culero | IC CONTACT

You jest, but the tavern in my city is called the Coin Tavern.

[Which is technically because the guard it's primarily for are called the Coin Guard, but it still sounds like "money bar," now that he thinks about it.

He sips more of his car leak drink and scrolls past more food items he has never heard of in his life... Hmm... Well maybe he'll just scroll very quickly and order the first thing his finger lands on-- there, this won't go sideways at all.]

Will you have rough wooden tables and an abundance of mostly-melted candles? I'd love an authentic, homey experience.

Coin Tavern, huh?

[Jackie's brows raise up as his expression goes from amused to intrigued. It would be a pretty unique way to dress up a bar--give it a theme. He rubs his hand over a little stubble starting to make an appearance under his chin in thought, nodding because it sounds gonk enough to work.]

Locals here might find it "unique" and the people from worlds similar to ours would be able to get what we're going for. [That's not a royal we. He's unwittingly roping Constantin into this wild business idea.] Might need you to help me with authenticity, and drink selection and development. [Jackie cants his head to one side as he pours himself and his companion both glasses of wine.]

Interested?

Do I want to commodify and market how out of place I am, for fun? [This is maximum relic, but still,] I may as well. You will need someone to test the precision of the creaking floorboards, at the very least.

[And it's something to think about besides his actual, real job, so the distraction is a solid benefit! Great idea!]

My first suggestion is nothing should glow.

Don't worry. There'll be something in it for you. [Jackie just hasn't put much thought into it since all of this is just now coming to him and he's plotting out loud to see if it sounds good enough for someone to go along with.]

Constantin, the wood creaking whisperer. A title I'm sure you never had before.

[Jackie looks down into his wine glass and nods, glad it's not aglow with some strange artificially flavored substance.] Couldn't agree more, my friend.

[Ah-- pfft, the wood creaking whisperer gets him to laugh, holding up the last dregs of his oily drink to toast to this absurd new "title."]

Constantin d'Orsay, speaker for the lumber! Unique.

[And as much as he has had most of a few drinks already, he can't help but think, how would one go about acquiring a business license in this fair city? Hours of bothering someone down at the Embassy, for a start, to be certain-- but! That's a future business endeavor problem.

Just kidding he's still thinking about it, just in the fun and funny way instead of the paperwork queues way:]

How many hands do you imagine one has to hold to generate adequate funds for stock enough for a proper tavern? A dozen? More?

You'd be an irreplaceable asset to the team. Hypothetical team.

[Although the longer he thinks about it the more he intends to make it a reality. His mother would be proud if she could see him following in her footsteps. He doubts she had to woo anyone to get the funding for her bar though.]

Realistically speaking, it would be more efficient to forgo the handholding for the things that would provide a better return for the time and effort, right? [Jackie is thankful that there's wine because the dark color of Constantin's oily drink is really starting to look less appetizing by the moment.]

Edited 2021-02-16 00:15 (UTC)

[Just pretend his oily drink is really dark blue or something, he'll be done with it soon enough. Then: wine! Nothing can go wrong.]

You don't want to be a man about town, recklessly darting from hand to hand? [haha... anyway,] I suppose it depends on how eager you are to dive into the depths of business.

[Handholding economy is paying for these drinks, as it happens. But, well!]

Still, good point.

[A man about town? Ah, right. He has to recalibrate his thinking back to what society might have been like in Constantin's time. Holding hands (or more) with people one wasn't due to be married to was probably severely frowned upon in some places, and punishable by death in others--hard to guess about that shit so he decides to ask.]

It's not a big deal. You probably won't feel it right away, but more...er...modern people don't have any kind of hang ups with it. Sex is, or can be, a casual interaction. No marriage necessary, and no one would judge anyone for it. No one with any sense.

[Which also begs the question:] You've fucked before, right?

