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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.

[ 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!

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.]

[ A few days, huh... ]

Of course I'm sure! If I've accidentally given myself a penthouse, I may as well use it to house my dear friends when they need it~ Should I have a bottle of wine at the ready for when you arrive? (Or anything else, honestly.)

You have a what?! Seriously?

If it's like that, then I guess I didn't need to worry about imposing... you've probably got the space and then some.

Wine might not be the worst idea, either. I've got a feeling I could use it.

Accidentally, yes! Or rather, paying for two places felt a little silly, so the top floor of my art-gallery-to-be is just where I live. So, truly. No imposition at all~ I'll have the wine ready to go, in any case.

[ And Hugo sends the address for the gallery, along with some basic instructions. Lock the gate after yourself, take the stairs or elevator to the fourth floor, et cetera. After Silco visited in such a colorful way, he's actually a bit more inclined to see how people take the instructions... Though he expects that Gregor will just follow them, thankfully. ]

You've got it, then. Be there in a while.

[he's decidedly less colorful when it comes to entrances. the instructions that hugo sends are all followed, the gate carefully locked before he makes his way up... and while he looks fine enough, certainly nothing like he was after his abduction, gregor is a little disheveled compared to his usual. maybe he got dressed a little distractedly.]

Sorry for the short notice, but... thanks for inviting me. Not really sure where I'd have gone next.

[ Honestly, he’s grateful for a less colorful entrance… His recent visitors have been more inclined to enter through the windows just to mess with him. It’s actually even immediately visible on his face at first with a bit of a relieved smile, though it does soften at the edges as he takes in the details of how Gregor looks at the moment. He’s terribly curious, but he’ll be patient. He’s sure they’ll get to it.

Personally, Hugo is also dressed much more casually than Gregor has seen him before, though that glamor is still in place. His usually neatly kept hair is pulled up into a (substantial) bun, and his usually formal, stylish clothes are now whatever Karteria’s equivalent of sweats are. He’d definitely thought about changing and fancying himself up for company, but… If Gregor will staying for a while, he’d see it anyways, right? ]

You’re welcome, of course. As you’ll see, it’s truly no trouble at all~.

[ Because, indeed, when Hugo leads the way from the small hallway by the elevator to the “penthouse” proper, it definitely lives up to that name. It’s spacious, though some of that space is definitely because it’s sparsely decorated at the moment. Hugo will work on his living space once the floors below are all done.

Notably, the big windows all have heavy curtains on them (though they’re drawn open now that the sun is down), and there are two pieces of art that stand out from the rest of the basic décor. One is a detailed portrait of a young woman, and the other is significantly less detailed, but of a younger girl that resembles the other portrait. However, her face is obscured with artful, delicately drawn lace. Her portrait sits away from the other, close to a window, and a vase of fresh flowers is arranged underneath it.

There’s wine sitting on the counter by the kitchen, so he heads there first. It’s already uncorked, so he gets to pouring two glasses with casual panache. ]

And like I said, before you think I’m sitting on a pile of cash… This really is coincidental. They were already renovating the place into apartments when I bought it, so no reason to pay for my old place and this one. I can be on site security, besides~.

You lucked out with these digs, 'ne?

[some of the unsettled energy bleeds off as he quickly gets distracted looking around-- he doesn't go and wander off without hugo, he stays within his sight, but gregor lingers behind him here and there as he pauses to indulge his curiosity about the place. definitely large, just undecorated as opposed to the full bachelor lifestyle he and dante (and now lyle) live...

the portraits draw his attention more than the rest, and his expression noticeably sobers once he catches sight of the flowers beneath one, his gaze lingering there longer. he doesn't ask anything, though; the vase sitting there says enough, and when it comes to hugo, he isn't going to start off by prying. instead, he carries on after that pause.]

... and besides, who better to guard a place like this than somebody who knows how to get past security. Sounds like it'll work out real well here.

Well, half luck, half boring, bureaucratic research, which is both the heart of all evil and the surest way to get ahead in life, alas~.

[ He laughs pleasantly as he jokes, though with a flicker of his mismatched eyes towards Gregor, he sees where his attention is. It’s no wonder, of course. Honestly, Hugo is a little surprised that no one has asked, since his other visitors have been terribly impolite people!

…So, it wouldn’t be so bad to share with Gregor. It might not be the full story, since he keeps those depths tightly locked up, but a little explanation would be plenty.

Later, though. He sets the bottle down again and approaches, holding out one of the glasses for Gregor. ]

But it’s true that I’m better suited than, well, most anyone to at least do my initial survey of just how necessary security might be. I feel like with Karterians all I would have to do is drop my glamor and they would run away, never to try thieving again. It's not the best plan for business, though.

Maybe not the best for business, but I don't know, you could do worse to 'em than that. They're a little too sensitive if they think you're that scary-looking...

