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[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.

[it seems understated, but-- gregor is similar, frankly. when something weighs on him, he's much less wordy, more withdrawn. so coming from someone like hugo, who fills empty silences so readily... the lack of words feels more notable than a longer response would be.

he lets that space sit unfilled, taking a quiet drink while he waits for hugo to decide what he wants to say.]

...yeah, that might not be the worst idea. But, uh...

[he finishes a little sheepishly:]

I don't guess it's a surprise to say I haven't been on one either, is it?

It’s not, but that’s fine~.

[ Hugo smiles again, and though it’ll take a moment for his usual casual lightness to return, this is an easy topic to do it. ]

Maybe it’s similarly not much of a surprise to say I’m an expert when it comes to dates. I don’t play with people’s hearts, but dates are a perfect way to gather intel and go unnoticed. So, I’ve been on many. Sometimes with new people, sometimes just faking dating with other members of Mockingbird….

[ He waves a hand vaguely, then finishes off his wine. He sets the glass down on the table to pour himself another while he talks, and he tilts the bottle towards Gregor with a questioning glance to ask if he’d like a top off. ]

And at its core, it’s just finding something nice to do together that gives space to talk. So, no movies, plays, et cetera, even though people always rate them so highly! [ He tuts his disapproval playfully. ] Have either of you found something you like to do here? That’s a decent place to start.

[he tips his glass toward hugo in response, holding it out so that he can pour; yes, a topoff is absolutely in order with the places this conversation has gone.]

Keeping in mind that there's no guarantee they'd even want to-- nothing that I'd say would lend itself to the, uh, date idea. Dinner's off the table, they can't eat regular food, and I don't think either of us really has much in the way of hobbies...

[his normal hand rubs at the back of his neck with that thought, brow furrowing.]

... it's been a few months here already, and I just didn't think much about what else I can do with my free time. Guess I'm too used to not having the chance.

[ Ah, yes, he’s recovering from that dark, pensive moment quickly, because Gregor makes it easy… Maybe it’s at his expense, but Hugo’s mischief and teasing is light and good-natured, at least. ]

Really? Neither of you do? [ He tuts, shaking his head as he draws back now that they both have their refill. ] I understand the difficulty, just based on what you’ve said about home, but goodness! Maybe I should be the one taking you out on a date first as practice~.

[ As usual, it’s hard to tell how much of that is a joke, but there’s part of it that isn’t. He wouldn’t be opposed, anyways. Considering what he’d just explained, a platonic date isn’t out of the ordinary for him. He’ll think on some ideas, but first. He can’t help but dig into that little passing remark. ]

…Though, since you mentioned it, I’m curious, if you don’t mind. They’re a Spectral, as I recall, so what is their diet nowadays, do you know?

As-- what?

[now that's a suggestion he hadn't expected, even if it is probably just a joke...

and he's not sure how to feel about that, actually. even if it's not only teasing after all, something about it-- well, it doesn't quite rub him the wrong way, but there's a strange feel to it regardless. more of a brush of something just a little out of place.

it'd be no big deal, naturally. just practice. nothing to it! (maybe it's that it's close to the idea of a pity date? but he isn't going to examine that any further when he has a perfectly good question to pay attention to.)]

They, er, they're a Spectral, yeah. Think they phrased it as... consuming 'life', more or less?

[ Hugo just laughs without confirming his comment one way or the other, but it’s only because his question is more important. His air in asking is casual, like he’s just curious how his fellow Spectrals differ, but truthfully? He’s much more deeply invested in just how morbid their new diets seem to be. He knows this is potentially opening up the door for Gregor to ask in turn, but that just makes it a little test, right?

(He doesn’t like that he thinks this way.) ]

Ah, something figurative, you mean? It seems like most of us are blood drinkers, so… That’s a bit more literal.

[ And considering Hugo’s little fangs, it’s easy to assume that he’s in that category too. ]

…Does it bother you? That it’s something macabre like that?

Well, they don't have a mouth, so... little bit figurative, yeah.

[there's-- not much reaction from him at the last question either, actually, just a half-shrug as he takes another drink from his glass.]

And I'd be a pretty big hypocrite if I said it bothered me all that much. It's... of course I'm no big fan of killing. I'd rather not when we can avoid it, it's a shame to have to take a life, but... so it goes in the City.

[either you get real good at compartmentalizing it, at separating the necessary targets from others, or you don't survive war-- which has been an invaluable skill when it comes to working for something like limbus company, as it turned out.

after a pause, he exhales a little puff of a breath. ah, fuck it.]

Lemme put it this way. The vehicle we use back home runs on human fuel, and I've been watching that damn thing chew people up for months. I can't go and get all squeamish about that now.

[ At first, Hugo’s expression stays about the same—curious, but polite, because he’s trying to create a little distance from his own curiosity. So, Gregor’s answer is a little bit of a relief, even though it doesn’t show outwardly. If that’s his opinion, then maybe he could— ]

What?

[ The thought dies immediately as Gregor continues, and the polite expression just becomes one of pure bafflement. He almost feels like he misheard, because that doesn’t even make sense. Does it? ]

Sorry, I— [ ??? ] I wasn’t expecting that. You’re being serious, aren’t you?

[ It’s practically a rhetorical question, though. It’s not really like Gregor to joke around, uh. At all, really? That’s more Hugo’s thing between the two of them, but even so, it wasn’t exactly this. ]

No, don’t answer that. Of course you are. But… No wonder, I guess. I thought New Eridu could be quite brutal at times, but it seems like your city one-ups it easily.

Yeah, it's good at that, from what I've gathered about the places other people come from. ...They, uh, do usually attack us first, for the record. Not like we've had to go around looking for fuel.

[which also says something about the way things are in the city, if they get enough fuel to run the thing off of being attacked.

his fingers run through his vines, shoving them back behind an ear.]

Nobody can help what they've gotta do to survive in circumstances like this, either. I can't judge anyone for that-- a colleague of mine's a blood drinker too, y'know. Kept it under wraps for a long time before we found out. I've never thought any less of her for what she is.

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