[Oh, handy; he hadn't anticipated much in the way of moral objections in a place telling its new residence they will be paid according to intimacy, but anything less than clandestine is a step up, certainly. Clandestine and mostly began in taverns, ironically enough.

Ah, modern marvels. The possibilities are indeed endless.]

I assure you, no one has worried about the surety of my marriage prospects in some time. But yes, quite— I doubly assure you that I have no qualms about it, personally.

[Like, he doesn't say fuck, but that's because his very worst swear is a well placed "damn," which is a different thing entirely. He sips the wine, gesturing back and forth between them both with an index finger. Now, begging the question part two:]

Is this leading to an offer or neighborly concern?

[Jackie can't help but laugh at the thought of marriage. It seemed like a luxury for the rich at times, and more of a legal matter than anything meaningful. Or maybe his way of thinking is generational? He's unsure, but what he does know is that if people had to be pure of body to marry then it's no wonder less people are bothering with it in 2077.]

Don't worry. I'm not asking for your hand in marriage, but I am interested in this business idea of ours. It's kinda like a marriage, of sorts.

[So hearing that Constantin has no moral objection to it is nice. And by the looks of it being with men doesn't seem to be as much of an issue as Jackie thought it might be. With all the horror stories he's heard about the past maybe he was too quick to judge.]

Depends.. I'm not sure someone like you would be interested in someone like me. In that way. [Constantin can read into that a number of ways, Jackie doesn't bother to clarify his meaning.]

[Constantin raises an eyebrow, making a cursory effort to mentally sift through reasons one might object; obviously not marriage, as no one cares about that— nor being with men, or he wouldn't have brought it up himself. Being a wealthy governor type among not-governor-types? That could do it.

For other people in his high society peer group, anyway, that could do it. He waves a hand, like, never mind whatever it's supposed to be, please. Unless he's missed something, it's a nonissue. And if he has missed something, is it an issue in itself... Never mind.]

Someone like me... Nonsense! With or without business incentives, I would.

[He'll draw up a contract: I, the undersigned, am totally feeling it, as decreed on this the whateverth day of who knows what month, etc, etc. Or just this frank assertion, which is easier and not so embarrassing.]

So! How does that sound?

[It's the latter. While it's not Jackie's business why someone like Constantin might want to slum it with him, the thought did cross his mind. Without being terribly specific he'd let the other man know the sort of work he had to do for a living, and he doesn't need to be from that time to know that a governorship is a very respected position to hold.

Still, Constantin seems genuine. With or without business incentives sounds like someone who is genuinely interested. Jackie clears his throat, bringing wine to his mouth to hide that maybe he's ~~a little bit~~ extremely flattered by that disclaimer.]

Sounds like you could do much better than me. [He starts, but shrugs his shoulders in defeat of himself.] But I'm interested. For business or recreational purposes. [And now that all his cards are on the table he lets himself take in Constantin again, from the color of his deep set eyes to the angle of his cheekbones. It's hard to pinpoint which single feature makes him attractive, but Jackie settles on his lips before remembering not to stare.]

[Well, it's not the most... cheerful proposition-type discussion he's ever had, but the declaration of mutual interest goes a long way, for certain. He's unaccustomed to being looked at someone who could "do better" in all ways except, well— the literal self-improvement kind of way. How many times had he been lectured about acting appropriately to his station or else losing it? That's the only "do better" he's familiar with, ultimately.

So, in fact, it's all good right here. The authentically ancient and relic-y tavern may be naught but an idea and a twinkle in the eye, as of yet, but in the meantime, a ruggedly handsome man who is politely flattered by his overtures is an excellent choice of company, if he does say so himself.]

Then I believe we have an accord. [Which he realizes right as he says it is incredibly lame in this context, so instead,] And if you aren't in the mood to flatter yourself, then I will gladly take up the mantle and do it for you.

So formal.

[Jackie laughs, but there's something endearing about the way Constantin speaks, even when he isn't speaking formally. Maybe just the syntax of the era has that feel to it. As much as he teases him about it, Jackie doesn't mind at all.]

