[ Fabian gives permission for every single kiss that falls on his cheeks - his own little answers, more like affirmative hums - just as playful as Gorgug's own requests for permission. He knows it's all meant a little jokingly, a little sweetly, but..
He likes that. There's something about the sweetness he likes, something he never really stopped to consider while he was busy trying to chase down the most toxic relationships known to men because he simply didn't know what else to do. His parents never taught him that sometimes romance can just be this. That it can just be your heart feeling light while your face is in someone else's hands, when the press of their fingertips near your ears feels like a pleasant tickle. Maybe they could have informed him sooner, if not just so he would have something more pleasant to distract him from the general unpleasantness of this place.
Fabian is quiet for once, not yapping at ten miles an hour while he allows Gorgug to place as many kisses on his face as the other wants. It's only when it slows down that Fabian speaks up again, still smiling. ]
Do you want to stay here tonight?
[ It sounds too sweet to be him asking for sex. ]
I don't think I can just let you back to your own room now.
Okay. [ There's no hesitation, no thought given to the idea. There's a nice comfort here right now that Gorgug isn't having to think at all. Not even as he says, ] We might have to fix up the bed if I'm going to be in it a lot more. I'll do it another day.
[ Because there's no implication here that Gorgug will have a place in Fabian's bed more often: it's outright stated, isn't it? Gorgug lets his hands slip farther back, fingers tangling into each other as they cup around Fabian's neck. His heart is giddy, and he's both tired but also rather enjoying what they have right here, that even Gorgug feels the need to say more. Thinking to himself things that he never made clear in his past relationship well, but also wanting to be careful about this new one between him and Fabian, and... ]
I don't know if it's too early to say I loves you, [ he starts, ] but I really like you, and you're one of my best friends. And you've really been there for me these past few months. [ His smile is bright on his mouth, but it twitches, as giddy as the rest of Gorgug; who can't even keep his gaze still, but always making sure to have it to return to Fabian's eye. ] And I'm happy to be sharing this with you. Whatever it turns out to be.
[ He looks a little surprised to hear those words so directly. Not a bad kind of surprise, but more just.. well, it's not like Fabian exactly comes from the department of being direct with your feelings. Maybe some feelings, but not these. It feels like trying to navigate a tightrope, but something about Gorgug's sweet presence makes it at least feel like there's a net there. Like it's fine, even if he falls. That it'll be alright.
Still, Fabian does need a second after Gorgug is done speaking to address those words. Looking a little flustered, maybe even weirdly shy by Fabian standards, but managing to speak all the same. ]
Yeah.
[ It's just that at first, which basically translates to same, to all of that, but it's not like he can just leave it at that. ]
I-- I will admit I started liking you because of.. you know. The wilder stuff, let's say. [ Since he doesn't want to refer back to Dominant Gorgug in as many words when there's so much baggage attached to that for the other, and that's not something he wants to drag into the sweetness here. ] But.. when you discovered I was not doing well, you were so sweet to me. Especially since I did not really know how to deal with it, and you tried to help me figure out ways.
[ Like just sitting with it. Just cuddling. It's not something mister "shove everything down and try to focus on 20 other things" over here has ever done before. ]
And I realized I really like that side of you too. So.. erm. Hence.. this.
[ This!! Whatever it turns out to be, indeed. ]
I-- I think I like the sound of the term 'boyfriend' in this case. Even if I will have to get used to it. [ Translation: he's a little shy. For how much a guy like Fabian can brag, he's a baby about the actual emotional stuff.. Just a soft baby.. ] But either way, I would-- I would like for this to just be between us. As in.. If you won't kiss anyone else, then I won't kiss anyone else either.
[ Yes, he's asking to be exclusive.
Just still being a shy baby about it. Just look at that flustered Fabian face. ]
[ It's okay if Fabian starts off slow--Gorgug likes to go slow himself, so he's patient as he listens and waits. For Fabian to speak, but also for him to get through his own feelings. This is new, isn't it? Without actually being entirely new, as Fabian has admitted: they've both been dancing around certain feelings for a while.
But it's strange (again--in that good way!) to think that trying to be a better friend made Gorgug like him like this. When it was Fabian sharing his vulnerabilities to begin with that made Gorgug try to listen more, be more thoughtful about his relationships and how his friends were doing. Funny, then, that a little more attention thrown Fabian's way could get him to...like like him.
...it's even sweeter with how shyly Fabian is speaking, too. That's definitely what Gorgug's paying a lot of attention to as well.
But he's nodding, when Fabian admits that he has to get used to the term boyfriends, and that he'd like to be exclusive. Not speaking up immediately at that end, but- ]
Okay. That's cool. I can just kiss you. [ But look at him this time not asking if that means he can kiss him right now. He's behaving! ] But when you say you want this to be between us... do you want to keep it on the down low for a while? We live-- there's Riz.
[ And, you know... Gorgug doesn't mind keeping things to between them, but if they're keeping their relationship hush hush for a while, Gorgug will need to keep that in mind around their roommate. Their pal. Their Tenacious Lad. ]
And the mention of him seems to make Fabian grow quiet for a moment. If he knew the full extent of Riz's issues, this likely would be even a little bit more complicated. But even without that knowledge, Fabian frowns a little.
