[With that, he stands up to lean over and take his tomestone, then pass it over to Hien. The movement may or may not have ruined at least some of Hien's attempts at brushing. The weird magic phone may or may not also be incomprehensible to use.]
[ It didn't ruin too much since Hythlo's hair is already tied, but when he grabs the phone and looks down at it, he tries to figure out how it works. It's just like any other phone, right?
...
This isn't working. He hands it back to him. ]
At the risk of sounding even older than I already am, I don't know how to use this phone. Can you tell me how I can get to the camera function?
How old are you, Hien? Old enough to be my grandfather?
[Hythlo chuckles as he takes the phone, and... seemingly does nothing with it, but the screen lights up, blinks, switches to what appears to be camera mode. The most Hythlo is doing is tilt his hand vaguely to make the things happen.]
Here. You simply need to... well, direct it there. I wonder why...
[He pauses, then turns around to look at Hien. Then hums, pursing his lips.]
...Huh. Now that I think of it, 'tis possible you would have simply broken it.
[He wiggles the phone in his hand by way of explanation.]
Most our devices depend on aether manipulation, you see? Mayhaps one could call it telepathy, though 'tis not so much transferring one's thoughts as... well, one's energy. And yours would be much too much, see?
Ah, and there go my hopes of getting you something for your nameyear! I shall have to make do with random gifts, then. But as to the tomestone...
[He twirls it in his hand some more, and this time a new overlay appears over the screen.]
As I said, aether is the living energy of any being. But, as it appears, it varies. We, the original inhabitants of our world, have rather dense souls - if what Rhel and Joscelaint tell me is true, ten-and-four-fold that of regular beings. So, for the sake of analogy, an inhabitant of this city would be as a candle. Myself, a bonfire. But due to your task as an Overseer... You, dear Hien, are the sun.
[He grins.]
'Tis a good thing I do not feel that way about you, hmm? That could have been dangerous!
[What does he mean by that. You don't know. The cryptid is strong tonight.]
[ Hien was about to say so many things in response, but they all die out before they leave his mouth when Hythlo says that last bit. He honestly wouldn't have thought anything about the metaphor, but now that Hythlo said that, well...
He brushes through Hythlo's hair--not with a brush, but with his fingers. Conditioner is a godsend for helping it feel silky smooth right after applying it. He starts from the back of Hythlo's head, his fingers slowly brushing down to hook onto the loose hairtie and pulling it down, still going through Hythlo's hair in the process. ]
[For better or for worse, Hythlo only seems to enjoy that, leaning back into the touch with an appreciative hum. There is something to be said for the four-hundred-years speed dating slowburn: it teaches you to be good at this type of game.]
Why, Hien, are you curious? I do wish I could show you...
[ Hien still doesn't think there's much behind this, and all of this is a natural course of action, at least from him at least (is that good? who knows). After the hairtie is off, he leans in to rest his chin on Hythlo's shoulder. ]
[ Hien isn't really good at playing this game. That's why he just simmers there after the temple kiss, thinking that it's just how Hythlo does things and that there isn't anything behind it other than just regular affection. ]
Good. Wouldn't want it any other way.
[ Well, it kinda tracks. Apart from the burning so bright that you might get burned from approaching, he thinks it would be good if some people just stay away from him if they really do believe that he can be likened to some entity in the sky like a god. For those who don't, are absolutely fine.
Hien backs up, lifting his head from Hythlo's shoulder and goes back to brushing his hair. He parts the long hair into two with both hands and it feels like he's swirling both in his hands until Hythlo feels weight on top of his head.
Ah. You do not, then? 'Tis a pity. I do feel sorry for you!
[The answer is delivered with a chuckle. Alright, time for another exposé!]
For mortals, the greatest form of intimacy between lovers is the physical kind, yes? For us, with our mastery over aether, 'tis exactly that: the merging of souls. [He grins shamelessly.] Rather more pleasurable and intense than even the most loving intercourse.
Hien is completely silent and whatever he was going to do with Hythlo's hair is put on hold, as his hands just stay in place, as if frozen in time. So basically... what Hythlo is describing is soul sex, and that's what he was talking about and--if this is how to internally keyboard smash, this would be it. ]
From what you described earlier regarding my soul and stuff, I don't think it would be a good idea to do that with me, regardless of whatever the other soul is.
[ Those black bits? They'll eat you up. Literally. Not the carnal kind. ]
I would not put it like that? That lacks... I do not know. Heart, mayhaps. Rather than want something from you for myself, I wish for you to have more happiness in your life. You act strong at times, but I feel that you are very lonely. I may be mistaken, of course, and 'tis not my place to pry into the matters of your heart.
