[Everything had been getting... easier. Or trying to get easier. The message really threw him off guard. He listened to it, but couldn't convince himself to answer it for a couple of hours.]
Um.... hi.
[Theres a decent pause of silence.]
I guess... yeah.
[He was nervous, he really didn't know what he wanted from him, the last time they talked make it pretty clear. But what's the worst that could happen?]
[In those couple hours, Dodger has fully convinced himself that Jason hates him. Their relationship is irreparable, they're never speaking again, and he fucked everything up. And now Jason will be out there spreading every bit of dirt he has on Dodger to his known enemies, and his reputation is ruined.
And then he gets Jason's reply, and he fumbles with his phone before catching himself and trying to speak calmly.]
Jason, there's... a lot's happened. Since I got here. And y- it's complicated.
[He pauses, and talks a deep breath.]
I didn't think I'd see you again, so I... moved on. Pushed you out of my head. And now you're here. And I don't know... what the fuck to do. About that.
[He thought he would be fine, but how Dodger sounds and the fact he reached out to him really hit. He didn't know what to say to that, or really what to think of it.]
I understand... Sorry for what happened and shit...
[He hesitates, his voice wavering just a bit, he's holding back rising emotion and chest crushing anxiety. He knows Dodger was happy now, who was he to get in the way of that?]
I um... well...
[He's silent again for a moment.]
Can... I see you again?
[His voice was unconfident, it was a shot in the dark and he was ready for rejection.]
[Dodger has gotten to know himself pretty well, in the last few months. If nothing else, Hell has given him a chance for introspection. And he knows that if he goes to see Jason, he'll end up sleeping with him, and he might forget to figure out where they stand along the way.
But he also knows he can't resist a bad decision, and Jason's always been one.
He sighs and nods, before confirming verbally:] Meet me at the bar in half an hour. We can find a quiet spot, get some drinks, and talk... properly.
[And he'll try to control the part of him that wants to run very, very far away from his problems. There's no airports in Hell.]
[Jason had no intentions on going to fool around, he doesn't even care if it's for Dodger to tell him off. He just... really missed him as much as he didn't want to.]
Okay... See you soon.
[He felt selfish, he knows Dodger moved on and that he's made something new here. But he wasn't the one to reach out, so maybe it will be a pleasant surprise.]
[Dodger doesn't reply, just teleports down to the bar. When Jason shows up, he's found a corner booth away from the main crowd and he's gone through a bottle and a half of Fireball. He waves Jason down with a lazy, practiced motion; his body language is cool and casual, but there's a spark of anxiety in his eyes.]
Hey.
[At least he's managing to keep his voice level.]
How's it been for you, settling in? You make any new friends?
[He feels like he's speaking to an ex-wife. It's so fucking awkward.]
It's been weeks since they spoke last. Dodger did his best to keep away, stay out of Jason's space, but there's still an empty space that Francis has never quite fit in. Especially after his last run-in with Hawke, he needs the familiarity that comes with Jason.
As usual, he doesn't announce himself. Doesn't ask if he's allowed. He just appears with a flash of embers, wavers for a moment and then crawls into Jason's bed. He didn't want to overstep and be an absolute dick, so he's still wearing his jeans and t-shirt, a notable difference from every other time he's pulled this stunt after an argument.
There's another moment of hesitation before he pulls the covers up, wraps Jason up in his arms and curls around him, his body warming up like a heated blanket.
Jason has been doing his best to cope, this place really was new and there really was a lot going on he didn't understand. He's talking to people and just trying to figure himself out. But it all still felt off.
Lucky for Dodger, he's quite the heavy sleeper, unaware of his presence till strong arms and the familiar stench and warmth wash over him. He wakes with a bit of a startle, groggy and confused. He was sleeping off a bit of a drunken bender.
Dodger can smell the alcohol on him and honestly, it's a bit of a comfort. More than just a familiar scent, it means Jason might be a little slower to shove him away. Jason's grown some balls since Dodger got to hell, who knows how much sense he's gained while he's at it.
He doesn't speak at first, just tightens his grip a tiny bit, seeking comfort for as long as he can. But it's not like he can just lay here and pretend he hasn't been the one forcing Jason away.
Part of him wants to shove him away, but instead, he rolls over facing Dodger. Even if in the morning, or even 20 minutes from now Dodger leaves and ignores this ever happened. He wanted comfort too.
"Missed you too." He lets out a bit of a yawn. "Are you alright? I thought you needed space?"
he doesn't look at him, just closes his eyes and absorbs the feeling. It's been a long time since they have been able to do this, it's nice if a bit sad.
