STAND ASIDE, HANDLE MINE, ADD THE CHEDDAR.

[agogemod]

WHO? Everybody!
WHAT? The eclipse and surrounding events.
WHEN? Lead up to and resulting eclipse shenanigans.
ANYTHING ELSE? Please warn for anything besides physical violence and move to a personal journal if it's beyond PG-13.

nah—gut, skin, and eat the chef;

before he eats the rest

READ THE JHASHCH INFOPAGE.

THE CLOSING CEREMONY

The arenas close with another ostentatious celebration designed by the Great Houses, and with an air of regret even amidst the applause. COST and the Regency are again expected to attend, still given positions of honor, and particularly ardent fans may toss trinkets of favor and affection onto the stage. So pick up a couple bedazzled flowers on your way out...or get seriously hassled, if you never dedicated your victory proper. Whoops.

After that, however, the regret quickly transforms into fervor of a different sort. It's the holiday season and the following week is filled with enthusiastic preparation. The lucky among you might even spot Araneans from outside Ythaway, bringing in goods at the behest of nobles.

Unlike alien visitors who enter the Inner Rings by terminal, Jhashchan natives use eleven gated checkpoints spaced around the Third Ring; with the terminal, the spacing is almost like a clock. COST recruits are summarily warned to keep their distance; while these Araneans are commoners and would be sentenced to a quick death for even challenging a diplomat, that doesn't mean they're guaranteed to play by the rules.

Some of you just look way too tasty for that.


A MESSAGE FROM OUR SPONSORS

The day after the closing ceremony, recruits receive a bulletin.

@SCOUT | @ALL

expect a briefing at 0900
it'll be executed through the bce, so find a private location
while the declared victories favor the queen, we can't expect the regency or princess chch to accept this outcome
the eclipse will provide them perfect opportunity

stay sharp
keep track of each other

THE SOLAR ECLIPSE

The solar eclipse marks the beginning and end of the Jhashchan year, with Araneans speaking excitedly—or, in the case of the more religious, reverently—of its upcoming eve. This year is particularly special; it's an incredibly rare total eclipse when viewed from the eyes of Ymir, where the sun will only be visible as a halo around Cre. The last one was centuries ago, before High Queen Thsh ascended the throne in her mother's stead.

Recruits may find themselves accosted by Araneans eager to hear about eclipses from Earth; the old planet is famous for them, with a moon and sun perfectly distanced to create the halo effect. This, among a few other phenomenon, made it a popular tourist attraction.

Its rarity on Jhashch, however, means that the feast this year is an especially grandiose affair.

» ECLIPSE'S EVE

The Royal Family holds yet another banquet. They extend invitations a week beforehand to anybody who is somebody, esteemed diplomats included, and anticipate your RSVP. Rather than sending a daughter from a Great House, however, recruits each receive a formal letter, handwritten by one of the High Queen's many daughters.

The feast itself is one of gluttonous abandon; again hosted at the royal ballroom, it features a brand new chandelier wrought from processed Ymir (in consideration for their visitors' health). And it's remarkably unlike anything recruits have seen while on Jhashch. The Araneans still have certain social expectations, but there's something wild and near frenzied to their mannerisms on this day. Consider it a lack of poise, almost feral.

The spread of food is as varied as it is gratuitous, primarily meat from every corner of the Thshan Empire and then some. Spiders drink and devour all they're offered and expect their guests to do the same, though their scrutiny is perhaps a little impaired this eve; the wine is plentiful and strong, with toasts made to Queen Thsh.

She made an excellent showing in the arenas, with over half of the victories dedicated in her name. Her daughter earned no small amount of favor, carrying over a third of them, but it's apparent in the High Queen's bold, haughty pride (her declarations of seeking out those who were too foolish to pass their conquests where they're due) and Princess Chch's pensive silence—though she's always quick to spare a smile, genial and gentle, to any recruit who looks her way—that she finds it less than ideal.

Nonetheless, the revelry carries on well into the night.

