[ On the other end of the sending stone, Laios sounds entirely delighted to hear from him - you can practically hear the grin in his voice. He mutters something to someone, before he lowers his voice. Bustling gives the distinct impression that he's at work, but has taken a step aside. ]
Yeah, I'm free this afternoon! Where do you wanna meet up? I can come by the ranch, or if you wanted to head somewhere else, you could meet me here when I'm out of work?
[John is scared...no. Not scared. Not now. Okay, maybe a little, but...
...oh fucking Christ he's got butterflies. In his gut. Knowing that Laios is up to no good, probably for John's benefit, and he sounds so eager.
He doesn't want to seem too eager himself, but he does change into a clean shirt and runs a comb through his hair before he saddles up Danforth and heads into town. Once he reaches the Oak & Iron, he ties Danforth up outside and heads in, the little jar of syrup in hand as he heads for the counter--where, of course, Tasha sees him and comes flying out to say hello.
Laios will, as is her usual, find John still chatting with the little blonde serving girl, having yet another basket of food and other miscellaneous treats pressed into his arms--and John will bet cold hard Brass there's at least four contributions to this latest care package that are from Laios himself.]
[ True to John's thoughts, Laios had just finished working on several of the things Tasha had shoved into his hands - but he'd also finished several of his own things, which were promptly packed into containers, and shoved into his bag.
He's practically buzzing with the brightest delight possible when he finally rounds the bar, and waves John over. As soon as he's close enough, he's quick to lead the way out of the noisy afternoon bustle of the bar, speaking up once they're outside. ]
Hey! Sorry for taking an extra second, I wanted to make sure I didn't forget anything. [ He's all grins despite the apologies, and nudges John's arm with the side of his hand. ] Do you wanna go see if the beach is empty enough to sit and eat?
[John was expecting mischief from Laios, of the benevolent variety. This, though...okay, yeah, it feels kinda date like, but it's also...
His eyes widen, and the smile that spreads across his face is painfully soft, bordering on tender.]
I...yeah. Yeah, I do. That'd be amazing.
[He's kind of caught just--staring at his stupid, handsome face for a second before he shakes himself, then finally offers Laios the jar of syrup in his free hand.]
Uh--for you. Dandelion syrup--thought you could play with that in the kitchen or something.
[ Laios lights up with immediate interest, and takes the jar offered his way. Flower syrup is something he's heard of, but never gotten a chance to try - it seems like John always had some sort of new trick up his sleeve. ]
Oh, for the biscuits! Man, I bet I can do a lot with this, a little bit of sweet goes a long way. [ He's already clearly up to some plans, turning over the jar in his hands a few times. It takes more self-restraint than he'd care to admit not to pop open the lid and try it now. There'd be time for that soon! ] Thanks, John, seriously. You're so good at coming up with stuff like this.
[ John's shy smile is returned with nothing but warm delight. Laios loves seeing him like this; if he had it his way, he'd make sure there wasn't a moment that John couldn't smile about. (He fails to realize just how deeply and profoundly tender the thought is.) ]
[John nods, moving to hold the door for Laios because he’s closer, and soon they’re heading for the sand, side by side.
He has the strange urge to reach out and hold his hand—but he’ll fall apart if he tries so he just hangs on to the handle of Tasha’s latest care package.
Focus. He has to focus…]
So, uh…you got one of those invites to the Leeds party, I bet. You going?
[ At least John gets the simple joys of Laios being totally oblivious to his struggles that are kept to himself. Right now, he's cheerful and focused, carefully stepping through the scattered few people bustling down the main street as they make their way through - and once the beach is in view, he's entirely preoccupied with the view. That is, of course, until he gets a question. ]
Oh--- yeah, I am! [ His answer comes with a small, enthusiastic grin. ] I'm gonna be heading up a little before to help with some of the set-up, too. What about you? It sounds like it's gonna be a lot of fun.
