omg literally just get up and walk over there and I'll be there a few mins later Like 8 mins tops It'll take longer for me to get ready if you keep texting me It's cold I have to like get a shirt and sweater and coat on I'm gonna freeze to death Don't fall asleep
Stop saying don't fall asleep? I'm so awake and you're so slow
There's lit. a fire here do you think I'm gonan let you get cold? I'll bring a blanket and if it's bad there's a heater in my tent which is like 10 m away
( Preparing to fish around in his sweatpants for the Offending Penis, Jonasโboth charmed and flusteredโkeeps getting texts. Briefly checking them, he presses the datapad against his forehead, then repeatedly knocks it against his skin. Jesusโ
Fine. Fine. He's tucked it up into his waistband and survived before. It'll be fine.
Pulls on a long shirt... Tugs on his coat... Looks down... )
Okay okay okat I'm hurrying calm down You're on blanket duty, you're a provider, thank you omg I'll be over in a sec Right outside your tent?
omgg you're so needy omggggg๐ฎโ๐จ I wasn't gonna "brink" anything, but ig I still have some trail mix and dehydrated apples AKA nuts and fruit from Earth You're not allergic are you? I don't have anything better than this so don't ask me you already ate all my chips the other night
( He expects Noctis to complain, but grabs the food anyway. The jury's out on drinks, and he gives up very easily to finally exit the tent with a zzzzzip.
... )
Oh I think I like Literally see you I'm waving rn wave back
[ If he has any allergies, he should be allowed to just die from them.
At the next text, however, a distant figure can be seen looking down at his datapad, swaying ever-so-slightly, and then peering into the distance for far longer than should be necessary... before his arm lifts in a wave, revealing a generous strip of skin when his shirt rides up that would be a lot more interesting up close.
It appears too that he's found new clothes, currently dressed in dark wash denim, an expensive-looking white shirt, and a black ballcap out of which hair desperately tries to fan.
To add insult to injury he is also absolutely holding a bottle and clearly not in need of any drinks. ]
I see you! ( he calls out with a taller, more exaggerated wave, pocketing his phone with a smile. And both of them are too stupid to realize Jonas already previously established he can, in fact, see the friend he starts to jog to.
It's prudent to hurry, since Noctis seems like he's in a rush for his companyโsomething Jonas is entirely too aware ofโso he makes record time for the thirty feet he has to cross. Closing the distance between them, fully eyeballing the exposed swath of stomach with only a meagre attempt at hiding it, Jonas whistles. )
Wow, new clothes? You lookโThey're cool. ( Ahem.
Rubbing the back of his neck, he tries again: ) Hi-iii.
[ The bottle is lowered with a slosh of the amber liquid inside, upset again when Jonas reaches his side and he's pressing it to his chest without any warning or further hello. Once he's positive the alcohol is in competent, more deserving hands, Noctis is turning to gesture broadly at the campfire behind him. ]
Hah? Theseโ [ His hand then presses to his own chest, comedically over-emphasized. ]
Old, but new here, I guess. I got a couple things back a few days ago. I told you, right? [ no ]
Here, come on... I used the blanket to claim this spot for you. Prime, closest to the fire but out of the wind. [ He reaches out, fingers briefly catching on Jonas's sleeve before he allows pinched fabric to slip free, turning to lead him to that promised seat. It's an overturned segment of bone, too curved to find purpose as a table but perfect for keeping eager caravaners off the ground. ]
( The bottle is taken mindlessly into his hands, along with a lame bag of dried fruit and nuts, which he quickly tucks away. Whatever liquor Noctis has been drinking smells like a dish of his mother's potpurri, so better than Cain's taste in whiskey and vodka.
He takes a sip immediately until his sleeve is tugged, actually humming at the pleasantโdangerousโflavour. Explains why Noctis is feeling himself right now, smiling at him easily. God, he's sweet... maybe he ought to drink a little faster to catch up.
