crescentview | a catchall through the end: fall and winter

[ Close to departure and once the crowd has begun to thin, Kaspar arrives. Unhurried as ever, hands clasped behind his back, he seeks his date's side wherever he may be. He's done himself up for the day. Styled hair, his loose curls frame one side of his face, the other seemingly pinned and held back by the dam of a single white flower. He's forgone the waistcoat for his well tailored, formal attire while adding a touch of blue at his throat and in his choice of socks. The rest of his layers are mostly white and accented in golds, suspenders mostly hidden by his coat.

There is no belted holster today, lightening his step as much as the way his awed gaze drifts over the boat itself. Eyes a little wide, it is one more thing he has never seen. Boats he knew, but never one like that and he can't keep his eyes from wandering back to it as he searches. Until it lands on Steinbeck himself once found, a smile dawning.

He pulls a small object from his sleeve, carefully crafted, whittled wood. The smoothed yet unpolished surface folds in on itself in a circular, twisting shape; emotive over practical, waves that call fingertips to ride them. A flower, a twin to the one in Kaspar's hair, sits in its center. The stem itself is nestled into the carved grooves for a pop of green against the light wood and lighter petals. Simple to tuck or pin, Kaspar steps close to affix it with a soft smile and eyes that seek the other man's reaction before he makes the attempt. ]

Edited 2023-02-03 09:57 (UTC)

[Meanwhile, Steinbeck is not as fancy here - his look is a little more formal, but still understated here. No matter how much he had been paid before, he almost never elected to do much for his own looks. For him, overalls and a collared shirt were enough for the day to day. Even so, effort must done, especially for someone like Kaspar, and he's done his best.]

[Its funny, how his heart does a little flip in his chest when he sees the other man as he waves with the small bouquet he's holding. Even if its hardly night, he's just as dazzling, somehow, the radiant twist of those curls making him glance away before offering a sheepish grin. He meant it then when he said he looked gorgeous, he'll mean it again now:]

Kaspar. You're looking handsome.

[And then comes the small pin to his chest - he didn't expect it, his mouth opening slightly - but its a pleasant, happy surprise that comes.]

Oh, wow. That's gorgeous. [And his free hand moves to gently rest against Kaspar's, as if to reassure him that he's more than happy with the gift.] Thank you. You made this? That's amazing!

[ Judging only by the look in Kaspar's warm and drifting gaze, Steinbeck might as well be dressed just as formally. This suited him, his pleased expression says, as one hand escapes the rough hand over his. Warmed sunlight against his own skin, chilled by autumn, heats his face like a summer afternoon. The kind that bleeds across hours, tangled limbs, and calm pools; letting the scent of summer hang between them.

Kaspar's look is subtle as usual, naturally so, as his escaped hand reaches for Steinbeck's bouquet hand in turn. Eyelids dropping halfway, he leans in to guide both flowers and man smoothly a measure closer. Kaspar pauses to inhale, hand remaining in Steinbeck's turning in his hold to thread their fingers. Appreciation, seen only by those close enough to find it beneath white blond lashes in light grey pools pouring over petals.

His exhale is a pleased sound, moving to work his fingers alongside the other man's and ease the flowers from his grasp so he can dip to press his lips briefly to Steinbeck's cheek. That does nothing to help his flush, calm as he is in accepting its warmth on his face.

Softly, he admits with a small smile. ]

... I did.

[ He turns, then, playfully hiding his smile behind his flowers, to face their destination. A lean towards him, one hand still in his, Kaspar's wet eyes linger off in the ocean and his mouth speaks into the minature garden clutched at his chest. ]

Did you pick these?

[Kaspar may not say anything about his looks, but the expression on his face, paired with that wonderful dusting of color over his cheeks like red pollen against bright petals, is enough to say it for him. Its something new to Steinbeck - he's never thought of his own looks like that, more accustomed to people seeing the round cheeks and bright eyes and calling him cute.]

[His fingers interlace with Kaspar easily, standing obediently as the other leans up to kiss his cheek - he lets out a light huff of a laugh, charmed. The flowers in his hand are easily taken, a wild bundle of flowers seen here and there in the forest and along the farms. Nothing too grand, but a bouquet nevertheless.]

Yeah, I sure did. I hope you like them. I think flowers suit you.

[He says, grinning, as he swings their conjoined hands a little.]

Are you excited for the date?

[ Cute is a thought too, but it feels too limiting a word after everything between them. A paragraph would barely do justice for his well of emotions and thoughts on Steinbeck's appearance, a manifestation of the soul and the depth beneath round cheeks and bright eyes. Far too many expressions to keep Steinbeck's roots confined to a single pot. There are still too many people lingering, lowering Kaspar's voice and reducing his words. Not that Kaspar is much for them when others are around.