[ Right. Hythlo is the romanticist here. Though, it's not like Hien discards what he says, because he's right. Being lonely hasn't bothered Hien, because that's just how it is--Overseers come, set the world on its better path (or at least attempt to. there were plenty of times when hien failed), or in cases of worlds that aren't as dire--to make a variation of his past self happy--and leave. It's always been the same, and that's why despite cooperating well with the inhabitants of those worlds, making friends, even family-like figures such as adopted children and found family, it doesn't really feel real when he has to leave them all behind each and every time. He figures that this is the sort of distance that he had unconsciously developed over time. Everything is fleeting compared to how many years he's lived and sorting through his memories to shove them into the recesses of his mind of how he felt has been a thing he's been actively doing. He honestly would have done the same with the world here and Hythlo's words said to him aren't exactly new.
He feels like he's at his limit. The back storage of where all his memories of how he felt in all those other worlds feel like they're about to burst under the lock and key he's sealed them in a long time ago, because they only add up. ]
And here I thought you were calling me hot as the sun, because I think I'm pretty average.
[ He ties Hythlo's hair into that infamous saber bun. ]
It's hard to feel lonely here with you guys though. Not to mention the pokemon.
[Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, Hythlo is completely unaware of the internal monologue. He also still doesn't have a shred of shame.]
I do find you attractive, though! You've pretty eyes, no matter the form, and you're positively adorable when you see something cute that you like. What's not to love there?
[ No matter the form. Hien slowly blinks while putting the finishing touches of the saber bun. It's nice to hear that at least someone likes his eyes in a completely normal way (no thanks to Renatus, who'd rather pluck them out while insisting they're so pretty while not meaning a word he says) while normal people call him a bunch of things because of how abnormal he looks because of them. Being called anything derogatory no longer affects him, but it sure is a hassle to deal with--hence why he has the mask on all the time when he's outside. ]
Thanks. It's nice to hear something like that. All done. You can look at your hair now.
[He flails with his phone briefly before turning to Hien to hand it over.]
There is a tactile interface for those who have less mastery over the flow of aether. Although... I know not how much use it is now that we are done. Can you still take a picture, though? Just touch here.
[It's nearly like a regular camera app! Only fancy and magical!]
no subject
Date: 2020-12-01 01:13 pm (UTC)[With that, he stands up to lean over and take his tomestone, then pass it over to Hien. The movement may or may not have ruined at least some of Hien's attempts at brushing. The weird magic phone may or may not also be incomprehensible to use.]
no subject
Date: 2020-12-01 02:03 pm (UTC)...
This isn't working. He hands it back to him. ]
At the risk of sounding even older than I already am, I don't know how to use this phone. Can you tell me how I can get to the camera function?
no subject
Date: 2020-12-01 02:47 pm (UTC)[Hythlo chuckles as he takes the phone, and... seemingly does nothing with it, but the screen lights up, blinks, switches to what appears to be camera mode. The most Hythlo is doing is tilt his hand vaguely to make the things happen.]
Here. You simply need to... well, direct it there. I wonder why...
[He pauses, then turns around to look at Hien. Then hums, pursing his lips.]
...Huh. Now that I think of it, 'tis possible you would have simply broken it.
no subject
Date: 2020-12-01 02:51 pm (UTC)[ He squints at this incomprehensible phone as if it just offended everything be stood for. ]
I'm probably old enough to be your grandfather's ancient ancestor roots. But what the hell is with this phone...
no subject
Date: 2020-12-01 02:57 pm (UTC)[He wiggles the phone in his hand by way of explanation.]
Most our devices depend on aether manipulation, you see? Mayhaps one could call it telepathy, though 'tis not so much transferring one's thoughts as... well, one's energy. And yours would be much too much, see?
no subject
Date: 2020-12-01 03:08 pm (UTC)[ If it really is about life force, he could manipulate that... if he had that power back. He just won't bring that up then. ]
I dunnoooo. [ He draws out that last word on purpose. ] I stopped counting. Are you saying that I'm too old for this phone...
no subject
Date: 2020-12-01 03:26 pm (UTC)[He twirls it in his hand some more, and this time a new overlay appears over the screen.]
As I said, aether is the living energy of any being. But, as it appears, it varies. We, the original inhabitants of our world, have rather dense souls - if what Rhel and Joscelaint tell me is true, ten-and-four-fold that of regular beings. So, for the sake of analogy, an inhabitant of this city would be as a candle. Myself, a bonfire. But due to your task as an Overseer... You, dear Hien, are the sun.
[He grins.]
'Tis a good thing I do not feel that way about you, hmm? That could have been dangerous!
