starlogs | ( OPEN ) compared to what

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( OPEN ) compared to what

WHO: solo & you
WHERE: bajikan: luxuria, gula, avaritia
WHEN: between march 9th and whenever the fleet leaves
WHAT: solo arrives on the eluvio, but soon makes his way down to the planet to explore.
WARNINGS: sex, drugs (in the form of alcohol) and ~~rock'n'roll~~ bespoke suits.

❝ luxuria ❞

[ the first thing solo notices when he enters this district is that the air is cloying and sweet, like the heavy perfume only some women can truly wear without it becoming overpowering. it's an interesting impression, especially combined with the sort of stores lining the streets, the things that they have on offer. some are rather more adventurous than anything solo has ever seen. some of it is intriguing, some of it strikes him as rather declasse, but all of it invites further investigation.

so he continues wandering the streets until he finds a five star restaurant overlooking the ocean, a beautifully designed place that offers food that has solo making appreciative noises all through the meal—though near the end of it, he finds that his hunger is nowhere near sated, that what started as a low sort of interest has changed into full-blown need. his fingers itch to touch someone, to run over sensuous curves or even hard muscle. he wants to taste sweat and skin.

loosening his tie and unbuttoning the first button of his suit doesn't quite help, but solo will admit this much: it's a welcome change from confusion and an even more welcome change from what he'd felt before finding himself on board of the eluvio. he hasn't quite written off the possibility yet that he did actually die in that electric chair and only hallucinated illya rescuing him, but if the afterlife feels like this?

solo has no complaints—but he does have a metaphorical itch to scratch, and when he spots another person on their own in the restaurant, he crosses the distance and slides into the chair opposite them, legs spread just a little wider than normal to make room for the result of his growing hunger between them. ] Hello. [ he smiles, a slow and intimate affair. ] What do you say we split dessert?

❝ gula ❞

[ the first bar that solo had wandered into had turned out to be less of a bar and more of a club in which they'd played loud music that solo will one day learn is called "techno". he had been quite curious to see individuals with their shirts off and luminous paint on their bodies, but the music hadn't been to his liking and the drinks menu had left quite a lot to be desired, so he'd grown more discerning in his approach.

what he settles on in the end is a bar that is all but hidden away behind a narrow door in a brick wall with little indication of the dimly lit speakeasy that lies beyond it. the waiters all wear waistcoats, a singer croons in the background, accompanied only by a piano and a bass, and the list of whiskeys is truly extensive.

solo settles in for the night, and it isn't until his third whiskey that he decides he could stand for a little company in his drinking. so once he finishes it, he abandons his table to slide into an empty spot at the bar, turning a charming smile to the person next to him. ] Is there anything you'd recommend here?

❝ avaritia ❞

[ solo cannot understate his delight when he'd found that consuming a flower would give him a decent disposable income. of course, he would be happy to supplement it by stealing some of the jewellery on display or by trying his luck in one of the many casinos, but he hasn't had the time to get a feel for this place yet beyond that instinctive first impression, and so he decides to play it safe for now. after all, he is somewhere entirely unknown, with no allies—and no leash. it's freeing and it's only a little worrisome to think that he has been transported to a time and place where not only is transporting people from other times and places a possibility, but where space travel exists and whole planets, it seems, have been turned into tourist attractions.

not that he is complaining, mind.

he has, in fact, found a delightful store that makes bespoke suits for a really very decent price, and seeing how he'd only arrived with one suit and one missing its jacket at that, he is more than happy to leave his money in said store. (he refuses to think of how he lost his jacket or of what transpired just before he'd arrived here. it's of no consequence now, is it?)

there is only one issue: for the third suit he's ordered, he can't settle on a print. and so he sticks his head out of the store and calls to a passerby: ] Excuse me. Would you mind terribly giving me a bit of advice?