» THE ECLIPSE

The day of the eclipse is an event unto itself. Food and drink is still plentiful, as the Araneans prepare to venture out into the wilds of Jhashch. It's almost a pilgrimage of sorts, with several members of House Jankeh arriving at COST's quarters. They're young daughters of the house, just beginning to brush over two meters tall, and they flash sharp teeth before they titter behind their hands in the presence of recruits.

They're here to equip you with suits that will allow you to step outside Ythaway's protected halls, so hopefully you didn't think you'd avoid venturing into Jhashch's red landscape. You're instructed to take your assigned visors, distributed by Young upon your arrival, and use them to protect your eyes from the sun's unforgiving glare.

And you have an audience, whether you want one or not, so it might be a good idea to stick together as the Araneans size your suits on the spot. It turns out it's one size fits all, but the tech is a little finicky and House Jankeh's daughters are here to make sure everything is set up properly. So while they probably aren't going to eat you...better safe than sorry.

Taking off the suits while outside Ythaway is ill-advised, if occasionally necessary when eating or drinking or if, y'know, you need to pee. While the effects of Ymir aren't as strong as inside the caverns, the average human will notice it's much harder to breathe in the thin atmosphere and likely experience effects similar to altitude sickness. Prolonged exposure, especially when coupled with Ymir poisoning, can easily kill a human in under two hours.

All recruits are permitted to carry weapons into the field. For those of you who came unarmed, House Khah provides basic melee weapons of your choice. They're all high quality make, but lack any of the fancy accessories found in House Jankeh's goods. A sword is just a sword.

But you'll need it, to survive a landscape rife with overgrown invertebrates all keen for a meal.

You're sent into the wilds with only a pack for food and sleeping gear; the visors come with maps installed. Recruits also have the option of riding skrit chri, but it's on your shoulders to obtain and transport anything else. It's a long trek to get clear of the cavern walls and it's expected everyone stay in the Jhashchan wilds overnight. Go prepared; the gates to Ythaway won't reopen until tomorrow.

The Araneans—nobles and commoners alike—scatter through the twin valleys, eager to claim the best vantage points and idle away their wait with hunting. The Royal Family takes the center of Ythaway's valley for themselves, with extravagant awnings to protect against the sun. They remain in full regalia, with an entourage of Aranean servants to cater to their needs. It's more practical than bringing out human servants, after all.

The eclipse itself is only a couple hours, with the period of totality lasting mere moments. Don't waste this once in a lifetime opportunity.

» ECLIPSE'S MORROW

However, as soon as the eclipse ends, the Araneans seem to almost...slow. The frenetic wildness that possessed so many of them dissipates, replaced by torpor. Many of them turn in for the day on the spot; while they may keep to daylight hours in Ythaway, protected from the sun, they favor the damp and dark by nature.

It is, as Young put it, a perfect opportunity.

But it isn't the Regency who makes the first move.


CHAOS THEORY

In the lull of the eclipse, the first target is none other than the High Queen herself. A male Aranean throws himself upon her as she stretches luxuriously in the shade, his mandibles clicking and a blade drawn. The edges shine with venom and it's only the Queen's hardy exoskeleton that sends it skittering askew.

General Shai is upon him in seconds and General Aythy turns on the other servants, already set to swarm them, as their mother skewers the Aranean with one long leg. The Royal Family dwarfs the servants in size, but they make up for it in numbers. And it's in this moment that it's obvious this isn't the Regency or Princess Chch's doing; while the princess is a skilled actor, she's taken just as off-guard as her mother. She doesn't recover enough to even stab the queen in the back before the flashbangs detonate.

When the eyespots clear, a cry goes up.

The Twin Generals Shai and Aythy have vanished.


WHILE YOU WERE AWAY

While the bulk of Araneans are overwrought at the thought of their missing Generals, it quickly becomes clear they aren't the only absent royal blood. Queen Thsh and Princess Chch are accounted for, but Prince Shch is nowhere to be found. Rumors immediately begin circulating; the Prince had a few victories dedicated in his name, so perhaps his mother wasn't pleased by what he did with them (what did he do with them? no one can seem to agree). But what better chance to dispose of him, so he can no longer conspire with his sister.

