summonthesuit | IC Inbox

[Tis the 25th of December, and they are having a metaphorical night on the town. It's more like some time in the Cube. Mostly food time, and maybe some gifts changing hands. The usual.

Quentin has a bag hooked on one of his arms as he lingers outside of the Cube, casting a glance Steven's direction. He's smiling as he does it, content. He's even dressed up a bit spiffier than usual. There's only some minor nibble marks on the collar of his wool sweater, partially hidden by the way his shirt collar lays. Dress shirts, gotta love 'em.]

So we doing a dinner and a show kind of thing, or mostly having a nice change of scenery-? Not that I'm objecting, just- curious. Still not a hundred percent sure what this place can do anyways, when it's not all... Felfri on the inside. Only been here once so far.

[This holiday season has already been far busier and far more overwhelming than any Steven's experienced before. He's befriended so many people here in Ryslig and he hadn't even realized it until it was time to find gifts for all of them. Getting gifts from them in turn is even more overwhelming. Most importantly, he has a date for the holidays. That's never happened before. It's part exciting and part terrifying. He tries to be cool about it, because nothing's gone too horribly wrong in the past few months, but it probably shows in his nervous little gestures and fidgets that he's got a lot of restless energy today.

He tried to tame his curly hair, but failed miserably and just allowed those locks to spring over the side of his forehead again. And a sweater vest is suitable for a holiday date, right? Right.]

I wouldn't call it a show. More like a... A sweet view. But I'm not going to spoil it, you'll just have to see for yourself.

[Because it's the perfect opportunity to show off the thing Steven's been wanting to show off for months already. It took a bit of tinkering, but he's got the simulation working the way he wants it to at last. So even with a picnic basket full of food in one hand, he takes Quentin's free arm with the other to lead him inside the building. He got one of the medium-sized simulation rooms for this, but it's a bit of a walk down the Cube's halls.]

[Quentin lets out a small huff of a laugh. The weight of Steven's arm in his is... wonderful, honestly. Even if that means his other two unoccupied arms are just... free to loop around Quentin's bag absently, while the hands of two of them rest on Steven's arm.]

Alright, alright, I'll wait. Can't blame a guy for trying, though. But... is that something you might be into-? Maybe a movie or something, one of these days.

[Quentin is not cool about this. He is a transparent dweeb, fishing for potential date plans in the future. He hasn't had a stable relationship like this in years, and he'd- he'd really like it if it stayed. So. Transparent fishing, go, as they wander their way through the halls.]

[The feeling of extra hands on his arm is so nice. Steven can't even really explain to himself why beyond 'extra touch', but maybe that's all it is. He'll take any morsel of closeness he can get; he's just that smitten.]

I'd love a movie. I dunno what they're showing here in Bavan, though. Going by the literature that's popular 'round here, I expect it's a lot of practical effects monster movies. That's right up your alley, innit?

[Quentin laughs, the sound bright. Only a little self-conscious. He can't believe Steven even remembers that about him.]

Oh, absolutely. It's- yeah, I know how digital effects are all in vogue back home, even I used 'em, but the practical stuff is- it's something you can sink your teeth into-? Metaphorically speaking. It's almost more vivid because of that. More interesting. Think you'd be down for one of those, or we could probably scrounge up a drama? I'd, ah-

[God, he is going to lay this on thick. But he's allowed to be do that. He's also rambling, help him.]

I'd be happy to be the shoulder you hide your face in, if it's too gross or scary or something. Dramas are better about that.

[Gosh! Of course Steven remembers that! He likes focusing on the hobbies that make Quentin so very... human. And real. It's clear Quentin enjoys talking about that stuff, too.

He laughs quietly, trying to bump his shoulder against his boyfriend's the best he can with the way their arms are interlinked.]

Now I want the monster film just to take you up on that shoulder offer. But I'm easy. I'll go and see whatever you want. I trust your taste.

[Quentin can't quite hide his smile as their shoulders bump together, ducking his head down a little. Gives a light squeeze at Steven's forearm. but then he has to tease him a little.]

Oh, easy, huh? [He lowers his voice, leaning into Steven's space so he can murmur in his ear properly.] Kinda easy like 'going with the flow', or going to your knees for me? Vice-versa, even.

