.:First Party Run, Recreational Runs & More:. [closed]

[ganymed]

Who ⬤ Ganymede and Co.
What ⬤ Dungeon-crawlin', exploring, talking with people. What can go wrong?
Now featuring some potentially cw-worthy memshares, or content involving that.
When ⬤ Following first meetings, and anything related to the below subjects.
Where ⬤ Coiling Friend's Tiny Beast, ΔHidden Forbidden Holy Ground, Root Towns
Content Warnings ⬤ Mentions of drunken behavior.
Further mentions and displays of captivity, kidnapping, stalking, and subjects relating to suicide.


[ Following some enlightening discussions that have more or less blossomed into actual plans, an unlikely band of four adventurers assemble!

Names added to friends' lists, details hashed out, which means one thing and one thing only, that the next point some adventuring is happening. Though, given that it is everyone's (probable?) first time, it seems that there is no way for anybody to choose specific places or areas they might like!

Thankfully, that's what the random Area Exploration mechanic is for.

Ganymede steps forward, and just decides to select a perfect set of coordinates for everyone...



...Not! As if even he can be decisive at this point. He lets everyone know that these are the keywords they'll be working with. "Coiling Friend's Tiny Beast", that is.

So once the Chaos Gate is utilized for them to all cross over...

Welcome to the wonderful location of Coiling Friend's Tiny Beast! Apparently it's an area that has a rocky desert-like appearance that stretches out for miles on end. Not to mention, there is a wonderful-looking flesh wall that is the proper beginning of the dungeon crawling, and entry point into the actual dungeon that is bound to be teeming with treasure and creatures.

But, they're not inside that wall as of yet. ]

RESULTS: Can be viewed here, for our reference!

Comments

[userunfriendly]

[ Ganymede not deciding to test the dice any further for this ride is probably wise. It's surprisingly easy to wind him up. It's surprisingly entertaining to wind him up.

Michel falls silent in malicious compliance to that imperious little order. Not a word, is it? But squished close like Ganymede is, he can probably feel Michel's shoulders begin to shake slightly in suppressed laughter.

Nevermind that Michel is someone who doesn't do that. Just this once — he squishes Ganymede gently one more time to see if he'll make another funny noise. ]

[userunfriendly]

[ It would be nice if he could see Ganymede's expression from here. That would be the surest way to know if he was doing this wrong. Having to interpret body language is a challenge he doesn't need, on top of his own fundamental clumsiness with people...

But Ganymede's voice is soft. And then Ganymede is reaching out to wrap him in an answering hug that makes him freeze in place in surprise yet again. It feels like a gesture meant for someone else, but at the same time, surreally natural. If he had been born into a world only slightly different than the one he grew up in... by this age, this kind of thing would long since have been trivial to him, wouldn't it? ]

I-I...[ He clears his throat, as though that were the problem. As though it's impossible that something this simple would fluster him. ] ...I don't mind.

[ He can't relax. But despite the unease, the tension isn't unwelcome, either. The warmth of Ganymede snuggled against him, the rise and fall of each breath, the knowledge that -- inexplicably -- Ganymede seems to feel better like this... it's all so painfully gentle. ]

[ganymed]

I like my seafood, sweets, fruits, pastas, yogurts, ice cream...those types of things.

[ Basically things that would be local to the area, and he might have a mild sweet tooth, but that's fine. ]

I won't say I'm a picky either, though. I'll try anything at least once.

[ganymed]

[ ANOTHER UNDIGNIFIED NOISE ESCAPES HIM... ]

Now you're doing it on purpose!

[ Slipping a hand out from where it is to see if he can pinch Michel's nose in retaliation.

Also, by now, the boat ride is probably being parked nearby a dock or something. ]

And would you look at the time? I think you're having too much fun. Keep it up and I'll hold your nose hostage!

never.png :)

[ganymed]

[ Swimming against the flow of the river?

Maybe it's true what they're saying. It should be obvious, right? That it so happens to be the case if it was always a struggle. The thought almost gets a humorless laugh from him. ]

...Maybe I am.

But, if I'm swimming down-stream, where would they lead, then? To the sea instead of a dead end lake or pond?

[ There's a small pause, his expression growing a bit softer, looking at that expression, still streaked with tears and redness. ]

I suppose I was just so surprised, that you would. Or that anyone would.

[ganymed]

I know I've definitely tried their funnel cake already. So, how about something salty? There could've been some food I've conceivably missed.

[ Ah, but then there's the boomerang comment... ]

Because it's something like a life lesson, kind of?

[userunfriendly]

[ Is the moratorium on talking over now? They seem to be returning safely to the dock, which is why Michel is bold enough to try to dodge that stealthy nose grab.

...The 7 is a little underwhelming for that, and his wobbly balance thwarts his escape before he can get far, forcing him to put a hand on Ganymede's waist again to steady himself. It means Ganymede has a nice clear view of the look of surprised indignation on his face, too. ]

What fascination do you have with my nose...?