Fishier still is the absence of several elder daughters of House Khah. The Great Matron and her heir are present, but only they remain of important rank.

Meanwhile, COST has some of their own to locate. But even before the recruits on Jhashch can return to Ythaway, they receive a terse bulletin.

@SCOUT | @ALL

the commander is down
do not report back to our quarters; they've been compromised
blend in where you can and focus on your tasks for now

if you need gear, i've salvaged what i can
wait a few hours to meet me in the servant corridors
i'll set my location to public so you can find me

If you want to return to the comparative safety of Ythaway, you'll have to fight your way back against rogue Araneans and the Regency alike. Because far be it from the Regency not to capitalize on the situation, once they find their feet. Now might be a good time to call in any favors you earned in the arenas, provided you trust the Araneans enough to honor them. Or if you're confident in your ability to sweet talk them into not selling you out.

For anyone who does return to the villa, they'll find it a smoking husk, abandoned save for the Regency and Araneans seeking their favor. And they make it no secret they're hunting COST.

But, in the next breath, some of you are hunting them.

READ THE JHASHCH INFOPAGE.

NAV. NETWORK LOGS OOC MEMES PLURK

Comments

[inconstantly]

[They've had serious conversations before. Wanting to speak in private isn't entirely unexpected, but the look that remains on Dorian's face is. John's never seen him like this, especially not with the promise of more wine. Dorian's expression is somber but present, as if something occurred recently that he can't quite shake.

Though the spiders had already begun to disperse, in truth John would have left them to their own devices much earlier if asked. The attention was fun, he would never deny it, but in the end the spiders were only a throng of nameless faces with too many limbs. As long as he made an exit thoroughly thanking them for their patronage John was certain that would be enough. The trend wasn't going away anytime soon.

Dorian begins moving before John can answer, definitely something of note, and John falls into step beside him rather than trail after ― though not without forgetting his glass.]

If you don't want to make the walk back to the residence I saw some unused rooms outside the banquet hall. Looked like private dining areas for those who'd rather have their food without the aftertaste of a crowd.

[The decision was up to Dorian of course, he may have something else in mind entirely. But those quick steps suggested urgency.]

[excelsus]

[Dorian would have expected nothing less, if he were in John's shoes he'd probably grab a glass of wine, it pairs well with abstruse conversations. Also helps it to go down easier. That's why Dorian has a bottle, even though he has his own wine in his rooms, having one on hand never hurts either. Or perhaps he could just offer it to John as some sort of bizarre peace offering, it serves multiple purposes.

At the suggestion Dorian slows his steps a bit to consider it, it would be less personal wouldn't it? Avoid that awkward moment after where you want to flee, but you're in your own room so you can't so you stand in awkward silence until someone does something. Empty private dining area? Better exit strategy.]

That's...not a terrible idea. [Let's just procure one of these rooms then shall we? But once they are both inside Dorian secures the door, doing his again-and-agains to ensure they wouldn't be disturbed at any point before rounding on John with the most peculiar stretch of silence that was absolutely uncharacteristic of him. Dorian's a chatter box, by virtue of his own nature he actually rambles to fill the silence...being speechless? Not something that happens to him very often.] So...

[Well that's always the best way to begin these things right?]...so...so I'm not exactly well versed in the art of confessions, so if I stumble over my elocution it's because I'm not used to...this.

[And Dorian actually sounds moe confident than he feels which is a good thing, for him at least.] I like you and I'm well aware that you enjoy my company and that you enjoy having me around, fortunate for the both of us. Being deprived of me is challenging for most people.

[Was that an attempt at humor? It was, he thinks.] The thing is...it's not really enough, I feel a bit anxious about where this goes, you and I, or if this is as far as it goes. I'm a big boy, I can handle it, I won't be pleased...but I'd understand...so this is something that best be done now rather than later when it'll be much harder.

