deercountry | catchall for homies

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?]

Mm, I know the feeling. I spent a decade on Hextech, I would have gladly spent the rest of my days on it as well, but it is nice to follow whims. [admittedly he's now back to hextech only with bloodstones but still. if he's honest it always feels a little odd without jayce there, though having pal to talk to and at about it helps.] I still need to read that book of yours.

[he still kind of hopes pal actually writes the heist novel too, he's never been sure how serious all of it was given they were drinking a lot of blue at the time.]

Oh... yes, I'm sure she would. [his expression goes soft as he says,] She lived in a cave in our world, she used to climb all over the walls and chase things down the little river when she was feeling well. Sometimes she'll chase crumbled paper around the lab- I'm sure she'd enjoy the field.

Well— if my book is terrible, remember that I wrote it on the wallpaper in my isolation room for its first draft. I'd like to consider it broadly competent.

[And that's the most humor he can inject into the isolation room right this second, sort of curling in tighter to Viktor a moment later with a little huff. Think Hextech and Rio thoughts, Palamedes...]

She's welcome to come to the party, although I don't know how much she'll enjoy the noise. Maybe she'd like her own party, minus the fireworks. Just us. [her two gay dads sitting in the grass while she runs around, how idyllic.] Sometime.

[Hmm. And, the other thing he's been idly wondering about...]

Should our bloodstone project have a name? It's similar to your Hextech, but 'Bloodtech' feels too on the nose, you know? It's this town, blood is compulsory.

You'll find I am not a critic in these matters. If you write a proper paper on necromantic court intrigues then I may start asking for sources. [he answers, dry though the mention of isolation has him running his hand down pal's back, up again, lips pressed for a moment to his forehead.

oh no, rio's own field party gives him a Feeling, one that makes him press a kiss to pal's temple again to try and wrangle.] She'll hate the noise, I'm sending her away once the fireworks start properly. But- that would be nice. She would like that, I think. [he would like it. the domesticity is killing him slowly, in an excellent way.]

Oh... hm, I suppose you have a point. Names were always Jayce's strong suit, not mine. [probably why he just called it the 'hexclaw' and jayce did cool sounding shit like atlas gauntlets and mercury hammer. he hums as he considers it.] Nothing nautical, I think. Gemtech? Though that's assuming we end up focusing on bloodgems and not the blood itself.

[Palamedes hums, like, luckily! He remembers everything! He could very well cite his sources, actually. But more like he appreciates the physical comfort, leaning into it almost greedily and allowing thoughts of isolation to slip away and be replaced by... Rio's own party.]

Then we'll do it. We'll— sit on a blanket or something, I don't know. She can run around us. I'll only complain about the outdoors, hm, twice.

[It's a good plan. Put it on The List. Anyway, Gemtech makes him snort— Viktor that is the same level as Bloodtech, and Bloodtech was bad on purpose!!]

Here's an idea: nothing with 'tech' in it.

I'll keep count. I'll also try and find something else to show you... hm, maybe grass whistles. [does gaze even have grass.] The pet owning joy of throwing something for Rio to catch and the fifty-fifty of if she'll even bother.

[a disgustingly sweet way to spend the evening, since he assumes the less sun the better as far as pal's concerned.]

Then I am out of ideas. [he is genuinely so terrible at this, help.] The last two things I named in Hextech I just put 'hex' in front of a general way to describe the prototype. It's a perfectly serviceable way to name your work.

Grass whistles...? [Gaze probably has grass. It's probably not very good grass? But.] What if I tossed mushrooms around?

[Except then he'd have to pick them, which would be terribly dull. Still, the thought of it makes him smile - not hugely, but more broadly than he has throughout this whole episode, so points for Rio and a few more bonus points for Viktor just putting hex in front!!! Good god, man!! Palamedes says, deadpan:]

Techblood, then, [and then actually has to lean back to boggle at Viktor for this one, nearly laughing,] You made me change the door password for having too many sixes, and all this time you've just been putting 'hex' in front of another word?

[help, this is the funniest thing a person could ever do, viktor!!]

