[Spy does seem to relax at that a little, forcing himself to take a deep breath and calm down. This is fine.]
So. It's a side-effect, then? Of being brought here?
[...that doesn't make him feel great, but it certainly helps. Spy huffs quietly, mildly disappointed that Engie moves away. Which opens a whole new can of worms in regards to his feelings on this predicament. Why is he disappointed? He's not missing out on anything by having Engineer move five feet away.
He's so caught up in this that he almost misses what Engie's saying. It takes him a painful second to catch up, and he clears his throat before replying.]
[You hate to see him go, but you love to watch him leave.]
I think so. This is supposed to be... what, Cordis? [He crosses his arms and turns around. Yeesh, it's chilly. Sleeveless undershirts don't usually keep you warm.] Ain't seen it for myself, but I read up on the moons after it happened to me.
[Even if he didn't, the moon's not red anymore either, sign enough that something's changed.]
If my zoology's intact... those kinda slitted eyes are usually fox eyes. And a foxes is pretty good at seeing in the dark. Same way a cat or a snake does. Do y'notice if you can... see any better?
And I guess while we're at it, do you FEEL any different?
[He's going to have to talk to Engie about what he means with "it happened to me". Clearly, he didn't get nearly as dramatic of effects as Spy if he was startled by his eyes, but Spy still wants to know more about this whole moon business.
Spy watches Engie, eyes darting to his bedroom door for just a moment. He's tempted to go for his cigarettes, but it'd be more for something to do with his hands than anything else... which lends itself to Engie's questions.]
I think my eyesight is the same as it's always been. At least, I haven't noticed a difference there. But feelings-wise... I can't tell if it's from panicking earlier, but I feel somewhat... restless, I think?
[Sure enough, when he crosses his arms in a mirror of Engie, his fingers idly tap against his arm.]
Interestin'... guess it LOOKS the same, but doesn't function the same way.
[They could probably study it, if they wanted to get really in-depth. But like he said, Engie's not Medic. He's not going to scoop out Spy's eyeball and study it under the pretense that he'll give it back later.
He thinks for a minute, then uncrosses his arms (HAH) and steps up to Spy again. Mostly to get a look at his eyes again. Definitely not because he likes that smell. Nope.]
How you mean, "restless"?
[Because restless could mean... well. Maybe he should get into it. A pause passes, then he sighs.]
I'm askin' because I got restless too. In a pissy, punchy sorta way. From my understandin', these moon cycles change people according to whichever one influences them... us included.
Sanguis is my thing, apparently. All strength and combat and valor and desire and such. Gets people real ticked-off and territorial.
It's probably for the best we haven't spoken much recently, then.
[Listen. Spy's an asshole, but he's a self-aware asshole, and he knows full well that a punch-y Engineer means he'd have to find new teeth if he hung around for too long.
That being said, he relaxes even more knowing that even Engineer was having to adjust to some new things. At least he's not alone in suffering yet another thing to adapt to in this strange new world.
The thought of Engineer getting mad enough to punch someone, though... it makes him laugh a little.]
Sanguis... when the moon was red, yes? Hm. I'm not nearly so inclined to punch things, but I bet you were a sight. I hope you haven't put yourself on the Wanted list again, laborer.
[He doesn't actually answer, but the way he seems all too amused by that may be a clue. The fact he leans in as Engie steps closer, seemingly without realizing it, may be another.]
Yep. Red one. Representation of fightin' and multiple kinds of "passion," I guess.
[It means fuckin.
Also, Spy. My guy. You've seen him beat people to death with a wrench and chop them into gibs with the Gunslinger. Is it really hard to imagine him decking someone out. Anyway, Engie chuckles.]
Here? Probably not. But you're right, s'probably a good thing you ain't seen me. I spent most of it either holed up in my apartment or over at Buwan's Stop, in that fight ring.
[He holds up his "real" hand, showing faded yellow bruises on his knuckles. He also lifts up the hip of his undershirt to show some equally nasty marks on his side. Lifting his shirt up to show the guy flirting with his his sick battle scars and maybe the muscle underneath that dad bod?? Whatever! They're adults, they've seen each other in locker rooms before!! This is fine and definitely does not have an awk extra layer to it!!!!]
