[ Turning around, Dorian gives Flint a little wave. He's got his clipboard in his hand which he sits down on a shelf, as he gives Flint his full attention. ]
I'm James. [ Just James for now, he's still working on dropping Flint even if most folks know him as Flint. For some reason, it also doesn't feel right to wear McGraw again. Perhaps he needs to reinvent a new last name once more for this new-old version of himself.]
I was wondering if it were at all possible to get some foodstuffs for lunch; cheese, bread, and meat, for two. Enough for sandwiches. And fruit if there's any to share. I know stores can be tight.
[There's a visible fumble that he tries to school in his expression and fails miserably. He didn't think his request was that obvious, but in hindsight maybe it was. It's still a touchy thing he is defensive about, he's learning that most people don't care who sleeps with who or anyone's sexuality. No one's in danger of being lynched for who they end up spending their nights with. It's still a knee-jerk reaction when it comes from a stranger.]
Sorry? I just want to make sandwiches. It's not like that. [It's totally like that.]
[There's a suspicious look at the other because he's very much starting to worry that maybe this guy can read his thoughts or can somehow get in his head.]
I haven't had fresh fruit in a while, it's hard to get it when out at sea. Do you have anything to spare or not?
[He remarks in a likely failed attempt to reason away the 'other things for a picnic'.]
Well, at least you're honest, but that's exactly what I'm trying to avoid, I don't need any rumors or gossip about us. The whole bleedin' Barge doesn't need to know about my personal affairs.
We've got enough fresh fruit for you to take what you want, [ Dorian nods. ] And don't worry, I don't plan on telling anybody who you'd like to kiss. I simply want to know so I can judge your taste.
[He breathes out a soft, disarming sigh, he's trying to remember that the Barge is safe for the most part and most people won't give a shit about who he's sleeping with.]
I'm not entirely convinced that you judging me is really all that better. Though I suppose so long as your judgment isn't coming with a lynching it's better than anything I'm used to back home.
[He quirks a brow at the other and starts to take a step into the inventory space.]
You mind if I go ahead and get what I need, or would you rather fetch it so I'm not taking more than I've asked for?
[ The moment Flint mentions the word 'lynching,' Dorian wrinkles his nose. As far as he's concerned, that word took the conversation from about a 5 to a 10 on the what the actual hell.
It's then that he realizes wait. He doesn't know this man. And the Barge does have a surprisingly high population of Ye Olde Timey White Guys. Dorian steps out of the way, gesturing for Flint to enter the pantry. But as he does so, he dryly points out, ]
You do know what the name Dorian Gray means, right? I've got an entire book written about all my vices and poor choices, which include a little bit of murder, a little bit of drugs, and quite a lot of sucking cock. Whatever my judgement is, I already have done worse and will do worse.
[ Granted, the 'sucking cock' bits are all more metaphorical than Dorian would like, but that's the 1890s for you! ]
[Flint pauses as the other introduces himself, giving him a once over as he goes on about an apparent book written about his lascivious lifestyle.]
No, should I have heard of you? [ Sorry Dorian, your story won't be written for well over a hundred years past his time. As for the rest, he chuckles.]
Oh? Is that all? Can't say I've had any interest in drugs but the rest... [A shrug as he turns back to the stores to peruse what they have.]
You know, one is meant to learn from poor choices not seek to outdo them.
Boooriiiiing! [ Dorian responds, in a sing-song voice. ] I'm of the firm belief that there's no kill like overkill. When you have a temptation? Indulge in it. No matter what it is or how excessive it might be.
You mentioned your name and being interesting enough to write a book about you, that's about all I know. I suppose being immortal means you can do all manner of stupid shit without giving a damn about repercussions.
[He picks up a basket and starts loading things in. He may be a pirate, but he's true to his word about how much he takes of each.]
[He pulls four pieces of bread and wraps them in a paper towel. A few slices of meat and cheese, some lettuce, and a tomato. He'll take some assorted berries as well. All neatly and carefully packaged to take out and grab some space at one of the prep tables if he's able to. This way he can wash things if necessary as well.