I don't need any flattery, but I'm not going to stop you either. [He offers a sheepish grin at the other man. It's been a while since he's had to woo anyone or even flirt. There's part of him that wonders if he even has the confidence he had when he was younger to shamelessly put himself out there. So far doing the bare minimum is working alright until he feels the confidence to not ruin things with someone he's enjoying the company of.] I just meant that I'm probably not like the men you're used to. Am I?

That depends; do you know how to sail a boat?

[You know who really likes taverns in port cities? Sailors. That's neither here nor there, really, but just in case the opportunity ever arises to learn to sail... He's just saying.]

To be entirely honest, it's been a small age since I last had the time to, you know- [he wiggles his fingers, like, you know] -let loose. My position being what it is, the city being so very young and in need— so! I should think it hardly matters what I've been up to before.

[But let him take a moment to earnestly give Jackie an overt once-over, considering. An endearing smile in a handsome face! And a very impressive physique that surely would allow him to lift someone who is, oh, maybe roughly Constantin's height and build with relative ease!

But they are in public, so,] Well, the men I'm used to aren't as charming to talk to, I will give you that.

No, but I'm a fast learner.

[Unless sailing a boat was the same as driving a car he doesn't feel confident enough to answer that question with yes. And he's pretty sure Constantin isn't referencing anything like a yacht or speedboat that run and operate much like cars do.]

How long is a small age? I don't think it's something you can forget, anyway.

[It's not really important, but Jackie is curious and the wine has broken down that respectable barrier he usually has between himself and people he's only just met. Maybe it doesn't really make much sense to mind himself so closely when they've already agreed that there's mutual interest. Jackie catches that compliment right out of the air and finds himself grinning about it as he pours more wine--this'll be the last one. Maybe.]

Want to go somewhere more quiet?

[Start with a sailboat, maybe. A rowboat. A robust raft.

Anyway, he holds up a few fingers, genuinely counting for a beat before he waves it off.]

A year, I suppose? A year and a half, who can say. Nevertheless— a small age!

[It's a busy job, and also he spent several months on a boat, but like, in close quarters with a close relative, so that's a mood killer. Simply put: it has been A While.]

Let's not dwell on it! You and I are here, now, and— yes, I would very much enjoy getting out of here-here.

[After he taps on this menu screen until it pays for his many drinks, several of which he didn't get to, but after the paint sludge he's willing to take that loss.]

[Jackie whistles when he gets a number. It's not that he thinks it's an absurdly long amount of time, but with a face like Constantin's he couldn't imagine there was any lack of interested parties. Being busy enough to not have time for romance seems almost tragic.]

If it makes you feel better at all, I've been with the same person for a..small age, but she's unfortunately not here. [Or fortunately, considering he's not sure this place is as safe as the locals are allowing them to believe. Jackie doesn't let himself get too distracted again, and pays for his portion of drinks, taking the bottle of wine along with him for the road. He's pleasantly tipsy at the moment but maybe that might change? No sense in leaving it behind if he's paid for it already.]

After you. [He keeps himself in front of the sensor for the automatic doors so they stay open while Constantin passes by. Although he's not quite sure where they're going, he figures walking toward the public housing building would be a safe bet.]

[Constantin scoffs, amused; yes, yes, a whole year and change, it must be divine punishment. He'd been laden with other concerns that he imagines would still plague him if he hadn't suddenly been dropped in a crater here, so— pros, cons. So much to do, and yet...!

Anyway,] Really! Oh— [Oh, and he's wobblier than expected for a moment when he stands too quickly, taking a moment to get his bearings before heading for the door.]

Now then— Is she very sweet? Fun, exciting?

[He is earnestly curious, and only after he's asked wondering if this is perhaps not a topic Jackie wants to talk about, given his mystery lady's absence. So, ah,] Or! Something else.