It's not a huge mood drop or anything, but he certainly seems to be struggling with more than just fluster at this point. He looks concentrated, like he really has to think about this, for some reason. ]
I don't mind letting him know. [ It doesn't feel right to keep a secret that big from their friend, after all. Having Riz be the only person out of the loop just feels Bad. ] But it's just..
[ Witness the struggle. Apparently whatever Fabian is about to say is the thing that's making him speak so slowly in the first place, drawing his eyebrows together to think. ]
Do you think it would be.. weird for him?
[ Fabian sounds so unsure as he asks that - because he has no idea. They've never done this whole dating thing within the group of the Bad Kids, so Fabian doesn't know if it'd be weird. He certainly couldn't really imagine any of their four friends dating each other, so maybe Riz would think the same thing about him and Gorgug? ]
No. As long as we tell him nothing's changed between the three of us.
[ Gorgug can see the uncertainty as much as he hears it in Fabian's tone, but there's no doubt to Gorgug's answer for him. Sure, it might be odd (in the way that Gorgug wondered if any of the Bad Kids would ever be into another Bad Kid?), but not the kind that means anything. They're all friends first. There's only one thing that comes to Gorgug's mind, and... ]
You two sleep together sometimes, right? You can let him know-- I'm okay if you keep doing that. I'm not gonna get jealous. You don't have to stop.
[ Friendship dynamics. That's what Gorgug thinks they need to consider, if anything, even though right now, the sleeping arrangements is the one point he can think of... ]
[ Fabian's jaw drops a little when Gorgug brings up the whole sleeping thing. Of course Fabian is well aware that Gorgug also knows that it's definitely not a sexy thing, that it's definitely just sleeping, but there's something in Fabian that can't help but immediately says: ]
Y-Yes, but that's-- It's different! [ Technically not. After all, cuddling up against Gorgug or cuddling up with Riz are practically for the same reason for Fabian - just comfort. It's comforting to have his friends so close to him while he sleeps, sharing that physicality. ] You know I'm not-- Me and the Ball are not--
[ His face is so red, but it's not because he's lying, okay. Fabian is just a flustered weenie.
As always. ]
We are best friends! There is nothing to be jealous of to begin with..!
[ So much to say, and all for something Gorgug clearly seems okay with in the first place.. And already said he wouldn't be jealous of.. ]
[ Wow, this is exactly like the situations in fanfics where people reveal they're in love with other people....
...that Gorgug doesn't read, so it means nothing to Gorgug. Except he's thinking about what Fabian's saying, as he does. Because he just said he wouldn't get jealous, but with Fabian saying there's nothing to get jealous of... is that true? Could he get jealous?
Maybe. But he also isn't sure if it's worth saying that, so. It's a distracting thought for a moment. ]
I can sleep with other people too, then?
[ There isn't a good reason that he asks it. Truthfully, it's just because Fabian's being so flustered and panicking over it that Gorgug asks something that....just comes first to his head. Fabian is saying a thing, so he is going to ask a question based on that thing.
[ Fabian being flustered doesn't help with that question. Because he's just worked up enough that for a moment he imagines Gorgug saying sleep with other people in an entirely different way than the other obviously means - the way Fabian was vehemently denying only a moment ago.
He quickly banishes the thought from his head, considering it's giving him a really weird feeling down in his stomach that he doesn't want to think about enough to find out what it is. ]
W-Well, I mean.. [ Look at Fabian go. He looks so uncertain. Not because he wants to be unfair about this, though - it's more just that he's still flustered. He needs a moment to breathe, to calm down.
Then he can answer Gorgug properly. ]
Of course. Just as friends. I wouldn't find it weird if you slept with Fig the way I do with the Ball. [ See, that feels like a more proper analogy. Bad Kid sleeping. Sleeping with your bestie. T-That's fine, right? Fabian doesn't feel weird about that thought, unlike where his flustered mine went only a moment ago. ]
[ Gorgug understands what Fabian's saying. And yet, there's a moment, and maybe it's delayed to hit him now, but he wonders--was there something else going on between Fabian and the Ball? Because Fabian got worked up when he mentioned the Ball (wait, brain--Riz. Riz), but he's also okay with Gorgug sleeping together with Fig as friends.
...
His mouth opens, and then closes, his brain doing the calculations that are obviously already there. Fabian said he's the first guy he's thought about sexually, and he's willing to believe that, so- no. Fabian and Riz haven't secretly been fucking this entire time. ]
Okay. Yeah. That's what I mean. I don't really sleep with anyone except you and Riz anyway...
[ So, it's not as much of a factor for him, and his sleeping sessions with Riz don't come up as often as they do for Fabian and Riz, so.
...but his brain is still questioning that fluster that Fabian got in, though Gorgug isn't sure how to address it. So what he does, as if it might help anything, is leans in to give Fabian a quick peck on the lips.
Reboot? Reboot. ]
I don't think anything is going on between you and Riz. [ Is he reassuring Fabian? May...be... ] But we should... depending on what we wanna do, we have to remember he's a part of our life here, too. I don't want him to feel lonely.
