[ DUPLICITY ] inbox
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[ text | voice | video | action ]
Jesus is out a lot, working or visiting friends. But he turns up at Drake's place and knocks.
Huh, that's odd. Drake wasn't expecting anyone and Ephemera never forgets his key. Hopefully whoever it is doesn't care that he's not quite decent, because in his experience drop bys have been either Sam or a friend with an emergency... and Sam's gone, so. He's at the door quickly, just in case.
"--hey," he doesn't bother hiding the surprise in his voice, or the concern as he looks Jesus over for injuries before beckoning him in. "Everything okay?"
"--hey," he doesn't bother hiding the surprise in his voice, or the concern as he looks Jesus over for injuries before beckoning him in. "Everything okay?"
[ There's a sketchbook on the nightstand, a folded piece of paper on top. One of Ephemera's that he's been carting around for a while, each page filled with lines and color. Some watercolors, mostly pens. Landscapes and anatomy practice, but mostly it's just people. Faces especially. Strangers, people he knows, people he loves. Most of them are of Drake. None of them are violent.
The piece of paper on top shows two things.
First, an ink drawing of Drake, curled up in the sun with a puppy in his arms, Sable's nose pressed firmly into his chest. It's drawn with careful, loving detail. The sun shines down on man and dog. It's peaceful. And then a note, written in Ephemera's neat, compact script. ]
thank you.
love you.
The piece of paper on top shows two things.
First, an ink drawing of Drake, curled up in the sun with a puppy in his arms, Sable's nose pressed firmly into his chest. It's drawn with careful, loving detail. The sun shines down on man and dog. It's peaceful. And then a note, written in Ephemera's neat, compact script. ]
thank you.
love you.
( one and a half days after ephemera slips a note under his door, felix finally reaches out to drake, mid-morning, completely sober. i'm sorry is an eternally inadequate sentiment to say to someone who's recently had their entire world pulped to ash, so he doesn't say it. )
i know
( that ephemera is gone. that acceptance in grief is like swallowing glass. )
might not've always done right by him but ftr i did care about him
and i know he loved you
( then: )
you're a good man, drake
i know
( that ephemera is gone. that acceptance in grief is like swallowing glass. )
might not've always done right by him but ftr i did care about him
and i know he loved you
( then: )
you're a good man, drake
[ Drake hasn't left his apartment in two days except to walk Sable, who doesn't seem to have figured out what's wrong yet. His apartment. Not theirs, not anymore, despite that it was Ephemera's space possibly even more than Drake's. His art on every single wall, their possessions almost entirely Ephemera's rather than Drake's. Whenever he could, he'd asked the other man to pick things out for them, to make those little choices -- he didn't care about aesthetics and it had felt important that Ephemera knew how much he wanted the space to feel like his home. Somewhere he was safe, somewhere he could always do what he wanted.
They had amassed a truly absurd collection of pillows and blankets but not once did Drake ever say no, we don't need that thing. Not when it had been so long since Ephemera was able to just want stuff and have it. Not when he still asked about getting or doing things like he was trying to convince himself simply wanting was okay, despite all Drake's encouragement and approval.
Going into his partner's room without an invitation for the first time earlier this morning had felt horribly wrong and he hadn't lasted a full minute before breaking down, but even only managing to sit on Ephemera's bed and cry he'd noticed a few things.
The suit of armor out of its usual safe hiding spot was both significant and obviously deliberate, and when Drake's phone buzzes with a message from Felix? It all settles into place easily. ]
thanks, felix
you're gonna have to come get it
it wouldn't activate for me
They had amassed a truly absurd collection of pillows and blankets but not once did Drake ever say no, we don't need that thing. Not when it had been so long since Ephemera was able to just want stuff and have it. Not when he still asked about getting or doing things like he was trying to convince himself simply wanting was okay, despite all Drake's encouragement and approval.
Going into his partner's room without an invitation for the first time earlier this morning had felt horribly wrong and he hadn't lasted a full minute before breaking down, but even only managing to sit on Ephemera's bed and cry he'd noticed a few things.