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(the restaurants are the first place suigetsu decides to dip into with a curious shift of a look. his desire to escape the main road through seems to overpower the craving for affection, made uneasy by the watchful eyes of beautiful people in more carnal businesses waiting to be window-shopped and several looks from passerby that make pale ears heat. it's uncharacteristic of him to skip into the more indulgent districts, but one like luxuria is only visited for one purpose and one purpose only: the beach and the decadent food.

having been to the former the day prior, he finds himself enjoying the latter this evening — and, unfortunately, solo is the first victim of the ninja's sleek sort of androgyny. it shows in thin limbs and narrow shoulders, very white and femininely shoulder-length hair, pale, silken skin. the deep purple of the woman's poncho he bought from another district earlier that afternoon, under the assumption that it was in fact a cloak, obscures the rest of his features in the drapery.

sadly, suigetsu is far, far from anyone solo would spend a night with, which probably comes as an obvious shock. especially when the well-dressed man seats himself with an easy confidence and charming smile that makes his new and terrible date finally glance over.

and turn.

and oh god.

suigetsu stares at the man like he's just offended him gravely, even angling a shoulder away from his presence. and the menu that boasts a very wide, scrumptious selection of desserts is pulled tightly against his chest, protecting it from the terribly handsome man making himself at home in the booth across from him.)

Not my cheesecake, you can order your own.

[ solo is hopeful that the lady he's joined just now will be receptive to his suggestion—after all, the fire underneath his skin can't be burning only inside him, can it? and he knows he's a handsome man, that he has charm in spades. (thinking of spades, he will need to check out the gambling district later, he's heard murmurs of it and that seems like a lovely opportunity, really, too good to pass up on, much like someone with hair and skin like this lady.

except it isn't a lady at all.

solo manages to conceal his surprise, if only barely. he doesn't try to conceal his disappointment, but he turns it into a show instead: a slight widening of his eyes, his lower lip inching forward just so. ]

You wouldn't share a cheesecake with a stranger?

(the disappointment is acknowledged and received well; suigetsu gets it. not sharing cheesecake can be pretty brutal for some people, on account of how rich the flavour is and no one likes to overindulge or leave leftovers. but this really dashing gentleman — like okay we get it, he's hot, everyone's super jealous without even stepping foot in the invidia district — is underestimating this shinobi's portion control. or lack thereof.)

I don't do sharing, especially when it comes to food I like. (but... when solo says it like that, it's kind of difficult to say no.

especially after the guy was unintentionally tricked into sitting with him and still manages to pay him some attention. in luxuria, the thick air seeps into suigetsu's pores and leaves a fierce desire for very friendly affection, which makes the hasty decision worth another thought.)

Well, maybe if you pick a good one... I bet you could get a good discount on it, too, with that face. The person waiting on my table's a girl.

(honest to a fault, warily offering solo the menu.)

Edited 2017-03-12 19:00 (UTC)

[ it isn't really about the cheesecake for solo, but now that the shock of being so very wrong about whose table he'd chosen has eased some of the more pressing urges solo has been feeling, he's happy enough to pretend that it had been dessert on his mind all along instead of something else entirely. ]

What would you consider a good one?

[ if his voice still drops a little over the question into something low and intimate, if his gaze is a little intense still, he isn't actually trying to be seductive right now. it just so happens that he'd very much like to seduce someone right now.

but he takes the menu without letting his fingers linger over suigetsu's. it's an achievement of sorts. ]

(a pinch of lips together into a flat line, wondering exactly why this person's attention makes his ears warm, but it's a pleasant sensation and one he's not all too quick to get rid of. suigetsu recognizes the fact that he's been drugged and it's not his first rodeo; this is just par for the course.)

Chocolate hazelnut crunch. (why is there no pause, or deliberation here... he knows what he wants and looks like, way too excited in a shallow lean of elbows onto the table.

no apparent etiquette for any restaurant, let alone a nice one like this. let's just say he doesn't have the social graces for this kind of thing. he'll even forget to put a napkin on his lap and probably dig into his glass to fish out the ice cubes. run while you're still able.)