[ And saying that, it softens Gorgug's features a little. He looks down between them, and lowers his hands to finds Fabian's to hold onto in their laps. ]
[ The peck does help with the reboot in the sense that Fabian looks a whole lot less freaked out.
But he doesn't smile after it either. His gaze is more thoughtful than that. And a little bit worried too, though he isn't avoiding Gorgug's gaze. Like he wants to be honest with him about this, especially after what they did at the party, after the talk they've had just now. ]
That is exactly what I'm worried about.
[ .. is he projecting? He isn't sure. Technically he doesn't know how Riz feels about this, after all. But Fabian does know that if Riz and Gorgug had started dating in this place.. He himself would likely feel a little weird about it.
Especially because of what Gorgug is saying. It's been a hard time for all of them. This place is a hard time for all of them. Someone feeling left out would only make it worse. ]
Do you think we could tell him without him feeling bad..? [ For how much Fabian often takes the lead, it seems like he's leaving this guess in Gorgug's hands.
Maybe because Gorgug actually has experience with the entire dating thing in the first place, unlike Fabian. Not that all the communication with Zelda always went super well, but-- you know. It's still more experience. ]
[ This is a lot more thinking than thought he was coming into Fabian's room to do, but he at least takes it seriously. Or tries to--the thing is, he doesn't really have an answer or a solution that he knows is going to work for this problem. If it's even a problem to begin with, and they're not trying to prepare to put out a fire that won't even exist.
But it's about Riz, so they both care. Gorgug looks up at Fabian's ceiling, quiet as he contemplates--less of a furrowed brow for once, and only slightly. ]
Well... how about we take it slowly...? We're still figuring out what this is, or...I don't know what dating in Etraya is going to be like. [ Admittedly. That's the thing. What are they going to do to date? ] So- we'll think about what we want to do and how we want to spend time with each other, and make room for that and for Riz, too. And everyone else.
[ Right? But now Gorgug's really stuck on what he just said, and now he's closer to making his usual face... ]
[ At first Fabian nods while Gorgug speaks. It does sound good to him - really, they should at least seem confident about what they have figured out between the two of them before they can properly tell Riz about it, right? - and he figures it's something they would have done by default, anyway. He can't imagine Gorgug ignoring Riz, and it's not like Fabian has any intention of ditching his friend either.
But then that question follows, and Fabian looks at Gorgug with his one eye in a way that seems to indicate he hadn't really thought this through that far yet.
(Let's be real - these boys aren't doing that much thinking in the first place.) ]
Well-- [ There's a slight pause, but it's not too long before he's already settled on: ] That would be nice.
[ He's always wanted that, after all. Dates always seemed like an important part to his ideal dream relationship. And the thought of a date with Gorgug.. It's kind of nice.
Especially when he thinks of the sweetness they're already sharing between the two of them as they're sitting on his bed here. ]
If we can make it work somehow, despite this place being.. [ His voice trails off, and in a tone of you-know-what-I-mean he adds: ] .. this place.
[ Aka: impossible to work with at times. Who says it isn't doing to do something dumb to them mid-date? ]
[ It's not that out there, at least: going on dates. Even in Etraya, despite the uncertainty presented in the idea to Fabian, but mainly because Gorgug's never considered it before. He was even talking to Rosie about how she should date and be happy, and he'd think the same for any other of his friends.
We can. [ It might be a bold statement, despite not being put forward in a bold way. Still: ] If you want to, we will. We'll think of stuff we can do, and-- if we just wanna hang out, we can do that too.
[ There is a very important matter, after all. ] You didn't even get to use the dance rooms yet.
[ Right? Maybe Fabian saw them (or one of them), but, that's a pretty big deal! Dancing is Fabian's thing! ]
[ There's something kind of nice about how easy this seems to be. Or, rather-- how easy Gorgug is making this. With the kind of examples Fabian has had in his life, he always imagined the whole romance thing to be something incredibly complicated. Something where you'd keep having to make up over the top things to do together, like that's the only way you could possibly have a relationship.
He never thought it could be this easy until Gorgug laid it out like this. Just.. hanging out together. That easy.
It's nice. ]
You'd want to watch me dance? [ After all, Gorgug is kind of putting it in the context of a date.. There's a faint blush on Fabian's cheeks as he asks that because of that thought.
I-Is that proper date material? Gorgug said he doesn't like dancing, but if it's a date, he'd have to come along to the dance studio.. So is that what he'd want instead? ]
Sure. It's fun watching you dance. It's-- relaxing.
[ There's not even a grand pause in finding that word. It comes easily, and it's true: while Fabian's moves can be dramatic and involve many flips, there's something fun and soothing in watching Fabian. You know he's having a good time, and you get to have a good time just chilling and watching him. ]
I can bring over some books, too, or some smaller projects. But I like the idea of us hanging out that way... [ He looks up briefly, conceding: ] Anyone can hang out like that, but... it was fun when me and Zelda did that. Schoolwork together. Even if we invite Riz sometimes too, we can have days where it's the two of us.
