[ The lobby might not be too far off from where they are, but that doesn't mean Cain isn't interested in keeping the conversation going. Even if their rooms end up split, they could still swing by the bar to keep talking. Cain, at least, is still interested in talking.
But they're not there yet. Speaking of crews, he's curious— ]
What kind of people you got on your crew? [ He peers over at him. ] I wanna meet them.
[He's not quite expecting for Cain's arm to go around his shoulders so easily! And because of that, Joshua can't help the slight twinge of soft warmth he gets in his cheeks. Cain is a very friendly person, he's come to realize! Because of that, Joshua wouldn't mind talking for a while longer as well.
The lobby is a busy collection of moogles and guests, all clamouring around the front desk to talk about room assignments. It's not a good sign if it's this congested in here. If the moogles have made all these mistakes and there really aren't any more rooms available... They might still have to share the one.
But Cain asks a question first, and Joshua looks fond.]
My crew is an oddball collection of fighters and scholars, I'm afraid. [They're a very mismatched crew.] But we're mostly a crew of explorers who wish to improve the world with the treasures we find. Several engineers, an apothecary, an architect, a savant. And my brother and his fiancé, as well. I'd be happy to introduce them to you if you like.
[ Muttered under his breath as they come to the lobby. Man, those little guys really fucked up the system, huh? He might not be able to see anyone, but he sure can feel the warmth all the bodies give off, the murmur and clamor of people milling. He knows a crowd when he senses one.
Once they find their spot in line, Cain will let Joshua go. With no one else in particular to look at, he straightens himself and watches him talk. ]
That's what they'd call a motley crew, huh? That's awesome! [ Even above the all the voices, Cain's is loud. He sounds genuinely thrilled by what he hears. ] I definitely want to meet them. Especially your brother and stuff! [ Damn, he lucked out with family... And they have a noble cause, too! ] Are you paladins, then?
[ Cain catches that look of anxiety and instinctively reaches up to pat him on the back. Cain doesn't seem bothered, in contrast—at least they both have good company in terms of one another while they wait.
Man, he really reminds him of Heath.
But once Joshua drops that they're corsairs, the look of surprise is really obvious on his face. ]
You're pirates?!
[ He practically shouts this? He doesn't notice if anyone looks at him (he can't see them).
He tilts his head, peering curiously at Joshua, like he'll find a hidden scar or tattoo or something. ]
I wasn't expecting that.
[ He hears what he says, but still! Recalibrating what he knows in his head... ]
[The entire reaction has Joshua both relieved and then letting out a small, soft chuckle of laughter.]
Is it really so shocking? I thought I might give off a sort of roguish appearance.
[Joshua doesn't wear clunky armour like a paladin might wear. He doesn't look like a peacekeeper. He wears easy tight leathers and loose fabrics that hang. A very corsair-like look! Or so he thinks. But for a real explanation,]
Corsairs aren't what you might first think they are. We are not thieves and cutthroats. We merely enjoy the treasure hunting aspect of it. The freedom to explore and choose as we wish. If there are discovers to be made to better the world along the way, then so be it.
[ He thought corsairs were evildoers? Pillagers and chaos-makers and fearmongers? Joshua reminded Cain so much of Heathcliff that he just assumed he was on the paladins' side.
What Joshua wears is honestly pretty similar to how Cain was thinking about dressing himself once he got the extra pocket money; right now his darker, elegant clothes and neatly done tie don't really speak to one crew or another. He just doesn't have anything besides what he came in.
So ultimately, Cain ends up bursting into laughter, too. He claps Joshua on the shoulder and gives him a little squeeze. ]
I see, I see. Sorry about that. I guess I just got the wrong impression of corsairs.
[ He was this close to tying him—wait what ]
I'm a paladin, and I just didn't get the troublemaker vibe from you, y'know? I thought we'd be on the same team.
[There is a little part of him that wonders if he should clarify that there are a lot of corsairs out there that are evildoers, pillagers, chaos makers and fearmongers... But perhaps Cain will just have to find that distinction out for himself.
