[ Kaspar is openly delighted, in the way he somehow manages it while still looking so at ease with his smile and slightly tilted head. His hand is warm beneath leather, moreso when he brings his other to join it in shaking van Ziek's single hand. And then they retreat, only to reach up and attempt to adjust the fabric of his new friend's cravat. Was it out of place before? Well, it certainly looks perfect now by Kaspar's estimation.
And then he takes a few, noticeably lighter steps backwards, rejoining his hands behind his back until he spins to turn around and continue down their path.
Only he runs face first right into the low branch of a tree. A small one, and luckily he wasn't moving all too quickly, so all Kaspar does is make a quiet but almost spluttering sound of surprise. Without missing a beat though, he lifts it high enough for Zieks to step past under his arm without eating leaves like Kaspar's loose curls already have. How is he still smiling?? Even this, he obviously finds fun. What is the price of a few scratches to enjoy the world? ]
[The absolute roller coaster of emotions Kaspar just brought van Zieks on??? His easy smile, the gentle attention which he feels he should be offended by, but isn't at all?? Surely his cravat wasn't askew but still having it gently adjusted, that sort of casual concern???
And then he turns around and before van Zieks can say anthing else he just walks right into a branch??? Hello. What is going on. Is this man an idiot after all? Though, on paper, Albert is one of the smartest people he knows. And would also absolutely do something this boneheaded. He'll follow Kaspar under the branch, but once he is;]
You should be more careful, Mr Kaspar. Your face... [He starts to raise a hand to brush the leaves out of Kaspar's hair, but thinks better of it.]
[ Kaspar keeps his eyes firmly on van Ziek's even when he accidently holds his breath at the lifted hand. It's alright that he doesn't. This place had already been slowly soothing the unseen ache for affection, his comfort with it fanned by the openness of the others around here. Van Zieks is alike and different in all the ways that are interesting to Kaspar.
Eventually, he laughs at the words while removing one glove briefly to carefully feel at his face and delicately pocket the leaves from his hair. The sound is at least a little more sheepish than his usual breathy ones. He decides to admit to his ignorance this one time instead of letting it go. Because in this moment, he has the luxury of a friend and only the ears of the trees besides. A thing he's gotten more here than a lifetime back home. Honestly, much to van Ziek's (probable) chagrin, Kaspar wouldn't even care if the goddess saw everything he did here, as long as he maintained the freedom to do it.
It takes him a few strides to voice his response, easier when trailing behind van Zieks with his gloved hands bravely clasped at his back again. His voice is quiet though, as if placidly accepting he may be informed he is an idiot again. ]
[No trees is a bold statement. Of course, this environment is a far cry from London, but even in Londo, there's sparse trees even beyond the far more densely foliaged areas of Hyde Park and other such smaller green areas.]
None at all? [NOT EVEN A FEW???]
That sounds... [Absolutely dismal, and that's coming from a Londoner.] I suppose that explains your demeanor somewhat.
[ Kaspar shakes his head with a hum to go along with it. He's not really sure what he means, but he supposes that means he's been successful in explaining something for once. He looks far too innocently pleased about that for a moment.
And it only encourages to go on. ]
It is, under a mountain. There are some plants allowed to grow.
[ Kaspar arrives a healthy time after nightfall, easy to spot in the dark. His skin glows softly, off white and bioluminescent. Emanating brightest from his eyes, flecks of light blue tint his usually light grey eyes. If one looks close, Kaspar's glow is slightly sharper at his veins and softest at the tiny pins of light that dusts his skin like barely there freckles.
The night air is cooler, giving him cause to change shirts between the slides and now. Tight white undershirt, mostly covered by longer sleeved flannel. His trousers, leather boots, and usual gear make a return. The most curious new thing may be the blanket and basket he carries with him.
He can see better in the dim lighting than a normal human, scanning for any sign of the other man. Or a campfire. ]
[He's done his due diligence here - he's definitely not at all new to the idea of campfires, though it has been a bit since he last needed one. The last time he can recall was several months prior to coming here, during his damnable work on the road. But campfires, and hell, just having a nice quiet night in general during times like that were like a bit of heaven. A small slice of peace in heavy times.]