[ Would it be interesting to Fabian? Is it too casual sounding? Gorgug looks at Fabian, watching him with interest. They can have nice days out, but Gorgug likes the relaxed ones, too. And Fabian's dance studio will be more fun for the other guy than when he comes over to Gorgug's lab and there's nothing to do, right?
...even if Gorgug has nothing to do, he can make that sacrifice for a few hours. Fabian's done it plenty. ]
[ It doesn't seem difficult for Fabian to agree with the idea. Something about it does make him just a touch shy - or maybe just still flustered, judging by the look on his face as he answers.
Maybe it's just sweet. Kind of touching. Even if Fabian hung out at Gorgug's lab plenty of times, this feels different to him. It feels natural to Fabian to give that effort to others, but he doesn't necessarily expect it in return. Hence - this reaction. ]
I like that too. Just spending time together. [ For as over the top as Fabian can be, that sort of thing doesn't have to be too wild.
Just this-- that's enough for him, too. ]
And I'm not really used to people coming out to see me dance like that either. Not-- Not outside of class, I mean. [ He looks over at Gorgug, smiling a little. ] It's nice.
Your dancing is nice. [ No, not just that: ] You're nice.
[ Is he just getting sappy and silly now because he can? You bet'cha. It's just nice, the two of them talking, especially when he got worried a little before that Fabian was going to go through some regret of them having sex in the first place. And he's happy too: that Fabian's happy after the time he's been having lately, and Gorgug can admit to being glad for himself.
That this night has gone so well, and he can feel it, experience it: that he no longer feels so disconnected from his own emotions. It might come back at times, but that's alright.
[ It's sappy and silly. But maybe sappy and silly is just what two bros need, especially when they've been going through a rough while. There's something nice about not having to worry about anything for a few moments. About just sitting here close to each other, and that being the only thing that matters in the moment. ]
So.. [ Fabian starts, slowly, the smile still lingering on his lips. ]
If you can handle a not yet improved bed for tonight, it's about time we make use of this occasion, right? [ He reaches out, and considering Gorgug already came here in his pajamas, there's no need to wait or anything. Fabian can just latch onto the other's wrist and start tugging him down, pulling back the blankets on the bed so they can settle in under them. ] I don't know about you, but someone really tired me out earlier.
[ It's a definite silly tease, because Fabian is still smiling as he says it. The warmth of his smile easily carries into his tone, the way it always seems to do for Fabian. ]
[ Fabian pulls, so Gorgug follows, letting himself drop carefully (even if he doesn't want to, but he should, this is Fabian's bed and not his) down onto the mattress with-- his potentially new boyfriend? Potentially. Apparently. Likely. And that's a new state of things that's buzzing around inside him, as he comes to lay beside Fabian, helping the blankets be pulled across them as Fabian brings them over first.
Not so long ago, he had been afraid to make the first move to touch Fabian in bed, even in a non-suggestive, non-romantic sense. But his fingers search and find Fabian's hand, threading them together. ]
I can tire you out more than that. [ It would be sexy... and it's meant sexily, or just a sort of Gorgug honesty. He moves his face close to Fabian's, his head tipping upwards to make sure he doesn't catch the other on his tusks when he plants a kiss on Fabian's cheek. ] You're gonna need to raise your stamina.
[ Big talk for Gorgug right now... but his own expression is comfortable on the pillow, and he's not trying any funny business. ]
[ There's a little sound coming from Fabian when Gorgug says that.
It's kind of a surprised sound, but also definitely flustered. Like Fabian got caught that much off guard by what Gorgug suddenly so boldly said that his brain needs a moment to try and deal with this. It doesn't help that his mind is already definitely visualizing a thing or two at Gorgug's words, and the thought of that is certainly sexy.
Fabian likes it when Gorgug gets all confident, after all. It may not always come naturally to Gorgug, but that makes the moments when it does all the more hotter. He wants to see Gorgug with this kind of confidence.
Feeling his cheeks burn, Fabian momentarily moves his head forward a little, shoving it against Gorgug's shoulder in an attempt to hide the way his cheeks are darkening with a blush. ]
You didn't warn me that you were going to be like this.
[ It doesn't sound like a complaint, though. Nor a rejection of the idea. There's no denying that there's something pretty eager in Fabian's tone, no matter how flustered it sounds at the same time.
[ Oh? Gorgug watches Fabian with interest, more so when he makes that comment--surprised. He can tell it isn't a real complaint, leaving the small smile playing on his face. ]
Like what?
[ Tell him, Fabian. You've gotta tell a bro(friend) what he's being like. He has to know these things clearly, see.
Even if you might be able to feel Gorgug watching you fondly, despite your attempts to hide your face. Gorgug does like this view too, though--Fabian almost sulking, or shying away, both in a positive sense.
He feels like he's going to start seeing Fabian in a new light, now. He has to pay attention, and learn. ]
A protest that isn't fully a protest, but that has to sound like one because Fabian can't just accept that Gorgug can reduce him to a flustered mess this easily. That isn't right. It can't happen. He-- He's Fabian Aramais Seacaster, after all!