[John takes a deep breath, tightening his grip on the handle of the basket so his hands won't shake. At least his palms aren't sweating, that's something.
Focus, damn it. It's like any other engagement: locate the target, complete the mission. Win the war.
Locate the target.
He meets Laios's gaze head on, licking his lips nervously.
Complete the mission.
He takes another deep breath, pushes it out heavily.]
I--I was wondering if you were going...if you were gonna be there with anyone. If--if you had a...date.
[ With the look he's getting, so very intense for a moment, Laios' smile falters, only a bit. Is everything alright? Did they need to have a serious discussion about the party? Was this going to be a sort of "broaching a bleak subject over food" type of situation?
The relief is almost overwhelming when John gets the question out, and the thrill rushes into the place where nervousness had been immediately. ]
Oh, well, I--- so, I'm technically part of Dahlia's... she called it an entourage? Basically her group, to hang out and help with stuff? But! [ The last word is fast, as if fully aware that the answer might take the wind out of John's sails, and he wants to stop that as quickly as possible. ] I already asked what the situation would be if I got another date, and she said that's completely okay! Especially since she's got three of us in the entourage, I think?
[Entourage--there's the normal definition, but is that--is that what it's called? A group of partners? Damn it, he should have asked John...
This isn't a conversation he's ready to have right now, not when his nerves are already so on edge and he thinks Laios just said yes to the question he hasn't asked yet, but it's clear enough: other partner, they're okay with Laios...branching out this way, and John knows what he's getting into, so...
A relieved, wildly delighted smile breaks across his features as he lets out another breath he didn't know he was holding, one tinged with laughter.]
Yeah? So you--I mean, you'd want to...you'll go with me? You want to?
[ The question makes Laios' grin brighten impossibly, and he almost looks a bit dazzled. So that's what this is about! This is the best possible angle this could have gone, wow. Talk about the best case scenario happening! ]
Yeah, I'd love that! I definitely want to! Oh, man, this is about to be way more fun, I was already excited, but now...!
[ He's already making plans for the evening, judging by that contemplative sort of excitement written all over his face. It's bound to be a busy evening! ]
[Just for a second, John can't breathe around the way that look on his face makes him feel. Like John asking him to be his date was a surprise he didn't let himself even dream about. Like this is the best thing that could have happened to him, like...John is...
He can't let himself think that. Not when he can feel that creeping fear that makes his bones ache more than they do all the time. This, he can be happy with this.
Laios said yes.
Chuckling and shaking his head, he's barely aware of gently tapping the side of Laios's arm with the back of his hand.]
Now, let's go find a place on the sand, talk out the particulars, and, uh...celebrate a little.
[John damn sure feels like celebrating.
It's been a long time since he's been allowed to win. It may not be a war, but as skirmishes go? It feels pretty damn good to come out on top.]
John waits a couple of days—just for Dahlia’s sake. He’s already put his thoughts down on a note he’s gonna send out, and when he encouraged Laios to just go when everyone was out of the house he was serious. They still need to talk, but he made himself clear enough for the moment.
You’re with her too, I’m fine with it right now. Take care of your partner, it’s okay.
But now that there’s been…this, and after dancing with people and being around so many people and…
It’s kind of like the day his wolf buddy just bowled him over and lay there. Not quite that bad, but enough, and John is scared. The last time he talked to anyone about this was Sam, and that ruined everything.
John needs to explain—and make it clear that he won’t ask Laios for anything.
So a couple days after the gala he reaches out, and Laios says he’s free, John asks to meet him at the Oak & Iron in his room—he doesn’t want Edgar to hear any of this, and it allows for some privacy.
He leaves a note, heads to town, and pauses to say hi to Tasha as she’s heading out for the night before he heads up to knock on Laios’s door.