The suit of armor out of its usual safe hiding spot was both significant and obviously deliberate, and when Drake's phone buzzes with a message from Felix? It all settles into place easily. ]
thanks, felix
you're gonna have to come get it
it wouldn't activate for me
He's getting comfortable enough with Drake that sometimes he almost forgets to knock. He'll grab the handle, then remember--that's what happens today. He starts to test it to see if it's locked, and then stops himself and knocks, three quick raps.
It's actually not locked for once, which could work in Jesus' favor. Usually Drake flips the bolt automatically when he closes the door -- a habit so deeply engrained for several reasons that he doesn't even think about doing it. Or not doing it. So even right now he assumes he did and that whoever's knocking will give up and fuck off eventually.
He just doesn't feel like answering. Nobody's home, whoever it is they're looking for.
But he is indeed out of sorts enough that he didn't flip the lock when Felix left earlier, wearing Ephemera's carefully painted and maintained armor. As soon as the other soldier was gone Drake had laid down on the couch and called Sable up to snuggle, and hasn't moved since. He hasn't left the apartment except to walk her in days and just doesn't have the energy to pretend he's functional at whoever's come by.
Sorry, potential visitor. He's just burying his face in Sable's fur and trying to get back to sleep.
He just doesn't feel like answering. Nobody's home, whoever it is they're looking for.
But he is indeed out of sorts enough that he didn't flip the lock when Felix left earlier, wearing Ephemera's carefully painted and maintained armor. As soon as the other soldier was gone Drake had laid down on the couch and called Sable up to snuggle, and hasn't moved since. He hasn't left the apartment except to walk her in days and just doesn't have the energy to pretend he's functional at whoever's come by.
Sorry, potential visitor. He's just burying his face in Sable's fur and trying to get back to sleep.
[she's had a little time to work at her baking skills, or in particular the non-bread side of it. it's a small box that is delivered to his residence, bearing within several different varieties of cookies, differently spiced - cinnamon, chai, cardamom - a few with glaze.]
I fear I am not yet on the level of a master baker, but you shouldn't find any egg-shells within. Thank you for your friendship.
- Padmé
I fear I am not yet on the level of a master baker, but you shouldn't find any egg-shells within. Thank you for your friendship.
- Padmé
[ The box is a surprise, but even before he's opened it or actually read the note Drake recognizes Padmé's handwriting. He's already smiling to himself as he takes the treats inside, setting the box on the counter and reading the message over several times before putting it on the fridge. Then he's pulling out his device. ]
Got your delivery. Thank you, Padmé. I think you're well on your way to master, but there was one thing missing.
Got your delivery. Thank you, Padmé. I think you're well on your way to master, but there was one thing missing.
The day after the party his head is still spinning, so he goes home and he feeds Nibbles and he sleeps in the relative safety of his loft. But then he wakes up and he showers, trims his beard, ties his hair back, and goes to Drake's apartment, hoping he's able to catch him before he leaves anywhere.
The Marked party was... weird. It'd seemed like a fun idea at the time to show up in the costume he did, and though he'd earned a weird look from the bouncer his explanation of the joke had still gotten him in. Drake knew about the collar beforehand, too, because old habits die hard and he still reads everything he can of what happens on the network. Maybe that's creepy, in a place like this? Either way he'd seen the mention of the collar Jesus' boss gave him and guessed at what it probably meant. At the time, it didn't seem like a big deal.
Even now, Drake wouldn't say it bothered him. But there was definitely some sort of awkward feeling last night, watching the other man working the bar with the strip of leather around his neck. The looks between Jesus and Vrenille, the touches, the obvious intimacy that he knew existed and didn't actually mind... that had still made him leave the party quietly when Jesus wasn't looking his way.
He tried not to think about it too much last night. It was probably just that he's never actually watched a partner mess around with anyone else, when he wasn't also involved? Or maybe the voyeurism aspect was what he'd been vaguely uncomfortable with, since it didn't feel like jealousy either. Whatever. It doesn't matter, and he's not planning to ever bring it up.