The bone is shockingly comfortable; he sat on another one like this the other night, but this one is scooped a little to cradle them together before the fire. )
Wow, that is great... I, uh... It's "our" spot, right? Like, you want some of the blanket, too? ( Phrases it with an "obviously" tone to inspire Noctis to sit beside him when he sinks down and flaps the blanket open. ) "Fire, man's great equalizer."
You know, I never really did this much as a kid. The whole... sitting by a campfire thing. Or camping in general.
Guess that makes this the powderkeg. [ He sits bonelessly, feeling that good, comfortable feeling of a weighted body and a weightless head, and the warmth of the fire lapping at his calves makes it even better. He never stood a chance against the blanket that waves in his peripheral, dragging his half immediately over his lap. ]
Why not? It seems like a perfect fit for you. No thinking... being lazy... snacks... [ Each word drones out of him as he casts a sly eye over at Jonas, amusement twinkling in blue eyes. ]
But his best friend is gay, so it's okay. Acceptable, even. Welcomeโespecially when he refers to themโthis moment, this relaxing sceneโas a powderkeg. It's not really helping the stiff situation he's been trying to will away, though.
And he smiles at him, handsomely conspiratorial. Noctis, with an orange glow to his skin, eyes blue but deeper in colour now, almost navy in low light. Noctis, with a shoulder and thigh against his, beneath the blanket beside him.
Jonas takes another heavy drink from the bottle, gazing at the fire. Why is he so nervous? )
Oh, okay, hypocrite... but, uh, look, I... just brought the fruit and nuts, okay? So, like, if you're fishing for snacks, that's all I had. Honest. Nary a chip in my tent.
It's nice, though. Kinda... getting up late. Enjoying this while, like, everyone else is asleep.
[ Noctis, momentarily unburdened by at least half of his usual self-doubt and social anxiety, simply nods in response to what he takes as praise. Yes, he did get the reference right, and it's a reference to a song and person Jonas likes. It feels good to share in his world and interests. ]
Hm. [ A soft hum as he leans back on a gloved palm, trying to be subtle when he looks his friend over but a drunken gaze is a well-telegraphed one. He doesn't want to listen to the next songs alone. He wants to see Jonas sway to them, or point out his favorite parts before they come, or hum along. ]
Everyone wasn't asleep before you came over, I dunno where they went. I guess you scared 'em off. [ He lifts a hand between them, palm up, waiting expectantly. ]
If it's fruit and nuts, I guess I'll have to eat it. Next time I'll stock chips too so this doesn't happen again. Give.
( The look isn't subtle at all. At the hum, Jonas glances at Noctis, which automatically connects them by sight. This is held for a moment too long, making sun-kissed cheeks become ruddy with the pleasant kind of embarrassment. )
Um, ( he adds quickly to the conversation to cover poorly for their joint flub, ) I-I guess so. They probably got sick of Total Eclipse of the Heart. Like, how, I don't know, but, uh... Who cares about them?
( Fruits and nuts in a plastic bag are dropped into Noctis' waiting hand. Then Jonas remembers that he's trying to flirt, and the drop turns into a hasty grab, pushing them back downโand more heavily this time, so that their fingers "accidentally" brush. )
There... Enjoy. ( While he mentally berates himself for not chugging the whole bottle of spiced liquor the moment he sat down.
His heart is pounding. )
Hey, uh... You'reโIt's been cool of you, listening to the playlist I made you, andโLook, it's a big deal, sometimes, wanting people to, um... to like what you like. So, thanks. I'm glad you're enjoying a lot of it. It's whatever, but that's important to me.
[ Fingerless gloves ensure that, even with his palms covered, he's able to feel every bit of that slide of fingertips against his own. He was certain that he was overheated already from the fire's influence but an electric spark of warmth assures him he's wrong. His head lolls to the side as he appraises his friend, cheeks dusted pink but for once he doesn't force himself to look away. ]
Ah... what's all that, all of a sudden? Usually you sound so confident when you give me your opinions...
