deercountry | catchall for homies

[At least some of the tension goes out of Palamedes when Viktor promises to leave the ocean well enough alone - for now; he breathes out and shuts his eyes, and this time no solitary panic grips his heart. His, hm, oceanic anxiety simmers somewhere below the surface, but he can work on that later, after all of this. That's an entirely separate can of terrible worms, after all.

He smiles, eyes still closed. His whole face feels clammy and blubbery from all this crying, and yet! There are still things worth smiling about.]

Partners, [he repeats, and,] Thank you, Viktor.

You could keep me honest, when it comes to getting rest. I'll do the same for you. Unbiased, of course.

[And in a pinch, either Rocky's impatience or Rio's desire for her own naps can pressure them both into sitting down and stopping, just for a time.

Palamedes moves his hand from Viktor's hair to his waist to pull him closer, endeared and enamored by his cut-off laugh like it's the greatest thing he's heard all day. This is the thing worth protecting, and all the research notes and hobbies are how to do just that. Of course he's going to pause his unravelling to ask.]

As long as I have any say in it, you'll have me. [It's a cliche, but he rather likes this one, so here it is.] Even if I'm sobbing on the floor in the Earworm bathroom. I'll do whatever it takes to stay here.

[It's much easier to defy the universe when it's for someone else, in his experience? He's got this one.]

We're partners, so— anything you need.

[viktor could say something unbearably sappy about the smile but he thinks it to himself instead, simply happy to see it make a return to pal's face.] Incredibly unbiased. We're the picture of it.

[he considers adding on how he doesn't need to be thanked for this, how he should thank pal, etc. he lets it go in a quiet exhale, careful of his brace as they press closer.

one of his arms finds a place to rest over pal's waist, eyes closed and quiet for making claims he probably can't keep. it's still nice to hear, even gets a soft snort for the earworm bathroom, his other hand pressing against pal's chest like he can feel out the beat of his heart.] As will I. It's odd, I think in most ways I'd rather be here anyway.

[if presented the actual choice, which is another matter he isn't sure he wants to dwell on for very long, not when pal seems to be reaching some sort of peace and viktor can lean in to kiss him for it.]

Mm, then start by continuing to come to me like this. I- truly, the eight months alone horrifies me. How you've kept it together is a testament to your stubbornness. [he says quietly between them.] I am sorry by the way, that some horrible Trench event dragged all this out of you. I won't say I'm not glad of it in some ways but I do wish it had been on your terms.

[Palamedes considers that— being here, versus being back in, well. A room. That choice is obvious. Idly he realizes he's stopped endlessly crying, but the low hum of dread that sits in his stomach, afraid of letting go of Viktor, is still there. Well, then-]

I would make a few changes, [less torment and more Camilla, for starters,] but I think I'd rather be here, too.

[He studiously avoids thinking that's selfish of him when there were clearly things back home that needed his help, despite everything, and it takes a hefty dollop of effort, but. Hmm. He can curl his fingers in the back of Viktor's shirt and savor the feeling of lips against his, and yes, he's going to allow himself to choose not being dead in a ghost room as the better option.

Progress. He lets out a huff, halfway amused- stubborn! Wow! Maybe! Yeah.]

Don't be sorry; I think it's beginning to pass, anyway. I'd have told you all this eventually, [although perhaps with a more distinct lean towards the magic and not the, hm, unreality problem, but he's not about to give Trench any credit for the push.

He thinks for a moment, quiet.]

I kept it together in there for Camilla, and for the Ninth— and I know how it sounds, but I don't mean it as some form of- of obligation, one or the other, my thing or theirs. I didn't think I had a thing; I couldn't allow myself to conceptualize it until I got here. It turns out, I have a thing.

[Possibly even several!! He wrinkles his nose and squints, like, ew- such oversight. Terrible showing from past-Palamedes. Then he relaxes again, nudging Viktor lightly in the hip, affectionate.]

Do you want me to promise? I do; I'll come to you.

Camilla, I imagine. [that's an easy guess, and one of the few people he doesn't feel conflicted about hoping would show up. if even half of what he's heard is true she would likely want to be there anyway.] Personally I would request coffee because I am sick to death of tea in its various forms. The rest is manageable.

[ok less invasive mind events and maybe palebloods not hallucinating sometimes, also up there, but sh. he does have similar feelings of duty though, ones that have him say,] There's so much I wanted to get done for the undercity at least, but there's just as much to be done here. More, perhaps, when it comes down to it.