He doesn't try to fight Jason turning to face him, but he tenses a bit. He isn't sure what to do, but he just runs a hand over Jason's thigh, and lets out a quiet sigh against his cheek.
"I..." He hesitates, his voice still barely above a whisper. "I don't know what I'm doing. Here or... at all. I just needed to be with you."
He nods slowly, the hand was familiar and comforting. He doesn't make a move at him or anything he just relaxes while Dodger tenses. He gently wraps an arm around Dodger to give him a good cuddle back.
"Than let's Just be together for right now, It's either late or early, I dunno." He doesn't mean romantically, just sharing the same bed and enjoying each other's company till Dodger's feeling better.
"doesn't have to be anythin after, but it's nice for now."
[He'd seen Jason around the hotel. He's back. But Dodger isn't ready to greet him, not right then. The moment he spots him, the moment he knows, he has to disappear.
He shows up later, appearing with a flash of embers in Jason's bedroom. He's carrying a frankly ridiculous-looking bouquet of sunflowers and a chocolate easter bunny, which probably cost him some favors with the demons in the lobby gift shop. But he's gotta do something to make up for the last few months, right?
And yes, he's perfectly aware of how stupid this looks, if the look on his face is anything to go by.]
[He's been pretty secluded since he came back. It was a pretty big toll, but he's been pretty much bouncing between the bar and his room, maybe a walk outside here and there.
When Dodger enters his room he was sitting on his bed watching the fish won at the carnival swim around its bowl, it was a miracle he's kept it alive this long. He jumps at the sound looking over at him and he's a bit shocked. He looks Dodger the flowers the chocolate bunny over in a bit of confusion and disbelief...]
What's... all that for?
[It looked silly for sure, a small smile on his face seeing the display but he didn't really know what was going on with it.]
[He looks down at the gifts, like that's the first time he noticed them. It's followed by a shy smile, his best attempt at looking charming when he sure doesn't feel it.]
I was hoping it'd make you laugh. Are you alright?
[The smile on his face was warm, he hasn't seen Dodger like this in a long time for sure. He moves over on the bed for him if he wanted to join. "]
It made me real happy seein you, and those gifts are great.[He laughs a bit, it was soft and genuine. He wanted to be happier, his chest was warm and he felt something more than the void he's been sitting in.]
[Dodger dumps the flowers and chocolate on the edge of the bed, and sits down beside Jason. One of his arms slings around the younger man's waist, and... on second thought, he's just pulling him into a proper hug.]
I missed you, man. Soon as I found out you were missing, it just set me off. Other people have been disappearing, and all their shit goes with them so it's like they were never...
[He hesitates. He always tries to soften things, like Jason is a toddler and just won't understand it. But in this case, it's just because he doesn't want to talk about it.]
[The hug was a surprise for sure but he leans into it wrapping his arms around Dodger as tightly as he could. He's gotten a bit thinner than the last time they've had a good hug.]
I missed you too... I thought you didn't want to do anything with me anymore. [He presses his face into Dodger's shoulder and just rests there.]
I really don't know, All I know is that I got beat to shit all the time, it was kinda a blur.
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audio // @dodger
[It's been over a month, what the fuck is he doing?
...His best, mostly.]
So... we should talk, huh?
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Um.... hi.
[Theres a decent pause of silence.]
I guess... yeah.
[He was nervous, he really didn't know what he wanted from him, the last time they talked make it pretty clear. But what's the worst that could happen?]
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And then he gets Jason's reply, and he fumbles with his phone before catching himself and trying to speak calmly.]
Jason, there's... a lot's happened. Since I got here. And y- it's complicated.
[He pauses, and talks a deep breath.]
I didn't think I'd see you again, so I... moved on. Pushed you out of my head. And now you're here. And I don't know... what the fuck to do. About that.
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I understand... Sorry for what happened and shit...
[He hesitates, his voice wavering just a bit, he's holding back rising emotion and chest crushing anxiety. He knows Dodger was happy now, who was he to get in the way of that?]
I um... well...
[He's silent again for a moment.]
Can... I see you again?
[His voice was unconfident, it was a shot in the dark and he was ready for rejection.]
Make up for how badly last time went... haha.
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But he also knows he can't resist a bad decision, and Jason's always been one.
He sighs and nods, before confirming verbally:] Meet me at the bar in half an hour. We can find a quiet spot, get some drinks, and talk... properly.