[How incredibly grown up, Dorian, but that sudden wave of confidence falters as his eyes drop a bit, he's just realized his arms are folded over his chest...defensive, but it also makes him look smaller. Thematic considering he wants to sink into the floor. Even the voice that comes out of him is something he doesn't recognize, smaller, softer, likes speaking to himself mostly.] Te amo vos, amatus.

[He slips into a language they both know due to it's own familiarity to him and because they can both speak it, but to what extent Dorian isn't sure. He still can't quite look at John though, he simply wants to get it over with, like pulling an arrow out of your ass. Demons didn't frighten him this much, in fact he'd rather face down a small horde right now...he's not even sure why he said that just that he had to say it.]

[inconstantly]

[John feels sick.

He had no idea what to expect that was so urgent, but it certainly wasn't this. Everything in him feels heavy, rooted in place. Despite his past history and instincts there is no urge to run. He wants to stay, wants Dorian to stay, but the rising urge to vomit reminds him why that was a terrible idea.

Dorian was good, honest, willing to face his own apprehensions. And that is why whatever they had should stop now. John wasn't that kind of person. He was hardly steadfast, the only constant ability within his personal arsenal was the uncanny knack for letting someone down.

This was it. This was going to be how everything ended. They would go their separate ways after this, avoid each other during missions, pretend it never happened. It would be difficult to begin with, but all challenges became easier over time.

Yet John knows that the more practical option isn't what he wants. The guilt that coiled around John every day of his life lessened whenever he was with Dorian, a release of bindings chaining him to his personal hell. But now as both of them avoid eye contact every bit of John's self-loathing, anger, guilt, and regret covers him thoroughly. Everything is clouded and attempts to breathe are shoved back down by the demon that tells him he doesn't deserve such a simple luxury.

After draining the rest of his glass in a single swig, John sets it aside and approaches Dorian. Hands clasp around folded forearms. When he speaks his voice falters, knowing he is about to drag them both down in a grip disguised as gentle. In response to "I love you," John's simple, two word reply is:] You shouldn't.

[excelsus]

[That was...shocking. Not in the oh-my-tender-heart-you-wound-me-so sense, but in the sense that he wasn't expecting John to spit out that response and it's enough to force Dorian to level his gaze with John. It's both curiosity and questioning now as he take John in from the hands on his forearms to the pained expression on his face. Dorian couldn't tease out the pain, he couldn't separate what sort of ache it was so he didn't know exactly what sort of speech he should be giving in regards to that. He could only speak to what was given to him and that was what surprised him the most.]

You shouldn't isn't a rejection amatus. [There he goes again, wrapping his tongue around the endearment like testing the waters, seeing how far he could go with it. Since John just gave him something to chew on, the mage is able to settle himself more appropriately, his arms unwinding so that he could snake them around John and tempt him a little closer, weaken that resolve a bit to their mutual benefit.] And I've never been all that great at listening to what other people tell me over my own intuition, selfish of me perhaps...not that I'm above that sort of thing.

[But what could he do about John's sudden misery? It was awful that he was so relieved when John seemed so miserable about it. Yet here he is pushing the envelope again, his face carefully nudging the column of John's throat, still testing the waters.] I'm sorry, I can't help it.

[inconstantly]

[John doesn't think Dorian is sorry at all, and in fact he wouldn't want him to be. This is the unapologetic person that John as come to know, even through John's halfhearted attempt to create some distance between them. He allows himself to be pulled closer, tilting his head only slightly in response to the touch from Dorian's nose, and he keeps his hands on Dorian's arms as they wrap around him. Nothing new is initiated, but he doesn't move to deter Dorian's attention either.]

You're right, it's not a rejection.

[Amatus. The word was used once again, caught somewhere between settling comfortably and and being spat back out on the grounds of existing as one more thing John doesn't deserve. He doesn't want to be nudged carefully anymore and faces Dorian with a direct eye contact appropriate for the situation.]

But there are things you need to know about me. I'm not a good person. I lie often. I've ruined countless lives. People by my side end up dead or worse. I know you'll protest, say you're strong. And you are. But it's more than the physical threat of death.