Yes, you can fold a blade of grass in a way to make a whistle out of it. It's a complex art. [it is not, it's what bored children do when they're bored. still, important life lesson.] She would definitely chase that, if not try to eat it.

[truly the pet experience in a nutshell, though rio could actually stomach most things unlike other pets. she basically ate toxic waste mushrooms as her main diet.

viktor tries to give him an unimpressed look, ruined because pal looks something like happy and after all the tears? it's hard not to be happy in turn.] That is different! Besides, hexclaw and hexcore, it was to the point. You are just like Jayce, always with the fancy titles. 'Atlas Gauntlets,' honestly. Hexgloves would have been fine.

[worse still-] Techblood doesn't sound terrible either. Though it does imply the technology is in the blood itself.

That sounds— whimsical? Sure, show me how to make a grass whistle. [He'll show Gideon in turn and hope she understands the unspoken goal of irritating people they don't like with it. Just like a real childhood.] Mushrooms for Rio and whistling for us; I'm all for it.

[Anyway, it's not different! Viktor! Now he really does laugh, ducking his head to Viktor's shoulder and just letting it go on— is it funnier, after the many decidedly not funny things they've talked about tonight? Probably; he'll take it.]

We're not calling it Techblood! Viktor, you're too brilliant to get behind Techblood. Leave it, we'll think of something else.

[Don't give him more ammunition than this, he'll start calling things around the house hex[items]. Open the hexfridge, come to hexbed, pass that hexbook...]

I think 'Atlas Gauntlets' sounds exciting. [But ah, do not fuss; have a kiss on the cheek to preempt fussing.] I might allow 'Techblood' in the rough drafts.

Eh, cheap entertainment. Also quite annoying right in someone's ear. [so yes, exactly that. he offers pal a smile as he asks,] Is this the date I was promised then? It sounds like a good one.

[viktor huffs- yes, he likes the laughter and will run his hand through pal's hair but he he can still be offended for his absolutely terrible naming skills.] Ugh, fine. Let us make it dramatic - sanguine technology. The hemoglobin of machinery in your hands.

[he's smiling despite himself, even with the eye roll at jayce winning a round against him from beyond the ocean.] They are mining tools, why must they sound so fanciful? Bah, you are the writer and visionary, I suppose this is your area of expertise.

It could be. Actually, yes; I'll even bring home a fresh blanket purely for throwing around on the ground outside. Soon.

[Cool date activity no. 35567: sitting on the ground outside. In fairness, nearly every other time Palamedes has done this... in his life, it's been because someone was in desperate need of aid, so. It's going to be better, this time.]

'Sanguine technology' has a certain ring to it. And people like it when their ordinary things sound extraordinary, it can't be helped. [You know, in the dream world where mining gloves are easily accessible to all, and so on.] Admit it: blood magic is more fanciful than mining gloves, though.

I look forward to it then. So far your date sounds like it could beat mine. [he's terribly fond, surprising no one. pal even gets a kiss for the hypothetical.

he's never really done the picnic thing either so they'll just have to see how this sitting on the blanketed ground business pans out. he enjoys such activities as sitting on the couch with pal and lounging in bed with pal so there's possibility here.]

Yes, gods know the sort of nonsense we had to pull to keep aesthetics up. Gods forbid we use the most efficient design, no, we need to account for an entire layer of metal plating and embellishments because 'the looks help sell it, Viktor.' [scoffing. still, he has to snort softly and agree,] I suppose you have a point. Sanguine Technology... a bit of a mouthful, but we'll workshop it.

Edited (i have to say 'gods' because arcane woo woo fantasy bullshit) 2022-05-02 02:28 (UTC)

A blanket on the ground, honestly? Your standards have been irrevocably skewed by how much you like me.

[But he's not going to say no to that or to the kiss, so! As always, teetering on the edge of 'too gay to function' is working out.]

And well, that's not wrong... but I wear grey every day of my life, so I can't say I care all that much about the aesthetics. [unless somebody wants to draw faces on something, of course] Everything here is a little— what would you call it, grimy? Unpleasant, but elegantly so? That's a workable aesthetic for Sanguine Technology.