And yet here he is, still hiding his face against his friend while mumbling that word back at him. How dare you be hot, Gorgug? ]
Where have you been hiding all of this all these years? I mean-- We've seen each other naked before! So many times!
[ Never mind the fact that Gorgug would have zero reason to act sexy in the showers after a game of Bloodrush.
It's nice, being called hot by Fabian. It's not that Gorgug has serious hang-ups about his appearance (he's dated! and sure, he's not the usual orc material, but he doesn't do too bad), but it's nice to hear it--nice to hear again, after Fabian already as much, but with a lot more hormones at play.
But what he continues it with is curious to Gorgug--puzzling. Because was he hiding his hotness all these years? Gorgug watches Fabian with interest, even if he isn't looking at him back, and this position is nice enough with them both tucked closely together. ]
I've been this hot all this time. [ Said...so matter-of-factly... ] You just didn't notice. You didn't look. You weren't interested.
[ And isn't it true? Gorgug never thought Fabian would be interested in him, and it never aligned for them -- didn't seem to, until that spar. Like something clocked for them, something sexual, and it opened up a possibility.
But was it just that? With Fabian coming to Gorgug tonight, kissing him as he did-- even Gorgug's wondering, thinking about it. ]
[ He groans. Still not moving back, which means he's just directly groaning against Gorgug now, mind you. It's like Fabian simply refuses to accept the possibility that maybe Gorgug was hot all along and it was just Fabian's fault for not noticing.
That couldn't possibly be it, right? After all, that would mean he could have been kissing Gorgug on the first day of school instead of punching him...
....
He pulls back a little. Just enough so they can actually look at each other, especially as Fabian asks this. ]
Did you always think I was hot?
[ It's like two loading screens trying to figure all of this out.. ]
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He likes that. There's something about the sweetness he likes, something he never really stopped to consider while he was busy trying to chase down the most toxic relationships known to men because he simply didn't know what else to do. His parents never taught him that sometimes romance can just be this. That it can just be your heart feeling light while your face is in someone else's hands, when the press of their fingertips near your ears feels like a pleasant tickle. Maybe they could have informed him sooner, if not just so he would have something more pleasant to distract him from the general unpleasantness of this place.
Fabian is quiet for once, not yapping at ten miles an hour while he allows Gorgug to place as many kisses on his face as the other wants. It's only when it slows down that Fabian speaks up again, still smiling. ]
Do you want to stay here tonight?
[ It sounds too sweet to be him asking for sex. ]
I don't think I can just let you back to your own room now.
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[ Because there's no implication here that Gorgug will have a place in Fabian's bed more often: it's outright stated, isn't it? Gorgug lets his hands slip farther back, fingers tangling into each other as they cup around Fabian's neck. His heart is giddy, and he's both tired but also rather enjoying what they have right here, that even Gorgug feels the need to say more. Thinking to himself things that he never made clear in his past relationship well, but also wanting to be careful about this new one between him and Fabian, and... ]
I don't know if it's too early to say I loves you, [ he starts, ] but I really like you, and you're one of my best friends. And you've really been there for me these past few months. [ His smile is bright on his mouth, but it twitches, as giddy as the rest of Gorgug; who can't even keep his gaze still, but always making sure to have it to return to Fabian's eye. ] And I'm happy to be sharing this with you. Whatever it turns out to be.
[ He won't regret it--he's sure of it. ]
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[ He looks a little surprised to hear those words so directly. Not a bad kind of surprise, but more just.. well, it's not like Fabian exactly comes from the department of being direct with your feelings. Maybe some feelings, but not these. It feels like trying to navigate a tightrope, but something about Gorgug's sweet presence makes it at least feel like there's a net there. Like it's fine, even if he falls. That it'll be alright.
Still, Fabian does need a second after Gorgug is done speaking to address those words. Looking a little flustered, maybe even weirdly shy by Fabian standards, but managing to speak all the same. ]
Yeah.
[ It's just that at first, which basically translates to same, to all of that, but it's not like he can just leave it at that. ]
I-- I will admit I started liking you because of.. you know. The wilder stuff, let's say. [ Since he doesn't want to refer back to Dominant Gorgug in as many words when there's so much baggage attached to that for the other, and that's not something he wants to drag into the sweetness here. ] But.. when you discovered I was not doing well, you were so sweet to me. Especially since I did not really know how to deal with it, and you tried to help me figure out ways.
[ Like just sitting with it. Just cuddling. It's not something mister "shove everything down and try to focus on 20 other things" over here has ever done before. ]
And I realized I really like that side of you too. So.. erm. Hence.. this.
[ This!! Whatever it turns out to be, indeed. ]
I-- I think I like the sound of the term 'boyfriend' in this case. Even if I will have to get used to it. [ Translation: he's a little shy. For how much a guy like Fabian can brag, he's a baby about the actual emotional stuff.. Just a soft baby.. ] But either way, I would-- I would like for this to just be between us. As in.. If you won't kiss anyone else, then I won't kiss anyone else either.
[ Yes, he's asking to be exclusive.