He finds himself softly chuckling as well.]
That's quite alright. I've made friendships with a few other paladins before as well. It's nice to know it won't be a problem.
[But speaking of problems... The moogles at the front counter seem to wiggle and wave them forward, in which that they're promptly told that they can't do anything about the mistaken rooms, kupo! There's no rooms left, kupo!!]
I ... I see. Perhaps this means we'll have to share the room, after all.
[ Cain musses his bangs with a hand, gazing out over the crowd of people he can't see. He's kind of sympathetic for the people at the desk, but kind of not. If they wanted to cause chaos, they sure managed that well...
But soon, he brightens! A grin crosses his face as he turns back to Joshua. ]
Oh well! That's not a bad thing, right? It's just for a night. We'll survive.
[ It could be worse!
He'll start making his way away from the desk, motioning for Joshua to follow. ]
We don't have to go straight back, right? Wanna grab a drink?
Hopefully other hotel patrons don't have the same idea they do. Cain can't see, but he can feel and hear the hum of activity getting quieter. So hopefully they'll more or less have the bar to themselves.
Not like the walk is very long, though. So the small talk is quite small. ]
You drink much? I'd ask if you party a lot, but you don't strike me as the type.
[The walk is short and the hotel bar isn't as busy as he thought it would be, so that's good news. It seems most of the hotel patrons are out enjoying the rest of the esteemed casino. But the bar does have a quieter hum to it. It's actually a bit nice.
The question Cain gives him has Joshua looking a little shy, his lips frowning oh so slightly as he looks away with a soft chuckle.]
You would assume right, I don't find myself "partying" all that often. My crew has its fair share of drinks and nights chatting together but I ... I am not a big drinker myself.
[Not that he doesn't want to be! He's just a light weight! He enjoys a glass of wine occasionally! And he likes alcohol ciders!]
You, on the other hand. Does that mean you enjoy drinking? You do seem the type.
[ Man, that's a cute look. Joshua's answer is mostly on par for what he expected (he's a pretty meek pirate), but it's fine. He's not going to pressure him to drink any more than he's comfortable.
That last bit makes Cain laugh, though. ]
How'd you guess? [ He's an easy read. ] I only usually party if the situation calls for it, but the situation usually does!
But we'll take it easy tonight. [ He's not planning on turning the bar into a club and he doesn't want to make Joshua sick! He gives him a hearty slap on the back, partial reassurance and partial physical push towards the seating. With a grand sweep of his other hand— ] Lead the way, Josh!
[ Sorry, were nicknames allowed? Also, he can't see what seats are taken, so better let Joshua pick first. ]
[He makes a quick noise of surprise as he's slapped forward! He almost whirls around to give Cain a look but he finds himself more flustered than anything else! He's just going to clear his throat and take a seat at one of the back tables!!]
It's only Joshua, if you don't mind...! [Although, Joshua does laugh too, feeling a bit lighthearted about it. He only lets Midadol call him Josh!!]
Once we've shared more than one night of drinks together, than I'll see about you calling me that.
[As a nice middle point. He nods.]
But this is a good night to celebrate. To new friends?
[ Cain ends up laughing along with Joshua. Oops! Bad habits, bad manners—polite speech never seems to ever end up sticking with him. At least Joshua nipped that in the bud before he could make a habit out of it. ]
Oh, sorry 'bout that! Couldn't help myself.
[ He slides in beside him, mood cheery, not letting the apology linger. ]
But sounds like you've got more nights of drinks in mind! I'm glad you like me that much already. [ There's a tease in his tone and a grin on his face as he elbows Joshua.
He lifts a hand and calls for beer for the both of them (this isn't a shouty bar? oh well—), and the bartender promptly comes with tall glasses filled with amber liquid. Cain raises his to Joshua. ]
[At least Cain laughs about it as well! Sometimes, Joshua wonders if he is a bit stiff about being called Josh. But with time, Joshua might not mind it all that much.
Cain is very friendly, either way. Joshua finds himself smiling in return and picking up the beer glass that's brought for them to enjoy.]