[Which does have 'tech' in it... compromise.]

A blanket on the ground while you throw mushrooms. [viktor corrects, and still thinks it's got a lot of promise, thank you.] I am afraid I will have to be unbearably sentimental again and inform you that the fact you do not care for the outdoors but will still lounge there so Rio may enjoy herself is what gives it a premature high ranking.

[too gay to function indeed. he says it very matter-of-factly because it is, in his opinion.]

I still need to see these clothes they apparently gave you at that party. [yup, still remembers that.] Grimy is a good word for it. Ah well, if we must be a little artful and elegant with the metalwork so be it. Just appeal to my prideful side about craftsmanship and maybe I won't complain.

Well I have a terrible throwing arm, so you and Rio may need to be satisfied with me simply passing mushrooms, after a few tries. Still; you're sweet. Feel free to be as sentimental as you like, I'm not going to tell.

[Kind of a tease, but still. He'll gladly tell anyone who holds still long enough that Viktor is sooo smart and clever and the pinnacle of genius in his field (probably, machines seem hard?), but the sentimental parts, hm - he likes those best here, quiet between them.]

My... oh; those. They're around here somewhere. [He'll wear them for the date. Now then,] Surely advanced craftsmanship is easy for you. I've always believed it essential to know the rules before breaking them, and while I usually apply that to necromancy— it must apply to making your machines look their best, too? I know you; you can make a marvel without even trying.

[Is he doing it right.]

Good, you'll ruin my reputation for being stand offish and thoroughly unapproachable. [a joke, given he's toned that down here. amazing the social steps you can make when you live in a city that doesn't hate you a little.

and yes, he does prefer these moments just between them. it's a learning process but he's finding the mutual vulnerability thing pretty nice.]

Buried under grey, no doubt. [viktor doesn't even wear a lot of color, just whatever simple things he can get his hands on, but heck if it doesn't make it easy to tell their clothes apart. but boy, viktor can't help a laugh he bites at his bottom lip to curb, a shake of the head at that showing.]

Eh, a little heavy handed but the 'I know you' was a nice touch. I suppose now I must deliver to suitably impress you.

Hm, I've been doing it wrong, because I never once thought you were either of those things. Completely unbiased. [Ha ha, but really, clearly this town has been good for him, despite all odds. He wasn't even unapproachable about Palamedes nearly elbowing him in the face when they met. A gentleman.

He scoffs, and then nods, like yes, and?] I hope you know, they're not very colorful, these other clothes. You might still be disappointed.

[And heavy handed is his middle name; he grins properly and ducks in to kiss him, as always rewarding the wrong things, oop.]

You already impress me, [and again,] —but yes, you will have to do that, completely. I want to see something gaudy, like that god-awful giant octopus thing they put on the front of The Red.

Yes yes, you are very charming. You nearly elbow me and now we're in bed together, you should be proud. [dry, which ruined by gently brushing some of pal's hair back into place solely because he wanted to touch him.]

If they are not grey they will be at least a little startling to see. It's a shame I don't have my old academy wear, I would have liked to see you in that. [and given they're both tall and scrawny it's the rare time it'd fit someone other than him, probably.

he smiles into the kiss, sighs.] Just not ocean themed, I think. [a pause, and he cups pal's jaw.] How are you feeling? I really should get you some water.

[Ah, and he could make half a dozen quips in response to that, and all of them would be staying right there in the bit, but after a very long evening what he does instead is catch Viktor's hand and kiss his fingers before letting it go.] Frankly? I am. But before that, I'm happy.

[Mirrors and tethers and everything else firmly ignored, to be happy. And to chat about his wardrobe choices, again... he's starting to notice a common theme of 'get Palamedes out of the greys,' huh.]

You'll be trying to dress me, next. I never learned how to do up a tie; I'd be useless in anything else. [And yet, he wouldn't say no, so... welp.]