Just still being a shy baby about it. Just look at that flustered Fabian face. ]
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But it's strange (again--in that good way!) to think that trying to be a better friend made Gorgug like him like this. When it was Fabian sharing his vulnerabilities to begin with that made Gorgug try to listen more, be more thoughtful about his relationships and how his friends were doing. Funny, then, that a little more attention thrown Fabian's way could get him to...like like him.
...it's even sweeter with how shyly Fabian is speaking, too. That's definitely what Gorgug's paying a lot of attention to as well.
But he's nodding, when Fabian admits that he has to get used to the term boyfriends, and that he'd like to be exclusive. Not speaking up immediately at that end, but- ]
Okay. That's cool. I can just kiss you. [ But look at him this time not asking if that means he can kiss him right now. He's behaving! ] But when you say you want this to be between us... do you want to keep it on the down low for a while? We live-- there's Riz.
[ And, you know... Gorgug doesn't mind keeping things to between them, but if they're keeping their relationship hush hush for a while, Gorgug will need to keep that in mind around their roommate. Their pal. Their Tenacious Lad. ]
no subject
And the mention of him seems to make Fabian grow quiet for a moment. If he knew the full extent of Riz's issues, this likely would be even a little bit more complicated. But even without that knowledge, Fabian frowns a little.
It's not a huge mood drop or anything, but he certainly seems to be struggling with more than just fluster at this point. He looks concentrated, like he really has to think about this, for some reason. ]
I don't mind letting him know. [ It doesn't feel right to keep a secret that big from their friend, after all. Having Riz be the only person out of the loop just feels Bad. ] But it's just..
[ Witness the struggle. Apparently whatever Fabian is about to say is the thing that's making him speak so slowly in the first place, drawing his eyebrows together to think. ]
Do you think it would be.. weird for him?
[ Fabian sounds so unsure as he asks that - because he has no idea. They've never done this whole dating thing within the group of the Bad Kids, so Fabian doesn't know if it'd be weird. He certainly couldn't really imagine any of their four friends dating each other, so maybe Riz would think the same thing about him and Gorgug? ]
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[ Gorgug can see the uncertainty as much as he hears it in Fabian's tone, but there's no doubt to Gorgug's answer for him. Sure, it might be odd (in the way that Gorgug wondered if any of the Bad Kids would ever be into another Bad Kid?), but not the kind that means anything. They're all friends first. There's only one thing that comes to Gorgug's mind, and... ]
You two sleep together sometimes, right? You can let him know-- I'm okay if you keep doing that. I'm not gonna get jealous. You don't have to stop.
[ Friendship dynamics. That's what Gorgug thinks they need to consider, if anything, even though right now, the sleeping arrangements is the one point he can think of... ]
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Y-Yes, but that's-- It's different! [ Technically not. After all, cuddling up against Gorgug or cuddling up with Riz are practically for the same reason for Fabian - just comfort. It's comforting to have his friends so close to him while he sleeps, sharing that physicality. ] You know I'm not-- Me and the Ball are not--
[ His face is so red, but it's not because he's lying, okay. Fabian is just a flustered weenie.
As always. ]
We are best friends! There is nothing to be jealous of to begin with..!
[ So much to say, and all for something Gorgug clearly seems okay with in the first place.. And already said he wouldn't be jealous of.. ]
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...that Gorgug doesn't read, so it means nothing to Gorgug. Except he's thinking about what Fabian's saying, as he does. Because he just said he wouldn't get jealous, but with Fabian saying there's nothing to get jealous of... is that true? Could he get jealous?
Maybe. But he also isn't sure if it's worth saying that, so. It's a distracting thought for a moment. ]
I can sleep with other people too, then?
[ There isn't a good reason that he asks it. Truthfully, it's just because Fabian's being so flustered and panicking over it that Gorgug asks something that....just comes first to his head. Fabian is saying a thing, so he is going to ask a question based on that thing.
2+2=4, here. ]
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He quickly banishes the thought from his head, considering it's giving him a really weird feeling down in his stomach that he doesn't want to think about enough to find out what it is. ]
W-Well, I mean.. [ Look at Fabian go. He looks so uncertain. Not because he wants to be unfair about this, though - it's more just that he's still flustered. He needs a moment to breathe, to calm down.
Then he can answer Gorgug properly. ]
Of course. Just as friends. I wouldn't find it weird if you slept with Fig the way I do with the Ball. [ See, that feels like a more proper analogy. Bad Kid sleeping. Sleeping with your bestie. T-That's fine, right? Fabian doesn't feel weird about that thought, unlike where his flustered mine went only a moment ago. ]
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...
His mouth opens, and then closes, his brain doing the calculations that are obviously already there. Fabian said he's the first guy he's thought about sexually, and he's willing to believe that, so- no. Fabian and Riz haven't secretly been fucking this entire time. ]
Okay. Yeah. That's what I mean. I don't really sleep with anyone except you and Riz anyway...
[ So, it's not as much of a factor for him, and his sleeping sessions with Riz don't come up as often as they do for Fabian and Riz, so.
...but his brain is still questioning that fluster that Fabian got in, though Gorgug isn't sure how to address it. So what he does, as if it might help anything, is leans in to give Fabian a quick peck on the lips.