[Superb save by Constantin, thank you.]

[Jackie manages to spot the instability in Constantin's stride before anything dangerous happens, and his hand finds a spot on his companion's lower back. He's tipsy himself but still steady on his feet, he thinks.]

Careful. [Eventually he pulls his hand back but stays close enough that he can catch Constantin if he needs to.] She's considerate, thoughtful, and patient...[The conversation does make him miss his input, but Misty is probably better off without him..] Between the two of us, she was the dependable one. Wise, empathetic, a real badass too. Never afraid of anything--complete opposite of me.

[Oh no, he's drunk and chatty now. What have you done? On the bright side, they're not far from home if Constantin hasn't changed his mind yet.]

[No no, this is very endearing— It's sweet, hearing the things other people treasure the most about their most treasured, drunk and chatty or otherwise. Constantin hums, brilliantly pivoting on his heel to actually, intentionally walk backwards for a moment here— only a little unsteadily, to his credit, but how can he best gesture broadly if they are simply side by side? Please understand.]

She must be a stupendous woman! [Bold and empathetic and thoughtful; honestly, it reminds him of his equally absent cousin, but he'll keep a lid on his multi-hour gushing about dear cousin for, ah, now.] Any world I can think of would be made that much more worthwhile with more people like that, don't you think?

[What a wonderful world that would be...! And he passes right by the doors into public housing, backwards and wistful as he insists on being, woops--] Oh! Home sweet home.

[Jackie is tipsy but not so far down the hole of intoxication that he doesn't worry about the riskiness of walking backward. He at least tries not to show it as he continues the conversation.]

Claro! World would be a lot less shitty with more people than that. People like you, too. [Jackie turns to collect his friend when he walks too far, stopping him with a well-mannered hand to the back of his torso as he pivots Constantin to change direction and head into the building.]

Like me! Imagine— I couldn't possibly.

[He's far too accustomed to people giving him a hard time for his enthusiasm, his carrying on— but it's an appreciable change to be told otherwise! A little more than normal with the pleasant buzz, and he leans back against Jackie's hand just a bit, like maybe he will tip over for fun!

But no, anyway...] You are flattering me. Come, let's have another drink.

[Jackie doesn't mind Constantin's enthusiasm for, well, everything so far. It's endearing and makes him easy to be around. Especially when he's finding fun in teasing him about how things might be in the world he comes from.

So far he's just very impressed by how well Constantin is adjusting to a place like this. He's weirdly proud of him for it.]

I promise you if I drink anymore, the flattery will keep coming, but the language might change.

[He's automatically leading the way to his own unit, the bottle he'd taken from the bar for the road brought to his lips for a nice swing before he hands it off to Constantin to hold so he can let the two of them inside. Doesn't take more than a moment before he's inviting him inside and ushering him directly to his room since he's unsure if his room mate has anyone over. But, once in the quiet of his new bedroom (still feels odd calling it that), he takes a seat at the edge of it, waiting to see if Constantin has the balance to make it over to him.]

How much do you trust your constitution right now?

[Handing him the bottle of wine is close enough to having another drink; Constantin doesn't resist taking a swig of his own as Jackie hurries them into the next room, with another sip to follow when they get in there. That will do, although the great mystery is now where to put this bottle...]

No more or less than I usually do, [is his answer, although he makes the effort to cross over to Jackie and the bed without any spinning or going backwards or other carrying on, just in case. He has the wherewithal to put effort into not wobbling around, at least, and the pluck to bump their knees together when he gets there anyway. Tada, he's done it, everyone is impressed.

He holds the bottle back out, as well. Much as the supposedly very different flattery does appeal, alright— if there is a time to dial it back, this is probably that moment. Goodbye, wine...]

Precisely how robust must my constitution be, at this very moment?

[He's not a) falling asleep or b) sick, so this is the highest tier scenario, obviously.]

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