[He whistles as he goes along with some chunks of wood under his armpit - he's procured a lighter, too. He could make a fire the old-fashioned way, and he's still considering it, just to show off, but he has one just in case.]
[He isn't sure what he's looking at when Kaspar arrives - a trick of the dark? But when the man gets closer, he stops in place, surprised. The man's...glowing.]
Oh, wow. [The words seem to slip out, genuinely impressed.] You didn't tell me you could do this. You're like a night sky on the countryside, you are.
[ Kaspar tilts his head, unsure what Steinbeck means at first. Everyone has gotten used to it, he thinks. That or many were too polite to mention it so directly. But he smiles, glow flickering a little at the comparison to the sky. The stars and the swathes of colors are such lovely, beautifully new things for Kaspar. Having spent his whole life before in Groscia, a country buried under the great mountains, there are still many things that have yet to be learned in just over a month. At least he can now bear the sunset without shedding tears.
His words come easier here, away from the crowds as he moves to squat curiously beside the work Steinbeck is putting in. He holds up a glowing hand, newly released from a glove. ]
Really? Well, people can do all sorts of things at home. But I've never seen them do things like that.
[The abilities he thinks of are stranger, weirder, bizarre, more....cruel. He's pretty sure an ability user with the ability to glow could probably have a nice, quiet life.]
Guess it makes it easier to sleep on nights like this. [He moves to squat down, use a free hand to brush away dirt and sticks from the ground to make a bit of a clearing before starting to put the wood down.] Don't have to worry about using a flashlight, either.
[ Kaspar asks after a beat casually enough that he expects something normal. Like blood weapons, the light of Orm, or magic.
He sets his basket aside to rest his chin in his hands while he watches this process with unbridled curiosity. The large blanket he brought gets tucked beneath his elbows and into his lap naturally. ]
Ah, I almost think you wouldn't believe me, but then again, you glow, so...
[A bit of a pause as he stands up to admire his own little pile of wood, making sure nothing is close enough to catch flame on accident.]
Lets just say some people are born with abilities. One guy I knew could summon a giant ship in the shape of a whale. Another little lady could make a whole space in a space where she could trap people.
[ Kaspar shows up at Sylvando's, only a little late. He is unhurried walking along the sand, leather boots sinking slightly. He is too easily distracted by what the man's place looks from the first sight of it that he catches (no matter what it actually looks like). His gaze drifts over the farm in detail, eventually wandering out across the beach to squint at the sunlight on the waves.
His interest in dancing had been genuine. An solitary interest, one he still felt the tightening of his throat over the thought of doing it in from of anyone else. He might have asked on his own eventually. Possibly. But the wine had hastened his whims along into reality. And there was no denying he wanted to know now that Sylvando knows and is still willing to show him. Curiosity, about dancing and his fascination about everything that Sylvando is, their contrasts and commonalities, drums energy into the look in his eyes. More words or less, both are as equally themselves in their own ways. His calm smile matches his quiet steps.
Sober and well rested, with a closed basket under one arm, it is hard to notice the extra time he took to look nice today. But he has accepted things, lending confidence and peace to how he carries himself fearlessly into the unknown. It is Sylvando, so he doubts it won't be fun, whether he is good at spicy dancing or not.
Wearing his more relaxed yet well fitted summer clothes in light textiles and colors. Short sleeved shirt and pants, in whites and blues, he fills them out predictably well. He was fit before, and farm work has only been kind to him since. Kaspar us prepared for movement, for it to be easy to tell if he is getting a move right or wrong, with the sole exception of his leather boots. His hair is styled in his usual effortless looking way, leaving a blue summer flower from the forest tucked behind his ear. Those in the know, might realize how much effort he happily puts in on a daily basis anyway, simply for the joy of it.
If Sylvando hasn't noticed him out here daydreaming, he will knock eventually. ]
[Having woken up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for a busy yet fun day, Sylvando has already tended to his farm for the day in order to freshen himself up for his little lunch and dance date with Kaspar.
There's a distant "comiiiing~!" from somewhere in the farmhouse, followed by Sylvando's form passing by one of the open windows on the way to the door. It swings open to reveal that as always, Sylvando has dressed immaculately for the occasion in a loose, ruffled red shirt and slim white slacks. No matter how much sweating he might be doing later, that hasn't stopped him from putting on his makeup and styling his hair to perfection. He just wouldn't feel like himself otherwise.]