Of course you being here is enough to sway me either way. [disgusting sentiment said with a small smile, and he doesn't even make a quip about it.] Hm, I cannot express how glad I am we had the chance to meet, Palamedes.

[he does at least exhale in amusement at himself, maybe a little at how it's easier to say things like that and not feel some pang of needing to guard the vulnerable places uncovered by how true it is. certainly easier hushed between them.

he hums- maybe he would have told viktor but still, a big fuck you to the trench for pushing things on principle.] I understand. Sometimes moving unerringly forward is simply a matter of survival rather than denial regardless, especially if you have people relying on you in any way.

And I will gladly take that promise, thank you. Even if you just wished to be close and say nothing else I would come, you know.

Camilla, yes. And I like tea, so I'd be fine otherwise.

[Ha ha. Point, though; this place does need a helping hand, and it's disingenuous to act otherwise. Palamedes nods, for that always charming desire to help people, and kisses Viktor on the nose, for the sentiment. He's feeling an ounce or two better, if he can go in for the real gooey stuff like nose kisses.]

I can't get enough of it when you talk about philanthropy. Can't get enough of you, in general.

[Saccharine; if he weren't still kind of in a mood he'd go in for the tease, bother Viktor about expressing it in an academic paper or two - he'll remember that one for next time.

It's bittersweet in a way, to cherish that Viktor understands at the same time he wishes that he didn't, that neither of them had to think in terms of survival or unerringly forward. If only! If only. There's a part of him now that relies on Viktor, but he refuses to be shackles, so— he will get his shit together, specifically in the way that asks for support in the normal, healthy way. Good plan.] A work in progress, as always.

And you know I'm terrible at being that quiet and at keeping my hands to myself. [at all times that do not impede lab safety, ahem,] Anyway, you can do the same. I'll drop everything; give me advance notice and I'll even bring you sandwiches. Are you hungry right now?

[Like, he will actually, but he still manages to say it with a touch of humor.]

Bah, leaf water. [tea is fine, he just enjoys complaining about it whatever reason. surprisingly what he enjoys more is pal seemingly starting to recover, enough to be just as saccharine back.

he pulls his hand up from pal's chest to wipe at any errant tears, an amused exhale when pal kisses him on the nose in such a sweet way. unbelievable. he's not sure which of them is worse and he greatly enjoys that fact.] I'll remember that, perhaps whispering sweet nothings of future projects in easily available purification methods and greater means of early prevention of beasthood would rile you. All beasts cured and not hunted.

[he's happy to go for teasing there, saying it in a low tone between them as if it actually were sweet or dirty talk. shockingly he finds pal's own interest in that whole making things better thing wonderful and attractive, so it's just an endless, gay loop.

the 'hands to himself' gets a soft snort but the offer of a sandwich makes him laugh, surprised and quickly bitten off but tugging at his lips regardless.] Why do I get the distinct feeling if my stomach so much as growled you'd be up and doing so? No, I like being right here for now. My plan for the evening is to hold you as often as I possibly can.

[ridiculous, but in some way he wants to put a chip in those eight months, like with enough time and patience the feeling of touch will become so familiar it will chase away the old chill.] I promise I will call you as well. Mirrors now, is it? That is going to be annoying to avoid for however long this lasts. I am using some for the laser project but I suppose I'll just switch to focusing on other matters for the time being.

[Well, hold on, let him think about this. It's not not an idea with a lot of potential... He raises an eyebrow.]

Maybe not that particular subject, but your lecturing voice? We'd have to do a few tests. Break into another classroom, you know.

[Beast-curing is still of interest, though, so why not both. Context is everything. Making Viktor laugh like that is also everything, as totally serious as he is about the sandwiches; guilty as charged. He hums to that effect and scoots in that much closer unabashedly, to hold and be held and revel in both. He is needy, right now— but it's also a gift to have an affectionate boyfriend all evening? Speaking of lucky, yet again.]

Mirrors. I'm not sure, I think— it might just be anything shiny that poses a risk. But I avoided having another self attached to me; you might just avoid having a problem with mirrors.

[One can hope. Hmm,] Shame about the lasers, for now. Which project do I have the privilege of badgering you about in the interim?