By the time Laios opens it, John is rubbing his arms to banish a chill only he can feel, trying and failing to be subtle about the way his body is starting to remind him how badly it needs more of those fleeting touches he stole at the party.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Via sending stone about a week before the masquerade
Date: 2024-09-19 11:01 pm (UTC)At the hour mark, he gets really sick of his own bullshit, grabs his stone where it hangs around his neck, and…]
Hey, Laios? You free this afternoon? I, uh…I wanted to know if I could see you. Got something I wanna ask.
no subject
Date: 2024-09-19 11:22 pm (UTC)[ On the other end of the sending stone, Laios sounds entirely delighted to hear from him - you can practically hear the grin in his voice. He mutters something to someone, before he lowers his voice. Bustling gives the distinct impression that he's at work, but has taken a step aside. ]
Yeah, I'm free this afternoon! Where do you wanna meet up? I can come by the ranch, or if you wanted to head somewhere else, you could meet me here when I'm out of work?
no subject
Date: 2024-09-19 11:26 pm (UTC)[He can’t help but smile a little, glancing at the small jar of golden liquid on his counter, and it’s audible in his voice.]
Maybe see if you can snag a couple biscuits from the kitchen. Not sure I’ll be able to eat, but I’ll try. And you’ll want one.
See you soon?
no subject
Date: 2024-09-20 06:12 pm (UTC)[ Sounds like Laios is already planning a little bit of a picnic, oops. ]
I'll start wrapping up, though, yeah! See you soon!
aaaand TO ACTION, BATMAN!
Date: 2024-09-20 06:20 pm (UTC)[John is scared...no. Not scared. Not now. Okay, maybe a little, but...
...oh fucking Christ he's got butterflies. In his gut. Knowing that Laios is up to no good, probably for John's benefit, and he sounds so eager.
He doesn't want to seem too eager himself, but he does change into a clean shirt and runs a comb through his hair before he saddles up Danforth and heads into town. Once he reaches the Oak & Iron, he ties Danforth up outside and heads in, the little jar of syrup in hand as he heads for the counter--where, of course, Tasha sees him and comes flying out to say hello.
Laios will, as is her usual, find John still chatting with the little blonde serving girl, having yet another basket of food and other miscellaneous treats pressed into his arms--and John will bet cold hard Brass there's at least four contributions to this latest care package that are from Laios himself.]
no subject
Date: 2024-09-20 06:46 pm (UTC)He's practically buzzing with the brightest delight possible when he finally rounds the bar, and waves John over. As soon as he's close enough, he's quick to lead the way out of the noisy afternoon bustle of the bar, speaking up once they're outside. ]
Hey! Sorry for taking an extra second, I wanted to make sure I didn't forget anything. [ He's all grins despite the apologies, and nudges John's arm with the side of his hand. ] Do you wanna go see if the beach is empty enough to sit and eat?
no subject
Date: 2024-09-20 06:52 pm (UTC)His eyes widen, and the smile that spreads across his face is painfully soft, bordering on tender.]
I...yeah. Yeah, I do. That'd be amazing.
[He's kind of caught just--staring at his stupid, handsome face for a second before he shakes himself, then finally offers Laios the jar of syrup in his free hand.]
Uh--for you. Dandelion syrup--thought you could play with that in the kitchen or something.
no subject
Date: 2024-09-22 01:02 am (UTC)Oh, for the biscuits! Man, I bet I can do a lot with this, a little bit of sweet goes a long way. [ He's already clearly up to some plans, turning over the jar in his hands a few times. It takes more self-restraint than he'd care to admit not to pop open the lid and try it now. There'd be time for that soon! ] Thanks, John, seriously. You're so good at coming up with stuff like this.
no subject
Date: 2024-09-22 01:14 am (UTC)With a shy smile, John nods to the door, hoping the low light of the Oak & Iron hides some of the color in his cheeks.]
C’mon, let’s head to the beach. I got something I wanna ask you.
no subject
Date: 2024-09-22 01:46 am (UTC)Sounds good to me, lead the way?
no subject
Date: 2024-09-22 01:50 am (UTC)He has the strange urge to reach out and hold his hand—but he’ll fall apart if he tries so he just hangs on to the handle of Tasha’s latest care package.