So, he makes another soft, pleased sound. Instead of words, he nods instead. To which sentence of Steinbeck's? Probably both.

Blinking his eyes dry at the swing of their hands, he is already taking a step towards the ship when he glances warmly back to him. Using their intertwined fingers as leverage, letting their connection stretch if Steinbeck delays, he takes some more. But he has no intention of losing his grip on him. Kaspar's palm is too warm, well after his flush starts to fade yet refuses to fully die.

With a tilt of his head-- ]

What first?

[Kaspar's hand feels so firm in his - its a nice reminder that this, all of this, isn't just some dream concocted for him in some weary break from a road trip. The man is here, and they'll enjoy themselves for the day. Its something Steinbeck wants to linger on for a good long while, until bittersweet reality pokes its dark little sprout through the soil.]

[Happy with the answer, he keeps his grip firm and reassuring as he walks along, ignoring everyone else.]

Food first, I think! I heard they've got some good stuff to offer.

[And he isn't wrong - after they make their way to the buffet, and Steinbeck has only broken his grip momentarily just to pile his plate high before waiting for Kaspar to do the same. After that, he'll gladly take them to a table, before beaming over at him, warm as anything.]

I didn't expect this much! I think I could eat enough for several days.

[Which seems like a casual comment, but there's a little bittersweetness to it, all the same.]

[ Kaspar's hand remains warm in Steinbeck's, warmer still when he steps closer and his free hand joins the first. Though eventually it seeks to rest up his arm comfortably as they go. There is a warm relief, in being able to dull the feeling of eyes as if Steinbeck's were the pair on him.

The smell of food is the first thing to draw his gaze away, to unwind his hold and loose his fingers in favor of grabbing a plate. There are so many things that catch his eye, but he pauses at the food from his home in all of its pale and slimy glory nestled among moss garnishes and displayed on platters.

His plate is simple, one eyeless, worm like fish a half moon filled in with the vibrant colors of whatever else caught his eye. Smaller portions, no piling, but no judgment as he lets Steinbeck guide him to their table.

From beneath it, at the bittersweetness, Kaspar extends his foot to try and gently nudge his date's. Leaving it there to rest against him, Kaspar leans over to ask about one section of Steinbeck's pile. ]

... what is that?

[Steinbeck's not picky - of course he's got some stuff from home, with some sort of casserole and pie and other things, in addition to a whole bunch else he doesn't know - but he's eying the other's plate with interest. Its definitely nothing quite like what he's seen before, and he glances between it and Kaspar's face a little curiously.]

[The other beats him to the punch, though, and he colors a light pink at the nudge. The bittersweetnes abates a little, like a reversing tide, and he picks up a little spoonful of the mashed potatoes to offer to the man.]

Its potatoes. You ever had some? [And now, a nudge in return, like a little answer.] They're real good, especially with butter and gravy.

[ Kaspar takes the offered bite without hesitation, and without taking the spoon into his own hand first. There is no shame in being fed or in closing his eyes to happily consider the taste of it.

The nudge blinks his eyes open for a quiet response. Actually, he isn't sure if he's had them, but he nods slowly anyway. ]

... They're very good.

[ In return, Kaspar slices a piece of his white fish, offering a piece of its white belly speared on a fork. It has the rubbery looking inside, taste, and consistency of scallops in clear water. Only the filmy skin is far more slimy and adds a hint of mineral and moss. ]

... Fae fish. It is, good with many things.

Edited (Work tagging, man dhfh) 2023-02-10 13:30 (UTC)

Mm.

[He'll do the same, simply leaning over to take it into his mouth, giving it a few thoughtful chews before swallowing. It reminds him of a river, somehow, something keen and natural to the taste, unfiltered from the touch of human hands.]

Its nice! [A little hum, as he reaches over with his own fork to take another piece.] Did you catch them a lot at home?

...

[ Kaspar nods, letting Steinbeck steal a piece without moving back. It is pleasant, the closeness, and he can almost still pretend they are the only two people in the universe.

But the questions pulls his gaze back the poor eyeless fish. A distant look passes, supplanted by warmth. ]

... my father did. He would mail them sometimes, pickled.

[ With that, he takes another bite and quiets himself as the brief wave of nostalgia crashes and he moves on to steal a piece of his own from Steinbeck's plate.

By his movement, it is sort of clear he does not know what he is putting in his mouth. ]

[He notices the distant look, his eyes narrowing ever slightly with a tinge of concern welling up in his eyes - maybe its the closeness, the heat of the food, the atmosphere, but he almost has an urge to pull the man close. He doesn't act on it, but he doesn't pull out of the personal bubble either.]

