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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. ]

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If it were ten months ago, I would.

[ But: alas. He climbs the stairs again to his room, and gives a little twiddle of his fingers. The door is closed; a minute or two, and he emerges again, dressed. ]

Now let's go.

[ His grin follows By and persists after the door is closed, and fades into a patient waiting. He pushes off from his lean against the wall as Byerly emerges again, looking far less likely to give someone an early morning eye full.

As if there's been no pause:] What changed ten months ago?

Why, my elevation, of course.

[ His expressive fingers sketch a vague upward trajectory as he slouches down the stairway. ]

I haven't always been so prominent.

[ He watches those fingers as he walks, trailing just after. His good memories of those fingers have really been through the wringer this morning. ]

A high price to pay for a bit of elevation. Is it worth it?

No.

[ No hesitation. ]

[ Not the expected answer, but he takes it in stride: ] Well, you know what I really must ask next.

Not necessarily.

[ He cocks his head towards Vanadi. ]

Ask away.

Why bother?

Why do you think?

[ He wrinkles his nose. ]

I hope it's not something altruistic.

Do I seem like someone capable of altruism?

[ He glances over, spending a few seconds considering. ]

I haven't decided yet.

Maker.

[ He lifts his eyebrows. ]

Most would be quite capable of divining the truth by now.

[ He shrugs, in no rush to defend himself. ]

Humor me.

I am a scoundrel and a cad, a rake and a bounder. A wicked thing.

[ Obviously. ]

Oh, all that. [ He waves a hand, dismissive. ] Yes, of course. I'm afraid it doesn't excise altruism as a motive.

Does it not? By definition, I believe, wicked men act with wickedness.

[ He glances away to roll his eyes, but, patiently: ]

If I really took you for "a wicked thing," we'd not be on our way to find breakfast.

You're so selective about the company you keep.

Only when I keep it for longer than a night.

I don't believe you have any basis for thinking me virtuous.

No, please, I'd never take it that far.

So, what, you think me a void? Nothingness?

[ A shrug, directed vaguely at the walk ahead of them. ]

If you answer my question, maybe I'll answer yours.

Remind me of the question, again?