It must have been fate that those moogles managed to book us into the same room, after all. But, I do find you quite fun to be around already.
[Yes, he does like Cain! He gently clinks his glass to Cain's.]
To us.
[Drink!!! Luckily, the beer is fairly mild, so it doesn't burn Joshua's throat all that much to drink it. But that also means it's very easy to drink...]
To us! [ He repeats this triumphantly, because he loves the sound of it. That's one way to rouse camaraderie!
Cain chugs, probably downing a bit more than Joshua drinks, and it does go down easy. His expression doesn't even change; he drinks it like water. How many is he planning on going through? He drinks less like he's at a bar and more like he's at a rough tavern. ]
I could say the same for you! Fate, luck, or whatever you call it, I'm grateful you're the one I got stuck with.
[ Anyway, he leans into Joshua's space and slings an arm around his shoulder. They're buddies now, and this is what he does to his buddies. ]
A scholar, huh? Did you tell me what you were studying?
[Oh dear. Joshua's eyes widen slightly when Cain drinks down his beer like it might be a cup of juice or water. For a split second he wants to question Cain on how he does it so easily like that because that's very impressive. And makes Joshua feel like he should probably keep up? At least that's what all the soldiers used to do when he would watch them drink and drink. They were always drinking in droves.
So he takes another quick drink- only to cough a little when Cain's arm wraps around his shoulders. It's a friendly gesture, of course! But Joshua can't help the way it makes his cheeks feel warm. At this angle, Cain is very... good-looking?]
I- [AHEM.] Yes, I'm a scholar of sorts, although I've never had formal learning besides my tutors. I'm mostly self-taught and much too curious. Years and years of reading every book in sight.
[Because he had to learn everything he could while growning up basically underground.]
It's mostly old histories, I'm afraid. Nothing terribly exciting.
[ What a coincidence! Cain's lucky to get a front row seat to the way Joshua flusters, and it puts a wide, silly grin on his face. He's so cute. ]
What are you talking about? [ There's a little tease and a laugh in his voice, bright and sunny as he always is. ] History's important. Tells us a lot about why the way things are now. But—
[ Cain puts his beer down and with his hand, now freed, he playfully pokes Joshua in the side. ]
If you think it's exciting, then it is exciting. I hope you're not putting down something you genuinely enjoy.
[This- Oh. Joshua's cheeks continue to feel very warm and look very pink. Can he blame it all on the drinking already? If only to gulp down some of his shyness away- Joshua gulps down even more.]
I agree, history is what helps us learn who we are. Seeing the past helps us see the future.
[He's just going to keep on talking about what makes history so good and important then?!]
I do genuinely enjoy it. And it's not all drawling lectures as one might think. Some bits of history are so interesting it's like witnessing a stage play. Daring heroes, soldiers going to war, winning princes and princesses, intrigue through lies and truth...
[ Joshua goes on about history and Cain just watches him. He really does remind him of Heathcliff, the way his face would light up when he saw an intricate piece of clockwork, how the smile reached his eyes when he talked Cain through the process. This isn't Cain's field of expertise (well, non-Central history, to be precise), neither was clockwork machinery, so he isn't really listening. But he is watching.
He likes seeing the joy in his face and in his tone, the dreams that shine behind his eyes, the essence of who he is behind whatever the world has decided to hoist onto him. He likes that. And when something stirs in Cain, he decides that he doesn't want Joshua to have a bad day, ever, so long as he has this former knight on his side. ]
Good. That's all that matters.
[ He likes stories about knights, too, but he won't get into that right at this moment. There's something else he needs to address.
He pokes Joshua in the side again, grin widening even further. ]
[Joshua then absolutely realizes that Cain had just effortlessly coaxed Joshua into rambling on about history and stories and how fascinating those things are to him. Only a breath before, Joshua had been saying he didn't want to bore Cain with his rambling and yet... He ended up doing it anyway! How did this happen?!
He flushes warmly, a small charmed smile on his lips as he tries to hide it away with the rim of his glass.]
And you're charming without even trying, Cain.