Everyone's wearing such nice suits, did I miss some kind of event or did you just buy it? Is this one expensive too?

That's a very specific answer. [ there's some warm amusement in solo's tone. no pause, no deliberation—it seems his new companion has been pondering the question of dessert for some time now, or has very strong opinions on the matter. honestly, given how this has progressed so far, solo would not be surprised if it were both.

when suitgetsu compliments his suit, solo glances down at it, eyebrows raised just so. the compliment doesn't actually surprise him, but it doesn't do to seem too certain in one's own sense of style and attire. ] Why, thank you. I bought it just yesterday. It was time for a few new pieces in my wardrobe.

[ more like: some lunatic torturer burnt his last one, or it with him. but solo isn't thinking about that right now. ]

What can I say? I know what I like. (hand to cheek, leaning with a sidelong look at the bar.

it's easy for him to pick apart the subtle quirks of anyone's, let alone solo's, but he'd prefer not to. perception is a great skill until it gets in the way of trying to enjoy oneself — then it's just a pain in the ass.)

I'm not too interested, 'cause I'm not very materialistic, but I never understood things like that. (motioning lazily to him, eyelids low; he's just happy to be in someone's bubble and not spending a short time alone (which can happen any time, so why miss an opportunity).) Are you trying to impress somebody?

That's not a bad quality in a man. [ in anyone, really. though it is too bad that what suigetsu likes and what solo was hoping for are two very different things. solo will just have to find someone more willing and suited to indulging what desires won't be sated by eating cheesecake.

is he trying to impress somebody? solo's smile is slow, shoulders lifting a little as he spreads his hands. ] No one in particular, no. But I do enjoy looking my best.

[ it's a thoroughly honest answer. it's also a thoroughly superficial answer. ] Surely you'll agree that it suits me quite nicely.

That's important for some people. () For others I guess it's more... Utility!

(motions to solo, palms flat to the table. he's jittery and his inexperienced is why he can't quite understand the warm, comfortable feeling of reaping another person's attention. it's completely his, no one else is talking; this is a one on one conversation with no interruptions— except for the waitress that finally stops by to take the order.

suigetsu forgets what he was saying when she asks them what they want, only remembering when she pries the menu from his unreceptive hands. not without leaving the table with their orders and very pointed over-the-shoulder stares in the older man's direction. which, in turn, makes the younger jealous.

all par for the course.)

I mean, she definitely agrees that it suits you nicely. I dunno about wearing those myself, though, they seem kinda stiff. Don't get a lot of flexibility, y'know?

In some cases, looking good can be quite useful.

[ even solo wears something else when it comes to getting physical, like breaking in somewhere, climbing fences, running, when he's walking into a warzone, but when it's a question of charming a mark, running a con, getting information? oh, looking good is an asset then.

the waitress stops by their table and solo turns his smile to her. the way her gaze lingers even after she's taken their order makes him think that even if they don't get a discount, solo will have a very good evening indeed. she's a lovely woman, all curves, and surely her shift will end sometime soon. ]

A well-tailored suit gives you plenty of flexibility, I promise. [ he doesn't mean to drop his voice over those words, doesn't mean to insinuate something particular when he lingers on "flexibility"—or does he? either way, it happens. ]

(a squint, between the woman and solo, watching her back like a hawk as she leaves.

then, promptly drums his fingers on the table. there's something making him nervous and it's the feeling suffocating him right now, wholly inexperienced with it. amorous situations have never been understood or really felt before, this one making him uncomfortable — while simultaneously glad solo is around. at least someone from their crew is here.

at the word "flexibility", suigetsu's eyes drop to the suit again. the way he holds himself in it, confident in a way he himself could never be.

then, a look down at his drink.)

If... If you say so, stranger. (this stupid poncho is starting to get really heavy and it's that that makes him recognize what's happening.) Are we being drugged? Did you see them slip me something?

