faderift | (no subject)

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(no subject)

WHO: Byerly n Vanadi
WHAT: a stray cat (elf) slides around for a visit
WHEN: Third week of August
WHERE: Byerly's place
NOTES: n/a

[ Vanadi has had quite a week, and would like nothing more than to never think of any of it again. That's probably not very likely, but he can at least find some kind of distraction -- which is the thought that brings him to Byerly's door late in the evening, a bottle of gin in hand. He's not certain the man is home -- or even if he'll be welcome in such unannounced circumstances. Or perhaps Byerly might have company, and not be the sort of man (or it be the sort of company) to want to share. There are a hundred reasons this may not be precisely the best idea, but Vanadi knocks regardless.

He looks tired, with dark rings under his eyes, thought of course there's a certain weariness that's always with him and this isn't so far past the norm. He pushes it aside as he knocks, standing himself up a little straighter, pushing his shoulders back a little more. It had been the charming and flirtatious face that had first set him on the right foot with Byerly, so in the spirit of taking no chances, that's the face he pulls on as he waits for response. ]

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[ He blinks at the change, and watches Byerly curiously. Is this what pity looks like in him? ]

It's not offensive, so far as I know. Why is it a good idea?

[ A shrug. ]

Well, you are not of them, but ignorant outsiders will lump you in with them. So I fear that you will end up suffering some of their mistreatment.

I've considered that angle. I couldn't see much benefit in grouping up with others in a similar situation. Commiseration, I suppose.

Warning, I was thinking.

[ A fair point. He considers it a few seconds, but it ends in a shrug. He likes to think any warnings would be already well spotted, but ... ]

I appreciate the thought. [ And it sounds earnest, for once. ]

[ A shrug. That might be a no-thank-you, but By is going to just forge ahead. ]

Shall I arrange something with Athessa?

[ It's very close to a no-thank-you, but ... ]

Will I like Athessa?

[ The people person in him is impossible to kill entirely, after all. ]

[ A shrug. ]

Most people do.

[ He sighs, waves a hand of resigned acceptance. ]

Yes, yes, introduce us, I'll direct all of my elf questions toward her.

Coming from you, aren't all questions elf questions?

[ He pauses, like that's a new and novel idea worthy of consideration. ]

Hmm. Was that a human question?

The most deeply human of questions. Everything I do is oppressively human.

True, I have noticed that. [ He leans back, to better take him in in a considering glance. ] Nothing but round ears and body hair, really.

He says, like he doesn't find the body hair enticingly primal.

[ A snort, but— ]

It's true, I can't deny the appeal of that perfect trim, the magnetism of the flawless sculpting of — [ just the barest pause here ] — Tony Stark. What a human.

[ You fucker. ]

I'm flattered to hear you're charmed by that rank imitator.

[ He grins, leans forward far enough to catch By's chin lightly. ]

I kid. You're perfect. A flawless specimen that I very much appreciate.

Damned right.

[ He leans forward the rest of the way and plants his lips on Vanadi's. The kiss is as much fond as it is a prelude to anything sexy. ]

So you do not despise me for being human?

[ He appreciates Byerly, and he also appreciates that kiss. It's some kind of reassurance that he doesn't care to think too deeply about. ]

Mm. [ He recovers from his appreciation in a second or two. ] I've not given the impression that I do, have I? The body hair is charming, really.

No, no. It's just a bit rare.

[ He reaches out to fiddle gently with Vanadi's long ear. ]

Most elven-folk have some sort of dislike for humans. Maybe because of the centuries of mistreatment.

Ah, well. [ He tilts his head to brush a kiss against his wrist. ] Perhaps you'll be happy to hear it was typically elves looking down on humans, in my world.

[ so like, this is super weird. discrimination is supposed to go the other way?? ]

Strangely, that actually does.

[ His hand comes down to caress his jawbone. ]

Tell me about your world.

Well ...

[ He pulls away, but only to shift position. He takes a seat on the arm of Byerly's chair instead, folding himself comfortably down on it with an arm comfortably along By's shoulders. ]

That's a rather large question, isn't it? It's hard to know where to start.

True enough.

[ Hmm. By starts playing with Vanadi's fingertips. ]

Tell me about your hometown, to start with.

[ He makes a face, but only briefly. Small talk is just what he'd wanted, he can survive a turn towards unpleasant places. ]

It was the city of Aluthsa, tall and glorious, jewel of the elven kingdom, et cetera. [ A dismissive wave. ] It was built into the side of a mountain, which meant a hell of a lot of steep hills no matter where you were headed. Not very well planned, as it isn't very elegant to be huffing and puffing whenever you arrive somewhere important.