[ He's unabashed in his love for music, for food, for all the joys of life that he'd almost lost. It's tragic.
It's cute. ]
I thought I was the self-conscious one. You're surprising me lately... [ That bag's done into without any further delay, predictably going right for the sweet dried fruit. ]
... what a weird week. [ COMEDICALLY SUDDEN, as he holds out a segment of dried tangerine for Jonas to take. ]
( It's his turn to keep his eyes down, feeling Noctis' still on him. How long has it been since he's sat next to a love interest and felt his stomach roll? He and Cain began to touch and kiss almost immediately, spurred on by adrenaline and the simple idea of being alive. He became so comfortable being in his own skin with Cain, clothed or naked, and he adores him for it.
But with Noctis, it's all butterflies.
Two kinds of deep appreciation, both leading to the same conclusion: He wishes he could have his cake and eat it, too. Life's not like that, though. It's brief and unfair. Now there's a difficult choice waiting ahead of him, practicing its swing with a baseball bat.
Eyelids low, watching the dry logs on the fire burn evenly and only occasionally snap and crackle, he tightens his fingers around the liquor bottle. )
Sorry to shatter the illusion for you, hon, but the self-deprecating jokes have to come from somewhere. ( He smiles, waving away the bit of tangerine. ) It's cool, you have it. I just want to hear about the songs you liked best. Will you show me...?
[ The piece of fruit is popped into his mouth the second Jonas refuses it, taking his time to savor what he's already decided is his favorite flavor. Offering him a choice piece was a special gift, and Jonas didn't have to accept it in order for him to feel proud of himself for being so selfless. He really is becoming a better friend.
Or... so he wants to tell himself.
Because sitting here, the bridge between thought and emotion thoroughly lubricated by half a bottle of spiced liquor, he wonders if it isn't wrong for him to now knowingly flirt with another friend's romantic interest. Realizing he liked Jonas after their last conversation wasn't difficult. Hell, realizing he liked him before that wasn't difficult, but every fantasy was laden with guilt and every daydream was cut off at the pass. Not so, now.
There's just a persistent thought of Cain, more distant now as they enjoy an evening of drink and good feeling together, but not gone either. ]
What, right now? You want me to put on music?
[ He hums an affirmative as he takes another bite, needlessly dusting off his hands on the blanket before fumbling for his datapad. His movements are sloppy but overthought, heart beating louder in his chest as he swipes sightlessly at first through a long playlist. ]
Oh... this one was good โ "Don't Stop Me Now"? You know them all really well, right?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Now I'm only falling a ๐ต
Nah I'm too considertate to say the next part lol
[ Please dear every god never let anyone else ever read these texts. ]
Oh there's one pretty close to my tent that's got like two gusy left + old lady? I picked a good spot
So head my way [ figure it out all on your own ]
You can be your usual self, that will scare tehem off for sure
1/4
2/4
Why is this cute shit happening now? He misses Cain's morning reacharounds. )
Haha lol thanks
Give me like 5 mins and I'll meet you over there, cool?
3/4
4/4
I'll be there in 10 mins don't fall asleep or something
no subject
Are you getting us food or smth
no subject
Like 8 mins tops
It'll take longer for me to get ready if you keep texting me
It's cold I have to like get a shirt and sweater and coat on I'm gonna freeze to death
Don't fall asleep
every stage of grief
There's lit. a fire here do you think I'm gonan let you get cold? I'll bring a blanket and if it's bad there's a heater in my tent which is like 10 m away
W/e take forever then
penis mention
Fine. Fine. He's tucked it up into his waistband and survived before. It'll be fine.
Pulls on a long shirt... Tugs on his coat... Looks down... )
Okay okay okat I'm hurrying calm down
You're on blanket duty, you're a provider, thank you omg
I'll be over in a sec
Right outside your tent?