[Quentin pulls away a bit, one of his right-side arms moving away from his bag so he can scrub a hand over his mouth for a beat. It's- yeah, it's pretty forward, but also they're on a date. They're involved. Entangled. He can joke around like that as long as it's just between them.]

Seriously, though, anything that's an absolute 'no' in your book? I think any mummy stuff is probably out, just for how much they'd get wrong.

[Steven can feel some heat rising in his cheeks, not just because of how close Quentin got to his ear, but because of the words being uttered. They've done stuff like that before, but it can still catch him off guard sometimes. He slaps on his best poker face, even if he does end up biting the inside of his cheek for a second.]

Naw, I love mummy movies. Probably won't be any fun for you though, 'cause I do like finding all the mistakes. It's a little like hunting them for sport. I expect I'll chat your ear off about them.

[There's a few seconds of silence as he musters up his courage, then leans in a little closer to Quentin again.]

And about that easy thing, I reckon I'd be both.

[Quentin can't help the laugh that slips out of him with Steven's reply. Abrupt and more like a bark of laughter. Okay, he didn't misstep with that joke. Minor win! He'll take it as his face colors a bit, grinning at Steven.

Steven mustering up his courage is oddly sweet, in a way. Makes Quentin soften some more, pressing a quick kiss to his boyfriend's cheek. He can kiss his boyfriend's cheek! What the fuck, that's a wild realization to keep having.]

Well then, maybe if those mummy movies ever come out on tape, we could see about a private viewing, yeah? I'd like hearing you rip 'em apart. We can also hash out that 'both' thing later. But: yes to movies, mummy encouraged for... probably a matinee-? Definitely a matinee. Would end up being just you and me, which, ah. [A not-so-subtle glance in Steven's direction, a slight smile.] Wouldn't be half-bad.

[The tender kiss to the cheek almost comes as a relief to Steven. It means he managed to pull off a more risque flirtation without a hitch. Either that, or he messed up but did it in such an endearing way, the end result is still the same. That'd be good enough, honestly. Either way, his fingers squeeze Quentin's arm.]

I mean... If I'm gonna be ripping those movies apart, best if it's just the two of us, innit? Wouldn't wanna ruin the experience for anyone else with my nattering.

[Either way, they're approaching the Cube room that Steven reserved!]

You ever been to a matinee in the middle of the week-? All the convenience of a movie theater, and none of the crowd. Can run as much commentary as you like, that's not- it's not nattering at that point. Just-

[Oh he feels like such a dweeb saying this. It's coming out of his mouth anyways, as he continues to follow Steven's lead.]

I like hearing you talk about that kinda stuff. It's- nice. Wouldn't say no to a private lecture if you felt so inclined, Professor Grant. [It's still wild to think that Steven's just- working at an archaeology college these days, or will be soon. He'd never expected that in the cards.]

[Stiiiill, a movie theater is a movie theater in Steven's eyes. If there's even one other person in there, he'll feel bad about talking. (Well, unless the other person is Atem; then they'd probably team up to rip the film a new one.) Mummy movie night in the apartment sounds like a much safer bet to him, then.

He blushes, a sheepish little chuckle escaping him. It's still wild to him too. Like a dream come true, but one that he just kind of stumbled into by accident. 'Professor Grant' has a great ring to it though, especially in Quentin's tone of voice.]

Oh yeah? I'd say you're gonna have to wait and see a while longer, but I expect I could treat you to one in a couple minutes. Complete with a field trip of sorts, too. It's all simulated, but I nailed the details. More historically accurate than anything you'll find on film here.

[Right on cue, he comes to a stop by the correct door. There's a panel next to it to start the simulation.]

Oh shit, really-? [Steven set up some kind of simulation thing for them to walk through? Fuck yes. Quentin's into it. And weirdly touched Steven went to the effort of doing this.] Hell yes. I'd like that, a lot. Think we're dressed for whatever kind of exploring we're gonna do, though?

[Quentin's question is softened by the grin he shoots Steven's way. More teasing than genuine concern as he waits for the other man to fiddle with the panel. Quentin keeps meaning to come back to the Cube and poke around with the simulation shit, but-

He's pretty content to let other people mess around with it so he doesn't... get tempted, for lack of a better word. Or long too much for what he can't have anymore.]