There's a Look at Dorian as his jaw clenches and unclenches, mulling over if he wants to just give in and tell him. They were trying to be more open knowing that the Barge was safe to do so. Still, he doesn't really know Dorian... he could be full of shit.]
Why does it matter so much to you?
[He's nearly there, just playing hard to get. Fishing for a better reason than to be judged.]
[There's a pause at the word 'exclusive' because that was an awfully good question. One they hadn't really discussed or ironed out terms of. Though he'd slept with Norton prior to them admitting wanting to be together, or seeing each other in some way. Making it less of a casual thing, but never really defining what their thing is.]
I don't know, not yet, we haven't really talked about it.
[Flint has no problem with sharing if Raylan were wanting to, but he doesn't really know where Raylan stands on it. As for the rest, he can't help the small lop-sided smile that creeps into his features with a quirk of a brow.]
Are you not-so-subtly telling me you'd be interested in sleeping with me?
[His brows loft a little as the other very blatantly quickly undresses him with his eyes and seems a little taken aback by his answer. But only a little, he's still getting used to folks openly admitting he's attractive or having any kind of inkling of flirting with him. Norton's helped with that a bit. It's done a great deal for his confidence though.]
If you don't know Norton, I'd be very surprised. You two would get on famously I imagine. [Or maybe that's too powerful a horny combo that it could doom all space and time.
A pause.]
I'm with Raylan. [TO BE PERFECTLY CLEAR he doesn't want the wrong impression here that he's with Norton. Norton seemed like he'd be happier as the no strings attached fling sort anyway. And look, you got your answer Dorian.]
[It still feels sort of awkward and uncomfortable, just declaring his relationship with another man, to someone he just met. On the other hand, it's... nice? In a way, to be accepted and not scorned or cursed for it. To not have to be afraid that anything might happen to either of them because of it. It'll take some adjustment, but they'll get there.]
He does and he is. [He says as he takes his things to a table to start washing the fruits and veggies. He'll then slice up the tomato and start to assemble the sandwiches. Totally not blushing just a little bit at agreeing Raylan was cute.]
Admitting what I have to someone I've just met is ... a feat. I come from a time where anyone knowing I was with another man would mean death for both of us, or worse. And Raylan... where he's from isn't so kind either. I know this place is different, more accepting but it's still... difficult.
[ Dorian's silent for a moment. When he speaks, his tone is absolutely serious. ]
When I was younger, one of my friends was arrested for sodomy and 'gross indecency'—the term that London drafted up at the time to arrest men who buggered other men. I know how difficult it can be. [ a pause before, ] And I know how to keep a secret if the secret means this much.
[Flint glances at the other, quirking a brow and noticing the seriousness in his tone. He nods, cutting the sandwiches and wrapping them up nicely to be carried home. He'll then wash the knife and the table where he worked.]
I'd appreciate that. We aren't ready to be public. [A pause.]
Your friend, did they survive? [His tone is gentle, curious but sympathetic.]
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That I am. And who might you be?
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I was wondering if it were at all possible to get some foodstuffs for lunch; cheese, bread, and meat, for two. Enough for sandwiches. And fruit if there's any to share. I know stores can be tight.
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[ Dorian's expression shifts to a grin. A very much 'I am being a shitheel' grin. He is being a jerk and he knows it. ]
You tell me who you're taking out on a date.
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Sorry? I just want to make sandwiches. It's not like that. [It's totally like that.]
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[ Dorian gives Flint a saucy wink before grinning. ]
I'm fine with it being like that. I'm just a gossip!
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I haven't had fresh fruit in a while, it's hard to get it when out at sea. Do you have anything to spare or not?
[He remarks in a likely failed attempt to reason away the 'other things for a picnic'.]
Well, at least you're honest, but that's exactly what I'm trying to avoid, I don't need any rumors or gossip about us. The whole bleedin' Barge doesn't need to know about my personal affairs.
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I'm not entirely convinced that you judging me is really all that better. Though I suppose so long as your judgment isn't coming with a lynching it's better than anything I'm used to back home.