Ain't proud of some of that. Couple Prismals had to pull me aside when they figured out what was going on with me. But it was an alright way of wearing myself out. [Engie shakes his head and pulls his shirt down.] Never got the animal... parts, though. Saw a woman with tentacle-lookin' hair, though.
[For the record, it's going to take him a second to pick up on said clues. He clears his throat. Loudly.]
Anyway, doubt you're gonna deal with that. I read up on Cordis. Everything was... cryptic, but it didn't sound "punchy."
[It's been like seven months!! With Engie, it's easy to forget sometimes!! Get off his back!!
Spy's amusement fades just a little at the bruises, examining them with equal parts mild fascination and concern. Those are certainly some nasty battle scars. It almost makes him regret commenting on it at all.
Without thinking and seemingly without noticing that super loud throat-clearing noise, Spy reaches out and takes Engie's real hand to run his thumb over his knuckles with a careful touch. He's forgotten about the festival and the hand-holding fiasco. At the moment, touching him feels like the right move. (If the comments were a clue, this is a giant flag.)]
Apologies. So it would seem I am affected by Cordis. Which means fox, apparently.
Engie was about to say something else, but oh.. hey. Their hands are touching again. He stares down at his hand first, then at Spy. Engie never forgot the festival, but he DID forget how nice touching hands felt.]
... Yeah. I'm noticin' that now.
[You know what, fuck it, he's not going to pretend they're not doing this anymore. He laughs.]
Our hands gotta stop meeting like this. [... Though, now that he thinks about it, he vaguely remembers reading that Cordis people were fairly amorous and self-indulgent. Yep. Big flags.] It doesn't hurt, if that's what you're worried about.
[There was still residual pain when he closed his fists, naturally, but now that he thinks about it, it really doesn't hurt that much all of a sudden. See: moonlancing repairing minor wounds, etc. etc.]
[Spy looks up from Engie's hand to blink at him, mildly perplexed if the furrow of his brow is any indication. It's only when he looks back down again and registers the unnatural warmth radiating from their hands that he remembers himself. He doesn't let go, though.]
Ah. Does it make you uncomfortable?
[And there goes his voice again. The question's sincere, but the way his lip quirks lets on that it's also a little tease. Does Dell Conagher get nervous when he holds hands with the tall, dark, handsome Spyyyy~?
Still, his hands relax, ready to let go if Engie gives him the word. He hadn't even noticed he'd done this, but he's not going to ignore physical boundaries. Rule number 3 of being a gentleman!!]
This was different from the festival. That was a mutually awkward thing. Now Spy's doing this on purpose, and Engineer has no idea how to react now that he's put two and two together.]
Uh.
[Sorry, man. He stares between Spy and their hands.]
I think I'm just processing the fact you're actually flirtin' with me.
[Maybe not on purpose, per se. It's more that it feels right. And it feels good to hold hands, and something inside him wants to chase that. Either way, he looks mildly surprised when Engie busts out the 'f' word.]
I... I'm sorry. You mentioned being angry with Sanguis - perhaps Cordis had more to give me than just these eyes.
[And he'll lower Engie's hand just a bit, looking utterly conflicted as he does.]
[Sorry, buddy. The 'f' word just came out. Besides, he can't deny that Spy touching him feels right too, even if it wasn't on purpose.]
It's, uh. It's okay.
[Engie finally moves his hand away, paying careful mind to do it as normally as possible. Not slow enough that it lingers, but not fast enough that he seems bothered or disgusted.]
Hey, don't worry about it. You ain't the only one who had more than one weird thing happened to them. Remember when I said Sanguis was a 'passion' thing?
[He quirks an eyebrow, hoping it gets his point across. Yeah, the other kind of 'passion.' Long story short: don't be embarrassed about being flirty, because Dell was just straight-up horny sometimes.
He grins up at Spy, hoping the casual attitude gives them both an out. No big deal! Just a weird thing that can definitely happen between two half-dressed people who maintain a professional relationship!! One of whom smells really nice!!!!!]
You ever met that Swiss doctor, Ziegler? She had to patch me up one night when I got real bad. Long story short, you ain't the only one.
Now that his hands are free, he pinches the bridge of his nose with an exasperated sigh.]
I asked you here to make sure I wasn't losing my mind, not to swoon like a lovestruck schoolboy.
