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[totalize]

INBOX text / audio / video / action I'd much rather hang out with all kinds of people than fight monsters I can't even talk to. After all, there is nothing more complex and interesting than "people" in this world. art credit code credit

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@medarda

[opposed]

[ Look, she at least gives him five minutes before she blows his inbox up. But then: ]

You're imprinted with him as well, then?

[totalize]

[ This is a surprise, admittedly. Since Hugo doesn't know that they're from the same place, it just doesn't seem like Mel and Silco are people that would ever interact. canon says he's right but In fact, she seems like the sort of person that Silco would deeply dislike.

...But, then again. He knows well that there are appearances that you put on for others. He does it himself, and that appearance is also someone that Silco wouldn't like.

So, it's a bit more than just their shared "friend" that has him feeling a pang of camaraderie. ]

I am.

[ He doesn't send the sentence right away, since what comes after takes a little more of a pause. It's a lie, technically. It's also a deeply wrong way to think about the event, and he knows it, but. It's still what he feels. ]

He saved my life, more or less.

[opposed]

[ How curious. So it was under a kind of duress, the same as hers. That troubles her, in fact. Kaeya mentioned something similarly, about how it might follow how someone engages in relationships on their own. Hugo admitted he has difficulty with trust; so does she and so does Silco. So was this some kind of inevitability, that they would find these connections under the most extreme circumstances? ]

I'm more surprised to hear he saved anyone. But there is a great deal about him I do not know. My own situation was similar, though he did not save my life. It was something of the opposite, I suppose.

[ It's slim but possible he would've survived without her. And yet... ]

[totalize]

Well, the "more or less" is doing some admittedly very heavy lifting. Just so I don't explain anything you may already be aware of, are you familiar with the process of transformation for Spectrals?

Yet, regardless, if your situation was the opposite... Thank you.

We were chatting about what it might be like to lose an imprint, and my feelings about the man are already terribly complicated. If he actually died, it'd be all the worse. But I do respect him. That part is uncomplicated.

@eyeofzaun; text

[zauneyete]

Are Mockingbirds always prone to singing to their own detriment?

1/2

[totalize]

[ well that confirms his guess that silco IS that paranoid ]

[totalize]

Hm? What ever do you mean~? Are you concerned about me, Mr. Silco?

[zauneyete]

Concerned that you decided to run your mouth, yes.

Having fun sharing with others who you imprinted with? Do you think it's gained you an advantage?

text • un: aemond.targaryen

[perzyssy]

You revealed your name in the anonymous conversation. Do you think that wise?

[totalize]

[ at this point he's starting to wonder... two out of three are just negging him so far damn ]

It's informative. It certainly tells me who's willing to dig through a thousand comments of inane bullshit to find something interesting~.

But I didn't say anything I wouldn't normally. Perhaps I stated it more straightforwardly, but I don't trust anything "anonymous" if I don't fully understand the technology behind it.

[perzyssy]

Information can be powerful.

You told me to reach out to Spectrals. Here I am.

text; @medarda

[opposed]

Hugo, could you let me know when you have some time? I'd like to discuss a proposition for you about the shop.

[totalize]

Well, with an intriguing lead-in like that, I would never say no!

Of course, Ms. Medara. Is this a conversation we should have in person? Because if so, I'm free any time tomorrow evening, if that's not too much trouble. Any time after sunset would be perfectly fine with me.

[opposed]

I think that would be best in the current climate. Would you be able to meet me at [ insert address ] down by the waterfront? Say, 6pm?

@goddess.of.death

[queenofkur]

Dear Hugo;

I received your gift and am so very thankful for it. Those flowers are so beautiful, I sometimes have difficulties believing they are not real. Though it pains me to imagine how much you must have sacrificed to procure them. Humans have many needs and I hope you're not cutting on any of yours with this gift. You have, after all, a gallery to open and your dream should take precedence over all.

[totalize]

You're very welcome, Ereshkigal, and truly, it's kind of you to worry about it on my behalf. It wasn't a sacrifice at all, since as long as you enjoy them, it was worth every penny (so to speak!).

Luckily, I have good news on that front regardless! I've found the building, so lately it's more been a matter finishing the refurbishing. I was lucky to buy the lease off someone else who was deciding it was more trouble than it was worth~.

[ by, uh, killing him. don't worry about it. ]

There's still a lot of work to do, but if you'd like a sneak preview, just let me know! I'd be delighted for your company and to show it off just a little bit.

[queenofkur]

That's amazing news!

I would be happy to visit,
And to help in what capacity I can.
Though I must admit to interior decoration not being my forte...
I dare hope my opinion would be of help regardless.

action, backdated to 11/09

[takasugi]

Oh, he's with me. Was waiting for me, even.

( it comes out of nowhere one evening, an arm threaded through hugo's like it was always meant to be there. and at the end of that arm,

is one takasugi shinsaku, his neck wrapped several times in a red scarf and that familiarly playful smile planted on his face. only his smile is directed at a couple of men in high waistcoats, small lapel pins clearly marking their pathos amid all the glamour as being allied with patho-gen. takasugi snugs hugo in tight. sorry. they're giving the two of them very pointed looks for this behavior that could very well be misconstrued as a public display of affection. )

There's nothing to worry about. Honestly, this is just prejudice, right? Prejudice, following me around and checking on me specifically. The anklet does its job well enough, and my fellow Augmented here can ensure that I won't do anything untoward. Right?

