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[thirtybits]

"This is Judah's voicemail, no need to leave your number, I'll reply as soon as I can."



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[thirtybits]

What?! That's absurd! How is there anything about me that would suggest something like that?

[depicted]

It's always the ones who don't seem like it. That's how they get into your heart. Boys and girls who look put-upon, who become exasperated, who can't seem to play the game of love at all—who can't seem to play much of anything. They get you to let your guard down, and then you're theirs for good.

[thirtybits]

Definitely not! You know I've never had the time to even think about that sort of thing! Much less to waste it on meaningless flirting.

[depicted]

[It's not Dorian's fault that Judas is cute when he's teased.] I know you said so, but do I know if you did?

[thirtybits]

It should be obvious! Based on everything you know for fact, I'm certain you can tell I did next to nothing but work and protest until I died!

[depicted]

[Oh it's tempting to break here, but he has to say this one.] Gospels can lie. You said so yourself. John the Liar.

[thirtybits]

That's different! It's just details! Anyway I meant from knowing me yourself. I kind of doubt anyone said much more about me than the betrayal!

[depicted]

[And now Dorian does break, right into a great big laugh. He drags Judas in and ruffles his hair.] And so they missed the essentials.

Pick any tree you like, by the way. I mean, we could wander through here for the rest of eternity, but I was hoping we'd have a chance for a bite to eat.

[thirtybits]

[He jumps, blushing hard. At least the second comment distracts. He looks around and seems to pick something out.]

Then there's an oak over there. ...But I didn't think to bring any food. I'm sorry, that was stupid - I can go back for some.

[depicted]

[Dorian lifts up his other arm: the one off of which the makeshift basket hangs.] Fortunately, I thought ahead. No one re-imagines Nature as a docile setting for idleness like the English.

[thirtybits]

Oh? You never want to take what I offer, but you've at least found yourself something still? That's reassuring at least.

[depicted]

I traded recipes for supplies, if you'll believe it. So let's.

[On reaching the oak tree, Dorian pulls from the basket a blanket, or rather, some stolen drapes in solid block colours, because the patterned things are criminal. He lays it out, then gestures for Judas to sit.] Birthday boy first. Let's try not to inhale any pollen while we're here.

[thirtybits]

You know how to cook?

[He looks surprised. But Judas does sit without hesitation, taking a cautionary loom around when reminded of the flowers.]

[depicted]

[Dorian settles down beside him, only able to laugh at the comment.] Yes, I do. And I can sweep and dust, and do my own laundry, and get my own food at the supermarket. I haven't had a servant in decades.

[Dorian starts pulling the foods out of the baskets, starting with a bottle of wine and a pair of glasses, but moving on to the dishes—cold cuts of roast beef, seasoned, lentil stew, the nearest approximation of ful muddamas he could manage, and canned apricots. Every single food selected as something that would have been available to Judas in his home time, or at the very least, as close to those dishes as Dorian could get.]

Sorry I couldn't get lamb, but beef seemed like a better option than trying to get meet off of the wild animals around here. A luxury, I know, but you are with one of the elite, so you may as well eat like it. And I wanted to get figs or dates, but apricots were the only things available that would work.

[thirtybits]

[Judas stares at the food, that pang of guilt hitting him immediately. There's so much food, and it looks wonderful, it's rare he sees such presentation, if ever. Not to mention the quality, sure Judas ate meat regularly after leaving Hell, but he's done away with it since coming to the Box. What's more, it's clear everything was done with him in mind, and that is truly difficult to fathom. Worry creases his brow as he bites his lip.]

You...you made this for me?

[depicted]

Well, you know. [Dorian looks down, rubbing at his mouth.] I thought, you're always bringing me food. It would only be fair. And it's been a few decades since I've eaten like this, so. I mean, I learned it in the 50's and 60's, almost two millennia after your time, so you'll have to tell me if it comes at all close. But I think I'm all right at it.

[thirtybits]

[He bites his lip harder, squeezing his fingers individually.]

I...I don't know what to say. Thank you. It looks delicious - I'd imagine that's the main difference from my time. [A small laugh.] ...But...you know I don't really... [He trails off, not knowing how to say it, and not wanting to say no.]

[depicted]

[Dorian looks up, voice picking up speed and becoming more fragile all at once.] We don't have to eat it all! You can save some for later. And I'll eat half of it, too, so you don't have to have worry about that. But, I mean, we've both been in accounting in our time, haven't we? [His laugh sounds as delicate in its happiness as his expression looks.] I owe you, don't I?

[thirtybits]

I really appreciate it. [That line is meant to lead into turning it down. Meant to. He can't bring himself to follow through. Though his chest heaves with the dilemma, he takes an apricot to start. Popping it in his mouth to commit himself to the idea.]

[depicted]

[The reward is a smile, blooming with such delight that you would want to paint the moment to give it immortality, and Dorian leans forwards on impulse to press a kiss to Judas's lips.] You'll have to tell me what you think. I think I enjoy the added taste to you. [He very happily starts up with his half of the ful muddamas.]

[thirtybits]

[He flushes, rubbing his neck as he decides to better settle in.] W-well, the fruit is good. But I guess I should be commenting on what you've made...

[depicted]

[Dorian laughs.] Yeah, those were from a can. Fortunately, I have a lot of recipes to trade, so this was all fairly easy to come across. Aside from the cramping in my hand.

[thirtybits]

[Judas takes some stew first.]

You know you don't have to do this for me, right...?

[He looks up at Dorian, eyes nearly wet.]

[depicted]

[With fingers to Judas's cheek, he seeks to reassure him.] Think of it as . . . an expression of my affections for you. There is no monetary value for such a thing, right?

[He taps once under Judas's eye.] And I already added salt. It's best if you don't add more.

[thirtybits]

No, that's true... [He forces a smile, and shifts to give Dorian a quick kiss before digging into the stew.] It is delicious - lentil soup has always been a favourite of mine.