[Which answers his question, he supposes. Flirting with Engineer is definitely not something he'd do in his right mind. It doesn't help that he has to bite his tongue to keep from laughing at the thought of Engie punching things because he was feeling RANDY.
The urge disappears at the mention of Angela.]
Do you mean Angela? Yes, I've met her. Lovely girl. Glad to see her help is extending to you, as well.
[At least let him help you pretend this isn't a big deal, come on!!]
Well, you ain't losing your mind. Who'da guessed you'd be the swoon-ee this time around, though?
[Still joking! Still not making this about them!! It's fine. Neither of them would flirt with each other in their rights minds, so they can definitely make light of it. Or least not think about it. Or not admire that nice smell. Engie definitely isn't doing either right now.
At least he would have got Spy to laugh about all the weird Sanguis bullshit he went through. He chuckles weakly.]
Yeah, she... definitely helped. [They got a little handsy themselves, but that's another developing story.] We've talked tech a couple times. Guessin' she's bailed you out too.
[He's trying! But this is just very weird to him, man!
Spy does manage a wry smile, both at Engie's blatant attempts to defuse the awkwardness of the situation as well as the comment.]
Miracles do happen, I suppose.
[He notices that pause, though. He's not entirely surprised if things were a little more involved than Engine's letting on; god knows he's not one to judge someone for playing the field a little.]
Yes. I was affected by the pollen from the vines and she carried me until I could walk again.
[Gee, Spy. How come your mom lets you get carried by TWO attractive(??) people.
Really, though. This is a fine change of subject, even if it's hard not to look at those... fox eyes. Or for Engineer to kiss and tell, much less gossip about being vaguely interested in anyone.]
[Because Lunatia and its moons hate him. Probably for being French. The dry smirk on Spy's face indicates that he definitely didn't consent to paralysis. But despite the distraction of conversation, he still averts his gaze if their eyes connect for too long.]
Indeed. It's refreshing to be around a doctor that still has her medical license.
[Probably for being French. Engie takes the hint from the look on Spy's face - moreso when he looks away from him. He should probably excuse himself soon, before this gets too weird.]
No kiddin'. I'd call her "Better Medic," if she didn't have a name already.
[HA... ha. Ha.
He should go.]
Well, uh. Pretty sure you're still sane. And I'm guessin' those eyes ain't gonna kill you, for now.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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So. It's a side-effect, then? Of being brought here?
[...that doesn't make him feel great, but it certainly helps. Spy huffs quietly, mildly disappointed that Engie moves away. Which opens a whole new can of worms in regards to his feelings on this predicament. Why is he disappointed? He's not missing out on anything by having Engineer move five feet away.
He's so caught up in this that he almost misses what Engie's saying. It takes him a painful second to catch up, and he clears his throat before replying.]
What did you have in mind?
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I think so. This is supposed to be... what, Cordis? [He crosses his arms and turns around. Yeesh, it's chilly. Sleeveless undershirts don't usually keep you warm.] Ain't seen it for myself, but I read up on the moons after it happened to me.
[Even if he didn't, the moon's not red anymore either, sign enough that something's changed.]
If my zoology's intact... those kinda slitted eyes are usually fox eyes. And a foxes is pretty good at seeing in the dark. Same way a cat or a snake does. Do y'notice if you can... see any better?
And I guess while we're at it, do you FEEL any different?
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Spy watches Engie, eyes darting to his bedroom door for just a moment. He's tempted to go for his cigarettes, but it'd be more for something to do with his hands than anything else... which lends itself to Engie's questions.]
I think my eyesight is the same as it's always been. At least, I haven't noticed a difference there. But feelings-wise... I can't tell if it's from panicking earlier, but I feel somewhat... restless, I think?
[Sure enough, when he crosses his arms in a mirror of Engie, his fingers idly tap against his arm.]
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Interestin'... guess it LOOKS the same, but doesn't function the same way.
[They could probably study it, if they wanted to get really in-depth. But like he said, Engie's not Medic. He's not going to scoop out Spy's eyeball and study it under the pretense that he'll give it back later.
He thinks for a minute, then uncrosses his arms (HAH) and steps up to Spy again. Mostly to get a look at his eyes again. Definitely not because he likes that smell. Nope.]
How you mean, "restless"?