[John inhales shakily. It's his turn for a confession. This wasn't how he ever expected to tell Dorian, but they couldn't move forward until the other man knew the truth.]

My arrogance caused the death of a young girl. She was possessed by a demon and had put her trust in me. When I couldn't expel the demon I summoned another to draw the first out. He- [John's voice catches. He's never actually told the story out loud to anyone before, only pieces or allowed other people to speak for him. He's reminded why.] He ripped her apart, Dorian. Tore her from my hands and mutilated her not only in front of my eyes, but her father's. And it still wasn't enough. Once her body was rendered unrecognizable her soul was dragged to an eternity of eternal torment. And I'm destined for the same.

The people with me... my friends... they're all shells of their former selves now. And I've sealed their eternal fate alongside my own. If they're not dead they hide, dependent on substances to bring them to the next day, waiting for the inevitable end as if in a trance. All because I thought I fucking knew best.

That's what kind of man I am. Make choices and damn the consequences at the expense of others. You deserve more than what I've ever been able to offer and every right to change your mind.

[It's an out if Dorian wants to take it. If he's smart, he will.]

[excelsus]

I've known bad men John, and you? You're not one of them. [Dorian's arms are circled loosely around John's waist, still holding him close, but giving him enough space to withdraw a bit and look Dorian in the eye. He listened to John's story patiently taking it all in without any sort of judgment and while it doesn't diminish John's pain or help the poor girl in any way...Dorian has seen worse by genuinely horrible people. There's no such thing as Hell or eternal torment where he is from, simply the void or nothingness and even then no one was really certain, the only thing most mages knew was that there was the Fade and this was a kind of beyond where spirits dwell...and demons.

One hand shook itself free from John's waist so he could stroke the man's face and pet his hair aware enough of what John liked to know hair stroking was a soothing gesture.] There are a number of reasons you don't have to worry about me starting with the fact that my head is about as likely to trip up a demon as a cow is to sprout wings and fly over Minrathous. I mean, it could happen, in spite of all my training, but being descended from the Somniari gives me added benefits when guarding myself against demonic intrusion. There is also no concept of eternal torment on Thedas either.

[Death was bad enough.]

You were young when that happened weren't you? [Most young mages got carried away with magic, but Dorian knew seasoned mages who did terrible thing, unleashed demons with the intent of causing chaos, death, and destruction. John thought he was helping even though any kind of dealing with demons in any way never worked out for the best. Dorian wasn't innocent, there were many times he could have done damage had he not been well trained.] I don't know the situation, but I can tell it's been festering inside of you like a poison...the guilt you feel....guilt is morally neutral, but wanting to do better...make things better....maybe even fix things if you can? That's not the mark of a bad man.

[There has to be a reason why John is here after all.]

I'm not an idealist, I can't fix the past and maybe there are bits and pieces of you that will always be you, but would I love you if you were anything other than who you are? [Dorian wasn't so sure about that, in the same way he was uncertain if he would like the Dorian his father wanted him to be.] Would you lie to me, use me, and hurt me on purpose John? I can't say for certain that there wouldn't be moments like that and I can't promise not to be an ass, I'm absolutely an ass...and I am talented enough to keep up with you, maybe even chase down and destroy some of your demons. Perhaps you need a talented mage who is an ass enough to curtail some of those tendencies and offer alternatives, protect you...or one who loves you enough to know you can do better, that you can do anything...that's what magic is, yes? Dangerous, but there are wondrous possibilities that can serve mankind...and maybe even help this girl.

[inconstantly]

[After all that, Dorian still doesn't leave. It's nothing short of a marvel. Dorian's seen right through him, putting the pieces together as to why John signed up for COST in the first place. For John it was penance, a step toward an atonement that may or may not come. Through the countless hours of self-flagellation the guilt remained. And now after John has entrusted Dorian with his greatest shame, the man responds with understanding and encouragement toward an impossible solution.]

Dorian.