[Oh. This is... a bit funny. He laughs softly.]
I wasn't going to spout off my interests like an excited child.
[ Cain sees the flush on his cheeks and the smile on his lips and his own smile cracks into a little laugh. The tone of it is delighted, joyous, and he is clearly not laughing at him, but with him.
He takes the compliment with ease, too. He'll squeeze Joshua's shoulder and give him a little shake. He definitely wasn't deliberately trying to charm him, but he'll take it. ]
You don't have to be a kid to get excited about something. I get excited about stuff all the time, and I'm grown up. Like stories about knights—you should tell me one or two you know.
[ He leans towards the table, one arm still around Joshua. He rests his elbow on the table and waves to the bartender for more. More!
When his attention goes back to Joshua, his one visible golden eye is a bit softer than it was a moment before. ]
[It says something about Cain entirely, seeing as Joshua usually isn't easily charmed. While he can be naive and inexperienced, he's usually not one to fall for charming attitudes! ... But here he is.
Perhaps because Cain has been nothing but genuine with him. The conversation feels natural, as if they've been friends for a long time. Even that hand that jostles Joshua's shoulder only has him smiling, almost sheepishly, in return.]
Then you should tell me about what is exciting for you, in return. I want to hear about what riles you up as well.
[He leans in to the other just slightly, seeing as Cain's arm is still around his shoulders in such a friendly manner.]
Tell me what knight stories you might like, then I'll regale of you of one that I know.
[ He's good! Cain likes that, honestly, that Joshua picks up what he throws at him and throws it right back him. It gives him an energy that the truly shy and quiet ones don't, an excitement knowing he and Joshua could be pretty good friends.
...Hell, they may as well be friends already, right? ]
I'm kinda glad you asked, actually. [ He's obviously excited! His tone is light, and when Joshua leans in on him, he squeezes him a bit, holding him there. ] There's so many, it's hard to pick just one...
[ Once another round of beers come, he quickly takes his glass and takes a sip. Slower than usual, so he can give himself time to think. ]
Might have to be Roland. He was one of the very first captains of my order...
[ When he talks, he sounds and looks like a kid talking about all the cool things they did and saw on summer vacation. His eyes shine, his smile reaches every corner of his expression, and his tone lilts as though in song. It's easy to tell Cain wanted to be just like his mythical hero when he was a kid... ]
[Joshua tilts his head, barely realizing that they've been given more alcohol (more beer!!). He's much more invested in the bits that Cain tells him and watching how his face seems to light up at simple stories about his childhood heroes. It's ... cute. If he's allowed to think the word.]
A legend of sorts, then? Was it he that inspired you to join?
[Do tell more!
He does finally find the beer and takes another to start nursing it as well. Now that he's fairly flushed in the cheeks from the booze, he starts to drink it deeper. Hmmm. Maybe he can get through more?]
You do seem quite the heroic type, Cain. I can see you being a knight in shinning armour in a story. Am I correct?
I guess so, yeah. Storybook heroes drove me to pick up the sword, but it was having real life heroes that pushed me to do improve.
[ Cain starts at his new glass of beer, and he's pleased by how cold it is. This is gonna be a good night. He can feel it.
He pulls the glass away with a loud laugh on his lips, and he squeezes Joshua tighter. ]
Aww, you flatter me. [ It touches him in a different way, than hearing it coming from...a certain other person's mouth. ] I just do what I can to protect others where I can. But, thank you. Maybe I'll get to be your knight in shining armor in real life sometime!
[ He's definitely joking...!
He'll place his glass down and then tilt his head to peer at Joshua's face, a big grin on his lips. ]
[He is very red in the face... Joshua makes a small noise in protest, his hand coming up to his cheek to try and wipe the redness away with the back of his hand as if it would be that simple.]
Forgive me, it's ... It's only the alcohol.
[...!! It's more than that. Joshua is enjoying this chance encounter with Cain. It has been pleasant. And while Joshua knows it's entirely childish to think such thoughts after only meeting this man just hours before... He finds him very interesting. Attractive. A heroic knight-]
Did I mention it before? I am ... I am not a practiced drinker.