Kassie darling! [He leans in for a gentle embrace. A light floral scent wafts in his wake.] It's so good to see you! I hope you're just as excited for today as I am!
[He'd gotten a taste of teaching others to dance when he took the Soldiers of Smile under his wing, and he's been longing for more opportunities ever since.]
[ Kaspar's gaze follows Sylvie idly as he passes the window, continuing blindly along the path he supposes brings him to the door. With a wordless appreciation for feeling themselves, Kaspar always notices the little touches, even more when Sylvie leans in. Skin care is routine, but makeup is a bridge uncrossed. Sylvie's isn't as intense or theatrical as the Vair, nor as severe yet simple as his mother's. He returns the embrace just as gently, one armed and leaning in so he can keep his careful hold on his basket.
It is just the two of them. And Kaspar feels lighter on his feet already. So, after only a short beat, Sylvie gets a whole speaking volume sentence from him. ]
... I am.
[ And then he will likely follow Sylvies's lead. His usual meandering is subdued. Unusual, even when facing the unknown. It is something he is treating with reverence. ]
[ Kaspar is quiet, still smiling, and clearly happy with the scenery that catches his gaze as his feet all but blindly follow the path Sylvie takes. Before he considers sitting, he sets the basket down. He pauses, lid open, to respond. But what is punch?
He nods anyway. 'With', makes it some sort of drink, probably, and not a swing of his fist. ... But he did use the word 'say', so Kaspar speaks. ]
Yes, please. I'll, set the table.
[ He'd almost brought them game pies, his current culinary work in progress. But at the last minute he'd poured the summer stew he'd been working on all day into the large bowl instead. Carefully, neatly packed with cloth napkins and bowls, all cutely mismatched in light colors, but not spirit. In one small container, fresh herbs and spices that he slides off to the side to make room to set out the rest of the basket's contents. ]
[KASSIE HONEY HE IS NOT GOING TO LITERALLY PUNCH YOU--]
Thank you! I'll be riiiight back!
[With that, he briefly slips back the way he came. He's back by the time everything is set on the table, holding two glasses in one hand and a big pitcher filled to the brim with red juice in the other. Upon closer inspection as he sets it on the table, there's ice and fruit floating inside the juice. It makes for a pretty sight to complement the wonderful spread that Kaspar has laid out for them.
Sylvando excitedly peers over everything as he starts pouring punch into their glasses.]
Oooh, a stew! It looks positively delish, darling! What did you put in it?
[ It's stifling. The heat of the sun, the day, the pressure of all those eyes on him. He'd been stretched too thin, whittled to his nerves. The tree line marks the goal he'd set for himself. As if everything will be alright if he can just meet that marker. Like the tunnels, mile by mile, little goals when the larger feels too heavy.
He doesn't want to be followed, zigzagging his light steps into the forest with apparently no concern for direction, besides away. Away from the auction, away from being found at his house or anyone else's. He tries to count the little things that he likes as he goes, hoping to tip the scale. To calm the anger that sparks every time he thinks about what just happened.
The trees allow the breeze to pass, to brush against his heated skin and hair heavy with the humidity still lingering in the summer air. There is plenty of oxygen up here to fill his lungs, fresh without the smell of blood and gunpowder. He can breathe and laugh bitterly, softly, quietly under his breath, without eyes or judgment or his heart scooped raw for spectacle. But he doesn't cry. Not for this.
He'd thought it would be fun. That Zieks would see his bid for what it was. Saving, then deciding it is a want, only for it to crumble in his hands. He'd thought wrongly.
Kaspar's quick pace only slows when he comes upon a small pool, a small snag in the slow moving river, just below a short drop of a waterfall. Rounded banks, imperfect, peaceful, the gently current fills the pool with clear water, shaded by the trees that overhang. Kaspar, fit as he is but weakened by the sun and the tightness in his chest, is sweating by the time he finds this secluded place. Thoughts foggy, he doesn't even glance before starting to peel back the layers of his clothes, shirt thrown over a branch before he even starts on his belt.