Pickled fish. That's a thought. [And he feels Kaspar leaning in - the next urge he doesn't ignore, leaning forward to kiss him lightly on the side of his mouth.] Haha, careful with that one. It's pepper steak. Might be spicy.

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bluminescence - 2023-02-14 23:52 (UTC) - Expand

[ The day gives way to night, Kaspar's skin already glowing softly by the time he needs another break. It is a large enough boat, a short enough swim to shore, that Kaspar does not feel trapped.

Having a date that understands his need to wander and spend time on his own is a blessing, even when he's lost track of time looking out over the railing with a nearly finished drink in his hand. Champagne.

He's gotten bolder with his own fashion choices since the dance, though it is largely made up if the same pieces. Forgoing the waistcoat lightened it for the summer, as do the few open buttons and sky blue fabric at his throat. He didn't know what autumn was until this week.

Every lesson he learns about himself only aids him in feeling more in his own skin around so many people. The very same skin he'd struggled to define while dancing with Sylvie. At least with that, unlike putting words to feelings or remaining in crowds for too long, Kaspar is a natural.

It is not hard to find him in this secluded spot, even when he sits to let his feet dangle. His trousers are well fitted, rising with the bend and revealing a pop of blue color trapped between an expanse of white linen and leather dress shoes. ]

Edited 2023-02-03 06:36 (UTC)

[With how the auction left them, it almost felt like fate that Sylvando and van Zieks would find themselves on the boat at the same time as Kaspar. As much as he'd wanted to lecture van Zieks over his destructive behavior, the desire to check in on Kaspar was even stronger. After all, he'd all but bowed out of bidding—out of any potential relationship—until van Zieks...well, happened. It has since thrown everything into question.

It's a tangled mess that needs to be sorted out before it begins to fester.

After finding a lull in the date to break away for a little bit, Sylvando goes searching for Kaspar. It doesn't take very long- that gentle glow coming from Kaspar's skin is like a lighthouse's beacon against the dark waves.]

Hey, Kassie.

[His approach is a gentle one. It's not the right time for the usual high energy that he tends to bring to any occasion.]

Can I join you for a little bit?

[He isn't sure what to expect as an answer, but he's prepared to graciously accept whatever it may be. Kaspar has every right to be mad at him too for how the auction ended up going.]

[ Kaspar turns to look, loose curls shifting as he tilts his head into a small smile. He holds no ire for Sylvie, even the situation itself is awkward. Kaspar swallows the lump in his throat and tries not to notice the little things. His curiosity is there, for better or worse.

The gentle approach relaxes his shoulders, and beckons the words quicker. Sylvie tended to have that effect even now, after everything. But he does not raise his voice much farther than a whisper. He may be ready for this conversation, but he is not ready to be the one that starts it. ]

... I welcome it, Sylvie.

[ To make it clear in so many words, for once. Kaspar looks back out on the water, the sky, and will only bother to stand if Sylvie is not inclined to sit on a deck beside him. ]

[Just like that, those words make him feel like all of the weight has been taken off of his shoulders. His trademark smile returns as he gets down to meet Kaspar on the floor.

As Kaspar watches the horizon, Sylvando's eyes remain on the glowing form beside him. It's hard not to be captivated by such a pretty view.]

Have you enjoyed your date so far, darling?

[He's not going to launch right into what he wanted to strike up a conversation for, especially with some of the tension immediately out of the air. He can ease into it.]

[ Kaspar hums softly at the question, smiling to himself a moment. In the wait, he offers Sylvie a sip from his champagne glass even before his gaze wanders back to him.

The look on his face may be subdued, tired even, but it is genuinely content by the time he finds the words. His date has been lovely, drama aside. ]

I have. [ His eyes fall, but his small smile does not. ]

And... have you, enjoyed yours?

Edited (Jimself) 2023-02-10 13:22 (UTC)

Aw, thank you, honey.

[He'll happily accept a sip, gently receiving the glass before bringing it to his lips. The thought of a little indirect kiss makes his lips quirk up in a brighter smile.

But, ah. He should return the glass now.]

I'm glad to hear it! They really went all out to give us plenty of options for a good time here. [Even with the drama looming ever so present in the distance, the activities on the boat have made it easy to keep it at bay in the meantime.] I think you made a great choice with Johnny, too. He's a bit hard on himself, but I always knew he was a sweet boy.

[He breathes out an amused noise when asked about his own date.]

I wouldn't say it's been the fairy tale date of my dreams, but it's been nice. Barry, he's...well, I know he feels terribly about what happened. I've been going easy on him because of the circumstances, but I did make my piece known.

[He turns his gaze toward the ocean.]