[ solo can't say anything about the poncho, but he can tell a lot by the reactions of his own body and even just watching the swell of the waitress' hips as she walked away has left his trousers almost uncomfortably tight. he's been half-hard for a while now, but even just the thought of more is enough to push it along.

it's a bit of an effort to focus on suigetsu again, though he tries hard and largely manages to seem like it isn't. ]

Oh, I don't think it's in the drinks. Something in the air, more likely.

[ yes, he is always this nonchalant when it comes to being drugged. ]

( victor, surprisingly, has stayed away from flower consumables that produce financial results, though he's aware of the gimmick by now. he's also aware of the call out that had gone for who controlled this world; between the urge to disassociate with anything of organised crime, and his own lack of actual regard for what the Eluvio considers general group safety, paired with the forced nature of emotion in these districts?

he doesn't wish to invite more trouble than he can handle. he's come to terms with the reality of his limitations even as he moves past those he can push outward. taking on cartel planets is a wee bit outside of his general capacity.

victor tips his head to the side when he hears someone speaking, a pause in his step indicating he's heard. he's not certain he's being addressed, but a flash of a smile (a little confused, yes, but that's to be expected) he gives a quick glance around the area. no one else has so much as paused; either he's the sucker listening, or he's the intended audience.

squaring off with solo in an affable way, victor, dressed in his own more casual clothing, gives the unrecognised man a wave of his hand. )

Only if it won't cost me.

( he says with a grin and a wink; he's serious, but he's playful in tone. )

[ it's an affable reaction, certainly, but the message underneath it still comes across loud and clear and solo lifts his hands in a show of innocence, expression turning into a winning smile as he steps entirely out of the shop for a moment. ]

The only thing it'll cost is some of your time.

[ from inside, the tailor hands solo the two print samples. ] I'm buying some new suits. [ it's long overdue, if you ask solo; he's been walking around almost an entire day without a jacket. ] And I can't seem to settle on a print. One of these two, but which one?

[ a pause, entirely for effect. ] Your advice would be much appreciated.

Lucky. Advice comes free of charge!

( he appreciates the simplicity of the clarity this unknown person provides; Victor considers, ultimately stepping in his direction. the winning smile does little more than prompt the same sort of expression, simmering down into pleasantly considerate. )

These two? Let's see.

( he gestures for solo to hold them up to himself, giving both a critical eye and solo a speculative once over. victor had long since left his own costume design up to his designer, trusting in their artistic eye; but when it came to his own wardrobe, he was his own strictest informant. solo taps into that, unwittingly or otherwise; victor steps forward with a considering noise in the back of his throat, holding his hand out for the fabric samples. )

About the same weight and wave? I want to say this one suits your colours better, but that depends on how you're planning on layering. Bright colours and you'll want this instead. More classic or subdued, definitely this one.

How fortunate for me. [ solo's reply is immediate and smooth and he steps back from the door to let victor decide if he'd prefer to remain outside or enter the shop to give his advice inside. solo doesn't mind the fresh air and the sunshine on his features, tipping his face just so toward the sun, though he keeps his eyes on victor.

it seems fortunate indeed that he asked someone who actually has an opinion on the matter. ] You seem to know what you're talking about.

[ solo rubs one of the fabrics between two fingers, considering for a moment. ] I do like the classics.

[ Luxuria truly is not the sort of place one would usually find Sif exploring particularly thoroughly. She is certainly not above having desires of a carnal nature, but her explorations of them tend to be very private affairs. She is not a woman who enjoys getting a little hot under the collar where people might notice.

Still, something about the district draws her in all the same, even while she starts to feel rather uncomfortably flustered the more time she spends trying to keep her eyes averted from... everything, really. She has a feeling that something a little... more is at play here. She is hardly qualified to make a certain judgment on the matter, but she can't help but think that some sort of sorcery must be at work because it has been a long, long time since she was in this particular mood, and under normal circumstances nothing she has seen so far ought to have had such an effect on her.