Turning to face whatever sound is in the distance, animal or otherwise. ]
[It almost seems like an animal that pokes its head out - bright blue eyes peeking through the leaves, with wispy blonde hair framing them from the top - before their owner steps out, revealing Steinbeck.]
[Of course, a runaway Kaspar might have been hard to find, if he hadn't used the woods to do it. Land like this is Steinbeck's bread and butter, far too used to the intertwining of roots and soil whispering in his veins to be fooled. His ability may give him better precision, but even without it, he's got his gifts, and so he finds the man, blinking as he realizes the expanse of bare skin in front of him. He fixes his gaze on the other's eyes instead.]
...Hey. [And a raise of a hand, almost sheepish.] Just wanted to see if you need company. What happened back there was...
[He lets the sentence drift off, not wanting to assume. But even if he may not know the man all too deeply, he's known him well enough to know walking off like that, with all that happened, wasn't exactly some happy end to that whole mess of a time.]
[ Kaspar watches him, a touch of tension that snaps under the weight of his exhaustion. Then he just looks tired, in his own serene way.
The knot in his chest eases at the bloom of warmth in his chest at the concern. Fighting fire with fire, until he can't feel the anger. It had threatened to make a casuality of Steinbeck too. Until Kaspar finally gives him a small nod.
In no mood for company, he still gestures toward the water as he sets his holstered belt aside. Eyes on Steinbeck, he moves unhurried hands to unclasp his belt as he toes off leather boots. All practiced motions, easily done blind. Throwing his pants to join his shirt as he turns, he is left in his underwear. Snug, though Steinbeck hardly needs his imagination.
In the daylight, he doesn't glow. Pale, his scars are difficult to see when the sun catches a curve of his skin through the trees. Save for the burn that peaks from his hip, red and grooved. There is no waiting for the other man. If he joins him, he will. Either way, Kaspar lets himself fall backwards into the water. Careless and fluid, he's lucky he doesn't hit his head.
He remains submerged, planning to remain here until his lungs burn to distract him from the sight of the tree tops through water. Until it is so distracting that his body screams for action.
[Ah, no answer. That's fine. Steinbeck already has plenty of experience under his belt with people that are more reticent than not - Lovecraft, his partner of few words, would only sometimes offer a low noise of dissatisfaction for Steinbeck to decode to understand his many moods. And honestly, after all that, he can't blame him.]
[The sight isn't new. Or, well, it isn't new, but its new in this light - no glow here, but he recognizes the landmarks all the same even with a new tint. He watches, silently, with lips pursed, and then the man tips backwards. He naturally rushes forward, a little worried despite himself, but it seems the man has got this under control for now.]
[But Kaspar is no Lovecraft, water-breathing and all. And the invitation doesn't go unmissed. He would hardly want to play lifeguard on the land here - and so, with a little quirk of a grin, he starts to unbutton his shirt, unzip his pants, discarding his clothes in a heap next to the other's before he moves. The air feels cool against his bare skin, cupping worn areas like an embrace. He won't wait.]
[Steinbeck moves to jump in, making sure he doesn't land directly on Kaspar. A splash of water comes up, and a splash precedes his face breaking the surface, blonde hair plastered wet against his cheeks.]
[He'll be patient, waiting for Kaspar to make a move, but for now, he's here to offer company, even if its silent.]
[ Kaspar will eventually emerge, long after he turns his head underwater to watch the other man beneath the clear water's surface. Legs made weightless as he drifts. It is like watching in slow motion, enveloped in warmth that spares no surface of the submerged.
He remembers the scars that he'd imagined tracing his fingers, his mouth, over in the sunlight. Kaspar's expression is placid in the gentle current, in the quiet that rings his ears like solitude and flash bombs in the dark. Far away, even the sounds of splashing feel out of his reach. There are so many things out of his reach.
He gasps in air once he breaks the surface, hands already reaching to push his wet curls out of his face. Straightened slightly into clumps, darkend by the shade and dampness.
Despite the slight flush, the heave of his broad chest as he catches his breath, and the water that clings to him in rolling rivulets, Kaspar's tension eases with his gaze settled on Steinbeck. He floats over effortlessly, reaching to affectionately brush the hair from Steinbeck's cheeks with the tips of his fingers.