The next morning he's a little hung over and a little unsettled, so he takes Sable on a long run along the beach. In this weather very few people stray down there, even LIERs, and it's a harder workout than the park trails. They've just gotten back when he hears a knock at the door, which is... unexpected. It's pretty early? Drake's brow furrows, but he finishes scooping Sable's breakfast and puts the bowl down for her, then goes to open the door. He hasn't showered yet, still in his workout gear and flushed from both the cold and exercise. And he looks very surprised to see Jesus standing there.
"...hey. You okay?"
Even now, Drake wouldn't say it bothered him. But there was definitely some sort of awkward feeling last night, watching the other man working the bar with the strip of leather around his neck. The looks between Jesus and Vrenille, the touches, the obvious intimacy that he knew existed and didn't actually mind... that had still made him leave the party quietly when Jesus wasn't looking his way.
He tried not to think about it too much last night. It was probably just that he's never actually watched a partner mess around with anyone else, when he wasn't also involved? Or maybe the voyeurism aspect was what he'd been vaguely uncomfortable with, since it didn't feel like jealousy either. Whatever. It doesn't matter, and he's not planning to ever bring it up.
The next morning he's a little hung over and a little unsettled, so he takes Sable on a long run along the beach. In this weather very few people stray down there, even LIERs, and it's a harder workout than the park trails. They've just gotten back when he hears a knock at the door, which is... unexpected. It's pretty early? Drake's brow furrows, but he finishes scooping Sable's breakfast and puts the bowl down for her, then goes to open the door. He hasn't showered yet, still in his workout gear and flushed from both the cold and exercise. And he looks very surprised to see Jesus standing there.
"...hey. You okay?"
Jesus had spent the night and then he'd just stayed. It's his one day off this week, and he's spent most of it reading on the couch with the dog nearby.
After a phone call though he drops his phone and his book on the table with a sigh, and then pads over to Drake. And just stretches out on him, wordless but heavy.
After a phone call though he drops his phone and his book on the table with a sigh, and then pads over to Drake. And just stretches out on him, wordless but heavy.
This week has been the first time Jesus has just... stayed, for more than a night or two, without one of them checking in about it. This would be night five that they hadn't at discussed Jesus staying at all, they'd both just known he would. Night seven after the Marked party. Drake realized it yesterday and was bracing himself for the streak to break, only for neither of them to think of it as a question again.
He's not questioning it now.
It's also endlessly delightful to him that Jesus has bonded like he has to the pets, often winding up on the couch with both of them because they wanted to cuddle. Jesus who didn't seem to want to accept the concept at first, of an animal you didn't need to maintain distance from in case you needed to eat it... moved to the couch to appease the pets while he showered. And that was just their spot, Drake relegated to the lounge under the windows. He's reviewing the legal requirements contracts need to adhere to, to ensure he's getting K as many rights as possible since he can't just be free. When Jesus sighs he glances up from his notes, setting them aside when he realizes the other man is coming over.
...okay that isn't quite what he expected.
"Hey...?" Drake's arms come up instinctively, his voice concerned but curious, one hand rubbing Jesus' back as if to comfort him. "What's going on, babe?"
He's not questioning it now.
It's also endlessly delightful to him that Jesus has bonded like he has to the pets, often winding up on the couch with both of them because they wanted to cuddle. Jesus who didn't seem to want to accept the concept at first, of an animal you didn't need to maintain distance from in case you needed to eat it... moved to the couch to appease the pets while he showered. And that was just their spot, Drake relegated to the lounge under the windows. He's reviewing the legal requirements contracts need to adhere to, to ensure he's getting K as many rights as possible since he can't just be free. When Jesus sighs he glances up from his notes, setting them aside when he realizes the other man is coming over.
...okay that isn't quite what he expected.
"Hey...?" Drake's arms come up instinctively, his voice concerned but curious, one hand rubbing Jesus' back as if to comfort him. "What's going on, babe?"
It's the first time he's ever let himself into Drake's apartment with his key. He greets Sable but then his attention is all on finding Drake.