[ Joshua claims it's only the alcohol, and Cain will buy it. For now!
The flush really makes him seem so cute, though. With a little laugh, he takes his now-free hand to gently pinch his bright red cheeks. Guess lightweights ("lightweights") are like that, huh? ]
Yeah. I think you did.
[ He laughs, fingers still firmly around the round of his cheeks. ]
You're so cute. Did you want to slow down? I don't mind.
[... !!! He should be totally outraged that his cheek is being pinched like a child !! ... !!!]
Cute... So you say- Perhaps you're also only drunk.
[His hand comes to push gently at Cain's chest. But he's not pushing...that hard. What is this, Joshua liking the attention like some touch-starved MAIDEN.]
[ Barely drunk! The beginnings of a buzz, if anything. Slowing down would be nothing to Cain. But everything to Joshua, it seems.
He laughs again, especially as Joshua's hand connects with his chest. Did he notice how muscly he was before that? Now he'll get to feel it! Enjoy those tits. ]
Are you sure? [ Cain teases. ] You're gonna have a nasty hangover tomorrow at this rate.
[Oh. That's a very muscly chest. Joshua will have to resist the very deep urge to run his hand over Cain's chest just to see how firm and nice those tits are- No, he won't do it! ... He's a gentleman!!
...] If I do, then I'll leave it to you to take care of me. We'll be sharing a room tonight, after all?
[The drinking is already making his head a little fuzzy. But he takes his drink and drinks more.]
That is what a knight is supposed to do, is it not? Take care of those weaker than them?
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quartia2024-10-23 06:53 pm
-> the hotel, cont'd
But they're not there yet. Speaking of crews, he's curious— ]
What kind of people you got on your crew? [ He peers over at him. ] I wanna meet them.
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The lobby is a busy collection of moogles and guests, all clamouring around the front desk to talk about room assignments. It's not a good sign if it's this congested in here. If the moogles have made all these mistakes and there really aren't any more rooms available... They might still have to share the one.
But Cain asks a question first, and Joshua looks fond.]
My crew is an oddball collection of fighters and scholars, I'm afraid. [They're a very mismatched crew.] But we're mostly a crew of explorers who wish to improve the world with the treasures we find. Several engineers, an apothecary, an architect, a savant. And my brother and his fiancé, as well. I'd be happy to introduce them to you if you like.
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[ Muttered under his breath as they come to the lobby. Man, those little guys really fucked up the system, huh? He might not be able to see anyone, but he sure can feel the warmth all the bodies give off, the murmur and clamor of people milling. He knows a crowd when he senses one.
Once they find their spot in line, Cain will let Joshua go. With no one else in particular to look at, he straightens himself and watches him talk. ]
That's what they'd call a motley crew, huh? That's awesome! [ Even above the all the voices, Cain's is loud. He sounds genuinely thrilled by what he hears. ] I definitely want to meet them. Especially your brother and stuff! [ Damn, he lucked out with family... And they have a noble cause, too! ] Are you paladins, then?
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[Joshua looks just a little anxious but he's glad for the conversation between them in the meantime. He even chuckles softly again.]
Actually, we're corsairs.
[The whole crew is a bunch of bloody pirates!! ... Good ones, though. With a couple of paladins randomly sprinkled in.]
Let's just say we weren't always made to agree with others back on our home star. It seems to have translated that way here, as well.
[Sometimes you have you push a little to learn a little. Freedom to learn, freedom to expand and grow. At its finest.]
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Man, he really reminds him of Heath.
But once Joshua drops that they're corsairs, the look of surprise is really obvious on his face. ]
You're pirates?!
[ He practically shouts this? He doesn't notice if anyone looks at him (he can't see them).
He tilts his head, peering curiously at Joshua, like he'll find a hidden scar or tattoo or something. ]
I wasn't expecting that.
[ He hears what he says, but still! Recalibrating what he knows in his head... ]
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Is it really so shocking? I thought I might give off a sort of roguish appearance.
