Logs:Coffee and Catching Up: Difference between revisions
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'''Mearcstapa:''' "If it's me, the first thing you do is text Jack and go 'Mearc's off-kilter'. Of the polycule, he's the most highly-trained and best-equipped for dealing with those situations. But if you're trying to help me on your own...uh. My YouTube channel's actually what grounds me best, personally. Which is a weird mess of parasocial relational bullshit I'm choosing not to look too closely at, but beside that, having the regular schedule and the validation make it a really key thing for me." | '''Mearcstapa:''' "If it's me, the first thing you do is text Jack and go 'Mearc's off-kilter'. Of the polycule, he's the most highly-trained and best-equipped for dealing with those situations. But if you're trying to help me on your own...uh. My YouTube channel's actually what grounds me best, personally. Which is a weird mess of parasocial relational bullshit I'm choosing not to look too closely at, but beside that, having the regular schedule and the validation make it a really key thing for me." | ||
'''Asbolus:''' "Still think yours is less unusual than mine, personally." Asbolus gave Mearc a small salute with his coffee cup before taking a sip, then looked to Nevy and nodded quietly. "Of course." | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' “Nevermore, I assert my capability and willingness to redirect this conversation if it crosses a line. This sort of thing, though? It feels better for you to know, so you don’t trip over it. It’s not like I’m spilling anyone’s personal individual frailties here.” He shakes his head, continuing to nosh at the waffles. | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy nods. "Okay. I just... wanted to make sure." They give a lopsided smile. "Okay. So don't lie to you, let Jack know if something seems off." They nod. "Got it." | |||
'''Asbolus:''' "I tend to be easily distracted more often than not when it hits; too many trails to chase at once, as it were." Asbolus sat back in his seat as he spoke. "It's been a bit, thankfully, and with any luck it'll stay that way." | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' “Too much prey to chase alone?” He gives Asbolus a small understanding smirk, before nodding at Nevy. “Honestly, Jack’s a good person to call for any of us who are acting significantly different than usual. I would recommend you have a firm baseline on someone before you call in help—some of us are just weird on the best of days—but it’s sort of his job to tend to that sort of problem.” | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy nods, giving a little smile. "Like I said to Asbo, my pot is far too black for me to call anyone 'weird.' And even people who haven't gone through what you have can be different from day to day. I'm thinking of... like... if someone's acting very different from usual - especially if it seems like it could be a danger to someone. I'm not the..." They wave a hand, trying to find the right word. "The normal police. Trying to be would be wrong of me." | |||
'''Asbolus:''' "Precisely." Asbolus smirked quietly in return, finishing off his coffee before setting the cup off to the side to be refilled by the next passing staffer. "Good way to look at it." | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' “I trust your judgment, Nevy. A lot more than most people’s.” When the staffer does come by to refill the coffee, Mearc asks for a glass of milk. | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy smiles, flushing slightly. "Well. I'll try to be worthy of it." They lean back. "How's the house going? Still fixering-uppering?"(edited) | |||
'''Asbolus:''' Asbolus thanked the server as they came by, taking a moment to doctor his coffee and let Mearc answer the question posed. | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' “Work in progress. I’m still trying to figure out how I want to decorate my room. My island of personal space in this shared one...I never decorated my apartment here, not really.” | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy nods. "I mean, I know how I'd decorate it, but I doubt you have my taste for etsy skull sculpts." They blep, then look a bit more serious. "Have you had thoughts you're deciding between, or are you having trouble firming up any sort of concept?" They glance at Abolus, remembering the earlier topic about selfness.(edited) | |||
'''Asbolus:''' Asbolus caught the look and gave a little nod in return, taking a sip of his coffee to test the new cup before chiming in. "It is a bit of a blank slate, yes." | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' “Well, it needs to function as an office as well as a...hideaway. But that’s not really an answer to the question at hand.” | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy shrugs one shoulder, considering what they can tell of Mearc's current emotional state. | |||
Nevy nods. "You know... if you need someplace that's... visually quieter than the rest of the house, that's absolutely valid, right?" | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' "That's definitely part of what I need, yes. But I still want it to feel...mine? Somehow?" He shrugs. "But I hardly know what that means, in practice." | |||
'''Asbolus:''' "We were speaking on that before you came in, actually." Asbolus nodded quietly. "The difficulties of finding the self when so much of it was put aside for us." | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy nods. "How you guys... well. From what you've described, you can't always rest on who you used to be, before stuff happened, but at the same time you can't just drop that side of you like a lead balloon, because... even if it's not the totality of who you are anymore, it's still part of you, right?" | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' Mearc scoffs quietly. "Who I was before was sixteen years old and had no friends but his big sister. I grew up while I was away, Nevermore. Declared myself twenty pretty arbitrarily when I got to Chicago." | |||
'''Asbolus:''' "I was nearly thirty, on the other hand, and was on a well-established path by that point. Losing that likely 'helped' my withdrawal from that side of things as I adjusted to being back, and finding something new to anchor to has taken time." | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy nods slowly, thinking that through. "Would it help you decorate if I... talked out some of what I see as your... 'Aesthetic?'" | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' "Maybe? The fact that you see anything is pretty amazing to me." | |||