[Because restless could mean... well. Maybe he should get into it. A pause passes, then he sighs.]
I'm askin' because I got restless too. In a pissy, punchy sorta way. From my understandin', these moon cycles change people according to whichever one influences them... us included.
Sanguis is my thing, apparently. All strength and combat and valor and desire and such. Gets people real ticked-off and territorial.
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[Listen. Spy's an asshole, but he's a self-aware asshole, and he knows full well that a punch-y Engineer means he'd have to find new teeth if he hung around for too long.
That being said, he relaxes even more knowing that even Engineer was having to adjust to some new things. At least he's not alone in suffering yet another thing to adapt to in this strange new world.
The thought of Engineer getting mad enough to punch someone, though... it makes him laugh a little.]
Sanguis... when the moon was red, yes? Hm. I'm not nearly so inclined to punch things, but I bet you were a sight. I hope you haven't put yourself on the Wanted list again, laborer.
[He doesn't actually answer, but the way he seems all too amused by that may be a clue. The fact he leans in as Engie steps closer, seemingly without realizing it, may be another.]
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[It means fuckin.
Also, Spy. My guy. You've seen him beat people to death with a wrench and chop them into gibs with the Gunslinger. Is it really hard to imagine him decking someone out. Anyway, Engie chuckles.]
Here? Probably not. But you're right, s'probably a good thing you ain't seen me. I spent most of it either holed up in my apartment or over at Buwan's Stop, in that fight ring.
[He holds up his "real" hand, showing faded yellow bruises on his knuckles. He also lifts up the hip of his undershirt to show some equally nasty marks on his side. Lifting his shirt up to show the guy flirting with his his sick battle scars and maybe the muscle underneath that dad bod?? Whatever! They're adults, they've seen each other in locker rooms before!! This is fine and definitely does not have an awk extra layer to it!!!!]
Ain't proud of some of that. Couple Prismals had to pull me aside when they figured out what was going on with me. But it was an alright way of wearing myself out. [Engie shakes his head and pulls his shirt down.] Never got the animal... parts, though. Saw a woman with tentacle-lookin' hair, though.
[For the record, it's going to take him a second to pick up on said clues. He clears his throat. Loudly.]
Anyway, doubt you're gonna deal with that. I read up on Cordis. Everything was... cryptic, but it didn't sound "punchy."
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Spy's amusement fades just a little at the bruises, examining them with equal parts mild fascination and concern. Those are certainly some nasty battle scars. It almost makes him regret commenting on it at all.
Without thinking and seemingly without noticing that super loud throat-clearing noise, Spy reaches out and takes Engie's real hand to run his thumb over his knuckles with a careful touch. He's forgotten about the festival and the hand-holding fiasco. At the moment, touching him feels like the right move. (If the comments were a clue, this is a giant flag.)]
Apologies. So it would seem I am affected by Cordis. Which means fox, apparently.
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Engie was about to say something else, but oh.. hey. Their hands are touching again. He stares down at his hand first, then at Spy. Engie never forgot the festival, but he DID forget how nice touching hands felt.]
... Yeah. I'm noticin' that now.
[You know what, fuck it, he's not going to pretend they're not doing this anymore. He laughs.]
Our hands gotta stop meeting like this. [... Though, now that he thinks about it, he vaguely remembers reading that Cordis people were fairly amorous and self-indulgent. Yep. Big flags.] It doesn't hurt, if that's what you're worried about.
[There was still residual pain when he closed his fists, naturally, but now that he thinks about it, it really doesn't hurt that much all of a sudden. See: moonlancing repairing minor wounds, etc. etc.]
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Ah. Does it make you uncomfortable?
[And there goes his voice again. The question's sincere, but the way his lip quirks lets on that it's also a little tease. Does Dell Conagher get nervous when he holds hands with the tall, dark, handsome Spyyyy~?
Still, his hands relax, ready to let go if Engie gives him the word. He hadn't even noticed he'd done this, but he's not going to ignore physical boundaries. Rule number 3 of being a gentleman!!]
no subject
This was different from the festival. That was a mutually awkward thing. Now Spy's doing this on purpose, and Engineer has no idea how to react now that he's put two and two together.]
Uh.
[Sorry, man. He stares between Spy and their hands.]
I think I'm just processing the fact you're actually flirtin' with me.