And then Kaspar smiles and splashes him playfully in the face. ]
[He smiles when Kaspar comes up, bright as the sun, genuine in the turn of his lips. Kaspar's curls seemed like woven light before, in the restless heat and dark of their night together, and here, they're weighted by the water, darkened and ever real. It somehow makes it all the more charming, he thinks, light blush moving into his cheeks.]
[The man drifts over, and his own hand reaches out, instinctively, to mirror the other's movement. To capture that soft face in hardened hands, his own body stilled with a caught breath. But its not a moment that lasts long, as his vision is filled with water, drowning the sight of Kaspar in splashes of color and light.]
H-Hey! [He sputters, even as he laughs through it all, before he cups his own bit of water to splash him right back.] There, it's only fair-!
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ninetydegrees
[ intro overflow ]
2022-12-10 02:23 (UTC)[ van zieks ]
2022-12-10 02:27 (UTC)[ continued from here ]
Of course.
[ Kaspar is openly delighted, in the way he somehow manages it while still looking so at ease with his smile and slightly tilted head. His hand is warm beneath leather, moreso when he brings his other to join it in shaking van Ziek's single hand. And then they retreat, only to reach up and attempt to adjust the fabric of his new friend's cravat. Was it out of place before? Well, it certainly looks perfect now by Kaspar's estimation.
And then he takes a few, noticeably lighter steps backwards, rejoining his hands behind his back until he spins to turn around and continue down their path.
Only he runs face first right into the low branch of a tree. A small one, and luckily he wasn't moving all too quickly, so all Kaspar does is make a quiet but almost spluttering sound of surprise. Without missing a beat though, he lifts it high enough for Zieks to step past under his arm without eating leaves like Kaspar's loose curls already have. How is he still smiling?? Even this, he obviously finds fun. What is the price of a few scratches to enjoy the world? ]
no subject
2022-12-10 02:54 (UTC)And then he turns around and before van Zieks can say anthing else he just walks right into a branch??? Hello. What is going on. Is this man an idiot after all? Though, on paper, Albert is one of the smartest people he knows. And would also absolutely do something this boneheaded. He'll follow Kaspar under the branch, but once he is;]
You should be more careful, Mr Kaspar. Your face...
[He starts to raise a hand to brush the leaves out of Kaspar's hair, but thinks better of it.]
no subject
2022-12-10 03:34 (UTC)Eventually, he laughs at the words while removing one glove briefly to carefully feel at his face and delicately pocket the leaves from his hair. The sound is at least a little more sheepish than his usual breathy ones. He decides to admit to his ignorance this one time instead of letting it go. Because in this moment, he has the luxury of a friend and only the ears of the trees besides. A thing he's gotten more here than a lifetime back home. Honestly, much to van Ziek's (probable) chagrin, Kaspar wouldn't even care if the goddess saw everything he did here, as long as he maintained the freedom to do it.
It takes him a few strides to voice his response, easier when trailing behind van Zieks with his gloved hands bravely clasped at his back again. His voice is quiet though, as if placidly accepting he may be informed he is an idiot again. ]
... there are no trees in Groscia.
no subject
2022-12-10 03:49 (UTC)None at all?
[NOT EVEN A FEW???]
That sounds... [Absolutely dismal, and that's coming from a Londoner.] I suppose that explains your demeanor somewhat.
no subject
2022-12-10 03:54 (UTC)And it only encourages to go on. ]
It is, under a mountain. There are some plants allowed to grow.
no subject
2022-12-10 03:58 (UTC)Under as in... inside the mountain, like a cave?
[PEOPLE STILL LIVE IN CAVES SOMEWHERE????]
That seems a strange choice, given the lack of natural light in such a setting.
(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
byCapping this offfff
by[ night of the lube party ] [ closed to Steinbeck ]
2023-01-18 18:52 (UTC)The night air is cooler, giving him cause to change shirts between the slides and now. Tight white undershirt, mostly covered by longer sleeved flannel. His trousers, leather boots, and usual gear make a return. The most curious new thing may be the blanket and basket he carries with him.