[What does he mean by that. You don't know. The cryptid is strong tonight.]
no subject
Date: 2020-12-01 03:40 pm (UTC)He brushes through Hythlo's hair--not with a brush, but with his fingers. Conditioner is a godsend for helping it feel silky smooth right after applying it. He starts from the back of Hythlo's head, his fingers slowly brushing down to hook onto the loose hairtie and pulling it down, still going through Hythlo's hair in the process. ]
... I wonder what you mean by that.
no subject
Date: 2020-12-01 03:46 pm (UTC)Why, Hien, are you curious? I do wish I could show you...
no subject
Date: 2020-12-01 03:51 pm (UTC)Then what's holding you back from showing me?
no subject
Date: 2020-12-01 03:54 pm (UTC)Self-preservation instinct! Which I do have, before you ask.
no subject
Date: 2020-12-01 04:02 pm (UTC)Good. Wouldn't want it any other way.
[ Well, it kinda tracks. Apart from the burning so bright that you might get burned from approaching, he thinks it would be good if some people just stay away from him if they really do believe that he can be likened to some entity in the sky like a god. For those who don't, are absolutely fine.
Hien backs up, lifting his head from Hythlo's shoulder and goes back to brushing his hair. He parts the long hair into two with both hands and it feels like he's swirling both in his hands until Hythlo feels weight on top of his head.
Twin buns. ]
no subject
Date: 2020-12-01 04:14 pm (UTC)Oh? Do your kind do it, too? I thought it impossible for most mortals, although I suppose that as an Overseer...
[He trails off at the sudden bun appearance and raises a hand curiously to touch one of them.]
These are?
no subject
Date: 2020-12-01 04:20 pm (UTC)[ Hm. He seems to be thinking about something and quickly adjusts them. Now Hythlo has Sailor Moon hair. ]
My kind does what?
no subject
Date: 2020-12-01 04:22 pm (UTC)The merging of aether?
no subject
Date: 2020-12-01 04:23 pm (UTC)[ Hien is so confused. Merging life force? For what? For Hien, it's like trying to blend water and water. Nothing happens. ]
no subject
Date: 2020-12-01 04:36 pm (UTC)[The answer is delivered with a chuckle. Alright, time for another exposé!]
For mortals, the greatest form of intimacy between lovers is the physical kind, yes? For us, with our mastery over aether, 'tis exactly that: the merging of souls. [He grins shamelessly.] Rather more pleasurable and intense than even the most loving intercourse.
no subject
Date: 2020-12-01 04:41 pm (UTC)Hien is completely silent and whatever he was going to do with Hythlo's hair is put on hold, as his hands just stay in place, as if frozen in time. So basically... what Hythlo is describing is soul sex, and that's what he was talking about and--if this is how to internally keyboard smash, this would be it. ]
From what you described earlier regarding my soul and stuff, I don't think it would be a good idea to do that with me, regardless of whatever the other soul is.
[ Those black bits? They'll eat you up. Literally. Not the carnal kind. ]
no subject
Date: 2020-12-01 04:44 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2020-12-01 04:46 pm (UTC)[ He undos the twin bun style and brushes through Hythlo's hair again.
At least he can say this sort of stuff bluntly... ]
no subject
Date: 2020-12-01 04:54 pm (UTC)I would not put it like that? That lacks... I do not know. Heart, mayhaps. Rather than want something from you for myself, I wish for you to have more happiness in your life. You act strong at times, but I feel that you are very lonely. I may be mistaken, of course, and 'tis not my place to pry into the matters of your heart.
no subject
Date: 2020-12-01 05:06 pm (UTC)He feels like he's at his limit. The back storage of where all his memories of how he felt in all those other worlds feel like they're about to burst under the lock and key he's sealed them in a long time ago, because they only add up. ]
And here I thought you were calling me hot as the sun, because I think I'm pretty average.
[ He ties Hythlo's hair into that infamous saber bun. ]
It's hard to feel lonely here with you guys though. Not to mention the pokemon.
no subject
Date: 2020-12-01 05:16 pm (UTC)I do find you attractive, though! You've pretty eyes, no matter the form, and you're positively adorable when you see something cute that you like. What's not to love there?
cw brief mentions of eye gore
Date: 2020-12-01 05:25 pm (UTC)Thanks. It's nice to hear something like that. All done. You can look at your hair now.
no subject
Date: 2020-12-02 01:40 am (UTC)[He flails with his phone briefly before turning to Hien to hand it over.]
There is a tactile interface for those who have less mastery over the flow of aether. Although... I know not how much use it is now that we are done. Can you still take a picture, though? Just touch here.
[It's nearly like a regular camera app! Only fancy and magical!]
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