading about-- [ he makes a throwing motion ] EMPs.
Because of course there's a reason behind his silence. There always is. If Fabian isn't yapping, it means that there's something going on in his mind, and often not anything too good. As is the case right now - he's trying to figure out if he knows what EMPs are, realizing he doesn't, trying to figure out how bad it is if he would admit to not knowing what they are-- A whole lot of social mental calculation going on here. Fabian has so much face to save, okay! ]
Ah. Yeah.
[ ... ]
EMPs.
[ .......... ]
O-Of-- Of course! [ Does Fabian think that just saying that intensely will magically convince Gorgug that Fabian totally knows what the other is talking about here? ] You are right, I should definitely get him an EMP!
[ It's a good thing that Gorgug doesn't mind sitting in silence, isn't it? Nor that he questions the silence, despite this being Fabian. But it's for a good reason: this is about Riz's birthday box, and that deserves careful consideration. That's why Gorgug is nodding as soon as Fabian comes to his conclusion, showing how much he knows about EMPs. ]
[ He HAS got it! Another win for Fabian! Another great idea from HIM!! He's pumping a fist in the air, that's how excited and ready he is for this.
.. until Fabian realizes that there's no way he's going to be able to fake this - especially when maybe EMPs may be something real nerdy if Gorgug read up on them. And then who the hell is Fabian going to ask what it's supposed to be in this place? He doesn't know any nerds here other than the two nerds he has to get birthday presents for!
This is a mess.
His energetic posture disappears a little - though he's still trying very hard to make it seem like it's there, mind you! He sucks in a breath, trying really hard to look super cool and dignified as he asks: ]
What are EMPs?
[ Like this is a normal question to ask for a guy who pretended to totally know what that is only a moment ago. Nothing weird here, Gorgug! Don't overthink it! In fact, don't think at all! ]
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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!! ]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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.. ]
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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!! ]
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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!! ]
cw: implication of assault
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. ]
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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.
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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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But considering they don't exactly have an audience here, Fabian allows himself to linger in the hug for a moment. For his own sake, since there's something comfortable about having Gorgug's physical proximity to near - partially because he's a friend, and partially because he's one of the few people Fabian can hug who's actually bigger than him, and there's something safe and comforting about that - but also for Gorgug's own sake.
Even if the other is doing a little better now, surely he can still use hugs. Especially from Fabian. If he proves he's still more than willing to touch Gorgug, then who could actually be disgusted by Gorgug at this point, right?
But after that delay he does finally pulls back, moving out of Gorgug's grip once the other senses the first signals and relents. Fabian is smiling though once his face is visible to the other. ]
This bracelet is really cool. [ He says, holding it up. Not like he has to show it off to Gorgug, since the other has seen it for longer than Fabian himself has, but-- you know!! Still!!
If it wasn't for the fact he needs to get attuned to it first, he'd start showing off with it already, just to show Gorgug that his work was worth it. But since that's still impossible, he allows his own hand to drop back to his side. ]
I wasn't aware you could already make things like these. [ Mostly because Cloaca had been..
.. hmm.. Ahh...
...
You know what, Fabian is going to be nice and not even finish that thought to himself. Despite the fact that Gorgug can't hear it in Fabian's own mind. ]
You've become such a real artificer, man.
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Because this moment might be nice, yes. Gorgug's feeling nice and appreciative after the hug, and he feels the same about their friendship right now. He sits comfortably in his spot, only fiddling with the prototype to switch it off and to return to his normal clothing, since--the demonstration is unnecessary now. He starts to undoing the strap, somewhat distracted by Fabian's remark, though it's only after he's gotten it off that he considers what Fabian is saying.
.... ]
Is my shit cool in the future too?
[ What is their difference in time, again...? He's never bothered to figure it out, but right now, it seems relevant: to himself. Is Fabian unaware of what he can (or is willing to) do, or-- well, actually, Gorgug isn't surprised by that first, since why would Fabian know...
But surely he's seen some of his gear in action, maybe? Right? Right?? Bro? ]
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Bro.
He was trying to make this moment wholesome, bro. Especially since Fabian is really happy with what Gorgug made him, despite any and all other feelings about this place and his current situation. He wanted to focus on that - on the gift, on their friendship, on what Gorgug means to him, since surely the other could always use a little boost in his recovery, no matter how far along in it he is at this point.
But then Gorgug just has to ask a question with a pretty awkward answer. He tries to think about what Gorgug told him happened last back home, and then tries to think of what happened between that and the last thing Fabian remembered..
.. and it's awkward. It's just awkward, bro! ]
Well, uh..