Drake is definitely home -- not only is Sable there to greet Jesus, his jacket and boots are in the foyer and his device is abandoned on the coffee table. The living area itself is empty, but even if Sable wasn't excitedly trotting back into the master bedroom it wouldn't have taken Jesus long to find Drake. There are only so many rooms in the apartment.
He's not in bed, just sitting in the windowsill with one leg braced up as he stares out at the city. It's chilly pressed against the glass, but not as cold as if he were actually out on the balcony. When Sable trots up to his side Drake reaches down to pet her, but doesn't turn to greet Jesus.
And it must be Jesus, because no one else has a key and he doubts his dog would be so happy if it was a stranger breaking in. He heard the door when she jumped off the bed and ran out of the room.
"Finally used your key?"
He's not in bed, just sitting in the windowsill with one leg braced up as he stares out at the city. It's chilly pressed against the glass, but not as cold as if he were actually out on the balcony. When Sable trots up to his side Drake reaches down to pet her, but doesn't turn to greet Jesus.
And it must be Jesus, because no one else has a key and he doubts his dog would be so happy if it was a stranger breaking in. He heard the door when she jumped off the bed and ran out of the room.
"Finally used your key?"
Jesus is not a heavy drinker and never has been. It makes it easy to work in a bar, to work in two bars now, because he rarely does more than sample what he's curious about.
But it's been a long winter, an eventful one, and he wants to relax for a change. It's more or less safe to do so here, if you're with the right person. So he shows up at Drake's, knocking like he usually does, wearing his leather duster and a knit cap but dressed up underneath for going out in a dark red button down and dark pants--no pockets. (But there are still two knives under his coat.)
But it's been a long winter, an eventful one, and he wants to relax for a change. It's more or less safe to do so here, if you're with the right person. So he shows up at Drake's, knocking like he usually does, wearing his leather duster and a knit cap but dressed up underneath for going out in a dark red button down and dark pants--no pockets. (But there are still two knives under his coat.)
Drake isn't expecting Jesus tonight. They do both have it off so part of him was hoping for a call -- since the other man is so much more social, Drake doesn't bug him to make plans -- but when one didn't come he just went about his day. Nothing exciting, mostly errands and job hunting since he feels like it's time for a change, then a run with Sable. His hair still a little damp from the shower when he answers the door in sweats and a hoodie, very clearly not expecting company.
"Hey." He quirks an eyebrow at Jesus, stepping back to let him in. "Thought you finally figured out that key works... everything okay?"
It hasn't even occurred to him yet that his friend might want to drag him out, but it's not like he can see the nice clothes as a hint.
"Hey." He quirks an eyebrow at Jesus, stepping back to let him in. "Thought you finally figured out that key works... everything okay?"
It hasn't even occurred to him yet that his friend might want to drag him out, but it's not like he can see the nice clothes as a hint.
Jesus doesn't call or text first; he turns up and stands at the door, key in hand, not sure what to do. So he knocks, but then unlocks it and lets himself in. Maybe this is the last time he'll ever be allowed to do it. Maybe Drake will ask for the key back now.
"Drake?"
"Drake?"
Any chance you're free next Tuesday?
[Why yes this is absolutely out of nowhere, why do you ask?]
[Why yes this is absolutely out of nowhere, why do you ask?]
Hello Drake.
I hope that you haven't been too put out by all the malarkey that had transpired within the City. I more or less hunkered down once things got too hairy. Raya was a bit stir crazy, but I prefer that over any harm that may have inadvertently came her way.
I thought I would reach out about your offer. I did contract with another who was in need of a contract, but once it has expired, if your offer still stands, I would like to accept it. Not that I expect you to wait if you have been actively seeking a house to work on, but I would like to.
I hope that you haven't been too put out by all the malarkey that had transpired within the City. I more or less hunkered down once things got too hairy. Raya was a bit stir crazy, but I prefer that over any harm that may have inadvertently came her way.
I thought I would reach out about your offer. I did contract with another who was in need of a contract, but once it has expired, if your offer still stands, I would like to accept it. Not that I expect you to wait if you have been actively seeking a house to work on, but I would like to.
Hey Padmé. It's good to hear from you. I managed... I've been here long enough to know when to hunker down myself, and to stay away from the water.