[Joshua doesn't wear clunky armour like a paladin might wear. He doesn't look like a peacekeeper. He wears easy tight leathers and loose fabrics that hang. A very corsair-like look! Or so he thinks. But for a real explanation,]
Corsairs aren't what you might first think they are. We are not thieves and cutthroats. We merely enjoy the treasure hunting aspect of it. The freedom to explore and choose as we wish. If there are discovers to be made to better the world along the way, then so be it.
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[ He thought corsairs were evildoers? Pillagers and chaos-makers and fearmongers? Joshua reminded Cain so much of Heathcliff that he just assumed he was on the paladins' side.
What Joshua wears is honestly pretty similar to how Cain was thinking about dressing himself once he got the extra pocket money; right now his darker, elegant clothes and neatly done tie don't really speak to one crew or another. He just doesn't have anything besides what he came in.
So ultimately, Cain ends up bursting into laughter, too. He claps Joshua on the shoulder and gives him a little squeeze. ]
I see, I see. Sorry about that. I guess I just got the wrong impression of corsairs.
[ He was this close to tying him—wait what ]
I'm a paladin, and I just didn't get the troublemaker vibe from you, y'know? I thought we'd be on the same team.
[ Said tongue-in-cheek, of course. ]
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He finds himself softly chuckling as well.]
That's quite alright. I've made friendships with a few other paladins before as well. It's nice to know it won't be a problem.
[But speaking of problems... The moogles at the front counter seem to wiggle and wave them forward, in which that they're promptly told that they can't do anything about the mistaken rooms, kupo! There's no rooms left, kupo!!]
I ... I see. Perhaps this means we'll have to share the room, after all.
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[ Cain musses his bangs with a hand, gazing out over the crowd of people he can't see. He's kind of sympathetic for the people at the desk, but kind of not. If they wanted to cause chaos, they sure managed that well...
But soon, he brightens! A grin crosses his face as he turns back to Joshua. ]
Oh well! That's not a bad thing, right? It's just for a night. We'll survive.
[ It could be worse!
He'll start making his way away from the desk, motioning for Joshua to follow. ]
We don't have to go straight back, right? Wanna grab a drink?
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A drink? I don't suppose that would be a problem. Alright.
[It won't be a problem, right?? Joshua isn't a very good drinker, he's lightweight as all hell. But one drink won't be a bad thing. Right??]
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Hopefully other hotel patrons don't have the same idea they do. Cain can't see, but he can feel and hear the hum of activity getting quieter. So hopefully they'll more or less have the bar to themselves.
Not like the walk is very long, though. So the small talk is quite small. ]
You drink much? I'd ask if you party a lot, but you don't strike me as the type.
[ But Joshua could prove him wrong! ]
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The question Cain gives him has Joshua looking a little shy, his lips frowning oh so slightly as he looks away with a soft chuckle.]
You would assume right, I don't find myself "partying" all that often. My crew has its fair share of drinks and nights chatting together but I ... I am not a big drinker myself.
[Not that he doesn't want to be! He's just a light weight! He enjoys a glass of wine occasionally! And he likes alcohol ciders!]
You, on the other hand. Does that mean you enjoy drinking? You do seem the type.
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That last bit makes Cain laugh, though. ]
How'd you guess? [ He's an easy read. ] I only usually party if the situation calls for it, but the situation usually does!
But we'll take it easy tonight. [ He's not planning on turning the bar into a club and he doesn't want to make Joshua sick! He gives him a hearty slap on the back, partial reassurance and partial physical push towards the seating. With a grand sweep of his other hand— ] Lead the way, Josh!
[ Sorry, were nicknames allowed? Also, he can't see what seats are taken, so better let Joshua pick first. ]
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It's only Joshua, if you don't mind...! [Although, Joshua does laugh too, feeling a bit lighthearted about it. He only lets Midadol call him Josh!!]
Once we've shared more than one night of drinks together, than I'll see about you calling me that.
[As a nice middle point. He nods.]
But this is a good night to celebrate. To new friends?
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Oh, sorry 'bout that! Couldn't help myself.