[ Do you get that it's awkward, Gorgug. Usually you're the standing guy emoji, not Fabian, yet everything about Fabian is so much like the standing guy emoji right now. He's fiddling a little with his new bracelet just to have something to direct all his awkward energy at. ]
There was only one real fight between what you last remember and what I last remember, you know. And in that one, we-- uh. We didn't quite see each other.
[ This is him desperately trying to avoid having to get into the whole 'getting possessed by Riz's weird boyfriend' thing, okay! Not to mention that he doesn't want Gorgug to think he isn't cool back home?! He's trying to build up a bro here, not break him down! ]
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Isn't this such a simple question? Fabian's talking about his creations, and how he seems to think this is the best thing he's ever made, and this surely can't tip Gorgug off about the state of Fabian's upkeep on his inventions. Surely not.
A good thing it doesn't, even though Fabian's answer is enough to disappoint him. He gives a small ] Oh [ and looks back down at the bracelet, but does manage to bring reason into this. ] We don't have a lot of reasons to fight if we're not doing schoolwork.
[ For the team ups. And he doesn't even think to ask what that fight was about, mainly because the point is meant to be about Gorgug's inventions, and that's all he cares about right now. It's a bummer, but-- ]
I'll make something you can see. [ There. That's the solution. After all: ] I can make something for Riz. I bet he'd like more bullets. I'll make cool bullets.
[ Which Fabian will absolutely be able to see! ...look, nobody ever said that Gorgug's good at thinking up stuff on the spot, alright. Take the easy escape. ]
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If anyone could make cool bullets, it's you.
[ He has faith in you, bro!! You are a cool artificer, okay, don't let anyone say anything else. ]
But.. make stuff for yourself too, alright? [ Don't think he isn't noticing how you're just talking about stuff for him and Riz here!! Fabian sees it!! ] It's the three of us here, yeah? We can't have one third of our team be the only one who isn't getting supported by some cool invention.
[ Gorgug.. Make yourself cool! You can do it!! ]
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...I'll take a look in my books, [ he decides, nodding at Fabian as he says it. ] But I still want to make Riz something too. I don't know if it counts as a birthday if you don't go through a full year, but his birthday was recently. And I don't think he got to celebrate it.
[ Since, you know, maybe there's a chance Riz did that without Gorgug? A thing he is going to think right now. But Gorgug knows Riz's birthday since--theirs is in the same month. Gorgug would know, once he checks a calendar. ]
I can get him a cake, too.
[ A late birthday cake. ]
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Wait. Hold on.
Fabian's brain is slowly - very slowly - working towards something here. Something that makes his eye widen when he realizes the connection he's making. After all, if Riz's birthday was during that whole mess, and Gorgug and Riz's birthdays are so close to each other, then-- T-Then--!! ]
Dude!
[ Look at Fabian. He's straightening up. He's jumping to attention. He is suddenly alert, awake, alive, enthusiastic!! Forget what Gorgug gave him, or all other talks. Forget Riz's birthday - but only for a second, because Fabian certainly has to get back to that one too! ]
It was your birthday!
[ It looks like Fabian is only realizing this now, and.. yes, he is.
But to be fair to him, he has had a lot on his mind over the past while, okay. He was so busy thinking about Gorgug's well being that he had no time to think about Gorgug's birthday as well! ]
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This is where Gorgug's mind goes, if it goes anywhere during the way that Fabian suddenly shoots up. It also might be something else, so Gorgug isn't entirely jumping to conclusions--because it turns out he was wrong anyway, since the one calculation being made in Fabian's mind is the one Gorgug didn't consider.
His own birthday.
Which, Gorgug's features start to narrow as he squints into that familiar, unsure look... ]
Yeah, but... I had my birthday before I showed up here not that long ago. Riz showed up here around spring break, right? [ Since, you know. Spring Break and all. ] So he's...had his actual birthday by now. His birthday would've come around by now.
[ And that means that Riz actually missed it! This is a bigger deal than Gorgug getting a birthday, okay. He had one already! They all had ice cream!! ]
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[ Fabian's desire to speak on this is apparently so intense that he's already speaking before his mind has had the chance to form a full sentence. His eyes are wide, his hand gesturing starting up - all the typical signs of a dramatic Fabian moment coming on. ]
Even if his birthday makes more logical sense, it's still your birthday too! It still exists! It still happened! I mean, when I first showed up here, I also celebrate my birthday at the same time as Adaine-- which made no sense, since rather than a few days until my birthday, it was more like a few months back home! [ Yes, he's gesturing the entire time he's talking.