She finds herself somewhat perversely driven to remain, unwilling to admit what has started to feel as if it would be a form of defeat. She is not going to let herself be a slave to her own urges, by Odin!

So, she finds somewhere to sit, and she sits still damn it in spite of the growing urge to squirm. There is a slight flush on her cheeks, and she has had to let go of the glass that was in her hand for fear that she might break it as her grip grew tighter and tighter with frustration.

And then the universe decided to make this little game she is playing with herself harder by sliding a man in front of her. She can tell that he is in a similar state to herself, though he doesn't seem to mind much. She does not return his smile, much as it sends a pleasant sort of tingle up his spine. ]

That would not be wise.

[ solo is in a similar state as the lady sif, but he doesn't mind it at all. oh, it is certainly a bit declasse to be quite so obvious about it in public, but it is a pleasant feeling and there's a more than pleasant fix for it, too. all he would need is a willing partner, but the expression of this woman is tight with frustration, for all that it is flushed as well. ]

Whyever not? [ he can't help but ask, making sure to infuse his voice with curiosity alone instead of bewilderment or, worse, reproach. ]

You are asking in the hope of bedding me, yes?

[ There's really no point in being coy here, is there? ]

I believe there is sorcery at work here. It is possible that your desire is not entirely your own.

[ Spoken as if she is not it the same predicament herself. ]

You may find yourself regretting acting upon it once you leave this place.

Edited (phone typing ) 2017-03-14 07:08 (UTC)

[ there's something refreshing about her straightforward question, though solo appreciates subtle forms of flirting considerably. unfortunately, it doesn't seem like her straightforwardness is flirting at all, and that is just a pity. ]

I'm sure you have my best interests at heart, but I assure you, I'd be happy to bed you with or without whatever is in the air here. [ there's a subtle stress on bed. it's such an odd choice of words to him, but he's happy to emulate her manner of speech in an attempt at creating some proximity between them.

still, solo prefers his partners willing: ] If that's your only concern, I can put it to rest. But if you're worried about your own desire, that's of course a different matter.

[ Welcome to the land of "why do space vikings speak like they have giant sticks up their ass? we just don't know", Solo.

Sif tilts her head a little, lips quirking in an expression that is both amusement and a form of agreement. She certainly considers herself worthy of attention, so it is not hard for her to believe that this so far pleasant enough stranger would be interested without the city prompting him. ]

It is not a matter of great concern, I am perfectly able to control myself.

[ the agreement in her expression sparks some hope that perhaps, his approach hadn't been entirely in vain, after all. he doesn't mind the amusement, either. that's a close relative of fondness, isn't it, and it's just a short step from fondness to wild sexual pleasure.

or so he hopes. ]

Ah, but what if you didn't have to? I'd be quite happy, you see, to offer myself as the solution to whatever frustration you might be feeling.

[ That step is actually quite long when it comes to Sif, but there is a certain entertainment value to this situation that it has been a long time since she got to enjoy. Flirtation is hardly something she gets many opportunities to engage in, if something so blunt as this can be called that. ]

And what reason beyond that which I can see with my own eyes...

[ With a raised eyebrow she lets her gaze flick down briefly between Solo's legs, ]

Can you give me why I should consider you for this task rather than someone else?

[ ah, well. solo isn't sure whether he should appreciate the challenge or prefer something easier, but he is invested now. especially when her gaze drops. his cock isn't quite straining against the material of his suit trousers yet, but it's a close thing and he shifts a little, not quite putting himself on display but something to that effect.

is she pointing out only that he'd enjoy it, or does she mean to say that she thinks he's pretty? either way: ]

I've been told I have a very talented tongue.

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( OPEN ) compared to what

i'm like... so... so sorry this is the first tag in your log...

i am in laugh

SMFH

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avaritia

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