[The nonchalant dry humor they're trying would have actually made him laugh by itself, this time, but not as much as their last remark does; a few escape him, almost sharp but still good humored. He hasn't been thanked for being with someone before.]
If that's how it is, it's only fair I thank you in return—just this once. For letting me share this with you.
[Despite all the mystery that surrounds them, intentionally and not, they've reached out to him in ways he couldn't have anticipated. He wonders when that started, really...]
I'm looking forward to that trying. Next time perhaps we can add something new.
[Altius lets out a hum of acknowledgement—a wordless promise to make it happen. He still has so many thoughts and questions he wants to answer, to find out all the little things they might like.
Like Dante, he allows himself to savor the closeness, his breaths deep and slow as he commits the experience to memory.
But eventually, he comes back to Earth, so to speak. Back to more practical matters.]
[Although they separate themselves from each other, he still stays close enough for their shoulders to nearly touch, resting his chin against his fingers as he listens, elbow against the bar.]
I'm sure we can manage it. [It's convenient. He wonders how used to living with a small number of belongings they are... are they even allowed much, back home? His pleasant expression fades slightly at the thought of it, but that doesn't last. Besides, he's just thought of something. His eyebrows rise, but then they come down again as he follows the idea.]
—hm, no, it would probably be simpler if we just made an extra trip, if we can't. But did I tell you I've been learning to ride a horse?
[He tilts his head in a slight shrug—not a yes, not a no.]
It would be simpler to just call a carriage in this case, I think. I'd have to make sure it's amenable to the extra weight and learn how to secure that in addition to the rest I'm still working on.
[Not that he wouldn't put in the effort, especially for Dante, but it would probably be overboard for no good reason, just to move them out of the inn to this house.]
Still, it might be worth thinking about in the future. It would be good to know for emergent situations, or places the locals aren't willing to go.
[He wonders why he even felt the need to say it aloud, brought up the topic when he already put it aside as largely pointless. It's unusual for him, just speaking without regard for the practicality...]
[His response is more subdued than it might have been previously; the way his expression shifts with his eyes barely narrowing makes it seem he's merely trying to picture it, rather than, you know expressing shock or confusion at the idea of headless or crystallized blood anything—there's not even a furrow in his brow, though a distant concern for Dante remains in the back of his mind as always.]
Hm, [he replies.] Those wouldn't be my preferred introduction to the concept.
[It's only because he doesn't want to sour the pleasant mood that he doesn't inquire further.]
Well, if nothing drastic happens with transportation, I'm sure you'll be seeing more of the one I've been riding. I should warn you that it likes attention, though.
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[The feeling of being wanted that way, his warm body so close to their own... They'll "test" it as many times as it takes.]
< Thank you. >
[They don't know what else to say, even if the statement feels completely ridiculous the moment it's expressed.]
< ...I'm not even sure what I'm thanking you for. >
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If that's how it is, it's only fair I thank you in return—just this once. For letting me share this with you.
[Despite all the mystery that surrounds them, intentionally and not, they've reached out to him in ways he couldn't have anticipated. He wonders when that started, really...]
I'm looking forward to that trying. Next time perhaps we can add something new.
no subject
What sort of expression would they be making right now if they had a proper face, they wonder?]
< I'd like that. >
[Someday, when they can bring themselves to let go of him, maybe.]
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Like Dante, he allows himself to savor the closeness, his breaths deep and slow as he commits the experience to memory.
But eventually, he comes back to Earth, so to speak. Back to more practical matters.]
... Do you have much to move?
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[A few extra outfits they picked up after their old house was destroyed, their card binder, their gun, a few extra things here and there.
They let go of him, albeit reluctantly, and lean on the counter, folding their arms]
< More than what I had when I first went to the inn, but nothing that won't fit in a few boxes. Might even just be one trip if we both go. >
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I'm sure we can manage it. [It's convenient. He wonders how used to living with a small number of belongings they are... are they even allowed much, back home? His pleasant expression fades slightly at the thought of it, but that doesn't last. Besides, he's just thought of something. His eyebrows rise, but then they come down again as he follows the idea.]
—hm, no, it would probably be simpler if we just made an extra trip, if we can't. But did I tell you I've been learning to ride a horse?
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[A horse... For some reason the thought leaves them a little uneasy, even though it's just another animal]
< Thinking of using one to carry things for us? >
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It would be simpler to just call a carriage in this case, I think. I'd have to make sure it's amenable to the extra weight and learn how to secure that in addition to the rest I'm still working on.
[Not that he wouldn't put in the effort, especially for Dante, but it would probably be overboard for no good reason, just to move them out of the inn to this house.]
Still, it might be worth thinking about in the future. It would be good to know for emergent situations, or places the locals aren't willing to go.
[He wonders why he even felt the need to say it aloud, brought up the topic when he already put it aside as largely pointless. It's unusual for him, just speaking without regard for the practicality...]
Are you very familiar with them?
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[And technically the latter was either seen through someone else's memories or looked more like it came off a carousel.]
< Which... most people wouldn't. They belonged to other people too, not to me. >
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Hm, [he replies.] Those wouldn't be my preferred introduction to the concept.
[It's only because he doesn't want to sour the pleasant mood that he doesn't inquire further.]
Well, if nothing drastic happens with transportation, I'm sure you'll be seeing more of the one I've been riding. I should warn you that it likes attention, though.