The offer always stands. We've got it down to two places, if you wanna be the tiebreaker? You and I would be the only ones living there but I'd like your opinion anyway.
The offer always stands. We've got it down to two places, if you wanna be the tiebreaker? You and I would be the only ones living there but I'd like your opinion anyway.
You the guy who owns the tattoo shop?
[ Very professional, Harley. ]
[ Very professional, Harley. ]
[ That user id makes it very obvious to Drake who's messaging him, and the question itself tells him that it isn't exactly the Harley he knew. She wouldn't need to ask. Wouldn't text him at all, probably... just show up there and leap at him for a hug, joking about how she might get him to give the place back.
He reads it twice, exhales slowly, and lifts his device to reply. This isn't his first rodeo meeting someone he loves that doesn't remember him at all. It aches worse every time but the last thing he wants to do is make someone uncomfortable implying that he knows them when they've only just met. ]
That's me. What can I do for you?
He reads it twice, exhales slowly, and lifts his device to reply. This isn't his first rodeo meeting someone he loves that doesn't remember him at all. It aches worse every time but the last thing he wants to do is make someone uncomfortable implying that he knows them when they've only just met. ]
That's me. What can I do for you?
YOU'VE BEEN BLASTED BY THE
ONCE YOU'VE BEEN BOMBED, YOU HAVE TO BOMB 8 OTHER PEOPLE! IF YOU GET BOMBED AGAIN YOULL KNOW YOUR REALLY SEXY!!1 IF YOU DIFFUSE THE SEX BOMB CHAIN, YOULL SUFFER A VERY UNSEXY BRAIN INJURY! BOMB WHOEVER YOU THINK IS SEXY!!
*** NO BOMBING BACK
[ooc: No pressure in responding back or joining in! 8D]
( ) ) *
)\ ) ( /( ( ( /( ( ` (
(()/(( )\()) ( )\ )\()) )\))( ( )\
/(_))\ ((_)\ )((_|(_)\ ((_)()\ )((_)
(_))((_)__((_) ((_)_ ((_)(_()((_|(_)_
/ __| __\ \/ / | _ )/ _ \| \/ || _ )
\__ \ _| > < | _ \ (_) | |\/| || _ \
|___/___/_/\_\ |___/\___/|_| |_||___/
ONCE YOU'VE BEEN BOMBED, YOU HAVE TO BOMB 8 OTHER PEOPLE! IF YOU GET BOMBED AGAIN YOULL KNOW YOUR REALLY SEXY!!1 IF YOU DIFFUSE THE SEX BOMB CHAIN, YOULL SUFFER A VERY UNSEXY BRAIN INJURY! BOMB WHOEVER YOU THINK IS SEXY!!
*** NO BOMBING BACK
[ooc: No pressure in responding back or joining in! 8D]
un:icechess | text (mention of brain injury)
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sometimespawnskillkings
2023-08-27 10:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[Just in case, in Duplicity, with all its magic, these kinds of letters actually do something, Temple forwards the message to Drake.]
YOU'VE BEEN BLASTED BY THE
( ) ) *
)\ ) ( /( ( ( /( ( ` (
(()/(( )\()) ( )\ )\()) )\))( ( )\
/(_))\ ((_)\ )((_|(_)\ ((_)()\ )((_)
(_))((_)__((_) ((_)_ ((_)(_()((_|(_)_
/ __| __\ \/ / | _ )/ _ \| \/ || _ )
\__ \ _| > < | _ \ (_) | |\/| || _ \
|___/___/_/\_\ |___/\___/|_| |_||___/
ONCE YOU'VE BEEN BOMBED, YOU HAVE TO BOMB 8 OTHER PEOPLE! IF YOU GET BOMBED AGAIN YOULL KNOW YOUR REALLY SEXY!!1 IF YOU DIFFUSE THE SEX BOMB CHAIN, YOULL SUFFER A VERY UNSEXY BRAIN INJURY! BOMB WHOEVER YOU THINK IS SEXY!!