[he still thinks hugo's corrupted appearance is fascinating, after all, but luckily for hugo he's got more of his usual personal filter this time. that pigment really did have him saying some things, didn't it--

gregor takes the glass with an appreciative nod, but he doesn't immediately take a drink, looking pensively down into it instead. right. the pigment was involved in a Lot of things, which is exactly what he's running here from in the first place.]

Ah, you’re just saying that because we had a delightful time of shopping when you saw it~. It would be much scarier if— Well, if I wanted it to be, I suppose.

[ He says, but there’s a little warmth in his smile that’s gentler. It’s subtle, since the shades of Hugo’s smiles seem to just be that way as they flit between a mask and genuine emotion, but in this case? He’s genuinely flattered. He finds his corruption to be something macabre and ugly.

Which is exactly why all his focus turns towards Gregor instead.

He takes a sip of his wine with an appraising little hum, but after a moment’s thought, he grabs the bottle and nods towards the area he’s set up as a basic living room. The seating is all secondhand from the antique store he’d been working at, so it’s comfortable enough, if a bit worn in places. ]

So…

[ It’s the kind of “so” where the tone makes the question that follows crystal clear. He waits until they take their seats (and he keeps a polite distance tonight, since he has a guess what this is about) to actually ask. ]

You don’t have to answer, to be clear. But I am curious. What happened to bring you over here, Gregor?

Well, uh.

[he says to start off with, unsure how to put this. what is he supposed to say right now? is there an answer that doesn't sound ridiculous?

gregor takes a long drink from his glass, doing his best to get comfortable in his seat, and finally lands on just getting right to the point.]

Something-- happened in Kelesis, and I slept with my manager, who's also one of my roommates, and I have no idea how to-- Hugo, I called them bud in the morning and there's no coming back from that, is there?

[SO. YOU KNOW.

he needed a little space to think, and to give them space to think... which couldn't happen in a small apartment they now share with a giant bug guy. the problem is he also doesn't even know what to think about.]

[ There’s some immediate mirth that comes to Hugo’s smile, and if Gregor gets the impression that he’s holding back a laugh… He’s correct. However, he’s also quick to explain it. ]

You know, I’m so glad that this is something relatively normal. I had a feeling it was something like this, but also? Here? I fear it’s just as likely as some new, unimaginable horror that this world seems determined to subject us to!

[ He’s being light-hearted, but it genuinely is a relief that it’s something relatively grounded. Sure, the circumstances that led to it certainly aren’t, but the core “problem” is at least something that Hugo feels familiar with. ]

But I know what you mean. It was the purple pigment, in case you’re curious.

[ So, by implication… Well, Hugo had a fun evening too, but he’d also been very determined to stick with a new acquaintance at the most, if not a complete stranger. Don’t worry about what this says about him. He takes a sip of his wine as he relaxes into his seat. ]

Anyways… Sure there is. But before I say anything, I must ask. Would you like my advice, or would you simply like a sympathetic ear to your troubles?

Normal? This is what you consider normal?

[but it's not actually aimed at hugo, just a despondent mutter as he takes another drink, head in his hand.]

No, I think advice is definitely on the table with this one. I've never-- dealt with this sort of thing before, you know.

[which only makes the whole thing more awkward. of all the first experiences he could've had...]

Hey, I said relatively.

[ Hugo laughs out his qualifier warmly, and there’s definitely mischievous mirth in his eyes as he watches Gregor sink into his chair and his wine. Admittedly, part of his amusement here is because, well… ]

It was a long time ago, I admit, but I’ve actually been in your shoes before. No external forces of pigment, of course, just both of us being young and… energetic.

[ What he actually means is clear, based on the very pointed sip of wine he takes right after. At least when he talks about Lycaon this way, it doesn’t piss him off. ]

So, my advice is straightforward, albeit in the vein of easier said than done. You have to decide if you’d like to do it again, you know?

If I'd like to do it again, huh.

[definitely much easier said than done, considering the way he lapses into silent consideration there. does he? more importantly, does it actually matter if he does? even if they're a world away from the city, they do hope to go back, and their work relationship is going to remain in the back of his mind-- likely dante's, as well.

... but it was nice, despite knowing it was the pigment's fault. he'd sort of always figured that was going to be something for other people, and more or less wrote it off, content enough without the experience. now that he's had at least a taste of it, though?

well. it was good to feel-- wanted, in that kind of way. that's undeniable.]

I mean, there's a pretty decent chance it'd only make things more awkward, there's... a lot of complications here. Not like I've got any point of comparison either.

[ Hugo nods slightly, but he doesn’t say anything right away. It’s Gregor’s question to mull over at the end of the day, and since Hugo doesn’t actually know Dante, he doesn’t have much of an opinion on the specific dynamic here. Of course, he can guess of some of the difficulties since Gregor only calls them “Manager”…

But. As Hugo listens with a laid-back smile, there’s a moment at the end where Gregor’s words take a moment to catch up with him. He looks confused and tilts his head lightly like he’s not sure if he heard him correctly. ]

…Wait. You don’t have a point of comparison?