We are going to barred from the school at this rate. [viktor's not sure he'd complain that much, at least it'd be a hell of a way to go.

when pal moves closer viktor kisses his temple with a murmured 'one moment,' sitting up to finally get his brace the heck off so when he's back down again he can tangle their legs without poking pal with uncomfortable bits of metal. the short moment sort of away gets another kiss in apology before he's wrapping around pal again, soft huffs as he makes himself comfortable.

a very good way to spend the evening.] Hm, that is true. What do you think it did, exactly? It seemed like it forced you to confront unpleasant, bottled up emotions.

[which fuck that. seemingly less deadly than his annoying him-shaped tick of before but still.] The taser project, most likely. I've had another person interested in it, I think it could be a good alternative for people uncomfortable with heavy violence, if only I can make sure it's actually effective against beasts. It won't exactly be easy to take it for. a trial run.

Well, I'd like to earn it this time, if we're going to be caught off-guard in the classroom. Think of it as a reputation to uphold.

[Ah, but there goes Viktor and his brace, and Palamedes expediently shoves both his hands under his own head to control his mirror-addled urge to interrupt. Then it's back to holding him close, making a face like, well— unpleasant. Yes. Unpleasant.]

That about does it, I think; things I wasn't planning on tackling myself without a five-step process, at least. Some parts of it are harder to shake than others.

[But Viktor wanted to hold him, so that part is working out. Fortunate that his unmanaged emotions circle around something marginally harmless, compared to like - the urge to stab everybody, or some such. Cuddling up to Viktor and listening to him talk about projects is a normal evening, essentially. Mostly. Ignoring the mirror.]

Hire a hunter to give it a whirl? There's always throwing it very hard at a beast, although that's fairly less scientific. [haha... he can't help with beast tasing, alas.] How many are you going to make?

That is true, and there would be symmetry if we tried to use petty theft as the excuse if we were caught. We could convince them we came for the chalk.

[viktor runs his fingers over that face, maybe the dips of a furrowed brow and the curve of downturned lips. mapping a potential grimace and snorting softly.] I'll warn some of the people I know regardless. That is if Allen would answer his messages. [a sigh. haha teenagers, right.

the mental image of hitting a beast in the face with a taser at least makes him smile a touch, nodding.] Not a bad idea, maybe I'll ask Jason or Todoroki when I'm sure it can be handled. I want to see how it works myself though, which complicates matters. [basically hiring a hunter to use it AND make sure he doesn't die.] Mm, just two at the moment. The supplies involved haven't been too terrible to find, it would be too difficult to make more assuming it ends up worthwhile.

Meaning if any of your flock of teenagers could use one I'd be happy to do so.

I could get the chalk. Easily; we'd have plenty of time for your private lecture.

[Do not doubt this, he could both get the chalk and earn his dismissal from school grounds for makeout crimes. Palamedes remembers very well the tousled, unbuttoned look Viktor presented as a ploy the last time (and add how well he recalls that that to the list of things that should have made this obvious, after 'planning romantic heist novel,' honestly); the bar is set.

Ah, but back in the world of the less-fun mirrors; yes, warn them by whatever metric seems necessary. Palamedes turns his head to catch Viktor's hand and press a kiss to his fingertips, brow certainly furrowed now in shared concern. Teenagers... maybe he'll hike up to the Emperor's house and hide all the reflective tableware himself without explanation.]

I suppose he'll see the message on his own time, [teenagers!!!] What do you test a taser on if not a beast? A fish or something?

[Would that be a cruel and unusual thing to do to a fish even if you planned to kill it and serve it for dinner in the first place— who knows. It's not like necromancers have ethics committees, he's shooting in the dark here.

Anyway, a huff, gosh,] My flock? I'm not sure. When you've finished the first ones, I'll show Paul.

Oh good, we can multitask. [and pal does have the pocketspace for it, as far as viktor can tell. that actually reminds him of a question he's always meant to ask, and since it's not along the lines of lyctors or how did you die he'll indulge himself as a treat.] Why do you always wear grey?

[see? softball. he runs a hand over pal's shoulder, said grey fabric, settling again with a sigh like yes, teenagers.] I'm sure, though the only time he isn't prompt he's usually getting himself into trouble.

[a pause to consider. no animal testing, he was mostly just going to try it on beasts first and aim a bit low voltagewise because he didn't want to fry them. he did want to make a setting for humans too, which he's not sure how to tell his boyfriend he'd just test that on himself because he's kind of uncomfortable doing it to anyone else incase he really fucked up. not that he would, thank you, but still.

science is hard when your resources are slim and ethics are a little uh... more complicated. maybe he'll just skim over that.] No, in terms of living test subjects mostly just beasts. But yes, your flock. As far as I know there's a whole herd of teenagers. I never did get a headcount.