( Waddles toward the tent flap... )
i WIN
Wow you can't even spell okay
[ hahahaha ]
Chill I've got the blanket and I'm heading to a) the fire place which is b) near my tent, yes
What kind of food/drinks are you brinking?
๐คฌ
Waddles away from the tent flap... )
omgg you're so needy omggggg๐ฎโ๐จ
I wasn't gonna "brink" anything, but ig I still have some trail mix and dehydrated apples
AKA nuts and fruit from Earth
You're not allergic are you?
I don't have anything better than this so don't ask me you already ate all my chips the other night
( He expects Noctis to complain, but grabs the food anyway. The jury's out on drinks, and he gives up very easily to finally exit the tent with a zzzzzip.
... )
Oh I think I like
Literally see you
I'm waving rn wave back
no subject
Wow I want chips
[ If he has any allergies, he should be allowed to just die from them.
At the next text, however, a distant figure can be seen looking down at his datapad, swaying ever-so-slightly, and then peering into the distance for far longer than should be necessary... before his arm lifts in a wave, revealing a generous strip of skin when his shirt rides up that would be a lot more interesting up close.
It appears too that he's found new clothes, currently dressed in dark wash denim, an expensive-looking white shirt, and a black ballcap out of which hair desperately tries to fan.
To add insult to injury he is also absolutely holding a bottle and clearly not in need of any drinks. ]
Hey! Lol
Cool I see you too, you see me?
no subject
It's prudent to hurry, since Noctis seems like he's in a rush for his companyโsomething Jonas is entirely too aware ofโso he makes record time for the thirty feet he has to cross. Closing the distance between them, fully eyeballing the exposed swath of stomach with only a meagre attempt at hiding it, Jonas whistles. )
Wow, new clothes? You lookโThey're cool. ( Ahem.
Rubbing the back of his neck, he tries again: ) Hi-iii.
no subject
Hah? Theseโ [ His hand then presses to his own chest, comedically over-emphasized. ]
Old, but new here, I guess. I got a couple things back a few days ago. I told you, right? [ no ]
Here, come on... I used the blanket to claim this spot for you. Prime, closest to the fire but out of the wind. [ He reaches out, fingers briefly catching on Jonas's sleeve before he allows pinched fabric to slip free, turning to lead him to that promised seat. It's an overturned segment of bone, too curved to find purpose as a table but perfect for keeping eager caravaners off the ground. ]
no subject
He takes a sip immediately until his sleeve is tugged, actually humming at the pleasantโdangerousโflavour. Explains why Noctis is feeling himself right now, smiling at him easily. God, he's sweet... maybe he ought to drink a little faster to catch up.
The bone is shockingly comfortable; he sat on another one like this the other night, but this one is scooped a little to cradle them together before the fire. )
Wow, that is great... I, uh... It's "our" spot, right? Like, you want some of the blanket, too? ( Phrases it with an "obviously" tone to inspire Noctis to sit beside him when he sinks down and flaps the blanket open. ) "Fire, man's great equalizer."
You know, I never really did this much as a kid. The whole... sitting by a campfire thing. Or camping in general.
no subject
Guess that makes this the powderkeg. [ He sits bonelessly, feeling that good, comfortable feeling of a weighted body and a weightless head, and the warmth of the fire lapping at his calves makes it even better. He never stood a chance against the blanket that waves in his peripheral, dragging his half immediately over his lap. ]
Why not? It seems like a perfect fit for you. No thinking... being lazy... snacks... [ Each word drones out of him as he casts a sly eye over at Jonas, amusement twinkling in blue eyes. ]
no subject
( They're... They're gay references.
But his best friend is gay, so it's okay. Acceptable, even. Welcomeโespecially when he refers to themโthis moment, this relaxing sceneโas a powderkeg. It's not really helping the stiff situation he's been trying to will away, though.
And he smiles at him, handsomely conspiratorial. Noctis, with an orange glow to his skin, eyes blue but deeper in colour now, almost navy in low light. Noctis, with a shoulder and thigh against his, beneath the blanket beside him.