[ He slides in beside him, mood cheery, not letting the apology linger. ]
But sounds like you've got more nights of drinks in mind! I'm glad you like me that much already. [ There's a tease in his tone and a grin on his face as he elbows Joshua.
He lifts a hand and calls for beer for the both of them (this isn't a shouty bar? oh well—), and the bartender promptly comes with tall glasses filled with amber liquid. Cain raises his to Joshua. ]
To night one of being friends!
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Cain is very friendly, either way. Joshua finds himself smiling in return and picking up the beer glass that's brought for them to enjoy.]
It must have been fate that those moogles managed to book us into the same room, after all. But, I do find you quite fun to be around already.
[Yes, he does like Cain! He gently clinks his glass to Cain's.]
To us.
[Drink!!! Luckily, the beer is fairly mild, so it doesn't burn Joshua's throat all that much to drink it. But that also means it's very easy to drink...]
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Cain chugs, probably downing a bit more than Joshua drinks, and it does go down easy. His expression doesn't even change; he drinks it like water. How many is he planning on going through? He drinks less like he's at a bar and more like he's at a rough tavern. ]
I could say the same for you! Fate, luck, or whatever you call it, I'm grateful you're the one I got stuck with.
[ Anyway, he leans into Joshua's space and slings an arm around his shoulder. They're buddies now, and this is what he does to his buddies. ]
A scholar, huh? Did you tell me what you were studying?
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So he takes another quick drink- only to cough a little when Cain's arm wraps around his shoulders. It's a friendly gesture, of course! But Joshua can't help the way it makes his cheeks feel warm. At this angle, Cain is very... good-looking?]
I- [AHEM.] Yes, I'm a scholar of sorts, although I've never had formal learning besides my tutors. I'm mostly self-taught and much too curious. Years and years of reading every book in sight.
[Because he had to learn everything he could while growning up basically underground.]
It's mostly old histories, I'm afraid. Nothing terribly exciting.
[He's a nerd, okay...]
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What are you talking about? [ There's a little tease and a laugh in his voice, bright and sunny as he always is. ] History's important. Tells us a lot about why the way things are now. But—
[ Cain puts his beer down and with his hand, now freed, he playfully pokes Joshua in the side. ]
If you think it's exciting, then it is exciting. I hope you're not putting down something you genuinely enjoy.
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I agree, history is what helps us learn who we are. Seeing the past helps us see the future.
[He's just going to keep on talking about what makes history so good and important then?!]
I do genuinely enjoy it. And it's not all drawling lectures as one might think. Some bits of history are so interesting it's like witnessing a stage play. Daring heroes, soldiers going to war, winning princes and princesses, intrigue through lies and truth...
[It's all very exciting! ...]
It's all very exciting to me.
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He likes seeing the joy in his face and in his tone, the dreams that shine behind his eyes, the essence of who he is behind whatever the world has decided to hoist onto him. He likes that. And when something stirs in Cain, he decides that he doesn't want Joshua to have a bad day, ever, so long as he has this former knight on his side. ]
Good. That's all that matters.
[ He likes stories about knights, too, but he won't get into that right at this moment. There's something else he needs to address.
He pokes Joshua in the side again, grin widening even further. ]
You're cute when you're excited.
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[Joshua then absolutely realizes that Cain had just effortlessly coaxed Joshua into rambling on about history and stories and how fascinating those things are to him. Only a breath before, Joshua had been saying he didn't want to bore Cain with his rambling and yet... He ended up doing it anyway! How did this happen?!
He flushes warmly, a small charmed smile on his lips as he tries to hide it away with the rim of his glass.]
And you're charming without even trying, Cain.
[Oh. This is... a bit funny. He laughs softly.]
I wasn't going to spout off my interests like an excited child.
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He takes the compliment with ease, too. He'll squeeze Joshua's shoulder and give him a little shake. He definitely wasn't deliberately trying to charm him, but he'll take it. ]
You don't have to be a kid to get excited about something. I get excited about stuff all the time, and I'm grown up. Like stories about knights—you should tell me one or two you know.