[He quirks a brow at the other and starts to take a step into the inventory space.]
You mind if I go ahead and get what I need, or would you rather fetch it so I'm not taking more than I've asked for?
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It's then that he realizes wait. He doesn't know this man. And the Barge does have a surprisingly high population of Ye Olde Timey White Guys. Dorian steps out of the way, gesturing for Flint to enter the pantry. But as he does so, he dryly points out, ]
You do know what the name Dorian Gray means, right? I've got an entire book written about all my vices and poor choices, which include a little bit of murder, a little bit of drugs, and quite a lot of sucking cock. Whatever my judgement is, I already have done worse and will do worse.
[ Granted, the 'sucking cock' bits are all more metaphorical than Dorian would like, but that's the 1890s for you! ]
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No, should I have heard of you? [ Sorry Dorian, your story won't be written for well over a hundred years past his time. As for the rest, he chuckles.]
Oh? Is that all? Can't say I've had any interest in drugs but the rest... [A shrug as he turns back to the stores to peruse what they have.]
You know, one is meant to learn from poor choices not seek to outdo them.
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Sounds like a good way to get yourself killed.
[Looking for something to borrow so he can carry his items.]
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Haven't I mentioned? I'm immortal.
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[He picks up a basket and starts loading things in. He may be a pirate, but he's true to his word about how much he takes of each.]
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You still haven't told me who you're dating, by the way.
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There's a Look at Dorian as his jaw clenches and unclenches, mulling over if he wants to just give in and tell him. They were trying to be more open knowing that the Barge was safe to do so. Still, he doesn't really know Dorian... he could be full of shit.]
Why does it matter so much to you?
[He's nearly there, just playing hard to get. Fishing for a better reason than to be judged.]
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It's partly that. Partly him also being a nosy fuck. ]
Unless you're both into that? I don't mind threesomes.
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I don't know, not yet, we haven't really talked about it.
[Flint has no problem with sharing if Raylan were wanting to, but he doesn't really know where Raylan stands on it. As for the rest, he can't help the small lop-sided smile that creeps into his features with a quirk of a brow.]
Are you not-so-subtly telling me you'd be interested in sleeping with me?
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Absolutely.
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If you don't know Norton, I'd be very surprised. You two would get on famously I imagine. [Or maybe that's too powerful a horny combo that it could doom all space and time.
A pause.]
I'm with Raylan. [TO BE PERFECTLY CLEAR he doesn't want the wrong impression here that he's with Norton. Norton seemed like he'd be happier as the no strings attached fling sort anyway. And look, you got your answer Dorian.]
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[ They fuck. They're good buddies and they also fuck. There is no beating around the bush with that one and Dorian is not even trying to hide it. ]
Two, I can see it. Raylan seems like he has a good head on his shoulders. And he's also quite cute so ten out of ten on that one.
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[It still feels sort of awkward and uncomfortable, just declaring his relationship with another man, to someone he just met. On the other hand, it's... nice? In a way, to be accepted and not scorned or cursed for it. To not have to be afraid that anything might happen to either of them because of it. It'll take some adjustment, but they'll get there.]
He does and he is. [He says as he takes his things to a table to start washing the fruits and veggies. He'll then slice up the tomato and start to assemble the sandwiches. Totally not blushing just a little bit at agreeing Raylan was cute.]
Admitting what I have to someone I've just met is ... a feat. I come from a time where anyone knowing I was with another man would mean death for both of us, or worse. And Raylan... where he's from isn't so kind either. I know this place is different, more accepting but it's still... difficult.
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When I was younger, one of my friends was arrested for sodomy and 'gross indecency'—the term that London drafted up at the time to arrest men who buggered other men. I know how difficult it can be. [ a pause before, ] And I know how to keep a secret if the secret means this much.
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I'd appreciate that. We aren't ready to be public. [A pause.]
Your friend, did they survive? [His tone is gentle, curious but sympathetic.]
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Prison weakened him, but it didn't kill him. Something else did.
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