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I... I'm sorry. You mentioned being angry with Sanguis - perhaps Cordis had more to give me than just these eyes.
[And he'll lower Engie's hand just a bit, looking utterly conflicted as he does.]
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It's, uh. It's okay.
[Engie finally moves his hand away, paying careful mind to do it as normally as possible. Not slow enough that it lingers, but not fast enough that he seems bothered or disgusted.]
Hey, don't worry about it. You ain't the only one who had more than one weird thing happened to them. Remember when I said Sanguis was a 'passion' thing?
[He quirks an eyebrow, hoping it gets his point across. Yeah, the other kind of 'passion.' Long story short: don't be embarrassed about being flirty, because Dell was just straight-up horny sometimes.
He grins up at Spy, hoping the casual attitude gives them both an out. No big deal! Just a weird thing that can definitely happen between two half-dressed people who maintain a professional relationship!! One of whom smells really nice!!!!!]
You ever met that Swiss doctor, Ziegler? She had to patch me up one night when I got real bad. Long story short, you ain't the only one.
no subject
Now that his hands are free, he pinches the bridge of his nose with an exasperated sigh.]
I asked you here to make sure I wasn't losing my mind, not to swoon like a lovestruck schoolboy.
[Which answers his question, he supposes. Flirting with Engineer is definitely not something he'd do in his right mind. It doesn't help that he has to bite his tongue to keep from laughing at the thought of Engie punching things because he was feeling RANDY.
The urge disappears at the mention of Angela.]
Do you mean Angela? Yes, I've met her. Lovely girl. Glad to see her help is extending to you, as well.
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Well, you ain't losing your mind. Who'da guessed you'd be the swoon-ee this time around, though?
[Still joking! Still not making this about them!! It's fine. Neither of them would flirt with each other in their rights minds, so they can definitely make light of it. Or least not think about it. Or not admire that nice smell. Engie definitely isn't doing either right now.
At least he would have got Spy to laugh about all the weird Sanguis bullshit he went through. He chuckles weakly.]
Yeah, she... definitely helped. [They got a little handsy themselves, but that's another
developingstory.] We've talked tech a couple times. Guessin' she's bailed you out too.no subject
Spy does manage a wry smile, both at Engie's blatant attempts to defuse the awkwardness of the situation as well as the comment.]
Miracles do happen, I suppose.
[He notices that pause, though. He's not entirely surprised if things were a little more involved than Engine's letting on; god knows he's not one to judge someone for playing the field a little.]
Yes. I was affected by the pollen from the vines and she carried me until I could walk again.
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[Gee, Spy. How come your mom lets you get carried by TWO attractive(??) people.
Really, though. This is a fine change of subject, even if it's hard not to look at those... fox eyes. Or for Engineer to kiss and tell, much less gossip about being vaguely interested in anyone.]
Guess she's a life-saver like that. Good woman.
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[Because Lunatia and its moons hate him. Probably for being French. The dry smirk on Spy's face indicates that he definitely didn't consent to paralysis. But despite the distraction of conversation, he still averts his gaze if their eyes connect for too long.]
Indeed. It's refreshing to be around a doctor that still has her medical license.
[At least, he's assuming she does.]
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No kiddin'. I'd call her "Better Medic," if she didn't have a name already.
[HA... ha. Ha.
He should go.]
Well, uh. Pretty sure you're still sane. And I'm guessin' those eyes ain't gonna kill you, for now.
no subject
But yeah. Get Engie out of here before things get worse. Spy clears his throat and nods, moving towards the door again.]
Yes. That seems to be the case. Although if I feel as though I'm dying, I'll be sure to let you know.
[Spy actually rubs the back of his neck for a moment, contemplating for just a moment.]
Thank you. I apologize if I woke you up, but I appreciate you coming.
we can end it here if you want
[Like Spy's not already guiding him out the door. He follows, and stops as Spy speaks again.
... Ah, dammit. He nods.]
Don't worry about it. Like I said, we oughta look after each other out here.
[Which is true. He really does mean that. He flashes Spy a small, genuine grin as he heads out the door.
... And tries not to think about this for at least a couple days.]
alrighty
[Spy closes the door behind Engie and... well, he has some soul-searching to do.
...After a carton of cigarettes and a few glasses of Lunatian booze.]