[That excitement! Steven feels so vindicated right now. Asking Quentin to come here was the right decision, then. He chuckles under his breath as he inputs the right things in the panel to get the simulation running.]

No worries. The Cube simulates clothes too. I didn't even have to guess your size for it. It's all automatic.

[Tappa tappa click. The door unlocks itself and opens. The room beyond is still sterile white, from floor to ceiling, but the simulation will start once they're inside and the room's locked again. Steven turns to face his date, lips twitching with a smile that's twenty percent anxious, eighty percent eager.]

Ready to give it a try?

Absolutely. [Quentin's smile is lopsided as he gently squeezes where his hand is curled around Steven's arm.] Lead the way, Professor Grant. I'm- honestly really excited. I've never been around when something started in here. Company's pretty good too.

[It's a first to go to the Cube for a date, but depending on what Steven's put together... Maybe they could come back later, or something. Maybe Quentin could build something for Steven in here.

...Shit, that's actually kinda tempting. Huh.]

The company's brilliant.

[He shoots one last beaming smile Quentin's way, then tugs him into the room. Get in, get in, they've got sights to see! As soon as the door slides shut behind them, the simulation comes into being, distorting the white surroundings with a buzz of static until they disappear, blending seamlessly into a night-time scenario.

A huge sandy hill overlooks desert all around, with more hills and even pyramids in a far-off distance. It really is the middle of nowhere. Overhead, there's a perfectly clear sky, stars serving as bright pinpricks on a blanket dyed black, purple and even some red. Every single constellation is visible. The moon is full, shedding some more light on the scene. It's technically inaccurate, since the moon was only half-full at the time, but Steven took some creative liberties. (It would've been full a week later, it's fine.) This is also why a picnic blanket is laid out nearby. Even in a simulation, sand is coarse and rough, and it gets everywhere. Best not to sit directly on top of it.

The Cube wouldn't be the Cube if it'd left the users unaffected. One of the perks of the simulations is that monsters get to look human again, so they do. The change is probably least substantial for Steven, who only loses a few extra limbs and traits. He's dressed in the white hoodie combo he wore back when he was searching for Ammit's tomb with Layla. It's comfortable, familiar and perfect for desert traversal, so if it ain't broke, don't fix it.]

[Oh, it's gorgeous as the simulation comes together. A nighttime scene, with everything just- holy shit. Quentin can't help how he grins as he takes it all in, smile getting a bit wider as he looks at the stars. He can't remember the last time he could see so many.

He can't remember the last time he slowed down, and looked at them with somebody else.]

Holy shit... this is- this is great, Steven. Beautiful. You made this from scratch-? Feels like this could go on forever if we just... walked long enough. Wow.

[The changes the Cube makes to Quentin are... very substantial, in comparison. Gone are all of the extra limbs, wings and antennae included. No real neck fluff anymore. He looks to be dressed a bit like a Tomb Buster imitator, what movies think archaeologists look like. Khaki pants, worn boots, a brimmed hat tipped at a ever-so-jaunty angle.

The bags he's got on his arm are definitely ending up on that blanket, though. Tupperware and a gift await no man!]

[Steven's put the simulation together himself, detail by detail, and even he has to stop to take in the sky again. It just doesn't get old. The colors are just so pleasant and soothing. It brings a sort of peace that's hard to find anywhere else. But once Quentin speaks, he tears his eyes away from all that to peer towards his companion instead.

... Blimey, that outfit's hot. And since he missed out on seeing Quentin in Felfri before Fog conscription, this is the very first time he gets to see him as fully human. It's a little odd. It was easy enough to visualize just by taking away the antennae and the chitin and whatnot, but the mental image didn't compare to the real thing.

Excuse him while he stares for a few seconds. He's smitten.]

Hah... I'm chuffed you like it. We can't actually walk too far, the walls are still out there, but I can set up a simulation some other time for the inside of a pyramid. The Great Pyramid of Giza has this massive chamber inside where the Ennead gather for meetings and- [He's getting off-topic-] ... Yeah. This is a good date location, innit?

