some moments last forever, and some flare out with love, love, love [afterparty]

[visiblepattern]

[So that all sucked really bad, huh.

Forrest had meant what he said about going to the clinic immediately after all of this, getting medical supplies ready and set up on hand to prepare to receive people - Dandy is the primary candidate for this, whether he likes it or not - but before he goes he grabs Rossiu for the briefest moment before sending him on his way. Sure enough, when the note comes in a few minutes it isn't in Forrest's flowing, delicate hand but rather something blockier and incredibly neat. If you've seen Rossiu's handwriting, you'll recognize it: ]

We're having a memorial gathering in the ice cream parlor in an hour. Feel free to attend if you'd like, or if you would prefer to not be alone.
[...It seems like as good a place as any.

There are some things set up, though not terribly many; the tables are set out and are perhaps a bit closer than they normally would be, but go ahead and make yourself some sundaes, pull up a chair, talk to one another, ruminate over whether Jason and Hagakure would have liked this (or whether Vholran wouldn't have, either way) - it's your night, to do what you want with.]

Comments

cw slight internalized homophobia

[hotpaprika]

[For the first time since last Sunday, he allows himself to relax into the touch. He continue to smile gently.]

It has put us all "through the ringer", to be honest, but I know what you were aiming for. Thank you, it still feels wrong to be expressing myself, but it's nice to know that I have people like you to rely on for this.

... It's a shame I never told Obi that before he...

[bootyhunter]

[Dandy, for once, says nothing in reply, not right away.

He only reaches out, quickly and carefully, to take one of Jonathan's hands in his own. His lips part for a second, but they close promptly.

He can't force the other man to utter words that will only do him in.]

Well, what's the harm? In lovin' other people, no matter who they are.

[Dandy tries to gently redirect the conversation in attempt to lead Jonathan away from a moot point.]

I don't really get why that's a sin, baby. Isn't that, like, the best thing about livin' and breathin'?

[Love, he means. Connection. Not even in a romantic sense.

It's deeper than that.]

I'm sorry you couldn't tell him how you feel?

But at least you told Dandy, didnt'cha? And the world didn't explode. No fiery hole in the ground opened up to swallow ya whole, or nothin'!

It just felt a little... Icky, for a while.

Didn't it?

[hotpaprika]

Well, it has to do with how we are supposed to remain chaste, that we should only engage in sexual activity with our spouse in the privacy of our own homes. I had to stop holding Mina's hand and kissing her in public because she was to become a schoolteacher, and it would not be proper for us to have such displays of affection when we are unwed.

[...]

I am certainly glad in the end that I told you, but it did. It hurt so much afterwards.

[A thought suddenly crosses Jonathan's mind and he sighs, gently rubbing a thumb over the back of Dandy's hand.]

... Dandy I have to confess something.

Part... of the reason why I reacted the way I did was because I was terrified you would tell someone, or hold it over my head for blackmail. It was wrong of me to think of such things, for assuming you were like the others who have wronged me. I am sorry for mistrusting you.

[bootyhunter]

[He almost opens his mouth to say he knows. That he understands what it’s like to chase tail after tail only to have doors slammed in his face.

But when Dandy really, really thinks about it, he’s struggling to dig up specifics.]

Jonny.

I wouldn’t tell a slippery soul! I promise.

If you think I’m not the kind of guy who’d want to keep you all to myself, you’d be dead wrong, baby!

Even if we’re only pretending.

I’m just that possessive! Can’t help a damn thing about it.

Sorry.

[hotpaprika]

[Jonathan can't help but blush a little when Dandy talks like that. The idea of a man he loves being possessive over him gives him a strange thrill inside of him that he can't quite place.

Eventually he finds his words again, smiling a little to himself.]

Thank you, Dandy, it truly means a lot to me. I... I truly feel fortunate to have met you, despite these horrid circumstances, you have been such a dear friend when I have barely given anything in return.

[bootyhunter]

You've given me a lot, Jonny.

[His voice is oddly sympathetic.

Faint. This isn't a side of Dandy that just anyone gets to see.]

Don't be like that.

I'm not a, mmmmm, material possessions kinda guy? Material! The booty's transcendent, baby, that stuff's so mouth-watering that just gettin' a good look into the rear view mirror will send ya into infinity and beyond!

Ahah...

But, friends, love... Connection? There isn't a thing in all of space that's any better.

And you've given me that! Which is more than enough.

[hotpaprika]

[Jonathan smiles gently, full of love and admiration, despite the crass words.]

... Thank you, Dandy. I must admit I have never been much for material possessions myself. Someone who keeps me good company and is there for me at the end of the day is all I truly need.

[There is a gentle pause.]

...But...

I hope this isn't asking too much, but... I was wondering if we get out of here... could you show me outer space? Where I'm from, we've never even left Earth. I think it would be wonderful to see different planets and see stars up close.

[bootyhunter]

Jonny, baby?

[Dandy puts his hand over his heart.

Or rather, where his heart should be.

If he had one.]

It would be my honor.

I was this close to using the kissing emote but thought it'd be too weird

[hotpaprika]

[He smile grows and tears well up in his eyes once more

Before he wraps his arms around Dandy's shoulders in a tight embrace.]