And— hang on. [He thinks he feels fine, better in that drained-but-the-worst-is-over sort of way, but there's luckily an easy enough test for that, right now: letting go of Viktor, which he does, to scoot back and judge whether or not he panics instantly from the lack of contact again. Well, it's faint; he can handle drinking some water, he supposes.] Better, or some semblance of it. If you're getting up, I should go get my glasses.

[oh, he broke the bit to be sincere- well that gets a kiss because how could he not? it lingers, and when viktor pulls back it's with their faces still very close.] So am I. More than I've been in years, if I am being honest.

[now if only the horror movie around them would let them just have their romance and scifi/fantasy in peace.] Oh absolutely I will, and purely for my own benefit. I will even tie the tie for you.

[viktor watches him then sits up himself, glad to see he wasn't reacting poorly. he runs a hand down pal's back before pushing himself off the bed, offering a hand to help pal up.] Cover the mirror with a towel if you can? I am hoping you can no longer be effected.

[but he moves to the kitchen, hand against the wall in place of a cane and speaking as he does, hoping it helps the lack of contact.] Do you mind terribly if I invite another errant teenager to the party? Todoroki could use it. [and he gets that glass of water in record time, thanks. speedrun water for boyfriend.]

[Hm, the sweet sincerity followed immediately by Viktor's Boyfriend Dress-Up Corner, confirmed— give Palamedes a moment. There's the cozy comfort of being happy together to linger in, something he will never get tired of hearing no matter how many times it's said, and - ah—

He purses his lips and glances at the blurry smudge of the other bunk overhead, like, he mustn't give away in two whole seconds that Viktor dressing him up for his own benefit is the most compelling argument for not wearing Sixth greys anymore that he's ever heard? He's definitely giving it away.] —Alright; if it makes you happy, how can I say no? I want to pick the tie.

[A grey tie. No, he wants one with squids on it.

But first time to get up and shuffle into the bathroom; the talking in other room helps, and he fetches his specs from the sink before tossing a hand towel on it that covers... a decent portion. If nothing else, it's a reminder to not look over there.

When he comes back he is just shaking his glasses by one of the temples like a maniac, to get some errant drops of water off the lenses (this is why the other blood ministers judge him). He considers, then goes to sit on the edge of the bed again, ready for speedrun water.]

Not at all; we've got anarchy to sew, after all. [ha,] Tell me about him.

[viktor smiles because the very first thing he thinks is this tie pal chooses is going to be grey or pointedly ugly, the second thing being 'if it makes you happy.' it makes him even consider not abusing this for a whole few moments. alas, he thinks pal is quite handsome and even he is weak to aesthetics on occasion.]

It's your own fault for being handsome. [he dismisses. but he is back with the water, new record, sitting carefully on the edge of the bed beside pal and offering it to him. drinking it will make viktor feel better, a simple solution after waves of complex problems. dehydrated, water. if only it were so easy elsewhere.

still the glasses treatment gets a shake of the head- yeah, they need to be prepared to get pal another pair, this man is an absolute menace. his hand rests on pal's back, a point of contact as he considers how to describe todoroki.]

He's a very serious young man who seemed earnestly touched by the simple act of inviting him to weekly dinner with me and Allen. You are invited to those too, by the way, it's mostly a ruse to make sure they both eat somewhat properly. Oh, his world has professional heroes like a comic book. It's absolutely fascinating.

Are you suggesting I should be a tad more grey and disheveled?

[It wouldn't be hard, he could just stop combing his hair and wearing his glasses, he'll just squint at everything from now on. He accepts the water and sips at it obligingly, leaning sideways into Viktor briefly in appreciation. Then he leans back on his free hand, so he doesn't spill his water.]

A weekly dinner? Alright, sure. If they're going to eat properly, that excuses me from having to cook. [ha ha] Is he a professional hero? That would explain being overly serious.

[It's very sweet to invite these stressed out teens to dinner, he thinks, further disproving that Viktor was ever at all unapproachable and standoffish. Incredibly cute... ah, he's so unbelievably fond.]

How does being a professional hero work? Do you loiter around waiting for crime to happen?

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