It's a good thing Gorgug didn't make a bracelet that was motion-activated. This proves why it would've been a total disaster. ]
But since she and I had a joint birthday party, you guys deserve one too! Like-- We need cake! And decorations! And I have to hurry and get you guys gifts..!
[ He's getting wild now, Gorgug. This is the sort of manic behavior that's almost more like Riz than like Fabian. Maybe their birthday parties are just that important to him, and he's only now realized that they're missing out.. ]
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Because Gorgug already had his birthday back in Spyre. It's not his fault that Etraya was behind on the dates.
But with Fabian being this energised by the whole thing (for good or bad), Gorgug isn't going to try and throw logic a second time at a wall that doesn't want it to stick. He's just going to let Fabian work this out himself. Maybe ask: ]
What are you gonna get us?
[ ...look, he's curious?? Even if those things are meant to be a surprise! ]
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I, uh..
[ C-Crap! Gorgug got him such a sweet gift, which means Fabian really ought to give them something similarly thoughtful in return, and he also has to figure out how to get said thoughtful things in this place where his resources are more limited than back home, and, and--
He kind of looks like he's about to explode, actually. Like there's some valve that has to be opened to let out steam. ]
I-I'll have to think about it! [ He wants it to be something good, Gorgug. You don't understand. :( ] I mean-- Isn't there something you've been really wanting to have here with you in this place?
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Except helping in small ways. And sure, Fabian asks him what he wants, but he's looking upwards and giving it some thought... ]
...me and Riz talked about ways we can be better equipped in this place, and I think he's feeling it how he can't use magic, or doesn't have more stuff to play around with. I can help you get him gear-- I have books. I think Riz would like something he can use.
[ Right? That seems like a Riz sort of gift. Useful, practical. ]
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[ The hesitant third okay, when Fabian is realizing all the implications of this. He does think Gorgug is right, which is exactly why Fabian made those business cards and the suitcase for him in freshmen year - he thought that Riz would like something he could actively use, and he did really seem into the whole detective thing. Even if Fabian still found it kind of strange back then.
But of course Riz would want something practical here too. Especially when he apologized to Fabian before. Like he wasn't good enough. Which is the most bullshit idea ever, because Fabian absolutely knows it's not any fault of Riz's capabilities that shit is going wrong here.
It's just that this place sucks. ]
You're right. [ The gears in his brain are turning. Fabian is trying his best here.
Don't think you're escaping the presents though, Gorgug. He'll get to you in a second, mister! He just-- He first has to think about this!! ]
So-- Nothing for the things The Ball is already naturally good at, then. He doesn't need help with that. [ How could Riz possibly sneak even better? It's impossible. ] Perhaps something offensive? So he has a magical option next to his gun and sword when things get dangerous.
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Do you remember the tech stuff he had with him when the electronics attacked at the Frosty Faire? [ The fucking electronics, Fabian. ] We can get him something like that-- spy gear.
We can throw in some weapons, too. I've been reading about-- [ he makes a throwing motion ] EMPs.
[ You know that acronym, right, Fabian. ]
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Fabian is quiet.
Suspiciously quiet.
Because of course there's a reason behind his silence. There always is. If Fabian isn't yapping, it means that there's something going on in his mind, and often not anything too good. As is the case right now - he's trying to figure out if he knows what EMPs are, realizing he doesn't, trying to figure out how bad it is if he would admit to not knowing what they are-- A whole lot of social mental calculation going on here. Fabian has so much face to save, okay! ]
Ah. Yeah.
[ ... ]
EMPs.
[ .......... ]
O-Of-- Of course! [ Does Fabian think that just saying that intensely will magically convince Gorgug that Fabian totally knows what the other is talking about here? ] You are right, I should definitely get him an EMP!
[ He's just digging his own grave now. ]
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Get him lots of EMPs.
[ That's right, Fabian. You've got it. ]
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[ He HAS got it! Another win for Fabian! Another great idea from HIM!! He's pumping a fist in the air, that's how excited and ready he is for this.
.. until Fabian realizes that there's no way he's going to be able to fake this - especially when maybe EMPs may be something real nerdy if Gorgug read up on them. And then who the hell is Fabian going to ask what it's supposed to be in this place? He doesn't know any nerds here other than the two nerds he has to get birthday presents for!
This is a mess.
His energetic posture disappears a little - though he's still trying very hard to make it seem like it's there, mind you! He sucks in a breath, trying really hard to look super cool and dignified as he asks: ]
What are EMPs?
[ Like this is a normal question to ask for a guy who pretended to totally know what that is only a moment ago. Nothing weird here, Gorgug! Don't overthink it! In fact, don't think at all! ]
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