Thank you for being such a dear friend, Dandy. I promise you, even if we die, I will never forget the kindness you've shown me.

[bootyhunter]

[Dandy embraces John with no hesitation, basking in the warmth of their shared touch. The quiet bliss only lasts for a little while, replaced by a burning anger within, like that of scorching blue flames. Not red in color, seemingly cooler, but far more dangerous than one would expect.

How many of these former captives, these poor, tender souls with wretched lives, are to suffer in a disgusting game created by some moneybag loving asshole?

They should live to see the sky, the stars, and everything more.]

You won't.

[Dandy had made up his mind after putting his beloved's body to rest.

He knows exactly what he's going to do.]

Not if I've got anything to say about it.

[hotpaprika]

[There is a gentle moment of hesitation before Jonathan speaks.]

With... with all due respect, Dandy, what if someone backs me into a corner, or if I make some sort of fatal mistake? Or... or what if you die protecting me?

[bootyhunter]

Then we take good, freakin' care of each other.

[Dandy smiles, his normal whimsicality back.]

I know this is gonna sound crazy, Jon, but trust me when I say I've lived life an infinite number o' ways. So don't worry 'bout me, 'kay?

I'll be alright, no matter what happens. Whether I stay or go, I'll always be pretty Dandy, right?

[hotpaprika]

[He gives a faint smile, but there is sadness behind his eyes. He will ask Dandy about the "infinite lives" part in a bit but... he needs to get this out.]

Thank you Dandy, truly. I do want to remain optimistic, but...

[He places his hands on Dandy's shoulders.]

I want to tell you something. I know we are trying to look after each other, but Fontaine is still desperate to get us to kill each other, and no matter how hard we try, there is a chance that this prison may be my final resting place. In... In the event I do die here I want you to promise me something:

Please... never blame yourself. You are a dear friend of mine, and I do not want you to think for a moment that you are at fault that my life has ended.

I... I love you too much for you to go hating yourself because of me.

[bootyhunter]

Oh, Jon.

Thanks for lettin' me know.

[Dandy wants to continue to be optimistic, but this is an important conversation to have this far into the game.]

But it goes both ways.

You can't beat yourself if anything happens to me. You've been doin' that a lot when it comes to the others. Or, well.

Other. Y'know?

[hotpaprika]

[He looks sheepishly at Dandy for a moment.]

I promise. No more blaming myself for people passing.

I... I am sure Obi wouldn't be happy to learn how self destructive I've been in his memory.

[...]

And... we should make the most of each moment we have together from now on.

[bootyhunter]

[Dandy leaves the words regarding Obi left unsaid. It's true, him of all people would have wanted the others to keep on keeping on in his memory, probably.]

Good to see you finally gettin' the hang of things, Jonny.

Now that's the Dandy way to live.

[Making the best of what you've got... Is what he means.]

[hotpaprika]

I think I could grow used to that sort of lifestyle.

[He smiles fondly at Dandy. Despite everything, he still absolutely adored the man.

... He has to live each day like it's his last one, right? He needs to take some risks, and live without regrets.

Gently, he takes the hand of Dandy's uninjured arm and kisses his knuckles. It was painfully chaste and tender, but despite that Jonathan doesn't meet Dandy's eyes when he ends the kiss.]

I... I will not ask you to do anything, especially not now, but I had to do that before...

[Well

Before they die, he supposed.]

[bootyhunter]

[Dandy allows Jonathan to take his hand and do whatever it is he plans on doing. The gestures is chaste, sure, but there's something surprisingly chaste and sweet about it.

It doesn't help that he did this too, to ease Dandy's own apprehensions about their courtship.

He has to make a joke. He has to interrupt the very thought of it-]

Cute.

It's a good thing ya didn't start suckin' on any fingers, straight up! There are kids in here, y'know?

[he means forrest but ssh don't tell forrest that!!!]

[hotpaprika]

[Jonathan's face turns a deep red as he lets go of Dandy's hands to hide his face.]

W-why would you say such things?! I would never do anything like that!

[If Dandy looks closely, he will see Jonathan smiling faintly behind his hands.]

[bootyhunter]

Never? Not even behind closed doors?

Well maybe you can just settle for imagining it, then.

[hotpaprika]

W-who would I even do that to behind closed doors?

[Never mind don't answer that.]

You are absolutely cruel Dandy, do you know that?

[There is absolute fondness in his voice.]

[bootyhunter]

I know! I'm a dirty rotten scoundrel.

But I'd say I wear it pretty well, baby.

[hotpaprika]

[He removes his hands just enough to give Dandy a look that is clearly supposed to be disappointed but god damn it he's too amused and fond of Dandy to be genuinely upset.]

I suppose I cannot accuse you of being humble.

[bootyhunter]

If I was humble, would I really make for a convincing heartthrob, old chapstick?

[He means "old chap."]

I flaunt what I've got. And what I've got is a whole lotta [nothing] Dandy, baby!

[hotpaprika]

Chapstick...?

[Ugh he can't believe he adores this man.]

Well, if you have a moment away from flaunting yourself, I was actually wondering... if you are feeling well tomorrow, perhaps we could do something together. Nothing romantic, but as friends. I would love to spend more time with you, after all.