He can see better in the dim lighting than a normal human, scanning for any sign of the other man. Or a campfire. ]
"night of the lube party" just kills me for some reason
2023-01-18 19:03 (UTC)[He whistles as he goes along with some chunks of wood under his armpit - he's procured a lighter, too. He could make a fire the old-fashioned way, and he's still considering it, just to show off, but he has one just in case.]
[He isn't sure what he's looking at when Kaspar arrives - a trick of the dark? But when the man gets closer, he stops in place, surprised. The man's...glowing.]
Oh, wow. [The words seem to slip out, genuinely impressed.] You didn't tell me you could do this. You're like a night sky on the countryside, you are.
dhfhf
2023-01-18 19:21 (UTC)[ Kaspar tilts his head, unsure what Steinbeck means at first. Everyone has gotten used to it, he thinks. That or many were too polite to mention it so directly. But he smiles, glow flickering a little at the comparison to the sky. The stars and the swathes of colors are such lovely, beautifully new things for Kaspar. Having spent his whole life before in Groscia, a country buried under the great mountains, there are still many things that have yet to be learned in just over a month. At least he can now bear the sunset without shedding tears.
His words come easier here, away from the crowds as he moves to squat curiously beside the work Steinbeck is putting in. He holds up a glowing hand, newly released from a glove. ]
This is normal, for humans.
[ At least where he's from. ]
Re: dhfhf
2023-01-18 19:40 (UTC)[The abilities he thinks of are stranger, weirder, bizarre, more....cruel. He's pretty sure an ability user with the ability to glow could probably have a nice, quiet life.]
Guess it makes it easier to sleep on nights like this. [He moves to squat down, use a free hand to brush away dirt and sticks from the ground to make a bit of a clearing before starting to put the wood down.] Don't have to worry about using a flashlight, either.
no subject
2023-01-18 20:08 (UTC)[ Kaspar asks after a beat casually enough that he expects something normal. Like blood weapons, the light of Orm, or magic.
He sets his basket aside to rest his chin in his hands while he watches this process with unbridled curiosity. The large blanket he brought gets tucked beneath his elbows and into his lap naturally. ]
no subject
2023-01-18 20:52 (UTC)[A bit of a pause as he stands up to admire his own little pile of wood, making sure nothing is close enough to catch flame on accident.]
Lets just say some people are born with abilities. One guy I knew could summon a giant ship in the shape of a whale. Another little lady could make a whole space in a space where she could trap people.
(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
bycw: past violent militaristic childhood mentions in here (also dont mind this unfinished icon orz)
bycw: self harm and suicide mention
byCw: some vague past homophobia
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
byCw uhhhh nsfw now 🙈
bycampfire truly got some heat to it
byCw glowing bjs
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by[ post drunken summer meeting ] [ closed to sylvando ]
2023-01-19 16:54 (UTC)His interest in dancing had been genuine. An solitary interest, one he still felt the tightening of his throat over the thought of doing it in from of anyone else. He might have asked on his own eventually. Possibly. But the wine had hastened his whims along into reality. And there was no denying he wanted to know now that Sylvando knows and is still willing to show him. Curiosity, about dancing and his fascination about everything that Sylvando is, their contrasts and commonalities, drums energy into the look in his eyes. More words or less, both are as equally themselves in their own ways. His calm smile matches his quiet steps.
Sober and well rested, with a closed basket under one arm, it is hard to notice the extra time he took to look nice today. But he has accepted things, lending confidence and peace to how he carries himself fearlessly into the unknown. It is Sylvando, so he doubts it won't be fun, whether he is good at spicy dancing or not.
Wearing his more relaxed yet well fitted summer clothes in light textiles and colors. Short sleeved shirt and pants, in whites and blues, he fills them out predictably well. He was fit before, and farm work has only been kind to him since. Kaspar us prepared for movement, for it to be easy to tell if he is getting a move right or wrong, with the sole exception of his leather boots. His hair is styled in his usual effortless looking way, leaving a blue summer flower from the forest tucked behind his ear. Those in the know, might realize how much effort he happily puts in on a daily basis anyway, simply for the joy of it.