[ He repeats the phrase because… Surely that’s not implying what he thinks it is. Right? ]

I apologize for being indelicate with this question before I ask, but. Do you mean that was your first time having sex?

[oh. he didn't intend to let that one slip.]

O-of course not, I just meant that it was, er, it was a different... situation from any other time-- I mean, the other time?

[faking it is one thing, but implying multiple is a step too far. he better tone it down.]

I've definitely-- it'd just be embarrassing if I hadn't at this age, 'ne?

[ Hugo can’t help it. His lips purse a little as he’s clearly trying to hold back a laugh, but it’s definitely not for the reasons that Gregor might assume. His not-so-valiant effort breaks with the question, and he shakes his head lightly. ]

Gregor, I’m sorry to say this, but you’re a terrible liar.

[ There’s playful warmth in his tone, though. He finds this charming, and he doesn’t bother to hide it. Honestly, someone who’s terrible at lying is a little refreshing, odd as the thought feels when it crosses his mind. ]

It’s fine, though. I mean, now it’s happened, and better late than never, right~?

[ He laughs, since he barely holds the comment back about baking him a cake for the occasion, but… Gregor isn’t the type he’d tease that way. Thankfully. ]

…No, to be serious about it, that makes some of the awkwardness more understandable. [ He hums a note of consideration, then shrugs. ] Is it better or worse for me to say that the importance of it will fade? At least where I'm from, that first time and when it happens is so important, but then once it's done? I at least wondered why it'd been so hyped up in the first place!

Not you, too...

[he's heard he's a terrible liar frequently enough, but come on, surely it'll work out for him sometime. SURELY.

but at least hugo's just teasing him a bit. it's not so hard to move on from it to continue the conversation, albeit a bit sheepish at first for being so easily called out.]

Honestly, it wasn't ever something important to me. Out of mind and all, you know...? I've had this thing- [a little gesture to his arm,] for about twenty years, now, I'd written off anything like that happening and moved on from the thought a long time ago. Makes it a little weirder to contend with all of a sudden, is all.

Ah… Right.

[ Just that reaction and the way Hugo’s expression falls from mischief to a more serious one makes it clear that he hadn’t been exaggerating to say that something like Gregor’s arm was perfectly normal where he’s from. It’s so normal that he’d honestly forgotten how Gregor had explained the taboo surrounding it, so now he feels like a little bit of an asshole. He doesn’t think Gregor would take it that way, at least… ]

Well… Was it fun?

[ His tone is gentler now rather than playfully gossiping. It’s clear he’s asking for a reason, though he also corrects himself slightly after he says that. ]

Ah, maybe that’s not the right word, exactly. My point is, did the two of you enjoy it?

...think so, yeah.

[it takes a second to come around to the answer, but that's an easier one. awkwardness and fumbling aside, he did enjoy it, and it seemed to him that dante did too.]

I mean-- well. Seems hard not to enjoy something like that to at least some degree, 'ne? Turns out it really was a "better late than never" sort of thing.

[ Hugo smiles warmly at the confirmation, since that’s good. It’s kind of the bare minimum for a good time, sure, but that’s why Gregor’s comment makes him laugh. He waves a hand his way playfully. ]

Oh, you would think, but I’ve had some absolutely dreadful evenings. Nothing worrying, mind you, but just… Mm, I’ll just be general and call it incompatibilities~.

[ And Hugo chuckles, but it’s not so much because of recalling any of those experiences. It’s just funny to be talking to someone about them. He clearly doesn’t have any shame about the matter, but he just hadn’t really had anyone to talk with so openly in New Eridu. How ironic. ]

But it’s good that yours doesn’t fall into that category! It means there’s a path ahead. If you want one, of course.

[ He takes a sip of his wine as he shifts in his seat a little just to get more comfortable. ]

That’s what I’d be mulling over while you’re here, if I were you. Do you want to hook up again? Or a more serious relationship? Or nothing at all?

...yeah, I'll think on it. Work relationship aside, I don't know if it's the best idea to just-- jump into anything like that with the only person I've ever spent a night with, even if I did decide it sounded good. Seems like that could lead to either or both of us regretting it later.

[dante doesn't remember their life before limbus company, so even if they had previous experience-- they wouldn't know it at all. they have exactly as much knowledge as gregor does, in this case, and what if both of them mistook their own thoughts on what happened? what if they just made a mess of it all, and still had to return to being colleagues back in the city...?

one of his hair-vines twines around the stem of his glasses, an uncertain little reflex. since he's going to have plenty of food for thought now...]

Say, what kind of incompatibilities did you end up running into before? If you don't mind me getting a little nosy about it.

[of course hugo can tell him to back off, and he will, no questions asked. he's just curious.]

@13th (december sometime)

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