faderift | (no subject)

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WHO: Byerly & Vanadi
WHAT: The Morning After
WHEN: Backdated to Sonia's party
WHERE: Byerly's I think??
NOTES: it's post-sexy so whatever content warnings might be associated with that

[ It's been easy to fall into old habits, and it grows easier the longer he's in this world. Last night had been a dive straight back into them, all pleasant flirts, courtly dances, and good company. And then all the rest. Oh, it'd been good to lose himself for a while, to really appreciate another body in a way he hasn't in a while ...

... But he can't let go of all of his recent habits, and a keen discomfort sleeping next to a stranger is one of them. It's been a fitful and restless night, and just as the sun rises he decides he's willing to eschew manners and throw in the towel. He'll catch up with the man later, and make whatever apologies are necessary.

Vanadi sits himself up carefully, not quite willing to unduly disturb the form next to him. The man had been lovely company, there's no need to rouse him so early as this. He peels back the sheets, intending to collect his belongings, dress in the almost-dark, and see himself out. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Oh, either one will do.

[ A one-shouldered shrug. ]

Look. Coercion is not precisely an aphrodisiac for me, dear fellow.

No, nor I.

[ That's a little quieter; he hadn't loved the thought of pursuing anyone under false pretenses, perhaps being caught at it is a relief. He sighs, his gaze cutting away for a moment. ]

And in light of that, I suppose I'd rather not have another evening in precisely this flavor with you.

[ It feels risky to say. He darts a glance back, looking for displeasure. ]

Did you know, then?

[ There is no sign at all of displeasure. His expression is as bland as water itself. But while there's danger in the inscrutable, there's at least no anger to be found. ]

Who I was? Was all of this an attempt to curry favor?

No.

[ He says it thoughtfully, without conviction. The real admission is the one that feels like another risk to admit to, though he does in a second or two: ]

But if I had, and if I'd played my part well enough, the evening would have gone no differently. That was more or less a plan of mine.

[ How strange this feels. Had this been what Byerly's targets had felt like, when they discovered what he'd done? If they'd discovered what he'd done. To be altogether fair, he was always quite good at covering his tracks. But that had not been out of any desire to defend their feelings...Many of them, he'd have thrown his duplicity in their faces if he'd had a chance. ]

You'd have been wasting your time. I fear I am a man of no sentiment. [ Then, with a mocking sort of simper - ] No cock, however well-aimed, can penetrate my heart.

[ He huffs a quick laugh, wryly amused, then sighs at himself. He wasn't cut out for this sort of thing, no matter what he likes to think. He sweeps a hand through his hair, some of the stiffness leaving his posture. ]

Well noted. I don't think I'd have been very good at it, though. What was it you said of my reaction — like being given sea water, and told it was wine?

That was quite well-said, wasn't it?

[ Then, some sort of cruelty makes him say, offhandedly - ]

You can learn to be good at it.

Yes, you're a regular poet. [ With a wary curiosity, though: ] From who, you?

[ A shrug of confirmation. ]

[ He can't help a small twist of his lips. ]

A useful skill, but I can't say it's ... [ He glances away, feeling disappointingly naive for the discomfort. ] ... Anything I want to be adept with.

[ A laugh in response - something bitter, but still real in its amusement. ]

What - If you're going to be a snake, at least play the part well. The sad, wounded little adder is not morally superior to the well-fed one.

You think this is for morals? [ He makes a face. ] To be frank, sex is my favorite hobby. I'd hate to ruin it for myself.

Mm.

[ A sigh, and a languorous stretch. ]

I think I'm jealous.

[ Why's he sharing that? Maybe he's still a little drunk. Maybe he just wants to lash out a little. Who knows. ]

[ He glances away again, looking very faintly irritated — he can feel himself slipping toward fondness despite all his best efforts, it's vexing. ]

You should be. All it takes is slipping away the next morning before any real talk can begin, and I'm free to assume everyone I go to bed with is a living saint. [ His gaze finds Byerly again, now with a tired resignation. ] Do you suppose it's too early for breakfast? Surely a bakery somewhere must be opening.

I don't know if the ferryman would take us into town this early. We could always steal his boat, I suppose.

Oh, not up for a little morning swim?

Oh, I could make it. It's you I'd worry about. I've always assumed that elves were rather like cats in water.

I beg your pardon? [ That's with a fake and playful kind of offense, both brows arched and a hand to his chest. ] We're fish in water, thank you. It's all in the ears, they act as fins.

Is that so?

[ He lifts his hands to his ears and flaps them like paddles. ]

Is that why you're all so hairless? To create less drag in the water?

[ And he in turn lifts his hands to bat Byerly's away, but not with any particular urgency. ]

Just so. [ He smooths down his hair, combing through it with his fingers. Thoughtfully: ] They shortened when I came through the Rift, you know. My ears. A small thing, but I resent it regardless.

Are long ears a sign of virility where you're from?

[ Amusement quirks one corner of his mouth. ]

Naturally. But more than that, long ears are a sign of being an elf. These look nearly human to me.

Is that so bad? I personally quite enjoy all the perks of being a human. I haven't had my home burned to the ground even once. And it's only Orlesians and Darkspawn who've tried to kill my people lately.

[ He huffs. ]

Hardly a problem. I'll put on a hat and everyone will think me human. [ A bizarre concept, from his tone. He glances over, a brow quirked. ] Are you coming along, or am I off to find some kind of breakfast on my own?

No, no, I'll come with you.

[ He extracts himself from bed, naked as the day is long, penis on full display... and yet he approaches the door, clearly making ready to set out. ]

Shall we?