If Sylvando hasn't noticed him out here daydreaming, he will knock eventually. ]
no subject
2023-01-23 23:35 (UTC)There's a distant "comiiiing~!" from somewhere in the farmhouse, followed by Sylvando's form passing by one of the open windows on the way to the door. It swings open to reveal that as always, Sylvando has dressed immaculately for the occasion in a loose, ruffled red shirt and slim white slacks. No matter how much sweating he might be doing later, that hasn't stopped him from putting on his makeup and styling his hair to perfection. He just wouldn't feel like himself otherwise.]
Kassie darling! [He leans in for a gentle embrace. A light floral scent wafts in his wake.] It's so good to see you! I hope you're just as excited for today as I am!
[He'd gotten a taste of teaching others to dance when he took the Soldiers of Smile under his wing, and he's been longing for more opportunities ever since.]
no subject
2023-01-24 20:39 (UTC)It is just the two of them. And Kaspar feels lighter on his feet already. So, after only a short beat, Sylvie gets a whole speaking volume sentence from him. ]
... I am.
[ And then he will likely follow Sylvies's lead. His usual meandering is subdued. Unusual, even when facing the unknown. It is something he is treating with reverence. ]
no subject
2023-01-29 03:56 (UTC)[He'll show Kaspar around the side of the farmhouse where he has a small patio space set up, complete with an outdoor table and pair of chairs.]
It's such a beautiful day out, so I thought we could enjoy our little picnic outside.
[After offering Kaspar a seat...]
What do you say to some fresh punch to go with the meal?
no subject
2023-01-29 07:49 (UTC)He nods anyway. 'With', makes it some sort of drink, probably, and not a swing of his fist. ... But he did use the word 'say', so Kaspar speaks. ]
Yes, please. I'll, set the table.
[ He'd almost brought them game pies, his current culinary work in progress. But at the last minute he'd poured the summer stew he'd been working on all day into the large bowl instead. Carefully, neatly packed with cloth napkins and bowls, all cutely mismatched in light colors, but not spirit. In one small container, fresh herbs and spices that he slides off to the side to make room to set out the rest of the basket's contents. ]
no subject
2023-01-29 18:46 (UTC)Thank you! I'll be riiiight back!
[With that, he briefly slips back the way he came. He's back by the time everything is set on the table, holding two glasses in one hand and a big pitcher filled to the brim with red juice in the other. Upon closer inspection as he sets it on the table, there's ice and fruit floating inside the juice. It makes for a pretty sight to complement the wonderful spread that Kaspar has laid out for them.
Sylvando excitedly peers over everything as he starts pouring punch into their glasses.]
Oooh, a stew! It looks positively delish, darling! What did you put in it?
(no subject)
by[ summer ] [ post auction drama ] [ cw: probably just nudity who knows ]
2023-01-30 17:57 (UTC)He doesn't want to be followed, zigzagging his light steps into the forest with apparently no concern for direction, besides away. Away from the auction, away from being found at his house or anyone else's. He tries to count the little things that he likes as he goes, hoping to tip the scale. To calm the anger that sparks every time he thinks about what just happened.
The trees allow the breeze to pass, to brush against his heated skin and hair heavy with the humidity still lingering in the summer air. There is plenty of oxygen up here to fill his lungs, fresh without the smell of blood and gunpowder. He can breathe and laugh bitterly, softly, quietly under his breath, without eyes or judgment or his heart scooped raw for spectacle. But he doesn't cry. Not for this.
He'd thought it would be fun. That Zieks would see his bid for what it was. Saving, then deciding it is a want, only for it to crumble in his hands. He'd thought wrongly.
Kaspar's quick pace only slows when he comes upon a small pool, a small snag in the slow moving river, just below a short drop of a waterfall. Rounded banks, imperfect, peaceful, the gently current fills the pool with clear water, shaded by the trees that overhang. Kaspar, fit as he is but weakened by the sun and the tightness in his chest, is sweating by the time he finds this secluded place. Thoughts foggy, he doesn't even glance before starting to peel back the layers of his clothes, shirt thrown over a branch before he even starts on his belt.
