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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]

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.

[thirtybits]

[Judas' eyebrows raise as he looks to the hand at his forehead. It's probably about time for jokes in poor taste, huh.] It seems you're more like me than you think. Or I'm more like you? Either way.

[depicted]

[His smile widens and he lowers his hands.] There is a world of difference between a rebel and a criminal. Regardless of how the law may see it. I am no collectivist, and do not tend towards coalition.

[thirtybits]

That sort of criminal activity is about the same level as mine. Threatening to the ideals. And look at you pulling me into your morally reprehensible lifestyle, what would the Pharisees say - as if they needed any other excuse to be against me.

[depicted]

It's more fun here, in the cities of the plain. Surprised they disliked you so at the end of it. You did sort of help them kill a guy they hated.

[It's like calling Judas traitor. Dorian knows these things linger on Judas's mind. Others would have Judas push it away, as if not saying it could stop him from feeling it.

Dorian knows better. And so he says it out loud.]

[thirtybits]

[It's certainly something Judas appreciates. He hates when others treat him and the subject delicately. It's an insult to all involved. There's no point skirting any issue, much less such an obvious one.]

Well I still insulted them all the while. And tried to take it back. And committed suicide. Plus everything before that. Not exactly things they'd like much. It doesn't really matter if I did one thing that benefited them.

[depicted]

[Dorian could say that traitors are always left alone, but there is a far more fun, personalized attack to make.] On second thought, not that surprising. You're irritating and troublesome with everyone.

[thirtybits]

[He laughs.] Wasn't I just saying that? And you have the perspective as someone I love, imagine how it is for those I hate.

[depicted]

[His laugh is light as breath.] Absolutely unbearable, I im—

[Someone I love.

Every muscle slinks into retreat. His fingers flinch back, his arms draw in, his whole skeleton straightens and pulls away. It hurts in a way that it shouldn't, with a force that was not intended. He looks to Judas and is so overcome by a need to tell Judas that it's all right, to stop Judas before he blames himself, that he lunges forward to kiss him.

Someone save the food from falling down.]

[thirtybits]

[Judas draws a breath in, short and sharp, as he catches Dorian's reaction. An innocent, meaningless comment, he didn't think about it - he has to apologise. Right away--

But before he can open his mouth to offer those apologies, Dorian's kissed him. And that certainly puts a stop to it. About the last thing he was expecting, it's all he can do to snatch up the tipping bowl of ful in one arm. The meat slips through his fingers and lands scattered on the grass, and lentils fly. At least in his desperation, Judas catches the wine bottle between his shins.]

[depicted]

[Dorian gets very still.

And draws back.

And looks at the food on the ground.]

Oh.

[um]

At least most of the meat went to Kido.

[thirtybits]

No, no, it's alright, I'll still eat it! [Setting the ful aside, Judas leans down to retrieve the wine, which he passes off to Dorian. Then, he lowers himself a bit, and jumps from the branch, landing on his hands and knees.]

[depicted]

You'll eat it.

[There's not a question. It's an expression of horrified shock.]

[thirtybits]

It's just the grass for a few seconds, it's absolutely fine! It can be washed anyway!

[And after dusting off his hands and knees, he retrieves the container and starts gathering the meat. So long as it's not fallen in mud or anything.]

You don't waste something like meat over touching grass. ...Not when you're used to starving, anyway.