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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.]

[ When Gregor puts it like that, there’s a subtle change in Hugo’s smile. It’s understated enough that it’s easy to miss, especially if Gregor is looking elsewhere, but it’s a little tightening of the smile. There’s something about it that’s struck a chord with Hugo, but it’s not a pleasant one.

It’s only a moment, though. The question is a good distraction from that feeling. ]

Well…! They’re a little embarrassing, so just don’t think of me as a scoundrel~. Most of my experience comes from my… experimental period, I’ll say.

[ He laughs, even though the tips of his ears darken with a little flush. It’s all years ago now, and he doesn’t think he’s this kind of person anymore, but. His crash out post-Lycaon hadn’t exactly been flattering for him. ]

The usual was just physical incompatibility. I like the fun of figuring things out with Thiren, but sometimes it just doesn’t work… When you’re dealing with something that’s, well— [ He holds up a hand like he would be holding something it, and with the context of the conversation, it’s not hard to guess what he means. How much his hand is spread out is a little alarming, though. ] —There’s really only so much you can do.

[ Oh, that flush is travelling down his ears now. He’s able to talk about it casually, albeit a little indirectly, but it’s still not something he ever really talks about. It’s still better than touching on that idea of regret for pursuing a relationship, though. ]

But there’s personality and expectations too. I wasn’t really the dating type, since my line of work made that an unfair prospect. I wouldn’t want to start a relationship where I have to lie to them about what I do, you know? But nor could I trust someone to not turn me in. So, alas! Flings it always was~.

C'mon, if I were gonna think of you as a scoundrel, it'd be from all the teasing, not your tastes.

[hugo you are so frequently killing your gregor-- but it's fine, he's half poking fun at himself with that one, settling in with another drink of his wine as hugo continues...

then he nearly chokes on the second sip at the gesture hugo makes, once he picks up what he's putting down. THAT big?! that's the kind of experience he's had before? (is that what he goes for?? jeez, there's no comparison, is there, nobody else could try to compete...) gregor hurriedly swallows down a third gulp to keep himself from coughing, exhaling a slow breath afterwards. he's fine. all good. he is moving on from that one.]

... not that I would've assumed you weren't one, I already know better, but-- think that makes you a pretty decent guy. Plenty with your career would've gone for it and used a relationship as a cover, or something like that.

[ Gregor’s reaction to this little (large) revelation deepens the flush on Hugo’s face, but it also comes with a big, open laugh. ]

I know, I know! And it’s even worse to say it now.

[ But the way he stresses the word is light. He’s being dramatic for the fun of it, and maybe to make fun of himself a little too. ]

After all, it was all very normal! Yet, here? The only point of comparison I can draw are my fellow Augmented, but I still haven’t exactly seen a Carnivora pushing seven feet tall…

[ Thiren may come in all kinds of sizes, but. It’s also pretty relative to their respective animal, so… He just continues to laugh, but even if he knows his blush is clear, he’s not self-conscious about it for once. After all, Gregor is kind enough to give him an out here. ]

[ So, his expression softens. With that flush from the more embarrassing part of the conversation, it comes off as a bit bashful, but his words are as confident as ever. It’s hard to tell what he’s actually feeling. ]

But. I’m flattered that you think so, truly.

[ He doesn’t agree. But he won’t reject the kindness of the sentiment. ]

Perhaps that’s what separates me from a scoundrel? I am a gentleman thief, you see. So, I couldn’t break someone’s heart that way. Or keep up that kind of lie for my own heart, for that matter.

I get it. It's the kind of thing you'd wanna be honest with, yeah? But if it's risky to open yourself up like that... just have to either fake it or avoid it.

[it's difficult to open oneself up like that even without any risk involved, he knows that much. gregor rarely does-- he's had too many tentative attempts at it go poorly for him to feel comfortable, and while it's easier with hugo, it still hasn't been so easy. he still finds himself half-expecting to be brushed off when he does, and pleasantly surprised that it hasn't happened so far.]

Usually safer to go with the latter.

…Precisely so.

[ As chatty as Hugo can be, such a simple response feels understated. In fact, it’s almost awkward, because there’s a silence that lingers rather than his usual habit of cheerily filling the space. He just looks at his wine glass pensively, but the smile is gone. It’s hard to tell what he’s thinking, but it does seem like he’s weighing a heavy topic.

So, when he breaks the silence, it’s probably not with what Gregor expects. ]

…I think you should go for it. Even if things don’t work out, it’s not like it’s a waste of time to have tried.

[ Why bring up his story? That’s what he’d decided. It would sound like a warning, like diving into a relationship would just turn out in disaster. Hugo just doesn’t believe that’s true. Not for others, at least. ]

Just start out small. Go on a date. I won’t say “pretend that the night didn’t happen”, since it did, but. At least for the date, pretend it didn’t. That’s how you’ll see if there’s a connection to continue pursuing, in my opinion.

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