Right, [multitasking, very attractive. Next heist, for chalk and debauchery.] Grey and silver are Sixth colors, but I'm not flashy enough to go around in silver all the time.

["Wear other colors"- why would he do that? That seems like one extra decision to spend valuable time on every morning. As for teens,] Want me to keep an eye out? We haven't met, but he'd listen if someone told him it was you looking for him, right?

[This is Viktor's Teen in the same way he's insisting Palamedes has a whole flock of them, yes? The chances of Palamedes running into Allen before he picks up his dang phone feel infinitesimally low, but still.

Anyway do not self-test tasers, good god. "Mostly just beasts" is not "entirely just beasts," but he can press that issue when the tasers are actually built.]

I would estimate a grand total of... plenty. Still, not a flock; that makes it sound... [like he's in charge or something, which he isn't and would not like to be, so,] weird. Let's call them a "gaggle."

Oh, there are colors now? I suppose that makes sense. [the piltover houses had all sorts of nonsense like that, even jayce and his lower house. he really can't be too surprised.] I'll keep that in mind, make sure your taser remains true to your Sixth commitment.

[because he is gay he takes a moment to consider pal in academy wear, which is a pleasant picture that makes his lips quirk even if it'd very much not grey enough to adhere to the theme. but right, teenagers.] Oh, yes, if you see him. He's difficult to miss, white hair and a red mark over one of his eyes.

[he also doubts this but who knows, maybe pal will be in the lab when he isn't or something. 'a gaggle' makes him breathe out in amusement.] Right, a flock makes you sound like a shepherd. The teens simply exist around you in their own anarchy, as teenagers often do.

You can make the taser whatever color you want, I'll still carry it, [he huffs, amused; even if he has to put it on a dreaded belt and it's covered in glitter or something, Viktor wants him to carry it around, so he will.] It could even have your face on it, like that mug.

[Please, actually. He has to bite back a chuckle at the thought of a little cartoon Viktor on a taser, ducking in to kiss him in pseudo-apology for that (very super good) idea. Ha-]

White hair, red mark; got it. And yes, that sounds more accurate. Although 'anarchy' is hardly reserved for teenagers— would you believe I had to tell someone to please not bring his pet chicken to a fireworks party?

You are lucky I cannot draw or it would be your face on it for that cheek. [viktor replies, appeased somewhat by the kiss but still. grey taser, maybe some silver color if he can swing it. an official Sixth themed taser as necromancy god intended, and not the one living around here too.

and his face scrunches up hearing that.] I have questions- one, would they not be worried the chicken would find the fireworks alarming? And two, an actual chicken and not an omen?

Hmm, one might argue that would make it better, but I imagine you wouldn't want to advertise your artistic ability alongside your products. [No one seeing a taser with a silly face on it out in the world will immediately think, hey, I would like one of those! Sad but true.

He gets another kiss for the scrunched-up face, just because it's cute. Chickens, though! Indeed.]

An actual chicken; I've met his omen, it's a different bird. I'd admire his confidence in bringing a chicken along, but— I can't.

Edited (bruh html sucks ass) 2022-05-01 19:13 (UTC)

You overestimate people being able to comprehend my scribbling enough to even be art. [which might actually help if they don't realize it's supposed to be a face at all. they can pretend it's just a really nonsensical logo or something.

and truly pal's face deserves better. it is lovely, in viktor's humble and completely unbiased opinion.]

Which teenager is this? A chicken as a pet... hm, frankly I am surprised someone hasn't tried to eat it yet. [if omens ate he'd be worried rocky would, to be honest. sorry rocky, you're scary.] Did the Sixth have pets?

Will you draw it on something else, then? For me? Privately; I'll keep it somewhere secure. [Can he use his gay privilege for bad art? He would like to, pretty please.]

And, worse: this isn't one of the teenagers, although the anarchy is there; he has cajoled me into helping him manage a... children's sports team? [He says this like he has no idea what the hell a children's sports team does besides throw sports balls at each other, because he does not. Aaaa.] His name is Shoyo; he wanted to come to the party very badly, so you'll meet him. Maybe even a chicken, too, if he doesn't heed my advice.

[Sigh... and Rocky definitely would bully this bird, for sure. That's why she has to guard the bunker.]