Reboot? Reboot. ]
I don't think anything is going on between you and Riz. [ Is he reassuring Fabian? May...be... ] But we should... depending on what we wanna do, we have to remember he's a part of our life here, too. I don't want him to feel lonely.
[ And saying that, it softens Gorgug's features a little. He looks down between them, and lowers his hands to finds Fabian's to hold onto in their laps. ]
It's been a hard time for all of us.
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But he doesn't smile after it either. His gaze is more thoughtful than that. And a little bit worried too, though he isn't avoiding Gorgug's gaze. Like he wants to be honest with him about this, especially after what they did at the party, after the talk they've had just now. ]
That is exactly what I'm worried about.
[ .. is he projecting? He isn't sure. Technically he doesn't know how Riz feels about this, after all. But Fabian does know that if Riz and Gorgug had started dating in this place.. He himself would likely feel a little weird about it.
Especially because of what Gorgug is saying. It's been a hard time for all of them. This place is a hard time for all of them. Someone feeling left out would only make it worse. ]
Do you think we could tell him without him feeling bad..? [ For how much Fabian often takes the lead, it seems like he's leaving this guess in Gorgug's hands.
Maybe because Gorgug actually has experience with the entire dating thing in the first place, unlike Fabian. Not that all the communication with Zelda always went super well, but-- you know. It's still more experience. ]
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But it's about Riz, so they both care. Gorgug looks up at Fabian's ceiling, quiet as he contemplates--less of a furrowed brow for once, and only slightly. ]
Well... how about we take it slowly...? We're still figuring out what this is, or...I don't know what dating in Etraya is going to be like. [ Admittedly. That's the thing. What are they going to do to date? ] So- we'll think about what we want to do and how we want to spend time with each other, and make room for that and for Riz, too. And everyone else.
[ Right? But now Gorgug's really stuck on what he just said, and now he's closer to making his usual face... ]
...do you wanna go on dates here...?
[ Truly. What is dating in Etraya. ]
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But then that question follows, and Fabian looks at Gorgug with his one eye in a way that seems to indicate he hadn't really thought this through that far yet.
(Let's be real - these boys aren't doing that much thinking in the first place.) ]
Well-- [ There's a slight pause, but it's not too long before he's already settled on: ] That would be nice.
[ He's always wanted that, after all. Dates always seemed like an important part to his ideal dream relationship. And the thought of a date with Gorgug.. It's kind of nice.
Especially when he thinks of the sweetness they're already sharing between the two of them as they're sitting on his bed here. ]
If we can make it work somehow, despite this place being.. [ His voice trails off, and in a tone of you-know-what-I-mean he adds: ] .. this place.
[ Aka: impossible to work with at times. Who says it isn't doing to do something dumb to them mid-date? ]
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...just, he's never thought about what they might do. But there's a few cafés around run by the companion bots, so maybe it won't be that weird. It's not like they're in a completely empty city save the people being brought into it by mysterious means. ]
We can. [ It might be a bold statement, despite not being put forward in a bold way. Still: ] If you want to, we will. We'll think of stuff we can do, and-- if we just wanna hang out, we can do that too.
[ There is a very important matter, after all. ] You didn't even get to use the dance rooms yet.
[ Right? Maybe Fabian saw them (or one of them), but, that's a pretty big deal! Dancing is Fabian's thing! ]
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He never thought it could be this easy until Gorgug laid it out like this. Just.. hanging out together. That easy.
It's nice. ]
You'd want to watch me dance? [ After all, Gorgug is kind of putting it in the context of a date.. There's a faint blush on Fabian's cheeks as he asks that because of that thought.
I-Is that proper date material? Gorgug said he doesn't like dancing, but if it's a date, he'd have to come along to the dance studio.. So is that what he'd want instead? ]
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Sure. It's fun watching you dance. It's-- relaxing.
[ There's not even a grand pause in finding that word. It comes easily, and it's true: while Fabian's moves can be dramatic and involve many flips, there's something fun and soothing in watching Fabian. You know he's having a good time, and you get to have a good time just chilling and watching him. ]
I can bring over some books, too, or some smaller projects. But I like the idea of us hanging out that way... [ He looks up briefly, conceding: ] Anyone can hang out like that, but... it was fun when me and Zelda did that. Schoolwork together. Even if we invite Riz sometimes too, we can have days where it's the two of us.
[ Would it be interesting to Fabian? Is it too casual sounding? Gorgug looks at Fabian, watching him with interest. They can have nice days out, but Gorgug likes the relaxed ones, too. And Fabian's dance studio will be more fun for the other guy than when he comes over to Gorgug's lab and there's nothing to do, right?
...even if Gorgug has nothing to do, he can make that sacrifice for a few hours. Fabian's done it plenty. ]
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[ It doesn't seem difficult for Fabian to agree with the idea. Something about it does make him just a touch shy - or maybe just still flustered, judging by the look on his face as he answers.
Maybe it's just sweet. Kind of touching. Even if Fabian hung out at Gorgug's lab plenty of times, this feels different to him. It feels natural to Fabian to give that effort to others, but he doesn't necessarily expect it in return. Hence - this reaction. ]
I like that too. Just spending time together. [ For as over the top as Fabian can be, that sort of thing doesn't have to be too wild.