[The name hangs in the air as John finds himself in disbelief. Someone still wanted him even after knowing the worst, knowing what became of those associated with John Constantine. He reaches to Dorian's face, touching his cheek lightly as if to make contact with reality. John was used to being the disappointment, the last resort. Yet here someone had a faith in him that he had never experienced. It was overwhelming.

The the dark clouds have lifted, allowing John to once again move and breathe. But something else has taken it's place, something just as potent and dangerous. Hope.]

I promise that I would never intentionally hurt you in any way. [He'd be willing to make a blood oath on that in an instant.] I'd need you around to be that talented ass, yeah? [He allows himself a smile, one shaky and hesitant, but a smile just the same.]

Because I'd like to see where this goes too, if you'll still have me.

[excelsus]

If I'll still have him, he says. [Dorian's not used to swooping romantic gestures, but he's never really been entangled enough with anyone and certainly not for as long as he has been with John, but he was entitled to one at least in the moment. He'd already poured his aching little heart out to John, why stop being a hopeless romantic at that point? They were holed up in private where no one but John and the walls could hear whatever came gushing from the inner recesses of his own repressed depths] Did you think my affections for you were so shallow that anything you'd confess would ever make a difference?

[One hand is steady against John's lower back, the other is still carding through his lover's hair, but now he's drawing John closer, close enough to bump noses with him, kiss him if he wanted to.] You're the man I love, knowing these things about you...I feel like I have special insight into your world, but more than that, you don't have to keep it in. We're both very alike so I think I understand...but if you ever want to talk....ever really want to talk? I'm not going anywhere.

[Dorian liked to present himself as shallow and aloof and he and John might have different public attitudes, but privately, Dorian knew he could let that go if it meant developing this.] And for the record I would never intentionally hurt you either so, hopefully, you can trust me enough with the weight of your secret pains. I can't carry it for you, but maybe I can make it easier.

[inconstantly]

I do trust you. With my my secrets, my life, and most importantly, with helping ensure that I don't cock up a good thing.

[They're impossibly close now. John tightens his grip slightly on Dorian's arm as his fingers uncurl against Dorian's cheek to guide him with stiffened fingers into a kiss. The kiss is need filled and intense, wasting no time with buildup as John leans his body into Dorian. John lingers as long as he possibly can until his lungs scream for air and even then remains a few seconds longer before he's forced to break away.

John doesn't allow himself to move far. His chest rises and falls with heavy breathing as lungs attempt to once again regulate the flow of oxygen. His head is swimming, from not only the kiss itself but the emotions which have risen to the surface to fuel it.

With Dorian John is better. He has never had any concerns about his wit, charm, or skill, which in John's mind were all obviously considerable. Yet he'd always thought of his personal worth as negligible. Around Dorian there are infinite possibilities, opening a wealth of doors just as magic intended.]

It took an interdimensional war for us to meet. I'm not about to upset the already incalculable odds of ever knowing you.

[John is all too aware of his history of wrecking those who come into his life even tangentially. That won't happen here. John is determined not to let it, and he will drag Dorian into his efforts if need be. Two people from entirely different times and worlds had no business even being in the same room. Yet here they were, looking toward a shared future.

But on the subject of time and place, a question floats into his mind.]

We've... been enjoying each other's company as you so put it for months. Why now?

[excelsus]

I'll take care of all of those things. [John's secrets, his life, and helping him stay on track with this good thing...even though that would take work on Dorian's side as well.] I can't promise that your cock won't be up considerably throughout this good thing, however.

[Low hanging fruit made for the best, worst puns and it was so easy so Dorian did it, but fortunately he was silenced by John's lips before he could do anymore damage a distraction Dorian has no problem with. It's returned eagerly, his arm tightening around John, pulling him in flush, leaving no space, apart from the inconvenience of their clothing, between them. The fingers of his other hand still tangled gently with John's hair while his lips and tongue danced with his lover's. If he didn't need to fill his lungs, the same as John, he could have gone on kissing John where they stood for the rest of the night, bu the body had pesky requirements for survival.