[dissimulative]

[ Oria nods and leads Ganymede to a stall with kettle corn. Salty and flavorful. There's a caramel version if he wants that, which is what Oria will be getting. ]

Something like that. It's supposed to teach people how to appreciate what they have. But everyone is greedy and always want more. It's just in our nature.

same expression in icons ftw

[ganymed]

[ Ganymede feels the temporary bit of tensing from the other freezing where he is, and his heart beats as quickly as Michel's; a quagmire of trepidation where his reaching out is pretty much very much on the contained side. If, somehow, his unreasonableness and swimming in the midst of his trauma means that he's the one who crossed the line.

All things considered, he doesn't know what he's doing. Or maybe even what he has done. But, those concerns cease to matter, considering Michel's response. It fills him with more than a semblance of joy and surprise. ]

You don't? Well...that's good. A good thing.

[ They're both doing well here, fam.

He's going to close his eyes, remain comfortable as possible. And, a part of him thinks, if the other can give him that, then even in this tentative clash of emotions, Ganymede believes he can very well do the same. Albeit with some awkwardness, but the both of them seem aligned in that. ]

FJKLDSFJS MATCHIES...

[userunfriendly]

[ The faltering words, Ganymede's own awkward hesitation, feel so familiar that Michel almost has to laugh. It comes out as a wordless little huff as he presses his cheek more against Ganymede's hair, slides his hand very slightly up Ganymede's back.

It's a little comical. Despite everything: the memories, his own and Ganymede's, still raw as an unhealed cut directly in his heart. It still hurts. On that, they're in accord. It might make it impossible for them to ever truly be at ease, their guarded natures compounding. But it might also mean that they can understand that fully from each other. ]

Perhaps we aren't so opposite as I believed.

[ Maybe they should sit. But the bed seems too far away, and once Michel steps back, he's not convinced he has the courage to give another hug. So for now he'll just stay like this. ]

[ganymed]

[ And there's a hand right on his waist. He can see the look of surprise writ across the other male's face all the while.

Well, in most circumstances even he'd have thrown a look for someone's hand landing there, but Michel has reason to hold on, and if anyone should be grabbing at his waist... you know what, he has no idea where that thought was leading.

He'll just move right along. ]

It's easy to reach even if you're tall.

[ Nice one, isn't it? But he will let go...only to shift and extend his hand to Michel after he's certain he is right back on his feet, standing tall. So, you know, if the other male needs to hold on for balance. ]

...Come on, let's going.

[ganymed]

[ Caramel kettle corn, delicious! He will begin to get that, since that is a bit more decadent, in terms of taste. ]

Maybe I should consider myself fortunate where that is concerned.

[ ...About lack of greed, anyway. Though he doesn't make the distinction clear. ]

[userunfriendly]

[ He's probably lucky Ganymede hasn't discovered his shins... he thinks, but is just barely wise enough not to say. As undignified as it is, perhaps he's better off allowing him the nose.

He pauses a little, eyeing the hand extended to him with momentarily surprised misgiving. He'd never been particularly polite about gestures like this... but it's not quite the same thing, when Ganymede had almost fallen just a minute ago. Hopefully Ganymede doesn't pay any mind to the awkward hesitation before Michel reaches out and takes that hand firmly, stepping out of the boat with just a little wobble. ]

...You're never at rest.

[ganymed]

[ They really do make quite the pair, don't they? He hears the sound of that amused noise—like the ghost of a laugh, but he doesn't mind it any. Neither does he seem to react adversely to the feel of the hand that moves a bit more up his back.

Ganymede is realizing once again how far he has come so far, to be able to allow someone this close, to want another to hold him like this at all. To ask for that, and not want to back out of it immediately, making up some kind of excuse of some sort.

In the end, their awkward turtling towards this sort of display is something revolutionary to both of them. And though Ganymede feels there is still quite a road ahead, it doesn't feel like quite an unreasonable distance. ]

...No, I don't think we are.

Maybe we should list our differences and similarities? Put together some kind of chart?

[ A light jest. Truly, they should sit down, as probably defined by normal social conventions...but eh, fuck that. ]

[ganymed]

[ Ganymede considers attacking people's shins as too much of a low-hanging fruit. How fortunate for Michel...well, unless he makes him reconsider it. Good on him not mentioning it!

He doesn't think twice about the gesture, even if he'd never say he's polite. If the other had any questions he'd claim 'it's only fair', is all. He does note the hesitation, but Ganymede also sees no reason to comment on it. ]

I like moving around a lot.

[ He remembers being stationary for so long ago, but no...this is no place for this. Ganymede shakes his head, letting go once the other is standing on level ground with him. ]

But, speaking of rest, I think it's about time I get to it. Hani would be sincerely cross with me if I push myself far too much. [ A light, mischievous glint in his eyes, but it fades away quickly, expression looking back to thoughtful; a bit soft. ] And I've worried you enough too.

Still...before I get to proper rest, I'd like to give thanks for humoring me a little. It was nice.