Oh man, really? [Quentin's face somehow lights up a bit more. He's not much of an Egypt guy, even now, but you're telling him gods were in there? And Steven saw inside? That's... awesome, for lack of a better word, holy shit.] I'd absolutely be down to check that out on a later date. It's... all of this is really something, honey. It's great.

[Another small squeeze to Steven's arm, before Quentin leans in to press a kiss to the other man's cheek.]

Show me around, huh? Give a guy a good time before we get to dinner.

[Aaa, validation. So much validation. Steven wasn't expecting to nail the date thing quite this well, but Quentin can't lie, so that means every single admission of interest and appreciation is truthful. It's not just empty words to put Steven's mind at ease. Ironically, that's what really puts his mind at ease.

He leans into the kiss with a flustered grin, then sets his own basket down on the blanket.]

There isn't really a whole lot of showing around to do, but I can still show you something special. The most tricky thing to program into all this. It's a little trick I learned when we were searching for Ammit's ushabti. [He turns his gaze up towards the shimmering night sky.] Needed Khonshu's help for it back home, but we can forget about that old bird here. The Cube lets me do it solo.

[Steven went to the effort of putting this all together. Quentin is weirdly smitten by that. No one's done something like this for him before and it's... it's really sweet. Makes Quentin want to return the favor at some point, if he can. An elaborate scene for an elaborate scene.

Quentin's bags join the basket without much fuss, as he glances up at the sky again.]

Alright then, no birds here. Just Steven Grant. "Give me a place to stand and a lever, and I'll move the world." Sounds like you.

[He only hazily remembers it's some Greek philosopher who said that, and not much else. But it's... It feels like something big that Steven did this. Worked alongside a god and is still standing here. Quentin can't put it into words, but it's something his brain keeps getting stuck on, in a good way.]

[Sir, are you quoting Archimedes at him? Kind of a weird context to use it in, but it sounds apt for entirely different reasons, so he'll allow it with a bashful chuckle. He stands on tiptoe for a few seconds, almost bounding back and forth, before setting his heels back down.]

The sky, actually. See, after we lost the compass to Harrow, we needed a different way to find the resting place of Ammit's last avatar. And her ushabti. So we got our hands on an old star chart. Celestial navigation. Ancient Egyptians were brilliant when it comes to stuff like that. But- and there's the snag- stars move over time. Just wee little bit, right? Not noticeable for a lifetime, but when you add that up over millennia? That's enough to leave an impact. A star chart made two thousand years ago couldn't compare to the sky as it is now. To that.

[He points up towards the sky, with all its glimmering stars and visible constellations.]

[Steven will push to do impossible things, and manage to actually tackle some of them. That's the only real reason behind his vague quoting as he shoots a smile in Steven's direction. But-

No fucking way. That's- holy shit. For once, Quentin's speechless. He knew Steven had to do some things with Khonshu, this is a whole other level. And makes his quote weirdly apt, yeah.]

Holy shit. So there was a kind of constellation drift, and you and him had to- you turned the sky back-? Not time, but- the sky? I didn't even know that was possible, holy shit-

[Why is this so weirdly attractive? Steven having done something like that in the past, and is more than willing to reenact it for him? God, what the fuck does he do with his hands right now that do not include clinging like hell because Steven, how the hell, how even, that is so fucking cool AND terrifying-]

[He grins, just so pleased with the impact the story's leaving. Quentin's catching on fast.]

That's why he's the god of the night sky, innee? He 'remembers every night', and he could change the sky to match. Far as I know, it's one of the few powers he's actually got for himself. But even that, he couldn't do solo. We had to both do it together. Here, watch.

[Quentin may still be holding onto Steven's arm, but he'll have to let go now. Steven has to raise both of them so he's basically reaching for the sky with his hands. Almost as if he can push against it with his palms. And then... He begins to swipe, and the sky moves sideways all around them as well.]

IC Inbox | Ryslig

Nattenfest Date Night, let's goooooo

=D

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WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, HASNOFEAR. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 13.15.15.14 * HASNOFEAR has joined 13.15.15.14 <HASNOFEAR>** Hello! This is Steven Grant! If you need something, just leave me a message and I'll get back to you asap!