It didn't stop him from maintaining the delicious proximity, John's heat, the rise and fall of his chest, the sound of his breathing, and the dizzied expression Dorian was certain that he shared...all of it was withing reach. He'd never considered anything romantic before and he'd been certain that John was disinclined, at least he thought he'd been certain. Keep it simple, no complications...but things always got a bit tangled when you climbed into bed with the same person multiple times over a series of months. Naturally they would get to know each other and in doing so Dorian found that he shared a great deal in common with John and that this made him feel less lonely...he's happiest in those moments.]

Mmm...that would be a shame...not knowing me. I pity the poor souls out there who haven't had the luxury. [Another quip, and Dorian gently nudge John's cheek with the tip of his nose.] The same could be said for me as well, how lucky am I...to have such a clever, witty, pretty John Constantine...not many people can say that.

[Fortunately Dorian had incredibly well honed senses, in spite of having terrible habits, that came from growing up in a land of sharks...and unlike most people that came into John's gravitational pull, Dorian had magical defenses and he was no amateur. Not being stupid is the best way to stay alive, typically, no matter the situation.

At the question it takes Dorian a moment to drift back into a place that wasn't clouded by emotional interference.]

Ah...let's just say I'd rather it come from me. You have interesting friends who have a vested interest in your personal life, John. One of them made a compelling argument after I failed to hide my adoration of you, something that's becoming more and more difficult to do honestly. I didn't want any messages or implications being misconstrued whether or not anything was said to you...I wanted to say it for myself.

[inconstantly]

[John doesn't know who it was who had interfered, but he doesn't ask. The list of people who would bother is narrow. While he can't say for certain, he has a pretty good idea of who the culprit could be.]

Saying something was the right choice. Can't have anyone at all stealing the magnificent Dorian Pavus' thunder.

[It's a poke at Dorian's ego, but a gentle one and unsurprising. Neither one of them expect Dorian's opinion of himself to vanish, and John has come to find the consistency endearing. After all, John has no room to throw stones when his own brand of arrogance tends to also display itself regularly.

As the quiet falls comfortably between them, one word stands out in Dorian's speech. Have. It doesn't make John run or balk as he may have in the past, but he does turn the word over in his mind as they remain close. It's not possession but a statement of fact, a relationship to be shared between two people.

Relationship. Now that was a word made for balking. But that's what this was now and what they both stated they wanted to pursue without room for questioning. There would be time enough for both serious talks and ridiculous jokes; and Dorian had already started on the latter. For such a frightening concept this hadn't started out with anything John disliked. As difficult as the initial hurdle was everything now made sense again, a picture brought into focus.

John slips his hand from Dorian's cheek to hold his opposite arm. He leans back and tugs on both, indicating pulling Dorian towards the door.]

What do you say we leave this room to the banquet? I'm all yours.

[excelsus]

[John's poke at his ego does nothing at all to diminish it, his lips simply quirks into a smug grin, one that clearly states that he is aware of his own magnificence of course. Also given the fact that he knows John is being rascally on purpose supplies all of the context Dorian needs to know that his lover is being playful. A playful John is something to enjoy after all, it adds a bit of levity to the situation and just the fact that they can both make light of the moment is spite of how tense things were only moments before shows excellent recovery time. Something Dorian can get behind honestly, working through things instead of stewing in them much like his own parents did seemed to be more effective and that was...promising.

John pulling him toward the doors was also promising and Dorian was well versed in reading body language and the look in someone's eyes to know what was being asked of him, but the verbal confirmation. Well that triggered a new set of desires, it was one thing to be tugged along by John to the bedroom, something else completely to be expressly told that John was all his. It made his breath hitch slightly and his light gray eyes darken with desire and an expectation to keep John to himself for the rest of the night. He's easily pulled, but only because he surges forward when they are close enough to the door that he could pin John to it with hs body, his hands braced against the panels behind John while he leaned in to cover John's mouth once more, kissing him generously before drawing back with a hooded sultry expression replacing the normal cockiness.]

The things you say. [Well aware that this is only side tracking them Dorian withdraws just a bit.] I think we'd be better served to choose a room with a bed at least, it's going to be a demanding evening.