faderift | (no subject)

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(no subject)

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

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?

[ Patiently: ] Why you bother with a job that isn't worth it.

Ah, well. I suppose because someone has to do it. We had quite the time, you see, of finding someone to fill the position, back in the day, and the incompetence was starting to irritate, like a pebble in the shoe.

[ He nods faintly, like that's about what he'd expected to hear. ]

I suppose most people would have found a less drastic solution. A new pair of shoes, perhaps.

This may surprise you to hear, but I enjoy dramatics.

[ He waves that off with a huff. ]

A whole career is rather damning, I would say.

Not much of a career, I'd say. I'll certainly have to resign in disgrace at some point.

Ah, we'll see.

[ Strange to say that word and mean it to some degree, we. The feeling of being an outsider has been so strong. He frowns faintly. ]

Do you enjoy it, though? Ever?

Oh, well.

[ A casual shrug. Does he? ]

It's dreadfully fun to be able to spout a lot of bullshit and have people feel as though they have to agree with you. That can be beyond hilarious.

[ With a quirk of a smile: ] A sign that you really have made it, hmm?

A fool made into a respectable man can make respectable men into fools. What could ever be better than that?

[ The reminder of Byerly's humble beginnings, only hinted at so far, earns a curious, thoughtful glance. ]

How old are you? If I may.

How dare you.

[ But - ]

A distinguished thirty-six. Why?

Mm. Just wondering how long these things take, on a human scale. [ With a rueful little smile: ] I did very, very little with my century.

How long what things take? Swindling one's way into prominence?

Rising into success was my thought, but I suppose there's not always a difference.

I'm just a placeholder.

[ He hooks a hand into his pocket as they come out onto the ground floor. ]

Regrettable for you, after you've spent this time cultivating my friendship. Now, do we swim to town, or raid the kitchen?

Friendship, is that what we're calling it?

[ He scans the grounds, though, squinting against the rising sun. ]

I hope you haven't changed your mind about that boat.

Stealing it?

[ With a hand pressed to his chest: ]

Or perhaps, since I am such a prominent personage, we'll be requisitioning it.