Jonas takes another heavy drink from the bottle, gazing at the fire. Why is he so nervous? )
Oh, okay, hypocrite... but, uh, look, I... just brought the fruit and nuts, okay? So, like, if you're fishing for snacks, that's all I had. Honest. Nary a chip in my tent.
It's nice, though. Kinda... getting up late. Enjoying this while, like, everyone else is asleep.
down bad
Hm. [ A soft hum as he leans back on a gloved palm, trying to be subtle when he looks his friend over but a drunken gaze is a well-telegraphed one. He doesn't want to listen to the next songs alone. He wants to see Jonas sway to them, or point out his favorite parts before they come, or hum along. ]
Everyone wasn't asleep before you came over, I dunno where they went. I guess you scared 'em off. [ He lifts a hand between them, palm up, waiting expectantly. ]
If it's fruit and nuts, I guess I'll have to eat it. Next time I'll stock chips too so this doesn't happen again. Give.
simp...
Um, ( he adds quickly to the conversation to cover poorly for their joint flub, ) I-I guess so. They probably got sick of Total Eclipse of the Heart. Like, how, I don't know, but, uh... Who cares about them?
( Fruits and nuts in a plastic bag are dropped into Noctis' waiting hand. Then Jonas remembers that he's trying to flirt, and the drop turns into a hasty grab, pushing them back downโand more heavily this time, so that their fingers "accidentally" brush. )
There... Enjoy. ( While he mentally berates himself for not chugging the whole bottle of spiced liquor the moment he sat down.
His heart is pounding. )
Hey, uh... You'reโIt's been cool of you, listening to the playlist I made you, andโLook, it's a big deal, sometimes, wanting people to, um... to like what you like. So, thanks. I'm glad you're enjoying a lot of it. It's whatever, but that's important to me.
simper...
Ah... what's all that, all of a sudden? Usually you sound so confident when you give me your opinions...
[ He's unabashed in his love for music, for food, for all the joys of life that he'd almost lost. It's tragic.
It's cute. ]
I thought I was the self-conscious one. You're surprising me lately... [ That bag's done into without any further delay, predictably going right for the sweet dried fruit. ]
... what a weird week. [ COMEDICALLY SUDDEN, as he holds out a segment of dried tangerine for Jonas to take. ]
t'hy'la...
But with Noctis, it's all butterflies.
Two kinds of deep appreciation, both leading to the same conclusion: He wishes he could have his cake and eat it, too. Life's not like that, though. It's brief and unfair. Now there's a difficult choice waiting ahead of him, practicing its swing with a baseball bat.
Eyelids low, watching the dry logs on the fire burn evenly and only occasionally snap and crackle, he tightens his fingers around the liquor bottle. )
Sorry to shatter the illusion for you, hon, but the self-deprecating jokes have to come from somewhere. ( He smiles, waving away the bit of tangerine. ) It's cool, you have it. I just want to hear about the songs you liked best. Will you show me...?
gays...
Or... so he wants to tell himself.
Because sitting here, the bridge between thought and emotion thoroughly lubricated by half a bottle of spiced liquor, he wonders if it isn't wrong for him to now knowingly flirt with another friend's romantic interest. Realizing he liked Jonas after their last conversation wasn't difficult. Hell, realizing he liked him before that wasn't difficult, but every fantasy was laden with guilt and every daydream was cut off at the pass. Not so, now.
There's just a persistent thought of Cain, more distant now as they enjoy an evening of drink and good feeling together, but not gone either. ]
What, right now? You want me to put on music?
[ He hums an affirmative as he takes another bite, needlessly dusting off his hands on the blanket before fumbling for his datapad. His movements are sloppy but overthought, heart beating louder in his chest as he swipes sightlessly at first through a long playlist. ]
Oh... this one was good โ "Don't Stop Me Now"? You know them all really well, right?