The Sixth, shockingly enough, did not have pets. When I was about five I had a favorite construct, though. [hah....... not weird at all, considering it was a human skeleton, ahem.] The omens are convenient for someone like me, who would not remember to feed an animal.

[he is weak, he only manages to offer a sigh before agreeing,] Very well, if it never sees the light of day then I will draw you. What is- be careful what you wish for, that is is. [and now there's even more arts and crafts to be done on arts and crafts day.

oh, this is excellent, viktor can't help but grin at this news.] Wait, you never told me you manage a children's sports team, Couch Palamedes. Oh, that is absolutely delightful. What sport? Do you have uniforms? [he'll never let you live this down while also finding it sweet. shoyo does good work.]

Construct? [he's imagining a toy. joke's on him that he doesn't immediately realize it's bones because it always is that with the necromancers huh.] Hm, it does make things easier. I've never understood the appeal of the sort of pets that require intense maintenance and expensive equipment to own.

[Ooh yes, a whole portrait, he's ready. He grins, and he's so infinitely delighted by a bad Viktor drawing that he can't be embarrassed by his Children's Sports Team. Kids are cute, he's a sucker, what can he say.]

It's "volleyball"? I don't wear a uniform. Allegedly, some of the kids are even pretty good at it. My job is to keep records, I suppose. I'm not even sure if there are other teams.

[But please come to a children's sports game (tm) if they do, one day.

Now, hm, does he explain what a construct is... maybe in a bit. He hums, thinking about Rio's big squishy bed like, ah, yes. Buying things for pets, so difficult. Viktor is cute about Rio even if he doesn't realize it.]

I don't know, there must be an appeal in having a cute animal companion around. I think petting other people's dogs works just fine for me.

You got suckered into playing score keeper for the local youth. That is... cute. [honestly the idea of pal sitting in his usual grey get up, keeping tally on whatever volleyball is (if his world has it he's shockingly never heard of it)- yeah, that's pretty endearing.

he could be convinced to go to a game, though he'll probably just work on his schematics the whole time. look up occasionally to politely clap. that's how these things work, right.]

Companionship, I would guess. [easy answer there, now that he thinks of it. if he's being honest rio was his first friend and he assumes that's what most people get out of a pet that doesn't have some other function, like hunting.] Most sentient races crave it one way or another. [note he would push what a construct is but give pal's been having a Day he's willing to let it go and just be chill instead of a question machine. he deserves a medal.]

Do you think so? I've been starting to wonder how many projects is too many.

[But if Viktor thinks he's cute with the Sports Team, well, add that to the list of compelling reasons to learn about a sport, under 'kids should have nice things' and 'how hard could it be?' Do come and occasionally clap for these children, yes.

Anyway, he tries very hard to come up with a way to say "companions that can have a conversation are better" without making it sound like he's into human pets, but ah, no. He cannot. It's been a long day. Maybe if he'd had a mouse or something in his ghost room, he'd understand; alas.]

Point. Well, on the Sixth, it just wasn't an option. I wouldn't know how to take care of one here.

No such thing, unless deadlines are involved. [viktor dismisses.] Which may be the best part of this place aside from 'no galas.' The lack of sponsors and academy personal breathing down one's neck is refreshing.

[he starts idly tapping a pattern into pal's shoulder, not restless in the same way but apparently still prone to little movements when like this, quiet and thoughtful. thinking about Sports and what a volleyball is, how having a social life is more demanding than he realized but mostly fulfilling, if he's honest. things like that.]

Eh, you have Rio now too. [given how often she probably plops by pal for pets this is true.] You're doing well enough with a version that does not need to eat. And for the best, picking mushrooms all day for her would cut in on work hours quite a bit.

Hmm, you may have a point. [Maybe; they've eased back into a much more pleasant mood than when he was sobbing on the bathroom floor that he doesn't want to bring up the nature of time being a limited resource again, but he does think about it for a moment. It's alright; he can manage a bunch of kids doing Sports and do all of the other things he wants to do, too.] There's definitely more variety here than I'm used to. Don't get me wrong, I could have studied necromancy alone for a long time, but...

[Sports. Bloodstones. Tasers and lasers and so on. The novelty is part of the charm, and it doesn't seem to run out.]

We do live out in the middle of this field, aren't there mushrooms out there? Admittedly, I haven't looked. She would like running around sometimes, wouldn't she?

[Would this be very cute? Should they do this, mushrooms optional?]

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