IC contact

[thirtybits]

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



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[depicted]

[They each have their ways of wounding one another. Dorian is speaking around three words he cannot think about saying. And with every sentence, he is telling Judas what those three missing words mean.

Dorian takes comfort in the physical contact, eased by it into not fretting so much about what has happened without Dorian realizing it.] I'm glad to hear it. I imagine I'll have a lot of angry things to call you in the future. [Dorian is oddly pleased about that. He enjoys having people who can conduct a real argument with him. It's distressing for him to think that his anger wounds, so their spats have served to make Dorian more comfortable and open around Judas.]

[thirtybits]

[He laughs. Arguments affect Judas much the same. He will always be easily angered by little things, and more often than not will voice it. But as much as anyone wants their complaints to be heard, he wouldn't want them to be taken too much to heart. And for Judas now to be upset with someone is more a sign of trust than anything.] Good, I can take them. I hope you can too.

[depicted]

Haven't I proved I can? [He taps Judas once between his eyes, before stealing some more food.] As I said, you're fun when you're irritated. I like the look you get on your face. Even if that face is shouting angrily at me.

[thirtybits]

'Fun', really? And I'm not so sure about whatever look I get being particularly enjoyable...

[depicted]

Aesthetics and pleasure are both my realms of expertise. I'm afraid you don't get a vote in their valuation.

[He is too comfortable with playing the little lord. But it's extra fun with Judas.]

[thirtybits]

Well I can't say I know how I look, but if I'm to believe the Apostles, it sounds almost frightening. Then again, I haven't been that angry with you. Yet.

[depicted]

You say that as if you expect to become that angry at me. [He anticipates the moment greatly.]

[thirtybits]

Not one of my friends has been spared it so far, why should you break the pattern? Actually, I'd say on average the more I like someone, the more I get upset with them.

[depicted]

In that case, you better hurry up and get angry with me. I'll start to think you don't care. [Dorian would never believe Judas doesn't care. Dorian is very self-assured on certain thinks, and that is one of them.]

[thirtybits]

You'd better start being aggrevating, then. I can't be the only one working at this relationship.

[depicted]

I didn't think it was my role to work. [Class issues, like suicide, are hilarious.]

[thirtybits]

Ah, right. I'm surprised 'your peasant' wasn't part of that list of pet names.

[depicted]

[Dorian dismisses that easily.] Peasant is an unpleasant word. As is serf, or even tenant. I don't enjoy the feel of them.

[thirtybits]

Is there any word for my class you do like, then?

[depicted]

Afraid not. Harry used to refer to 'the lower orders' but I can't really warm to the term.

[thirtybits]

Ahh, too bad, how will I ever respect you like that?

[Finally Judas realises how long he's been holding onto Dorian's hand. It seems so natural, after all.] Ah, sorry - [He lets go, dropping his hand back to his lap and taking a sip of wine.]

[depicted]

My inherent dignity as a gentleman should do the job. [Ha ha ha—

Dorian only half-reclaims his hand. He seems amused.] I don't mind. I enjoy it.

[thirtybits]

Are you sure? You're speaking to an insurgent. I have nothing but contempt for something like that. [lol serious issues]

Actually, I should be asking that about both.

[depicted]

[Dorian leans forward.] Don't tell me that insurgents can't hold hands.

[thirtybits]

[A grin lights up his face.] Not with Romans. Unless it's along the lines of carrying your pack for a mile and another.

[depicted]

[He laughs.] I'm not a soldier. You can't get me into trouble with that.

[thirtybits]

It's all about being undermining. [He shrugs.] I could probably find a way to do that with holding your hand though. It's a bit of a specialty of mine. So I guess I can hold your hand after all.

[depicted]

I am a Victorian. [Dorian takes up Judas's hands in his.] You know yourself how much trouble I could get in for this in my day.

[thirtybits]

[Ah. Oscar. Judas doesn't say it, but it certainly crosses his mind. And for a split second, the injustice tugs at his brow.] It hasn't stopped you before, and much more I'm sure.

[depicted]

I would never let something like the law get in my way.

[Dorian lets go of Judas's hands, but only so he can rub at Judas's brow, as if he can push the furrowing away.] And the laws have changed. I'm free.