'''Asbolus:''' "You have more of one than I do." Asbolus commented with a small smirk. | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy smiles. "Well. I see a fairly sparsely decorated space. I... see you enjoying a place that's decorated more with texture than with images? Comfortable carpeting, comfortable furniture, something that you'd find comforting and stimulating. I... kind of see furniture in black, but... like... you know the design on your coat? I see something like that, in varying textures. Beyond that... if I were going to decorate for you, I'd include at least one mask - just to tie in with your chosen nomme du vie - and probably a place for you to keep items that're important to you. Maybe some art on the theme of open locks?" | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' "I wouldn't want it to match the coat. No panther anything in my room." That's an immediate and pretty intense reaction, his shoulders curling around himself almost defensively. | |||
'''Asbolus:''' Asbolus frowned softly as Mearc pulled in on himself, reaching over to put a hand on his shoulder to comfort him before pausing. "May I?" | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy nods immediately. "All right. Nothing panther. But... contrasting textures in black." They hesitate, and if Mearc says touch is okay, they also scoot over to take the man in a cuddle. "Sorry if I dug up something," They murmur. | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' He nods at Asbolus and allows himself to be cuddled by Nevy as well. "It's...not a huge deal." | |||
'''Asbolus:''' "It's enough of one that you reacted like that." Asbolus gave Mearc's shoulder a gentle squeeze, looking the other Darkling over. "Up to you if you want to speak on it more now, but I imagine we'd both be willing to listen." | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy shrugs the shoulder not currently abutting against Mearc. "If you wanted to." They say. "If you don't want to, then... what about the other parts of my proposal? Textures and subdued color?" | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' "Textures, definitely. And a spot to display...things." He glances down at his plate, voice softer for a moment. "Trophies from enemies who're now dead." | |||
'''Asbolus:''' Asbolus nodded, not appearing all that phased by the idea at first, but then paused as he noticed that lack of discomfort. He shook his head briefly as thought to clear it before looking towards Mearc. "Not a bad idea." | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy considers that, themselves, taking an extra moment to consider it as dispassionately as possible, despite their own hangups. "If it's that important to you," they say eventually, "Then absolutely you should have a place for it." | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' "It probably shouldn't be important to me. But it is." He sighs. "With luck I'll never have reason to add to the collection." | |||
'''Asbolus:''' "I can understand why, for what that's worth." Then again, the two men had been on similar paths while under the Mirror's gaze, so it wasn't that much of a surprise. "One can hope." | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy squeezes Mearc a little tighter. "You don't seek that kind of situation out, Two-Face." It's a statement, not a question. | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' "No, but when those I love are in danger, I don't shy away from them either." He glances at Asbolus; there's the very briefest moment of eye contact that it's possible the other Darkling doesn't notice because Mearc has Vantablack eyes. | |||
'''Asbolus:''' "You and me both." Asbolus replied, meeting that glance before nodding quietly. "There's very little I won't do to protect those I hold dear." | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy nods. "That's not... a path I'd be capable of walking. But it's also not terrible or monstrous. It's just... part of you." They kiss his temple. "That's not so bad." | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' “It’s a part that comes from what I was made. Which...is part of why Asbolus understands it so intimately. We were purposed similarly.” | |||
'''Asbolus:''' "And under the same...guiding force, besides." Asbolus gave another small nod. "I personally was tasked with tracking down those that made attempts to leave where we were being held, and in time I relished it...the challenge that came from it and the satisfaction that came with a completed hunt. That...urge lingers, but I do my best to funnel it towards good ends." | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy nods. "I'm sorry that happened to you." | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' “I was shaped by another, but used by the same guiding force.” Pedantry, even if it’s not relevant, Mearc has to get the details right. “And it’s better now. We’ve made lives for ourself. I think we got off track...we were talking about decorating, at one point.”(edited) | |||
'''Asbolus:''' "Thank you. And true," Asbolus nodded to Mearc, "but I wasn't sure if you wanted to touch on that so I left it for you to say." | |||
"Indeed...on both counts." He allowed himself a small smirk, taking a sip of his almost-forgotten coffee. "It was worth talking about, though." | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy nods again, rallying. "So." They pause. "Would this include sleeping quarters, or just the office and personal lounging space?" | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' “Sleeping quarters, but only for me. For nights when it’s too hot for three in the bed, or when Lux and Jack want to have together alone time. It doesn’t need to be a fancy bed or anything. Most nights, we’ll be sharing the master bedroom.” Mearc looks thoughtful. “I think I may be struggling because ‘my personal escape’ and ‘the place where I do work stuff’ are incompatible on some level.” | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy nods. "Is there enough room for you to have a separate office? Or is the room big enough that you could subdivide it - with a screen, if not by building a wall?" | |||