YOU'VE BEEN BLASTED BY THE
( ) ) *
)\ ) ( /( ( ( /( ( ` (
(()/(( )\()) ( )\ )\()) )\))( ( )\
/(_))\ ((_)\ )((_|(_)\ ((_)()\ )((_)
(_))((_)__((_) ((_)_ ((_)(_()((_|(_)_
/ __| __\ \/ / | _ )/ _ \| \/ || _ )
\__ \ _| > < | _ \ (_) | |\/| || _ \
|___/___/_/\_\ |___/\___/|_| |_||___/
ONCE YOU'VE BEEN BOMBED, YOU HAVE TO BOMB 8 OTHER PEOPLE! IF YOU GET BOMBED AGAIN YOULL KNOW YOUR REALLY SEXY!!1 IF YOU DIFFUSE THE SEX BOMB CHAIN, YOULL SUFFER A VERY UNSEXY BRAIN INJURY! BOMB WHOEVER YOU THINK IS SEXY!!
Re: discussion of tracking and monitoring devices on collars, duplicity-typical dystopia stuff
braveoff
- 2023-08-28 00:03 (UTC) - ExpandI am tattoo parlour guy! But if you wanna call me that long term I'd have to call you pierce my nipples guy for consistency. Feels more like how you'd save somebody in your phone as a joke.
Name's Drake, and I'd love to. You looking for adornments, enhancements, or functionality?
Name's Drake, and I'd love to. You looking for adornments, enhancements, or functionality?
Have plans tonight?
If not, feel like being a plus one to a dinner party?
I've an invite from Leonard McCoy and Mark Temple.
If not, feel like being a plus one to a dinner party?
I've an invite from Leonard McCoy and Mark Temple.
It's almost midnight when he gets in from work and goes up to the little attic space that is, somehow, all his.
It's five minutes later that he comes back down the stairs and slips into Drake's home. He checks, briefly, to be sure Padme is either out or fast asleep, and then he goes looking for Drake.
It's five minutes later that he comes back down the stairs and slips into Drake's home. He checks, briefly, to be sure Padme is either out or fast asleep, and then he goes looking for Drake.
Drake wasn't exaggerating by much when he said he never heard Jesus in the apartment above. The smaller man does actually move about quietly enough that a creak or soft thud alone is meaningless. Those little sounds could just as easily be that of the wind or a branch nudging against the house. No, he has to go by more obvious noises; the balcony door closing or water running are more obviously Jesus up there.
Tonight he did hear the creak of the side steps and the clunk of the door into the attic, so he knows his boyfriend got home safe. But he'd heard those sounds from the kitchen where he was washing a few dishes, then gone up to his room to get ready for bed... and the sound of water hid Jesus sneaking back out of the attic and into the house itself.
The first floor is dark now. Jesus will hear water running and then turning off in the upstairs bathroom, and can see from the landing that the master bedroom is closed and dark. It's just the two of them awake, by all appearances.
Tonight he did hear the creak of the side steps and the clunk of the door into the attic, so he knows his boyfriend got home safe. But he'd heard those sounds from the kitchen where he was washing a few dishes, then gone up to his room to get ready for bed... and the sound of water hid Jesus sneaking back out of the attic and into the house itself.
The first floor is dark now. Jesus will hear water running and then turning off in the upstairs bathroom, and can see from the landing that the master bedroom is closed and dark. It's just the two of them awake, by all appearances.
[ There is a medium-sized black box with crimson ribbon. Attached is a lighter red note with a single name to suggest where it's from: Nathaniel. Inside is a half-dozen chocolate cupcakes. No other context is included. ]
Oh hey. Welcome back, man. I'm Drake.
Yeah, Harley had some still hanging around when I inherited the place and I couldn't tell which did what. There was a gap in the market without you so I asked if anybody could sort them for me, maybe maintain the supply.
Do you want the stock back or something? I'm not looking to take your business, obviously.
Yeah, Harley had some still hanging around when I inherited the place and I couldn't tell which did what. There was a gap in the market without you so I asked if anybody could sort them for me, maybe maintain the supply.
Do you want the stock back or something? I'm not looking to take your business, obviously.
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