[ He leans towards the table, one arm still around Joshua. He rests his elbow on the table and waves to the bartender for more. More!
When his attention goes back to Joshua, his one visible golden eye is a bit softer than it was a moment before. ]
Besides, excitement looks good on you.
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[It says something about Cain entirely, seeing as Joshua usually isn't easily charmed. While he can be naive and inexperienced, he's usually not one to fall for charming attitudes! ... But here he is.
Perhaps because Cain has been nothing but genuine with him. The conversation feels natural, as if they've been friends for a long time. Even that hand that jostles Joshua's shoulder only has him smiling, almost sheepishly, in return.]
Then you should tell me about what is exciting for you, in return. I want to hear about what riles you up as well.
[He leans in to the other just slightly, seeing as Cain's arm is still around his shoulders in such a friendly manner.]
Tell me what knight stories you might like, then I'll regale of you of one that I know.
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...Hell, they may as well be friends already, right? ]
I'm kinda glad you asked, actually. [ He's obviously excited! His tone is light, and when Joshua leans in on him, he squeezes him a bit, holding him there. ] There's so many, it's hard to pick just one...
[ Once another round of beers come, he quickly takes his glass and takes a sip. Slower than usual, so he can give himself time to think. ]
Might have to be Roland. He was one of the very first captains of my order...
[ When he talks, he sounds and looks like a kid talking about all the cool things they did and saw on summer vacation. His eyes shine, his smile reaches every corner of his expression, and his tone lilts as though in song. It's easy to tell Cain wanted to be just like his mythical hero when he was a kid... ]
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A legend of sorts, then? Was it he that inspired you to join?
[Do tell more!
He does finally find the beer and takes another to start nursing it as well. Now that he's fairly flushed in the cheeks from the booze, he starts to drink it deeper. Hmmm. Maybe he can get through more?]
You do seem quite the heroic type, Cain. I can see you being a knight in shinning armour in a story. Am I correct?
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[ Cain starts at his new glass of beer, and he's pleased by how cold it is. This is gonna be a good night. He can feel it.
He pulls the glass away with a loud laugh on his lips, and he squeezes Joshua tighter. ]
Aww, you flatter me. [ It touches him in a different way, than hearing it coming from...a certain other person's mouth. ] I just do what I can to protect others where I can. But, thank you. Maybe I'll get to be your knight in shining armor in real life sometime!
[ He's definitely joking...!
He'll place his glass down and then tilt his head to peer at Joshua's face, a big grin on his lips. ]
Man, your face is all red.
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Forgive me, it's ... It's only the alcohol.
[...!! It's more than that. Joshua is enjoying this chance encounter with Cain. It has been pleasant. And while Joshua knows it's entirely childish to think such thoughts after only meeting this man just hours before... He finds him very interesting. Attractive. A heroic knight-]
Did I mention it before? I am ... I am not a practiced drinker.
[Please don't tease him...!!]
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The flush really makes him seem so cute, though. With a little laugh, he takes his now-free hand to gently pinch his bright red cheeks. Guess lightweights ("lightweights") are like that, huh? ]
Yeah. I think you did.
[ He laughs, fingers still firmly around the round of his cheeks. ]
You're so cute. Did you want to slow down? I don't mind.
[ Their night would last longer if they did. ]
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Cute... So you say- Perhaps you're also only drunk.
[His hand comes to push gently at Cain's chest. But he's not pushing...that hard. What is this, Joshua liking the attention like some touch-starved MAIDEN.]
Do not slow down on my accord...
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He laughs again, especially as Joshua's hand connects with his chest. Did he notice how muscly he was before that? Now he'll get to feel it! Enjoy those tits. ]
Are you sure? [ Cain teases. ] You're gonna have a nasty hangover tomorrow at this rate.
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...] If I do, then I'll leave it to you to take care of me. We'll be sharing a room tonight, after all?
[The drinking is already making his head a little fuzzy. But he takes his drink and drinks more.]
That is what a knight is supposed to do, is it not? Take care of those weaker than them?