'''Asbolus:''' "Not a bad idea, that. Even a temporary divide might help on that front." | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' “Possibly, or I do something like the adult version of a loft bed, to divide the room by height?” He sort of gestures the idea in midair. | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy smiles. "And here I was pondering something like a canopy bed - to enshroud you in your own quiet sleep-nest." | |||
'''Asbolus:''' "If you have the room for it, don't see why not." Asbolus nodded, smiling a touch at Nevy's suggestion. "That does sound rather comfortable." | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' “I don’t know if a canopy feels quite right, I don’t need that sort of space just for a bed. It’s impractical.” He wrinkles his nose slightly. | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy nods thoughtfully. "If you prefer a loft, that'd certainly do the job." They smile. "So, a bed, the office desk and chair... maybe a reading nook beneath the loft?" | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' “Maybe a beanbag chair. One of the most badass women I know once had a meeting with me and Jack while she was on a bright yellow beanbag chair.” | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy lifts their eyebrows and chuckles. "That'd definitely be comfortable." | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' “I don’t think I’d want mine to be yellow. But that can be workshopped.” Mearc chuckles. “And I think I may need art on the walls. Maybe one of your prints.” | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy chuckles. "Luckily, you know the artist. You might even be able to get the original, if you ask nicely." They chuckle. "Any you'd like best?" | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' “I don’t know yet. I’ll browse back through your instagram sometime this weekend.” He finishes his waffles sitting back contentedly. | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy chuckles. "If Jack or Lux want anything, let me know, too. I owe you guys a housewarming gift."(edited) | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' “You don’t owe us anything. Though we should think about a party at some point, with root beer floats and chocolate phosphates.” Mearc’s grin is a hair strained there for a moment. | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy hesitates, then nods. "I'd love to join you guys for a celebration. Did, uh... did I touch a nerve again?" | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' “No, I touched it myself. We’re keeping a dry house because Jack’s trying to go sober. And on some level I’m trying to convince myself that a party without alcohol won’t be underwhelming to all our friends. I know everyone would understand, but.” | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy blinks. "Everyone absolutely would understand. Jack's really cool! I want to help support him - and help support you guys in supporting him. Besides. Root beer floats? Who doesn't love a root beer float? That sounds fantastic!" | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' "I've been trying to stock interesting and exotic sodas. in our fridge, just to make sure there's other options on hand, things that aren't booze. If you have any ideas for that, let me know." | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy nods. "I drink way too much coffee, myself. Do they have anything around here like Marianos that has, like, build-your-own craft sodas?" | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' "I'll have to look into it, but that's not something I've seen yet." He shakes his head slightly. | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy nods. "Oh! Maybe ginger beer. You could even make mocktails with it - virgin mules and stuff." | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' "I remember the 'How to Drink' YouTube channel has done grenadine recipes. And how to make grapefruit soda from homemade oleo sacchrum." He looks thoughtful. "Smoothie party is another idea." | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy grins like a blazing bonfire. "Miiilkshaaaaakes" | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' "Probably doable too. There are a lot of options available to us." | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy nods. "Besides. Even though we're grown-ups, sometimes it's good to have a bit of childish fun." | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' Mearc lets out a bright laugh. "...so we serve Capri Sun pouches at the party, and Tang..." | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' "Serve lunchables and fruit snacks..." Nevy adds. "Could include some board games, too." | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' "Twister. I want to get some of my friends on a twister board together." There's something vaaaaguely sadistic in his grin now. | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy chuckles. "Only if you have a seltzer bottle nearby to keep people from just making out on the floor." | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' "I am not going to let our housewarming become an orgy, I promise you that." | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' "Hey, I just said making out," Nevy says, holding up their hands and chuckling. "And if you guys want to hold orgy parties, more power to you. Just, uh, uninvite me from those." They grin.(edited) | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' "I might be polyamorous, but I think orgies cross a sort of a line for me." Mearc shakes his head. | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevermore nods. "So, Twister, kids' snacks... You know Jack better than I do. Would he have fun with this, or would it come across as mocking, do you think?" | |||
'''Mearcstapa:''' "The kids snacks might be a step too far. Milkshakes, though, those are a solid idea. As are mocktails and homemade sodas. I'll have to pick up lemons on the way home to test that oleo sacchrum recipe." Mearc chuckles. "Speaking of, I should head out." | |||
'''Nevermore Usher:''' Nevy nods. "I'll talk to you later. Let me know when you guys are holding the party!" | |||
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Latest revision as of 19:23, 26 July 2020
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