Just this-- that's enough for him, too. ]
And I'm not really used to people coming out to see me dance like that either. Not-- Not outside of class, I mean. [ He looks over at Gorgug, smiling a little. ] It's nice.
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Your dancing is nice. [ No, not just that: ] You're nice.
[ Is he just getting sappy and silly now because he can? You bet'cha. It's just nice, the two of them talking, especially when he got worried a little before that Fabian was going to go through some regret of them having sex in the first place. And he's happy too: that Fabian's happy after the time he's been having lately, and Gorgug can admit to being glad for himself.
That this night has gone so well, and he can feel it, experience it: that he no longer feels so disconnected from his own emotions. It might come back at times, but that's alright.
Right now, this feeling--it's good. ]
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So.. [ Fabian starts, slowly, the smile still lingering on his lips. ]
If you can handle a not yet improved bed for tonight, it's about time we make use of this occasion, right? [ He reaches out, and considering Gorgug already came here in his pajamas, there's no need to wait or anything. Fabian can just latch onto the other's wrist and start tugging him down, pulling back the blankets on the bed so they can settle in under them. ] I don't know about you, but someone really tired me out earlier.
[ It's a definite silly tease, because Fabian is still smiling as he says it. The warmth of his smile easily carries into his tone, the way it always seems to do for Fabian. ]
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Not so long ago, he had been afraid to make the first move to touch Fabian in bed, even in a non-suggestive, non-romantic sense. But his fingers search and find Fabian's hand, threading them together. ]
I can tire you out more than that. [ It would be sexy... and it's meant sexily, or just a sort of Gorgug honesty. He moves his face close to Fabian's, his head tipping upwards to make sure he doesn't catch the other on his tusks when he plants a kiss on Fabian's cheek. ] You're gonna need to raise your stamina.
[ Big talk for Gorgug right now... but his own expression is comfortable on the pillow, and he's not trying any funny business. ]
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It's kind of a surprised sound, but also definitely flustered. Like Fabian got caught that much off guard by what Gorgug suddenly so boldly said that his brain needs a moment to try and deal with this. It doesn't help that his mind is already definitely visualizing a thing or two at Gorgug's words, and the thought of that is certainly sexy.
Fabian likes it when Gorgug gets all confident, after all. It may not always come naturally to Gorgug, but that makes the moments when it does all the more hotter. He wants to see Gorgug with this kind of confidence.
Feeling his cheeks burn, Fabian momentarily moves his head forward a little, shoving it against Gorgug's shoulder in an attempt to hide the way his cheeks are darkening with a blush. ]
You didn't warn me that you were going to be like this.
[ It doesn't sound like a complaint, though. Nor a rejection of the idea. There's no denying that there's something pretty eager in Fabian's tone, no matter how flustered it sounds at the same time.
He likes the idea. ]
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Like what?
[ Tell him, Fabian. You've gotta tell a bro(friend) what he's being like. He has to know these things clearly, see.
Even if you might be able to feel Gorgug watching you fondly, despite your attempts to hide your face. Gorgug does like this view too, though--Fabian almost sulking, or shying away, both in a positive sense.
He feels like he's going to start seeing Fabian in a new light, now. He has to pay attention, and learn. ]
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A protest that isn't fully a protest, but that has to sound like one because Fabian can't just accept that Gorgug can reduce him to a flustered mess this easily. That isn't right. It can't happen. He-- He's Fabian Aramais Seacaster, after all!
And yet here he is, still hiding his face against his friend while mumbling that word back at him. How dare you be hot, Gorgug? ]
Where have you been hiding all of this all these years? I mean-- We've seen each other naked before! So many times!
[ Never mind the fact that Gorgug would have zero reason to act sexy in the showers after a game of Bloodrush.
Especially with Fabian's towel antics. ]
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It's nice, being called hot by Fabian. It's not that Gorgug has serious hang-ups about his appearance (he's dated! and sure, he's not the usual orc material, but he doesn't do too bad), but it's nice to hear it--nice to hear again, after Fabian already as much, but with a lot more hormones at play.
But what he continues it with is curious to Gorgug--puzzling. Because was he hiding his hotness all these years? Gorgug watches Fabian with interest, even if he isn't looking at him back, and this position is nice enough with them both tucked closely together. ]
I've been this hot all this time. [ Said...so matter-of-factly... ] You just didn't notice. You didn't look. You weren't interested.
[ And isn't it true? Gorgug never thought Fabian would be interested in him, and it never aligned for them -- didn't seem to, until that spar. Like something clocked for them, something sexual, and it opened up a possibility.
But was it just that? With Fabian coming to Gorgug tonight, kissing him as he did-- even Gorgug's wondering, thinking about it. ]
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That couldn't possibly be it, right? After all, that would mean he could have been kissing Gorgug on the first day of school instead of punching him...
....
He pulls back a little. Just enough so they can actually look at each other, especially as Fabian asks this. ]
Did you always think I was hot?
[ It's like two loading screens trying to figure all of this out.. ]
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we finally wrapped it... we did it.......