Turning to face whatever sound is in the distance, animal or otherwise. ]
no subject
2023-01-30 18:30 (UTC)[Of course, a runaway Kaspar might have been hard to find, if he hadn't used the woods to do it. Land like this is Steinbeck's bread and butter, far too used to the intertwining of roots and soil whispering in his veins to be fooled. His ability may give him better precision, but even without it, he's got his gifts, and so he finds the man, blinking as he realizes the expanse of bare skin in front of him. He fixes his gaze on the other's eyes instead.]
...Hey. [And a raise of a hand, almost sheepish.] Just wanted to see if you need company. What happened back there was...
[He lets the sentence drift off, not wanting to assume. But even if he may not know the man all too deeply, he's known him well enough to know walking off like that, with all that happened, wasn't exactly some happy end to that whole mess of a time.]
no subject
2023-01-30 19:03 (UTC)[ Kaspar watches him, a touch of tension that snaps under the weight of his exhaustion. Then he just looks tired, in his own serene way.
The knot in his chest eases at the bloom of warmth in his chest at the concern. Fighting fire with fire, until he can't feel the anger. It had threatened to make a casuality of Steinbeck too. Until Kaspar finally gives him a small nod.
In no mood for company, he still gestures toward the water as he sets his holstered belt aside. Eyes on Steinbeck, he moves unhurried hands to unclasp his belt as he toes off leather boots. All practiced motions, easily done blind. Throwing his pants to join his shirt as he turns, he is left in his underwear. Snug, though Steinbeck hardly needs his imagination.
In the daylight, he doesn't glow. Pale, his scars are difficult to see when the sun catches a curve of his skin through the trees. Save for the burn that peaks from his hip, red and grooved. There is no waiting for the other man. If he joins him, he will. Either way, Kaspar lets himself fall backwards into the water. Careless and fluid, he's lucky he doesn't hit his head.
He remains submerged, planning to remain here until his lungs burn to distract him from the sight of the tree tops through water. Until it is so distracting that his body screams for action.
Or Steinbeck appears. ]
no subject
2023-01-30 19:27 (UTC)[The sight isn't new. Or, well, it isn't new, but its new in this light - no glow here, but he recognizes the landmarks all the same even with a new tint. He watches, silently, with lips pursed, and then the man tips backwards. He naturally rushes forward, a little worried despite himself, but it seems the man has got this under control for now.]
[But Kaspar is no Lovecraft, water-breathing and all. And the invitation doesn't go unmissed. He would hardly want to play lifeguard on the land here - and so, with a little quirk of a grin, he starts to unbutton his shirt, unzip his pants, discarding his clothes in a heap next to the other's before he moves. The air feels cool against his bare skin, cupping worn areas like an embrace. He won't wait.]
[Steinbeck moves to jump in, making sure he doesn't land directly on Kaspar. A splash of water comes up, and a splash precedes his face breaking the surface, blonde hair plastered wet against his cheeks.]
[He'll be patient, waiting for Kaspar to make a move, but for now, he's here to offer company, even if its silent.]
no subject
2023-01-30 19:45 (UTC)He remembers the scars that he'd imagined tracing his fingers, his mouth, over in the sunlight. Kaspar's expression is placid in the gentle current, in the quiet that rings his ears like solitude and flash bombs in the dark. Far away, even the sounds of splashing feel out of his reach. There are so many things out of his reach.
He gasps in air once he breaks the surface, hands already reaching to push his wet curls out of his face. Straightened slightly into clumps, darkend by the shade and dampness.
Despite the slight flush, the heave of his broad chest as he catches his breath, and the water that clings to him in rolling rivulets, Kaspar's tension eases with his gaze settled on Steinbeck. He floats over effortlessly, reaching to affectionately brush the hair from Steinbeck's cheeks with the tips of his fingers.
And then Kaspar smiles and splashes him playfully in the face. ]
no subject
2023-01-30 20:15 (UTC)[The man drifts over, and his own hand reaches out, instinctively, to mirror the other's movement. To capture that soft face in hardened hands, his own body stilled with a caught breath. But its not a moment that lasts long, as his vision is filled with water, drowning the sight of Kaspar in splashes of color and light.]
H-Hey! [He sputters, even as he laughs through it all, before he cups his own bit of water to splash him right back.] There, it's only fair-!
(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
by(no subject)
byI never hit post :D;
by(no subject)
by