culero | IC CONTACT

[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.]

[From the outside Constantin does seem like he's keeping it together pretty well. As long as he doesn't have to walk, it seems. Maybe this did count as the other man being able to keep up with him, so he thinks he'll entertain the idea of carrying out his end of the bargain.]

Enough that we can settle our agreement. You kept up drinking with me, and so I won't treat you like a relic.

[The height difference between them isn't extreme, so Jackie still has to tilt his head back from his seated position to look up at the other man standing before him. His hands come to settle at the backs of Constantin's thighs, initially to provide stability and support, but his hands venture higher up, feeling over parts of him that definitely cross the line of platonic gestures.

Jackie pulls him down to kneel on the bed, then settle onto his lap so they can be that much closer.]

Is this okay?

[Constantin hums and puts on a mock-thoughtful look, like oh, if it's about his overall relic quotient, perhaps he should recalculate— It hardly lasts a few seconds before he laughs lightly and nods. Oh, yes, the agreement. Very nice. Very gentlemanly, despite - or in this context, including those generous hands.

The degree to which Constantin is easy to manhandle (that is: high) is matched only by his readiness to make himself comfortable in Jackie's lap, sliding an arm over his shoulder and leaning in.]

Quite so. What you might do with an actual relic eludes me— send a few letters back and forth and brood about it, I suppose.

[So it doesn't elude him at all, actually, he was raised at court, but also: court is awful and this is much better.]

So, may I, a non-relic as previously agreed, kiss you now?

[Jackie doesn't know what treating Constantin like a relic might look like. The last "relic" he interacted with was a biochip that he put into his head to keep safe. He's certain he can't put a human man inside his head so he has no real answer for that.

What he does have is the ability to encourage Constantin nearer, unbuttoning some of the fastenings of the other man's outerwear while he speaks.]

Letters? [First he thinks of the alphabet--he can't help it. Physical mail isn't something that exists where he lives. Not unless there is risk of hackers and wanting to keep something offline.] Written letters? That sounds intimate and romantic.

[As if kissing wasn't either of those things. He nods in response to the request, closing the distance between their lips quickly to avoid unintentionally treating the man as a relic (again).]

[Constantin definitely can't fathom letters being archaic-- the text messages are close enough, but surely people still write things down? He will think about this in more detail... later, perhaps. Not now. Intimate and romantic isn't wrong, he supposes, humming a vague kind of affirmative before their lips meet. His boundless enthusiasm is tempered just so for this, insistent without being too hasty.

It's been a while, after all; he intends to savor it, fingers curling at the back of Jackie's neck, punctuating the end of the first kiss with a second little peck. Hm!]

An intimate correspondence is a fine supplement, sure. One moment—

[Just a second, for him to lean back enough to shrug his coat all the way off and drop it before he leans back in. Luckily, he is only wearing one old timey shirt today instead of several, which he could have been.

He's not done with the letters thing either, but he closes the distance for another kiss first - prioritizing.]

[Oh they exist, and provide a very specific function, but there are far faster and more efficient ways to communicate with others. Maybe one day he'll tell Constantin more about it--in a letter.

The thought brings a smile to Jackie's face, causing him to smirk into the lips pressed right against his own. If there was any doubt in his mind before, he's pleasantly drunk. And Constantin still has the taste of wine on his lips which Jackie doesn't mind. In fact, he's about to use his tongue for a more direct taste when Constantin leans back to shrug off his coat.

He follows that lead, doing the same with his jacket to reveal the tank-top like undershirt he's had on beneath it. Something that left very little to the imagination, and even the fabric that covered his torso clung tightly to his muscles. Jackie has forgotten all about the letters by the time they're kissing again--his fingers inching up the inside of Constantin's shirt bit by bit.]

[Write him many letters— putting his insatiable thoughts to paper is the only way to get him to hush out loud for more than a few minutes. It's a great plan; luckily kissing is an equally good distraction right this second, as is the very compelling draw of a snug undershirt. He fumbles blindly for the hem of it, pushing the material up with one hand and sliding eager fingers over bare skin with the other.

So, another great idea, and he hums against Jackie's mouth with satisfaction for both sets of hands roaming around here; his own shirt is loose almost to the point of excess, easy to get a feel up under. His gem is under there, too, a palm-sized emerald that sits just above his hip.

Back, then, to talking about letters— no, no. Constantin deepens the kiss, and while everything is warm hands and the buzz of liquor and the lingering taste of wine, indulging in this a while longer is more than alright.]

[Jackie's gem is thankfully harder to accidentally come across as he's still unsure that he approves of it on his person, but it's a similar emerald gem at the base of his spine. And if he's lucky tramp stamps didn't exist where Constantin comes from so he shouldn't have anything to tease him over--maybe.

He's curious about the gem thing, though. His hand rubs over the spot on the other male's hip a couple times, the texture of it and the skin around it so incredibly different that it's hard to believe they can't just fall right out. The kiss is likely the only thing saving Constantin from a similarly excessive amount of questions that he's not even sure anyone has answers to.

Best to just enjoy the moment for what it is. Jackie doesn't even need to take the shirt off of his companion since the neck is low and the fit is loose. It's the least offensive bit of material on his new friend.]

What do you like? [Hopefully there is no problem in how vague he is with the question. It should be reasonably understandable given the context...maybe. Jackie only pulls back from the kiss to speak, but his hands continue to explore new terrain, fingertips brushing over one of Constantin's nipples idly as he awaits some response.]

[The gem is profoundly odd, to say the least, but Constantin has managed to ignore it until right this very moment. It's odd enough that he can hardly tell if the stone itself can feel touch, or if it's simply the press from Jackie's hand into skin that provides all the sensation, but, ah— it's different is the best he can come up with. Touching it yields a pleasant kind of jolt that could just as easily be from such a low spot on his body being touched at all, so, well!

Gems! Who knows! The attention to it makes him sputter out a short laugh all the same, surprised somehow by the fascination. Then again, Jackie is the one with... something or other that Constantin does not understand in? on? his face, but perhaps stones are not so popular in the distant future? Hmm.

Well, anyway, a question to answer while sliding a hand up under the front of Jackie's tank top now, considering. Some honest groping is always high on the list, so there's one thing.]

To have a good time and be thoroughly taken and embraced in the aftermath. [Who doesn't like an old fashioned bang and a cuddle? He raises an eyebrow, a thought occurring to him:] How behind the times am I in this regard?

[Real question; is sex, like, super weird now??]

[Jackie likes the sound of that response, already grinning before he even gets the opportunity to respond to it.]

I think that transcends time, don't worry. Unless you wanna be particularly adventurous?

[Sex is just about as weird as it has always been. He genuinely believes that. Maybe the stigma surrounding it is different depending on where or when a person comes from, but the act itself is hard to improve or ruin one way or the other. Which isn't to say there aren't new ways to add a few twists. They probably existed before but went unspoken about?]

Good thing these units come with lube. [Jackie adds, easing up so he can reach over to the night stand and grab the stuff. He refrains from making any jokes about what they used for lube in Constantin's day, and instead turns the other man over to lie on his back while he takes his time getting Constantin out of his pants.]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject