holyposition | IC Inbox

You were in Otherworld. That's sort of the point of it, there.

[Koby's caution relents a bit when Tim tugs him closer, mostly worried about aggravating his injuries, but taking cues from his affection. One hand moves, smooths Tim's hair back from his forehead, slowly, again and again, a soothing, repetitive gesture.]

If you think penguins are cute, maybe. It was almost a relief when it melted. We all got dared to do different things by this big...New Years ball thing. I got lucky, I just had to answer questions honestly. Some people had to go down on each other or do other things, right in front of everyone. [He prattles on, trying to be distracting, comforting, silly and mindless. Tim's lingering horror, fear, pain is still tangible, especially this close, and Koby can feel his injuries, the throbbing wound in his neck, the ache in his head. He can feel the need to think about something, anything else.]

You know I don't go down there if I can avoid it.

[ And it seemed important, then. The resurrections, the reveals, the puking in the bathroom once he realized that it was Eddie instead of Danny who almost killed him. You know. Important. ]

Of course I think penguins are cute. Who doesn't?

[ It's working. Koby's good at soothing him in a way that many who try are not - they're similar enough that if Koby can remain calm, then it feels safe for him to do the same. ]

...did you have fun?

It's not so bad if it's like...on a date. [Going by himself would be different, would probably result in Koby's awkwardly wallflowering like he had when he'd first arrived. Having Quentin there provides a security, a safety that Koby's come to depend on. Also yes, he likes to see his boyfriend having a good time, so sue him.]

They're okay. I prefer ducks, if we're talking about birds. [We know, Koby.

He stays calm, he breathes in, out, stays solid and secure and safe, feeling out what's helping, what's soothing -- haki's good for a lot of things, but being able to read the subtle shift in emotions, being able to actually help the unhelpable was...up there.]

Yeah. I had fun. It was nice to just sort of talk to people, hang out with them. It would've been more fun with you, though.

Yeah...Hawk’s taken me dancing there a few times.

[ It’s fine with a date, but when he shows up there without one, he tends to find one anyway. A stranger, a temporary comfort that turns sour in the light of day. He hasn’t sought out anything like that in months, at least – there's no need, while he’s content with the relationships in his life. Hawk and Koby and Quentin will all be there for him if he needs it.

Like now. Tim snuggles in closer still, laying his head on Koby’s shoulder. Not as roomy as what he’s used to, but cozy and calm, exactly what he needs. ]

I would have complained the second the clothes came off. Ruined everyone’s fun. I’ve got a new lookalike, it would have been embarrassing.

Do you dance the same way I've seen you dance before? When you're tequila-tipsy?

[Koby's been the same, for the most part -- the crew, Tim, Quentin making up the center of his world, though a few other entanglements have experienced some...development lately. Case in point:]

You do, yes. I met him at breakfast the other day. He's very...effusive. [Charming, noisy, confidence projected to cover something, something that perplexed and compelled Koby.] But nice. I think you might get along, actually.

Nastier.

[ He says with a laugh, which is...not pleasant, given the bruises around his neck. And so it's followed by a groan, as he nestles further into Koby's shoulder, like a puppy stomping on a pillow until it's perfect. ]

He's too much. I could barely handle Anthony, and he was...quiet.

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