[And he'll try to control the part of him that wants to run very, very far away from his problems. There's no airports in Hell.]
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Okay... See you soon.
[He felt selfish, he knows Dodger moved on and that he's made something new here. But he wasn't the one to reach out, so maybe it will be a pleasant surprise.]
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Hey.
[At least he's managing to keep his voice level.]
How's it been for you, settling in? You make any new friends?
[He feels like he's speaking to an ex-wife. It's so fucking awkward.]
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As usual, he doesn't announce himself. Doesn't ask if he's allowed. He just appears with a flash of embers, wavers for a moment and then crawls into Jason's bed. He didn't want to overstep and be an absolute dick, so he's still wearing his jeans and t-shirt, a notable difference from every other time he's pulled this stunt after an argument.
There's another moment of hesitation before he pulls the covers up, wraps Jason up in his arms and curls around him, his body warming up like a heated blanket.
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Lucky for Dodger, he's quite the heavy sleeper, unaware of his presence till strong arms and the familiar stench and warmth wash over him. He wakes with a bit of a startle, groggy and confused. He was sleeping off a bit of a drunken bender.
"Dodger, where the fuck did you come from?"
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He doesn't speak at first, just tightens his grip a tiny bit, seeking comfort for as long as he can. But it's not like he can just lay here and pretend he hasn't been the one forcing Jason away.
"Missed you." He murmurs.
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"Missed you too." He lets out a bit of a yawn. "Are you alright? I thought you needed space?"
he doesn't look at him, just closes his eyes and absorbs the feeling. It's been a long time since they have been able to do this, it's nice if a bit sad.
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He doesn't try to fight Jason turning to face him, but he tenses a bit. He isn't sure what to do, but he just runs a hand over Jason's thigh, and lets out a quiet sigh against his cheek.
"I..." He hesitates, his voice still barely above a whisper. "I don't know what I'm doing. Here or... at all. I just needed to be with you."
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"Than let's Just be together for right now, It's either late or early, I dunno." He doesn't mean romantically, just sharing the same bed and enjoying each other's company till Dodger's feeling better.
"doesn't have to be anythin after, but it's nice for now."
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audio // @dodger
[Great start, Dodger.]
Got a moment? I wanna run something by you.
Re: audio // @dodger
[It was a bit out of the blue but he was always happy to hear from him.]
Everything alright?
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I want to talk to you about Francis, that alright?
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Yeah, it's alright.
[He sounded a bit uneasy he figured it's important if Dodger was seeking him out like this again.]
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Wanna talk in person, or over the phone?
[Speaking in person hasn't gone fantastically in the past, but.. he figures he has to offer, if it helps Jason.
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Could... we do it in person? I'm not to great on the phone.
[It never goes well, he chokes up and gets scared but if it's an important conversation than face to face is better than hiding behind a phone.]
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He shows up later, appearing with a flash of embers in Jason's bedroom. He's carrying a frankly ridiculous-looking bouquet of sunflowers and a chocolate easter bunny, which probably cost him some favors with the demons in the lobby gift shop. But he's gotta do something to make up for the last few months, right?
And yes, he's perfectly aware of how stupid this looks, if the look on his face is anything to go by.]
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When Dodger enters his room he was sitting on his bed watching the fish won at the carnival swim around its bowl, it was a miracle he's kept it alive this long. He jumps at the sound looking over at him and he's a bit shocked. He looks Dodger the flowers the chocolate bunny over in a bit of confusion and disbelief...]
What's... all that for?
[It looked silly for sure, a small smile on his face seeing the display but he didn't really know what was going on with it.]
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[He looks down at the gifts, like that's the first time he noticed them. It's followed by a shy smile, his best attempt at looking charming when he sure doesn't feel it.]
I was hoping it'd make you laugh. Are you alright?
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It made me real happy seein you, and those gifts are great.[He laughs a bit, it was soft and genuine. He wanted to be happier, his chest was warm and he felt something more than the void he's been sitting in.]
honestly, I dunno... I think so.
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I missed you, man. Soon as I found out you were missing, it just set me off. Other people have been disappearing, and all their shit goes with them so it's like they were never...
[He hesitates. He always tries to soften things, like Jason is a toddler and just won't understand it. But in this case, it's just because he doesn't want to talk about it.]
Where were you?
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I missed you too... I thought you didn't want to do anything with me anymore. [He presses his face into Dodger's shoulder and just rests there.]
I really don't know, All I know is that I got beat to shit all the time, it was kinda a blur.
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