( said anklet in question being a metal bangle clinging to his skin from below. )

crying. i love him. babysitting time

[totalize]

[ It’s an evening out for Hugo, since now that he has his sights set on a building he wants to—ahem—obtain, he’s all about flattering the locals to squeeze any money out of them he can. He’s always been a natural at striking up a conversation, so it’s been off to the nicer bars in the evening to see who he can befriend. So far as he sees it, if he doesn’t get an investor, then he’ll at least get a future customer! Advertising and fundraising go hand in hand for this little venture, and when he’s an Augmented that’s easy on the eyes, it’s a lot easier.

…Though, admittedly. He has been trying out something new as of late. Being a Spectral may be something he largely feels negative about, but he’d have to admit, it comes with its fair share of useful powers. As of late, that silver tongue of his has been complimented by a more supernatural pull to win people over.

Not that he’s practicing it when Takasugi finds him. He has his usual of a dark wine, and by all appearances, it actually is reasonable that he might be waiting for someone. He’s alone and casually looking around the place, but he’s been looking for a mark, not— ]

Ah.

[ He at least catches himself from having a question in his tone as he looks to Takasugi, and there’s a little bit of a flinch under his hands, though it’s subdued. Hugo does look surprised for a moment as his mismatched eyes meet Takasugi’s, but it easily becomes a winning smile as he looks to the Patho-Gen escorts. ]

That’s right. It’s just a little date night, so nothing to worry about, gentlemen.

[ He plays along very easily probably more than Takasugi expects. In fact, Hugo immediately gives some petty payback for being put in this situation where he has to play along as he leans in to plant a kiss on Takasugi’s vulpine cheek without any shame whatsoever. The pair definitely recoils at the public affection here, and it could be enough to scare them off… But Hugo’s eyes intensely stay on theirs as they freeze to listen to his Spectral Suggestion. ]

So, why don’t you enjoy your evening elsewhere?

[takasugi]

( now, takasugi might typically be tripping over himself to understand what just happened, or rather, how it happened. he's no stranger to a honeyed aura spilled on tongue and the ability to seduce others with words alone, having used it get out of all sorts of trouble at this point.

but the second lips press against the soft curve of his cheek, he freezes.

wait. that wasn't... that's not exactly... well, yes, takasugi put the both of them in this situation, but he didn't think—

his ears shoot right up instantly, the tips of them blushing red. never mind the gentlemen in question. he bargained for more than he wanted in an attempt to squeeze himself away from their watchful eyes, and it shuts takasugi up proper for the very first time. body tensing from the toes on up, he actually glances away, concentrating on keeping himself looking as dignified as possible while the men from patho-gen simply scoff and, surprisingly, apologize for interrupting them during their romantic tour.

once they're out of ear shot, he whines openly: )

You... You didn't have to do all that. I'm tak—

( ... he isn't taken, technically. his relations are a secret. okay. )

I'm an idol, you know. What if some salacious rumors start about an older man stealing me away on the street?

@13th (december sometime)

[verminous]

Hugo? Emergency situation

Well, not as in a real physical emergency, I mean, not that it isn't real either, this is a very real situation, nobody's hurt or anything like that

Social emergency?

Anyway, I can't go back to the apartment right now.

[totalize]

[ At first, Hugo feels an immediate spike of motivated adrenaline, since he's absolutely the kind of person that will leap into action immediately at an emergency. He's always prepared for that kind of thing, since it's practically reflexive after so many years of being a professional thief.

It's also at least quick to abate with the... partial clarification. Though, honestly? A social emergency where you can't be in a shared apartment does admittedly bring one scenario to mind over others.

...Hugo may not have met them, but you know? Good for Dante, he thinks. ]

Well, so long as no one is hurt! I was ready to valiantly leap into action, you know~

[ and when he texts it like that, it sounds like it's a joke instead of 100% true ]

You're welcome at my place, of course. Is this just a brief engagement, or do you need to stay for a while? Neither is a problem, mind you!

[verminous]

You sure? I mean, I can find a room somewhere for a few nights, don't feel obligated on my behalf...

I think just a few nights should be fine, anyway. Most likely.

[if it's not, he'll reevaluate, he supposes... but he just needs a few days so they don't expire from awkward proximity, before there's any time to process what happened and figure out how to talk about it...

... he'll worry about the talking part later.]

late december.

[opposed]

[ Hugo will find a box left behind at his gallery one day sitting next to some propped up blank canvases. There's a new brush set in the box, some tools, and some starting paints - all oil and very nice. Next to the box is also a little bottle of wine. A note is taped to the bottom of the box. ]

I hope you get a chance to enjoy the Midwinter celebrations.
~MM

mid-december!

[reprisings]

[ Hugo will also have a little package for him at his gallery but at least this one looks like a proper package, boxed up and signed and everything. Inside the mail package box is...another box! And this one has a green bow on it. Inside of that is an insulated scarf for him and a really nice hat, like the one he already wears, but with a sash accent around it. A note's included: ]

I wasn't quite sure if you feel the cold but I figured it wouldn't hurt!
~ Dorothea