Focus. He has to focus…]
So, uh…you got one of those invites to the Leeds party, I bet. You going?
no subject
Date: 2024-10-02 05:41 pm (UTC)Oh--- yeah, I am! [ His answer comes with a small, enthusiastic grin. ] I'm gonna be heading up a little before to help with some of the set-up, too. What about you? It sounds like it's gonna be a lot of fun.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-02 05:56 pm (UTC)[John takes a deep breath, tightening his grip on the handle of the basket so his hands won't shake. At least his palms aren't sweating, that's something.
Focus, damn it. It's like any other engagement: locate the target, complete the mission. Win the war.
Locate the target.
He meets Laios's gaze head on, licking his lips nervously.
Complete the mission.
He takes another deep breath, pushes it out heavily.]
I--I was wondering if you were going...if you were gonna be there with anyone. If--if you had a...date.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-02 06:13 pm (UTC)The relief is almost overwhelming when John gets the question out, and the thrill rushes into the place where nervousness had been immediately. ]
Oh, well, I--- so, I'm technically part of Dahlia's... she called it an entourage? Basically her group, to hang out and help with stuff? But! [ The last word is fast, as if fully aware that the answer might take the wind out of John's sails, and he wants to stop that as quickly as possible. ] I already asked what the situation would be if I got another date, and she said that's completely okay! Especially since she's got three of us in the entourage, I think?
no subject
Date: 2024-10-02 06:19 pm (UTC)This isn't a conversation he's ready to have right now, not when his nerves are already so on edge and he thinks Laios just said yes to the question he hasn't asked yet, but it's clear enough: other partner, they're okay with Laios...branching out this way, and John knows what he's getting into, so...
A relieved, wildly delighted smile breaks across his features as he lets out another breath he didn't know he was holding, one tinged with laughter.]
Yeah? So you--I mean, you'd want to...you'll go with me? You want to?
no subject
Date: 2024-10-02 07:03 pm (UTC)Yeah, I'd love that! I definitely want to! Oh, man, this is about to be way more fun, I was already excited, but now...!
[ He's already making plans for the evening, judging by that contemplative sort of excitement written all over his face. It's bound to be a busy evening! ]
no subject
Date: 2024-10-02 07:16 pm (UTC)He can't let himself think that. Not when he can feel that creeping fear that makes his bones ache more than they do all the time. This, he can be happy with this.
Laios said yes.
Chuckling and shaking his head, he's barely aware of gently tapping the side of Laios's arm with the back of his hand.]
Now, let's go find a place on the sand, talk out the particulars, and, uh...celebrate a little.
[John damn sure feels like celebrating.
It's been a long time since he's been allowed to win. It may not be a war, but as skirmishes go? It feels pretty damn good to come out on top.]
[action; two nights after gala]
Date: 2024-09-23 05:07 am (UTC)You’re with her too, I’m fine with it right now. Take care of your partner, it’s okay.
But now that there’s been…this, and after dancing with people and being around so many people and…
It’s kind of like the day his wolf buddy just bowled him over and lay there. Not quite that bad, but enough, and John is scared. The last time he talked to anyone about this was Sam, and that ruined everything.
John needs to explain—and make it clear that he won’t ask Laios for anything.
So a couple days after the gala he reaches out, and Laios says he’s free, John asks to meet him at the Oak & Iron in his room—he doesn’t want Edgar to hear any of this, and it allows for some privacy.
He leaves a note, heads to town, and pauses to say hi to Tasha as she’s heading out for the night before he heads up to knock on Laios’s door.
By the time Laios opens it, John is rubbing his arms to banish a chill only he can feel, trying and failing to be subtle about the way his body is starting to remind him how badly it needs more of those fleeting touches he stole at the party.