I'm really sorry this didn't turn out as planned. I knew you were excited to go with him, and...

[Well, here they are.]

[ Kaspar takes a sip of his own once returned. Holding the glass loosely, he may be quiet through most of Sylvie's words, but Kaspar listens actively despite his gaze drifting off again.

He hums, expression openly fond as Steinbeck gets mentioned even before he nods his agreement. His little smile is otherwise hard to read. The warmth never really fades again, even when the discussion heads in the direction Kaspar helped lead it down. It feels natural, when Sylvie trails off and Kaspar still hasn't the words, to reach over and try to calmly cover the other man's closest hand with his own. Warm, calloused beneath softening efforts, and as undemanding as the silence that accompanies it for a stretch. On Kaspar's end, it is a comfortable quiet broken only by the sound of the ocean.

But Sylvie needn't be as patient as most, since he filled the time before this with so many words. Talkers, ones he cares about hearing, lend him more. ]

I was... but I wanted to go with someone I care for, who cares for me. And I believe he outbid me for you, for a reason.

But... [ If his hand was accepted, it tightens and warms now like the slight flickering of his glow. For as polite as he is, his most genuine thanks are generally earned. ]

Thank you, for worrying about my feelings. About... our feelings over your own. You deserve a fairy tale too.

[ Kaspar still isn't quite used to this. ]

[Kaspar's hand is more than welcome, and he'll actually feel Sylvando's squeeze back before he does. He lets out a gentle huff when they get into van Zieks' actions for a moment.]

I still can't fathom what was going through his head then, but if you were to ask me to guess, I'd say nothing at all. He was being ridiculous.

[While he's relieved that Kaspar understands where he was coming from during the auction, he wants to make it extra clear that he's in Kaspar's corner on this.

Kaspar's expression of gratitude follows, leading Sylvando to close his eyes and bow his head a little. His feelings on this have been so jumbled ever since the auction, but finally talking about it is clearing up so much.]

Barry can say whatever he likes, but I could see his affections for you from a mile away. I may have had drunk goggles on at the time, but he certainly didn't. [He returns his gaze to Kaspar, both sincere and fond.] So when you outbid me, it reaffirmed that you felt the same way about him, you know? I care about you both so much- I couldn't bear to drive a wedge between you.

[He sighs and leans back a bit.]

Then came the human cyclone named Barok van Zieks.

[ Kaspar listens again, with his own soft sounds of amusement and eyes drifting back to Sylvie when he bows his head. He breathes his own amused sound, a soft exhale of a laugh after the comments are made, the air cleared between them. Cyclone indeed. ]

He crafted the wedge alone.

Though... I suspect I may have overestimated my worth to him since. This is all new to me, but his affections for you are greater, I believe. And I would not begrudge him that, most especially if it is you.

[ He sounds way too serene about that, looking away again. But he goes on airily anyway. ]

Otherwise, I'm afraid I would have bid on you again too.

Edited (clarity orz) 2023-02-12 05:04 (UTC)

[It's true. Sylvando was so worried about making things complicated, only for van Zieks to come in and make it complicated on his own. However, he doesn't seem convinced by the conclusion that Kaspar has drawn here.

He shakes his head, trying to be reassuring.]

Oh, honey, I really don't think that's true. He's reminded me at every opportunity that it's nothing serious between us. He's never once looked at me the way I saw him looking at you.

[Not outside the goddess' influence, anyway.

But he can't even sound entirely convinced about what he himself is saying. Van Zieks' bidding history can't be ignored. Something is clearly there that Sylvando didn't think was.

That's not the train of thought he ends up going down, though. Kaspar reiterating the bidding makes something click and his eyes widen slightly. For Kaspar who isn't looking, a light gasp signals that Sylvando has finally caught on.]

Kassie...

[He's at a loss for a moment, but not in a bad way. Eventually, he lets out a soft laugh.]

The auction sure was illuminating for a variety of reasons, wasn't it? You know, darling, if you think of it this way... You still ended up getting me to yourself for a bit in the end.

[Should Kaspar look his way, he'll give a little wink.]

[ Kaspar quietly allows Sylvie his loss and gain. Ears slightly brighter, otherwise he is serene in his gaze over water. It isn't a no, but he'd had no expectations beyond being understood.

He hums his agreement softly, looking over to Sylvie to catch the wink. His heart stutters. Kaspar leans over, fluidly aiming to plant a kiss to one cheek before retreating again. ]

... you're sweet.

[ Kaspar smiles, mood lifted. ]

Wherever our affections take us, might we still dance together?

a catchall through the end: fall and winter

closed starters

[ auction date ] [ closed to Steinbeck ]

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[ auction date ] [ closed to Sylvie ]

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