[dissimulative]

Hm? Why? Away from all the greedy people?

[ Greed isn't always a sin, Oria thinks. It could be for knowledge, power, or any concept that exists, but in abundance. ]

[userunfriendly]

...Ridiculous. [ But even Michel's deadpan tone can inflect a little bit of warmth sometimes. ] That would be one difference.

[ Michel isn't ridiculous, after all.

For just a moment he closes his eyes. Now that they're finally at rest, it's like the exhaustion of all of it is settling over him at once. As absurd as it is, he almost does feel like he could fall asleep standing up. A good thing he has the soft pillow of Ganymede's hair to rest his cheek on. He can't remember the last time he was this unguarded near someone else. He never realized how tiring that was, too -- the constant state of alert, waiting for breezy words to turn to violence.

And he's never been close enough to someone to touch them like this. No one would ever have wanted him to. He thinks with a little bit of wonder that he can feel Ganymede's heartbeat against his palm if he just rests it on his back like that. Is it calming down now? He likes to think so. ]

[userunfriendly]

[ How many times can he deny being concerned before he risks Ganymede taking him at his word? Is that... really what he wants? Michel is quiet, watching the shifting expressions cross Ganymede's face. The playful spark, the gentleness.

It's strange to recall that he had thought Ganymede guarded at first. Or that that had made him more approachable. Another person who seemed prepared for a fight against the world. ]

I don't want to find out what it would be like to have your cousin angry at me.

[ It should be easy to make himself say just a little bit more. "And I don't want to see anything else happen to you." "And I won't be done worrying until we understand what happened." But he can't quite do it. Perhaps he doesn't want to be so cold that it would wound Ganymede. But admitting to more than that...

He gives a little shake of his head to brush aside the thanks. It's unwarranted. But even so, unknowingly, his expression has relaxed a little further into a small smile. ]

...I'm glad you "invited" me.

[ It was more of an imperative. But that's fine. A little charming, even. ]

[tinged]

The sea where you can sail with whales, into the ocean to swim with mermaids, down into the depths to watch the corals bloom for traveling sea turtles and curious humans to find their way.

[ they try for a smile, a small laugh. ]

I’m surprised, too, that I would. After all, I leave so easily. But I know, now, that I never want to let you go again.

You don’t have to stop feeling this way, but will you share them with me? The things that hurt you inside?

Don’t suffer alone.

[fluorite]

I'm only picky with some things. I hate sour or bitter flavors.

[ But this corndog is neither, so Fai will eat it with ease, taking a big bite out of it before holding it out to Ganymede. ]

Want some?

[ganymed]

No, I wouldn't say that.

...Only that I am not so greedy to desire more than what I need. More than what is necessary, essentially.

[ What good is there in holding such a selfish desire? It does no one any good, as far as he is concerned. ]

[ganymed]

[ Ganymede can certainly hear it!! ]

Are you trying to say that I'm ridiculous and that's one difference between us? I'd have to disagree, if that's the case.

[ Falling asleep standing up is truly a real danger for them both. Ganymede is very used to remaining upright on his feet for hours on end—to say that he can manage it is understating it. But, considering the events that have come to pass, he is far too awake to be in true danger of it at all. He's busy musing about how startingly real the warmth from the other man feels.

How it feels some of that warmth emanating from Michel is also continuously making its way paradoxically out from his own heart, to the rest of his own body. ]

But then again, I could always point out some times when you have been exactly that as well.

[ganymed]

[ Maybe...a part of Michel has begun to awaken another side to him. The one who has remained sleeping for so long after having fallen into something close to a seemingly eternal slumber that was more ephemeral in the end.

Yet, even those flickers of waking have yet to truly breach past the realm of the dreaming into full cognizance. His smile appears, the blond's hands sticking behind his back for a moment as his own fingers play in a bit of fiddling. ]

Whatever you say, then.

[ It sounds like a cross between sarcasm and something potentially ... light-hearted. But he'd refuse to give a name to it. ]

...So, until next time, Winter.

[ And with that, Ganymede makes good on his promise, logging straight off finally. ]

[userunfriendly]

[ When Ganymede says that, Michel can practically see the montage of it before his eyes. Letting Ganymede talk him in circles at the party. Whatever nonsense he'd been talking at the possibly slightly tipsy dungeon run. Nearly falling off the gondola trying to dodge Ganymede's retaliation... ]

...No, you're misremembering.

[ If he says it firmly enough, Ganymede won't think of any of those things either. Except...

Are those memories strong enough to overwrite what Ganymede had seen from him in the mirror? It's a naive, wistful thought. But the present moment is still so much more concrete than memory. He can feel Ganymede's breaths, warm against his chest, and Ganymede's hair tickles the back of his hand. He brushes his fingers against it as if he might comb them through it before he settles his hand flat again. ]

[dissimulative]

Is that from cautiousness?

[ Because Oria thinks people only do that when they've been burned by it... ]